Handbook
ATTENDANCE
Regular school attendance is essential for the student to make the most of his/her education--to benefit from teacher-led activities, to build each day’s learning on that of the previous day, and to grow as an individual.
It is also the law in Texas:
A student enrolled in prekindergarten or kindergarten is required by law to attend school.
A student between the ages of 6 and 18 must attend school and District-required tutorial sessions unless the student is otherwise legally exempted or excused. School employees must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. A student absent without permission from school, from any class, or from required tutorials, will be considered truant and subject to disciplinary action. Truancy may also result in assessment of penalty by a court of law against the student and his/her parents.
To receive credit in a class, a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered. A student who attends fewer than 90% of the days the class is offered cannot receive passing credit for the class unless the attendance review committee finds that the absences are the result of extenuating circumstances.
Please Note:
Attendance is taken at 10:00 a.m. daily. A child must be present at that time to be counted in attendance.
In those rare circumstances when a student must be absent from school, the student, upon returning to school, must bring a note, signed by the parent, that describes the reason for the absence.
A student who is absent for any reason should promptly make up specific assignments. A student who does not make up assigned work within the time allotted by the teacher will receive a grade of 50 for the assignment.
School starts promptly at 7:45 am daily.
A student who is tardy to class by more than five minutes must be escorted to the office by the parent (if dropped off). The parent must sign the child in indicating the arrival time and obtain a tardy slip from the office before proceeding to the classroom. Repeated instances of tardiness will result in further action to include before school, after school, ancillary or lunch detention. Students with excessive tardies will be assigned before school, after school, ancillary or lunch detention.
Class time is important. Medical appointments should be scheduled, whenever possible, at times when students will not miss instructional time.
Cafeteria Services
Energized for Excellence Elementary School and HISD participate in the National School Meals Program and offer students nutritionally balanced meals daily. Information on this program can be obtained by checking in the school office. Free and reduced price lunches are available based on financial need. However, parents need to provide lunch or lunch money for their child until the student is approved for participation in the National School Meals Program. If your child does not bring a lunch or lunch money or owes the cafeteria money, he/she will be served a sandwich and milk in lieu of regularly served menu items.
Students who do not participate in the free/reduced lunch program may purchase a lunch or bring a lunch from home. Canned or glass bottled drinks are not permitted due to safety hazards. Paper cartons and thermos containers are allowed. Please remind your child that he should not buy, sell, or swap lunches or other items with other students. Students are not permitted to buy sodas from the vending machines or have access to microwave ovens. Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. daily. Students who plan to eat should arrive during that period in order to have time to eat and report to class on time.
Communication
Parents will receive information from the school and their teacher through students’ weekly folders that go home every Thursday. Parents will receive information from the principal via call outs and newsletters. School event reminders will be displayed daily on the digital message board displayed at the front of the school. In addition, a list of Energized for Excellence School Events is located in the Appendix of the Energized for Excellence Student and Parent Handbook.
Communicable 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 should notify the school nurse or principal so that other students who have been exposed to the disease can be alerted. These diseases include:
Amebiasis Hepatitis, Viral (A,B,C) Rubella (German Measles)
Campylobacteriosion Impetigo including congential
Chickenpox Infectious mononucleosis Salmonellosis, including
Common cold with fever Influenza Typhoid fever
Fifth disease Measles (Rubeola) Scabies
(Eryuthema Infectiosum) Meningitis, Bacterial Shigellosis
Gastroenteritis, Viral Mumps Streptococcal disease,
Giardiasis Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
Head Lice (Pediculosis) Ringworm of the scalp Whopping Cough (Pertussis)
Complaints by Students/Parents
Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed simply, by a phone call or a conference with the student’s teacher. If student or parent concerns are still unresolved, an administrative conference may be scheduled with the teacher, parent and administrator(s). For complaints that cannot be handled so easily, HISD has adopted a standard complaint policy. If student or parent concerns remain unresolved after an administrative conference, a written complaint and a request for a conference should be forwarded on to the next level. Some complaints may require different procedures. The school office can provide information regarding specific processes for the complaints. Additional information about the complaint process can also be found in the designated HISD Board policy, available on line at www.houstonisd.org.
Computer Resources
District and school resources have been invested in computer technology to broaden instruction
and to prepare students for an increasingly computerized society. Use of these resources is
restricted to students working under a teacher’s supervision and for approved purposes only.
Students and parents will be asked to sign a user agreement regarding appropriate use of these
resources. Violations of this agreement may prompt termination of privileges and other
disciplinary action, as detailed in the Code of Student Conduct.
Conduct
Energized for Excellence Elementary implements Cooperative Discipline as part of its disciplinary program.
Cooperative Discipline is designed to influence students so they will make good choices and demonstrate good social skills through encouragement, intervention, and collaboration. At the core of the campus wide Cooperative Discipline Initiative is a culture which holds all students accountable and teaches them how to evaluate their own behavior. Students are taught that their behavior is directly attributable to the choices that they make. This concept is taught through using the language of choice. The following steps can be used at home as well as at school to promote good decision making using the language of choice:
Step 1: Calmly ask the student to “Stop and think.”
Step 2: Remind the student, “Do you want to make a good choice or a bad choice?”
Step 3: Ask the student, “What are your choices or steps?”
Step 4: Instruct the student, “Show me the good choice or you will have to…”
Step 5: Tell the student, “Good job or you should be proud of yourself.”
Using the language of choice is an excellent way to continuously reinforce students’ accountability for their behavior.
Students are expected to:
Behave responsibly, demonstrating courtesy and respect for the rights of other students and HISD staff. Student cooperation and respect for the property of others, including HISD property, is essential to maintaining safety, order, and discipline.
Attend all classes regularly and on time; be prepared for each class; take appropriate materials and assignments to class.
Be well-groomed and appropriately dressed each day. As required by law, HISD has developed and adopted a Code of Student Conduct that prohibits certain behaviors and establishes standards of acceptable behavior--both on and off campus--and consequences for violation of the standards. Students and parents need to be familiar with the standards set out in the HISD Code of Student Conduct, as well as campus and classroom rules, in order to avoid violations and the subsequent consequences.
Follow Energized for Excellence School Rules and Operating Principals.
Energized for Excellence School Rules:
Be respectful of yourself and others.
Treat others in the manner you wish to be treated.
Keep our campus and neighborhood clean.
Look, listen, focus, and learn.
Follow school and classroom rules at all times.
Walk quietly in a straight line in the hallways with hands at your sides of behind your back.
Energized for Excellence Elementary School’s Operating Principles
I am respectful.
I am responsible.
I am safe.
I am positive.
I am prepared.
I accept consequences for my choices.
Students who disrupt or refuse to follow classroom and school rules will be sent to the front office to see an administrator and parents will be called. Depending on the severity of the infraction, students may receive one or more of the following consequences:
Before school, after school, ancillary, or lunch detention.
In school suspension
Out of school suspension
Placement in an alternative school
Police arrest
Expulsion
All disciplinary consequences will be assigned according to the specifications detailed in the HISD Student Code of Conduct.
Bullying/Intimidation
Bullying takes on many forms to include physical bullying which is to do harm to someone’s body or property; emotional bullying which is to harm someone’s self esteem or feeling of safety; and social bullying to harm someone’s group acceptance. Students who use social media and/or technological devices to bully others will face the consequences outlined in the Houston ISD Code of Student Conduct. Bullying or other acts of intimidation are not tolerated and will be addressed according to the penalties specified in the Houston ISD Code of Student Conduct. Please make every effort to discuss with your child the importance of not participating in and reporting bullying to their teacher or school administrators. The chart below provides additional information on the severity levels of bullying.
Laser Pointers
Students are not permitted to possess or use laser pointers while on school property, while using HISD transportation, or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities, whether on or off school property. Laser pointers will be confiscated and students will be disciplined according to the HISD Code of Student Conduct.
Paging and Gaming Devices
Students may not possess or use paging devices while on school property or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities. Paging devices will be confiscated and students will be disciplined according to the Code of Student Conduct. Similarly, students are not allowed to bring gaming devices such as I pods, DS, Gameboy etc. to school. These items will be confiscated and held for parents to pick up.
Sexual Harassment
Unwanted and unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature--words, gestures, or any other sexual conduct, including requests for sexual favors--directed toward another student or a District employee is unacceptable. (See page 9 for further information.)
Violations of Law:
Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco and Weapons--Under state and federal law, a student is not allowed to possess, sell, give away, or use alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco products, guns, or other weapons on school property or at a school-related or school-sanctioned activity, on or off school property.
Disruptive Activities--State law prohibits a student from participating in disruptive activities. That includes acting alone or with others to interfere with an authorized activity; using force, violence or threats in an attempt to prevent participation in an authorized assembly; disrupting classes; or interfering with the transportation of students in HISD vehicles.
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.
Hazing Activities--State law also prohibits a student from participating in any hazing activities. A student is guilty of hazing when he/she takes direct hazing action; encourages or assists someone else to take action; recklessly permits such action; has knowledge of planned action that has occurred without reporting that knowledge to a school official.
Counseling
The school Communities In School (CIS) Project Manager is available to assist students with a wide range of personal concerns, including such areas as social, family, emotional, or substance abuse issues. Also the CIS manager may make available information about community resources to address these concerns. Students who need to meet with the counselor or social worker should notify the classroom teacher or a member of the office staff. Mr. Renfro also facilitates scheduling & counseling services (on-site) by licensed counseling for students in need of counseling sessions.
Distribution of Material
Non-school 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 a 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.
Dress and Grooming
Energized for Excellence Elementary School has adopted a standard mode of dress for our school. All students are expected to wear a clean and neat school uniform each day.
The standard mode of dress for Energized for Excellence students consists of white, yellow, gold, or dark green tops (shirts with collars, blouses) and khaki/tan, navy blue or dark green bottoms, and blue denim (pants, walking shorts, jumpers, skirts, shorts). A Energized for Excellence school shirt may also be worn.
All students must wear shoes for health and safety reasons. Footwear should be suitable for physical education. No wooden soles, open backed shoes, flip-flops, cleats, or roller skate shoes may be worn. Socks are highly recommended.
Caps and hats may not be worn in the building.
Boys should wear shirts tucked inside pants and belts are highly recommended.
Students are allowed to wear knee-length shorts. Extremely short shorts or skirts may not be worn.
Students may not wear clothing that inappropriately exposes themselves, including midriff-length, tank style or spaghetti strap tops or short shorts or mini skirts.
Clothing with logos or writing, other than the Energized for Excellence school shirt, is not allowed.
Parents of students who violate the dress code will be contacted by school personnel to determine a satisfactory solution to the dress code violation. Repeated violation of the dress code will result in disciplinary action, as outlined in the HISD Code of Student Conduct. Limited assistance in obtaining uniforms is available to parents who can show proof of financial need. Please contact the school office for further information.
Consequences for not following the Dress Code
· 1st Offense: Warning to student.
· 2nd Offense: A written warning will be sent home by the teacher.
· 3rd Offense: Student will be sent to the office and the parent will be contacted by an administrator. Parent must bring uniform to school.
· 4th Offense: In school suspension or after-school detention to be determined by administrator.
Drills-Fire, Tornado, and Other Emergencies
From time to time, students, teachers, and other HISD employees will participate in drills of emergency procedures. When the alarm is sounded, students and visitors should follow the direction of teachers and others in charge quickly, quietly, and in an orderly manner.
Emergency Information/Procedures
Occasionally emergencies arise at school that requires the school staff to contact parents. It is absolutely essential that all information on each child’s enrollment card be complete and kept current. If phone numbers (home, work, emergency, doctor) change, please notify the school office immediately. Be sure the person you list as your emergency contact is reliable and knows you have listed him/her as the person to be contacted in case of emergency if the parent cannot be reached.
Emergency School Closing Information
Parents complete a Rainy Day/Emergency form at registration or during the first week of school stating the arrangements that have been made in case school must close due to bad weather or other emergencies. Teachers and school personnel use the information provided by the parent on this form to know how a child is to leave school in case of an emergency school closing. Students will not be released to leave with someone other than the parent or walk home unless those instructions have been stated on the form. Please be sure you have completed a form and that your child is familiar with what you have put on the form and knows how to follow it. For example, if he/she is to be picked up by someone other than the parent, be sure the child knows who the person is. These arrangements need to be made in advance--please do not call the school with instructions and messages; at this time, phone lines need to be available for school personnel. If it is necessary to close school for the day because of weather conditions or other information, this information will be carried by local radio and television stations.
Extracurricular Activities, Clubs, and Oganizations
Participation in school and school-related activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive individual recognition, and build 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 participating in UIL or HISD sanctioned activities are governed by the following:
A student who receives, at the end of any grade evaluation period, a grade below 70 in any academic class may not participate in extracurricular activities for at least three weeks. An ineligible student may practice or rehearse, however. The student regains eligibility when the administrator and teachers determine that he/she has: 1) earned a passing grade (70 or above) in all academic classes, and 2) completed the three weeks of ineligibility.
Any restrictions on participation related to discipline are set out in the Code of Student Conduct.
Please Note: Student clubs and performing groups may establish standards of behavior, including consequences for misbehavior that are stricter than those for students in general. Guidelines and requirements will be included in the permission slips parents will be asked to sign granting permission for their child to participate in the activity.
Fees
Materials that are part of the basic educational program are provided with state and local funds and are at no charge to a student. A student, however, is expected to provide his/her own pencils, papers, erasers, and notebooks, and may be required to pay certain other fees or deposits, such as costs for materials for a class project that the student will keep, voluntarily purchased pictures, and fees for lost, damaged or overdue library books. In extreme and dire situations, 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 building administrators.
Field Trips
Field trips are an enriching part of the school experience and are carefully planned by school staff to correlate with required curriculum objectives. Parent permission is required for a child to participate in any field trip. Field trip permission slips are sent home by the teacher/sponsor and must be signed by the parent and returned. No student will be permitted to go on a trip without written permission on the appropriate form. Hand-written notes are not acceptable.
Fund-Raising
Student clubs or classes, outside organizations and/or the Energized for Excellence PTO occasionally may be permitted to conduct fund-raising drives for approved school purposes. An application for permission must be made to the principal at least ten school days before the event. Any event except as approved by the principal, fund-raising is not permitted on school property.
Grading Guidelines
All Pre-K students will receive report cards every 12 weeks. All kindergarten through 5th grade students will receive report cards every nine weeks. Academic grades on the cards will reflect the class work and test grades for that period. All grades are given in numerical averages. Conduct is marked with one of the following letters:
E-Excellent quality of behavior, totally self-disciplined
S-Satisfactory quality of behavior; cooperates readily
P-Poor quality of behavior; improvement necessary
U-Unsatisfactory quality of behavior: drastic improvement required.
Homework
Homework is an extension of what has been taught in class. Homework guidelines are determined
by grade levels and communicated by the teachers to parents. Work with your child to schedule
time each day to complete homework assignments and check to see that homework is completed.
Help your child organize his/her materials so that he/she gets to school each day with the
things needed for a successful day, including completed homework. Please note that 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students who do not return and complete their homework assignments will be assigned either: Lunch Detention or Ancillary Detention to complete their homework assignments. We use Lunch and Ancillary Detention and In School Suspension to promote student achievement and as a consequence for Code of Conduct violations. Assignment to either of the detentions or In School Suspension is dependent upon the severity of the infraction.
All students are permitted to eat lunch during lunch detention.
Immunizations
A student must be fully immunized against certain diseases or must present a certificate or statement that, for medical or religious reasons, the student will not be immunized. Immunization requirements change periodically. The school nurse can provide information on the current requirements, on age-appropriate doses, or on an acceptable physician-validated history of illness required by the Texas Department of Health. Proof of immunization may be personal records from a licensed physician or public health clinic with a signature or rubber-stamp validation.
If a student’s religious beliefs conflict with the requirement that the student be immunized, the parent must present a statement signed by the parent stating that immunization conflicts with the beliefs and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination of which the student is an adherent or member. This statement must be renewed annually.
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 doctors 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.
Medicine at School
A student who must take prescription medicine during the school day must provide the school nurse with an authorization form signed by the parent and licensed doctor on file with the medicine, in its original, properly labeled container. The school nurse will either give the medicine at the prescribed times or give the student permission to take the medication as directed.
Parent Involvement, Responsibilities and Rights
Education succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school, a partnership that thrives on communication and interaction, and includes parents, teachers, administrators, and the HISD Board of Trustees. Every parent is urged to:
Encourage his/her child to put a high priority on education and commit to making the most of the educational opportunities the school provides.
Review the information in the student handbook and the HISD Code of Student Conduct with his/her child and sign and return the acknowledgment forms.
Become familiar with all of the child's school activities and with the academic programs offered in the District. Discuss with the counselor or building administrators any questions, such as concerns about placement or assignment, and the options available to the child. Monitor the child’s academic progress and contact teachers as needed.
Attend scheduled conferences and request additional conferences as needed. To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, counselor, or administrator, please call the school office at (713) 773-3600 for an appointment. A teacher will usually arrange to return the call or meet with the parent during his/her conference period or at a mutually convenient time before or after school.
Exercise the right to review teacher materials, textbooks, and other aids, and to examine tests that have been administered to his/her child.
Review the child’s student records when needed. A parent may review attendance records, test scores, grades, disciplinary records, counseling records, psychological records, applications for admission, health and immunization information, teacher and counselor evaluations, reports of behavior patterns, and state assessment instruments that have been administered to his/her child.
Grant or deny any written request from the District to make a videotape or voice recording of the child unless the videotape or voice recording is to be used for school safety, relates to classroom instruction or a co-curricular or extracurricular activity, or relates to media coverage of the school as permitted by law.
Become a school volunteer. For further information, contact the school office.
Participate in campus parent organizations. Parents have the opportunity to support and be involved in various school activities, either as leaders or in supporting roles. Parent organizations include the Energized for Excellence PTO and the Title I Parent Advisory Committee.
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
The Energized for Excellence PTO helps to provide a well-rounded program for our students. It provides opportunities for parents to be informed and involved in their education. We encourage all parents to join the PTO and to play a leadership role by becoming actively involved in this worthwhile organization.
Parties
Class parties are limited to two (2) per year by HISD policy. Energized for Excellence will hold parties before Winter Holiday and at the end of the school year. Students may distribute Valentine’s Day cards, but students will not have a party on this day. All school sponsored parties will be held on campus. Student birthday parties are not allowed in the cafeteria. Parents wishing to bring refreshments may do so only during recess. The time allotted is not to exceed 15 minutes. Please let your child’s teacher know in advance if you want to bring refreshments so the appropriate plans may be made.
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 will not require, encourage, or coerce a student to engage in or to refrain from such prayer or meditation during any school activity.
Promotion and Retention
The HISD Board of Education has established promotion standards that students in first though eighth grades must meet in order to be promoted to the next grade level. Those standards for promotion are:
A passing score on reading assessment instruments (High Frequency Word Evaluation) for grades 1 and 2 or the reading section of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) in English or Spanish for grade 3; students in grade 4 must pass the mathematics and reading sections of (STAAR) in English or Spanish.
A score at the appropriate grade-level placement in reading only for grades 1-3 and in reading and mathematics in grades 4-6 on the Stanford10/Apreneda 3, nationally norm-referenced achievement tests
A 70 percent average of course grades, including a 70 percent or better grade in reading, language arts AND mathematics, and either science or social studies at grades 1-4
Students who do not meet these standards are subject to mandatory attendance at summer school, retention in the current grade, and/or intensive remediation in the area(s) of concern. Information regarding the standards and their impact on students is communicated to parents by HISD.
Release of Students from School
A student will not be released from school at times other than at the end of the school day except with permission from the building administrators or their designee and according to the campus sign-out procedures (see section on Student Sign Out Procedures). Unless the administrator has granted approval because of extenuating circumstances, a student will not regularly be released before the end of the instructional day.
A student who will need to leave school during the day must bring a note from his/her parent that morning. A student who becomes ill during the school day will, with the teacher’s permission, be sent to the school nurse. The nurse will decide whether or not the student should be sent home and will notify the student’s parent. Children will not be allowed to leave the campus before regular dismissal time for any reason unless accompanied by a responsible adult.
Report Cards, Progress Reports, and Conferences
Written reports of absences and student grades or performance in each class or subject are issued to parents at least once every nine weeks.
At the end of the first four weeks of a grading period, 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 will be requested to schedule a conference with the teacher. The report card or unsatisfactory progress report will state whether tutorials are required for a student who receives a grade below 70 in a class or subject. Report cards and progress reports must be signed by the parent and returned to the school within three days.
Parent/teacher conferences are a valuable tool to be used in helping students become happy and successful at school. Parents are urged to take advantage of this tool, following these guidelines to be sure that the conference is as productive as possible:
Make an appointment--call the office or write a note to the teacher to schedule a conference.
Watch for test papers, progress reports, etc. that signal trouble areas and schedule a conference then. Do not wait until a serious problem develops.
Please do not “drop in” at the beginning or end of the day asking to see a teacher. These are especially crucial times when the class needs and deserves the teacher’s full attention.
Instructional time belongs to the students--teachers will normally not be called out of class for a conference.
Safety/Accident Prevention
Student safety on campus and at school related events is the top priority of HISD. Although HISD has implemented safety procedures, the cooperation of students is essential to ensure school safety. A student should:
Avoid conduct that is likely to put the student or other students at risk.
Follow the behavioral standards in this handbook and the Code of Student Conduct, as well as any additional rules for behavior and safety set by the administrators, teachers, or bus drivers.
Remain alert and promptly report safety hazards, such as intruders on campus.
Know emergency evacuation routes and signals.
Follow immediately the instructions of school and HISD employees who are overseeing the welfare of students.
School Facilities
The taxpayers of the community have made a sustained financial commitment for the construction and upkeep of school facilities. To ensure that school facilities can serve those for whom they are intended, both this year and in the coming years, littering, defacing, or damaging school property is not tolerated. Students will be required to pay for damages they cause and shall be subject to disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct.
Pest Control Information
The District periodically applies pesticides inside buildings. Except in an emergency, signs will be posted 48 hours before application, and done when students are not in the building.
Sexual Harassment
HISD encourages parental and student support in its efforts to address and prevent sexual harassment and sexual abuse in the public schools. Students and/or parents are encouraged to discuss their questions or concerns about the expectations in this area with a teacher, counselor, building administrator, or the HISD EEO office at (713)892-6097.
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 substantiated complaint against a student will result in appropriate disciplinary action, according to the nature of the offense and the Code of Student Conduct.
The District will notify the parents of all students involved in sexual harassment by students 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 will be treated as confidential. Limited disclosure may be necessary to complete a thorough investigation. The detailed procedure for handling a sexual harassment or sexual abuse complaint can be found in the Code of Student Conduct.
Shared Decision Making Committee (SDMC)
The Shared Decision Making Committee (SDMC) is established and maintained to facilitate communications on matters of common professional concern, and to allow flexibility for the school to solve problems unique to the campus. The SDMC is made up of the principal, teachers, professional staff, paraprofessional staff, parents, and community members. The SDMC meets the 2nd Monday of each month to discuss school and community concerns. Written concerns can be submitted to the SDMC in a box in the main office.
Special Programs
HISD provides special programs for gifted and talented students, bilingual students, and migrant students, students with limited English proficiency, dyslexic students and students with disabilities. The coordinator of each program can answer questions about eligibility requirements, as well as programs and services offered at the school, in HISD, or by other organizations. A parent with questions about these programs should contact the building administrators.
Student Records
A student’s school records are confidential and are protected from unauthorized inspection or use. A cumulative record is maintained for each student from the time the student enters HISD until the time the student withdraws or graduates. This record moves with the student from school to school.
By law, both parents, whether married, separated, or divorced, have access to the records of a student who is under 18 or a dependent for tax purposes. A parent whose rights have been legally terminated will be denied access to the records if the school is given a copy of the court order terminating these rights.
The principal is custodian of all records for currently enrolled student at the assigned school. Records may be reviewed during regular school hours upon completion of a written request. The records custodian or designee will respond to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the records. If circumstances prevent a parent or eligible student from inspecting the records, HISD will either provide a copy of the requested records, or make other arrangements for the parent or student to review the requested records.
Parents of a minor or of a student who is a dependent for tax purposes, the student (if 18 or older), and school officials with legitimate educational interests are the only persons who have general access to a student’s records. “School officials with legitimate educational interests” include any employees, agents, or Trustees of the District; cooperatives of which HISD is a member; or facilities with which HISD contracts for the placement of students with disabilities, as well as their attorneys and consultants, who are:
Working with the student;
Considering disciplinary or academic actions, the student’s case, and Individual Education Plan (IEP) for a student with disabilities under IDEA, or an individually designed program for a student with disabilities under Section 504;
Compiling statistical data; or
Investigating or evaluating programs.
The parent’s right of access to and copies of student records does not extend to all records. Materials that are not considered educational records, such as teachers’ personal notes on a student that are shared only with a substitute teacher, records pertaining to former students after they are no longer students in HISD, and records maintained by school law enforcement officials for purposes other than school discipline do not have to be made available to the parents.
Certain officials from various governmental agencies may have limited access to the records. HISD forwards a student’s records on request and without prior parental consent to a school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. Records are also released in accordance with court order or lawfully issued subpoena. Unless the subpoena is issued for law enforcement purposes and the subpoena orders that its contents, existence, or the information sought not be disclosed, HISD will make a reasonable effort to notify the parent in advance of compliance. Parental consent is required to release the records to anyone else.
Parents of minor students may inspect the student’s records and request a correction if the records are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights. IF HISD refuses the request to amend the records, the requester has the right to pursue a complaint through the procedure spelled out in HISD Board policy. If records are not amended as a result of the process, the requester has 30 school days to exercise the right to place a statement commenting on the information in the student’s record. Although improperly recoded grades may be challenged, parents are not allowed to contest a student’s grade through this process.
Copies of student records are available at a cost of 25 cents per page, payable in advance. Parents may be denied copies of a student’s records if the parent fails to follow proper procedures and pay the copying charge or when the District is given a copy of a court order terminating the parental rights. If the student qualifies for free or reduced meals and parents are unable to view the records during regular school hours, upon written request of the parent, one copy of the record will be provided at no charge.
Certain information about HISD students is considered directory information and will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it, unless the parent objects to the release of any or all directory information about the child. Parents are given the opportunity annually to voice such objection by completing a form regarding release of such information. Directory information includes a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, awards received in school, and the most recent previous school attended.
Student Safety / Drop-Off and Pick Up Procedures
Parents are asked to assist school personnel in keeping our students safe on their way to and from school. All safety precautions and regulations listed in this section should be reviewed with students periodically. Parents are requested to review the vehicle safety section below and observe all traffic regulations.
Student Safety Walking/Riding Bicycles to and from School:
- Crossing guards are stationed at strategic locations. These are very dangerous intersections and students should cross
only with the aid of the crossing guards.
- Because of possible danger from automobile traffic, students should always cross streets
at a corner or crosswalk, never in the middle of a block.
- Bicycle riders should ride only one child to a bike. Bikes must be walked, not ridden,
on school grounds. Students are responsible for their bicycle security; therefore
students are encouraged to lock their bikes. Neither the school nor HISD has any
responsibility for stolen bikes.
-The Safety Patrol is organized to assist students in safely crossing intersections near the
school
Vehicular Safety before and after School:
-Please pay attention to all traffic signs, including the signs that indicate a specific area is
a NO PARKING zone.
- Please drop off and pick up your child on the school side of Bissonnet St.
only. Do not ask your child to cross in the middle of the block to meet you on the other
side.
- Please follow the line of traffic for drop off/pick up. A dismissal map is located in the
Energized for Excellence Student and Parent Handbook Appendix.
-Please pick up your child during their assigned pick up times to avoid unnecessary traffic.
Before School Procedures:
Breakfast is served in the cafeteria daily. Students should not arrive before that time.
Students who arrive at school before 7:00 a.m. will wait outside. Parents are responsible for supervising their children until school personnel are on duty. Staff members are not on duty to supervise students until 7:00 a.m.
Students are expected to line up and wait patiently and in an orderly manner until the bell rings at 7:40 a.m.
Students will be allowed to enter the building and line up outside classrooms in case of inclement weather conditions.
Instruction begins promptly at 7:45 am. Staff members are on duty beginning at 7:40 a.m. to ensure that all students reach classes safely and in an orderly manner.
All students should be picked up no later than 5:00 p.m.
In extreme emergencies, students may wait in the front until 4:45 p.m. Staff members are not responsible for students left after this time. HISD Police and CPS will be contacted to pick up students who are left unless prior arrangements have been made with staff regarding the time that the child will be picked up.
Student Sign-Out Procedures
Students will be released during school hours ONLY to parents/guardians or adults (18 years or older) authorized by the parent/guardian to pick up the child. Authorization by the parent/guardian for another adult to pick up a child may be made in the following ways:
a. Parent/guardian lists the person on the student’s official enrollment card.
b. Parent/guardian sends written notice to the office of the person who is to pick up the child.
In extreme emergencies, parents/guardians may authorize a person to pick up a student by telephone. In these cases, the parent will be asked on the phone to provide information about the child and himself/herself to verify identity. The person who is to pick up the child will be required to follow the rest of these procedures before a student is released.
When a person comes to the office to pick up a student, identification is required, even for parents/guardians. Identification consists of a picture ID. If the person does not have a picture ID, authorization for release of the child will not be given unless approved by a building administrator. The administrator will release the child only if he/she can verify the person’s identity and right to take the student. Office staff will copy the student’s enrollment card and the picture ID of the person to whom the child is to be released and will file both. Once verification has been made, the parent/guardian or designee will sign the child out on the appropriate form. Staff members will NOT release any student to ANY adult, even parents/guardians, unless the parent has followed these procedures.
Testing
In addition to routine testing and other measures of achievement, students at certain grade levels will take state assessment tests: Reading and Mathematics (Grades 3, 4 & 5) and Writing (Grade 4). Test results will be reported to students and parents, and parents may review an assessment test that has been given to their child. Results of some of these measures are part of the HISD promotion standards and used to make decisions regarding promotion and retention. The testing schedule and information regarding specific assessment measures are communicated to parents through regular school communications.
Certain students, such as students with disabilities and students with limited English proficiency may be eligible for exemptions, accommodations, or a deferment. For more information, see the building administrators, school counselor, or special education chairperson.
Students will also take common assessment every 4 weeks to monitor progress on academic standards. Results will be communicated to parents and students.
Textbooks
State-approved textbooks are provided free of charge for each subject or class. Books must be covered by
students, as directed by their teacher, and treated with care. A student who is issued a damaged book should report the damage to the teacher. Any student failing to return a book issued by the school loses the right to free textbooks until the book is returned or paid for by the parent. However, a student will be provided textbooks for use at school during the day.
Visitors
Parents and others are welcome to visit HISD schools. All visitors are to enter the building through the main front entrance, which remains locked from the outside during school hours. For the safety of those within the school, all visitors (including parents) must first report to the principal’s office before proceeding to any other area of the campus. Visitors will be asked to sign in, supply a photo ID, and state the reason for the visit. Visitors whose identity and purpose are authorized will be given a pass indicating the date of the visit and the person or area to be visited. Visits to individual classrooms during instructional time are permitted only with approval of the building administrators and teacher and so long as their duration or frequency does not interfere with the delivery of instruction or disrupt the normal school environment. Visitors are to return to the office to sign out and surrender the pass at the end of the visit.
Volunteers
Parents wishing to volunteer are required to complete a VIPS registration form and pass a background check. When the results of the background check are sent to the school, parents will be notified. Parents who pass the background check may start volunteering as soon as they would like. VIPS are required to sign in the appropriate notebook and wear a VIPS pass each time they are in the building.
However, parents who do not pass the background check, will not be allowed to volunteer at the school or any school related events to include field days, class parties, carnivals and fieldtrips. All fieldtrip chaperones must past a background check before they can serve as a chaperone.
It is the policy of the Houston Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, handicap or disability, ancestry, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or political affiliation in its educational or employment programs and activities.
