PREFACE

To Students and Parents:

Welcome to school year 2008–2009!  Education is a team effort, and we know that students, parents, teachers, and other staff members all working together can make this a wonderfully successful year for our students.

The Saltillo ISD Student Handbook is designed to provide a resource for some of the basic information that you and your child will need during the school year.  In an effort to make it easier to use, the handbook is divided into two sections:

Section I—REQUIRED NOTICES AND INFORMATION FOR PARENTS—with notices that the district must provide to all parents, as well as other information to assist you in responding to school-related issues.  We encourage you to take some time to closely review this section of the handbook; and

Section II—INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS—organized alphabetically by topic for quick access when searching for information on a specific issue.

Please be aware that the term “the student’s parent” is used to refer to the parent, legal guardian, or any other person who has agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student.

Both students and parents should become familiar with the Saltillo ISD Student Code of Conduct, which is a document adopted by the board and intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning.  That document may be found and posted at www.saltilloisd.net  or available in the principal’s office.

The Student Handbook is designed to be in harmony with board policy and the Student Code of Conduct.  Please be aware that the handbook is updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision may occur throughout the year.  Changes in policy or other rules that affect Student Handbook provisions will be made available to students and parents through newsletters and other communications.

In case of conflict between board policy or the Student Code of Conduct and any provisions of the Student Handbook, the provisions of board policy or the Student Code of Conduct that were most recently adopted by the board are to be followed.

After reading through the entire handbook with your child, keep it as a reference during this school year.  If you or your child has questions about any of the material in this handbook, please contact the principal. 

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

1.      Parental Acknowledgment Form;

2.      Student Directory Information Form;

3.      Release of  Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Learning Forms; and

4.      Consent/Opt-Out Forms.

5.      Acceptable Use Policy 

[See Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights on page 4 and Directory Information on page 10 for more information.]

Please note that references to policy codes are included so that parents can refer to current board policy.  A copy of the district’s policy manual is available for review in the school office or online at www.saltilloisd.net.

SECTION I:  REQUIRED NOTICES AND INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

This section of the Saltillo ISD 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, Saltillo ISD 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:  Mr. Paul Jones at (903) 537-2386.

·        Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of disability:  Mr. Paul Jones at (903) 537-2386.

·        All other concerns regarding discrimination:  See the superintendent Mr. Paul Jones at (903) 537-2386.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Working Together

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 counselor 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 page 19 and Academic Programs on page 15]

·        Attending scheduled conferences and requesting additional conferences as needed.  To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher or principal, please call the school office at (903)537-2386 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 38.]

·        Becoming a school volunteer.  [For further information, see policies at GKG and contact Mr. Tim Lane or Mr. Ben Tyler at (903)537-2386

·        Participating in campus parent organizations.  Parent organizations include: Athletic Booster Club, Parent Teacher Organization and Band Booster Club.  Contact Mr. Paul Jones, Mr. Tim Lane or Mr. Ben Tyler at (903) 537-2386.

·        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 Mr. Paul Jones at (903)537-2386.

·        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 31.]

·        Attending board meetings to learn more about district operations.  [See policies at BE and BED for more information.] Regular Board of Trustees meeting is held at 7:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.

PARENTAL RIGHTS

Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights

Your child will not be required to participate without parental consent in any survey, analysis, or evaluation—funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education—that concerns:

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

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

·        Sexual behavior or attitudes.

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

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

·        Relationships privileged under law, such as relationships with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.

·        Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents.

·        Income, except when the information is required by law and 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).]

“Opting Out” of Surveys and Activities

As a parent, you have a right to receive notice of and deny permission for your child’s participation in:

·        Any survey concerning 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.]

Displaying a Student’s Artwork and Projects

As a parent, you have a right to provide consent before the district can display your child’s artwork, special projects, photographs taken by your child, and the like on the district’s Web site, in printed material, by video, or by any other method of mass communication.

Requesting Professional Qualifications of Teachers and Staff

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.

Reviewing Instructional Materials

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.

Inspecting Surveys

As a parent, you may inspect a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to your child.

Accessing Student Records

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 page 6.]

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.

Removing a Student Temporarily from the Classroom

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.

Excusing a Student from Reciting the Pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags

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 36 and policy EC(LEGAL).]

Excusing a Student from Reciting a Portion of the Declaration of Independence

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).]

Requesting Notices of Certain Student Misconduct

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.]

Requesting Transfers for Your Child

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 board or its designee to have been a victim of bullying as the term is defined by Education Code 25.0341.  Transportation is not provided for a transfer to another campus.  See Mr. Paul Jones for information. [See policy FDB.]

[See Bullying on page 15 and policy FFI(LOCAL).]

·        To request the transfer of your child to attend a safe public school in the district if your child attends school at a campus identified by TEA as persistently dangerous or if your child has been a victim of a violent criminal offense while at school or on school grounds.  [See policy FDD(LOCAL).]

·        To request the transfer of your child to another campus [or 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).]

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

Parents of Students with Disabilities

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 42 and contact Mr. Tim Lane or Mr. Ben Tyler at (903) 537-2386.

Options and Requirements for Providing Assistance to Students Who Have Learning Difficulties or Who Need or May Need Special Education

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 academic or behavior support services that are available to all students including a process based on Response to Intervention.  The implementation of Response to Intervention has the potential to have a positive impact on the ability of school districts to meet the needs of all struggling students. 

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 the evaluation is needed, the parent will be notified and asked to provide informed written consent for the evaluation.  The district must complete the evaluation and the report within 60 calendar days of the date the district receives 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 persons to contact regarding options for a child experiencing learning difficulties or a referral for evaluation for special education are Mr. Tim Lane or Mr. Ben Tyler at (903) 537-2386.

If a student is receiving special education services at a campus outside his or her attendance zone, the parent or guardian may request that any other student residing in the household be transferred to the same campus, if the appropriate grade level for the transferring student is offered on that campus.   [See policy FDB(LOCAL).]

Services for Title I Participants

The Parent Involvement Coordinator, who works with parents of students participating in Title I programs is Mr. Paul Jones and may be contacted at (903) 537-2386.

Student Records

Both federal and state laws safeguard student records from unauthorized inspection or use and provide parents and eligible students certain rights.  For purposes of student records, an “eligible” student is one who is 18 or older OR who 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 or the right to access a student’s education records.  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, administrators, and principals); school staff members (such as teachers, counselors, diagnosticians, and support staff); a person or company with whom the district has contracted to provide a particular service (such as an attorney, auditor,  medical consultant, or therapist); a parent or student serving on a school committee; or a parent or student assisting a school official or staff in the performance of his or her duties.

·        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 superintendent is custodian of all records for currently enrolled students at the assigned school.  The superintendent is the custodian of all records for students who have withdrawn or graduated.

Records may be inspected by a parent or eligible student during regular school hours.  If circumstances prevent inspection during these hours, the district will either provide a copy of the records requested or make other arrangements for the parent or student to review these records.  The records custodian or designee will respond to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the records.  The address of the superintendent’s office is P. O. Box 269, Saltillo, Texas 75478.

The address of the principals’ offices is:  P.O. Box 269, Saltillo, Texas 75478.

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.  A request to correct a student’s record should be submitted to the superintendent.  The request must clearly identify the part of the record that should be corrected and include an explanation of how the information in the record is inaccurate.  If the district denies the request to amend the records, the parent or eligible student has the right to request a hearing.  If the records are not amended as a result of the hearing, the parent or eligible student 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 38 and Student or Parent Complaints and Concerns on page 17 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 district’s policy regarding student records found at FL(LOCAL) is available from the principal’s or superintendent’s office or on the district’s Web site at www.saltilloisd.net.

The parent’s or eligible student’s right of access to and copies of student records do not extend to all records.  Materials that are not considered educational records—such as a teacher’s personal notes about a student that are shared only with a substitute teacher—do not have to be made available to the parents or student.

Please note:

Parents or eligible students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe the district is not in compliance with federal law regarding student records.  The complaint may be mailed to:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U. S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC  20202-5901

Directory Information

The law permits the district to designate certain personal information about students as “directory information.”  This “directory information” will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it. 

However, release of a student’s directory information may be prevented by the parent or an eligible student.  This objection must be made in writing to the principal within ten school days of 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.

Directory Information for School-Sponsored Purposes

The district often needs to use student information for the following school-sponsored purposes: honors and awards, news releases, yearbook, and other district publications and announcements.  

For these specific school-sponsored purposes, the district would like to use your child’s name, address, telephone listing, photograph, honors and awards, grade level, most recent school previously attended, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and height and weight if a member of an athletic team.  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 above.

Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education

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 for you to complete if you do not want the district to provide this information to military recruiters or institutions of higher education.

Bacterial Meningitis

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 Department of State 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/.

SECTION II:  INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

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 has a question about a specific school-related issue.  Should you be unable to find the information on a particular topic, please contact Mr. Paul Jones, Mr. Ben Tyler or Mr. Tim Lane at (903) 537-2386.