Students Today, Leaders Tomorrow

Transcription

Nondiscrimination Act
In accordance with Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX,
Education Amendment of 1972, Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of
1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992,
the Harlandale Independent School District does not discriminate
on the basis of ethnicity, religion, military status, color, national
origin, age, sex, disability or any other basis prohibited by law.
Student Title IX Coordinator is Mr. James Klein 7026 S. Flores St,
San Antonio TX 78221, (210) 989-4447.Title IX Coordinator is
Mrs.DianaTudyk,102 Genevieve, San Antonio, TX 78214, (210)
989-4417. Section 504 Coordinators are Mrs. Katherine Pena
(Secondary) and Mrs. Kathleen Stark (Elementary) 7026 S. Flores
St., San Antonio, TX 78221, (210) 989-4445.
De acuerdo con el título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles del
año 1964, el Título IX de la Reforma Educativa del año 1972, el
Artículo 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación del año1973 y el
Título II de la Ley de los Estadounidenses con
Discapacidades del año 1992, el Distrito Escolar
Independiente de Harlandale no discrimina por motivos de
raza, religión, estado militar, color, nacionalidad, edad, sexo,
discapacidad ni por ningún otro motivo prohibido por la ley.
Los coordinadores de los estudiantes de título IX sonel Sr.
James Klein 210) 989-4445.La coordinadora del Título IX es la
Sra. Diana Tudyk, 102 Genevieve, San Antonio, TX 78214,
(210) 989-4317. Las coordinadoras del Artículo 504 son las
Sra. Katherine Pena (Secondaria), Sra. Kathleen Stark
(Primaria) 7026 S. Flores St. San Antonio TX 78221.
Harlandale ISD
Pupil Personnel Services
7026 S. Flores
San Antonio, TX 78221
Phone 210.989.4445
HARLANDALE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT PHONE NUMBERS
989
Administration Office
102 Genevieve – 78214
977
Athletics
1201 96th Street – 78214
989
Boggess Center
12121 S.E. Loop 410 – 78221
989
Child Nutrition
632 W. Vestal – 78221
989
Communications/Public Information
989
Curriculum & Instruction Division
989
College Cafe
1502 Fitch - 78211
989
Finance Division
989
Guidance/Counseling
1502 Fitch - 78211
989
Human Resources Division
989
Information Services
632 W. Vestal – 78221
989
Maintenance/Operations/Safety Division
12121 S.E. Loop 410 – 78221
989
Police Department
632 W. Vestal – 78221
932
Print Shop
500 W. Formosa - 78221
989
Procurement
12115 S.E. Loop 410 – 78221
989
Pupil Personnel
7026 S. Flores – 78221
989
Sosa Parent Ed Center
901 March Avenue – 78214
989
Special Education
12121 S.E. Loop 410 -78221
989
Superintendent's Office
989
Transportation
12121 S.E. Loop 410 – 78221
SCHOOLS
989
Harlandale High
114 E. Gerald – 78214
989
Film School of S.A. @ HHS
114 E. Gerald – 78214
989
McCollum High
500 W. Formosa – 78221
989
School for Leadership @ McHS
500 W. Formosa – 78221
989
Frank Tejeda Academy
12121 SE Loop 410 - 78221
989
STEM Early College High School
4440 Apollo St. - 78214
989
District Alternative Educational Campus
4050 Apollo St. – 78214
989
Transition School
9131 Yett Drive, Bldg. B -78221
989
Harlandale Middle
300 W. Huff – 78214
989
Kingsborough Middle
422 Ashley Road – 78221
989
Leal Middle
743 W. Southcross – 78211
989
Terrell Wells Middle
422 W. Hutchins – 78221
989
Adams Elementary
135 E. Southcross – 78214
989
Bellaire Elementary
142 E. Amber – 78221
989
Carroll Bell Elementary
906 March Avenue - 78214
989
Collier Elementary
834 W. Southcross – 78211
989
Columbia Heights Elementary
1610 Fitch Avenue – 78211
989
Gilbert Elementary
931 E. Southcross – 78214
989
Gillette Elementary
625 Gillette Blvd. – 78221
989
Morrill Elementary
5200 S. Flores – 78214
989
Rayburn Elementary
635 Rayburn – 78221
989
Schulze Elementary
9131 Yett Drive – 78221
989
Stonewall Flanders Elementary
804 Stonewall – 78211
989
Vestal Elementary
1111 W. Vestal – 78221
989
Wietzel Center
9131 Yett Drive, Bldg. B – 78221
989
Wright Elementary
115 E. Huff – 78214
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Harlandale Independent School District
Board of Trustees
Ms. Erma Casarez, Board President
Mr. Carlos Quezada, Vice-President
Mr. Ricardo Moreno, Secretary
Mr. David Abundis, Member
Mr. Juan Mancha, Member
Ms. Christine Carrillo, Member
Mr. Tomas Uresti, Member
Mr. Rey Madrigal
Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Richard Hernandez
Assistant Superintendent of Business
Mr. Gerardo (Jerry) Soto
Executive Director of Operations
Ms. Samantha Gallegos
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
Mrs. Diana Tudyk
Executive Director for Human Resources
Mr. Andrew Fernandez
Public Information Officer
The Mission Statement
of the
Harlandale Independent School District
Harlandale ISD: A family working together to provide a high quality education where
all students graduate to become productive and successful citizens for the 21st Century.
Goals
•
•
•
•
•
Provide staff development programs that prepare our employees to provide an exemplary
teaching and learning environment.
Foster a culture that prepares students for higher education and work force readiness.
Effectively and efficiently use all district resources to maintain sound fiscal policies and
practices.
Create innovative instructional facilities that engage the evolving needs of our students.
Embrace community involvement and effectively promote, “The Harlandale ISD.”
II
August 2016
Dear Parents and Students;
Welcome to all returning students and those who are new to Harlandale ISD. Student learning is our highest priority.
We believe when everyone knows the expectations, students are able to learn in a secure atmosphere. We ask students
and parents to read the Student Parent Handbook and the new Student Code of Conduct. Please ask questions if you
need clarification. Parents, your support is vital to the success of our students, so we ask you to reinforce the importance
of following the Student Code of Conduct.
The Harlandale Board of Trustees has endorsed and supports the Student Code of Conduct and the consequences defined
in this handbook.
Please sign and return the Student Parent Handbook/Student Code of Conduct acknowledgment form provided for
you at the beginning of the school year, along with the Internet Permission form. If you have any questions about
discipline policies, you may contact your campus or the District’s Office of Pupil Personnel at 210-989-4445. Questions
specific to your school should be directed to the campus administration.
Have a great 2016-2017 school year.
Sincerely,
Rey Madrigal
Superintendent
III
Schedules and Holidays
First Day of School – August 22, 2016
Last Day of School – June 1, 2017
Student Holidays
September 5, 2016
November 21-25, 2015
Dec. 19, 2016– Jan. 3, 2017
January 16, 2017
February 20, 2017
March 13-17, 2017
April 14, 2017
April 28, 2017
May 29, 2017
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Holiday
Winter Holiday
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
President’s Day
Spring Break
Good Friday
Battle of Flowers
Memorial Day
Early Release Days
September 23, 2017
June 1, 2017
Elementary 12:30 p.m. Middle 1:00 p.m.
Elementary 12:30 p.m. Middle 1:00 p.m.
Grading Periods
1st Six Weeks
2nd Six Weeks
3rd Six Weeks
4th Six Weeks
5th Six Weeks
6th Six Weeks
All Schools
Aug 22 – Sept 30, 2016
Oct 3 – Nov 11, 2016
Nov 14 – Jan 12, 2017
Jan 17 – Mar 3, 2017
Mar 6 – Apr 21, 2017
Apr 24 – Jun 1, 2017
IV
P R E F A C E
Preface
To Students and Parents:
Welcome to school year 2016-2017! Your child’s success this school year requires that parents, teachers, and
administrators work together. This student handbook is designed to help achieve that goal.
The Harlandale ISD Parent Student Handbook contains information that both students and parents are likely to need
during the school year. The HISD Student Handbook remains in effect during summer school, at all school-related
events and activities outside of the school day(s) and year until an updated version adopted by the board becomes
effective for the next school year.
Please be aware that the term "the student's parent" is used to refer to the parent, legal guardian, or other person who
has agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student.
Both students and parents must be familiar with the Harlandale ISD Student Code of Conduct, required by state law
and intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning. The Student Code of Conduct is found in this
handbook and is available in the principal’s office.
The Parent Student Handbook is designed to be in harmony with Board policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Note
that the handbook is updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision occur throughout the year. Changes in policy
that affect the Student Handbook are made available to students and parents through newsletters, the Harlandale ISD
web page or other forms of communications.
In case of conflict between Board policies or the Student Code of Conduct and any provisions of the Student Handbook,
the current provisions of Board policy or the Student Code of Conduct are followed.
We strongly recommend that parents 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 and consent / opt-out
forms so that we have a record of your choices.
Please note that references to alphabetical policy codes are included so that parents can refer to current policy. A copy
of the District's policy manual is available in the school office or online at www.harlandale.net.
Harlandale ISD Website
Please visit the Harlandale ISD website at www.harlandale.net to view online versions of the Parent Student
Handbook, Student Code of Conduct, Board Policies, and the District Calendar. Information on House Bill 5
and updates to graduation requirements, as well as other information pertinent to Harlandale ISD students,
parents and community members is also available.
Notice regarding check payment made to Harlandale ISD
The District has implemented Back Office Conversion (BOC) debits for all checks presented for payment, with our
depository bank (Wells Fargo Bank). This means that Harlandale ISD will use the information from your check to
make an electronic fund transfer. Funds may be withdrawn from your account as soon as the same day you make your
payment, and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution. When you provide a check as
payment, you authorize the District either to use information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund
transfer from your account or to process the payment as a check transaction. For inquiries please call the Accounting
Manager, Ms. Margaret Ornelas 989-4555.
V V
T A B L E
O F
C O N T E N T S
Table of Contents
Preface… ................................................................ v
Harlandale ISD Website… .................................... v
Important Information for Parents .................... ..1
Protecting Student Rights ................................... ..1
Gangs & Other Prohibited Organizations ......... 14
Graffiti .................................................................. 14
Hazing Activities .................................................. 14
School Social Events............................................. 15
Use of Hallways during Class Time .................... 15
Violations of Law ................................................. 15
Game Devices, DVD Players, Cameras,Electronic
Devices, Other Telecommunication Devices ...... 15
Instructional Use of Personal Technology.......... 15
Inappropriate Use of Technology ....................... 15
Admissions ............................................................ . 2
Attendance ............................................................ ..2
Note required for absence ................................... ..3
Perfect Attendance………………………….. ....... 4
Truancy Prevebtion Measures… .......................... 4
San Antonio Municipal Courts… .......... ………...4
Driver’s License Attendance Verification .... ....... 5
Make-Up Assignments …………………….. ...... ..5
Unexcused Absences and Suspensions....…... ...... 5
Tardiness ………… ................................................ 5
Exemptions to Daily Attendance….... .................. 5
Bulling.. ................................................................... 6
Corresponding Courses .......................................16
Course Credit .......................................................16
Dangerous Drugs and Narcotics .........................16
Dangerous Weapons ............................................17
Dating Violence ....................................................17
Cyber Bullying……………….............................. ..7
Discipline Management .......................................17
Buses or Other School Vehicles .......................... ..7
Displaying a Student’s Artwork and Projects ...17
Career and Technical Education Programs
Education .............................................................. ..7
Distance Learning ................................................18
Distribution of Material.......................................18
Non-school Materials from Students ..................18
Non-school Materials from Non Students ..........18
Objectionable Literature/Visuals........................19
Celebrate Freedom Week .................................... ..7
Cell Phones ........................................................... ..8
Change of Address ............................................... ..8
Dress and Grooming ............................................19
Child Abuse .......................................................... ..8
Drills – Fire, Tornado, Emergencies...................19
Child Nutrition ..................................................... ..9
Emergency Medical Treatment...........................19
Children of Military Families ............................. ..9
Medical Expenses .................................................20
Class Interruptions .............................................. 10
Emergency School Closing ..................................20
Class Schedules. ................................................... 10
Extended Year Program - OEY ..........................20
College Readiness ................................................. 10
Estrellitas ..............................................................20
College and University Admissions…… ............ 11
Extracurricular Activities ...................................20
College Credit Courses ........................................ 11
Fees ........................................................................21
Complaints by Students or Parents .................... 12
Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act .........................................................................22
Computer Resources ............................................ 12
Teacher to Student Electronic Communication 12
Student Access to Networked Resources............ 12
Internet Rules ....................................................... 13
Field Trips.............................................................23
Parent Chaperones…… .......................................23
Conduct ................................................................. 13
Authority Before and After School..................... 14
Corporal Punishment .......................................... 14
Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco, and Weapons............. 14
Food Allergies .......................................................24
Freedom from Discrimination……… .................24
Reporting Procedures………………. .................25
V
VI
T A B L E
O F
C O N T E N T S
Investigation of Report…..………. ..................... 25
Services for the Homeless and for Title I
Participants........................................................... 25
Services for Students with Disabilities ............... 26
Lockdowns ............................................................39
Fund Raising ........................................................ 26
Material Safety Data Sheets ................................39
Gang-Free Zones .................................................. 26
Multiple Birth Sibling Classroom Assignment ..39
GradeClassification….......................................... 27
Nuisance Items......................................................39
Grading Policy……………………… .................. 27
Opt Out of Surveys and Activities ......................40
Grading System and Report Cards .................... 28
Parental Conferences / School Visitations .........40
Tx Connect………………… ................................ 28
Parental Involvement ...........................................40
Graduation ........................................................... 28
Class Rank ........................................................... 28
Requirements for Diploma .................................. 29
Students with Disabilities .................................... 29
Graduation Expenses ........................................... 29
Parental Rights .....................................................41
Lockers ..................................................................39
Makeup Work ......................................................39
Photographs / Video-Recording ..........................42
Physical Education ...............................................42
Physical Fitness Assessment ................................43
Graduation Speakers ........................................... 29
Plagiarism .............................................................43
Grants ................................................................... 30
Pledge of Allegiance and Minute of Silence .......43
Guidance and Counseling..….............................. 30
Policies ...................................................................43
Academic Counseling........................................... 30
Prayer ....................................................................43
Personal Counseling............................................. 30
Progress Reports ..................................................43
Harassment ........................................................... 31
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment .............44
Hazing ................................................................... 31
Release of Students from School .........................45
Health Services ..................................................... 31
Bacterial Meningitis ............................................. 31
Emergency Cards ................................................. 32
Head Lice ………………….. ............................... 33
Illness .................................................................... 33
Immunizations ...................................................... 33
Medications........................................................... 34
Self-Administration Exemption .......................... 35
Private Duty Nurses…………………… ............. 36
Psychotropic Drugs……………………… .......... 36
Steroids………………………………… .............. 36
Residency ..............................................................45
Residency Affidavits ............................................ 45
Resident/Nonresident Students ...........................46
Retaliation .............................................................46
Retention and Promotion ....................................46
Personal Graduation Plan ................................... 47
Safety/Accident Prevention .................................47
Accident Insurance .............................................. 47
Surveillance Cameras .......................................... 47
Insurance for Students..…………… ................... 36
Law Enforcement……………………… ............. 36
School Facilities ....................................................48
Pest Control Information .................................... 48
Asbestos ................................................................. 48
Students Taken into Custody……… .................. 37
School Health Advisory Council .........................48
Notifications of Law Violations ........................... 37
Searches ................................................................48
Harlandale Police Department.…………........... 37
Administrative Searches ......................................48
SAPD Reporting Requirements ...… .................. 38
Trained Dogs..………………………… ...............48
Limited English Proficient Students .................. 38
Students' Desks and Lockers..… .........................48
KeepnTrack………………………… .................. 36
VI
VII
T A B L E
O F
C O N T E N T S
Vehicles on Campus.……………… .................... 49
Truancy .................................................................59
Metal Detector....………………… ...................... 49
Vandalism .............................................................59
Service Animals……………………… ................ 49
Vending Machines ................................................59
Sexual Harassment/Sexual Abuse ………. ......... 49
Child Sexual Abuse...……………………….. ..... 50
Video-recording of Students................................60
Withdrawal from School .....................................60
Special Programs ……………………… ............. 50
Bilingual/ESL Program …………………..... ..... 50
Gifted and Talented………………………. ........ 51
Home Bound Program...………………….... ...... 51
Married Students / Pregnant Students…… ....... 51
Students with Learning Difficulties……… ....... 51
Title 1 Migrant Program………………… .. ...... 52
Elementary School Section ..................................61
Arrival Time .........................................................61
Birthday Celebrations..........................................61
Dismissal Time......................................................61
Stranded Children................................................61
Physical Education ...............................................61
Body Piercing........................................................ 62
Earrings ................................................................ 62
Hair/Makeup ........................................................ 62
Halloween Costumes ............................................62
Tattoos................................................................... 62
Dress during Extracurricular Activities............. 62
State Mandated Screenings ................................. 52
Standardized Tests for College Entrance .......... 52
State –Mandated Testing ..................................... 52
EOC Assessments Grades 9-12……………. ...... 53
TEKS -Texas Assessments of Knowledge and
Skills………………………………………..... ..... 53
Secondary Section .……….………………..........63
Belts ....................................................................... 63
Birthday Celebrations............................................63
Body Piercing........................................................ 63
Earrings…… ........................................................ 63
Facial Hair ............................................................ 63
Gang Affiliated Dress ........................................... 63
Hair/Makeup ........................................................ 64
Halloween Costumes ............................................64
Jewelry .................................................................. 64
Leisure Clothing ................................................... 64
Oversized Clothing ............................................... 64
Shorts, Skirts, Dresses and Pants…….. .............. 64
Shirts and Tops..................................................... 64
Tattoos................................................................... 64
Other Prohibited Items ....…………….. ............. 64
Dress during Extracurricular Activities............. 64
Alternative Campus Dress Codes ....................... 65
Glossary.. ..............................................................67
Index ......................................................................71
Acknowledgement of Distribution ......................74
Acceptable Use Consent Form ........................…77
Texas Success Initiative……………………. ...... 54
Student Offices and Elections…………….. ....... 54
Causes for Disqualification……………….......... 54
Student Records ................................................... 54
Special Education Records .................................. 56
Student Schedules ................................................ 56
Regular Class Periods .......................................... 56
Schedule Changes ................................................ 56
Student Speakers.................................................. 56
Student Transfers In-District.............................. 57
Summer School .................................................... 58
Tardiness .............................................................. 58
Textbooks, Electronic Textbooks, and
Technological Equipment .................................... 58
Tobacco Use .......................................................... 58
Travel in School Sponsored Trips ...................... 59
VII
VIII
P A R E N T S T U D E N T
2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7
H A N D B O O K
Parent/Student Handbook
Important Information for Parents
This section of the Harlandale ISD Parent/Student Handbook includes information on topics of particular interest to
you as a parent, such as:
•
School events;
•
Information you may request about your child’s teacher and any instructional paraprofessional who works
with your child;
•
Your child’s grades and progress reports;
•
State and local testing and promotion requirements;
•
Records pertaining to your child and your right, under certain circumstances, to consent or deny their
release;
•
Conferences with your child’s teacher;
•
Procedures to follow if you have a concern that isn’t resolved by a conference.
Protecting Student Rights
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 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 [EF (Legal)].
For more on student and parent rights see the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) section
on starting on page 21of this publication.
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H A N D B O O K
Admissions
A student must be at least 5 years of age and under 21 years of age on or before September 1st of the current school
year and a resident of the district to be admitted to Harlandale ISD schools free of tuition. Children may be admitted
to a pre-kindergarten program provided that a program opening exists and provided they are 3 years of age or 4 years
of age on or before September 1st of the current school year and qualify as limited English proficient, educationally
disadvantaged, homeless, the child of an active duty member of the U.S. armed forces or whose parent was injured or
killed while serving on active duty, or a child who has ever been in the conservatorship (foster care) of the Department
of Family and Protective Services. Pre-K programs are also provided for 3 year olds with disabilities. On enrollment
in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten, a child shall be required to attend school under state law.
For school enrollment purposes, a parent is a biological or adoptive parent whose parental rights have not been
terminated. A non-custodial parent may enroll a child provided that the custodial parent gives consent in writing
through a power-of-attorney document provided by the District. A copy of the divorce decree that details the custody
arrangement must also be presented at the time of enrollment. Custody documents become part of the student's record
until the student reaches 18 years of age.
Step-parents, grandparents, or other relatives do not have any parental authority under the Family Code, unless they
have a court order. However, a parent/guardian may assign their power-of-attorney to these or any other adult.
Consult with the principal about getting a power-of-attorney.
It is a requirement for the District to inform the parent, or person enrolling a student, that presenting false documents
or information is a violation of Section 37.10 of the Penal Code, is a Class C misdemeanor and could result in
prosecution.
State law requires the District to record the name, address, and date of birth of the person enrolling the student.
Attendance
Regular school attendance is essential for optimal learning. Absences may result in serious disruption of a student’s
mastery of the instructional materials. Two state laws specifically address attendance. One requires students to attend
school each day and the other requires students to attend for at least 90% of the course to receive credit for that course.
The following information summarizes state requirements.
Every resident-child between the ages of 6 and 18 must attend school, extended year programs and District-required
tutorial sessions unless the student is otherwise legally exempted or excused.
`In accordance with TEC Section 25.085, a child who is required to attend school under this section shall attend school
each school day for the entire period the program of instruction is provided to include students who are at least six
years of age, or who is younger than six years of age and has been previously enrolled in first grade, and who have not
reached their 19th birthday, unless exempted as indicated below. Additionally, upon voluntary enrollment in
prekindergarten or kindergarten, a child shall attend school for the entire period of instruction.
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 and is subject to compulsory attendance laws if the student is under 21 years old. In addition,
if a student 19 or older has 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 [FEA (Legal)]. NEW 37th Legislature
Parents of students 18 or older are not subject to penalties as a result of their child’s violation of state compulsory
attendance law.
Students in grades 3-12 are required to attend any assigned accelerated instruction program occurring before, during
and after school or during the summer, if the student does not meet the passing standards on the state assessment for
the applicable grade level and subject area. Personal Graduation Plan will be developed for all students and include
parent signature.
School employees must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. A student absent for
ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year or on three or more days or parts
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H A N D B O O K
of days within a four-week period without permission, from school, from any class, extended year programs or from
required tutorials, is considered truant and subject to disciplinary action. Disciplinary action may take the form of a
referral to the San Antonio Municipal Court for prosecution and could result in a fine against students and parents.
Attendance warning letters shall be issued after three (3) absences without an excuse [FEA (Legal)]. Absences can be
considered full day, or part of a day (including being checked out early by a parent). The warning letter requests a
meeting with the parent. All absence notes written by parents will not be accepted after warning letters have been
issued. All physician absence notes/excuses must be submitted at the warning notice conference.
In accordance with TEC 25.095, a school district shall notify a student’s parent if the student has been absent from
school, without excuse under Section 25.08 , on three days or parts of days within a four-week period. The notice must
(1) inform the parent that (a) it is the parent s duty to monitor the student’s school attendance and require the student
to attend school and (b) the student is subject to truancy prevention measures under Section 25.0915, and (2) request
a conference between school officials and the a parent to discuss the absences.
Note required for absence
When a student returns to school from an absence, a note describing the reason for the absence and signed by the
parent must be presented to the attendance office. Student signed notes are not accepted unless the student is 18 years
of age. The time window that parent/ medical notes will be accepted for student absences shall be no more than five
(5) school days after the date of the student absence.
Students enrolled in pre-kindergarten or kindergartens are required to attend school. State law also requires
attendance in an accelerated reading instruction program when kindergarten, first grade, or second grade students
are assigned to such a program. Parents are notified in writing if their student is assigned to an accelerated reading
instruction program as a result of a diagnostic reading test.
When a student's absence for personal illness exceeds four consecutive days, the student shall present a statement
from a physician or health clinic verifying the illness or other condition that requires the student's extended absence
from school. The student presents the note to the attendance office for an admit slip. The slip must be signed by each
of the student’s teachers, and must be turned in to the attendance office for filing. A parent note(s) may only excuse
up to five (5) instructional days per semester. Any absence afterward will be considered unexcused, to exclude
medical/physician notes
If the student established a questionable pattern of absences, the principal may also require a physician's or clinic's
statement of illness after a single day's absence as a condition of classifying the absence as one for which there is an
extenuating circumstance.
For a student in any grade from Kindergarten through grade 12, the student and the student’s parent or guardian
shall be given written notice prior to and at such time when a student’s attendance in any class drops below 90 percent
of the days the class is offered. When a student’s attendance drops below 90 percent but remains at least at 75 percent
of the days the class is offered, the student may earn credit for the class or a final grade by completing a plan approved
by the principal. This plan must provide for the student to meet the instructional requirements of the class as
determined by the principal. If the student fails to successfully complete the plan, or when a student’s attendance
drops below 75 percent of the days the class is offered, the student, parent, or representative may request award of
credit or a final grade by submitting a written petition to the appropriate attendance committee. Petitions for credit
or a final grade may be filed at any time the student receives notice but, in any event, no later than 30 days after the
last day of classes. The attendance committee shall review the student’s entire attendance record and the reasons for
absences and shall determine whether to award credit or a final grade. The committee may also, whether a petition is
filed or not, review the records of all students whose attendance drops below 90 percent of the days the class is offered.
Students who have lost credit or have not received a final grade because of excessive absences may regain credit or be
awarded a final grade by fulfilling the requirements established by the attendance committee. [FEC (Legal)]
The Board established the following guidelines on extenuating circumstances:
•
All absences will be considered in determining whether a student has attended the required percentage of
days. If make-up work is completed, absences for religious holy days and health care appointments shall be
considered days of attendance for this purpose. [FEB (Local)]
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•
A transfer or migrant student incurs absences only after his or her enrollment in the district. For a student
transferring into the District after school begins, including a migrant student, only those absences after
enrollment are considered.
•
In reaching consensus regarding a student’s absences, the committee shall attempt to ensure that its decision
is in the best interest of the student.
•
The committee shall consider the acceptability and authenticity of documented reasons for the student’s
absences.
•
The committee shall consider whether the absences were for reasons out of the student’s or parent’s control.
•
The committee shall consider whether or not the student has completed assignments, mastered the essential
knowledge and skills, and maintained passing grades in the course or subject.
•
The student or parent shall be given an opportunity to present any information to the committee about the
absences and to discuss ways to earn or regain credit.
Absences for which the student demonstrates extenuating circumstances and completes routine make-up work shall
be considered days of attendance for computing the required percentage of days of attendance.
Perfect Attendance
For a student to achieve Perfect Attendance for the school year, the student must attend school every day and not be
tardy more than three times and may not be checked out early more than three times during the school year.
Truancy Prevention Measures
In accordance with TEC 25.0915, the District has adopted and implemented truancy measures designed to
address the issues that have proven causal to the student's non-attendance or truancy conduct. In
collaboration with the campus attendance administrator or designee and relevant campus staff, students and
parents are active participants in the development of the student's individualized attendance plan (IAP) or
behavior improvement plan (BIP) aimed at addressing the conduct related to truancy in the school setting.
Truancy Prevention and Intervention Measures are determined based on the specific set of circumstances
that have resulted in the student's truancy or non-attendance, and may include, but not limited to the
following: educate the student and parent in the compulsory attendance law; register for parent portal to
access attendance online; discuss credit retrieval or recovery; convene in an ARD or 504 meeting; refer the
parent or student school-based and out-of-school services such as CIS, juvenile case managers, counseling,
parenting classes, among other services.
In accordance with TEC 20.093, if a warning notice is issued, the parent with criminal negligence fails to
require the child to attend school as required by law, and the child has absences for the amount of time
specified under Section 65.003(a), Family Code, the parent commits an offense. Upon student enrollment and
acknowledgment of the Student Parent Handbook, which explains the Compulsory Attendance Law of the
State of Texas, parents are subject to prosecution if their child has failed to attend school for the amount of
time required by law. "Parent" includes a person standing in parental relation.
San Antonio Municipal Court
The San Antonio Municipal Court is now the sole agent for handling truancy cases in Bexar County. As part of the
state of Texas' and Harlandale ISD's commitment to working with families to keep students in school, the Court now
offers two opportunities for students and parents struggling with truancy issues to help avoid potential court
action. The first opportunity is the Municipal Court Forum. This session is provided for families who have had
truancy issues beyond the attendance warning letter sent by the school. The Forum is designed to educate families on
truancy law and to provide answers to any truancy questions families may have. If students still have truancy issues
after the Forum, the school may elect to send the student to a Municipal Court Pre-Trial Diversion Agreement
session. This session allows the student, parent and Court to enter into a binding and legally admissible agreement
for the student to improve their attendance in exchange for avoiding further court action. Note that both of these
interventions are voluntary by the school's attendance staff, and court cases can still be filed if it is determined that it
is in the best interests of the student to do so. If families are requested by the court to appear at either session,
attendance is mandatory to avoid further court action.
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Driver’s License Attendance Verification
To obtain a driver license, a student between the ages of 16 and 18 must provide to the Texas Department of Public
Safety a form obtained from the school verifying that the student has met the 90 percent attendance requirement for
the semester preceding the date of application. The student can obtain this form at the campus office.
Make-Up Assignments
Students are expected to make up assignments and tests after absences. Students receive a zero for assignments or
tests not made up within the allotted time as determined by the teacher of record. The principal may modify the
allotted time based on information obtained from the classroom teacher. Grades for make-up work after an unexcused
absence is reduced by 10 points. A grade penalty is not imposed for make-up work if the student was suspended from
school.
The burden of responsibility for completing make-up work rests entirely on the student rather than on the teacher.
The attendance committee establishes a plan for earning back credits lost due to excessive absences. Students shall
receive a zero for any assignment or test not made up within the allotted time. [FEC (Local)]
Unexcused Absences and Suspensions
A teacher may assign additional work to ensure students who have been absent have sufficient opportunity to master
the knowledge and skills or to meet subject or course requirements. The assignments shall be based on the
instructional objectives for the subject or course and may provide greater depth of a subject matter than routine
make-up work. The grade for make-up work after an unexcused absence shall be reduced by ten points for each day
make-up work is late.
Students that have absences for non-school related functions or events will be considered unexcused.
A grade penalty is not imposed for make-up work if the student was suspended from school.
Tardiness
Students must be on time for all their classes. Each student shall be in class when the tardy bell rings.
Excessive tardiness will result in disciplinary action to the student. The following district guidelines are
observed by all Harlandale ISD campuses:
•
Campuses will develop and submit for approval by the district attendance committee a
campus tardy policy. Campuses will communicate their respective tardy policies to parents.
• Accumulation of tardies does not equal an absence.
Elementary Schools: At 10:00 am and beyond, an arriving student is considered absent from class.
Secondary Schools: A student is considered absent when he/she misses the class in its entirety.
Exemptions to Daily Attendance
State law allows exemptions to the compulsory attendance requirements for several types of absences provided the
student makes up all work. This includes the following activities and events:

Board approved extracurricular activity or public performance, which is under the direction of a
member of the District’s professional staff or adjunct staff member;

A student’s parent or legal guardian is being deployed or is returning from a deployment of four
months or more, meeting specific conditions and criteria;

Religious holy days;

Required court appearances;

Activities related to United States citizenship;

Service as an election clerk;

Documented health care appointments, including absences for recognized services for students
diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. A note from the health care provider must be submitted
upon the student’s return to campus;
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If a student attends a health-care professional during school hours and the student commences
classes or returns to school the same day of the appointment, documentation must be provided.
In addition, a junior or senior student’s absence of up to two days each year related to visiting a college or university
is considered an exemption, provided the student receives approval from the principal, follows the campus procedures
to verify the visit, and makes up any work missed.
Bullying
Bullying behavior in school is not tolerated. Students who bully other students are subject to disciplinary action and
placement at the district’s Disciplinary Alternative Education Placement center. (See also, Freedom from
Discrimination).
Bullying occurs when a student or group of students engage in written or verbal expression, expression through
electronic means, or physical conduct that occurs on school property, at a school sponsored or school-related activity,
or in a vehicle operated by the District and that:
1.
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 students person or of damage to the students property;
or
2.
Is sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating,
threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student.
This conduct is considered bullying if it:
1.
Exploits an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator and the student victim through written or
verbal expression or physical conduct; and
2.
Interferes with a student’s education or substantially disrupts the operation of the school
“Bullying” means that a student or group of students directs written or verbal expression or physical conduct that a
school district’s board of trustees or the board’s designee determines to 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; or to be sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive enough to create an intimidating,
Examples of bullying include (but not limited to): hazing, threats, taunting, teasing, assault, demands for money,
confinement, destruction of property, theft of valued possessions, name-calling, rumor-spreading, and ostracism. In
some cases bullying can occur through electronic methods, called “cyberbullying”. If a student believes that he or she
experienced bullying, it is important for the student or parent to notify a teacher, counselor, principal or another
district employee. Any District employee who receives notice that a student has or may have experienced bullying
must immediately notify the principal.
The principal shall verify by an investigation that a student has been a victim of bullying. Interim disciplinary steps
may be taken to prevent bullying while completing an investigation. The investigation should be completed within 10
District business days. If the results of an investigation indicate that bullying occurred, the District shall promptly
respond by taking appropriate disciplinary or corrective action reasonably calculated to address the conduct in
accordance with the District’s Student Code of Conduct. [FFI (Local)] The Board may consider past student behavior
when identifying a bully.
The Board or its designee, working in conjunction with parent or other person with authority to act on behalf of a
student, may transfer the victim or the student who engaged in bullying, to:
1.
Another classroom at the campus to which the victim was assigned at the time the bullying occurred; or
2.
A campus in the District other than the campus to which the victim was assigned at the time the bullying
occurred. However, the District is not required to provide transportation to a student who transfers to
another campus under this provision. [FDB (LEGAL)]
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Cyber-Bullying
Cyber-bullying is abusive behavior, using Internet websites or other communication technologies (email, cell phones,
text messaging, and instant messaging), that is directed toward other students or employees. The behavior may include
tormenting, threatening, taunting, stalking, intimidating, harassing, humiliating or coercing another person which
disrupts the educational process or endangers the general health, safety and welfare of students and employees
regardless of where the communication originates. Posting threats online, even as a joke, may result in discipline for
the student who posted the threat.
Buses or Other School Vehicles
The District makes school bus transportation available to all students living two or more miles from school. This
service is provided at no cost to students.
A parent may designate a child-care facility or grandparent’s residence as the regular pickup and drop-off location
for his or her child. The designated facility or residence must be on an approved stop on an approved route.
Transportation Department may be contacted at 989-4807 to make bus transportation arrangements for qualifying
students.
Students are expected to assist District staff in ensuring that buses remain in good condition and that transportation
is provided safely. When riding school buses, students:
•
Do follow the driver’s directions at all times.
•
Do enter and leave the bus in an orderly manner at the designated bus stop nearest home.
•
Do keep books, band instrument cases, feet, and other objects out of the aisle.
•
Do not deface the bus or its equipment.
•
Do not put head, hands, arms, or legs out of the window, hold any object out of the window, or throw objects
within or outside of the bus.
•
Do not smoke or use any form of tobacco.
•
Do leave the bus carefully, and wait for the driver’s signal before crossing in front of the bus.
When students ride in a District van or passenger car, seat belts must be used at all times. The district’s primary
responsibility is to transport students in district vehicles as safely as possible. It is critical that the operator of the
vehicle focus on driving and not have his or her attention distracted by student misbehavior. Therefore, when
appropriate disciplinary management techniques fail to improve student behavior or when misconduct warrants
immediate removal, the principal may restrict or revoke the student’s transportation privileges, in accordance with
the law.
Career and Technical Education Programs Education
Students in grades 6 - 12 are provided opportunities to participate in school-to-career initiatives for successful entry
into post-secondary education and the workforce. A wide variety of Career and Technology Education courses are
offered to all high school students for elective credit toward graduation.
Harlandale ISD will take steps to ensure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and
participation in all educational and CTE programs.
Celebrate Freedom Week
The Texas State Legislature designated the week of September 11th -17th as Celebrate Freedom Week. The Legislature
requires that during Celebrate Freedom Week, students in grades 3 through 12 learn and recite the following:
“We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with
certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness—That to secure these
Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed.”
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Parents may submit a written request to the principal that their student be excused from the recitation if they do not
wish the student to participate. The student who has a conscientious objection to the recitation, and any child of a
representative of a foreign government to whom the United States extends diplomatic immunity may also be excused.
Cell Phones
Cell phones must be turned off during the instructional day, including during all testing. Cell phones that ring or are
utilized during the hours designated as the campus instructional day or designated instructional time outside the
school day shall be confiscated. The district or its employees shall neither be responsible for nor investigate any
damage, theft or loss of cell phones or electronic items including those confiscated for violation of Board Policy.
Confiscated cell phones or electronics shall be released only to the parent of the student from whom it was confiscated.
Elementary School
1st Offense – Warning and parent contact
2nd Offense - $15 fine and parent contact
Middle School
1st Offense – Warning, parent contact and letter goes home to parents
2nd Offense - $15 fine, parent contact, parent contact and letter goes home to parents
High School
Every incident - $15 fine, parent contact, and student signs contract / acknowledgment
Parents may obtain the confiscated cell phone from a school employee at a time designated by campus administration
and are subject to a $15 charge [FNCE (Legal)]. After the parent is notified, the cell phone shall be held for pick up
for a period of 30 days after which a notice with the phone’s serial number, of the intent to dispose is sent to parents
and the cell phone carrier.
Using a cell phone (or any other recording device) during state testing will result in disciplinary action and test scores
for the student shall be invalid.
A student using a cell phone (or any other recording device) to record the commission of a violation of the Student
Code of Conduct shall be considered as complicit or acting with the intent to promote or assist the commission of the
offense and shall be disciplined in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct for that offense.
Also, using a cell phone (or any other recording device) to invade the privacy of another, record without consent, or
disrupt the educational environment is not allowed, this includes transmitting images that reveal private parts of the
body normally covered by clothing (sexting).
In limited circumstances and in accordance with law, a student’s personal cell phone or telecommunication device
may be searched by authorized personnel.
Change of Address
Notify the school office immediately when you change your address or telephone number. The school must have your
current and correct information in case of an emergency. (See Resident/Nonresident page 45)
If school officials discover that a student lives outside the school’s attendance zone, the student may be withdrawn
immediately.
Child Abuse
District employees are required under state law to report to Child Protective Services when they suspect that a child
has been abused or neglected. Child Protective Services may investigate and interview a student while at school. The
investigator determines whether or not a school official is present during the interview. The investigator may also
determine whether or not parents are notified of the interview.
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Child Nutrition
The Child Nutrition Department is dedicated to offering a wide variety of meals that follow the guidelines of
the USDA Special Assistance Provision 2 program throughout the year, unless otherwise notified, to all
students. Students will receive one breakfast meal and one lunch meal at no charge regardless of ability to
pay. Under the guidelines of the National School Lunch Program, Offer vs. Served is enforced when
applicable. Under Offer vs. Serve, students have a choice from five meal components and must select 3 out of
the 5 components offered to receive a free reimbursable meal. Starting School year 2012, one of the three
components must be a serving of a fruit or a vegetable in order to receive a reimbursable meal. If the student
chooses not to select at least 3 meal components which must include a fruit or a vegetable, then the student
will be charged the a la carte prices. Under the guidelines of the National School Breakfast Program, HISD
operates Breakfast in the Classroom which does not operate Offer vs. Serve and the student must select all
meal components in order to receive a free reimbursable meal. If the student does not select all meal
components for breakfast, they will be charged the a la carte prices.
The District follows all federal and state policies regarding foods of minimal nutritional value, competitive
foods, and 3 designated waiver days. To access information regarding the aforementioned policies, please
refer to the “Documents” section on the Child Nutrition website.
Federal guidelines prohibit parents eating food from their child’s tray and students or parents taking food
outside school designated eating areas. Guests who visit during mealtimes must consult with school
administration before purchasing meals and visiting students. A parent can provide or bring outside food for
their own child’s lunch, breakfast, or snack, but it is prohibited for parents to bring outside food for any
other students except for the following scenarios:
1. Elementary classroom snacks: One snack per day may be served before or after meal periods under
the supervision of the classroom teacher. Snacks must comply with the Texas Public School
Nutrition Policy which can be accessed under the “Documents” section on the Child Nutrition
website.
2. Birthday Celebrations: Foods otherwise restricted by the policy are permitted on the child’s birthday
but cannot replace the meal period or be served during meals periods in areas where reimbursable
meals are served or consumed. Refer to the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy which can be
accessed under the “Documents” section on the Child Nutrition website.
The District follows the federal and state guidelines regarding foods of minimal nutritional value being served or sold
on school premises during the school day. [CO (Legal)]
Students attending District schools shall not be allowed to leave campus during the lunch hour. The principal shall
consider special circumstances on a case-by-case basis. [FEE (Local)]
Children of Military Families
Children of military families are provided flexibility regarding certain district requirements, including:
•
Immunization requirements.
•
Grade level, course, or educational program placement.
•
Eligibility requirements for participation in extracurricular activities.
•
Graduation requirements.
In addition, absences related to a student visiting with his or her parent related to leave or deployment activities may
be excused by the district.
Additional information may be found at http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/mil/.
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Class Interruptions
School announcements to students are made only once during the day except in emergencies. Non-academic events
are not scheduled during the instructional day and occur only before or after school. Please note: School officials will
not interrupt classes to deliver a message to a student or to call a student out of class except in emergencies
Class Schedules
All students are expected to attend school for the entire school day and maintain a class/course schedule to fulfill each
period. Exceptions may be made by the campus principal for students in grades 9-12 who meet specific criteria and r
College Readiness
Students attending District schools shall not be allowed to leave campus during the lunch hour. The principal shall
consider special circumstances on a case-by-case basis. [FEE (Local)]
College Readiness
Elementary
Harlandale Elementary Schools actively participate in student and community awareness of college opportunities by
providing a rigorous academic foundation for all students, a predecessor for college achievement and excellence. In
addition, elementary students participate in a variety of college and career readiness activities including Career Days,
Guidance Lessons, and College Destination Week activities in conjunction with Red Ribbon Week.
Secondary
The Harlandale ISD partners with colleges, universities and other agencies to provide all students with college and
career readiness activities. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum the district provides students, parents and
the community with opportunities to participate in a variety of college readiness activities including:
A sequence of college readiness entrance exam preparation through College Board Pathways. Through Pathways
students begin in 8th grade with PSAT 8th/9th a diagnostic tool for college readiness and career exploration. In High
School 10th graders take the PSAT and 11th graders will take the PSAT/NMSQT pre-college exam and have
opportunities identify areas for growth and tutorials in preparing for the SAT exam as juniors and seniors.
ACT – American college testing is also available for students who choose to participate.
PSAT – 8th/9th Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test
PSAT – 10th Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test
NMSQT – National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
SAT – Scholastic Assessment Test
AVID - Advancement via Individual Determination grades 8-12. The AVID mission is to close the achievement gap
by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. Take rigorous course work, note taking
skills, field trips, learning strategies and skills to better prepare for college but virtual or physical tours of colleges and
universities.
Harlandale ISD College Café will also host a number of events throughout the year. These events are for
Harlandale students and their families to promote college knowledge and college readiness.
High School College Night give students’ opportunities to meet recruiters for a better understanding of the school
traditions and expectations, requirements. Middle School College and Career Night promoting college and career
readiness programs in the high school.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in the TACAC is the Texas Association for College Admission
Counselors’ College Fair at Trinity University. NACAC is the National Association for College and Admission
Counselors are notified of Austin through their gaggle email accounts and posters displayed at the High School
campuses.
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Harlandale ISD partners with the City of San Antonio in hosting Financial Aid Day, an annual city-wide event held
each spring on the designated Saturdays. Harlandale and McCollum High Schools host the event in alternate years,
as part of the City initiative. Other partners in this program include: Café College, SA2020 , Workforce Solutions,
Alamo Community Colleges, and other organizations interested in the future of the Harlandale community.
Project Stay counselors are on campus weekly is to advise students on financial aid for college and host an annual
Financial aid Night.
Community Resources
Café College hosts a number of Middle and High school events throughout the year that all Harlandale
students and their families are invited to attend and provide assistance financial aid FAFSA and TASFA and
admission information and assistance for all public and private colleges and universities.
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce STEM Day for student grades 7-9 to participate in actives to learn about careers
and college preparation for careers in the STEM fields.
Destination College Week – Participate in city wide week long activities throughout the city including Café College
and local colleges and universities.
Dedicated College readiness specialist.
College and University Admissions
For two school years following graduation, a district student who graduates in the top ten percent, and, in some cases,
the top 25 percent, of the class is eligible for automatic admission into four-year public universities and colleges in
Texas if the student;
•
Completes the Recommended or Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program; or
•
Satisfies the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks or earns at least a 1500 out of 2400 on the SAT.
In addition, the student must submit a completed application for admission in accordance with the deadline
established by the college or university.
The University of Texas at Austin may limit the number of students automatically admitted to 75 percent of the
University’s enrollment capacity for incoming resident freshmen. For students who are eligible to enroll in the
University of Texas at Austin during the summer or fall term, the University admits the top 7% of the high school’s
graduating class who meet the above requirements. Additional applicants are considered by the University through
an independent review process.
Should a college or university adopt an admissions policy that automatically accepts the top 25 percent of a graduating
class, the provisions above also apply to a student ranked in the top 25 percent of the class.
Students and parents should contact the counselor for further information about automatic admissions, the
application process and deadlines.
College Credit Courses
Students in grades 9 – 12 have opportunities to earn college credit through the following methods:
•
Certain courses taught at the high school campus, which may include courses termed dual credit, Advanced
Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB);
•
Enrollment in an AP or dual credit course through the Texas Virtual School Network;
•
Enrollment in courses taught in conjunction and in partnership with Alamo College District or University of
Texas at San Antonio;
•
Certain CTE courses.
All of these methods have eligibility requirements and must be approved prior to enrollment in the course. Please see
your academic counselor for more information.
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It’s important to note that 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 counts toward the student’s desired degree plan.
Complaints by Students and/or Parents
Usually, student or parent complaints or concerns are addressed by a phone call or conference with the teacher. Prior
to taking further action, students and parents are required to notify the campus principal in order to seek a resolution
to their concerns. For complaints and concerns that cannot be handled so easily, the District adopted a standard
complaint policy [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 website.
Some complaints require different procedures addressed by specific District policies. Any campus office or
Superintendent’s office can provide information regarding specific processes for the following complaints:
•
Discrimination on the basis of gender - FB
•
Sexual abuse or sexual harassment of a student – FFH
•
Loss of credit on the basis of attendance – FEC
•
Removal of a student by a teacher for disciplinary reasons – FOA
•
Removal of a student to a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) – FOCA
•
Expulsion of a student – FOD
•
Identification, evaluation, or educational placement of a student with a disability – EHBE and FB
•
Instructional materials – EFAA
•
On-campus distribution of non-school materials to students – FMA
•
Complaints against District peace officers – CKE
Computer Resources
The District provides computer technology to broaden instruction and introduce students to the technology’s
appropriate use. Use of computer technology resources is restricted to students working under a teacher’s supervision
and for approved instructional purposes only. Students and parents must sign a student agreement regarding
appropriate use of computer technology. Violations of this agreement may prompt termination of privileges and other
disciplinary action.
Students and parents must be aware that e-mail and other electronic communications using district computers are
not private and will be monitored by district staff.
Teacher to Student Electronic Communication
In accordance with administrative regulations, a certified or licensed employee, or any other employee designated in
writing by the Superintendent or a campus principal, may use electronic media to communicate with currently
enrolled students about matters within the scope of the employee’s professional responsibilities. All other employees
are prohibited from using electronic media to communicate directly with students who are currently enrolled in the
District.
Student Access to Networked Resources
Program Development
As much as possible, district resources are designed in ways that provide access to information that has been reviewed
and evaluated prior to use. Even though students may be able to access unevaluated resources, they shall be provided
with guidelines and lists of resources suited to the learning objectives. Students may pursue electronic research
independent of staff supervision only if they have parental permission and have submitted all required forms.
Permission is not transferable and may not be shared.
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Internet Rules
Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school
hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and
communications apply.
The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others. Independent access to
network services is provided to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Parent permission
is required for minors. Access is a privilege, not a right and requires responsibility.
Individual users of the district computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over those
networks. It is presumed that users comply with district standards and honor the agreements they have signed.
Network storage areas are treated like school lockers. Network administrators may review files and communications
to maintain system integrity and ensure that users use the system responsibly. Files stored on district computers and
servers are not private.
During school, teachers of younger students guide them toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear
responsibility for the same guidance that they provide with other information sources like television, telephones,
movies, radio and other potentially offensive media.
The following are not permitted:
•
Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures.
•
Using obscene language.
•
Harassing, insulting or attacking others.
•
Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks.
•
Violating copyright laws.
•
Using others’ passwords.
•
Trespassing in others’ folders, work or files.
•
Intentionally wasting limited resources.
•
Hacking into or damaging computers.
•
Employing the network for commercial purposes.
Sanctions: “…when applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved”.
Offense 1 – The student loses network privileges for a period of no less than 10 school days and no more than 20 school
days.
Offense 2 – The student loses network privileges for a period to continue to the end of the current school year. The
student may reapply for his account August 1 of the following school year.
Conduct
Students are expected to:
•
Behave in a responsible manner, demonstrating courtesy and respect for the rights of other students and
District staff. Cooperation with other students and respect for the property of others, including District
property and facilities, is essential to the maintenance of facilities, safety, order, and discipline. Any student
known to deface or destroy school property shall be disciplined and fined to the full extent of the damage.
•
Attend all classes regularly and on time, come prepared for each class with appropriate materials and
complete all assignments.
•
Dress appropriately and be well-groomed.
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Obey all campus and classroom rules.
As required by law, the District has developed and adopted a Student Code of Conduct that establishes prohibited
behavior standards – both on and off campus – and states consequences for violation of the standards. Students must
be familiar with the standards stated in the Student Code of Conduct, as well as campus and classroom rules, to avoid
violations and the subsequent consequences.
Authority Before and After School
Teachers and administrators have full authority over student conduct at before- or after-school activities on District
premises and at school-sponsored events off District premises, such as play rehearsal, club meetings, athletic practice,
and special study groups or tutorials. Students are subject to the same rules of conduct that apply during the
instructional day and will be subject to consequences established by the Student Code of Conduct or any stricter code
of conduct for extracurricular participants established by the sponsor in accordance with Board policy.
Corporal Punishment
Corporal punishment – spanking or paddling the student – may be used as a discipline management technique in
accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Corporal punishment is governed by the following conditions:
•
Corporal punishment shall be administered only after less stringent disciplinary measures have been
attempted.
•
The student shall be told the reason corporal punishment is being administered.
•
Corporal punishment shall be administered only by the principal, assistant principal, or a teacher.
•
The instrument used in administering of corporal punishment shall be approved by the principal or a
designee.
When corporal punishment is administered, it shall be done in the presence of at least one other District professional
employee and shall take place in a designated place out of view of other students. If the principal is not present when
the punishment is administered, he or she shall be notified immediately. (Note: This is not to be taken as a precaution,
but followed as an iron-clad rule.)
Corporal punishment shall be administered in a reasonable manner. Reasonableness is determined on the basis of
factors such as the size, age, and the physical, mental, and emotional condition of the student.
A record will be maintained of each instance of corporal punishment.
Parents Please Note!
If you prefer that your student NOT receive corporal punishment, you must notify the school principal in writing within ten (10)
calendar days of the student’s enrollment.
Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco, and Weapons
Under state and federal law, students are not allowed to possess, sell, give away, or use alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco
products, guns, or other weapons on school property, or at school-related or school-sanctioned activities, on or off
school property. Having one of these items in a privately owned vehicle that the student has driven to school and
parked on District property is also prohibited.
Gangs and Other Prohibited Organizations
Under state law, a student is prohibited from membership or involvement in a public school fraternity, sorority, secret
society, or gang.
Graffiti
Tagging, graffiti writing, and defacing property are prohibited. An offense under this section is a state jail felony if
the marking is made on a school, an institution of higher education, a place of worship or human burial, a public
monument, or a community center that provides medical, social, or educational programs; and the financial damage
to real property or to tangible personal property is less than $20,000.
Hazing Activities
State law prohibits a student from participating in any hazing activities.
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School Social Events
The rules of conduct and grooming are observed at school social events held outside the regular school day. Schools
determine the guidelines of such events. Guests must observe the same rules as students, and the person inviting the
guest shares responsibility for the guest’s conduct.
A student attending a social event is asked to sign out when leaving before the end of the event; anyone leaving before
the official end of the event is not readmitted.
Use of Hallways during Class Time
Loitering or standing in the halls between classes is not permitted. During class time, a student must have a hall pass
to be outside the classroom for any purpose. Failure to obtain a pass results in disciplinary action in accordance with
the Student Code of Conduct.
Violations of Law
Disruptive Activities – State law prohibits a student from participation in disruptive activities. That includes acting
alone or with others to:
•
Interfere with the movement of people in an exit, an entrance, or a hallway of a District building without
authorization from an administrator.
•
Interfere with an authorized activity by seizing control of all or part of a building.
•
Use force, violence (violent actions), or threats in an attempt to prevent participation in an unauthorized
assembly.
•
Use force, violence (violent actions), or threats to cause disruption during an assembly.
•
Interfere with the movement of people at an exit or an entrance to Harlandale ISD property.
•
Disrupt classes while on District property or on public property that is within 300 feet of District property.
Class disruption 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 profane language or any misconduct.
•
Interfere with the transportation of students in District vehicles.
Game Devices, DVD Players, Cameras, Electronic Devices, Other Telecommunication Devices
Students are not permitted to possess at school such items as radios, CD players, IPods, MP3 players, external
speakers, tape recorders, camcorders, DVD players, cameras, electronic devices or games, unless prior permission
has been obtained from the principal. Without such permission, teachers will collect the items and turn them in to the
principal’s office. The principal will determine when to return the items. In any case, the school is not responsible for
recovering or investigating the loss or theft of any of these items should the student bring them to school with or
without permission.
A student using a recording device to record the commission of a violation of the Student Code of Conduct shall be
considered as complicit or acting with the intent to promote or assist the commission of the offense and shall be
disciplined in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct for that offense.
Searches of personal telecommunications or other personal electronic devices are conducted in accordance with law,
and the device may be confiscated in order to perform a lawful search. A confiscated device may be turned over to
law enforcement to determine whether a crime has been committed.
Instructional Use of Personal Technology
In some cases, students might be encouraged to use personal technology devices (cell phones, etc.) for instructional
purposes while on campus. Prior approval must be obtained, a specific user agreement signed and the device or devices
will not be connected to the Harlandale Independent School District network.
Inappropriate Use of Technology
Students are prohibited from sending or posting electronic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented,
threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal. This prohibition applies to conduct off school
property if it results in a substantial disruption to the educational environment. Any person taking, disseminating,
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transferring, or sharing obscene, sexually oriented, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or other content will be
disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct and may, in certain circumstances, be reported to law
enforcement.
Correspondence Courses
The District permits juniors and seniors to take correspondence courses if prior approval from the principal or
designee is granted. Students may earn a maximum of four half-credits or two whole state required credit(s) and may
be enrolled in only one correspondence course at a time.
Course Credit
A student in grades 9-12 earns credit for a course if the final grade is 70 or above. For a two-semester (1 credit) course,
the student’s grades from both semesters is averaged and credit is awarded if the combined average is 70. An average
of less than 70 requires the student to retake the failed semester.
Credit by Exam If a Student Has Taken the Course
Students may use credit by examination to demonstrate mastery in any subject in elementary grades or to earn credit
in any academic course at the secondary level, with the prior approval of the appropriate administrator. To be eligible
to earn credit by examination, a student shall have prior instruction in the subject or course, as determined by the
District on the basis of a review of the student’s educational records, which may include coursework from a nonaccredited school or home-school. [EHDB (Local)] Tests shall be administered according to established procedures.
A passing grade of 70 is required to earn credit.
Credit by Exam If a Student Has Not Taken the Course
A student is permitted to take an examination to earn credit for an academic course for which the student has no prior
instruction or to accelerate to the next grade level. [EHDC (Local)] A student in elementary school is eligible to
accelerate to the next grade level if the student scores at least 90 on each exam in the subject areas of language arts,
mathematics, science, and social studies.
The passing score required to earn credit on an examination for acceleration is 90.
A student planning to take an examination for acceleration (or the student’s parent) must register with the principal
no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled testing date. If the district agrees to administer a test other than the one
chosen by the district, the student’s parent is responsible for the cost of the exam.
A student not six years old at the beginning of the school year may be placed initially in first grade if certain criteria
are met. Criteria for acceleration may include:
•
Scores on readiness test(s) and/or achievement test(s) that may be administered by appropriate District
personnel.
•
Recommendation of the kindergarten or preschool the student has attended.
•
Chronological age and observed social and emotional development of the student.
•
Other criteria deemed appropriate by the principal and Superintendent.
Dangerous Drugs and Narcotics
Any student possessing dangerous drugs or controlled substances, or under the influence thereof while in school, or
while participating in a school sponsored function, shall be subject to severe disciplinary action stipulated by the
Student Code of Conduct (See Medications, Steroids).
Any student convicted of a misdemeanor or felony for the possession, use, or sale of a dangerous drug or narcotic
drug, under any circumstances, shall be subject to suspension or expulsion from school. Dangerous drugs or narcotic
drugs shall include synthetic cannabinoids, heroin, cocaine, morphine, dimethyltrypramine, STP, DOM, mescaline,
barbiturates, amphetamines, all parts of the plant species salvia divinorum, including its seeds and extract and any
other drug defined by state or federal law to be a dangerous drug or a narcotic drug or which is required to have
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written on the bottle “Caution: Federal Law Prohibits Dispensing without Prescription”. This also includes sniffing
of dangerous substances and inhalants of any type. Distributing, possessing with intent to distribute, or manufacturing
of controlled substance in or on, or within 1,000 feet of public or private elementary, vocational, or secondary school
is in violation of United States Penal Code, Title 18, Section 922.
Dangerous Weapons
No student shall have, possess, or carry on any campus of this school district, any article which, in the opinion of the
school administration, is capable of inflicting harm on another person or deemed hazardous. Such items include, but
are not limited to, steel-toed boots or shoes, knives, clubs, and other items deemed dangerous or guns or firearms.
Dating Violence
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. This type of conduct is
considered harassment if the conduct is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the 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, namecalling, put-downs, threats to hurt the student or 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, attempts to isolate the student from friends and family, stalking, or encouraging others to engage in these
behaviors.
Discipline Management
Discipline Management procedures are defined District-wide as well as for each campus and in each classroom. This
also includes misconduct on vehicles owned and operated by the district. These procedures should be viewed as
positive ways of promoting good discipline allowing students to be successful in their school work. Each teacher's
Discipline Management Plan shall be on file in the Principal's office. Each teacher's class rules shall be given to and
discussed with the students during the first week of school.
Corrective disciplinary action, in the form of corporal punishment, detention hall, suspension and/or expulsion, is
administered as necessary when school rules and regulations must be enforced. Counselors help students with
personal problems that might possibly be the cause of misbehavior.
Truancy, excessive tardiness, smoking, fighting, and any other violation of the Student Code of Conduct are subject to
the consequence in the Student Code of Conduct.
Any student who assists, encourages, promotes, records with a recording device, or attempts to assist in the
commission of a serious offense is considered complicit and may receive the same punishment as a student who
actually engages in the conduct. In addition, a student who has knowledge that another student has committed a
serious offense is expected to report that information to a school official. A student who fails to report a serious offense
may be subject to a lesser disciplinary consequence, either one step lower than that required for the offense which the
student had knowledge of, or a shorter term of discipline.
Displaying a Student’s Artwork and Projects
Teachers may display students’ work in classrooms or elsewhere on campus as recognition of student achievement.
The district seeks parental consent before displaying students’ artwork, special projects, photographs taken by
students, and the like on the District’s Web site, in printed material, by video, or any other method of communication.
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Distance Learning
Distance learning and correspondence courses include state-required essential knowledge and skills courses that are
taught through multiple technologies and alternative methodologies such as mail, satellite, Internet, videoconferencing, and instructional television.
The Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) is one method of distance learning. A student may, with certain
limitations, enroll in a course offered through TxVSN to earn course credit for graduation. In limited circumstances,
a student in 8th grade may be eligible to enroll in a course through the TxVSN. Depending on the course in which a
student enrolls, the course may be subject to “no pass, no play” rules.
A student wishing to enroll in a correspondence course or a distance learning course not provided through the TxVSN
in order to earn credit in a course or subject, must receive permission from the principal prior to enrollment in the
course or subject. If prior approval is not received, the district will not allow credit toward graduation or subject
mastery.
Distribution of Material
All school publications are under the supervision of the teacher, sponsor, principal, and/or designee. The District
exercises the right of editorial control over style and content of student publications in the schools. These publications
may be posted or distributed, with the prior approval of the appropriate administrator or supervisor.
Non-school Materials from Students
The district also maintains distribution control over non-school publications within the guidelines of School Board
Policy. [FMA (Local)] Written materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes, posters, or other
visual or auditory materials may not be posted, sold, circulated, or distributed on any school campus by a student or
non-student without the prior approval of the principal. Any student who posts material without prior approval will
be subject to disciplinary action. Materials displayed without this approval will be removed.
Non-school literature shall not be distributed by students on District property if:
1. The materials are obscene, vulgar, or otherwise inappropriate for the age and maturity of the audience.
2. The materials endorse actions endangering the health or safety of students.
3. The materials promote illegal use of drugs, alcohol, or other controlled substances.
4. The distribution of such materials would violate the intellectual property rights, privacy rights, or other rights of
another person.
5. The materials contain defamatory statements about public figures or others.
6. The materials advocate imminent lawless or disruptive action and are likely to incite or produce such action.
7. The materials are hate literature or similar publications that attacks ethnic, religious, or racial groups or contain
content aimed at creating hostility and violence; and the materials would materially and substantially interfere
with school activities or the rights of others.
8. There is reasonable cause to believe that distribution of then on-school literature would result in material and
substantial interference with school activities or the rights of others.
The principal in each school designates a location for approved non-school materials display for voluntary viewing by
students. To be considered for display, any non-school material must include the name of the sponsoring organization
or individual [FNAA (Local)].Students may appeal the principal’s decision in accordance with policy FNG (Local).
Non-school Materials from Non-Students
Written or printed materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, films, tapes, or other visual or auditory materials not
sponsored by the District or by a District-affiliated school-support organization will not be sold, circulated,
distributed, or posted on any District premises by any District employee or by persons or groups not associated with
the District, except as permitted by policy[GKDA(Local]. To be considered, any non-school material must meet the
limitations on content established in the policy, include the name of the sponsoring organization or individual, and be
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submitted to the principal for specific prior review. The principal approves or rejects 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. [DGBA, FNG, or GF]
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 GKDA (Local).

Distribution for electioneering purposes during the time a school facility is being used as a polling place, in
accordance with state law.
All non-school materials distributed under these circumstances must be removed from District property immediately
following the event at which the materials are distributed.
Objectionable Literature/Visuals
Printed or written material that casts a reflection on a person’s character or reputation, or that is vulgar or indecent
in any manner, is strictly prohibited.
Dress and Grooming
The District’s dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, prevents disruption, and minimizes safety
hazards.
Final determination of acceptable dress and grooming rests with the principal or designee and cannot be appealed.
Students must dress and groom in a manner appropriate for a public school educational environment because we
believe that in doing so, students are prepared for success. School Administrators will determine in a consistent and
non-arbitrary manner whether the student’s dress and grooming distracts or otherwise interferes with the educational
process. A student may be asked to return home to change clothes or the student’s parents may be contacted to bring
a change of clothing. The principal or designee may also discipline, in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, a
student who violates the dress code.
To aid students and their parents in making decisions about appropriate dress and grooming for schools, guidelines
and rules have been established and may be read in the Schools Section on pages 60-64 of this handbook.
Drills – Fire, Tornado, Emergencies
From time to time, students, teachers, and other District employees participate in drills of emergency procedures.
When the alarm is sounded, students should follow the direction of teachers or others in charge quickly, quietly, and
in an orderly manner.
Action is also taken when Department of Homeland Security contacts the District
Emergency Medical Treatment
Emergency medical treatment for sick or students injured at school or a school-related activity requires
written parental consent. Therefore, parents are asked each year to complete an emergency medical card.
Parents must keep emergency care information up-to-date (name of doctor, emergency phone numbers,
allergies to medications, etc.). The emergency medical card includes a request for information concerning
food allergies your child may have and the reactions. Any student who suffers from food allergies should
contact the school nurse or the school principal. The school must have a “Special Medical or Nutrition Needs’
form completed by the student’s physician. This form is accessible through the school nurse or on the Child
Nutrition website under SPECIAL DIET FORM. The school consults with the district’s dietitian on an
individual basis as to the best procedure for that student to follow. Current information is of critical
importance should an illness or injury occur that requires medical attention. Please contact the school nurse
to update information.
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Medical Expenses
The District is not responsible for medical expenses associated with a student’s injury while at school. The
District does make available, however, an optional, low-cost student accident insurance program to assist
parents in meeting medical expenses. A parent who desires student coverage is responsible for paying
insurance premiums and for submitting claims through the insurance company. [FFAC (Local)]
Emergency School Closing
The Superintendent notifies local radio and television stations and posts to the District webpage when it is necessary
to cancel classes due to inclement weather. In case of inclement weather, please tune to a local radio or television
station, or log on to cancellation.com, for information about emergency school closing. In the event a daytime weather
closing occurs, students are kept safely at school until released to parents or a designated adult listed on the student’s
‘Emergency Release Form’ which the parent must complete in case the school is dismissed early due to severe weather
or another emergency.
Extended Year Program - OEY
OEY is offered for identified students in selected grades K-12 enrolled in Harlandale ISD schools who are at risk for
retention because they have failed a core course during the regular school year. Attendance in this program, which is
an extension of the regular school year, is mandatory. Parents are notified in writing if their child is required to attend
an extended year program.
Accelerated Reading/Mathematics Instruction
Accelerated reading instruction is provided to students in grades K-8 who are identified as at risk for reading
and/or math difficulties. Attendance in this program is mandatory. Parents are notified in writing if their
child is required to attend this program.
Students in special education whose ARD Committee determines that severe regression is likely to occur without the
provision of extended services, will be provided services as prescribed in their individual education plan (IEP)
through Special Education Extended Year Services.
Estrellitas
Estrellitas is a program designed to provide enrichment and support to Limited English Proficient (LEP)
students entering kindergarten or first grade in the fall. Additional enrichment programs are offered for
students each summer. Notices describing these programs and student eligibility are sent out each spring
before the end of the regular school year. Services are available to eligible students on a space available basis.
Extracurricular Activities
Participation in school and school-related activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive
individual recognition, and forge strong friendships with other students. Participation is a privilege. While many of
the activities are governed by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) – a statewide association of participating
districts – eligibility for participation in many of these activities is governed by state law as well as UIL rules.
Students and parents are expected to know and follow all rules of the UIL organization if the student is involved in
academic, athletic, or music activity governed by UIL.
•
A student who receives, at the end of any grade evaluation period, a grade below 70 in any academic
class, other than an advanced placement or international baccalaureate course; or an honors or dual
credit course in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, economics, or language
other than English, may not participate in extracurricular activities for at least three school weeks. An
ineligible student may practice or rehearse, however.
•
A student with disabilities who fails to meet the standards in the individual education plan (IEP) may
not participate for at least three school weeks.
•
An ineligible student may practice or rehearse.
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•
The student regains eligibility when the principal and teachers determine that he or she has: (1) earned
a passing grade (70 or above) in all academic classes, other than those that are honors or advanced,
and (2) completed the three weeks of ineligibility.
•
A student is allowed up to ten absences from a class during the school year for extracurricular activities
or public performances. All UIL activities and other activities approved by the Board are subject to
these restrictions. A student who misses a class because of participation in a non-approved activity
receives an unexcused absence.
•
Any restrictions on participation related to discipline are set out in the Student Code of Conduct.
•
A student absent from school for a contagious illness or for any reason that results in an unexcused
absence is not allowed to participate in school-related activities on that day or evening. The principal
or designee will determine whether a student may participate.
Please note: Student clubs and performing groups such as the band, choir, and drill and athletic teams may establish
codes of conduct – 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.
Fees
Materials that are part of the basic educational program are provided with state and local funds and at no charge to
a student. A student, however, is expected to provide his or her own pencils, paper, erasers, and notebooks and may
be required to pay certain other fees or deposits. 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 school principal or district designee.
Student fees are authorized for:
1.
Materials for a class project that the student will keep;
2.
Membership dues in student organizations or clubs, and admission fees or charges for attending
extracurricular activities when membership or attendance is voluntary;
3.
Security deposits for the return of materials, supplies, or equipment;
4.
Personal physical education and athletic equipment and apparel. However, any student may provide his or
her own if it meets reasonable requirements and standards relating to health and safety established by the
Board;
5.
Items of personal use or products which a student may purchase at his or her own option, such as student
publications, class rings, annuals, and graduation announcements;
6.
Fees specifically permitted by any other statute;
7.
Any authorized, voluntary student health and accident benefit plan;
8.
A reasonable fee, not to exceed the actual annual maintenance cost, for the use of musical instruments and
uniforms owned or rented by the District;
9.
Items of personal apparel which become the property of the student and which are used in extracurricular
activities;
10. Parking fees and fees for identification cards;
11. Lost, damaged, or overdue library books;
12. Driver training courses, provided that such fees shall not exceed the actual District cost per student in such
programs for the current school year;
13. Courses offered for credit where the activity necessitates the use of facilities not available on the school
premises, and participation in the course is optional on the part of the student. Payment may not be required
if the course is one requested by parents according to Education Code 28.003; or
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14. Summer school, provided fees are not charged for courses required for graduation unless such courses are
offered tuition-free during the regular school term.
15. A reasonable fee for transportation of a student who lives within two miles of the school the student attends
to and from that school, except that the Board may not charge a fee for transportation for which the District
receives funds under Education Code 42.155(d).
16. A reasonable fee, not to exceed $50, for costs associated with an educational program offered outside of
regular school hours through which a student who was absent from class receives instruction voluntarily for
the purpose of making up the missed instruction and meeting the level of attendance required under
Education Code 25.092. [FEC (Legal)] To charge such a fee, the District shall provide a written form to be
signed by the student’s legal guardian stating that this fee would not create a financial hardship or discourage
the student from attending the program. The District may assess the fee only if the student returns the form.
Any required fees or deposits may be waived if the student and parent are unable to pay. Application for a waiver
may be made to the campus principal.
Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
This is to advise you that pursuant to the “Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974” (FERPA),
and its implementing regulations, as well as District policy and regulation parents/guardians or students under 18
years of age and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) are entitled to certain rights with respect to a
student’s education records. These rights are set forth below:
Parents/Guardians and eligible students have a right to inspect and review the student’s education records defined by
law to include those records, files, documents, and other materials which contain information directly related to the
student and are maintained by the District or by a person acting for the District. A parent/guardian or an eligible
student shall make a request for access to that student’s education records, in writing to the Building Principal of the
school at which the student is, or was last, in attendance. Upon receipt of such request, arrangements shall be made to
provide access to such records within a reasonable period of time, but in any case, not more than forty-five (45) days
after the request has been received.
Parent(s)/guardian(s) and eligible students are also entitled to challenge the contents of such records, to ensure that
they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student, and to ask
for the correction or deletion of any such inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate data contained therein.
Parents/guardians and eligible students are also entitled to notice of any decision by the District not to amend a
student’s education records as requested by the parent/guardian or eligible student, and of their right to a hearing
regarding the District’s denial of a request for such an amendment. Any questions concerning the procedure to be
followed in making a challenge and/or requesting a hearing should be directed to the Superintendent of Schools.
Parents/guardians and eligible students have a right that student education records, and any material contained
therein which is personally identifiable, are confidential and may not be released or made available to persons other
than parents/guardians or eligible students without the prior written consent of such parents/guardians or eligible
students except:
•
As directory information, which is released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it, unless
the parent/guardian or eligible student objects within 10 days of the student’s enrollment. District
student directory information includes student name, address, telephone listing, electronic mail
address, photograph, and date and place of birth, as well as major field of study; degrees, honors, and
awards received; dates of attendance; grade level; most recent educational institution attended;
participation in officially recognized activities and sports; and weight and height of members of athletic
teams [FL (Local)].Directory information may also include a list of names and addresses of the parents
of students, names of students assigned particular parking permit numbers, and the names of each
student enrolled in certain courses. The District must 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.
•
to another school district in which a student seeks to enroll or intends to enroll, upon request by such
district;
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•
to individuals employed by the District either as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support
staff member including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel, school board
members when acting as a corporate entity in the discharge of statutory duties and responsibilities,
and individuals with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task. (i.e., the school
attorney, auditor, medical consultant or therapist) who have a legitimate educational need for access
to such records. A legitimate educational need for any of these individuals to access a student’s records
without prior written consent of a parent/guardian or eligible student will be deemed to exist only when
it can be shown that such access and disclosure is necessary for any such individual to fulfill his/her
professional responsibilities; or
•
As otherwise expressly permitted by law.
Parents/guardians and eligible students have a right to obtain a copy of the Harlandale ISD’s policy and
accompanying regulation pertaining to the confidentiality of student education records. A copy of said policy and
regulation may be obtained from the Building Principal of the school at which the student is, or was last, in attendance.
Field Trips
Instructional field trips that occur during the instructional day are limited and must be pertinent to the content of the
grade level or subject area. The trips should be well planned, aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
(TEKS) for the grade level, and approved by the campus principal.
Additional field trips for district approved programmatic activities, such as San Antonio Symphony concerts, high
school Children’s Theatre performances, middle school transition activities, etc., may be approved at the principal’s
discretion.
Student fees are prohibited for field trips that are required as part of a basic educational program or course [FP
(Legal)].
Swimming, canoeing, and paddle-boating while on school-sponsored trips are strictly prohibited without the express
written permission of the Superintendent.
Field trip permission forms must be signed by a parent and returned to the classroom teacher at least five days prior
to the trip if the student is in high school, and prior to leaving on the trip if in elementary or middle school.
Parent permission forms for movie field trips must specify the movie’s rating (G, PG, and PG-13) and its instructional
purpose, and if the movie is rated PG or PG-13 the parent must actively consent to the student’s viewing of the movie.
A student will not be permitted to attend a field trip if a signed permission slip, including a signed release of
liability and signed medical release, has not been turned in to the campus. In this event, appropriate
arrangements for instruction and supervision will be made at the school.
If a student has been assigned In-School Suspension or Out-of-School Suspension as a consequence for
violating the student code of conduct, and the ISS/OSS corresponds with a field trip date, the student will not
be able to attend the field trip. Appropriate arrangements for instruction and supervision will be made at
school.
A student may not be denied participation on a campus/district academic field learning experience due to
medical or other identified conditions.
A teacher sponsor stays with any student who must be transported to a medical facility while on a school sponsored
field trip. The sponsor notifies the parent and remains until a parent or district administrator arrive at the facility.
Parent Chaperones
•
All parents who serve as chaperones must have an approved criminal check on file with the Human
Resources Department. This may take as long as three weeks to process, so plan in advance.
•
Parent chaperones are not permitted to bring other children with them on the field trip. The chaperone’s
assistance in supervising and assisting with instruction is essential.
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•
Parent chaperones must also provide their own transportation. The district buses transport students and
district employees only.
•
Chaperones must follow district procedures and policies and any activity guidelines established by the
teacher sponsor.
Parents may not remove and transport a son or daughter from a school sponsored activity unless a request in writing
has been approved by the principal prior to the trip. Parents are not permitted to remove or transport any student
but their own. If a serious emergency occurs, the parent must notify the teacher-sponsor for permission before
removing his or her son or daughter.
Food Allergies
Any student who has a food allergy or existing condition that requires special diet modifications must obtain,
complete, and return the Special Medical or Nutritional Needs form to the school nurse. The form must be
filled out by a recognized medical authority which includes a physician, physician assistant, or nurse
practitioner. This form can be obtained from the Nurse’s office or under the “Documents” page on the Child
Nutrition website and must be filled out on an annual basis. In order for accommodations to take place, the
Special Medical or Nutritional Needs form must provide the following information:
1. List the child’s food intolerance, allergy, or disability
2. If the child has a disability then an explanation of why the disability restricts the child’s diet
3. The major life activity affected by the disability
4. The food or foods to be omitted from the child’s diet and the food or foods that must be substituted.
One exception to the ruling is in the case of milk substitutions. If a parent or guardian requests a milk
substitution, the parent can provide a signed statement requesting the milk substitution without obtaining the
Special Medical or Nutritional Needs form from a recognized medical authority. However, if the milk
substitution is due to a milk intolerance or allergy that further restricts the diet requiring meal modifications,
then the Special Medical or Nutritional Needs form will need to be filled out. The only milk substitutions that
will be provided by the Child Nutrition department are:
1. Low fat or fat free lactose free milk
2. Low fat or fat free soy milk
Juice is not an acceptable milk substitution because it does not provide the same nutritional value as regular
milk.
Freedom from Discrimination
Discrimination is defined as any conduct directed at a student on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national
origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law, that negatively affects the student. The District believes that all
students learn best in an environment free from discrimination. Students are expected to treat other students and
District employees with courtesy and respect; to avoid any behaviors known to be offensive; and to stop those
behaviors when asked or told to stop. District employees are expected to treat students with courtesy and respect.
The Board has established policies and procedures to prohibit and promptly respond to inappropriate and offensive
behaviors that are based on a person’s race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, age, or disability. [See policy
FFH] Prohibited harassment, in general terms, is conduct so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the student’s
ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; or substantially interferes with the
student’s academic performance. A copy of the District’s policy is available in the principal’s office and in the
Superintendent’s office. See also “Harassment” and “Sexual Harassment” in this publication.
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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, counselor, principal, or other district employee. The report may be made by the
student’s parent.
Retaliation against a person who makes a good faith report of prohibited harassment is prohibited. However, a person
who makes a false claim or offers false statements or refuses to cooperate with a District investigation may be subject
to appropriate discipline. See also “Retaliation” in this publication.
Investigation of Report
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 to comply with law. Allegations of prohibited conduct, which
includes dating violence, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, will be promptly investigated. The district will
notify the parents of any student alleged to have experienced prohibited conduct by an adult associated with the
district.
In the event prohibited conduct involves another student, the district will notify the parents of the student alleged to
have experienced the prohibited conduct when the allegations, if proven, would constitute a violation as defined by
policy.
If the district’s investigation indicates that prohibited conduct occurred, appropriate disciplinary or corrective action
will be taken to address the conduct. The district may take disciplinary action even if the conduct that is the subject
of the complaint was not unlawful.
A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation may appeal in accordance with policy
[FNG (Local)].
In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination, the HISD makes the following statements:
Harlandale ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or disability in providing
education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
The following District staff members have been designated to coordinate compliance with these requirements:
Title IX Coordinator, concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of sex:
Mrs. Diana Tudyk, Executive Director of Human Resources
102 Genevieve San Antonio, TX 78214 Telephone (210) 989-4417
The District designates the following employees to coordinate its efforts to comply with
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, regarding student matters:
Elementary: Mrs. Kathleen Stark, Section 504 Coordinator, and Secondary: Mrs. Katherine Pena, Section 504 Coordinator
7026 S. Flores St. San Antonio, TX 78221 Telephone (210) 989-4445
No qualified disabled student shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, denied benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to
discrimination under any District Service, program or activity. The district has a system of procedural safeguards that include notice, an
opportunity for the students’ parent(s) or guardian(s) to examine the relevant records, an impartial hearing with the opportunity for participation
by the parent(s), guardian(s) or representation of counsel, and a review of procedure.
Services for the Homeless and for Title I Participants
Liaison for Homeless Children and Youths, who coordinates services for homeless students:
Mrs. Nadine Wolfe, Director of Student Support Services and Special Programs
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901 March Ave. San Antonio, TX 78214 Telephone (210) 989-4440
Parent Involvement Coordinator, who works with parents of students participating in Title I programs:
Mrs. Nadine Wolfe, Director of Student Support Services and Special Programs
901 March Ave. San Antonio, TX 78214 Telephone (210) 989-4440
Services for Students with Disabilities
If a child experiences learning difficulties, the parent may contact the person listed below to learn about the 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 including a process based on Response
to Intervention. The implementation of Response to Intervention has the potential to have a positive impact on the ability of
school districts to meet the needs of all struggling students.
A parent is entitled to request an evaluation for special education services at any time. Within a reasonable amount of
time, the district must decide if the evaluation is needed. If evaluation is needed, the parent is notified and asked to
provide informed written consent for the evaluation. The district must complete the evaluation and the report within
60 calendar days of the date the district receives 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 provides the parent with a written notice
explaining why the child will not be evaluated. This written notice includes a statement informing the parents of their
rights if they disagree with the district. Additionally, the notice informs 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:
Mrs. Della Taylor, Director of Special Education
12121 S.E. Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78221 Telephone (210) 989-5255
If a student receives special education services at a campus outside his or her attendance zone, the parent or
guardian may request that any other student residing in the household be transferred to the same campus, if the
appropriate grade level for the transferring student is offered on that campus. However, the district is not required
to provide transportation to the student transferring under this provision. (See Student Transfers for the procedure
to follow when requesting a transfer to keep siblings together).
Fund Raising
Student clubs or classes, outside organizations, and/or parent groups occasionally may be permitted to conduct fundraising drives for approved school purposes. An application for permission must be made to the school principal well
in advance of the proposed fund-raising event. Student participation in approved fund-raising activities shall not
interfere with the regular instructional program. No outside organizations may solicit contributions of any type from
students within the schools. [DHA (Local)] [FJ (Local)] [GE (Local)]
Gang-Free Zones
Certain criminal offenses, including those involving organized criminal activity such as gang-related crimes, are
enhanced to the next highest category of offense if they are committed in gang-free zone. A gang-free zone includes a
school bus and a location in, on, or within 1,000 feet of any district-owned or leased property or campus playground.
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Grade Classification
After the ninth grade, students are classified according to the number of credits earned toward graduation.
9th
10th
11th
12th
Grad
0 - 5 Credits
6 - 12 Credits
13 - 19 Credits
20+
Credits
26 +
Credits
All required courses must be included in the credits for graduation.
Grading Policy
Grading Philosophy
The purpose of grading is to communicate progress towards and mastery of the TEKS & SEs (Texas
Essential Knowledge and Skills and Student Expectations*) to students, school personnel and parents. The
final grade represents the students’ level of mastery of the TEKS & SEs for the grade level and/or course.
*See all content area TEKS & SEs:
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=6148&menu_id=720&menu_id2=785
Grading Categories and Weights: All grades assigned will fall into either a formative or summative
assessment category.
Formative assessments are formal and informal processes and strategies teachers and students use to gather
evidence for the purpose of improving learning. It serves as feedback to both the teacher and student on
progress towards mastery of the TEKS & SEs. Formative assessments INFORMS how well a student is
progressing towards mastering targeted TEKS & SEs. This is assessment FOR learning.
*See: http://ati.pearson.com/downloads/chapters/7%20Strats%20Ch%201.pdf
Formative assessments can include: "daily work" with FEEDBACK and Checking for Understanding
activities, observations, peer- peer activities, mini assignments, students' notes, question and answer activities,
stations/centers, quick writes, online activities, discussions, retests after re-teaching, simulations,
summarization activities, "practicing" activities, labs, etc.
Summative assessments are assessments that provide evidence of student achievement for the purpose of
making a judgment about student competence or program effectiveness. It provides culmination information
to both the students and teacher on mastery of the TEKS & SEs. Summative assessments "SUM" up
students' mastery of the TEKS & SEs. This is assessment OF learning.
*See: http://ati.pearson.com/downloads/chapters/7%20Strats%20Ch%201.pdf
Summative assessments can include: end of lesson/ unit tests, quizzes, culmination projects, performances,
final essays, final research papers, etc.
Elementary School Grading based on:
Summative at least 35%
Formative at most 65%
Although grades can be assigned for nonacademic tasks, grades cannot be counted towards a student’s
academic overall six weeks average or final average.
Middle School Grading based on:
High School Grading based on:
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•
There must be a minimum of 2 grades for the Summative Assessments category and a minimum of 10
grades for the Formative Assessment category per cycle.
•
Across the district, there must be a common category weight and consistency of grades for each grade
level/department/course. No one grade can account for more than 30% of the overall six weeks average at
elementary, middle or high school.
Grading System and Report Cards
The evaluation of student achievement is one of the important functions of the teacher. A report card is usually issued
on the Wednesday after the end of each grading period. At the end of the first three weeks of a grading period parents
are given a written progress report if their student’s performance is near or below 70, or is below the expected level
of performance. If the student receives a grade lower than 70 in any class or subject at the end of a grading period,
the parent is requested to schedule a conference with the teacher of the class. Parents should discuss the grades with
their child. The report card must be signed by the parent and should be returned to the teacher the next day. The
grading system in Texas is as follows:
•
Passing is from 70 to 100
•
90 to 100 equals A
•
80 to 89 equal B
•
75 to 79 equal C
•
70 to 74 equal D
•
69 or below equals F
•
No credit is granted for classes when grade is below 70.
Mastery of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills in Chapter 74 of the Texas Administrative Code will be reported
numerically for all subjects. Please check with the principal for grading guidelines on your student’s campus.
TX Connect
Parents or guardians may sign up for a parent connect account at www.harlandale.net. Click on TX Connect on the
parent home page under parent links. Once you set up an account, parents have access to their student’s grades, and
by clicking on the cycle grade for each class parents are able to see the individual assignments and the grade or
“missing” for each of the assignments. The student has limited time to make up a missing assignment, speak to your
student and the teacher about making up the assignment. Parents are also able to set a trigger to send an email message
or text message if grades drop below what the parents feels as acceptable or if your student is counted absent for class.
Parents must sign up on an alert tab to be notified. If you need assistance please contact the data clerk at your campus.
Graduation
Effective with the 2015-2016 school year and forward, in addition to the credit and course requirements for
each program, performance on EOC (End-Of-Course) assessments are linked to a student’s eligible
graduation program. To graduate, a student must meet a score requirement set by the Texas Education
Agency (TEA) for5assessments: English I EOC, English II EOC, Algebra I EOC, Biology and United States
History EOC. The student may retake any of the assessments until the student achieves the required score. A
student who does not make the required score on any individual assessment is required to retake that
assessment. New changes for graduation based rulings from the 84rd Texas Legislative Session (June, 2015)
can be found at www.harlandale.net under Graduation Requirements.
Class Rank
The District’s weighted rank point system categorizes pre-Advanced Placement courses, Advanced Placement
courses, dual credit courses, and gifted and talented courses as weighted by plus ten (+10) points. The
designated core academics are referred to as academic weighted courses and receive a plus five (+5) points.
All remaining courses receive no weighted value/zero (0) points.
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***See updated Graduation Requirements at Harlandale ISD webpage: www.harlandale.net
Requirements for Diploma
To receive a high school diploma from the District, current seniors must successfully complete the required number
of credits including any locally required courses, and pass a statewide STAAR End-Of-Course exam depending on
when the student entered high school. Students shall meet all state and local graduation requirements, including all
applicable exit-level testing, to be eligible to participate in commencement activities and graduation ceremonies. [FMH
(Local)].
If a student fails to perform satisfactorily on an EOC assessment, the district provides accelerated learning
support/remediation to the student in the content area for which the performance standard was not met.
Senate Bill 149 has revised the state’s assessment graduation requirements for students enrolled in the 11th
or 12th grade for the 2014-2015, 2015-2016, or 2016-2017 school years. A student who has failed the EOC
assessment graduation requirements for no more than two courses may receive a Texas high school diploma
if the student has qualified to graduate by means of an individual graduation committee (IGC)
determination. Students will be required to participate in additional remediation, complete a project
demonstrating proficiency in the subject area, and continue to retest at every opportunity. The IGC will
determine satisfactory completion and determine eligibility for graduation. The IGC committee decision is
final.
A certificate of coursework completion is not issued to a student who successfully completes state and local credit
requirements for graduation but has not yet demonstrated satisfactory performance on the state-mandated tests
required for graduation. [EI (Local)][EIF (Local)]
Students with Disabilities
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 Individual Education Plan (IEP). [EIE (Legal)]
A student who receives special education services and has completed four years of high school, but has not met the
requirements of the 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, the student may remain enrolled
to complete the IEP and earn the high school diploma; however, the student will only be allowed to participate in one
graduation ceremony. In accordance with state rules, a student with a disability completing modified curriculum
coursework will graduate the foundation graduation plan.
If a student receiving special education services is scheduled to graduate under the Minimum Program or in
accordance with the provisions of the IEP, the student’s ARD committee determines whether the general EOC
assessment is an accurate measure of the student’s achievement and progress or whether an alternative assessment is
more appropriate. STAAR Modified and STAAR Alternate are the alternative assessments currently allowed by the
state. If a student takes the STAAR Modified or STAAR Alternate assessment, the student’s ARD committee
determines whether successful performance on the EOC assessments are required for graduation.
Graduation Expenses
Because students and parents 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.
Graduation Speakers
Graduating students will be given an opportunity to provide opening and closing remarks during the graduation
ceremony. Only the valedictorian or the salutatorian will be eligible to give these remarks; however, if the student was
assigned to disciplinary placement at any time during the spring semester, he or she will not be eligible to speak at
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graduation. If the principal so chooses, other students who have attained special positions of honor may also have
speaking roles at the graduation ceremony.
Grants
Students with financial need according to federal criteria and who complete the Recommended or
Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program may be eligible under the T.E.X.A.S Grant Program for tuition and
fees to Texas public universities, community colleges, and technical schools, as well as to private institutions. For
information, see the principal or counselor.
Guidance and Counseling
Academic Counseling
The Guidance and Counseling program in HISD is coordinated by certified school counselors at each campus
and is reflective of the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) A Model Comprehensive and Developmental Guidance
and Counseling program for Texas Public Schools. The comprehensive and developmental guidance and
counseling program in Harlandale ISD encourages students to gain competence in:
•
Self-confidence development
•
Motivation to Achieve
•
Decision-making, Goal Setting, Planning, Problem Solving Skills
•
Cross-cultural Effectiveness
•
Interpersonal Effectiveness
•
Communication Skills
•
Responsible Behavior
School counselors often work with students on an individual basis to provide guidance, encouragement and
support. If students are dealing with specific issues the school counselor may offer to work with students
individually or in small groups with the parent or guardian’s written permission. If the school counselor
becomes aware of signs and/or symptoms of mental health distress, the school counselor may offer the parent
a list of mental health providers in the area who can provide more extensive mental health services at a free or
reduced cost or who take insurance or Medicaid.
The comprehensive and developmental guidance and counseling program in Harlandale ISD promotes college
and career readiness at every grade level and encourages students and families to be actively engaged in postsecondary planning. The school counselor encourages active parent participation at every grade level as
students make decisions that will impact their futures.
Personal Counseling
The school counselor is available to assist students with a wide range of personal issues, including social, family,
emotional, or substance abuse issues. The Harlandale ISD provides Kognito-At Risk suicide prevention training to all
secondary students, community members and staff. The Kognito-At Risk program is approved to meet all the
requirements of HB 2186 and is on the DSHS recommended best practices based list for TEA guidelines.
Please note: The school will not conduct a psychological examination, test, or treatment without first obtaining the
parent’s written consent, unless required by state or federal law for special education purposes.
Anonymous Alerts: A mobile reporting service available to students and staff through a mobile device, computer and
at www.harlandale.net. Students, parents and staff may report incidents that go directly to the campus administration.
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Harassment
Harassment, in general terms, is conduct so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the 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, or otherwise
adversely affects the students educational opportunities. A copy of the Harlandale ISD’s policy is available in the
principal’s office and the superintendent’s office. Examples of harassment may include, but are not limited to
derogatory language directed at a person’s religious beliefs or practices, accent, skin color, or need for
accommodation; bullying, threatening or intimidating conduct, offensive jokes, name-calling, slurs, or rumors;
physical aggression or assault; graffiti or printed material promoting racial, ethnic, or other negative stereotypes; or
aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property. Gender-based harassment includes physical, verbal, or
nonverbal conduct based on the student’s gender, the student’s expression of characteristics perceived as stereotypical
for the student’s gender, or failure to conform to stereotypical notions of masculinity of femininity.
Hazing
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus directed against a student
that endangers the mental or physical health or the safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated to,
affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are or include other
students.
Hazing is not tolerated by the district. If an incident of hazing occurs, disciplinary consequences are handled 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 incident of hazing
being planned or having occurred and fails to report this to the principal or superintendent.
Health Services
The following information, regarding district policy and procedures, is to help facilitate our students’ welfare while at
school.
The main task of a school nurse is to provide first aid. The nurse cannot diagnose illness or the severity of an injury.
If your child becomes ill or injured at school, the nurse renders first aid and notifies you, or a designated adult, that
the child must be picked up, either to go home or to be seen by a physician. If you cannot pick up your child in a timely
manner, alternate arrangements for pick up must be made, either with a relative or another caregiver.
Contagious Diseases/Conditions
To protect children from contagious illnesses, students infected with certain diseases are not allowed to come to school
while contagious. Parents of a student with a communicable or contagious disease must phone the school nurse or
school principal so that other students who have been exposed to the disease can be alerted. These diseases include:
Amebiasis
Campylobacteriosis
Chickenpox
Cold with fever
Fifth Disease
Gastroenteritis
Hepatitis Viral
Impetigo
Mononucleosis
Influenza
Measles
Meningitis
Rubella
Typhoid Fever
Scabies
Shigellosis
Streptococcal disease
Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
Giardiasis
Pinkeye
Whooping Cough
Ringworm
Bacterial Meningitis
State law requires the District to provide the following information about Bacterial Meningitis.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi,
and bacteria. Viral meningitis is most common and the least serious. Bacterial meningitis is the most common form
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of serious bacterial infection with the potential for serious, long-term complications. It is an uncommon disease, but
requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death.
What are the symptoms?
Someone with meningitis becomes very ill. The illness may develop over one or two days, but it can also rapidly
progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with meningitis has the same symptoms.
Children (over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have a severe headache, high temperature, vomiting,
sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness or joint pains, and drowsiness or confusion. In both children and adults, there
may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots. These can occur anywhere on the body.
The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory results.
How serious is Bacterial Meningitis?
If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete recovery. In some cases it can
be fatal or a person may be left with a permanent disability.
How is Bacterial Meningitis spread?
Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases like the common cold or the flu,
and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been.
The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body. They are
spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, sharing drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes).
The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of the germ for days, weeks,
or even months. The bacteria rarely overcome the body's immune system.
How can Bacterial Meningitis be prevented?
Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Limit the number of persons you kiss.
While vaccines exist for some strains of bacterial meningitis, they are used only in special circumstances. These
circumstances include a disease outbreak in a community or when people travel to a country where there is a high
risk of getting the disease. Also, a vaccine is recommended by some medical professionals for college students,
particularly freshmen living in dorms or residence halls. The vaccine is safe and effective (85–90 percent). It can cause
mild side effects, such as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within seven
to ten days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to five years.
What should you do if you think you or a friend might have Bacterial Meningitis?
You should seek prompt medical attention.
Where can you get more information?
Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional health department office are excellent sources
for information on all communicable diseases. You may also call your local health department or Regional Texas
Department of Health office to ask about meningococcal vaccine. Additional information may also be found at the
web sites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/, and the Texas Department of
Health, http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/.
Emergency Cards
For your child’s welfare, the emergency card must contain up-to-date phone numbers and two alternate
reliable adult contacts with phone numbers in case of illness or an emergency. Please notify the school
immediately if phone numbers change or additional phone numbers are needed.
It is important to complete the medical information checklist and allergy information of the emergency card.
If your child has a food allergy, a special dietary form must be completed by a physician and returned to the
school nurse so that the Child Nutrition Department can be notified.
If another adult is to be a caregiver for your child while you are out of town or unavailable, please provide in
writing the caregiver’s name and phone number and two reliable alternate phone numbers.
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Head Lice
Harlandale ISD follows the guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC)
for head lice (Pediculosis) and Scabies according to the Communicable disease chart found at
https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/health/schools_childcare/resources/ which gives guidance to schools
and child-care centers on how to handle all communicable disease and conditions. Please see your School
Nurse for more information.
Illness
If a student has a body temperature of 100 degrees or above, the parent, guardian, or emergency contact will
be notified and the student should be picked up from school as soon as possible. The student must be fever free
for 24 hours without fever controlling medications before returning to school. Students with active and/or
recurrent episodes of vomiting or loose stools during the school day may be sent home at the discretion of the
campus/district health professional to prevent the spread of possible infectious contagion from body fluids. The
student must be symptom free for 24 hours before returning to campus.
Please notify the nurse immediately of any illness or diagnosis regarding your child so that the nurse is aware of any
health needs or special circumstances. If your child has minor aches and pains, stomachache, sore throat, allergies, or
other minor health problems that do not prevent school attendance, please medicate the child before coming to school
because the nurse is not allowed to administer medication.
In an extreme emergency, the nurse will call EMS.
A parent may request in writing that a child be excused from physical education including recess, for a maximum of
three days due to minor or temporary illness or injury. More than three days of excuse requires a written statement
from a physician.
Immunizations
Immunization Requirements
State law (TAC Chapter 97.61 – 97.72) requires the following immunizations to be completed before the first date of
school attendance. Provisional enrollment is allowed if the student has an immunization record indicating at least one
dose of each specified age-appropriate vaccine required has been administered. To remain enrolled, the student must
complete the required subsequent doses in each vaccine series on schedule and as rapidly as is medically feasible and
provide acceptable evidence of vaccination to the school. The immunization status of a provisionally enrolled student
shall be reviewed by the school nurse every 30 days to ensure compliance in vaccination completion. Non-compliant
students shall be excluded from school attendance until the required dose is administered.
Diptheria
Tetanus, and
acellular
pertussis
All students entering 7th grade are required to have one dose of Tdap vaccine.
Students in the 7th grade are required to have a booster dose of Tdap only if it has
been five years since their last dose of tetanus-containing vaccine. Students in
grades 8 – 12 are required to have a booster dose of Tdap only if it has been 10
years since their last dose of tetanus-containing vaccine. Td is acceptable in lieu of
Tdap if a contraindication to pertussis exists.
Hepatitis A
All students entering kindergarten, statewide, are required to have two doses of
Hepatitis A vaccine.
Hepatitis B
All students entering kindergarten, statewide, are required to have three doses of
the Hepatitis B vaccine.
Hib
Haemophilus Influenza Type b Vaccine is required for children 18 months
through 4 years of age. Complete series of any Hib vaccine, as long as one dose of
Hib vaccine was given at or after 12 months of age.
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Measles,
Mumps
Rubella
(MMR)
H A N D B O O K
All students entering kindergarten, statewide, are required to have two doses of
measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Meningococcal
All students entering 7th grade are required to have one dose of meningococcal
vaccine.
PCV
Four doses by age of 59 months; however, one immunization after 24 months, two
doses before the age of one, plus one after age one. A series of four as long as the
third and fourth dose are eight weeks apart or one after the age of one is considered
a complete series.
Polio
Four doses of polio vaccine, unless the third dose was on or after fourth birthday.
Polio vaccine not required for students 18 years of age or older.
Varicella
All students entering kindergarten and 7th grade are required to have two doses of
varicella vaccine. A written statement from a legal guardian, school nurse, or
physician attesting to the child’s positive history of varicella disease (chicken pox),
or of varicella immunity is acceptable in lieu of either dose of varicella vaccine.
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. This form may be obtained by writing the DSHS Immunization
Branch
(MC1946),
P.O.
Box
149347,
Austin,
Texas
78714-9347;
or
online
at
https://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/affidavit.shtm. 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 form is valid for two years from the date that it is
notarized. This exemption does not apply during times of emergency or epidemic declared by the commissioner of
public health. An exempted student is excluded from school in times of commissioner declared emergency or epidemic
until the student is immunized.
If a student should not be immunized for medical reasons, the student or parent must present a certificate signed by
a U.S. licensed physician stating that, in the doctor’s opinion, the immunization required would be harmful to the
health and well-being of the student or any member of the student’s family or household. This certificate must be
renewed yearly unless the physician specifies a life-long condition.
Medications
Parents are encouraged to schedule the administration of student medication so that medication is given at home
whenever possible. District employees are prohibited from giving a student prescription medication, nonprescription
medication, herbal substances, anabolic steroids, or dietary supplements, with the following exceptions. [FFAC
(Legal)]
Authorized employees, in accordance with policy FFAC, may administer:
•
Prescription medication provided by the parent, along with a written request (forms are provided
by the school) and in the original, properly labeled container.
•
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 provided by the parent along with a written request and with
physician’s orders, and in the original, properly labeled container.
•
Herbal or dietary supplements along with physician’s orders and a written request, if required by
the student’s individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan for a student with
disabilities.
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H A N D B O O K
In addition:
•
All medications should be taken directly to the school office or clinic by the parent. No
medication may be kept in the classroom nor may students administer their own medication with
specific exceptions as cited. (See “Self Administration Exception”)
•
At the end of the school day, parents or a designated adult should pick up the medication.
Individual schools may vary on this policy to meet the safety needs of their students. Please check
with the school.
•
If it is necessary to send medication with the child, the parent is encouraged to notify the school
office by phone the same day. Parents are reminded that they are responsible for the medication
until it is delivered to a school district employee.
•
Prescription medication must be taken to school in a properly labeled prescription container.
•
A medication requirement form must be filled out and signed by the parent/guardian.
•
At the end of the school year, parents must pick up leftover medication. Students may take home
only empty medication containers. If medicine remains at school, parents are notified and
medicine is disposed of two weeks after notification.
Prescription medications fall under the Texas Penal Code definition of “controlled substance” or “dangerous
drugs”. Students are subject to disciplinary action if they do not follow the rules regarding prescription
medications.
SELF-ADMINISTRATION EXCEPTION: State law allows for the self-administration of prescription asthma
medicine or injectable epinephrine for severe allergies by public school students while on school property or
at a school-related event or activity under the following circumstances:
•
The asthma medication or epinephrine is labeled with the student’s name.
•
The self-administration is done in compliance with the prescription or the physician/licensed
health care provider’s written instructions.
•
The parent provides written authorization.
•
The physician provides and signs a statement stating:
1.
The student has prescribed medications or life threatening allergy and is capable of selfadministering the prescribed medication;
2.
The name and purpose of the medicine;
3.
The prescribed dosage for the medicine;
4.
The times at which or the circumstances under which the medicine may be administered;
5.
The period for which the medicine is prescribed.
The physician’s statement must be kept on file in the office of the school nurse.
The unauthorized possession, use, or sharing of prescribed medication is strictly prohibited and may be
subject to action through the District’s Student Code of Conduct.
In accordance with a student’s individual health plan for management of diabetes, a student with diabetes is
permitted to possess and use monitoring and treatment supplies and equipment while at school or at a schoolrelated activity.
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Private Duty Nurses
Doctor’s orders are required for students to be accompanied by a private duty nurse during the school day.
Private duty nurses must be approved by the HISD Director of Special Education or his/her designee prior to
participation on campus and are required to abide by all campus/district policy.
Psychotropic Drugs
Psychotropic drug is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a
medication and intended to have an altering effect on perception, emotion, or behavior. It 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 will not 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.
Steroids
Parents and students should be aware that 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.
Under state law, 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.
Students participating in UIL athletic competition may be subject to random steroid testing. More information on
the UIL testing program may be found on the UIL Web site atwww.uiltexas.org/health/steroid-information.
Insurance for Students
The district offers low-cost accident insurance for students. Students or parents must pay the premium for the
coverage, if they choose to participate. By declining the insurance offer or failing to respond to it, the parents accept
full responsibility for costs associated with a student’s injury or injuries.
“KeepnTrack” System
In the interest of keeping our children safe, Harlandale ISD has implemented the KeepnTrack Visitor Management
System at our schools and satellite offices. The KeepnTrack system enables schools and offices to produce visitor
badges, monitor volunteer hours, and electronically check all visitors against a registered sex offender’s database. All
visitors will be greeted and asked for a valid government or state issued photo identification card such as a driver’s
license or military I.D. The identification card will immediately be returned to the visitor, and then the visitor will
receive a badge to wear with their name, picture, destination, date and time in the school they are visiting. Visitors are
asked to continue to wear the badge the entire time of their visit and return it to the office before they leave. If you do
not have a driver’s license, government or state ID, it may be obtained at any Department of Public Safety.
Law Enforcement
Questioning of Students
When law enforcement officers or other lawful authorities wish to question or interview a student at school:
•
The principal will verify and record the identity of the officer or other authority and ask for an
explanation of the need to question or interview the student.
•
The principal will make reasonable efforts to notify parents, unless the interviewer has a valid
objection.
•
The principal will be present unless the interviewer has a valid objection.
•
The principal will cooperate fully regarding the conditions of the interview, if the questioning or
interview is part of a child abuse investigation.
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Students Taken into Custody
State law requires the District to permit a student to be taken into legal custody:
•
By an authorized representative of Child Protective Services, Texas Department of Protective and
Regulatory Services, a law enforcement officer, or a juvenile probation officer, without a court order,
under the conditions set out in the Family Code relating to the student’s physical health or safety.
•
By a probation officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has violated a condition of
probation imposed by the juvenile court.
•
By law enforcement officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has engaged in delinquent
conduct or conduct in need of supervision.
•
To comply with an order of the juvenile court.
•
To comply with a properly issued directive to take a student into custody.
•
To comply with the laws of arrest.
Before a student is released to a law enforcement officer or other legally authorized person, the principal verifies the
officer’s identity, and to the best of his or her ability, verifies the official’s authority to take custody of the student.
The principal immediately notifies the Superintendent and attempts to notify the parent unless the officer or other
authorized person raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection to notifying the parents. Because the
principal does not have the authority to prevent or delay a custody action, notification will most likely be after the fact.
Notification of Law Violations
The District is also required by state law to notify:
•
All instructional and support personnel who have responsibility for supervising a student who has been
arrested or referred to the juvenile court for any felony offense or for certain misdemeanors.
•
All instructional and support personnel who have regular contact with a student who is required to
register as a sex offender or who has been convicted or adjudicated of delinquent conduct for any
felony offense or certain misdemeanors.
Harlandale Police Department
The Harlandale Independent School District Police Department and the City of San Antonio Police Department have
entered into a Memorandum of Understanding outlining communication and coordination of efforts between the two
law enforcement entities.
Harlandale ISD Police Department officers have the responsibility to protect all school employees, district property,
and above all, the students attending our district schools. State Law gives Harlandale ISD District Police the same
authority as any other peace officer in the State of Texas. In addition the Harlandale District School Board has
authorized Harlandale ISD Police officers to take action anywhere within the boundaries of the Harlandale
Independent School District.
Harlandale ISD Police officers have the authority to:
•
Enforce all applicable sections of the Texas Education Code.
•
Prevent and investigate violations of law, ordinances, or district policy that occur on district property,
at school zones and bus stops, or at district functions; that involve District vehicles or buses; or that
involve offenses against the District or against district employees or board members in their capacity
as district employees or Board members.
•
Serve search warrants in connection with district-related investigations and arrest warrants in
compliance with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures.
•
Take juveniles into custody as provided by the Texas Family Code.
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H A N D B O O K
•
Arrest suspects consistent with state and federal statutory and constitutional standards governing
arrests, including arrests without warrant for offenses that occur in the officer’s presence or under the
other rules set out in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
•
Patrol streets within the district in connection with the performance of duties provided by this policy.
•
Engage in activities and programs approved by the Superintendent or designee designed to prevent or
deter crimes against District property or District employees, students, and visitors.
•
Carry weapons as directed by the Chief of Police and approved by the Superintendent.
•
Assist in providing traffic and parking control at athletic events, at school closings and openings, or at
any other time deemed necessary by the Superintendent or designee to ensure the safety and welfare
of students, staff and district patrons.
•
Enforce laws relating to the safe operation of school buses.
•
Where appropriate, coordinate and cooperate with commissioned officers of all other law enforcement
agencies in the enforcement of this policy.
•
Investigate violations of district rules and regulations as requested by district administration and
participate in administrative hearings concerning the alleged violations.
•
Participate in judicial proceedings.
•
Enforce all laws, including municipal ordinances, county ordinances, and state laws within another
law enforcement agency’s jurisdiction while temporarily assigned to that agency.
All police related offenses filed by HISD Police Department may be adjudicated by the City of San Antonio Municipal
Courts and Bexar County Courts at Law. The Harlandale Independent School District has also established a SAFE
LINE where any community member can call and report any FRAUD, neighborhood vandalism, bullying, or any
citizen and student concerns, and remain anonymous. The number is 932 –SAFE or (210-932-7233).
SAPD Reporting Requirements
The principal or designee is responsible for notifying the San Antonio Police Department if the principal/designee has
reasonable grounds to believe that a student has engaged in specific criminal activities on school property, or at a
school-sponsored activity on or off school property, without regard to whether the activity is investigated by school
district police officers.
Also, law enforcement agencies shall notify the school district within 24 hours when a student is arrested for a specific
offense even if it occurred off school property or during non-school hours. The Juvenile Probation Office shall also
notify the school district when a student transfers to another school district.
Limited English Proficient Students
A student with limited English proficiency (LEP) is entitled to receive specialized services from the district. To
determine whether the student qualifies for services, a Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) is
formed, which will consist of both district personnel and at least one parent representative. The student’s parent
must consent to any services recommended by the LPAC for a LEP student.
In order to determine a student’s level of proficiency in English, the LPAC uses information from a variety of
assessments. If the student qualifies for services and once a level of proficiency is established, the LPAC designates
instructional accommodations or additional special programs the student requires to eventually become proficient
at grade level work in English. Ongoing assessments are conducted to determine a student’s continued eligibility for
the program.
The LPAC also determines whether certain accommodations are necessary for any state-mandated assessments.
The STAAR-L, as mentioned at Standardized Testing may be administered to a LEP student. The Texas English
Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) is also administered to LEP students who qualify for services.
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H A N D B O O K
If a student is considered LEP and receives special education services because of a qualifying disability, the
student’s ARD committee will make these decisions.
Lockdowns
When schools go on “Lock Down” a series of procedures immediately and simultaneously go into effect. These
procedures could involve several individuals ranging from students and teachers to agencies such as the Harlandale
ISD District Police Department, the San Antonio Police Department, and possibly the San Antonio Fire Department.
A “Lock Down” is ordered when a threat to the safety of the students and staff exists. This threat could exist within
the school itself or in the immediate area of the school. The lockdown is ordered as a precautionary measure to protect
the students and staff and continues until the threat no longer exists.
The staff has been trained to work in conjunction with the Harlandale ISD District Police Department who in turn
work closely with the San Antonio Police Department whenever a “Lock Down” is in effect. Our Public Information
Office as well as the HISD Communications office will be constantly updated during the lockdown and will release
information when it can be released without compromising the situation.
It is important to remember that the main emphasis during a “Lock Down” is that the school is physically secured
and no one is permitted in or out without police consent. Please understand that this is done for the safety of all students
and staff. Once the “Lock Down” is lifted, all operations return to normal.
We understand your concern for your children’s safety and ask you for your patience and cooperation during these
“Lock Downs”. Be assured that everything possible will be done to keep all students and staff safe.
Lockers
Some schools elect not to use student lockers. In those that do, the following applies. Locker assignments are made the
first day of school. Lockers remain under the jurisdiction of the school even when assigned to an individual student.
Sharing of lockers is prohibited unless approved by the administration. The student is responsible for ensuring that
the locker is locked and the combination is not available to others. Every locker will be searched a minimum of two
(2) times a semester. Locker searches may be conducted at any time there is reasonable cause to do so, whether or not
a student is present. Students are responsible for the contents stored within their lockers.
Makeup Work
Students are expected to make up assignments and tests after absences. Students receive a zero for assignments or
tests not made up within the allotted time as determined by the teacher of record. The principal may modify the
allotted time based on information obtained from the classroom teacher. Grades for make-up work after an unexcused
absence is reduced by 10 points. A grade penalty is not imposed for make-up work if the student was suspended from
school.
Material Safety Data Sheets
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available for review at each campus. The MSDS contains a list of all products
that are bought by the District warehouse.
Multiple Birth Sibling Classroom Assignment
Parents may request that multiple birth siblings (twins, triplets, etc.) assigned to the same grade and campus be placed
either in the same classroom or in separate classrooms. The written request must be submitted no later than the 14th
day after the enrollment of the children.
Nuisance Items
Nuisance items include but are not limited to electronic game devices, other electronic devices (see page 15) cameras,
cell phones, iPods, visible headphones and/or ear buds, external speakers, laser pointers, paging devices, permanent
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H A N D B O O K
markers, radios, spray-paint, recorders, and mercury jewelry. These items are not allowed at school. Shoes with
wheels, or “heelies”, are not permitted for safety reasons. Violations will result in disciplinary action in accordance
with the Student Code of Conduct, appropriate laws and board policy.
Opt Out of Surveys and Activities
As a parent, you have a right to receive notice of and deny permission for your child’s participation in:

Any survey concerning private information, 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 [EF and FFAA (Legal)].
As a parent, you may inspect a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to
your child.
Parental Conferences / School Visitations
Parents and others are welcome to visit our District schools. Parents who desire private conferences with teachers or
the principal should contact the school in advance to arrange conferences during the school day. At no time should a
visitor ask a teacher to exit her classroom for a conference at the door of the room.
Parents may eat lunch with their child but must receive permission from the principal.
Please enter the building through the main entrances only. For the safety of those within the school, all visitors must
first report to the school’s front office to sign in and be issued a visitor’s badge and must comply with all applicable
district policies and campus procedures. Classroom visits shall be permitted only with the principal's approval, with
24-hours advance notice. Visits shall not be permitted if they interfere with instruction or disrupt the school
environment.
To avoid possible disruptive situations, a non-custodial parent who wishes to visit his or her child at school must have
a valid order that allows access to the child at school during regular school hours or the school must have the written
permission on file from the custodial parent that allows such a visitation. All other conditions for visitors to school will
be followed. The school and staff are required to comply with any valid court order or decree related to these
visitations.
When the bell rings for classes to begin in the morning, parents and visitors are asked to leave the classrooms and
hallway immediately so that the instructional day may begin on time. We especially invite parents and other members
of the community to visit during Texas Public Schools Week in March. All visitors are expected to demonstrate the
highest standards of courtesy and conduct. All visitors must be dressed appropriately for a school environment;
disruptive behavior is not permitted. (Also see “KeepnTrack” page 36)
Parental Involvement
Both experience and research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when good communication and a strong
partnership exists between home and school. Your involvement in this partnership may include:
•
Encouraging your child to put a high priority on education and working with your child on a daily
basis to make the most of the educational opportunities the school provides.
•
Ensuring that your child completes all homework assignments and special projects and that 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.
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•
Discussing with the counselor or principal any questions you may have about the options and
opportunities available to our child.
•
Reviewing the requirements of the graduation programs with him or her if entering the ninth grade.
•
Monitoring academic progress and contacting teachers as needed.
•
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
for an appointment. A teacher will, as a rule, return your call or meet with you during the conference
period or before or after school.
•
Becoming a school volunteer [GKG (Local)].
•
Participating in campus parent organizations. Parent Teacher Associations meet on a monthly basis.
All parents are encouraged to become involved and join the campus P.T.A. Two fund-raisers are
permitted each year. Special projects and activities are conducted throughout the school year. A
membership drive is held during September and October.
•
Offering to serve as a parent representative on the District-level or campus-level planning committees
that assist in the development of educational goals and plans to improve student achievement [BQA
(Local); BQB (Local)].
•
Offering to serve on the School Health Advisory Council, (SHAC), assists the District in ensuring local
community values and input are reflected in health education instruction [BDF (Legal)].
•
Attending Board meetings to learn more about District operations [BE (Legal)].
Parental Rights
As a parent, you have the right:

To request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s teachers, including whether a
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 has 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,
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
H A N D B O O K

Reports of behavioral patterns, and

State assessment instruments that have been administered to your child.
To grant or deny any written request from the District to make a video recording or voice recording of your
child. State law, however, permits the school to make a video recording 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
United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. The request must be in writing. State law does
not allow your child to be excused from participation in the required moment of silence or silent activity that
follows [EC (Legal)].

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 [EHBK (Legal)].

To request in writing, if you are a noncustodial 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 [FL(Legal) (Local)], [FO(LEGAL)] and
the Student Code of Conduct.
Photographs / Video-Recording
Parents/Guardians/Guests who choose to photograph or video record HISD school related events/activities and
subsequently distribute or otherwise publish the photographs or video recording through any means, including
but not limited to, CDs, Facebook, or YouTube, assume any and all potential risk in the event of any complaint
from other students who may appear in the photographs or video recording and whose families do not wish for
their student's image to be distributed or otherwise published.
Physical Education
Harlandale ISD is dedicated to teaching healthy lifestyles for children, Pre-K through 12thgrade.In accordance with
Board Policies EHAB, EHAC, and FFA, the district ensures that students in elementary school engage in at least 30
minutes of physical activity per day or 135 minutes per week. HISD offers 30 minutes a day of physical activity to
students in the middle schools. State law mandates that 6th, 7th and 8th grade students participate in moderate to
vigorous physical activity for at least four semesters and for at least 30 minutes daily. Also, students enrolled in a full
day pre-kindergarten program must participate in moderate to vigorous daily physical activity for at least 30 minutes.
Physical education is offered at elementary, middle and high schools. During physical education class students are
required to dress out in appropriate physical education attire. Elementary students who do not have a P.E. uniform
must wear clothing and shoes that allow for vigorous daily physical activity. Middle and high school students are
required to wear a P.E. uniform consisting of black shorts and a campus designated shirt and athletic shoes.
State law also mandates that elementary and middle schools select a coordinated school health program. The School
Health Advisory Committee and the Board selected Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH). This program
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meets the Texas Education Agency (TEA) guidelines for a coordinated program. All 14 elementary schools and four
middle schools in HISD implement CATCH. CATCH has four components: physical education activities, health
instruction in the classroom, Food Service Department’s Eat Smart program, and parental education. Health is a
district requirement for one semester at 6th grade and one semester in high school.
Medical problems expected to last more than 3 days, that prevent participation in physical education require a
Physician’s order before exempting a student from activity.
Physical Fitness Assessment
Annually, the district conducts a state mandated physical fitness assessment of students in grades 3-12. Students who
need a medical exemption from the fitness assessment must have a doctor’s note prior to testing stating the medical
problem and why the condition is too severe to permit testing. At the end of the school year, a parent may submit a
written request to the principal to obtain the results of the child’s physical fitness assessment conducted during the
school year.
Plagiarism
Offering another person's work as one's own without proper acknowledgment is plagiarism. Any student, who fails
to give credit for quotes or nearly identical material taken from books, encyclopedias, magazines, and other reference
works or from the themes, reports or other writings of a fellow student, is guilty of plagiarism.
The attempt of students to present work not honestly performed by them is regarded as a serious offense which may
subject the offender to a grading penalty and/or disciplinary action.
Pledge of Allegiance and Minute of Silence
Texas law requires that students at every school, once each school day, recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United
States flag and to the Texas flag. Following the pledges, a one minute period of silence is observed for reflection, prayer,
meditation, or any silent activity that does not interfere with or distract another student. School employees are
required to ensure that students remain silent and do not distract other students during the minute of silence.
Students whose parents submit to the principal a written request to be excused from reciting the pledges are not
required to participate. The law does not allow the student to be excused from the minute of silence or silent activity
that follows the pledges.
Policies
All HISD School Board Policies are made available at all school campuses. Policies may also be accessed on the internet
at www.harlandale.net.
Prayer
Each student has a right to individually, voluntarily, and silently pray or meditate in school in a manner that does not
disrupt instructional or other activities of the school. The school does not require, encourage, or coerce a student to
engage in or to refrain from such prayer or mediation during any school activity.
Progress Reports
Written reports of absences and student grades or performance in each class or subject are issued to parents at the
end of each grading period. If a student’s performance in a foundation curriculum subject is consistently
unsatisfactory, at least once every three weeks parents receive written notice regarding low performance.
Parents are notified if the student’s grade average is near or below 70, or below the expected level of performance. If
a student receives a grade of less than 70 in any class or subject during a grading period, the parents are requested to
schedule a conference with the teacher of that class or subject. The report card or unsatisfactory progress report states
whether tutorials are required for a student who receives a grade below 70 in a class or subject. Report cards and
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unsatisfactory progress reports must be signed by the parent and returned to the school within five school days. [EIA
(Legal)]
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) gives parents and students who are 18 or older or emancipated
minors (“eligible students”) certain rights regarding the school district’s conduct of surveys, collection and use of
information for marketing purposes, and conduct of certain physical exams. These include the right to:
Consent to federally funded surveys concerning “protected information.” If the U.S. Department of Education funds
a survey in whole or in part, a student’s parents or an eligible student must consent in writing before the student may
provide information relating to the following categories:
•
Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent.
•
Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family.
•
Sexual behavior or attitudes.
•
Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.
•
Critical appraisals of individuals with whom the student has a close family relationship.
•
Privileged or similar relationships recognized by law such as with attorneys, doctors, and ministers.
•
Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parents; or
•
Income other than that required by law to determine program eligibility.
A survey that concerns any of these points is called a “protected information survey.”
Opt out of certain surveys and exams. Parents and eligible students will receive notice of any of the following activities
and have the right to opt out of them:
•
Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for purposes
of marketing or selling or otherwise distributing the information to others;
•
Any protected information survey, regardless of funding; and
•
Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance administered
by the school or its agent and scheduled by the school, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and
safety of a student or of another student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical
exam or screening permitted or required under state law.
Inspect certain material. Parents and eligible students have the right to inspect the following, upon request, before the
district administers or uses them:
•
Protected information surveys of students (including any instructional materials used in connection with the
survey);
•
Documents used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other
distribution purposes; and
•
Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
Receive notification of district policy. HISD developed a policy regarding these rights, and made arrangements to
protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of
personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. The District will directly notify parents and
eligible students, such as through U.S. Mail or email, of this policy at least annually at the start of each school year and
after any substantive changes are made.
Reporting violations, parents and eligible student who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint
with:
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Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
Release of Students from School
Elementary Students
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 must leave school during the day must bring a note from his or her parent that morning. A student
who becomes ill during the school day should, with the teacher’s permission, report to the school nurse. The nurse
decides whether or not the student should be sent home and notifies the student’s parent.
A student is not released from school at times other than the end of the school day except with the principal’s
permission or according to the campus sign-out procedures. Unless the principal has granted approval because of
extenuating circumstances, a student is not released before the end of the instructional day and early checkouts may
be counted as absences.
Secondary Students
If a student plans to leave school during the school day, he or she must sign out through the attendance office. The
procedure for such mid-day check out is as follows:
•
The student presents a written request for checkout from parent to the attendance clerk before
school on the day that the checkout is desired.
•
The attendance clerk verifies the request with the parents by phone. The request note must include
the following information:
1.
Statement of the date and exact time the student is to be dismissed.
2.
Explanation of need for early dismissal.
3.
Parent’s signature and phone where parent can most conveniently be reached (home or work).
•
Upon verification, the student is given a checkout pass that allows him/her to leave the classroom at
the prescribed time, proceed to the attendance office and sign out. If a student becomes ill during the
day, he/she should report to the attendance office or nurse with a hall pass from the teacher. The nurse
notifies the parent and, thereby, gains permission for the student to leave the school campus and
proceed home after signing out in the attendance office.
•
At no time will a student be allowed, for any reason, to leave school before the parent or guardian is
notified.
Residency
Residency in the District is required for enrollment unless otherwise allowed by federal/state law or Board policy.
Generally, residency is considered to be where a student sleeps during a school week. The District is authorized to
require evidence that a person lives in the District. The proof of residence may include, but not be limited to CPS or
SAWS utility bills with proper names and addresses, copies of deeds, mortgage contracts, or notarized lease
agreements (with all family members and guest listed). A District representative may conduct a home visit to verify
residency. Contact Pupil Personnel if no other means of verification are available.
Residency Affidavits
If a parent and student live with a host family, the host must provide a notarized District affidavit. Also, the host must
present themselves with the affidavit and provide proof of residency to support the affidavit at the time of the student's
enrollment. Residency affidavits must be renewed each year. All first time residency affidavits must be approved by
a Pupil Personnel administrator. Falsifying information for the purposes of school enrollment is a Class C
misdemeanor and is subject to prosecution and fine.
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Resident/Nonresident Students
Students attend school in their appropriate attendance zone. The Superintendent or designee is authorized to approve
attendance zone transfers when, in his/her opinion, it is in the best interest of the student. [FDB (Local)]
If, during the school year, students move out of their attendance areas but remain in the district, they must apply to
the respective principals and the Pupil Personnel Department for continued enrollment in the old attendance zone, if
such enrollment is desired. For continued enrollment for the remainder of the current school year only, the student
must be in good standing, the parents must agree to provide transportation, and the student must attain acceptable
attendance and behavior.
Resident students who become nonresidents during the course of a semester may be permitted to continue in
attendance for the remainder of the semester upon conditional approval by the Superintendent/Designee. An appeal
for an extension may be made to the Board when circumstances warrant. The decision of the Board will be final. [FDA
(Local)]
Retaliation
Retaliation against a student might occur when a student receives threats from another student or an employee or
when an employee imposes an unjustified punishment or unwarranted grade reduction. Retaliation does not include
petty slights and annoyances from other students or negative comments from a teacher that are justified by a student’s
poor academic performance in the classroom.
Retaliation against a person, who makes a good faith report of discrimination or harassment, including dating
violence, is prohibited. Retaliation against a person who is participating in an investigation of alleged discrimination
or harassment is also prohibited. A person who makes a false claim or offers false statements or refuses to cooperate
with a district investigation, however, may be subject to appropriate discipline.
Retention and Promotion
A student may be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency of the subject
matter of the course or grade level. Schools must consider the following to determine whether a student is promoted
to the next grade:
1.
2.
3.
4.
the recommendation of the student’s teacher;
the student’s grade in each subject or course;
the student’s score on the state-mandated tests (English or Spanish) in grades 5 and 8 or an alternate
assessment under §39.023(b) or (l); and
Any other necessary academic information.
To earn credit in a course, a student must receive a grade of 70 based on course-level or grade-level standards. In
addition, at certain grade levels a student-with limited exceptions-is required to pass the State of Texas Assessments
of Academic Readiness (STAAR), if the student is enrolled in a public Texas school on any day between January 1
and the date of the first administration of the STAAR*.
•
Promotions to grade 6 require satisfactory performance on the Mathematics and Reading sections of the
grade 5 assessment test in English or Spanish.
•
Promotions to grade 9 require satisfactory performance on the Mathematics and Reading sections of the
grade 8 assessment test in English.
Students in grades 5 or 8 have two additional opportunities to take a failed assessment. If a student fails the second
time, a grade placement committee, consisting of the principal or designee, the teacher, and the student’s parent
determines the additional special instruction the student receives. After a third failed attempt, the student is retained;
however, the parent can appeal this decision to the committee. If the student is to be promoted by the committee, based
on standards previously established by the district, the decision of the committee must be unanimous and the student
must complete additional special instruction before beginning the next grade level. Whether the student is retained or
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promoted, an educational plan for the student is designed to enable the student to perform at grade level by the end
of the next school year.
Parents with first through eighth grade students who do not meet the performance standard are notified that the
student will participate in instructional programs to improve performance. A student who fails any STAAR
assessment in grades 3-8 must receive accelerated instruction in that subject, which may include instruction outside
of normal school hours.
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.
Regardless of the committee’s decision to retain or promote, an educational plan for the student is designed to enable
the student to perform at grade level by the end of the next school year.
Personal Graduation Plan
A Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) is prepared for any student in a middle school or beyond who did not perform
satisfactorily on a state mandated assessment test or who 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 is designed and implemented by
a guidance counselor, teacher, or other staff member designated by the principal. The plan identifies the student’s
educational goals and includes consideration of the parent’s educational expectations for the student. For a student
receiving special education services, the student’s IEP serves as the student’s PGP and is developed by the student’s
ARD committee.
Safety/Accident Prevention
Student safety on campus or at school-related events is a high priority of the District. Although the District has
implemented safety procedures, the cooperation of students is essential to ensure school safety. Students should:
•
Avoid contact that is likely to put the student or other students at risk.
•
Follow the Student Code of Conduct and any additional rules for behavior and safety set by the
principal, teachers, or bus drivers.
•
Remain alert to and promptly report safety hazards, such as intruders on campus and threats made
by any person toward a student or staff member.
•
Know emergency evacuation routes and signals.
•
Follow immediately the instructions of teachers, bus drivers, and other District employees who are
overseeing the welfare of students.
PLEASE NOTE: Accident Insurance
Under state law, the District cannot pay for medical expenses associated with a student’s injury. The District does
make available, however, an optional, low-cost accident insurance program for students to assist parents in meeting
medical expenses. A parent who desires coverage for his or her child will be responsible for paying insurance
premiums and for submitting claims through the insurance company.
Surveillance Cameras
Students may be video or audio recorded for safety purposes, including the maintenance of order and discipline in
common areas of the school buildings or school buses. Recording may be done without the students’ knowledge.
Recordings may be reviewed and misconduct documented. Disciplinary consequences are applied for violating the
Student Code of Conduct.
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School Facilities
The taxpayers of the Harlandale ISD community made a sustained financial commitment for the construction and
upkeep of school facilities. To ensure that school facilities can serve those for whom they are intended – both this year
and in the coming years – littering, defacing, or damaging school property is not tolerated. Students are required to
make restitution for damages they cause and shall be subject to disciplinary consequences in accordance with the
Student Code of Conduct.
Pest Control Information
The District periodically applies inside buildings pesticides that comply with state and federal guidelines. Except in an
emergency, signs will be posted 48 hours before application. More information concerning these applications may be
obtained from the Assistant Superintendent of Operations at 989-4712.
Asbestos
Harlandale ISD is working diligently to maintain compliance with the Federal AHERA regulations concerning
asbestos. Should you desire to review the asbestos management plan for your child’s school, a copy of the plan is
available in the principal’s office as well as the school’s central administration office. If you have questions about the
plan or this federally mandated program, please contact the Assistant Superintendent of Operations at 989-4712.
School Health Advisory Council
Harlandale ISD established a local health education advisory council to assist in assuring that the district’s health
instruction reflects local community values. HISD’s School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) held 5 meetings last
school year. The district considers the recommendation of the local school health education advisory council before
changing the health education curriculum or instruction. They are charged with establishing programs to prevent
cardiovascular disease, obesity, and Type II diabetes through coordination of health education, physical education,
nutrition services, parental involvement, and tobacco prevention. Any course materials and instruction relating to
human sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome
shall be selected by the board of trustees with the advice of the local health education advisory council.
Searches
In the interest of promoting student safety and attempting to ensure that schools are safe and drug free, District
officials may, from time to time, conduct searches. Such searches are conducted without a warrant and as permitted
by law. Please also refer to the 2016-2017 Student Code of Conduct.
Administrative Search
Students who leave school grounds without permission and return the same day are subject to search. If students leave
without permission in a vehicle and return in the vehicle, both students and vehicle are subject to search. In addition,
if students are found in an unauthorized area of the school grounds they are subject to search. Searches are conducted
by the Principal or the administrative designee.
Trained Dogs
Drug Dogs are periodically used to check District buildings and grounds. Students have the right to privacy in their
personal possessions unless the principal or other school official has reasonable cause to believe that students are
concealing material, the possession of which is prohibited by law or by the policies and administrative procedures of
the District.
Students’ Desks and Lockers
Students’ desks and lockers are school property and remain under the control and jurisdiction of the school even
when assigned to an individual student. Students are fully responsible for the security and contents of the assigned
desks and lockers. Students must be certain that the locker is locked, and that the combination is not available to
others.
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Searches of desks or lockers may be conducted at any time there is reasonable cause to believe that they contain articles
or materials prohibited by District policy, whether or not a student is present. The parent is notified if any prohibited
items are found in the student’s desk or locker.
Vehicles on Campus
Vehicles parked on school property are under the jurisdiction of the school. School officials may search any vehicle
any time, with or without the presence of the student, if a reasonable cause exists to do so. A student has full
responsibility for the security and contents of his or her vehicle and must make certain that it is locked and that the
keys are not given to others.
Metal Detectors
Metal detectors may be used to search students at Harlandale ISD schools. Please see Board Policy FNF (Local) for
further information.
Service Animals
A parent of a student who uses a service animal because of the student’s disability must submit a request in writing to
the principal at least ten district business days before bringing the service animal on campus.
Sexual Harassment/Sexual Abuse
Sexual harassment of a student by an employee or volunteer does not include necessary or permissible physical contact
not reasonably construed as sexual in nature. However, romantic and other inappropriate social relationships, as well
as all sexual relationships, between students and HISD employees are prohibited, even if consensual.
Examples of prohibited sexual harassment may include, but not be limited to, touching private body parts or coercing
physical contact that is sexual in nature; sexual advances; jokes or conversations of a sexual nature; and other sexually
motivated conduct, communications, or contact.
The District encourages parental and student support in its efforts to address and prevent sexual harassment and
sexual abuse in the schools. Students and/or parents are encouraged to discuss their questions or concerns with the
expectations in this area with a teacher, counselor, principal or designee who serves as the District Title IX coordinator
for students.
Students must not engage in unwanted and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed toward
another student or a District employee. This prohibition applies whether the conduct is by word, gesture, or any other
sexual conduct, including requests for sexual favors. All students are expected to treat other students and HISD
employees with courtesy and respect; to avoid any behaviors known to be offensive; and to stop these behaviors when
asked or told to stop.
A substantial complaint against a student will result in appropriate disciplinary action, according to the nature of the
offense and the Student Code of Conduct.
The District notifies the parents of all students involved in sexual harassment by student(s) when the allegations are
not minor, and will notify parents of any incident of sexual harassment or sexual abuse by an employee. To the greatest
extent possible, complaints are treated as confidential. Limited disclosure may be necessary to complete a thorough
investigation.
A complaint alleging sexual harassment by another student or sexual harassment or sexual abuse by a staff member
may be presented by a student and/or parent in a conference with the principal or designee or with the Title IX
coordinator. The parent or other advisor may accompany the student throughout the complaint process. The first
conference with the student ordinarily is held by a person who is the same gender as the student. The conference is
scheduled and held as soon as possible, but no later than five days after the request. The principal or Title IX
coordinator conducts an appropriate investigation, which ordinarily is completed within ten days. The student and/or
parent are informed if extenuating circumstances delay completion of the investigation.
The student is not required to present a complaint to a person who is the subject of the complaint.
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If the resolution of the complaint is not satisfactory to the student or parent, the student or parent may, within ten
days, request a conference with the Superintendent or designee. Prior to this conference, the student and/or parent
must submit the complaint in writing and must include (1) a complete statement of the complaint, (2) any evidence
supporting the complaint, (3) a statement about how the matter should be resolved, (4) the student’s and/or parent’s
signature, and the date of the conference with the principal, the principal’s designee, or the Title IX coordinator.
If the resolution by the Superintendent or designee is not satisfactory, the student and/or parent may present the
complaint to the Board at the next regular meeting. Information on the procedure for addressing the Board can be
obtained from any campus office or the Superintendent’s office.
For more information about parent and student rights, you may request a copy of the District’s Notice of Parent and
Student Rights found in the District’s policy manual. [FNG (Local)]
Child Sexual Abuse
Parents must be aware of warning signs indicating possible sexual abuse of a child. The Texas Family Code defines
sexual abuse 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.
Possible physical warning signs of sexual abuse could be difficulty sitting or walking, pain in the genital areas, and
claims of stomachaches and headaches. Behavioral indicators may include 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. Emotional warning signs to be aware of include withdrawal, depression, sleeping and eating
disorders, and problems in school.
A child who has experienced sexual abuse should be encouraged to seek out a trusted adult. Be aware as a parent or
other trusted adult that disclosures of sexual abuse may be more indirect than disclosures of physical abuse, and 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.
As a parent, if your child is a victim of sexual abuse, the campus counselor or principal will provide information
regarding counseling options for you and your child available in your area. The Texas Department of Family and
Protective Services (TDFPS) also manage early intervention counseling programs. To find out what services may be
available in your county, see http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Prevention and Early Intervention/Programs available in
Your County/default.asp.
The following web sites might help you become more aware of child sexual abuse:
http://www.taasa.org/member/materials2.php;
http://oag.state.tx.us/AG Publications/txts/childabuse1.shtml;
http://oag.state.tx.us/AG Publications/txts/childabuse2.shtml.
Reports may be made to:
The Child Protective Services (CPS) division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (1-800-2525400 or on the Web at http://www.txabusehotline.org)
Special Programs
The District provides special programs for gifted and talented students, migrant students, and 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 the campus principal.
Bilingual/ESL Program
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 extra services, the Language
Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) determines the types of services the student needs, including
accommodations or modifications related to classroom instruction, local assessments, and state-mandated
assessments.
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Harlandale ISD offers Dual Language Immersion bi-literacy program model in grades Pre-K to 5th at all elementary
campuses and 6th -8th at Leal Middle School. Secondary campuses offer ESL classes to English Language Learners, as
well as sheltered English instruction. The goal of the Bilingual/ESL Programs is to enable the students with limited
English proficiency to become bilingual, bi-literate and bicultural individuals. It has the added benefit of being
enrichment program for the English dominant students who participate. For more information contact the
Bilingual/ESL Department office at 989-4361.
Gifted and Talented Program
The Harlandale ISD offers a program for K-12 gifted/talented students. Kinder students, once identified, receive
services in their regular classrooms, while other students receive services outside the classroom. Students may be
nominated for screening and identification by parents, teachers, counselors, or other interested persons. Screening is
based on teacher observations, parent input, student work products, and assessments. The District may reassess as
needed.
Parent consent must be obtained before any special testing or individual assessment is conducted as part of the
screening and identification process. A District selection committee, composed of at least three professional educators
who have received training in the nature and needs of gifted students, shall evaluate nominated students and
determine the most appropriate educational setting.
Students identified as gifted by a previous school district shall submit records for review by the District selection
committee to determine if placement in the District’s program for Gifted and Talented is appropriate. The committee
shall make recommendation within 30 school days of the student’s enrollment and shall base its decision on the
transferred records, observation reports of District teachers who instruct the student and any additional testing
required. If the committee does not recommend placement in the gifted program, the student may be nominated for
the screening process.
Parents and students shall be notified upon selection of the student for the gifted program. Participation in any
program or services provided for gifted students is voluntary. The District shall obtain permission from parents before
program placement.
A student may be removed from the program at any time the District selection committee determines it is in the
student’s best interest or if the student or parent request removal. Should the student desire re-admission after exiting,
the student must re-qualify on the basis of the selection criteria in effect at that time.
Homebound Program
Homebound services may be requested for a student who is unable to attend school due to illness or injury
weeks or longer. A medical examination by a medical doctor is required. For information, contact your school
counselor or the Special Education Department at 989-5255.
Married Students / Pregnant Students
Married students have the same rights and responsibilities as unmarried students. Pregnant students have
the right to continue their education during pregnancy and may choose to exercise that right by (1) remaining
in the regular school program or (2) participating in any other special program the District may provide for
teen parents. The pregnant student may also choose to request a leave of absence. Such request shall be
accompanied by a licensed physician’s certification that the leave is a medical necessity. Students who avail
themselves of this option are exempt from compulsory attendance during the period certified by the physician
as necessary for the leave of absence. For information, contact your school counselor or vice-principal.
Students with Learning Difficulties
Students may be referred by parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, or any other District employee for
evaluation at any time to determine if they have disabilities and are in need of special instruction or services.
Students screened and found to exhibit characteristics of dyslexia may participate in a dyslexia intervention
program on the campus. A variety of other services are available for students with special needs. You may
consult with the district Special Education Department at 989-5255, if you have questions about the range of
special-needs services that are available in the district. (See also Freedom from Discrimination: Services for
Students with Disabilities.)
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Title 1 Migrant Program
Migrant students residing in the district are eligible to participate in all instructional and support programs.
The Title 1, Part C Migrant Education program is designed according to federal requirements. All migrant
students are identified and recruited on a yearly basis as outlined in the Texas Manual for the Identification
and Recruitment of Migrant Students. The district’s policy ensures that new and late entry migrant students
have appropriate course placement and are provided opportunities to catch up with past course work.
Migrant students’ absences only incur after enrollment in the district.
Campus Improvement Plans include instructional activities that address migrant students identified needs, because
all students are expected to meet or exceed the academic standards. Contact the Federal Programs Department at
989-4440 concerning other services available to migrant students.
State Mandated Screenings
Vision and Hearing
Vision and hearing screenings are conducted each year for all new students and students in grades Pre-K, K, 1st, 3rd,
5th, and 7thgrades.
Spinal Screenings
Students are screened for scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, in 5th and 8th grades. The National Scoliosis Foundation
states that 1 in 10 children from ages 10 – 14 have some degree of scoliosis. Early detection can prevent severe
deformity. A notice will be sent to parents should a student need further evaluation following the screening.
A professional examination may be substituted for the screening. Written proof of such examination must be
presented to the school. A student is exempt from screening if it conflicts with the tenets and practices of a recognized
church or religious denomination of which the student is a member or adherent. To qualify for the exemption, a
written parental objection must be presented to the school principal or nurse on or before the day of screening.
Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis Nigricans is a condition that causes light brown to black, velvety rough areas or increased skin markings
usually on the back and sides of the neck. It is an indicator of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a primary factor
in the development of type 2 diabetes. The development of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed through diet
and exercise if insulin resistance is identified early in life.
As of September 1, 2001, the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 95, requires acanthosis nigricans screening in
schools in eight regions of Texas including San Antonio. Harlandale Independent School District nurses are trained
to screen for acanthosis nigricans. The screening does not include the removal or partial removal of clothing. Students
in grades 3, 5, and 7 will be screened. A notice will be sent to parents should a student need further evaluation following
the screening.
A professional examination may be substituted for the screening. Written proof of such an examination must be
presented in writing to the school principal on or before the day of screening.
A student is exempt from screening if screening conflicts with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or
religious denomination of which the student is an adherent or member. To qualify for the exemption, a written
parental objection must be presented to the school principal or nurse on or before the day of screening.
Standardized Tests for College Entrance
Most colleges require either the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for admission.
Students are encouraged early during their junior year to talk with the counselor to determine the appropriate exam
to take; entrance exams are usually taken at the end of the junior year. Prior to enrollment in a Texas public college
or university, most students must take an assessment test, such as the Texas Success Initiative. (TSI)
State –Mandated Testing
In addition to routine testing and other measures of achievement, students at certain grade levels will take state
mandated assessment tests.
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Students in Kindergarten-Grade 3 will be administered the I Station Reading Inventory English/Spanish, several
times each year.
Students in grades 3-8will take the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) in the following areas:
•
Mathematics, grades 3-8
•
Reading, grades 3-8
•
Writing, including spelling and grammar, grades 4 and 7
•
Science, grades 5 and 8
•
Social Studies, grade 8
Successful performance on the reading and math assessments in grades 5 and 8 is required by law for promotion to
the next grade.
STAAR Alternate is available for students receiving special education services, is available for eligible students, as
determined by the student’s ARD committee.
STAAR A is available for eligible students as determined by the students ARD committee or section 504 committee.
STAAR-L is a linguistically accommodated assessment that is available for certain limited English proficient (LEP)
students, as determined by the student’s Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC).
End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments for Students in Grades 9-12
For the 2016-2017 school year the ninth, tenth and eleventh graders will be required to take the End-Of-Course (EOC)
assessments for the courses they are enrolled in:
•
Algebra I
•
English I and English II
•
Biology
•
United States History
Satisfactory performances on the applicable assessments are required for graduation and also affect the plan under
which the student graduates.
Three testing windows, fall, spring and summer, are available during the year when a student may take an EOC
assessment. A student who does not achieve a passing score on any individual assessment is required to retake that
assessment
STAAR Alternate is available for students receiving special education services, is available for eligible students, as
determined by the student’s ARD committee. These particular EOC assessments may have different testing windows
than the general assessments, and the ARD committee determines whether successful performance on the assessments
is required for graduation.
STAAR A is available for eligible students as determined by the students ARD committee or section 504 committee.
STAAR-L, the linguistically accommodated assessment, is available for students who are determined to be LEP and
who require this type of testing accommodation.
Additional information will be provided prior to the spring 2017 administrations.
TAKS - Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills
TAKS is available for certain current or former students for whom TAKS is their requirement for graduation.
For a student in grade 12 during the 2016-2017 school year, if the student has not already passed, the student is assessed
with TAKS in the subject areas of mathematics, English/language arts, social studies, and science. The test at grade
12 is called “exit-level” TAKS, and satisfactory performance on this test is required for graduation.
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Texas Success Initiative
Prior to enrollment in a Texas public college or university, most students take a standardized test such as the Texas
Success Initiative (TSI). The purpose of the TSI is to assess the reading, math, and writing skills that entering
freshmen-level student’s exhibit. This test may be required before a student enrolls in a dual-credit course offered
through the district, as well.
Student Offices and Elections
In order to obtain the best possible student leadership, and to prevent interference with scholastic achievement, all
students, before consideration for election or appointment to a student office or position of honor, must have the
approval of the appropriate faculty members.
The areas suggested to the teachers for consideration and approvals are:
•
•
•
•
•
Scholarship
Citizenship
Dependability
Cooperation
Conduct
Causes for Disqualification
Students seeking or holding class, student council or club office or honorary positions may be disqualified or removed
from holding office or the position of honor for the following reasons.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Suspension from school
Failure to comply with rules and regulations of the school
Lack of interest in fulfilling duties of the office
Lack of cooperation with sponsors
Failure to maintain the grade average required by the organization
Conduct/discipline or attendance problems
Removal from office will be subject to administrative review.
Student Records
Both federal and state laws safeguard 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 enrolls in an institution of postsecondary education.
The law specifies that certain general information about students is considered “directory information” and will be
released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it. That information includes:




A student’s name, address, telephone number, and date and place of birth.
The student’s photograph, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and weight and height
of members of athletic teams.
The student’s dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status, honors and awards received in school, and
most recent school previously attended.
The student’s e-mail address.
Release of any or all directory information regarding a student 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 acknowledgment form on the enrollment card.]
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 or the right to access a student’s
education records. Federal law requires that, as soon as the student becomes 18, is emancipated by a court,
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or enrolls in a post-secondary institution, control of the records goes to the student. However, the parents
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.

District school officials who have what federal law defines as a “legitimate educational interest” in a student’s
records. School officials include trustees and employees, such as the superintendent, administrators, and
principals; teachers, counselors, diagnosticians, and support staff; a person or company with whom the
district contracts or allows to provide a particular service or function (such as attorney, consultant, auditor,
medical consultant, therapist, or volunteer); a parent or student serving on a school committee; or a parent
or student assisting a school official in the performance of his or her duties. “Legitimate educational interest”
in a student’s records includes working with the student; considering disciplinary or academic actions, or an
individualized education program for a student with disabilities; compiling statistical data; reviewing an
educational record to fulfill the official’s professional responsibility; or investigating or evaluating programs.

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 is already enrolled.
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 District must 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.
The principal is custodian of all records for both currently enrolled students at the assigned school and 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, and the student qualifies for free and reduced lunches the District will either provide a
copy of the requested records, or make other arrangements for the parent or student to review the requested records.
In any case, a parent or eligible student who provides a written request and pays copying costs of ten cents per page
may obtain copies. The records custodian or designee will respond to reasonable requests for explanation and
interpretation of the records.
A parent (or the student if he or she is 18 or older or is attending an institution of postsecondary education) may
inspect the student’s records and request a correction if the records are considered inaccurate, misleading 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 defined by policy [FNG (Local)]. A grade issued by a classroom teacher can be changed
only if, as determined by the board of trustees, the grade is arbitrary, erroneous, or inconsistent with the district’s
grading policy.
The district’s policy regarding student records found at [FL (Local)] is available from the principal’s or
superintendent’s office or on the district’s website.
The parent’s or eligible student’s right of access to and copies of student record does not extend to all records.
Materials that are not considered educational records – such as a teacher’s 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.
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 complaint may be mailed to:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
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The District’s policy regarding student records is available from the principal’s or Superintendent’s office.
The parent’s or eligible student’s right of access to and copies of student record 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.
Special Education Records
Parents of a student with disabilities who has been provided special education services by the District are notified
when any information that specifically identifies the student is no longer needed. If the parent requests destruction of
the information and the time established by law for retention has expired, the records are destroyed. However, if the
retention period established by law has not expired, the material is deleted from the records but the records are
maintained until the time has expired.
Student Schedules
Regular Class Periods
Students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled classes assigned to them. Students are also expected to
bring all of the necessary material to class each day and are expected to participate in all class activities and
complete all assigned school work. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a proper manner and
follow all classroom regulations.
Schedule Changes
Harlandale ISD high schools build their master schedules according to students' selection of courses. The course
selection process is designed to encourage careful decision-making by students and their parents based on information
regarding graduation, college entrance and career requirements. Once students have indicated their preferences,
teachers are employed and assigned to meet those needs.
In order to ensure the integrity of each student's decisions and of the master schedule thus developed, individual
schedule change requests will only be considered according to the following guidelines and in the given time frames.
•
To correct improper placement.
•
To correct clerical error.
All changes that remove a student from the recommended graduation plan require parent/guardian signature.
Courses may be dropped with parental and principal/principal designee approval only, and then at semester only.
The semester grade is recorded on the Academic Achievement Record (AAR) and used in calculating class rank.
Student Speakers
Each year the district will develop a list of school events at which eligible students have the opportunity to publicly
speak. Students eligible to apply to speak at these events include those who are in the highest two grade levels of the
school, volunteer and have complied with Board Policy, and who are not in or have never been assigned to an
alternative disciplinary placement (DAEP or JJAEP).
Eligible students who wish to introduce a listed school event should submit his or her name to the principal during the
first week of each semester. The names of all students who volunteered are randomly drawn and matched to the event
at which the student wishes to speak. If the selected student speaker declines or becomes ineligible, then no student
introduction is made at that event. The selection of students to introduce school events occurs at the beginning of each
semester.
As determined by the principal, students who have been selected for special honors, such as captain of an athletic
team, student council officers, leaders of school-sponsored organizations, homecoming king or queen, or prom king
or queen may also address school audiences at designated events. [FNA (Local)]
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Student Transfers - In District
All students are required to attend the school in the attendance area in which they reside. If a parent wishes for the
student to attend a school other than the assigned school, he or she must obtain the proper District forms and request
the approval from both home school and receiving school principals and the Pupil Personnel Department. All
transfers are conditional and may be revoked at any time, for good cause, by the superintendent, designee, or
principal. The District may also revoke the transfer for violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Approved transfers
are valid for as long as the student is continuously enrolled in the receiving school and the parent’s home address and
home attendance zone do not change. However, parent and student (if applicable) must sign a new contract each year.
A parent may request a transfer for the following reasons:
•
Physiological, psychological, and sociological reasons when certified in writing by a physician or
psychologist;
•
To take academic courses not offered at the home school with a recommendation by the home school
principal;
•
Extreme hardship reasons such as transportation, student safety, and keeping siblings together. (See
also Freedom from Discrimination: Services for Students with Disabilities.)
A student may be denied a transfer for poor attendance, unacceptable grades, or unsatisfactory conduct.
If a request for a transfer is denied, a parent may petition in writing to the Pupil Personnel Department within two
days of the denial by the principal. [FDB (Local)]
The following procedure must be followed.
1.
Parent acquires a transfer request form and asks the HOME school principal for a transfer signature.
2.
If HOME school principal agrees to transfer the student, parent takes the signed document to the principal
in the school where student wishes to transfer, known as the RECEIVING school.
3.
If the RECEIVING school principal signs the transfer request and grants the transfer, the parent must then
take the signed transfer request form to Pupil Personnel for approval, which is generally automatic. The
student is transferred to the RECEIVING school. If the RECEIVING school principal denies the transfer,
parent may appeal the denial (see step 4, below).
4.
If HOME or RECEIVING school principal denies the transfer request, parent has two (2) days in which to
appeal to Pupil Personnel. An appeal form may be obtained from the principal’s office or from the Pupil
Personnel office. The appeal form must be filled out completely and include a specific reason for the appeal.
A decision is mailed to the parent.
•
Please note that In-District Transfer approvals are held until after populations stabilize in elementary schools
to prevent overcrowding. This three week waiting period at the beginning of the school year only effects NEW
Elementary School In-District Transfers and Public Education Grant (PEG) Transfers
Be aware holds are placed on In-District Transfers prior to the STAAR Testing during the second semester.
Sexual Assaults and Campus Assignments
If a student has been convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault
against another student on the same campus, no matter where the alleged assault took place, and if the victim or the
victim’s parents request that the board transfer the offending student to another campus, the offending student shall
be transferred to another campus in the district.
School Safety Transfer Requests
A student who becomes a victim, on campus, of a violent criminal act is entitled to transfer to another grade
appropriate campus. A violent criminal act is an act defined in the Texas Penal Code and includes attempted
murder, indecency with a child, aggravated kidnapping, assault, aggravated assault, and sexual assault or
aggravated sexual assault.
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The school principal contacts the parent within 10 days of the incident. A parent has 30 calendar days from the date
on which the criminal act took place to request a student transfer through the Pupil Personnel office. The transfer is
made by the superintendent or superintendent’s designee. Transportation is not provided.
If a student attends school at a campus identified by TEA as persistently dangerous the parent of the student may
request a transfer to safe public school within the district.
Bullying Transfers
If your student has been determined by the principal to have been a victim of bullying as the term is defined
by Education Code 25.0341, you may request a transfer or if the victim or the victim’s parents request that
the board transfer the offending student to another campus, the offending student shall be transferred to
another campus and district transportation is not provided. [See Bullying in this handbook].
Summer School
A variety of programs is offered during the summer for both enrichment and remediation. High School Summer
School is generally offered for students who may need to repeat a course failed during the regular school year. Students
who have failed 5th or 8th grade Math or Reading or any End of Course or any STAAR exams required for graduation
are required to participate in an intervention at no cost.
Students may not take a core course (math, English, science and social studies) for advancement without express
permission from the student’s counselor. Such permission is given only for serious reasons. Students may take other
courses offered, usually electives, for advancement or enrichment. High School students may earn up to 1-1/2 units of
credit in summer school. Only passing grades of 70 higher will be accepted for substitution for a previously earned
failing grade. Students wishing to attend High School Summer School should seek confirmation and approval from
their counselor.
Tardiness
Students are expected to be on time for all their classes. Each student shall be in class when the tardy bell rings.
Excessive tardiness results in disciplinary action. Students must become familiar with the school's tardy policy, which
is explained fully during the first week of school. Students who are tardy 3 or more times are not eligible for a perfect
attendance certificate.
Textbooks, Electronic Textbooks, and Technological Equipment
State approved textbooks are provided free of charge for each subject or class. Books must be covered with a book
cover by the student, as directed by the teacher, and treated with care. Electronic textbooks and technological
equipment may also be provided to students, depending on the course and course objectives. A student who is issued
a damaged item should report the damage to the teacher. Any student failing to return an item in acceptable condition
loses the right to free textbooks and technological equipment until the item is returned or paid for by the parent or
guardian. However, a student will be provided textbooks for use at school during the school day.
Tobacco Use
The use of tobacco in any form by the student is prohibited. A student who is found smoking, using tobacco products,
or in the possession of cigarettes, other tobacco products, apparatus (lighter, matches, pipes, etc.) is subject to
disciplinary action according to the Student Code of Conduct and state law.
The use of tobacco products by students and others on school property and at school-sponsored and school-related
activities is strictly prohibited and the prohibition is enforced by district staff and law enforcement.
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Travel in School Sponsored Trips
Students who participate in school-sponsored trips are required to use transportation provided by the school to and
from the event. The principal may make an exception if the parent personally requests that the student be permitted
to ride with the parent, or if the parent presents – no later than the day before the scheduled trip - a written request
that the student be permitted to ride with an adult designated by the parent (see Field Trips).
Truancy
Truancy is defined as absence from class or school for any portion of a period or day without proper permission from
home or school. Any willful or premeditated violation of the laws or regulations governing school attendance on the
part of the student or parent is regarded as truancy. Students who are truant are subject to disciplinary action which
may include assignment to detention hall or in-school suspension. Students may not be readmitted to school until
accompanied by their parent or guardian when they:
•
•
•
•
Leave school without permission.
Start for, but never arrive at school.
Are on or near the campus, but do not report to class.
Leave the classroom during the class period without a pass from the teacher.
Unusual circumstances or repeated truancy may require disciplinary action and enforcement of the Compulsory
Attendance Law.
If any parent or person standing in parental relation to a child who is subject to the Compulsory School Attendance
Law and not lawfully exempted or properly excused from attendance fails to require the child to attend school, that
person will be warned in writing by the school attendance officer that attendance is immediately required. If after this
warning, a parent or person standing in parental relation intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, and/or with criminal
negligence fails to comply, the student will be subject to prosecution, but may argue in defense that the parent was
unable to compel the child to attend school.
Vandalism
Community taxpayers make a sustained financial commitment for the construction and upkeep of school facilities. To
ensure that school facilities can serve those for whom they are intended-both this current year and for years to comelittering, defacing, or damaging school property is not tolerated.
Vending Machines
Harlandale ISD follows the nutrition policy enforced by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Included is the
following vending policy:
Elementary: May not serve or provide access for students to have FMNV (Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value) and
all forms of candy or carbonated beverages through vending or other means. This applies anytime, anywhere on
school premises until the end of the school day which is after the end of the after school program. Students may
purchase approved items from the cafeteria and also have access to water and 100% vegetable or fruit juice during
the school day.
Middle School: Vending machines with FMNV are not accessible to students until after the last class of the day or on
campuses where after school programs are held until the end of the after school program. The school may not allow
competitive foods to be served or sold; that is, food or beverages not sold by the cafeteria to the student from 30
minutes before to 30 minutes after meal periods. This includes breakfast and lunch
High School: Vending machines with FMNV are not accessible to students during meal periods where meals are
served or consumed. The school may not allow competitive foods to be served or sold; that is, food or beverages not
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sold by the cafeteria to the student from 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after meal periods. This includes breakfast
and lunch.
Video-recording of Students
For safety purposes, video/audio equipment is used to monitor student behavior on buses and in common areas on
campus. Students are not told when the equipment is active. District officials review the tapes to document student
misconduct. Discipline is in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
Parents who wish to view a video-recording of an incident leading to the discipline of a student may request access in
accordance with policy [FL (Legal)].
Withdrawal from School
A student under 18 may be withdrawn from school only by a parent.
At least one day prior to withdrawing a student from school, parents must inform the school attendance office of the
date the student will withdraw and the reason for withdrawal. The parents must appear personally to withdraw the
student and to sign the necessary paperwork. Library books and textbooks must be turned in before withdrawing.
A student who is 18 or older, who is married, or who has been declared an emancipated minor by a court, may
withdraw without parental signature.
For families wishing to withdrawal their children to participate in a “Home School” program; prior to withdrawing
the student from the home campus please report to Pupil Personnel to meet with an Administrator and complete the
proper documentation to inform the District that the student is not a drop out or truant.
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Elementary School Section
Arrival Time
Do NOT send or leave your child at school before 7:30 a.m.
Elementary start time is 7:45 am. Elementary school personnel are not on duty prior to 7:30 a.m. Because no adults are
present, any problems or emergencies that may arise cannot be properly handled. For safety reasons, parents must
follow this guideline. If a student arrives before 7:30 a.m., the principal will contact the parents. The tardy bell rings at
7:45 a.m. A student is considered tardy if they walk through the main entrance of the elementary school after the 7:45
a.m. tardy bell.
Birthday Celebrations
Celebrations will be limited to the last 15 minutes of the school day. Purchased cupcakes with a label may be checked
in to the front office. Cakes and homemade baked goods will not be allowed. Cupcakes are the only birthday recognition
item permitted. Balloons, stuffed animals, other food, drinks, or any other items will not be accepted by the front office.
PLEASE NOTE: Parents are not permitted to go to the classroom for birthday celebrations.
Dismissal Time
Dismissal time is 3:15 pm. To avoid both putting students at risk and disruption of the school day, parents must be
consistent each day in picking up their children. Any changes in how children are to be picked up after school must be
delivered in writing to the teacher at the beginning of the school day. A verbal statement from the student is
unacceptable. No early check-outs are permitted after 2:45 pm. Early checkouts will only be considered after the parents
have met with the campus administrator, only emergency situations be considered.
Stranded Children
Parents must retrieve their children promptly after school or make arrangements for someone to pick them up. For the
student’s safety, it is necessary to establish a procedure regarding children who are left at school. When a parent is
unable to meet their student on time after school and fails to notify the principal’s office, school personnel will attempt
to contact them. School personnel are not permitted to transport in private vehicles students who need transportation
except in emergencies and only when accompanied by another adult. When a student is not retrieved promptly from
school the principal may call police to remove the student from the campus and the student may be placed in a safe
children’s shelter. All children must be picked up immediately and promptly after school because school personnel are
not available to supervise.
Physical Education
All students must participate in physical education unless the school receives a statement in writing from a medical
doctor stating why the student must be excused from activity. Students must wear clothing and shoes suitable for
participation in physical activities. Students should not wear dangling earrings or other jewelry that may cause injury
during physical participation.
Dress and Grooming
The Harlandale ISD established a dress and grooming code for the following reasons.
• To create an atmosphere conducive to learning and to minimize disruptions due to personal appearance,
conduct, grooming and hygiene, and attire.
• To foster an attitude of respect for authority, and to prepare students to enter the workplace, which often has
rules regarding dress, conduct, and appearance.
• To ensure that the conduct and grooming of students who represent the District in extracurricular activities
creates a favorable impression for the District and community.
believe that in doing so, students are prepared for success. School Administrators will determine in a manner that is
consistent and non-arbitrary, whether the student’s dress and grooming distracts or otherwise interferes with the
educational process. A student may be asked to return home to change clothes or the student’s parents may be contacted
to bring a change of clothing. The principal or designee may also discipline, in accordance with the Student Code of
Conduct, for a student who violates the dress code.
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Examples of inappropriate dress include, but are not limited to bare feet; steel-toed boots; flip flops or beach shoes;
roller shoes; see-through clothing; tank tops or other tops that are low cut or that do not cover the midriff; gang related
clothing; clothing advertising or depicting tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or prohibited substances; tube
tops, spaghetti strap or halter tops; clothing with offensive or obscene language or depictions (photos, drawings, etc.);
sleeveless tops that do not fit close to the underarm. Clothes that are excessively ripped, torn, cut or with holes are not
permitted. Small tears are permitted so long as the clothing is appropriate and not offensive.
Eye glasses or contacts may not be worn unless required by a doctor’s prescription. In any case, eyewear may not be
shared with other students. Sunglasses, unless prescribed by a doctor, must not be worn inside the school buildings.
Caps, hats, bandannas, or other articles associated with gangs are prohibited on campus unless the items are part of an
official uniform approved by the administration. Book bags, folders, or other items marked with gang related graffiti
or that depict or encourage violence are prohibited. Miniskirts or skirts that are too short are not allowed. Skirts,
dresses, and shorts must be long enough to touch the bottom of the fingertips when the arm is extended straight down
or be worn with leggings underneath. Jeggings or leggings cannot be worn in isolation unless the top is at least fingertip
length all the way around. Shoes must be appropriate for participation in physical education activities. Cut-offs,
spandex-type bike shorts or any other type of tight fitting shorts are not allowed. Inappropriate jewelry is prohibited.
Oversized clothing is not permitted at school. Baggy or sagging pants are prohibited. Pants must be worn at the waist.
Belts must be properly looped and not hanging.
Because shorts are permitted year round, parents should allow students to wear them when the weather is appropriate
and warm. If it is cold, students should wear warm clothing.
Warm-ups and sweats are allowed and considered appropriate attire for elementary schools.
Body Piercing
Visible body piercing (spacers included) of the nose, eyebrows, lips, tongue, cheeks, or navel is prohibited.
Earrings
Girls may wear stud or small earrings only. Earrings must adhere to the appropriate jewelry guidelines and must be
appropriate, i.e., no earrings that pose a safety concern, or cause disruption because of their design will be allowed.
Multiple piercings or dangling earrings, spikes and spacers are not allowed. This includes spacers or any object used as
a spacer. Boys are not allowed to wear earrings or conceal earring with bandages or tape while in elementary school.
Hair/Makeup
Unconventional (as determined by the campus principal), multi-colored, spiked, carved or carved designs,
inappropriately long, rat tail, or Mohawk like styled hair is prohibited. Also, hair that obstructs vision or covers the face
is not allowed. Boys whose hair extends below the collar must tie it neatly back. Hair coloring must be a natural color.
Wearing makeup is discouraged and the principal will decide if makeup must be removed. Mouth grills, and
unconventional body jewelry are not allowed. Refer to Dress and Grooming in this Handbook (page 18).
Halloween Costumes
Costumes, facial paint and/or commercial or face painted masks are not permitted.
Tattoos
At the elementary school, tattoos are not allowed and all visible permanent tattoos must be covered. Temporary henna
type tattoos must be removed.
Dress during Extracurricular Activities
The principal, in consultation with the teacher in charge of the activity, may regulate the dress and grooming of
participating students. The responsible activity leader determines the appropriateness of the student’s dress and
grooming. Dress and grooming is considered inappropriate if it:
• creates a safety hazard to self or others
• prevents, interferes with, or adversely affects the purpose, or effort required for the activity to achieve its goals
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The dress and grooming code will apply not only to regular school year, but also to other extracurricular activities,
Saturday School, Harlandale ISD Summer School programs, summer academies, or any other school-related activities,
including field trips, extra-curricular activities and co-curricular activities.
School Administrators will determine in a manner that is consistent and non-arbitrary, whether the student’s dress and
grooming distracts or otherwise interferes with the educational process.
Secondary School Section
Middle Schools – Arrival and Start time is 7:55 am. , and Dismissal is at 3:45 pm.
High Schools – Arrival and Start time is 8:20 am. , and Dismissal is at 4:05 pm.
Dress and Grooming
The Harlandale ISD established a dress and grooming code for the following reasons.
• To create an atmosphere conducive to learning and to minimize disruptions due to personal appearance,
conduct, grooming and hygiene, and attire.
• To foster an attitude of respect for authority, and to prepare students to enter the workplace, which often has
rules regarding dress, conduct, and appearance.
• To ensure that the conduct and grooming of students who represent the District in extracurricular activities
create a favorable impression for the District and community.
believe that in doing so, students are prepared for success. Clothing and accessories must be worn as intended by the
manufacturer. Costumes or portions of costumes are not allowed at any time throughout the school year. Visible
undergarments are not allowed. School Administrators are the final authority and will determine, in a manner that is
consistent and non-arbitrary, whether the student’s dress and grooming distracts or otherwise interferes with the
educational process. A student may be asked to return home to change clothes or the student’s parents may be contacted
to bring a change of clothing. The principal or designee may also discipline, in accordance with the Student Code of
Conduct, a student who violates the dress code.
Belts
Belts with metal spikes or studs are not allowed. Over size belt buckles or buckles that are made of metal and that may
be used as a weapon or to conceal contraband are not allowed.
Birthday Celebrations
Celebrations will be limited to the last 15 minutes of the school day. Cakes and homemade baked goods will not be
allowed. Purchased cupcakes with a label may be checked in to the front office and will be allowed the last 15 minutes
of the day.
Body Piercing
Visible body piercing (spacers included) of the nose, eyebrows, lips, tongue, cheeks, or navel is prohibited. Concealing
visible piercings with a bandage or anything else will not be acceptable; student will have to remove the object in
question to comply with dress code.
Earrings
Stud / small earrings are not permitted for boys in Middle School. Gauges, Bars or Rods are also not permitted
in Middle School. Earrings, for both males and females, must adhere to the appropriate jewelry guidelines and
must be appropriate, i.e., no earrings that pose a safety concern, or cause disruption because of their
design. Spikes and spacers are not allowed. This includes any object used as a spacer.
Facial Hair
Facial hair is prohibited at Middle Schools. Facial hair is permitted at High Schools but must be neatly groomed.
Gang Affiliated Dress
Gang affiliated dress is prohibited. Any clothing item, accessory, or any other article that the principal or designee
determines to be gang-related, disruptive to, or interfering with the educational process is prohibited.
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Hair/Makeup
Unconventional (as determined by the campus principal), multi-colored, spiked, carved, inappropriately long, rat tail,
or Mohawk like styled hair is prohibited. Also, hair that obstructs vision or covers the face is not allowed. Hair coloring
must be a natural or conventional color. Refer to Dress and Grooming in this Handbook (page 18).
Halloween Costumes
Costumes, facial paint and/or commercial or face painted masks are not permitted.
Jewelry
At all secondary schools, wallet chains and watch chains are prohibited. Dog collars, choke chains, bracelets with
inappropriate messages, jewelry and belts with metal spikes or studs, or jewelry depicting violent, offensive, lewd,
vulgar, or obscene themes are prohibited. Belt buckles, bracelets or necklaces, and watch chains made from heavygauge metal are prohibited. Jewelry made from heavy metal objects is prohibited. Mouth grills, and unconventional
body jewelry are not allowed. Rosaries must be worn inside the shirt and not be visible.
Leisure Clothing
Pajamas are prohibited. House slippers and other house shoes are prohibited. Bare feet are prohibited.
Oversized Clothing
At all secondary schools, campus administrators determine what constitutes oversized clothing. Bagging or sagging
pants are prohibited. Pants must be worn at the waist and not hanging down below the waist.
Shorts, Skirts, Dresses and Pants
At secondary schools, all shorts and skirts/dresses are not to be shorter than two (2) inches from the top of the knee. If
opaque leggings are worn, shorts, skirts and dresses must not be shorter than fingertip length. If shorts, skirts and
dresses are worn at fingertip length, solid or opaque jeggings or leggings must be worn underneath. Jeggings, leggings,
spandex and yoga pants cannot be worn in isolation unless the top is at least fingertip length all the way around. The
campus administrator shall be the final arbiter of appropriate length. Shorts and skirts are to be loose fitting, not tight.
Cut-off shorts are prohibited. Shorts, skirts, or pants with excessive holes or holes inappropriately placed are prohibited.
Plain or solid colored joggers/sweatpants are permitted in middle school
Shirts and Tops
At all secondary schools, prohibited shirts and tops include tank tops; halter tops; racer back tops; muscle shirts; fishnet; see-through tops; low cut, revealing tops; tops that do not cover the midriff; strapless tops; spaghetti strap tops;
clothes with violent, vulgar, lewd, offensive or obscene language or graphics; clothing with wording or images having
double meanings for obscenities or vulgarities; low back or backless blouses; sleeveless blouses or tops advertising
weapons, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other prohibited substance. [FNCA (Legal)] T-shirts and
shirts must be tucked in if the length extends farther than the wrist of the student when the arm is extended straight
down.
Tattoos
Inappropriate tattoos must be covered. The student is responsible for covering the tattoo. Inappropriate tattoos include
those deemed violent, vulgar, lewd, gang-related, or that depict offensive behavior or obscene language. The principal
or designee determines what is gang-related, offensive, or interfering with the educational process.
Other Prohibited Items
Steel toed boots or shoes, bandanas, caps, and hats are prohibited. Book bags, folders or other items marked with gangrelated graffiti are prohibited. Non-prescriptive colored contact lenses and non-prescriptive sunglasses are prohibited.
Dress during Extracurricular Activities
The principal, in consultation with the teacher in charge of the activity, may regulate the dress and grooming of
participating students. The responsible activity leader determines the appropriateness of the student’s dress and
grooming. Dress and grooming is considered inappropriate if it
• creates a safety hazard to self or others;
• prevents, interferes with, or adversely affects the purpose, or effort required for the activity to achieve its goals.
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The dress and grooming code will apply not only to regular school year, but also to other extracurricular activities,
Saturday School, Harlandale ISD Summer School programs, summer academies, or any other school-related activities,
including field trips, extra-curricular activities and co-curricular activities.
School Administrators will determine in a manner that is consistent and non-arbitrary, whether the student’s dress and
grooming distracts or otherwise interferes with the educational process.
Alternative Campus Dress Codes
Alternative campuses, including Frank Tejeda Academy and Harlandale ISD Discipline Alternative Educational
Placement (DAEP), may establish dress codes that differ from regular campuses. Students who attend these campuses
will receive details when they enroll.
65
H O M E L A N D S E C U R I T Y
2 0 1 6 – 2 0 1 7
A D V I S O R Y
S Y S T E M
Citizen Guidance on the Homeland Security Advisory System
The Federal Government through the Department of Homeland Security, periodically issues to United States law
enforcement agencies, alerts that raises their readiness to various levels – Green (low risk), Blue (guarded risk),
Yellow (elevated risk), Orange (high risk), and Red (severe risk).
The Harlandale Independent School District is in constant contact with local law enforcement agencies and receives
updates from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). We take any recommended action deemed appropriate in the
face of specified threats. In the meantime, it is our intent to continue with our daily business of caring for and
educating the District’s children.
The Department of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, developed the citizen guidance
on the advisory system.
Risk of Attack
GREEN
Low Risk
BLUE
Guarded Risk
YELLOW
Elevated Risk
ORANGE
High Risk
RED
Severe Risk
Recommended Actions for Citizens
 Develop a family emergency plan. Share it with family and friends, and practice the plan.
Visit www.Ready.gov for help creating a plan.
 Create an “Emergency Supply Kit” for your household.
 Be informed. Visit www.Ready.gov or obtain a copy of “Preparing Makes Sense, Get
Ready Now” by calling 1-800-BE-READY.
 Know how to shelter-in-place and how to turn off utilities (power, gas, and water) to your
home.
 Examine volunteer opportunities in your community, such as Citizen Corps, Volunteers
in Police Service, Neighborhood Watch or others, and donate your time.
 Consider completing an American Red Cross first aid or CPR course, or Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT) course.
 Complete recommended steps at level green.
 Review stored disaster supplies and replace items that are outdated.
 Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to proper authorities.
 Complete recommended steps at levels green and blue.
 Ensure disaster supply kit is stocked and ready.
 Check telephone numbers in family emergency plan and update as necessary.
 Develop alternate routes to/from work or school and practice them.
 Continue to be alert for suspicious activity and report it to authorities.
 Complete recommended steps at lower levels.
 Exercise caution when traveling, pay attention to travel advisory.
 Review your family emergency plan and make sure all family members know what to do.
 Be Patient. Expect some delays, baggage searches and restrictions at public buildings.
 Check on neighbors or others that might need assistance in an emergency.
 Complete all recommended actions at lower levels.
 Listen to local emergency management officials.
 Stay tuned to TV or radio for current information/instructions.
 Be prepared to shelter-in-place or evacuate, as instructed.
 Expect traffic delays and restrictions.
 Provide volunteer services only as requested.
 Contact your school/business to determine status of work day.
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Abuse: Improper or excessive use.
Behavior Improvement Center Program: The Behavior Improvement Center (BIC) is an after-school program for
students who do not behave appropriately in their regular classes. Assignment to the BIC program by a school
administrator or hall monitor means that the student must stay after school on assigned days. In addition, students may
be required to attend the Behavior Improvement Center on Saturday mornings for at least three (3) hours each
morning, depending on the continued severity of the discipline problem and at the discretion of the school administrator.
Parents shall be required to register their children for the Saturday sessions. The Behavior Improvement Center will
focus upon improving student behavior, enhancing academic achievement, and personal counseling to help students
adjust to the regular school environment.
Students receive a written notice prior to their assigned days, and they are responsible for sharing this notice with
parents or guardian
Bullying: Bullying occurs when a student or group of students engage in written or verbal expression, expression
through electronic means, or physical conduct that occurs on school property, at a school sponsored or school-related
activity, or in a vehicle operated by the District and that:
1. 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 students person or of damage to the students property; or
2. Is sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating,
This conduct is considered Bullying if it:
1. Exploits an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator and the student victim through written or
verbal expression or physical conduct; and
2. Interferes with a student’s education or substantially disrupts the operation of the school.
Criminal Street Gang: Three or more persons having a common identifying sign or symbol or an identifiable
leadership who continuously or regularly associate in the commission of criminal activities.
Cyber-Bullying: Abusive behavior including, but not limited to, tormenting, threatening, taunting, stalking,
intimidating, harassing, humiliating, and/or coercing by one or more individuals against other students or employees
using Internet websites (i.e. Facebook, personal Web sites, etc.) and/or any other communication technologies (i.e. email,
mobile phones, text messaging, instant messaging, etc.) which materially and substantially disrupts the educational
process and/or endangers the general health, safety and welfare of District students and/or employees regardless of
where the communication originates.
Dating violence: The intentional use of physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse by a person to harm, threaten,
intimidate, or control another person with whom the student has or has had a dating relationship, as defined by Section
71.0021 of the Family Code, but which does not include defensive measures to protect oneself.
District Benchmark: a STAAR-formatted, district level developed assessment given approximately four to six
weeks prior to a STAAR test. The purpose of the district benchmark is to act as a gauge of both TEKS mastery and
STAAR readiness to help campuses set goals for students and provide necessary interventions. District benchmarks will
be given within the window provided by the district and will not be counted as a grade.
Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP): An educational program provided by the School
district for students who have engaged in serious misconduct, such as assault, drug- or alcohol-related offenses, public
lewdness, glue or paint abuses, and unruly, disruptive or abusive classroom behavior. DAEPs are located off the regular
campus so that students in DAEPs are separated from students in the regular programs. The DAEP provides
supervision and counseling and focuses on English language arts, mathematics, science, history, and self-discipline.
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Disciplinary Alternative Education Boot Camp Program (DAEP BC): An educational program provided
by the School district for students who engage in serious misconduct, such as assault, drug- or alcohol-related offenses,
public lewdness, glue or paint abuses, and unruly, disruptive or abusive classroom behavior. DAEPs are located off the
regular campus so that students in DAEPs are separated from students in the regular programs. The Boot Camp
Program combines elements of a basic military program that includes daily physical training, marching drills and
ceremony and enforcement of necessary discipline. The Program provides students with educational opportunities in
English, math, science, social studies, and self-discipline in a safe school environment.
Disruption of Classes: A person commits an offense if the person, on school property or on public property within
500 feet of school property, alone or in concert with others, intentionally disrupts the conduct of classes or other school
activities.
“Disrupting the conduct of classes or other school activities” includes:
1.
emitting noise of an intensity that prevents or hinders classroom instruction;
2.
enticing or attempting to entice a student away from a class or other school activity that the student is
required to attend;
3.
preventing or attempting to prevent a student from attending a class or other school activity that the
student is required to attend, and
4.
entering a classroom without the consent of either the principal or the teacher and, through either acts of
misconduct or the use of loud or profane language, disrupting class activities.
“Public property”: includes a street, highway, alley, public park, or sidewalk.
“School property”: includes public school campus or school grounds on which a public school is located and any
grounds or buildings used by a school for an assembly or other school-sponsored activity.
Drugs: Abusing an over-the-counter drug giving or delivering an over-the-counter drug to another student, or
becoming impaired due to abuse of an over-the-counter drug may result in disciplinary action.
Abusing one’s own prescription drug, giving a prescription drug to another student, or being under the influence of
another person’s prescription drug may result in a mandatory assignment to an alternate education program or
expulsion.
In addition to other illegal drugs (such as LSD, cocaine, marijuana, etc.), many prescription drugs are classified as
dangerous drugs and controlled substances. Unauthorized possession or distribution of such substances may result in a
mandatory expulsion or mandatory assignment to an alternative education program. Examples include, but are not
limited to: Ritalin, Adderall, Klonopin, Codeine, Zanax, Valium and Ativan.
Gangs: A “gang” or “crew” is defined as any group of two or more individuals whose purposes may include the
commission of illegal acts. In addition, a “gang” or “crew” is a prohibited fraternity, sorority, or society. Youth gangs
or crews are often loose knit groups of individuals who associate with each other on a continuous basis. The district
prohibits the existence of these groups and their activities.
Graffiti: Markings with paint, an indelible pen or marker, or an etching or engraving device on tangible
property without the effective consent of the owner. The markings may include inscriptions, slogans, drawings,
or paintings.
Harassment is:
1.
Conduct that meets the definition established in district policies DIA(LOCAL) and FFH(LOCAL); or
Conduct that threatens to cause harm or bodily injury to another student, is sexually intimidating, causes physical
damage to the property of another student, subjects another student to physical confinement or restraint, or Gender-
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2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7
based harassment includes physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct based on the student’s gender, the student’s
expression of characteristics perceived as stereotypical for the student’s gender, or failure to conform to stereotypical
notions of masculinity of femininity.
2.
Maliciously and substantially harms another student’s physical or emotional health or safety.
Hazing: An intentional or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or acting with others, that
endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation into,
affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization.
In-School Suspension (ISS): An alternative placement on the regular school campus for students officially
removed from the regular classroom for disciplinary reasons. The school administration may place a student in ISS for
a temporary period in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
Knives: Possessing, using, or exhibiting any knife is prohibited by the HISD Student Code of Conduct. Knives can cause
serious injury and possessing, using, or exhibiting most knives are considered Stage III or IV offenses and can result in
expulsion or AEP placement. Also, as with other weapons, using any knife in a threatening manner can lead to other
serious charges.
Mandatory: Means that something is obligatory or required because of an authority.
Mini Campus Benchmark: A common, campus-developed assessment that measures progress towards mastery
of the TEKS, is given at approximately mid-cycle and is administered in one class period or less. They will be made up
of 5-10 TEKS & SE-based questions with both selected response (multiple choice) items and constructed response (open
ended response) items. Grades on the “mini,” if taken, may only be included in the Formative Assessment category.
Mutual Combat: Two or more people strike each other with the intent to inflict pain or injure the other no matter
who starts the altercation.
Parent: Throughout this document, the term “parent” refers to a parent, guardian, or other person having lawful
control under court order and/or has properly agreed to assume school-related responsibility for the student.
Possession: Possession means actual care, custody, control, or management. Possession does not require that the
person have the object being possessed on his/her person; having an object in one’s automobile, locker, book bag or
other area where one exercises care, custody, control or management over the item is possession.
Public School Fraternity, Sorority, Secret Society, or Gang: An organization composed wholly or
in part of students that seeks to perpetuate itself by taking additional members from the student enrolled in
school based on a decision of its membership rather than on the free choice of a qualified student. Educational
organizations listed in Section 37121(d) of the Education Code are accepted from this definition.
Residency: This is generally considered to be where a student sleeps during a school week. It is intended to be a
permanent legal residence or domicile and the intent must be to remain there. The District is authorized to require
proper evidence to prove residency in the District.
Retaliation: Intentionally or knowingly harming or threatening another by an unlawful act in retaliation for or on
account of the service of that person as a public servant (e.g., teacher), witness, informant, or one who has reported the
occurrence of a crime.
Search: Search is defined as looking through, inspecting or exploring carefully and thoroughly in order to find
something.
When principals or their designated administrative representatives have reasonable cause to believe that a student,
school locker, vehicle or other repository contains illegal and/or dangerous items or controlled substances, the principals
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G L O S S A R Y
2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7
have the right to search that student, desk, locker, vehicle, or repository. Such searches may include any book bag, gym
basket, vehicle, purse, supply packets or anything that contains the student’s personal effects.
Serious Offenses: include but are not limited to















Murder.
Vandalism.
Robbery or theft.
Extortion, coercion, or blackmail.
Actions or demonstrations that substantially disrupt or materially interfere with school activities.
Hazing.
Insubordination.
Profanity, vulgar language, or obscene gestures.
Fighting, committing physical abuse, or threatening physical abuse.
Possession or distribution of pornographic materials.
Leaving school grounds without permission.
Sexual harassment of a student or district employee.
Possession of or conspiracy to possess any explosive or explosive device.
Falsification of records, passes, or other school-related documents.
Refusal to accept discipline assigned by the teacher or principal.
Sexting: the act of sending sexually explicit photos electronically, primarily between cell phones. This includes photos
of private body parts normally covered by clothing.
Sexual Harassment: Unwanted or unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed toward
another person, whether by word, gesture, or any other sexual conduct, including request for sexual favors.
Suspension (Out of School): An act of the school administration taken as a disciplinary action which prohibits a
student from attending school for one, two or three school days. The student is not allowed on the home campus or any
other school campus or at any school-related activity during the period of suspension. If the student violates this
prohibition, the student can be charged with illegal trespass, a Class C Misdemeanor.
Trespassing: Trespassing is defined as a person entering or remaining on property or in a building of another
without effective consent and the person had notice the entry was forbidden or received oral or written notice to depart
but failed to do so.
Truancy: A student’s absence from school or class by the School District or parent without proper permission.
Under the Influence: Under the influence means a student’s faculties are impaired, but the student need not be
legally intoxicated.
Use: Voluntarily introducing into one’s body, by any means, a prohibited substance.
Vandalism: The willful and malicious destruction of property.
Weapon: Any device such as a gun, club or knife, which can be used to inflict bodily harm upon a person.
70
Index
Academic Counseling, 30
Acanthosis Nigricans, 52
Accelerated Reading & Math, 20
Acceptable Use Policy, 74
Accident Insurance, 47
Acknowledgement Form, 74
Admissions, 2
Administrative Search, 48
Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco, and Weapons, 14
Arrival Time, 61, 63
Asbestos, 48
Attendance, 2
Authority Before and After School, 14
Bacterial Meningitis, 31
Belts, 63
Bilingual/ESL Program, 50
Birthday Celebrations, 61, 63
Body Piercing, 62, 63
Bullying, 6, 66
Bullying Transfers, 58
Buses, 7
Cameras, 15
Career and Technical Education, 7
Causes for Disqualification, 54
Celebrate Freedom Week, 7
Cell Phones, 8
Change of Address, 8
Child Abuse, 8, 50
Child Nutrition, 9
Children of Military Families, 9
Class Interruptions, 10
Class Rank, 28
Class Schedules, 10
College and University Admissions, 11
College Credit Courses, 11
College Readiness, 10
Community Resources, 11
Complaints by Parents/Students, 12
Computer Resources, 12
Conduct, 13
Contagious Diseases/Conditions, 31
Corporal Punishment, 14
Correspondence Courses, 16
Course Credit, 16
Credit by Examination, 16
Cyber-Bullying, 7
Dangerous Drugs and Narcotics, 16
Dangerous Weapons, 17
Dating Violence, 17, 25
Diabetes, 35, 48, 52
Discipline Management, 17
Dismissal Time, III, 61, 63
Display of Student Artwork, 17
Distance Learning, 18
Distribution of Material, 18
Dress and Grooming, 19, 61, 63, 65
Dress during Elementary Extracurricular, 62
Dress during Secondary Extracurricular, 64
Drills – Fire, Emergencies, 19
Driver’s License Attendance Verification, 5
Early Release Days, IV
Earrings Elementary, 62
Earrings Secondary, 63
Elementary Section, 61
Emergency Cards, 32
Emergency Medical Treatment, 19
Emergency School Closing, 20
End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments, 53
Estrellitas, 20
Exemptions to Daily Attendance, 5
Extended Year Program, 20
Extracurricular Activities, 20
Facial Hair, 63
Fees, 21
FERPA, 22
Field Trips, 23
Food Allergies, 24
Freedom from Discrimination, 24
Fund Raising, 26
Game Devices, 15
Gang Affiliated Dress, 63
Gang-Free Zones, 26
Gangs, 14
Gifted and Talented Program, 51
Glossary, 67
Grade Classification, 27
Grading Periods, IV
Grading Policy, 27
Grading System, 28
Graduation, 28
Graduation Expenses, 29
Graduation Speakers, 29
Graffiti, 14
Grants, 30
Guidance and Counseling, 30
Hair, 62, 64
Halloween Costumes, 62, 64
Harassment, 31
Harlandale Police Department, 37
Hazing, 14, 31
Health Services, 31
Head Lice, 33
Homebound Program, 51
Homeland Security Advisory System, 66
Homeless Children, 25
Illness, 33
Immunization Requirements, 33
Inappropriate Use of Technology, 15
Instructional Use of Personal Technology, 15
Insurance for Students, 36
Internet and Electronic Mail Information, 75
Internet Rules, 13
Investigation of Report, 25
Jewelry, 64
KeepnTrack, 36
Law Enforcement, 36
Leisure Clothing, 64
Limited English Proficient Students, 38
Lockdowns, 39
Lockers, 39
Makeup, 64
Make-Up Assignments, 5
71
Index
Makeup Work, 39
Married Students / Pregnant Students, 51
Material Safety Data Sheets, 39
Medical Expenses, 20
Medications, 34
Meningitis, 31
Metal Detectors, 49
Minute of Silence, 43
Mission Statement, II
Multiple Birth Sibling Classroom Assignment, 39
Non-school Materials, 18
Note required for absence, 3
Notification of Law Violations, 37
Nuisance Items, 39
Objectionable Literature/Visuals, 19
Opt Out of Surveys and Activities, 40
Oversized Clothing, 64
Parent Chaperones, 23
Parental Conferences, 40
Parental Involvement, 40
Parental Rights, 41
Perfect Attendance 4
Personal Counseling, 30
Personal Graduation Plan, 47
Pest Control Information, 48
Photographs / Video Recording, 42
Physical Education, 42, 61
Physical Fitness Assessment, 43
Plagiarism, 43
Pledge of Allegiance, 43
Policies, 43
Prayer, 43
Pregnant Students, 51
Prescription Asthma Medicine, 33, 34
Private Nurses, 36
Program Development, 12
Progress Reports, 43
Prohibited Items, 64
Prohibited Organizations, 14
Promotion, 46
Protecting Student Rights, 1
Protection of Pupil Rights (PPRA), 44
Psychotropic Drugs, 36
Questioning of Students, 36
Regular Class Periods, 56
Release of Students from School, 45
Report Cards, 28, 43
Reporting Procedures, 25
Requirements for Diploma, 29
Residency, 45
Residency Affidavits, 45
Resident/Nonresident Students, 46
Retaliation, 46
Retention and Promotion, 46
Safety/Accident Prevention, 47
Sanctions, 13
San Antonio Municipal Court, 4
SAPD Reporting Requirements, 38
Schedule Changes, 56
School Facilities, 48
School Health Advisory Council, 48
School Safety Transfer, 58
School Social Events, 15
School Sponsored Trips, 59
School Visitations, 40
Searches, 48
Secondary Section, 63
Section 504 Coordinator, 25
Service Animals, 49
Services for the Homeless and Title 1 Participation, 25
Services for Students with Disabilities, 26
Sexting, 8
Sexual Abuse, 49
Sexual Assault and Campus Assignments, 57
Sexual Harassment, 25, 49
Shirts and Tops, 64
Shorts, Skirts, Dresses, and Pants, 64
Special Education Records, 56
Special Programs, 50
Spinal Screenings, 52
Standardized Tests for College Entrance, 52
State Mandated Screenings, 52
State-Mandated Testing, 52
Steroids, 16, 34, 36
Stranded Children, 61
Student Access to Network Resources, 12
Student Desks and Lockers, 48
Student Holidays, IV
Student Offices and Elections, 54
Student Records, 54
Student Schedules, 56
Student Speakers, 56
Student Transfers, 57
Students Taken into Custody, 37
Students with Disabilities, 29
Students with Learning Difficulties, 51
Summer School, 58
Surveillance Cameras, 47
Suspensions, 5
TAKS, 53
Tardiness, 5, 17, 58
Tattoos, 62, 64
Teacher to Student Electronic Communication, 12
Telecommunication Devices, 15
Texas Success Initiative, 54
Textbooks, 58
Title 1 Migrant Program, 52
Title I Participants, 25
Title IX Coordinator, 25
Tobacco Use, 58
Trained Dogs, 48
Transfers, 57
Travel in School Sponsored Trips, 59
Transportation Department, 7
Truancy, 4, 59
Truancy Prevention Measures, 4
TX Connect, 28
Unexcused Absences, 5
Use of Hallways, 15
Vandalism, 59
Vehicles on Campus, 49
Vending Machines, 59
72
Index
Video Recording, 42, 60
Violations of Law, 15
Vision and Hearing, 52
Visitors, 40
Withdrawal from School, 60
73
NOTICE
Please Read the Following and Sign Below:
Acknowledgement of the Electronic Distribution of the 2016-2017
Parent Student Handbook and Code of Conduct
In our effort to be as efficient as possible, the Harlandale Independent School District website will now be
the primary source for access to the Parent-Student Handbook and the Student Code of Conduct.
Families that do not have internet access or prefer a hard copies can receive one of each from their campus
on request. Please complete the requested information below and return it to your child’s teacher.
My Child and I have been offered the option to receive a paper copy of the Harlandale Independent School
District Parent-Student or to electronically access the Harlandale Parent-Student Handbook at
http://www.harlandale.net.
I understand the Parent-Student Handbook contains information that my child and I may need
during the school year, including the Technology Acceptable Use Policy, the Student Code of
Conduct, the laws regarding records and information on the compulsory attendance laws.
I have chosen to:
Access the Harlandale ISD Parent-Student Handbook and Student Code of Conduct by visiting the
website listed above.
Receive a paper copy of the Harlandale ISD Parent-Student Handbook.
(Please one hard copy per family, given to the oldest child attending HISD)
All students will be held accountable for their behavior and will be subject to the disciplinary consequences
outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
A paper copy will be available to you in the administrative office of your child’s school.
Date: ____/____/___ Student I.D. Number: ________________
Campus: __________________
Teacher: ____________________________________________________
Printed Name of Student: _________________________________________
Signature of Student: _____________________________________________
Printed Name of Parent: ___________________________________________
Signature of Parent: _______________________________________________
74
Grade Level: _____
Acceptable Use Guidelines for Technology Resources 2016-17
Introduction
The purpose of this Acceptable Use Guidelines for Technology Resources is to ensure proper management of
Harlandale’s technology resources. For purposes of this document, “technology resources” can be defined as, but not
limited to, electronic communication systems and electronic equipment. These resources include the District’s network,
servers, computer workstations, laptops, mobile devices, peripherals, applications, databases, online resources, Internet
access, e-mail, and any other technology designated for use by Harlandale ISD. Users are responsible for conducting
themselves in an ethical and lawful manner. All network accounts maintained on Harlandale ISD systems are the sole
property of the Harlandale Independent School District. The District may monitor all electronic communications and
computer data and/or records. Use of the District’s technology resources including electronic communications and
computers for commercial, religious, or political purposes is prohibited. The use of other user’s log-in credentials,
attempting to access other user’s accounts without authorization, and modify other user’s electronic mail are prohibited.
The Internet is an electronic communications network that provides a resource for many types of communication and resources
for diverse and unique information. It constitutes an unregulated collection of resources that change constantly. While the
District uses filtering technology and protection measures to restrict access to inappropriate material, it is impossible to control
all materials on a global network.
It is possible that you may run across some material you might find objectionable. In the same respect, e-mail received from
outside sources cannot be fully controlled. SPAM, or unsolicited e-mail, is one of the single most widespread problems affecting
technology resources and the Internet today. It will be each user’s responsibility to follow the rules for appropriate and acceptable
use.
Harlandale ISD can monitor any user's e-mail account, as well as network accounts and computer drives, for legitimate
reasons in accordance with this administrative regulation. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action and
may result in termination or legal action.
Guidelines for Authorized Use
Harlandale's technology resources are intended primarily for educational use. As technology advances, the Internet has
become a powerful information resource. Proper use of the Internet can enhance the capabilities of the individual and
the district. In many cases, access to the Internet is becoming a job necessity. Because the Internet is an unregulated
collection of resources that change constantly, organizations are responsible for placing the appropriate Internet usage
restrictions upon their employees and students. This document explains the acceptable and unacceptable uses of the
HISD technology resources.
The following are specific provisions regarding authorized use of the technology resources:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Use of the Internet is a privilege.
Users’ online conduct must reflect the ethics, professionalism, courtesy, and responsibilities expected by
HISD.
Data and files on the Internet must be considered copyrighted material and may not be distributed, copied,
or published in any form without the written permission of the originator except as detailed in Title 17 of
the United States Code, section 107, “Fair Use Doctrine”. Users shall observe all provisions of copyright
law in using material obtained from network sources. Federal law prohibits the transmission (sharing) of
copyrighted materials without expressed written permission from the copyright holder. Copyrighted works
include, but are not limited, to original writings, software, movies, and music. Material does not need to
have a copyright on it to be protected under U.S. Copyright Law.
When account ID’s and passwords for Internet services are entrusted to a user, the user becomes personally
responsible for maintaining the integrity of the account. Network users are responsible for any network
activity linked to their account. All passwords must be kept private. Much of the information on the
HISD network is confidential and legally protected. To ensure unauthorized use of accounts, users should
safeguard the security of the desktop when leaving the workspace.
75
5.
6.
Users must remember that data sent over the Internet should be considered “public” and readable by
anyone. Special consideration should be taken before transmitting sensitive information. Consult with a
supervisor if there is a question to the sensitivity of the material.
Workstations, laptops, and/or mobile devices are the responsibility of those they have been assigned to.
Users must understand that it is their responsibility to secure those items assigned to them, as well as the
data the devices contain. It is the user’s responsibility to immediately contact their administrator and
Information Services if any of the hardware, software, or data goes missing or is compromised.
The following are specific provisions regarding unauthorized use of district technology resources:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Users may not use technology resources for personal or financial gain or to support or oppose political
candidates, groups, or ballot measures. Conducting union business without prior authority or consent of
the superintendent is not allowed. Promoting, supporting, or celebrating religion or religious institution is
restricted.
The use of abusive, vulgar or objectionable language on the Internet is unacceptable. Users will not use
the system to access, upload, download, transmit or display or distribute obscene or sexually explicit
material (pornography). Additionally, using the Internet for the intentional harassment or harm of an
individual or organization or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people (hate
literature) is prohibited. It is not acceptable to use the district’s networking services, resources or facilities
for any purposes that violate existing state or federal laws, regulations, or District policies or procedures
Activities that compromise network security are strictly forbidden, including the disclosure of system ID’s,
passwords, or information that can allow the circumnavigation of security features. Users may not damage,
delete, or destroy district files. Activities that disrupt or congest the district’s network are forbidden.
These include but are not limited to e-mail chain letters, unauthorized online games, music downloads,
Internet file sharing (also called Peer-to-Peer Networks) and non-educational video broadcasts.
Network administrative software/tools such as network packet analyzers, network security discovery tools,
and administrative applications are prohibited. Unauthorized networking equipment (including but not
limited to: routers and wireless access points, tethering, mobile hot spots, etc.) is prohibited from use on
the network. Network services and wiring may not be modified or extended beyond their intended use.
Forgery or other misrepresentation of one's identity or use of another user’s identity via electronic
communication is prohibited regardless of intent.
All flash drives, CDs, and DVDs brought into the school or workplace from outside must be approved for
use and scanned for viruses. The user will not knowingly run or install a program on any computer system
or network or give to another user that intends to damage or to place excessive load on a computer system
or network. Installation of software on district owned computers must be authorized and installed by
Information Services. All software, all hardware (computers, devices, printers, document cameras, etc.)
and all external services (including but not limited to cloud services, web hosting services, e-mail services,
etc.) must be submitted for technical compatibility review and pass that review by the Information Services
Department before acquisition and use. No personal software, hardware or services will be installed on or
accessed from HISD computers, devices or network.
The above list of prohibited actions is by way of an example only and is not intended to be exhaustive.
Privacy Issues
Users should not expect privacy in the contents of files or the record of Web research activities on the Harlandale ISD
network. Routine maintenance and monitoring of the network traffic may lead to discovery that you have violated this
guideline or the law. We reserve the right to inspect any and all files stored in all areas of our network in order to assure
compliance with this policy. The District will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation
related to any suspected illegal activities conducted through the Harlandale ISD network.
When suspected violations of this Acceptable Usage Guidelines occur, appropriate Information Services department
staff, the user’s supervisor, and the Executive Director of Human Resources will be formally notified.
76
Acceptable Use Consent Form 2016-2017
I have read and understand the Harlandale Independent School District Acceptable Use Guidelines for Technology
Resources and agree to abide by their provisions. I understand and allow the monitoring of my use of Harlandale’s
technology resources. I further understand and agree to retain electronic records, whether created or maintained using
Harlandale’s technology resources or using personal technology resources, in accordance with Harlandale’s Record
Management Program. In consideration for the privilege of using the Harlandale Independent School District’s
electronic communication system(s), and in consideration for having access to the public networks, I hereby release the
Harlandale Independent School District, its operators, and any institutions with which they are affiliated from any and
all claims and damages of any nature arising from my use of, or inability to use, the system, without limitation. I
understand that Harlandale Independent School District will not be liable for my inappropriate use of technology
resources, violations of copyright restrictions, or other laws, mistakes or negligence, and costs incurred. My access
privileges may be revoked at any time with or without notice. I understand that inappropriate and prohibited use of the
District’s technology resources will result in disciplinary action and/or legal action against me.
By signing this form, I acknowledge that I have received copies of Harlandale Independent School District Acceptable
Usage Guidelines for Technology Resources and I agree to be bound by its terms and conditions.
Please complete form clearly and legibly.
Name (please
print):
Windows Log-In
(If Known):
Signature:
Campus:
Last Four Digits
of SS#:
X X X - X X - ___
___
___
___
Position:
Home Address:
Home Telephone:
Date:
A copy of the contract will be on file with the campus administration.
77

Students Today, Leaders Tomorrow

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