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This section of the
Monahans High School Student Handbook includes several notices that the
district is required to provide to you, as well as other information on
topics of particular interest to you as a parent.
STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION
In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination, Monahans-Wickett-Pyote Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, 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 legal requirements:
· Title IX Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of sex: Mrs. Glenna Applewhite, 606 South Betty, Monahans, Texas, 943-6711.
· Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of disability: Mrs. Glenna Applewhite, 606 South Betty, Monahans, Texas, 943-6711.
· All other concerns regarding discrimination: See the superintendent, Mr. Keith Richardson, 606 South Betty, Monahans, Texas, 943-6711.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Both experience and research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when there is good communication and a strong partnership between home and school. Your involvement in this partnership may include:
· Encouraging your child to put a high priority on education and working with your child on a daily basis to make the most of the educational opportunities the school provides.
· Ensuring that your child completes all homework assignments and special projects and comes to school each day prepared, rested, and ready to learn.
· Becoming familiar with all of your child’s school activities and with the academic programs, including special programs, offered in the district.
· Discussing with the counselors or principal any questions you may have about the options and opportunities available to your child.
· Reviewing the requirements of the graduation programs with your child, if your child is entering ninth grade.
· Monitoring your child’s academic progress and contacting teachers as needed. [See Academic Counseling on pages 22-23 and Academic Programs on page 13.]
· Attending scheduled conferences and requesting additional conferences as needed. To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, counselor, or principal, please call the school office at 943-2519 for an appointment. The teacher will usually return your call or meet with you during his or her conference period or before or after school. [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences on page 45.]
· Becoming a school volunteer. [For further information, see policies at GKG and contact Kellye Riley, principal, at 943-2519.]
· Participating in campus parent organizations.
· Serving as a parent representative on the district-level or campus-level planning committees assisting in the development of educational goals and plans to improve student achievement. For further information, see policies at BQA and BQB, and contact Kellye Riley, principal, at 943-2519.
· Serving on the School Health Advisory Council, assisting the district in ensuring local community values are reflected in health education instruction. [See policies at BDF, EHAA, FFA and information in this handbook at School Health Advisory Council on page 38.]
· Attending board meetings to learn more about district operations. [See policies at BE and BED for more information.]
PARENTAL 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 will be used to determine the student’s eligibility to participate in a special program or to receive financial assistance under such a program.
You will be able to inspect the survey or other instrument and any instructional materials used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation. [For further information, see policy EF(LEGAL).]
As a parent, you have a right to receive notice of and deny permission for your child’s participation in:
· Any survey concerning the private information listed above, regardless of funding.
· School activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information gathered from your child for the purpose of marketing or selling that information.
· Any nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered and scheduled by the school in advance and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student. Exceptions are hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under state law. [See policies EF and FFAA.]
As a parent, if you do not want your child’s artwork, special projects, photographs and the like to be displayed on the district’s Web site, in printed material, by video, or by any other method of mass communication, you must notify the principal in writing.
You may 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.
As a parent, you have a right to review teaching materials, textbooks, and other teaching aids and instructional materials used in the curriculum, and to examine tests that have been administered to your child.
As a parent, you may inspect a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to your child.
You may review your child’s student records. These records include:
· Attendance records,
· Test scores,
· Grades,
· Disciplinary records,
· Counseling records,
· Psychological records,
· Applications for admission,
· Health and immunization information,
· Other medical records,
· Teacher and counselor evaluations,
· Reports of behavioral patterns, and
· State assessment instruments that have been administered to your child.
[See Student Records on pages 6-8.]
Granting Permission to Video or Audio Record a Student
As a parent, you may grant or deny any written request from the district to make a video or voice recording of your child. State law, however, permits the school to make a video 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 cocurricular or extracurricular activity; or
· When it relates to media coverage of the school.
You may 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.
As a parent, you may 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 minute of silence or silent activity that follows. [See Pledges of Allegiance and a Minute of Silence on page 43 and policy EC(LEGAL).]
You may request that your child be excused from recitation of a portion of the Declaration of Independence. State law requires students in social studies classes in grades 3–12 to recite a portion of the text of the Declaration of Independence during Celebrate Freedom Week unless (1) you provide a written statement requesting that your child be excused, (2) the district determines that your child has a conscientious objection to the recitation, or (3) you are a representative of a foreign government to whom the United States government extends diplomatic immunity. [See policy EHBK(LEGAL).]
A noncustodial parent may request in writing that he or she be provided, for the remainder of the school year, a copy of any written notice usually provided to a parent related to your child’s misconduct that may involve placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) or expulsion. [See policy FO(LEGAL) and the Student Code of Conduct.]
As a parent, you have a right:
· To request the transfer of your child to another classroom or campus if your child has been determined by the administrator to have been a victim of bullying as the term is defined by Education Code 25.0341. Transportation is not provided for a transfer to another campus. See Kellye Riley, principal, for information. [See policy FDB.]
· To request the transfer of your child to attend a safe public school in the district if your child attends school at a campus identified by TEA as persistently dangerous or if your child has been a victim of a violent criminal offense while at school or on school grounds. [See policy FDD(LOCAL).]
· To request the transfer of your child to a neighboring district if your child has been the victim of a sexual assault by another student assigned to the same campus, whether that assault occurred on or off campus, and that student has been convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for that assault. [See policies FDD(LEGAL) and (LOCAL).]
Requesting Classroom Assignment for Multiple Birth Siblings
As a parent, if your children are multiple birth siblings (e.g., twins, triplets, etc.) assigned to the same grade and campus, you may request that they be placed either in the same classroom or in separate classrooms. Your written request must be submitted no later than the 14th day after the enrollment of your children. [See FDB(LEGAL).]
Parents of students with learning difficulties or who may need special education services may request an evaluation for special education at any time. For more information, see Special Programs on page 50 and contact Mrs. Cyndi Stricklin, Special Education Director, at 943-3504.
If a child is experiencing learning difficulties, the parent may contact the person listed below to learn about the district’s overall general education referral or screening system for support services. This system links students to a variety of support options, including referral for a special education evaluation. Students having difficulty in the regular classroom should be considered for tutorial, compensatory, and other support services that are available to all students.
At any time, a parent is entitled to request an evaluation for special education services. Within a reasonable amount of time, the district must decide if the evaluation is needed. If evaluation is needed, the parent will be notified and asked to provide consent for the evaluation. The district must complete the evaluation and the report within 60 calendar days of the date the district receives the written consent. The district must give a copy of the report to the parent.
If the district determines that the evaluation is not needed, the district will provide the parent with a written notice that explains why the child will not be evaluated. This written notice will include a statement that informs the parent of his or her rights if the parent disagrees with the district. Additionally, the notice must inform the parent how to obtain a copy of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards—Rights of Parents of Students with Disabilities.
The designated person to contact regarding options for a child experiencing learning difficulties or a referral for evaluation for special education is Mrs. Cyndi Stricklin, Special Education Director, at 943-3504.
Opciones y requisitos para proporcionar ayuda a los estudiantes que tienen dificultades en el aprendizaje 0 que necesitan o pueden necesitar educacion especial
Si un niño está experimentando dificultades en el aprendizaje, el padre puede comunicarse con la persona mencionada más abajo para enterarse sobre el sistema de estudios de diagnóstico y de recomendación de la educación general del distrito para los servicios de apoyo. Este sistema conecta a los estudiantes con una variedad de opciones de apoyo, incluyendo la recomendación para una evaluación para educacion especial. Los estudiantes que tienen dificultades en el aula normal deberán ser considerados para tutoria, servicios compensatorios y otros servicios de apoyo disponibles para todos los estudiantes.
En cualquier momento, un padre tiene derecho a solicitar una evaluación para los servicios de educación especial. Dentro de un periodo de tiempo razonable, el distrito debe decidir si la evaluación es necesaria. Si la evaluación es necesaria, el padre será notificado y se le pedirá que dé consentimiento para la evaluación. El distritro debe completar la evaluación y el informe dentro de lost 60 días de calendario desde la fecha en que el distrito reciba el consentimiento por escrito. El distrito debe darle una copia del informe al padre.
Si el distrito determina que la evaluación no es necesaria, el distrito proporcionará al padre una notificación por escrito que explica el motivo por el cual el niño no sera evaluado. Extra notificación por excrito incluirá información que le explica al padre los derechos que tiene si no está de acuerdo con el distritro. Además, la notificación debe informarle al padre la manera de obtener una copia de la Notificación de las Salvaguardas del Procedimiento – Derecho de los Padres de Estudiantes con Discapacidades.
Las persona designada con quien puede comunicarse en relación a las opciones que tiene un niño que experimenta dificultades en el aprendizaje o para una recomendación para le evaluación para educación especial es Mrs. Cyndi Stricklin at 943-3504.
The Parent Involvement Coordinator, who works with parents of students participating in Title I programs if Mrs. Glenna Applewhite and may be contacted at 606 S. Betty, Monahans, Texas, 943-6711.
Both federal and state law 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 is attending an institution of postsecondary education.
Virtually all information pertaining to student performance, including grades, test results, and disciplinary records, is considered confidential educational records. Release is restricted to:
· The parents—whether married, separated, or divorced—unless the school is given a copy of a court order terminating parental rights. Federal law requires that, as soon as a student becomes 18 or is emancipated by a court, control of the records goes to the student. The parents may continue to have access to the records, however, if the student is a dependent for tax purposes.
· District staff members who have what federal law refers to as a “legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records. “Legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records includes working with the student; considering disciplinary or academic actions, the student’s case, or an individualized education program for a student with disabilities; compiling statistical data; or investigating or evaluating programs. Such persons would include school officials (such as board members, the superintendent, and principals), school staff members (such as teachers, counselors, and diagnosticians), or an agent of the district (such as a medical consultant).
· Various governmental agencies.
· Individuals granted access in response to a subpoena or court order.
· A school or institution of postsecondary education to which a student seeks or intends to enroll or in which he or she subsequently enrolls.
Release to any other person or agency—such as a prospective employer or for a scholarship application—will occur only with parental or student permission as appropriate.
The principal is the custodian of all records for currently enrolled students at the assigned school. The high school principal is the custodian of all records for students who have withdrawn or graduated.
Records may be inspected by a parent or eligible student during regular school hours. If circumstances prevent inspection during these hours, the district will either provide a copy of the requested records or make other arrangements for the parent or student to review these records. The records custodian or designee will respond to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the records. The address of the superintendent’s office is: 606 S. Betty, Monahans, TX, 79756. The address of the principal’s office is 809 S. Betty, Monahans, TX, 79756.
A parent (or eligible student) may inspect the student’s records and request a correction if the records are considered inaccurate or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. If the district refuses the request to amend the records, the requestor has the right to request a hearing. If the records are not amended as a result of the hearing, the requestor has 30 school days to exercise the right to place a statement commenting on the information in the student’s record. Although improperly recorded grades may be challenged, contesting a student’s grade in a course is handled through the general complaint process found in policy FNG(LOCAL). [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences on page 45 and Complaints and Concerns on page 18 for an overview of the process.]
Copies of student records are available at a cost of ten cents per page, payable in advance. If the student qualifies for free or reduced-price lunches and the parents are unable to view the records during regular school hours, one copy of the record will be provided at no charge upon written request of the parent.
The law permits the district to designate certain personal information about students as “directory information.” This “directory information” will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it.
However, release of a student’s directory information may be prevented by the parent or an eligible student. This objection must be made in writing to the principal within ten (10) school days of your child’s first day of instruction for this school year. [See the “Notice Regarding Directory Information and Parent’s Response Regarding Release of Student Information” included in the forms packet.]
The district often needs to use student information for the following school-sponsored purposes: honor roll, school newspaper, the yearbook, recognition activities, news releases, website and athletic programs.
For these specific school-sponsored purposes, the district would like to use your child’s name, photograph, grade level and/or honors and awards received in school. This information will not be released to the public without the consent of the parent or eligible student.
Unless you object to the use of your child’s information for these limited purposes, the school will not need to ask your permission each time the district wishes to use this information for the school-sponsored purposes listed.
The district is required by federal law to comply with a request by a military recruiter or an institution of higher education for students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings, unless parents have advised the district not to release their child’s information without prior written consent. A form has been provided in the forms folder for you to complete if you do not want the district to provide this information to military recruiters or institutions of higher education.
Please note:
Parents or eligible students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe the district is not in compliance with federal law regarding student records. The district’s policy regarding student’s records is available from the principal’s or superintendent’s office or on the district’s Web site at www.mwpisd.esc18.net.
The parent’s or eligible student’s right of access to and copies of student records does not extend to all records. Materials that are not considered educational records – such as teachers’ personal notes about a student that are shared only with a substitute teacher – do not have to be made available to the parents or student.
State law specifically requires the district to provide the following information:
· 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 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 will become 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 will have 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 and cause meningitis or another serious illness.
· How can bacterial meningitis be prevented?
Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Limit the number of persons you kiss.
While there are vaccines for some other strains of bacterial meningitis, they are used only in special circumstances. These include when there is a disease outbreak in a community or for people traveling to a country where there is a high risk of getting the disease. Also, a vaccine is recommended by some groups 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 Services office to ask about a 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 Department of State Health Services, http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/.
Topics in this
section of the handbook contain important information on academics,
school activities, and school operations and requirements. Take a
moment with your child to become familiar with the various issues
addressed in this section. It is conveniently organized in alphabetical
order to serve as a quick-reference when you or your child have a
question about a specific school-related issue. Should you be unable to
find the information on a particular topic, please contact Kellye Riley,
principal, at 432-943-2519.
Regular school attendance is essential for a student to make the most of his or her education—to benefit from teacher-led and school activities, to build each day’s learning on the previous day’s, and to grow as an individual. Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student’s mastery of the instructional materials; therefore, the student and parent should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences. Two state laws, one dealing with compulsory attendance, the other with attendance for course credit, are of special interest to students and parents. They are discussed below::
State law requires that a student between the ages of six and 18 attend school, as well as any applicable accelerated instruction program, extended year program, or tutorial session, unless the student is otherwise excused from attendance or legally exempt.
A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his or her 18th birthday is required to attend each school day. If a student 18 or older has more than five unexcused absences in a semester, however, the district may revoke the student’s enrollment. The student’s presence on school property thereafter would be unauthorized and may be considered trespassing.
School employees must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. A student absent from school without permission from school; from any class; from required special programs, such as additional special instruction (termed “accelerated instruction” by the state) assigned by a grade placement committee and basic skills for ninth graders; or from required tutorials will be considered in violation of the compulsory attendance law and subject to disciplinary action.
A court of law may also impose penalties against both the student and his or her parents if a school-aged student is deliberately not attending school. A complaint against the parent may be filed in court if the student:
· Is absent from school on ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year, or
· Is absent on three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period.
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 at least 75 percent but fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered may receive credit for the class if he or she completes a plan, approved by the principal, that allows the student to fulfill the instructional requirements for the class. If a student is involved in a criminal or juvenile court proceeding, the approval of the judge presiding over the case will also be required before the student receives credit for the class.
If a student attends less than 75 percent of the days a class is offered or has not completed that plan approved by the principal, then the student will be referred to the attendance review committee to determine whether there are extenuating circumstances for the absences and how the student can regain credit, if appropriate. [See policies at FEC.]
In determining whether there were extenuating circumstances for the absences, the attendance committee will use the following guidelines:
· All absences will be considered in determining whether a student has attended the required percentage of days. If makeup work is completed, absences for religious holy days and documented health-care appointments will be considered days of attendance for this purpose. [See policies at FEB.]
· A transfer or migrant student begins to accumulate absences only after he or she has enrolled in the district. For a student transferring into the district after school begins, including a migrant student, only those absences after enrollment will be considered.
· In reaching a decision about a student’s absences, the committee will attempt to ensure that it is in the best interest of the student.
· The committee will consider the acceptability and authenticity of documented reasons for the student’s absences.
· The committee will consider whether the absences were for reasons over which the student or the student’s parent could exercise any control.
· The committee will consider the extent to which the student has completed all assignments, mastered the essential knowledge and skills, and maintained passing grades in the course or subject.
· The student or parent will be given an opportunity to present any information to the committee about the absences and to talk about ways to earn or regain credit.
The student or parent may appeal the committee’s decision to the board of trustees by filing a written request with the superintendent in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL).
The actual number of days a student must be in attendance in order to receive credit will depend on whether the class is for a full semester or for a full year.
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 note signed by the student, even with the parent’s permission, will not be accepted unless the student is 18 or older.
Upon returning to school, a student absent for more than five consecutive days because of a personal illness must bring a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student’s extended absence from school. [See FEC(LOCAL).]
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 in the attendance office.
Monahans High School asks that parents call the school attendance office before 8:30 AM if their child is going to be absent that day. In an effort to reduce truancies, MHS will attempt to contact the parent of students that are reported as absent. Parental cooperation in contacting the school first will be greatly appreciated.
§ When returning to school after an absence, a student must bring a note signed by a parent describing the reason for, and the date(s) of, the absence. Students are to present this note to the attendance clerk between 7:45 and 8:05 AM. Notes should be written and signed by a parent/guardian. Forged notes will be treated as a truancy and handled according to the discipline policy. Notes will not be accepted after the third day a student returns to school following an absence and the absence will be classified as unexcused.
§ No student, except those in regular instructional programs which require that they leave the school grounds, will be excused to leave the school grounds without the principal’s approval. Except in an emergency, this may not be done without the written permission of the parent or guardian. However, in emergency situations, verbal approval from the parent or guardian will be sought by the attendance clerk before students are allowed to leave campus. All students leaving the campus early must sign out in the attendance office. Upon returning to school, if on the same day, the student must check in with the Attendance Office. Students who are eighteen (18) years old, but still living at home, must have parent permission to leave campus and must follow the same check-out procedures outlined for all students.
§ Leaving the school campus without permission, other than during the lunch period, will be considered truancy and will result in a placement in SAC. Students who remain on campus, but are not attending their assigned classes, will be considered as skipping and will result in an assignment of Saturday detention hall.
§ Students leaving early and returning or not returning for reasons of a medical or dental appointment should bring a note to the Attendance Office from the doctor/dentist with the name of the student, the time and date of the appointment and the doctor/dentist’s signature. Please remember that class time is important. Doctor/dentist’s appointments should be scheduled, if possible, at times when the student will not miss instructional time.
A student absent from school on a day that school‑related activities are scheduled for the evening must receive permission from the principal before participating in the scheduled activities.
Monahans High School will provide students with excessive absences the option of attending Saturday School to make-up days missed in order to be in compliance with the 90% attendance law. Students who wish to take advantage of this offer are required to pay a fee of $25 for each Saturday School they attend. Students must sign-up with the assistant principal and pay the fee before attending. Students who are unable to pay the $25 fee may make arrangements with the assistant principal to do assigned duties after school hours to compensate for the fee. Saturday School will be held at the discretion of MHS and the hours will be from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
The school counselors provide students and parents information regarding academic programs to prepare for higher education and career choices. [For more information, see page 24 of this handbook and policies at EIF.]
[See Academic Counseling on pages 22-23.]
ADMISSION AND ENROLLMENT
The Board of Trustees of a school district or its designee shall admit into the free public schools of the district all persons who are at least five and under 21 years of age on September 1 of any school year in which admission is sought if any of the following conditions exist:
1. The person and either parent reside in the district.
2. The person does not reside in the district, but one of the parents resides in the district and that parent is a joining managing conservator or the sole managing conservator or possessory conservator of the person.
3. The person and his or her guardian or other person having lawful control under an order of a court reside in the district.
4. The person has established a separate residence in the district apart from his or her parent, guardian, or the person having lawful control under an order of a court and has established that the person’s presence in the district is not for the primary purpose of participation in extracurricular activities. The Board is not required to admit such person, however, if the person has:
§ Engaged in conduct that resulted in removal to an alternative education program or expulsion within the preceding year;
§ Engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision and is on probation or other conditional release for that conduct; or
§ Been convicted of a criminal offense and is on probation or other conditional release.
5. The person is homeless, as defined by federal law, regardless of the residence of the person, either parent, or the person’s guardian or other person having lawful control.
6. The person is a foreign exchange student placed with a host family that resides in the district by a nationally recognized foreign exchange program, unless the district has applied for and been granted a waiver by the Commissioner because:
§ This requirement would impose a financial or staffing hardship on the district.
§ The admission would diminish the district’s ability to provide a high quality of education services for the district’s domestic students; or
§ The admission would require domestic students to compete with foreign exchange students for educational resources.
7. The person resides in the district and is 18 or older or the person’s disabilities of minority have been removed.
The district may require evidence that a person is eligible to attend the public free schools of the district at the time it considers an application for admission of the person. The Board or its designee shall establish minimum proof of residency acceptable to the district. When admission is sought under item 3 above, the Board shall determine whether an applicant qualifies as a resident of the district and may adopt reasonable guidelines for making that determination as necessary to protect the best interest of students.
Not later than the 30th day after the date a parent or other person with legal control of a child enrolls the child in a district school, the parent or other person, or the school district in which the child most recently attended school, shall furnish to the district all of the following:
· The child’s birth certificate or another document suitable as proof of the child’s identity;
· A copy of the child’s records from the school the child most recently attended if he or she was previously enrolled in school in Texas or in another state;
· A record showing that the child has the immunizations required by Education Code 38.001, proof that the child is not required to be immunized, or proof that the child is entitled to provisional admission.
If a child is enrolled under a name other than the name that appears in the identifying documents or records, the district shall notify the missing children and missing persons information clearinghouse of the child’s name as shown on the identifying records and the name under which the child is enrolled.
If the required documents and other records are not furnished to the district within 30 days after enrollment, the district shall notify the police department of the city or the sheriff’s department of the county in which the district is located and request a determination of whether the child has been reported as missing.
When accepting a child for enrollment, the district shall inform the parent or other person enrolling the child that presenting false information or false records for identification is a criminal offense under Penal Code 37.10.
These courses go far beyond the state minimum essential elements and are based on difficult instructional material, higher order thinking skills, and demand a high level of performance both from the student and the teacher. Advanced Placement (AP) and Pre-Advanced Placement (PAP) courses are the most advanced academic courses offered by MHS and require the student’s greatest effort in order to successfully complete the classes.
Students that are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses are required to take the Advanced Placement (AP) exams. A monetary down-payment fee of $20 is required to be paid by the student before the end of the first six-weeks period of the class to cover the cost of the AP exam. If the student does not pay for the exam during this time, the student will be placed in an equivalent, regular education class. The remainder of the exam fee must be paid before the administration of the AP exam.
Honor Graduate Awards: Presented to the two graduating seniors having the highest scholastic averages for their high school work. The Valedictorian and the Salutatorian are those members of the senior class who have the highest scholastic averages for the four years of their high school work. These honorees are determined at the end of the fifth six-weeks of their senior year. A student must have completed the last two years at Monahans High School to be eligible and must complete the requirements of the Recommended or the Distinguished Achievement graduation plans.
Outstanding Senior Boy/Girl: Presented to a graduating boy and girl from the senior class. The recipients of these awards are nominated and voted upon by the members of the faculty based upon students’ leadership skills, citizenship, involvement in extracurricular activities and dedication to Monahans High School.
Academic Awards: Presented to students who have maintained grade averages of 90 or above in each of the core subjects, taught at grade level with no class/grade modifications, for the first five six-weeks periods of the school year. Core subjects are those subjects which are required to complete a student’s graduation plan other than band, choir and physical education/athletics classes.
Scholarship Awards: Presented to the boy and girl who have the highest scholastic averages in each grade level for the school year, as determined at the end of the first five six-weeks periods.
Merit Awards (The “M” Awards): Presented to one boy and one girl in each of the classes based on citizenship, trustworthiness, dependability, helpfulness and loyalty, as determined by MHS faculty members.
Departmental Awards: Presented to the outstanding students of each department as determined by faculty members from each representative department.
Perfect Attendance Awards: Presented to those students who have not been absent during the school year.
UIL State Participants: Presented to those students who have reached the state level of competition in the UIL events in which they have participated.
Monahans High School generally operates under the regular bell schedule listed below. However, during exam periods and other occasions during the year, the bell schedule is modified.
8:00 AM Students Enter the Building
8:00 – 8:05 AM Passing Period
8:05 – 9:00 AM First Period
9:00 – 9:05 AM Passing Period
9:05 – 10:00 AM Second Period
10:00 – 10:05 AM Passing Period
10:05 – 11:00 AM Third Period
11:00 – 11:05 AM Passing Period
11:05 – 12:00 Noon Fourth Period
12:00 – 12:45 PM Lunch
12:45 – 12:50 PM Passing Period
12:50 – 1:45 PM Fifth Period
1:45 – 1:50 PM Passing Period
1:50 – 2:45 PM Sixth Period
2:45 – 2:50 PM Passing Period
2:50 – 3:45 PM Seventh Period
The district offers career and technology programs in trade and industrial, computer technology and home economics. Admission to these programs is based on students’ interests and career goals.
The Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISD will take steps to ensure that a lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.
The Valedictorian and the Salutatorian are those members of the senior class who have the highest scholastic averages for the four years of their high school work. These students are determined at the end of the fifth six-weeks of their senior year. A student must have completed the last two years at Monahans High School to be eligible and must complete the requirements of the Recommended or the Distinguished Achievement graduation plans.
For two school years following his or her graduation, a district student who graduates in the top ten percent of his or her class is eligible for automatic admission into four-year public universities and colleges in Texas if the student:
Students and parents should contact the counselors or principal for further information about the application process and deadlines.
[For further information, see policies at EIC.]
Schedule changes are discouraged. Only limited schedule changes will be granted after the first week of a semester. In order to drop a course or to change a schedule, a student must have a legitimate reason and written approval from parents/guardians. Requests for schedule changes due to low grades or individual differences will normally be denied. Requests to change teachers will not ordinarily be granted, except in cases where the change will assist in equalizing the class loads.
Students classified as juniors or seniors may be granted credit for concurrent or college course(s) taken in approved institutions to fulfill units for high school graduation under the following provisions:
· The student makes written request to the principal and/or superintendent that credit be given for a college course. The course(s) may be taken concurrently with high school courses or during the summer or evening. However, a student will only be allowed to take three (3) concurrent and/or correspondence courses held off-campus during their high school years.
· The parent(s) or guardian(s) affirms in writing to the principal and/or superintendent that the student has parental permission to take the college course(s).
· The student completes the requirement of taking the THEA test before enrolling in college course(s). Students may be exempt from this test based upon TAKS results. Please see the counselors for more information on this matter.
· Credit for successfully completed college course(s) shall be earned in one-half unit increments.
· The student pays all costs associated with taking the college course(s) and provides the district with an official college transcript showing the grade received. The grade must be a minimum of “C” (75-79) to qualify for high school credit.
· Graduating seniors taking a concurrent/dual credit course held off-campus must complete the course during the fall semester of the student’s senior year.
Senior students will be allowed up to two days a year for college visitation. Students who choose to use these days will bring a note from their parents/guardians stating where and when they will be going, and obtain a College Visitation form from the Attendance Office. The College Visitation form must be presented and signed by each of the student’s teachers before the scheduled visit. This form must also be stamped with the official college stamp during the visit and delivered to the Attendance Office upon returning to the high school.
These college days are excused absences, and they do not count against exam exemptions. However, they do count against perfect attendance status. The school asks that students be responsible in the use of their college days. College days will not be granted for days when major grades will be taken (six weeks tests, final exams, etc.). These days of college visitations should be viewed as an educational opportunity and help to graduating seniors and their families.
All college days must be taken by the last day of the 5th 6-weeks period, which is April 18, 2008.
Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed by a phone call or a conference with the teacher or principal. For those complaints and concerns that cannot be handled so easily, the district has adopted a standard complaint policy at FNG(LOCAL) in the district’s policy manual. A copy of this policy may be obtained in the principal’s or superintendent’s office or on the district’s Web site at www.mwpisd.esc18.net.
In general, the student or parent should submit a written complaint and request a conference with the campus principal. If the concern is not resolved, a request for a conference should be sent to the superintendent. If still unresolved, the district provides for the complaint to be presented to the board of trustees.
To prepare students for an increasingly technological society, the district has made anl investment in computer technology for instructional purposes. Use of these computer 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 (separate from this handbook) regarding use of these resources; violations of this agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.
Students and their parents should be aware that e-mail using district computers is not private and will be monitored by district staff. [For additional information, see policies at CQ.]
In order for students to take advantage of available learning opportunities and to be productive members of our campus community, each student is expected to:
§ Demonstrate courtesy – even when others do not.
§ Behave in a responsible manner, always exercising self-discipline.
§ Attend all classes, regularly and on time.
§ Prepare for each class; take appropriate materials and assignments to class.
§ Meet district and/or campus standards of grooming and dress.
§ Obey all campus and classroom rules.
§ Respect the rights and privileges of other students, teachers and other district staff.
§ Respect the property of others, including district property and facilities.
§ Cooperate with or assist the school staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline.
§ Avoid violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
As required by law, the Board has adopted a Student Code of Conduct that prohibits certain behaviors and defines standards of acceptable behavior—both on and off campus—and consequences for violation of these standards. The district has disciplinary authority over a student in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Students and parents should be familiar with the standards set out in the Student Code of Conduct, as well as campus and classroom rules.
To achieve the best possible learning environment for all students, the Student Code of Conduct and other campus rules will apply whenever the interest of the district is involved, on or off school grounds, in conjunction with classes and school-sponsored activities. The district has disciplinary authority over a student in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct as outlined below:
§ During the regular school day or while a student is going to and from school on district transportation.
§ During lunch periods in which a student is allowed to leave campus.
§ Within 300 feet of school property.
§ While a student is in attendance at any school-related activity, regardless of time or location.
§ For any school-related misconduct, regardless of time or location.
§ When retaliation against a school employee or volunteer occurs or is threatened, regardless of time or location.
§ When a student commits a felony, as described by Texas Education Code 37.006.
§ When criminal mischief is committed on or off school property or at a school-related event.
Corporal punishment—spanking or paddling the student—may be used as a discipline management technique in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and policy FO(LOCAL) in the district’s policy manual. Corporal punishment will be governed by the following conditions:
§ Corporal punishment shall be administered only after less stringent disciplinary measures have been attempted and after the student has been told the reason for the corporal punishment.
§ Corporal punishment may be administered by the school principal, assistant principal or a teacher.
§ The instrument to be used in administering corporal punishment shall be approved by the principal or designee.
§ The punishment will be administered in the presence of one other district professional employee and out of view of other students.
§ Corporal punishment shall be administered in a reasonable manner with “reasonableness” to be determined on the basis of factors such as size, age, and the physical, mental and emotional condition of the student.
A record will be maintained of each instance of corporal punishment.
Academic dishonesty/cheating or plagiarism is not acceptable. Cheating includes the copying of another student's work-homework, class work, test answers, etc.-as one's own. Plagiarism is the use of another person's original ideas or writing without giving credit to the true author. A student found to have engaged in academic dishonesty will be subject to loss of credit for the work in question, as well as disciplinary penalties, according to the Student Code of Conduct.
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. 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.
Students must not participate, either individually or in a group, in bullying or taunting behaviors toward another student. Such behaviors may include repeated teasing or ridicule, name-calling, threats, theft, gossip and rumors, or physical intimidation of any kind. A substantiated complaint against a student will result in disciplinary action, according to the nature of the offense and the Student Code of Conduct.
As identified by law, disruptions include the following:
· Interference with the movement of people at an exit, entrance, or hallway of a district building without authorization from an administrator.
· Interference with an authorized activity by seizing control of all or part of a building.
· Use of force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent participation in an authorized assembly.
· Use of force, violence, or threats to cause disruption during an assembly.
· Interference with the movement of people at an exit or an entrance to district property.
· Use of force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent people from entering or leaving district property without authorization from an administrator.
· Disruption of classes or other school activities while on district property or on public property that is within 500 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; and entering a classroom without authorization and disrupting the activity with loud or profane language or any misconduct.
· Interference with the transportation of students in district 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 or she takes direct hazing action; encourages or assists someone else to take action; recklessly permits action; has knowledge of planned action or action that has occurred without reporting that knowledge in writing to a sch
