Student Handbook
2014-2015 ENNIS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK Ennis High School 2301 Ensign Road Ennis, Texas 75119 972.872.3500 Table of Contents PREFACE .................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT ......................................................................................................................................... 5 NON-DISCRIMINATION CLAUSES ............................................................................................................................................. 5 ENNIS ISD SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS .............................................................................................................................. 6 SCHOOL ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBERS ..................................................................................................................... 6 ENNIS HIGH SCHOOL SONG .................................................................................................................................................. 7 BELL SCHEDULE ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8 EXAM SCHEDULE .................................................................................................................................................................... 8 GENERAL INFORMATION ...................................................................................................................................................... 9 ACADEMIC AWARDS .......................................................................................................................................................... 9 ATTENDANCE / TARDY POLICIES ................................................................................................................................. 10 BUSES ................................................................................................................................................................................... 13 CHILD NUTRITION / LUNCH PERIOD POLICIES .......................................................................................................... 14 CHANGE OF SCHEDULE REQUEST / DROPPING A COURSE..................................................................................... 16 CHEATING / PLAGIARISM................................................................................................................................................ 16 CHECK POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 16 CLASS RANK AND COURSE WEIGHT SYSTEM ........................................................................................................... 16 CLASSIFICATION AND PROMOTION ............................................................................................................................. 17 CLOSED CAMPUS - VISITORS ......................................................................................................................................... 18 CLUBS .................................................................................................................................................................................. 18 COMPUTER USE ................................................................................................................................................................. 18 CONDUCT GRADES ........................................................................................................................................................... 18 CORPORAL PUNISHMENT ............................................................................................................................................... 19 CORRESPONDENCE COURSES ........................................................................................................................................ 19 COUNSELORS/GUIDANCE DEPT. ................................................................................................................................... 19 CREDIT BY EXAMINATION ............................................................................................................................................. 20 DANCE FOR STUDENTS – Junior/Senior Prom, Homecoming Dance .............................................................................. 20 DATING VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND RETALIATION ..................................................... 20 Discrimination ................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Harassment ........................................................................................................................................................................ 21 Sexual Harassment ............................................................................................................................................................. 21 Retaliation .......................................................................................................................................................................... 22 Reporting Procedures ......................................................................................................................................................... 22 Investigation of Report ...................................................................................................................................................... 22 DETENTION HALL POLICIES ........................................................................................................................................... 22 DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIAL OR FLYERS.................................................................................................................. 22 DRESS MENU ...................................................................................................................................................................... 22 DRUG DOGS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 26 1 DUAL CREDIT COURSES / COLLEGE COURSEWORK ................................................................................................ 26 EARLY ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL ........................................................................................................................................ 26 ELECTRONIC DEVICES ..................................................................................................................................................... 26 ELEVATOR .......................................................................................................................................................................... 27 EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING ................................................................................................................................... 27 EXEMPTIONS FROM SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS ..................................................................................................... 27 EXTRACURRICULAR ABSENCES ................................................................................................................................... 28 EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES - "NO PASS/NO PLAY"........................................................................................ 28 FALSE ALARM (School Board Policy) ............................................................................................................................... 29 FIGHTING ............................................................................................................................................................................ 29 GANG FREE ZONES ........................................................................................................................................................... 29 GIFTS / FOOD ...................................................................................................................................................................... 29 GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES ................................................................................................................................... 30 GRADING SCALE ............................................................................................................................................................... 30 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS – in effect for students already in high school prior to the fall of 2014. ...................... 31 HALL PASS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 37 HALLWAYS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 37 HEALTH SERVICES ............................................................................................................................................................... 37 ACCIDENTS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 37 DIABETES ............................................................................................................................................................................ 37 FEVER/ILLNESS .................................................................................................................................................................. 38 IMMUNIZATIONS - State of Texas Mandatory Requirements ................................................................................... 38 IMMUNIZATION PROVISIONAL ENROLLMENT .......................................................................................................... 39 MEDICATION ...................................................................................................................................................................... 39 SCREENING INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................................ 39 REYE’S SYNDROME ALERT ............................................................................................................................................ 40 BACTERIAL MENINGITIS ................................................................................................................................................. 40 HONOR ROLL AND SELECT SCHOLARS ........................................................................................................................... 42 ISS ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 42 LIBRARY AND MEDIA CENTER SERVICES ...................................................................................................................... 42 MID-TERM GRADUATES AND SPRING GRADUATION EXERCISES ............................................................................ 43 PARENT INVOLVEMENT .................................................................................................................................................. 44 PARENT RIGHTS .................................................................................................................................................................... 44 PEP RALLIES / ASSEMBLIES ................................................................................................................................................ 45 PRAYER ................................................................................................................................................................................... 45 PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION ...................................................................................................................................... 46 RANDOM DRUG TESTING PROGRAM FOR ENNIS ISD .................................................................................................. 46 SATURDAY SCHOOL POLICIES .......................................................................................................................................... 50 SCHEDULE CHANGE POLICY FOR ADVANCED COURSES ........................................................................................... 52 2 SCHOOL TELEPHONES ......................................................................................................................................................... 52 SEARCHES ............................................................................................................................................................................... 52 SMOKE AND TOBACCO-FREE FACILITIES ...................................................................................................................... 53 SPECIAL PROGRAMS ............................................................................................................................................................ 53 STUDENT COUNCIL .............................................................................................................................................................. 53 STUDENT PARKING LOT REGULATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 54 STUDENT RECORDS .............................................................................................................................................................. 55 STUDENT RIGHTS .................................................................................................................................................................. 57 SUMMER SCHOOL ................................................................................................................................................................. 57 SUSPENSIONS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 57 TEXTBOOKS............................................................................................................................................................................ 58 TRAVEL – School Sponsored ............................................................................................................................................... 58 TUTORING ............................................................................................................................................................................... 58 U.I.L. LITERARY AND ATHLETIC EVENTS ....................................................................................................................... 58 VANDALISM ........................................................................................................................................................................... 58 VENDING MACHINES ........................................................................................................................................................... 59 VISITORS/SECURITY ............................................................................................................................................................. 59 APPENDIX 1: NOTICE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS REGARDING DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS ................................. 60 APPENDIX 2: NOTICE OF PARENT AND STUDENT RIGHTS ......................................................................................... 61 APPENDIX 3: APPEALS PROCESS ....................................................................................................................................... 62 APPENDIX 4: BULLYING ...................................................................................................................................................... 65 APPENDIX 5: TECHNOLOGY ............................................................................................................................................... 68 APPENDIX 5A: UNLAWFUL ONLINE CONDUCT AND APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAWS ............................................ 70 APPENDIX 6: FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)/FAMILY POLICY COMPLIANCE OFFICE (FPCO) HOME ........................................................................................................................................................... 72 APPENDIX 7: OPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS WHO HAVE LEARNING DIFFICULTIES OR WHO NEED OR MAY NEED SPECIAL EDUCATION ................................................. 73 NOTIFICATION OF ASBESTOS RE-INSPECTIONS ........................................................................................................... 74 NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY HANDBOOK……………………………………………………………………………...75 3 PREFACE STUDENTS: We, the administrative, counseling, and teaching staff of Ennis High School, welcome each and every one of you to one of the most attractive and successful high schools in Texas. As students and staff, we have a twofold purpose: 1. To keep this facility as nice for future students as it is for us, and 2. To make it serve the purpose for which it was intended--a place for teaching and learning. The Ennis High School Student Handbook contains information both students and parents are likely to need to ensure a successful school year. The handbook is organized by categories. Throughout the handbook, the term “student’s parent” means parent, legal guardian, or other person who has agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student. Students and parents also need to be familiar with the EISD Student Code of Conduct, which sets out the consequences for inappropriate behavior. The Student Code of Conduct is required by state law and is intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning. This document may be found as an attachment to this handbook. The Student Handbook is designed to be in harmony with board policy and the Student Code of Conduct adopted by the Board. Please be aware that this document is updated annually, while policy adoption and revision is an ongoing process. Changes in this policy that affect student handbook provisions will be communicated by newsletters and other communications to students and parents. These changes will generally supersede the provisions found in this handbook and made obsolete by newly adopted policy. In case of conflict between a board policy or the Student Code of Conduct and provisions of student handbooks, provisions of policy or the Student Code of Conduct most recently adopted by the board shall prevail. 4 ENNIS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT The Ennis Independent School District (ISD) shall be an educational institution that continuously challenges and stimulates its students. Ennis ISD shall provide the highest quality instructional staff and the appropriate facilities to insure that every student is equipped to his/her greatest academic potential. Qualities of character to be taught, modeled, and upheld in Ennis ISD shall include honesty, integrity, and respect. The curriculum, programs, offerings, and opportunities provided by Ennis ISD shall be intended to produce responsible people of high moral character, capable of personal and professional success, who shall have a positive impact on society. NON-DISCRIMINATION CLAUSES The Ennis Independent School District (ISD) does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in providing educational 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 Act of 1972; 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The Ennis Independent School District (ISD) will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs. The following district staff members have been designated to coordinate compliance with these requirements: Dr. John E. Chapman III, Superintendent, (Title IX Coordinator) James Sanders, Assistant Superintendent for HR & Administration, (Section 504 Coordinator) Address: Ennis ISD 303 West Knox Ennis, Texas 75119 Mailing Address: P. O. Box 1420 Ennis, Texas 75120 Telephone: (972) 872-7000 5 ENNIS ISD SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS Bramlet Beard, President Vacant, Vice-President Walter Beasley, Secretary Kelly McManus Alan Linson Julie Pierce Jennifer Haden SCHOOL ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBERS Ennis High School 2301 Ensign Road Ennis, Texas 75119 (972) 872-3500 Attendance: (972) 872-3513 Alamo Education Center 501 N. Gaines Ennis, Texas 75119 (972) 872-7332 Ennis high school periodically applies pesticides. Information concerning these applications may be obtained from: Director of Operations at (972) 872-7355 6 ENNIS HIGH SCHOOL SONG The school song of Ennis High School, “Maroon and White,” was written by Thomas B. Granger and arranged by Bob Banner. The words are: Ennis, ole Ennis, we’ll stand by thee, Faithful and loyal we will ever be. True to thy colors that stand for right, Loyal sons and daughters of Maroon and White. We will always face the conquest with spirits bold, Laurels for ole Ennis High will be our goal. 7 BELL SCHEDULE A” Day and “B” Day Schedule 1-A / 6-B Period 2-A / 7-B Period 3-A / 8-B Period A Lunch (Bell to return from A Lunch 12:16) B Lunch (Bell to return from B Lunch 1:01) C Lunch (Only 3 lunch periods, all students should be in class until 1:42) 4-A / 9-B Period 5-A /10-B Period 8:30 – 10:00 10:06 – 11:36 11:42 – 1:42 11:42 – 12:12 “Prime Time” “Prime Time” “Prime Time “Prime Time” A Lunch (8:30 – 9:30) (10:06 – 11:06) (Split Below) (12:16-1:16) 12:27 – 12:57 “Prime Time” B Lunch (11:42-12:27) 1:12 – 1:42 “Prime Time” C Lunch (11:42-12:42) 1:48 – 2:18 “Prime Time” 2:24 – 3:54 “Prime Time” (1:48 – 2:18) (2:24 – 3:24) EXAM SCHEDULE FALL EXAM SCHEDULE January 14, 2015 6B 8:30 – 10:00 7B 10:05 – 11:35 8B 11:40 – 1:10 Lunch 1:10 –1:40 January 15, 2015 1A 8:30 –10:00 2A 10:05 –11:35 3A 11:40 – 1:10 Lunch 1:10 –1:40 January 16, 2015 8:30 – 9:50 9:55 –11:15 5A 10B Lunch 11:15 – 11:45 SPRING EXAM SCHEDULE June 2, 2015 1A 8:30 – 10:00 2A 10:05 – 11:35 3A 11:40 – 1:10 Lunch 1:10 –1:40 June 3, 2015 6B 8:30 – 10:00 7B 10:05 – 11:35 8B 11:40 – 1:10 Lunch 1:10 –1:40 8 June 4, 2015 5A 10B Lunch 8:30 – 9:50 9:55 –11:15 11:15 –11:45 GENERAL INFORMATION ACADEMIC AWARDS The Board of Trustees shall constantly encourage academic excellence for the students of the Ennis Independent School District. The Board is in agreement that outstanding scholars should be recognized and rewarded. The district superintendent shall annually approve the list of academic awards to be presented to students in the Ennis Public Schools. 1. Students in grades 9 through 12 will receive awards if they have a 95 average in 4 or more classes. The average will be based on the grades earned through the third nine weeks. Ten points will be added for AP and Pre-AP courses. (Teacher’s aide, office aide, library aide, cheerleading, PE and remediation courses will not count). 2. Recognition will be given to the top 10 ranking seniors. 3. An award will be given to the top ranking student in each teacher’s subject areas: a. b. All AP, Pre-AP and BA classes are included. Teacher’s aide, office aide, library aide, cheerleading, PE and remediation courses will not count. 4. A Perfect Attendance Award will also be given 5. A University Interscholastic League cord will be awarded to the seniors who have participated in one or more UIL academic events their senior year. 6. A UIL certificate will be awarded to any senior in the top 10% that has participated in 1 or more UIL events during their high school career. 7. Four year Honor graduates will receive an award and gold cord. 8. Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) Graduate will receive a white cord. 9. An award will be given to EHS Exemplary students who have been recognized at State or National level. 10. Principal’s Award – Principal will choose a senior student. 11. National Merit Award (if applicable) 12. AP Scholar Awards (if applicable) 13. An award will be given for outstanding achievement on ACT and SAT. 14. An award will be given for any student receiving a perfect score on the TAKS/STAAR test. 9 15. Honor Graduate Award for the highest ranking senior given by the State of Texas. 16. Summer school and correspondence courses will not be counted. 17. An academic awards committee, appointed by the principal, will decide the final standing for awards. 18. Honors courses will be considered in the award areas where applicable. 19. All NHS Senior students will receive their NHS collar. 20. Upward Bound Math and Science Graduate will receive an orange cord. 21. AVID Graduates will receive a silver cord. 22. Texas Scholar Graduates will receive a medal. ATTENDANCE / TARDY POLICIES i. Philosophy Good attendance and punctuality are very important to the educational process. Student attendance records are recorded on the student’s permanent file and can be an asset or liability to future employers. Good attendance and academic success are closely related, and we want to do everything we can to promote school attendance. Because we believe that there is a direct correlation between student attendance and his/her academic success, we are going to make every effort to eliminate unnecessary absences. Parents of any student who violates the attendance law and who has lost course credit because of excessive absences will have to appeal by submitting a written petition to the attendance committee no later than ten (10) days after the last day of class for a semester. Students whose appeals for credit are denied may follow the standard appeal process. ii. EISD Policy Ennis High School requires that a student must be in attendance at least ninety-five percent (95%) of the days each class is taught. Because of the EHS block schedule, this means that a student can be absent no more than three “A” days and no more than three “B” days. Saturday School will be used as a disciplinary measure for tardies and/or attendance. Only seven additional days can be made up in Saturday School, which will be offered only on the specific dates listed in this handbook in the section entitled “Saturday School.” Students who are in attendance fewer than 95% of any class shall not be given credit. All assignments missed during any absence (excused or unexcused) must be made up within the allotted time as specified in this handbook. iii. Excused Absences Notes from medical professionals will be accepted as an excused absence. Notes written by parents requesting an excused absence will be limited to 5 total days per semester. If the total number of days exceeds 5, the student must have a doctor’s note to maintain an excused absence or must see the school nurse to decide if the student should stay at school or go home. iv. General Provisions 10 A. The district accepts each of the following as a reasonable cause for an absence. (Please note that the following reasons will be excused, but will still count as an absence.) 1. Personal sickness, sickness or death in the family, quarantine, weather or road conditions making travel dangerous, or any other reason acceptable to the administration. 2. Days of suspension. (Students will receive 100% credit on work completed during suspension. Students are responsible for obtaining their work from their teachers.) 3. Participation in court proceedings. 4. Migrant student’s late enrollment or early withdrawal. 5. Late enrollment of a student under the Texas Youth Commission. 6. TWO approved college days for juniors and seniors. Documentation from the college must be brought back to the attendance clerk upon returning to school. 7. Doctor or dental appointment with verification. State law does not penalize a student who has a doctor or dental appointment if the following procedures are followed. Instead of an absence on the student’s permanent record, an “M” is recorded. a. If a student attends school a portion of the day, signs out for a doctor/dental appointment, signs back in after the appointment, and provides documentation from the doctor/dentist, no absence is marked on student’s permanent record. b. If a student has an early morning doctor/dental appointment, signs in late to school (with documentation from the doctor/dentist), and attends school for the rest of the day, no absence is marked on student’s permanent record. c. If a student attends school all morning, after the lunch periods, signs out for a doctor/dentist appointment, and brings documentation to the attendance office upon his/her return to school the next day, no absence is marked on the student’s permanent record. B. If a student misses more than twenty (20) minutes of a class, he/she will be counted absent for that class period. C. Any vocational work program student missing school will not be allowed to go to work on the same day of the absence. D. If a student becomes ill and must leave school, parent contact will be made before allowing the student to leave school. We request that doctor and dental appointments be made after school whenever possible. We feel strongly that when a student is ill, he/she should be at home, but there is a difference between being ill and not feeling well. E. No student will be allowed to leave school without parent permission. Failure to obtain permission and failure to sign out prior to leaving campus will constitute truancy and an ISS assignment. 11 F. When a student returns to school after an excused absence, he/she should report to the attendance office to turn in their documentation (ex. Doctor’s note, parent note). Student will have five (5) consecutive school days to make up work assigned on the day of the absence. Work/assignments that were assigned before the absence are due upon return to school. It is the responsibility of the student to find out what has been missed. If extenuating circumstances cause a student to miss school for several days, the student may be given more time to make up the work with teacher and principal approval. v. ZERO Tolerance Tardy Policy Ennis High School has enacted a zero tolerance tardy policy in regards to tardiness. A student is considered tardy for class if he/she is not through the doorway of the classroom when the tardy bell rings. Students will not be admitted to class without an admittance/tardy slip from the office. Tardies one and two (total-not per class) will result in the student being assigned to Friday detention. Friday detention is from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (location TBD). Subsequent tardies will result in an assignment to In School Suspension (ISS). Tardies are counted per nine weeks (Previous policy allowed for students to accrue two tardies per class before any discipline was assigned). Excessive tardiness may result in placement at the DAEP. vi. Signing In / Signing Out Students who arrive at school after the school day has begun (including transition and lunch periods) must check in through the attendance office. A student needing to leave early from school must have a parent call the school earlier that day. The student will sign out in the office prior to leaving. Students who fail to sign out or have parents call before leaving the campus will be considered truant from classes missed, and will receive an unexcused absence. Students should never leave the building (before or during school) without permission from the school administration. Failure to follow these procedures will result in disciplinary action. vii. Parent Notification A. Absences are entered daily by the attendance clerk, and parents have access to this information through the TX Connect Parent Portal. The TX Connect Parent Portal is a web based application for tracking your child’s school related information where you can see your child’s grades, attendance, and assignments. Parents will also be contacted by phone via school messenger when their child is counted absent. It is essential that students have accurate contact information on file for this reason. If you have questions please contact Melinda Shaw at 972-872-3500. B. When a student has exceeded three class absences, he/she will receive a notice in the mail to attend a Saturday School assignment. After the first Saturday School assignment, it will be the student’s responsibility to keep up with his/her absences and attend any additional Saturday Schools needed to keep his/her attendance in compliance with the EISD policy. C. When a student is in danger of violating the 95% attendance policy, the parent or guardian will receive legal notification by letter that a failure to attend complaint and a thwarting compulsory attendance complaint with the Justice of the Peace has been filed against the student and the parent. D. When a student has lost credits due to excessive absences, a letter will be sent to parents. The letter will identify specific course credits that are denied and will identify dates that the attendance committee will hear appeals. 12 viii. Parent Responsibility When a student has to miss school, the following procedures must be followed: A. A parent or legal guardian should call on the day of each absence, and state the reason for the absence. B. The parent will write a note stating the reason for the absence, and a phone number where the parent can be reached. The student will submit this documentation to the attendance office when he/she returns to school. C. Parents that do not have a telephone must provide the school with a means of communicating with the parent (i.e., work phone, phone number of a neighbor or relative). ix. Truancy Any student who fails to attend school, who is on campus but not in his/her assigned class, or who leaves school during the school day without permission will be considered truant. Students will be disciplined for truancy. Any student more than twenty (20) minutes late to any class without proper authorization (admit from another teacher, counselor, or administrator) will be considered truant. x. Perfect Attendance / Awards Scholarships At the spring awards ceremony, a perfect attendance award will be given to any student who has achieved perfect attendance without any tardies for the school year. A senior who has not incurred any absences and tardies for the year will be eligible to apply for a perfect attendance scholarship. BUSES Ennis ISD makes school bus transportation available to all students living two or more miles from school. This service is provided at no cost to students. Bus routes and any subsequent changes are available at the school. Further information may be obtained by calling the Transportation Dept. at (972) 872-7356. Any bus student who annoys or breaks regulations will be referred to an assistant principal for disciplinary action. All rules posted or verbally directed by the driver will be followed. Failure to follow rules can result in loss of riding privilege. 13 CHILD NUTRITION / LUNCH PERIOD POLICIES Ennis ISD participates in the National School Lunch Program and offers to students nutritionally balanced lunches daily. Free and reduced-price lunches are available based on financial need. Information on this program can be obtained from Melinda Shaw at Ennis High School. The USDA has launched efforts to foster healthy school nutritional environments. A USDA policy advises that schools may not give away or sell Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value in the serving lines or separate/adjacent hallways and eating areas. We encourage you to pay in advance for your child’s meals by putting money in his/her account by the week or by the month. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian’s to monitor the child’s account balance. mySchoolBucks.com® is a secure, family friendly system for online school meal prepayments and nutrition education. Adding funds to your students account is easy: First, access your account on mySchoolBucks and add your students. If you have multiple children, you can make multiple deposits for each child during your transaction. Next, make a payment. The deposit amount can be placed with a credit card, debit card or your checking account. All payments are securely processed using our highly secure website and encryption. All payments are quickly credited to your students account. Go to http://www.ennis.k12.tx.us/ChildNutritionLunchMenus, for a Parent Getting Started Guide, under related links. Students are not allowed to charge meals. If you forget to send money or if your child forgets his/her lunch, the cafeteria will provide a sack lunch consisting of a cheese sandwich, serving of fruit, and milk. You will still be responsible for paying for the alternate lunch. We will process all Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications as soon as we receive them. You will be responsible for paying or providing a lunch for your child until the application is processed. 14 MEAL PRICES BREAKFAST All Schools - $1.25 Reduced Breakfast Price – All Schools - $.30 LUNCH 7th Grade thru High School – $2.30 Reduced Lunch Price – All Schools - $.40 ALA’ CARTE ITEMS Ennis High School offers ala’ carte items with prices ranging from $.50 to $3.00. Examples offered: are baked or low fat chips, ice cream, fruit snacks, fresh fruit and bottled water. If you have any questions, please contact the campus kitchen manager at between 9 am and 10 am. At other times the staff is busy preparing breakfast and lunch for our students. If it is not convenient for you to call during that time, please feel free to contact us at 972-872-3673 or 972-872-3604. It is our goal to provide nutritious meals for the students of Ennis ISD. When eating lunch, students are to remain in the student commons area! There are enough tables and chairs available for students who buy or bring their lunches. Students are not allowed to eat in teachers’ classrooms without an administrator’s approval. No rapping, dancing, table banging or singing allowed in the commons/cafeteria or campus. Such conduct causes major disturbance. Students displaying this type of behavior will receive appropriate disciplinary consequences and could be given a citation for disorderly conduct. Students are not allowed to enter the gym or band hall area during lunch. Students found in these areas will receive appropriate disciplinary consequences. In order to show consideration for others who use the cafeteria, and also for those who are still in class, students are to observe the following rules: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Enter the cafeteria serving lines quietly and orderly. Keep your place in line without crowding or passing in front of others. Avoid "holding" a place in line for a friend. Do not crowd at one table or move chairs. Discard throw-away items in the proper wastebaskets. Do not make excessive noise or disturb others with loud talking. Do not take food or beverages out of the cafeteria area. After lunch you are to remain in the Student Commons. Please do not stand in the eating area; do not stand or sit on the steps or brick wall in commons area; do not sit or stand on tables. 10. Restrooms for students on their lunch period are located in the Student Commons area. Do not enter any other part of the building during your lunch break unless you have permission to see a faculty member or to report to the office. 11. Students are allowed to eat lunch outside in the designated Ensign Courtyard. 12. Students are not allowed to leave campus to purchase food. Please help keep the cafeteria (student commons) area as clean and neat as possible. Your efforts will be appreciated. 15 CHANGE OF SCHEDULE REQUEST / DROPPING A COURSE Students should realize that our course offerings and number of available class sections are based upon pre-registration requests. Any request for a course change must be made with the student's counselor. Counselors are required to examine how a change in a student’s schedule will affect the student’s four-year plan, the reason for the request, the effect it may have on teacher class loads, and if the change is in the best interest of the student. If the nature of a schedule change request is to request a different teacher (of the same subject), prior to initiating a schedule change, the following steps must occur: 1. The student must have attended tutorials with the teacher from which they are requesting to be moved. 2. There must have been at least one face to face parent/teacher conference. 3. The parent and their child/student must attend a conference with their grade level principal to discuss their concerns. In the event that a schedule change is determined to be the best course of action, the student will be placed in the smallest available class and it should be noted, that it is likely that a student’s entire schedule may change as a result. Since each student was allowed to plan his/her schedule in a private conference with a counselor, the counselors feel that each student was given appropriate information and opportunity to plan wisely; therefore, very few schedule changes will be approved. CHEATING / PLAGIARISM 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. CHECK POLICY The Ennis Independent School District will gladly accept checks. All checks must have Name, Street Address and Phone Numbers on the check. There will be a $30 charge for any check returned by the bank. If there are any questions, please contact Assistant Superintendent of Financial Services at (972)-8727015. CLASS RANK AND COURSE WEIGHT SYSTEM EIC (Local) Class ranking shall be determined by weighted numerical semester averages. Students who transfer into the District shall have their grades converted to the weighted system. 16 Course weights in determining the weighted numerical average shall be weighted according to the following guidelines: 1. Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement courses shall be assigned a weight of +10 points per semester. All other courses shall be assigned a weight of zero. 2. Students who do not meet the minimum requirements for high school graduation set forth by the State of Texas shall not be included in the calculation of class rank. 3. Weighted GPA points are only added if the student completes a weighted course with a passing grade. The following courses shall not be considered when computing weighted averages: office aide, library aide, teacher aide, remediation courses, physical education equivalency courses, and ACT/SAT Prep Classes. All summer school and correspondence courses shall be considered regular curriculum courses. Scores received on credit by examination with prior instruction and credit by examination without prior instruction shall be used in determination of the grade point average. [See EEJA (LOCAL) and EEJB (LOCAL)] Any tie scores shall be resolved by reverting to actual numerical grade averages. Grades from non-accredited nonpublic schools, including home schools, shall not be used in determining rank in class, grade point average, or academic average. [See FDA (LOCAL)] Valedictorian/Salutatorian The student having the highest weighted numerical average shall be designated Valedictorian and the student having the second highest weighted numerical average shall be designated Salutatorian. Weighted numerical averages for valedictorian/salutatorian honors shall be figured at the end of the third nine-week grading period. Honor Graduates Four year honor graduates shall have at least a 90.00 weighted numerical average for four years of high school and be in the Recommended Program or the Distinguished Achievement Program. CLASSIFICATION AND PROMOTION Credit in a subject will be awarded when the student earns a grade of 70 or above on a yearly average and demonstrates 70% mastery of that subject's essential elements. Student classification will be determined by the number of credits earned, as follows: 0 - 5 credits 6-11 credits freshman sophomore 12 - 17 credits 18 - plus credits There will be no re-classification during the school year. 17 junior senior CLOSED CAMPUS - VISITORS All Visitors To Ennis High School Must Check In At The Front Office. Ennis High School operates under a "Closed Campus" policy. Ordering Food For Delivery From Outside Sources Will Not Be Allowed. Visitors at Lunch Will Be Limited To Parents. The school officials have supervisory responsibility of all students while on school property or during school business. Because of this responsibility and the charge of personal care, it is necessary that all students remain on campus until their scheduled day is completed. All students will eat lunch on campus, with the exception of some work program students. Should the need arise for a student to leave campus; the student must obtain a pass from an assistant principal or the principal, BEFORE LEAVING THE CAMPUS. Parents/guardians must be contacted before a student leaves campus. Leaving campus during the school day without an off-campus permit will result in that absence being counted as unexcused, and the student being truant. CLUBS We encourage every student to participate in some club or extracurricular activity. Membership within such an organization helps students make friends, develop more confidence, and achieve a sense of belonging to a group with which they can identify. Students who participate in EHS Clubs are limited to enrolled students only. COMPUTER USE District 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 to 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. No student is to be on the internet unless teacher directed. Any illegal or inappropriate computer activity as determined by the campus administrator will result in a suspension and/or a DAEP placement. CONDUCT GRADES Secondary Grades 6 – 12 E = Excellent S = Satisfactory N = Needs Improvement U = Unsatisfactory Students may earn an E (excellent) in conduct by meeting EISD standards of expectations for behavior. 18 Students may earn an S (satisfactory) in conduct when they do not meet a teacher’s minimum level of expectations for classroom behavior which has resulted in being verbally reprimanded in class on more than one occasion. The student must have no more than two classroom detentions. Students may earn an N (needs improvement) in conduct by receiving an office referral that results in a verbal reprimand from an administrator or when they have received more than two classroom detentions during any nine week period. Students may also receive a needs improvement if the teacher found it necessary to have a parent conference over the student’s behavior. Students may earn a U (unsatisfactory) in conduct when they have received an office referral which resulted in assigned discipline from a campus administrator. This could include afternoon or lunch detentions, ISS, DAEP, etc. Students who receive a U in conduct may suffer serious consequences. Depending on the sponsor and the by-laws of the organization, a student may be removed from organizations such as student council or National Honor Society. Conduct may affect status in a club. Finally, conduct may also affect participation in extracurricular activities such as cheerleading. We expect our students to model exemplary behavior at all times. CORPORAL PUNISHMENT Corporal punishment--spanking or paddling the student--may be used as a discipline management upon the discretion of the administration, in accordance with Student Code of Conduct. Corporal punishment will be governed by the following conditions: The student will be told the reason for the corporal punishment, and will receive a form to be signed by the student’s parent. The punishment may be administered only by the principal, or an assistant principal. The instrument to be used will be approved by the principal. The punishment will be administered in the presence of one other district professional employee and out of view of other students. Students will only be allowed 2 swats per nine weeks. A record will be maintained of each instance of corporal punishment. CORRESPONDENCE COURSES Ennis ISD permits high school students to take correspondence courses (courses by mail) for credit. Students in grades 9-12 may earn credits toward high school graduation by these means. For further information and specific district policy in this regard, contact the student's counselor. COUNSELORS/GUIDANCE DEPT. Each student at Ennis High School is assigned by grade level to a counselor who is available to help students. Your counselors are: 9th Grade Counselor 10th Grade Counselor 11th Grade Counselor 12th Grade Counselor Julie Casas Donna Adams Jenny Winegeart Darla Dixon 19 Special Ed Campus Coordinator Special Ed. Diagnosticians Student Services Director Kim Alvarez Cheryl Macon & Rhonda Simpson Melinda Shaw A full range of guidance services is offered through the guidance office. These services include career, college, academic, personal, crisis, and small group counseling. Each student needs to be well acquainted with his/her assigned counselor. The counselor is a student advocate. CREDIT BY EXAMINATION With Prior Instruction A student who has received prior instruction in a course or subject, but failed the course or subject with a grade of no less than 60, may be permitted by Ennis ISD to earn credit by passing an examination on the essential knowledge and skills defined for the course or subject. To receive credit, a student must score at least 70 on the examination. The attendance review committee may allow a student with excessive absences to receive credit for a course by passing an examination. A student may not use this examination to regain eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities. A student desiring to take credit by examination (CBE) will need to pay $20 per exam. All tests will occur on campus. Without Prior Instruction A student will be permitted to take an examination to earn credit for an academic course for which the student has no prior instruction. A student planning to take an examination for acceleration must register with the principal no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled testing date. Ennis ISD will not honor a request by a parent to administer, on some other date, a test purchased by the parent from a State Board-approved university. DANCE FOR STUDENTS – Junior/Senior Prom, Homecoming Dance Any EHS student in good standing will be allowed to attend the EHS Prom. Underclassmen may only attend prom as the date of an upperclassmen EHS student. EHS students will be allowed to bring a date that is not an EHS student as long as they have been approved by an EHS administrator. All out of district dates must be submitted to administration no later than 30 days prior to the date of the prom. The EHS Homecoming Dance will remain limited to E.H.S. students only. DATING VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND RETALIATION The district believes that all students learn best in an environment free from dating violence, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and that their welfare is best served when they are free from this prohibited conduct while attending school. Students are expected to treat other students and district employees with courtesy and respect, to avoid behaviors known to be offensive, and to stop those behaviors when asked or told to stop. District employees are expected to treat students with courtesy and respect. The board has established policies and procedures to prohibit and promptly respond to inappropriate and offensive behaviors that are based on a person’s race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. 20 Dating violence occurs when a person in a current or past dating relationship uses physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse to harm, threaten, intimidate, or control the other person in the relationship. This type of conduct is considered harassment if the conduct is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment; or substantially interferes with the student’s academic performance. Examples of dating violence against a student may include, but are not limited to, physical or sexual assaults, name-calling, put-downs, threats to hurt the student or the student’s family members or members of the student’s household, destroying property belonging to the student, threats to commit suicide or homicide if the student ends the relationship, attempts to isolate the student from friends and family, stalking, or encouraging others to engage in these behaviors. Discrimination Discrimination is defined as any conduct directed at a student on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law, that negatively affects the student. Harassment Harassment, in general terms, is conduct so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment; or substantially interferes with the student’s academic performance. A copy of the district’s policy is available in the principal’s office and in the superintendent’s office [or on the district’s Web site]. Examples of harassment may include, but are not limited to, offensive or derogatory language directed at a person’s religious beliefs or practices, accent, skin color, or need for accommodation; threatening or intimidating conduct; offensive jokes, name-calling, slurs, or rumors; physical aggression or assault; graffiti or printed material promoting racial, ethnic, or other negative stereotypes; or other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property. Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment of a student by an employee, volunteer, or another student is prohibited. Sexual harassment of a student by an employee or volunteer does not include necessary or permissible physical contact not reasonably construed as sexual in nature. However, romantic and other inappropriate social relationships, as well as all sexual relationships, between students and district employees are prohibited, even if consensual. Examples of prohibited sexual harassment may include, but not be limited to, touching private body parts or coercing physical contact that is sexual in nature; sexual advances; jokes or conversations of a sexual nature; and other sexually motivated conduct, communications, or contact. 21 Retaliation Retaliation against a person who makes a good faith report of discrimination or harassment, including dating violence, is prohibited. Retaliation against a person who is participating in an investigation of alleged discrimination or harassment is also prohibited. A person who makes a false claim or offers false statements or refuses to cooperate with a district investigation, however, may be subject to appropriate discipline. Retaliation against a student might occur when a student receives threats from another student or an employee or when an employee imposes an unjustified punishment or unwarranted grade reduction. Retaliation does not include petty slights and annoyances from other students or negative comments from a teacher that are justified by a student’s poor academic performance in the classroom. Reporting Procedures Any student who believes that he or she has experienced dating violence, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should immediately report the problem to a teacher, counselor, principal, or other district employee. The report may be made by the student’s parent. See policy FFH(LOCAL) for the appropriate district officials to whom to make a report. Investigation of Report To the extent possible, the district will respect the privacy of the student; however, limited disclosures may be necessary to conduct a thorough investigation and to comply with law. Allegations of prohibited conduct, which includes dating violence, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, will be promptly investigated. The district will notify the parents of any student alleged to have experienced prohibited conduct involving an adult associated with the district. In the event prohibited conduct involves another student, the district will notify the parents of the student alleged to have experienced the prohibited conduct when the allegations, if proven, would constitute a violation as defined by policy. If the district’s investigation indicates that prohibited conduct occurred, appropriate disciplinary or corrective action will be taken to address the conduct. The district may take disciplinary action even if the conduct that is the subject of the complaint was not unlawful. A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation may appeal in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL). DETENTION HALL POLICIES Detention hall will be assigned and served with the teacher or principal. DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIAL OR FLYERS Distribution of materials or flyers must be approved by an administrator. DRESS MENU We take pride in the Ennis Public Schools and their traditions. One of the most important ways of doing this is for each one of us to reflect careful and consistent personal habits and appearance every day. A 22 person's appearance is indicative of his finer inner qualities and an expression of his pride and respect for himself and his fellow students. Students who wear attractive and appropriate clothing are comfortable, poised and assured. Because gang-related apparel endangers the safety and welfare of students, teachers, and others and because it is disruptive to the educational process, Ennis High School has established standards designed for all students to avoid any manner of dress that presents a danger to the student's health and safety or causes any interference with school work or creates a classroom or school disruption. A. Hair shall be clean and well groomed. Hair shall not fall over the eyebrows. No type of designs or words shall be cut into the hair or eyebrows. Hair must be of a natural color. No distracting colored hair is allowed, (Example: green, purple, orange, pink, maroon, red, etc.) No distracting hair styles will be allowed such as Mohawk, Faux-Hawk, High and Tight, Fantasy, or Artistic hair. B. Curlers, hats, caps, wigs, hairnets, picks, combs or bandanas are not to be worn in the building during the school day. These items brought to school will be confiscated, and returned at the end of the school year. C. Male students shall be clean-shaven. No beard lines allowed. Sideburns cannot be below ear lobes. D. No sunglasses or dark glasses shall be worn in the building unless prescribed by a physician and approved by the administration. Also, no strange or designer contact lenses shall be worn. E. Earrings are not to be worn by male students. Studs, plugs, Q-tips, toothpicks, threads, etc., are not to be worn to conceal the piercing. Band-Aids worn on ears or face to cover any piercing are also not acceptable. Any other facial or body earrings such as nose rings, tongue rings, studs, eyebrow rings, lip piercing or naval rings are not to be worn. F. Boys and girls may wear walking shorts that possess pockets. Bicycle shorts, workout shorts, shorts with slits, gym shorts and wind shorts are not acceptable. The bottom of the shorts must be hemmed. Cut-off sweat pants are not acceptable. G. Appropriate underclothing shall be worn and shall not be exposed. H. Students are not to wear any type of chain, or pet collars either on their person or on their book bags, wallets, purses or any other personal belongings. I. Bandanas, headbands or "rags" will not be permitted, either on the head, neck or hanging from students' clothing. No gang clothing of any type will be acceptable. J. Inappropriate tattoos must be covered. K. Blankets or pillows are not to be worn or brought to school. L. No tank tops are to be worn under the knit polo style shirt, or dress style buttoned shirts/blouses. Students must be in compliance when entering the building. 23 School time missed due to unacceptable dress will be counted as unexcused. Problems and missed school time will be avoided by the use of common sense and not wearing questionable clothing. Any type of clothing or hair style that the teacher/administration deems inappropriate or detrimental to the learning process will not be acceptable and is in addition to the above stated guidelines. If a student is non-compliant with the dress menu policy within a reasonable time frame, or a reasonable number of requests, this will be addressed as an issue of insubordination and will be disciplined accordingly. 24 Secondary (Grades 7-12) Standardized Dress for 2014-2015 The “Student Dress Code” for Ennis ISD has been established to build student self-esteem, bridge socioeconomic differences between students, and encourage positive behavior, thereby promoting school safety and improving the learning environment. Logos will not be permitted unless they are an approved Ennis school logo. All clothing must be properly hemmed / cuffed. Denim clothing of any color or style is not permitted except on days designated by campus administration. All other dress/grooming policies are in the student handbook. Campus administration will have complete and final judgment on all matters concerning interpretation of the student dress code. Permitted Not Permitted Shirts Styles: collared knit button polo style shirts or dress style Brads, studs, zippers, or other adornments Blouses buttoned shirts/blouses (long or short sleeved)/ turtlenecks. Black on black (Example-No black top with Turtlenecks black bottoms) or Navy on Navy Colors: Solid white, maroon, black, navy blue, & gray. Sweatshirts Must be appropriately sized in the shoulders, sleeves, and No visible logos, stripes, checks, lettering, Sweaters length. wording, or designs unless it is an approved Vests Ennis ISD logo Appropriate standardized dress must be worn under sweatshirts and sweaters if they are removed. No T-shirts –long or short sleeved without collared shirt over it Denim of any color Over or under garments of any color other than approved standard dress color that can be seen and are worn all day Visible tank tops under dress shirts Slacks Styles: pleated or flat front docker-style slacks or pants. Overalls, hip-hugger, sweat pants, low-rise, Pants sagging, and/or oversized style clothing. Colors: solid khaki (tan), black, navy, gray, brown. Shorts Baggy legged slacks, tight rolled at ankle pants, Knee length walking shorts. Belts or bell-bottom pants wider than shoes. Capri pants for female students. Brads, studs, or other adornments. Belts, scarves, or sashes must be one of the approved Black on black (No black top with black colors. bottoms), Navy on Navy, Black on Navy, Navy on Black Denim of any color Skirts Styles: traditional styles to the knee or longer. Denim of any color Jumpers Colors: solid khaki, black, navy, brown. Dresses for Kick-pleats or slits; must be hemmed at or below the bend female of the knee. students Footwear Athletic shoes, loafers, dress shoes, or other shoes that Para-military type boots have both closed toe and heel flip-flops Dress sandals appropriately secured to the foot in both house shoes front and back. Pants are to be worn on the outside of boots. Shoes must match each other Socks that do not match Socks, Hose, Hose/tights/leggings must be of a solid, single pant color or Leggings worn without an approved dress code Tights, white. bottom over them. Leggings Outerwear Jackets/coats/sweaters are allowed in accordance with Denim of any color appropriate weather conditions. Jackets or outer wear with any logo other than an Jackets/coats must have a closing mechanism (full length approved Ennis ISD logo if worn in the buildings zipper, buttons or snaps). or in classes. Appropriate standardized dress must be worn under any outwear if it is removed. School affiliated logo jackets If the jacket or over garment is going to be worn, it must be in one of the approved school colors: solid maroon, navy blue, khaki, brown, black, white 25 DRUG DOGS The use of a professional drug and alcohol interdiction program may be employed by Ennis High School. The use of contraband detection canines trained to detect a variety of substances including illicit drugs, prescription medicines, over the counter drugs, alcoholic beverages, firearms, ammunition, and fireworks will be operational all year. The use will be school-wide with emphasis on lockers, cars, and school facilities. It is the responsibility of the driver of each vehicle to see that it is clean. Items that cause for unnecessary search, such as empty beer cans, liquor bottles, ammunition, etc., will result in disciplinary action by school officials. In order for the program to be successful, this procedure is necessary. Continued failure to keep vehicles clean can result in further disciplinary action. This program will be an additional effort to support E.H.S. students in good citizenship and general welfare. (See Student Code of Conduct for consequences.) DUAL CREDIT COURSES / COLLEGE COURSEWORK The Ennis High dual credit program, taught in conjunction with Navarro College, allows students the opportunity to earn high school credit while taking college courses on the EHS campus. To be eligible for the program, students must be classified as a junior or senior, must have taken and passed all five STAAR EOC exams, and must meet all admission requirements of Navarro College. To take advantage of this dual credit program, students must enroll at Navarro and pay the required tuition and fees. Students are required to satisfactorily complete the college coursework in order to meet the high school requirements. Navarro College professors will record grades for both the college and high school courses, and the high school grades will be reported by semester on the high school report card. Semester grades will be averaged to determine high school credit. An average below the EHS standard of 70 will result in loss of credit at the high school, which will affect high school graduation. Students are not allowed to leave campus once the class is over. They must remain in the Ensign Road commons until their next class. If the Dual Credit Class is canceled for any reason the students are to report to the Ensign Road Commons. Students are not to roam the halls or visit classrooms. Students caught will be disciplined. EARLY ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL Early arrival at school -- before 7:30 a.m. -- is discouraged except when a student will be working with a staff member or serving a detention. Students may report to the Student Commons area at 8:00 a.m. and remain there until they are released. Students are not allowed to congregate either in the parking lot, on the front steps, or in the entry way of the front doors. Students are not allowed to enter the gym or locker rooms until 8:30 a.m. Failure to abide by these rules will result in appropriate disciplinary consequences. ELECTRONIC DEVICES Ennis High School students are allowed to possess personal electronic devices, such as cell phones, on campus and during the school day. Students are prohibited from using or displaying items such as cell phones, pagers, radios, MP3 players, CD players, tape recorders, camcorders, DVD players, 26 cameras or games, or other electronic devices during any instructional period. Exceptions, for academic purposes only, may be made at the discretion of the instructor. Ear buds and headphones are prohibited and may not be used or displayed. Ear buds and headphones will be confiscated by administration and will only be released to a parent or legal guardian. Under no circumstances shall electronic devices be utilized for communication purposes during the instructional period. Further, due to privacy concerns, the use of personal electronic devices and cell phones in locker room or restroom areas is, at any time while at school, strictly prohibited. If a student is found in violation of the electronic device policy, the device will be confiscated and turned over to Ennis High School Administration. To retrieve a confiscated item, a student, parent, or guardian must appear in person and a fee of $15 must be paid in full. Failure to surrender an electronic device to a staff member as directed will be considered insubordination and will result in appropriate disciplinary actions as provided in the Student Code of Conduct. Students who bring personal items on campus do so at their own risk. The district and its employees will not be responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen electronic devices. ELEVATOR Use of the elevator is limited to staff and students with medical or physical impairments. An elevator pass is required, and can be assigned by their principal. EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING In the event of an emergency school closing (due to weather conditions, epidemics, natural disasters, etc.) on a regularly scheduled school day, information regarding the closing will be broadcast by Dallas area radio and television stations. EXEMPTIONS FROM SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS A policy of exemptions from semester examinations has been implemented for Ennis High School students who have good attendance records. The following rules apply. 1 ABSENCE 2 ABSENCES 3 ABSENCES 80 85 90 A junior or senior student who meets the criteria outlined above may be exempt from all semester exams. Students with grades below 80 will not be allowed exemption from the semester exams. All absences are counted toward exam exemptions, with the exception of student activity absences, or documented medical absences (must meet the criteria outlined in the attendance policies). More than two (2) tardies in any class will cause the student to take the semester exam in that particular class. Although students may be exempt from examinations, they must attend school on exam days. A student may be exempt from any of the testing areas if he/she passes that portion of the test. They will receive a 100 for the final in the corresponding core academic class. All other classes will follow the exemption policy mentioned earlier. Sophomore and freshmen students may only be exempt from 27 the classes that they take and pass on the TAKS/STAAR test (science, math, English, and social studies) but must attend school on exam days. Students who have received two or more ISS placements per semester, have been suspended from school, or assigned to the DAEP shall not be exempt from their final exams. If TAKS/STARR results are not available, exemptions will be based on grades and attendance as it is in non-core classes that are not tested on TAKS/STARR. EXTRACURRICULAR ABSENCES If a student is out at an extracurricular event, the following guidelines apply for assignments: 1. If the assignment was made prior to the absence the student is still responsible for the work. 2. The teachers may give an alternate assignment to the student at their discretion. 3. If the assignment was done in class on the day of the absence and no prior mention was made, the student then has 5 days to complete the assignment or alternate assignment for full credit. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES - "NO PASS/NO PLAY" A student shall be permitted to participate in extracurricular activities, subject to the following restrictions: 1. During the initial six-week period of the school year, a student must have been promoted into the next grade level or must have accumulated the required number of credits toward graduation. 2. At the completion of the first six-weeks of school, a U.I.L. Grade Check will be conducted. A student that receives a grade below 70 for this grade check will be ruled ineligible to participate in the extra-curriculum activities during the following three-week period. If all courses are passed, student is eligible to re-enter extracurricular activities at the end of three weeks. The suspension from extracurricular activities goes into effect seven (7) days AFTER the last day of the *grading period during which the grade lower than 70 was earned. A student shall be allowed to participate at the end of any *grading period in which a grade of 70 or above is earned in all courses or subjects. 3. Exemption for Advanced Courses: The eligibility requirement shall be waived for students enrolled in Advanced Placement (A.P.) courses and Pre-A.P. courses in the subjects of English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, economics, or a language other than English. A student that is enrolled in an advanced course as defined above may be exempt from the “No Pass/No Play” rule no more than once per school year. If a student earns a grade below a 70 on a scale of 100 in any course subsequent to the use of this exemption, he or she shall be suspended from participation in any extra-curricular activity in accordance with U.I.L. rules as described above in paragraph two. *E.I.S.D. uses a Nine-Week Grading Period. 28 FALSE ALARM (School Board Policy) Any student who shall willfully, or knowingly, or recklessly, initiate, communicate, or circulate a report of a present, past, or future fire, or other emergency that he knows, or has reason to know, is false or baseless, which report causes action by an official designated to deal with such emergencies or prevents or interrupts the occupation of the school building shall be subject to school discipline as well as the filing of criminal charges. a. The activating of the school fire alarm system shall be presumed a violation of this policy. b. The tampering with or damaging of any fire equipment shall be presumed a violation of this policy. An "official designated to deal with such emergencies" shall presumptively include all school administrative personnel. FIGHTING Students at Ennis High School are expected to exhibit behavior that is conducive to a positive learning atmosphere. The opportunity for each student to learn will be protected. Students and parents should refer to the EISD Code of Student Conduct for a complete outline of expected behavior. Students are prohibited from being involved in disorderly conduct, fighting, or causing a disturbance during school. If a fight or disturbance occurs on school property, the police may be called and charges may be filed with local authorities against those individuals involved. The individuals will also receive appropriate school discipline in accordance with the school discipline plan, a minimum of which will be a two-day suspension from school and a 45 day placement in the EISD DAEP. Violations of the Code of Conduct will be handled by both teachers and administrators. Any student assigned to off-campus suspension, or the discipline alternative education program (DAEP) will not be allowed to attend or participate in any school activities during that assignment. GANG FREE ZONES A gang-free zone includes a school bus and a location in, on, or within 1000 feet of any district-owned or leased property or campus playground. Certain criminal offenses, including those involving organized criminal activity such as gang-related crimes, will be enhanced to the next highest category of offense if they are committed in a gang-free zone. The increased punishment applies only if the person committing the crime is 17 or older. GIFTS / FOOD In accordance with district policy, gift deliveries will not be accepted at the school office for any occasion. Gift deliveries include flowers, balloons, stuffed animals, candy, food, etc. 29 GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES When law enforcement officers or other lawful authorities wish to question or interview a student at school: The principal will verify and record the identity of the officer or other authority and ask for an explanation of the need to question or interview the student. The principal ordinarily will make reasonable efforts to notify parents unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection. The principal ordinarily will be present unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection. State law requires the district to permit a student to be taken into legal custody: To comply with an order of the juvenile court; To comply with the law of arrest; By a law enforcement officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct in need of supervision; By a probation officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has violated a condition of probation imposed by the juvenile court; To comply with a properly issued directive to take a student into custody. GRADING SCALE The following numerical grading system will be used in grades K-12: A= 90 – 100 B= 80 – 89 C= 70 – 79 F= Below 70 In all AP and Pre-AP classes, a student must maintain a 70 average. If a student records below a 70, he/she will be placed on academic probation. A subsequent grade of less than 70 will result in the student’s removal from the program. Report cards will be mailed to parents/guardians at the end of each grading period. responsibility of each parent/guardian to provide an accurate mailing address to the school. It is the Minimum Number of Grades [7-12**] 16 grades for all subjects (2 of which need to be in the tests/projects category). Daily grades will account for 60% of the grade average and test grades will count for 40% of the grade average. 1. All grades will be recorded numerically, with 70 being the lowest passing grade. 2. For the purpose of honor rolls, the following conversion to letter grades will be used. 90 – 100 A 80 – 89 B 70 – 79 C Below 70 F 30 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS – in effect for students already in high school prior to the fall of 2014 Upon successfully completing one year of study, a student shall be assigned one credit for each full year course completed and 1/2 credit for each one semester course completed. For computing credits for graduation, grades nine through twelve shall be considered as "high school." Discipline Minimum HSP Recommended HSP Distinguished Achievement Program** English Language Arts * Four credits: English I, II, and III English I and II for Speakers of Other Languages may be substituted for English I and II for students with limited English proficiency who are at the beginning or intermediate levels of English language proficiency. The fourth credit of English may be selected from any of the following: English IV Literary Genres AP English Literature and Composition AP English Language Composition Three credits: Algebra I Geometry The third credit may be selected from any of the following: Algebra II Pre-calculus Mathematical Models with Applications Independent Study in Mathematics AP Statistics AP Calculus AB AP Computer Science Mathematical Applications in Agriculture, ----Food, and Natural Resources (CTE) Engineering Mathematics (CTE) Statistics and Risk Management (CTE) Four credits: English I, II, III, and IV English I and II for Speakers of Other Languages may be substituted for English I and II only for students with limited English proficiency who are at the beginning or intermediate levels of English language proficiency. Four credits: English I, II, III, and IV English I and II for Speakers of Other Languages may be substituted for English I and II only for students with limited English proficiency who are at the beginning or intermediate levels of English language proficiency. Four credits: Algebra I Geometry Algebra II The additional credit may be selected from either of the following and must be successfully completed prior to Algebra II: o Mathematical Models with Applications o Mathematical Applications in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (CTE) The fourth credit may be selected from the following after successful completion of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II: o Pre-calculus o Independent Study in Mathematics o AP Statistics o AP Calculus AB o AP Calculus BC o AP Computer Science Four credits: Biology or AP Biology Four credits: Algebra I Geometry Algebra II The fourth credit may be selected from any of the following after successful completion of Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry: o Pre-calculus o Independent Study in Mathematics o AP Statistics o AP Calculus AB o AP Calculus BC o AP Computer Science Mathematics * Science * Two credits: o Biology 31 Four credits: • Biology, or AP Biology • Chemistry, or AP Chemistry • Physics or AP Physics • After successful completion of a biology course, a chemistry course, and a physics course, the fourth credit may be selected from any of the following: o Astronomy o Environmental Systems o AP Biology o AP Chemistry o AP Physics B o AP Physics C o AP Environmental Science o Scientific Research and Design (CTE) o Anatomy and Physiology (CTE) o Engineering Design and Problem Solving (CTE) o Medical Microbiology (CTE) o Pathophysiology (CTE) o Advanced Animal Science (CTE) o Advanced Plant and Soil Science (CTE) One-half credit One-half credit One-half credit One credit from any of the following: • World History Studies • World Geography Studies • Any science course approved by SBOE (If substituting Chemistry or Physics for IPC, must use the other as academic elective credit here.) None None None Two credits: The credits must consist of any two levels in the same language. Three credits: The credits must consist of any three levels in the same language. Integrated Physics and Chemistry May substitute Chemistry or Physics for IPC but must use the other as academic elective credit Social Studies * Economics with emphasis on the free enterprise system and its benefits * Academic Elective Languages Other Than English * Chemistry, or AP Chemistry Physics, Principles of Technology, or AP Physics The additional credit may be IPC and must be successfully completed prior to chemistry and physics. The fourth credit may be selected from any of the following: o Environmental Systems o AP Biology o AP Chemistry o AP Physics B o AP Physics C o AP Environmental Science o Scientific Research and Design (CTE) o Anatomy and Physiology (CTE) o Engineering Design and Problem Solving (CTE) o Medical Microbiology (CTE) Pathophysiology (CTE) o Advanced Animal Science (CTE) o Advanced Plant and Soil Science Three and one-half credits: • World History Studies (one credit) • World Geography Studies (one credit) • U.S. History Studies Since Reconstruction (one credit) • U.S. Government (one-half credit) o Two and one-half credits: • U.S. History Studies Since Reconstruction (one credit) • U.S. Government (one-half credit) • The final credit may be selected from the following: o World History Studies (one credit) o * World Geography (one credit) 32 Three and one-half credits: • World History Studies (one credit) • World Geography Studies (one credit) • U.S. History Studies Since Reconstruction (one credit) • U.S. Government (one-half credit) Physical Education One credit: • The required credit may be from any combination of the following one-half to one credit courses: o Foundations of Personal Fitness o Adventure/Outdoor Education o Aerobic Activities o Team or Individual Sports • In accordance with local district policy, credit for any of the courses listed above may be earned through participation in the following activities: o Athletics o JROTC o Appropriate private or commerciallysponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus • In accordance with local district policy, up to one credit for any one of the courses listed above may be earned through participation in any of the following activities: o Drill Team o Marching Band o Cheerleading • All allowed substitution activities must include at least 100 minutes per fiveday school week of moderate to vigorous physical activity. • Credit may not be earned for any TEKS-based course more than once. No more than four substitution credits may be earned through any combination of substitutions. One credit: • The required credit may be from any combination of the following one-half to one credit courses: o Foundations of Personal Fitness o Adventure/Outdoor Education o Aerobic Activities o Team or Individual Sports • In accordance with local district policy, credit for any of the courses listed above may be earned through participation in the following activities: o Athletics o JROTC o Appropriate private or commerciallysponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus • In accordance with local district policy, up to one credit for any one of the courses listed above may be earned through participation in any of the following activities: o Drill Team o Marching Band o Cheerleading • All allowed substitution activities must include at least 100 minutes per fiveday school week of moderate to vigorous physical activity. • Credit may not be earned for any TEKS-based course more than once. No more than four substitution credits may be earned through any combination of substitutions. One credit: • The required credit may be from any combination of the following one-half to one credit courses: o Foundations of Personal Fitness o Adventure/Outdoor Education o Aerobic Activities o Team or Individual Sports • In accordance with local district policy, credit for any of the courses listed above may be earned through participation in the following activities: o Athletics o JROTC o Appropriate private or commerciallysponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus • In accordance with local district policy, up to one credit for any one of the courses listed above may be earned through participation in any of the following activities: o Drill Team o Marching Band o Cheerleading • All allowed substitution activities must include at least 100 minutes per fiveday school week of moderate to vigorous physical activity. • Credit may not be earned for any TEKS-based course more than once. No more than four substitution credits may be earned through any combination of substitutions. Health Education Speech One-half credit One-half credit from either of the following: • Communication Applications • Professional Communications (CTE) One-half credit One-half credit from either of the following: • Communication Applications • Professional Communications (CTE) One-half credit One-half credit from either of the following: • Communication Applications • Professional Communications (CTE) One credit One credit One credit None for students who entered Grade 9 before 2010-11. One credit from any of the following: One credit from any of the following: Technology Applications * Fine Arts * 33 Elective Courses * Total Credits One credit for students who enter Grade 9 in 2010-11 or later from any of the following: • Art, Level I, II, III, or IV • Dance, Level I, II, III, or IV • Music, Level I, II, III, or IV • Theatre, Level I, II, III, or IV; • Principles and Elements of Floral Design (CTE) Eight credits from any of the following: • The list of courses approved by the SBOE for Grades 9-12 (relating to Essential Knowledge and Skills) • State-approved innovative courses • JROTC (one to four credits) • Driver Education (one-half credit) • • • • • Art, Level I, II, III, or IV Dance, Level I, II, III, or IV Music, Level I, II, III, or IV Theatre, Level I, II, III, or IV Principles and Elements of Floral Design (CTE) • • • • • Art, Level I, II, III, or IV Dance, Level I, II, III, or IV Music, Level I, II, III, or IV Theatre, Level I, II, III, or IV Principles and Elements of Floral Design (CTE) Four credits from any of the following: • The list of courses approved by the SBOE for Grades 9-12 (relating to Essential Knowledge and Skills) • State-approved innovative courses • JROTC (one to four credits) • Driver Education (one-half credit) Three credits from any of the following: • The list of courses approved by the SBOE for Grades 9-12 (relating to Essential Knowledge and Skills) • State-approved innovative courses • JROTC (one to four credits) • Driver Education (one-half credit) 26 26 25 *College Board advanced placement, college-level dual enrollment, and International Baccalaureate courses may be substituted for requirements in appropriate areas. **Distinguished Achievement Program requirements also include student achievement of 4 advanced measures. 34 Endorsements: In effect for incoming freshman students for the fall of 2014 and all Subsequent years. A student may earn an endorsement by successfully completing • curriculum requirements for the endorsement • a total of four credits in mathematics • a total of four credits in science • two additional elective credits STEM A coherent sequence or series of courses selected from one of the following: • CTE courses with a final course from the STEM career cluster • Computer science • Mathematics • Science • A combination of no more than two of the categories listed above Business and Industry A coherent sequence or series of courses selected from one of the following: • CTE courses with a final course from the Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources; Architecture & Construction; Arts, Audio/Video, Technology & Communications; Business Management & Administration; Finance; Hospitality & Tourism; Information Technology; Manufacturing, Marketing; Transportation, or Distribution & Logistics CTE career cluster • The following English electives: public speaking, debate, advanced broadcast journalism including newspaper and yearbook • Technology applications • A combination of credits from the categories listed above Public Services A coherent sequence or series of courses selected from one of the following: • CTE courses with a final course from the Education & Training; Government & Public Administration; Health Science, Human Services; or Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security career cluster • JROTC Arts and Humanities A coherent sequence or series of courses selected from one of the following: • Social studies • The same language in Languages Other Than English • Two levels in each of two language in Languages Other Than English • American Sign Language (ASL) • Courses from one or two categories (art, dance, music, and theater) in fine arts • English electives that are not part of Business and Industry Multidisciplinary Studies A coherent sequence or series of courses selected from one of the following: • Four advanced courses that prepare a student to enter the workforce successfully or postsecondary education without remediation from within one endorsement area or among endorsement areas that are not in a coherent sequence • Four credits in each of the four foundation subject areas to include English IV and chemistry and/or physics • Four credits in AP, IB, or dual credit selected from English, mathematics, science, social studies, economics, languages other than English, or fine arts Total Credits w/endorsement - 26 35 Distinguished Level of Achievement • A total of four credits in math, including credit in Algebra II • A total of four credits in science • Completion of curriculum requirements for at least one endorsement Performance Acknowledgments For outstanding performance • in a dual credit course • in bilingualism and bi-literacy • on an AP test or IB exam • on the PSAT, the ACT-Plan, the SAT, or the ACT 36 HALL PASS A pass from class is necessary when a student leaves a classroom during the period. A pass is to be used for one destination only. The pass must be signed, time noted, and dated by the teacher who issues the pass. The destination must be clearly indicated. The pass is to be returned to the issuing teacher by the student. Students desiring to see a teacher before 8:00 a.m. for extra tutoring must have a completed pass from that teacher. Inappropriate use or abuse of pass will result in disciplinary action. Students walking halls without a hall pass will result in appropriate disciplinary consequences. Students, remember it is your responsibility to have a pass. HALLWAYS Students do NOT stand, congregate, or visit with friends in the halls during the passing periods. This causes congestion and crowding, which leads to tardiness. HEALTH SERVICES Information for Parents of Ennis I.S.D. Students Good health is necessary for your child to learn effectively. Your school nurse promotes the health of your child in school through emergency and first aid care, communicable disease control, health counseling and health education, and health appraisal screenings. Parents are encouraged to assure the health of their children through physical and dental examinations on entrance to school and at periodic intervals as recommended by their doctor or dentist. Parents are also requested to provide the school with all pertinent health information on their child's Health Record and the Health and Emergency Information for Clinic Use Form at the time of enrollment. This will enable the school nurse to meet the special health needs of your child. ACCIDENTS If your child is injured at school, we will make him/her comfortable and then call you immediately if a serious injury has occurred. If you cannot be reached, we will contact the emergency number listed on the emergency care form. It is important to keep your child's records and emergency numbers updated. If no one can be reached, your child will be taken to the local hospital emergency room if the injury needs immediate attention. DIABETES If your child is diabetic, the school district requires you to provide a written plan of care to the school nurse that has been completed and signed by your child’s physician. Please ensure your child’s school nurse has the diabetic plan of care on file by the first day of classes each school year. Diabetic care plans are required annually. 37 FEVER/ILLNESS Students should not be sent to school with a fever. The Texas Department of Health guidelines, in relation to communicable diseases, state that a student has fever if it is 100 degrees or greater. If a child has a fever at school, they will be sent home. No aspirin or aspirin products will be given at school under any circumstances due to the risk of Reyes Syndrome and asthma triggers. Students should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school unless they have been seen by a physician and/or have been started on an antibiotic. It would be advantageous for every household to have a thermometer so an accurate determination of the student’s temperature can be made. Please be sure the front office has current phone numbers on file for your student. When students are ill, the guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) will be followed for any and all contagious illnesses. This is for the protection of all our students. IMMUNIZATIONS - State of Texas Mandatory Requirements All vaccine doses administered less than or equal to four days before the minimum interval of age shall be counted as valid. Eighth Grade – Twelfth Grade 3 doses of DPT, DTaP, DT, Td, Tdap* with one dose given on/after the 4th birthday. 1 dose Tdap, if it has been 10 years since last tetanus –containing vaccine. 4 doses of Polio** with one on/after 4th birthday OR 3 doses if one dose is on/after 4th birthday 2 doses of MMR on/after 1st birthday, (may have two doses Measles and one dose Mumps and one dose Rubella after 1st birthday) 3 doses of Hepatitis B*** 1 dose of Varicella**** on/after 1st birthday (if the child has NOT had chickenpox) * Doses of DTaP/Polio administered month of or prior to 4th birthday are acceptable for students in 6th-12th grades. **Does not need a dose of Polio after 4th birthday IF 4 doses of clearly documented combination IPV and OPV were given before 4 years of age. Polio NOT required for students 18 years or older. ***2 doses of adult formulation Hepatitis B administered to a child 11-15 years old is acceptable if manufacturer and mL are clearly documented ****Two doses of Varicella are required if child is � 13 years old when 1st dose is given. * Grandfather clause: Students who were enrolled in school, grades K-12, prior to August 1, 2004, and who received a booster dose of DTaP or Polio vaccine in the calendar month up to and including 4 days prior to 4th birthday, shall be considered compliant. If the number of doses required has been reached but the last dose was before the time stated, then an additional dose of polio, diphtheria/tetanus is required. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide the school with their child's immunization record, which shows full compliance with Texas state immunization laws. Immunizations and copies of shot records must be 38 up-to-date. If any child is not in compliance with the state laws regarding immunizations, he/she will be unable to attend school until the records are complete. If you need assistance understanding what immunizations your child needs, please call your family physician or the nurse at your campus. IMMUNIZATION PROVISIONAL ENROLLMENT The Texas Department of Health requires that students be fully immunized against specific diseases. However, a student may be provisionally admitted into school if the student has begun the required immunizations and continues to receive required immunizations as rapidly as is medically feasible. Documentation must be provided by a physician, clinic, health department, or approved medical provider. MEDICATION District personnel shall not dispense oral medicine of any kind, including over-the-counter types, without written authorization of parent/guardian of the student. If prescription medication or over-the-counter medication is necessary for a student to remain in school, then this medication must be in the original container, with full directions on the label. Medicine to be taken three times a day does not need to be sent to school. It can be given in the morning, after school, and at bedtime. House Bill 1688 effective 08/09/02 amended the Texas Education Code entitling students with asthma to possess and self-administer their prescription asthma medication while on school property or at school-related event or activity. Parents must provide a written authorization and a statement from the prescribing physician to their child’s school to be kept on file in the school nurse’s office. SCREENING INFORMATION By screening students for height and weight, vision, hearing, scoliosis, acanthosis nigracans, and dental problems at certain grade levels, your school nurse may detect a problem, which could interfere with your child's learning or health. Vision testing is done using the Snellen, HOTV chart, or Titmus machine. Hearing tests include pure tone (acuity - how well a student hears) and impedance (aids in detection of hearing problems associated with the middle ear function) testing. Hearing and vision testing is done at grades P-K, K, 1, 3, 5, & 7 and with all new students. Scoliosis screening in grades 5 and 8 is an observance of the child's back as he or she stands and bends forward. Acanthosis nigricans is an observance of the surface on the skin to detect markings that can be a signal of high insulin levels. This screening is done beginning at grade 1. Dental screening involves looking in the mouth for gum diseases and cavities. Should our screening detect a potential problem, you will be contacted and referred to your doctor. Students with problems will receive rechecks at appropriate intervals. Students may receive additional health screenings as requested by a parent or school personnel. All EISD nurses are trained and certified to perform these screenings. 39 Your child will be screened according to Texas state department of health requirements and Ennis I. S. D. policy and procedures unless you notify the school nurse by telephone or letter. The nurse will advise you as to the proper forms you will need in place of the school screening. REYE’S SYNDROME ALERT Ennis ISD personnel and medical staff will not administer medications with aspirin or other salicylate-containing ingredients. These may include but are not limited to: Alka-Seltzer, Anacin, Ascriptin, Bayer, BC Powder, BC Cold or Allergy Sinus, Dristan, Ecotrin, Excedrin, Goody’s, Kaopectate, Norwich Aspirin Products, Pamprin, Pepto-Bismol, Sine-Off Sinus Medications, St. Joseph Aspirin Products, Vanquish, or YSP. Reye’s Syndrome, a deadly disease, strikes swiftly and can attack any child or adult without warning. All body organs are affected, with the liver and brain suffering most seriously. While the cause and cure remain unknown, research has established a link between Reye’s Syndrome and the use of aspirin and other salicylate-containing medications. Typically Reye’s Syndrome occurs when someone is recovering from a viral illness and begins to feel better. A person’s life can depend on early diagnosis. Watch for these symptoms, usually occurring in this order: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Relentless or continuous vomiting Listlessness (loss or pep and energy with little interest in their environment) Drowsiness (excessive sleepiness) Personality Change (such as irritability, slurred speech, sensitivity to touch) Disorientation or confusion (unable to identify whereabouts, family members or answer questions) 6. Combativeness (striking out at those trying to help) 7. Delirium, convulsions or loss of consciousness Studies have shown that using aspirin or aspirin-containing medications to treat the symptoms of viral illnesses increases the chance of developing Reye’s Syndrome. If you or family members have a flu-like illness, do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing medications. Consult your physician instead. BACTERIAL MENINGITIS What is Meningitis? Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is most common and the least serious. Bacterial meningitis is the most common form of serious bacterial infection with the potential for serious longterm complications. It is an uncommon disease, but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death. 40 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 causes 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 or some other strains of bacterial meningitis, they are 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%). It can cause mild side effects, such as redness and pain at the injections site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within 7 to 10 days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to 5 years. What You Should Do If You Think You or A Friend Might Have Bacterial Meningitis? Seek prompt medical attention. 41 For More Information: Your school nurse, family doctor and the staff at your local or regional health department office are excellent sources for information on all communicable diseases. You may also call your local health department or Regional Texas Department of Health office to ask about meningococcal vaccine. Additional information may also be found at the web sites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov and the Texas Department of Health: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/default.shtm. HONOR ROLL AND SELECT SCHOLARS These two lists will be compiled at the close of each grading period and published in the local newspapers. If you might qualify for the honor roll or select scholars list and you do not want your name published, you must notify the principal’s secretary or receptionist before the close of a grading period. A. HONOR ROLL - To be eligible a student must have any combination of A's and B's or all B's and no unsatisfactory (U) grade in conduct. B. SELECT SCHOLARS - To be eligible a student must have all A's and no unsatisfactory (U) grade in conduct. ISS Students assigned to ISS must complete a full day. Students who leave early from ISS due to doctor’s appointment etc., will need to serve another full day of ISS. The campus nurse and administration must approve students who request to go home due to illness. Students will still need to fulfill their ISS assignment when they return. Students who are on the work program or have early release will be allowed to leave at their scheduled time. Students assigned to ISS will not be able to participate in any in-school activities during the duration of their ISS assignment. LIBRARY AND MEDIA CENTER SERVICES The Ennis High School Library and Media Center is available to students and faculty for research and recreational reading. Selection of materials has been based on different student interests and course requirements. Through simple lending procedures, any available media located in the library is accessible to all students, staff, and classrooms. 1. The library is open each school day from 8:00 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. Students entering the library without the supervision of a teacher must have a pass to go to the library before school, during lunch, and during classes. Extended hours of service are available to students after school when the demand arises. 2. To go to the library from a class, a pass signed by the teacher granting permission is necessary. The library pass is presented to the librarian upon entering the library. Students must sign in and out when visiting the library. Upon completion of work the permit should be signed in the library with the time of arrival and departure. 42 3. A fine of ten cents (10¢) per school day is placed on all overdue books. The borrower should expect to be charged for lost or damaged books, according to the value of the book or amount of damage. ALL FINES MUST BE CLEARED AT THE END OF EACH NINE WEEKS GRADING PERIOD. 4. Library personnel will be available each period to assist teachers and students in the location and use of materials. The cooperation of students in helping care for our library will contribute greatly to improved services for all. 4. Encyclopedias are available for overnight checkout. They may be checked out during the last period or immediately after school and must be returned by 8:00 a.m. the next day unless previous arrangements are made with the librarian. 5. The library copy machine is available for student use in copying information for school assignments. If students are sent to the library to make copies for teachers, they must have a signed note from the teacher indicating the number of copies requested. 6. Library and Media Center computers are available for student use. Online research is appropriate only for school assignments. Students must sign the computer register and fill in all appropriate information. Failure to cooperate with proper computer usage could terminate one's privilege of usage. No inappropriate web sites, such as: profanity, sexual connotations, or pornographic material will be tolerated. Students entering these web sites will receive suspension and a DAEP placement. MID-TERM GRADUATES AND SPRING GRADUATION EXERCISES 1. Mid-Term Graduates These students will receive diplomas in January following the completion of all local and state graduation requirements. 2. Candidates for Spring Graduation A. Each candidate may be allowed to attend senior activities sponsored by the school. B. Each candidate may be allowed to be in the traditional "Big E" group picture, provided the candidate has an official cap and gown. C. Each candidate may be eligible to participate in the Vespers program, provided: 1. The candidate has an official cap and gown. 2. The candidate must attend vesper practice unless excused by the principal. D. Only those candidates that meet all local and state graduation requirements will be allowed to participate in the graduation exercises. In addition: 1. The candidate must have an official cap and gown. 43 2. The candidate must attend graduation practice unless excused by the principal. NOTE: It is not mandatory that a graduating senior participate in either Vespers or Graduation exercises. PARENT INVOLVEMENT Education succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school, a partnership that thrives on communication, and includes parents, teachers, administrators, and the Board of Trustees. Every parent is urged to: Encourage his or 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 (including the Student Code of Conduct) with his or her child and sign and return the acknowledgment form(s). A parent with questions is encouraged to contact EHS administration. Review the child's student records when needed. A parent may review (1) attendance records, (2) test scores, (3) grades, (4) disciplinary records, (5) counseling records, (6) psychological records, (7) applications for admission, (8) health and immunization information, (9) teacher and counselor evaluations, (10) reports of behavioral patterns, and (11) state assessment instruments that have been administered to his or her child. Attend scheduled conferences and request additional conferences as needed. To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, counselor, or principal, please calls the Ennis High School principal's office at 972-872-3500 for an appointment. Grant or deny any written request from EHS to make a picture, videotape or voice recording of the child unless the picture, videotape or voice recording (1) is to be used for school safety; (2) relates to classroom instruction or a co-curricular or extracurricular activity; or (3) relates to media coverage of the school as permitted by law. Become a school volunteer. For further information, contact E.I.S.D. central office at 972-8727000. PARENT RIGHTS 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. Granting Permission to Receive Parenting and Paternity Awareness Instruction (6 th -12 th grade only) As a parent, if your child is under the age of 14, you must grant permission for your child to receive instruction in the district’s parenting and paternity awareness program or your child will not be allowed to participate in the 44 instruction. This program, developed by the Office of the Texas Attorney General and the Texas State Board of Education, is incorporated into the district’s health education classes. Removing a Student Temporarily from the Classroom Parents may remove their child temporarily from the classroom if an instructional activity in which the child is scheduled to participate conflicts with religious or moral beliefs. The removal cannot be for the purpose of avoiding a test and may not extend for an entire semester. The student must satisfy grade-level and graduation requirements as determined by the school and by the Texas Education Agency. Removing a Student from Human Sexuality Instruction As a part of the district’s curriculum, students receive instruction related to human sexuality. The School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is involved with the selection of course materials for such instruction. State law requires that any instruction related to human sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, or human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome must: Present abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice of behavior in relationship to all sexual activity for unmarried persons of school age; Devote more attention to abstinence from sexual activity than to any other behavior; Emphasize that abstinence is the only method that is 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and the emotional trauma associated with adolescent sexual activity; Direct adolescents to a standard of behavior in which abstinence from sexual activity before marriage is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases; and If included in the content of the curriculum, teach contraception and condom use in terms of human use reality rates instead of theoretical laboratory rates. In accordance with state law, the district’s curriculum regarding human sexuality instruction currently meets all the requirements listed above. Prior to any instruction, parents will receive information regarding when the instruction will occur. Parents will be allowed the opportunity to remove your child from any part of this instruction with no academic, disciplinary, or other penalties. You may also choose to become more involved with the development of curriculum used for this purpose by becoming a member of the district’s SHAC. Please see the campus principal for additional information on becoming a member of the district SHAC committee. PEP RALLIES / ASSEMBLIES All student body meetings will be held in the gymnasium or auditorium. NO FOOD ITEMS OR DRINKS ARE ALLOWED IN THE GYM OR AUDITORIUM. Pep rallies will be held during school. All students must attend the pep rallies or remain in the commons. Proper conduct is expected from all students. Conduct not in keeping with regulations of common courtesy and respect will result in disciplinary action. 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. 45 PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION Public display of affection is not allowed. Any students caught kissing, hugging, holding hands, etc. will be disciplined. RANDOM DRUG TESTING PROGRAM FOR ENNIS ISD The Ennis ISD Board of Trustees, to protect the health and safety of its students involved in extracurricular activities from illegal drug / alcohol use and/or abuse, thereby setting a positive example for all other students, adopts the following policy for illegal drug – alcohol testing of students involved in voluntary extra-curricular activities. 1. Purpose and Intent a. Participation in school sponsored extra-curricular activities is a privilege. Students who participate in these activities are expected to be good examples of conduct, sportsmanship, and training. Accordingly, students involved in extra-curricular activities carry a responsibility to themselves, their fellow students, their parents, and their school to exemplify the highest standards of conduct, which includes avoiding the use or possession of illegal drugs or alcohol. b. The purpose of this policy is to prevent and deter illegal drug or alcohol use; to educate students as to the serious physical, mental, and emotional harm caused by illegal drug and alcohol use; to alert students with possible abuse problems to the potential harm of illegal drug or alcohol use; to prevent injury, illness and harm as the result of illegal drug or alcohol use; and to strive for a drug and alcohol-free learning environment. The consequences for violating this policy relate solely to limiting the opportunity to participate in voluntary extra-curricular activities. 2. Objectives a. To provide a proactive deterrent to drug use for the Ennis High School students. b. To provide a drug education program for those students who test positive for drug use and for those students who are at-risk for drug use. c. To provide for students another incentive to say “No” to illegal drug and/or alcohol use. d. To promote a drug-free environment that attempts to be pro-active instead of reactive. 3. Plan a. To test a minimum of thirty students at least five unannounced times a year. b. All students who are actively involved in voluntary extra-curricular or UIL-sponsored programs will be subject to this testing program. The students will be selected at random from a pool of all the students involved in these voluntary activities. c. The method of screening is by an independent laboratory using an accepted immunological screening procedure. All drugs detected by the screen will be confirmed by the Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry test before being reported as a positive test. d. Testing will be administered by qualified lab personnel and professional staff. e. Each student that is selected will be required to provide a supervised urine sample or hair sample to the designee adhering to the procedures described in part five (5). f. The designated school administrator for this program will be the high school principal. 46 4. Drugs To Be Tested For: The district reserves the right to test for any substances that are illegal to buy, possess, use, sell or distribute under federal or state law including, but not limited to, these listed below: Amphetamines Barbiturates Benzodiazepine Cocaine Methaqualone Ecstasy (MDMA, MDEA, and MDA) Opiates --codeine, heroin, morphine, papaverine Phencyclidine (PCP) Tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), marijuana Inhalants Alcohol, Ethanol Anabolic and Androgenic Steroids 5. Testing Procedures and Protocol a. Random Testing: All students in extra-curricular activities grades 9-12 will be eligible to be tested throughout the school activity calendar. A pre-determined number of the participants’ names will be randomly selected with a computer program at least 5 times during the school year. They will be required to submit a supervised urine sample or hair sample immediately upon request. All specimens will be collected, adhering immediately to a strict chain of custody. b. All positive screenings will be confirmed by the student’s voluntary admission and/or an additional test from a split sample which may include MS/GC testing by an independent laboratory. c. The lab personnel will take the specimens collected to the lab. The independent lab will send the results to the superintendent’s designee. d. Non-compliance by any student with the above testing procedures will be considered a violation of this policy. Non-compliance will also be reported to the appropriate sponsor and principal. e. Any student who refuses to be tested or leaves the premises for any reason during testing will be reported to the appropriate sponsor, principal, and parent. Sanctions will be the same as a positive drug test result. f. Any eligible student selected randomly for testing, who is not in school on the day of testing, will be tested at the next selected testing date. 6. Confidentiality a. The collection and coding of specimen samples are executed in a manner ensuring total confidentiality and proper identification. b. Test results are released only to the student, parent/guardian, appropriate sponsor, and high school principal. c. All positive test results shall be destroyed after the student is no longer enrolled in Ennis ISD for a period of six months. 7. Sanctions for Positive Testing a. All offenses are cumulative for the student’s Ennis ISD career. b. The following counseling efforts and disciplinary measures will be taken for any student with a positive test result. 47 c. Any student that tests negative but shows traces of a controlled substance in the specimen will be required to be tested on the next two (2) testing dates. d. Any adulterant found in any sample or substitution of any sample will be treated as a positive test. First Offense Procedures: 1. Student must complete a drug educational program with either an Ennis ISD counselor or a private, licensed counselor provided at the parent’s expense. A letter from the private counselor shall be required as proof of completion. 2. Student must obtain approval of principal and the appropriate sponsor before reinstatement of privileges. 3. Parent/guardian will be notified to discuss the student’s sanctions. 4. The student or parent may request a retest of the original sample at his/her expense with a certified lab. Such a request must be made in writing within 48 hours of the meeting. Any sanctions will remain in effect during the re-test period. 5. If the lab reports a trace, but not enough for a positive result, of a tested substance to the school designee, that designee will inform the parent/guardian of the trace finding simply for the parent’s concern. No school sanctions will result from a trace finding. Sanctions: 1. Student will receive a suspension from extra-curricular and UIL-sponsored activities for 10 school days beginning from the notification of the positive result. Student will be allowed to participate in any practice activities while waiting reinstatement. 2. Student will be required to participate in the EISD drug test on each test date thereafter for one calendar year. Second Offense Procedures: 1. Student must complete a drug educational program with either an Ennis ISD counselor or a private, licensed counselor provided at the parent’s expense. A letter from the private counselor shall be required as proof of completion. 2. Student must obtain approval of principal and the appropriate sponsor before reinstatement of privileges. 3. Parent/guardian will be notified to discuss the student’s sanctions. 4. The student or parent may request a retest of the original sample at his/her expense with a certified lab. Such a request must be made in writing within 48 hours of the meeting. Any sanctions will remain in effect during the re-test period. 5. If the lab reports a trace, but not enough for a positive result, of a tested substance to the school designee, that designee will inform the parent/guardian of the trace finding simply for the parent’s concern. No school sanctions will result from a trace finding. Sanctions: 1. Student will receive a suspension from extra-curricular and UIL-sponsored activities for six weeks from date of notification of the second positive result. 48 2. Student must be re-tested at EISD expense and then be clear of any drugs before reinstatement. 3. Student will be required to drug test on each test date thereafter throughout his/her high school career. Third Offense Procedures: 1. Student must complete a drug educational program with either an Ennis ISD counselor or a private, licensed counselor provided at the parent’s expense. A letter from the private counselor shall be required as proof of completion. 2. Student must obtain approval of principal and the appropriate sponsor before reinstatement of privileges. 3. Parent/guardian will be notified to discuss the student’s sanctions. 4. The student or parent may request a retest of the original sample at his/her expense with a certified lab. Such a request must be made in writing within 48 hours of the meeting. Any sanctions will remain in effect during the re-test period. 5. If the lab reports a trace, but not enough for a positive result, of a tested substance to the school designee, that designee will inform the parent/guardian of the trace finding simply for the parent’s concern. No school sanctions will result from a trace finding. Sanctions: 1. Student will receive a suspension from extra-curricular and UIL-sponsored activities for one calendar year from date of notification of the second positive result. 2. Student must be re-tested at EISD expense and then be clear of any drugs before reinstatement. 3. Student will be required to drug test on each test date thereafter throughout his/her high school career. Fourth Offense Sanctions: 1. Student will be removed from all Ennis ISD extracurricular and UIL-sponsored activities for the remainder of the student’s secondary school career. 8. Appeal A student may appeal a suspension under this policy to the Superintendent or Designee by filing a written notice within five (5) school days of the report of a positive test result to the student and parent/guardian. The sanctions set out herein shall remain in effect pending the results of the appeal. The Superintendent or Designee shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the original finding and suspension were justified within three (3) school days of the receipt of the notification of appeal. The Superintendent or Designee’s decision may be appealed in accordance with local school board policy, sections FNG. 9. No Academic Consequences No student will be penalized academically for testing positive for illegal drugs or banned substances under this policy. The results of drug tests pursuant to this policy will not be documented in any student academic record. Information regarding the results of a drug test will not be disclosed to criminal or juvenile authorities unless by legal compulsion by a valid and binding subpoena or other legal process. 49 10. Counseling and Drug Education Services Ennis ISD will provide for the drug education or counseling programs that students are required to attend under this program. Any other program the student and parent/guardian selects as an alternative must be at the expense of the student and/or parent/guardian and must be approved in writing by the Superintendent or Designee. 11. Coordination of Drug Testing Policy and Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct Because both policies are dealing with participation in voluntary extra-curricular programs, these policies will work together in helping Ennis students make good decisions. The sanctions for the two policies will be cumulative in nature. For example: A student’s verified offense with an illegal drug or alcohol use under the Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct constitutes a 1st offense, and if a later offense occurs under the Random Drug Testing Program, this offense would be a 2nd offense, and 2nd offense sanctions would be administered. Notification of non-participation It is the responsibility of each student who is participating in a voluntary extra-curricular program to notify the high school principal office if that student is no longer participating in any extracurricular activity. SATURDAY SCHOOL POLICIES OBJECTIVE: To provide a school program that provides a structured setting for those students who need to make up time lost from the regular school day due to excessive absences or truancy (skipping classes) or tardies. ASSIGNMENT: Saturday School will be held on specifically announced Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon in the Ennis High School Commons or at a designated classroom. (NOTE: See next page for the Saturday School schedules for both the fall and spring semesters.) COST: Students may be assessed a make-up fee of $20.00 per four-hour Saturday School session. RULES: 1. No late arrivals or tardies are allowed. 2. Students in Saturday School must follow the code of conduct rules as well as any special rules for Saturday School. 3. Misconduct in Saturday School shall be subject to normal disciplinary procedures including suspension from school or placement in alternative school or in-school suspension. 4. The student is to work on teacher assigned class work. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain any make-up work from his/her teachers. If student fails to obtain make-up work, then he/she must complete assignments made by the Saturday School administrator. 5. Each student must be actively involved in a learning activity. Sleeping will not be allowed. 50 6. Students will need to bring supplies with which to complete school assignments. 7. Students will not be allowed to talk with other students who may be in attendance at Saturday School. Dress menu, Discipline Management Plan, and Code of Conduct will be enforced. 8. Students must provide their own transportation. NOTE: You must have your ride waiting for you at the appropriate time. 9. Students who do not attend Saturday School as required when assigned will be subject to losing credit in the class with excessive absences. NOTE: Students must remain in Saturday School from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Students will be reminded of the upcoming scheduled Saturday School during the weekly announcements. 2014-2015 SATURDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE FALL SEMESTER SPRING SEMESTER October 11 October 25 November 1 November 8 December 6 December 13 January 10 February 21 March 21 April 4 April 11 April 25 May 2 May 10 May 17 May 31 Local policy requires 95% attendance. Excessive absences will necessitate attendance at Saturday School. 51 SCHEDULE CHANGE POLICY FOR ADVANCED COURSES Students may request a schedule change within the first five days of each semester. Students who fail the first nine weeks of a Pre-AP or AP course may be moved, with parent and teacher consent, to a more appropriate level. After the first nine weeks, a student must remain in the class through the semester. Any student who fails the first semester may be moved to the appropriate level course for the second semester based on the committee recommendation. To schedule a change committee will consist of the student, his/her parents, the principal, grade level, counselor and the teacher for which a change is requested. SCHOOL TELEPHONES All school telephones are for business purposes. Only in an emergency situation will students be allowed to use telephones located in the various offices. SEARCHES Desk and Lockers Desks, lockers, and similar items are the property of the District and are provided for student use as a matter of convenience. Lockers and desks are subject to blanket searches or inspections by District administrators. Searches or inspections may be conducted at any time and without notice. The school district reserves the right to search lockers and changing areas in locker rooms at any time. Students shall be fully responsible for the security and contents of desks or lockers assigned to them. Students shall make certain that lockers are locked and that the keys or combinations are not given to others. Student shall not place or keep in a desk or locker any article or material prohibited by law, District policy, or the Student Code of Conduct. Students shall be held responsible for any prohibited items found in their desk or lockers. Investigations by School Officials Administrators, teachers, and other professional personnel may question a student regarding the student’s own conduct or the conduct of other students. In the context of school discipline, students have no claim to the right not to incriminate themselves. Metal Detector Searches Students are subject to metal detector searches on a random basis. To ensure that metal detector searches are conducted uniformly and equitably; school administrators shall minimize student inconvenience and interference with the educational process, and maximize detection and deterrent values. Use of Trained Dogs The District shall use specially trained non-aggressive dogs to sniff out and alert officials to the current presence of concealed prohibited items, illicit substance defined in FNCF (LEGAL), and alcohol. This program is implemented in response to drug and alcohol related problems in District schools, with the objective of maintaining a safe school environment conducive to education. Such visits to school shall be unannounced. The dogs shall be used to sniff vacant classrooms, vacant common areas around student lockers, and the areas around vehicles parked on school property. The dogs shall not be used with students. If a dog alerts to a locker, a vehicle, or an item in a classroom, it may be searched by school officials. Searches of vehicle shall be conducted as described above. Lockers may be sniffed by trained dogs at any time. Vehicles parked on school property may be sniffed by trained dogs at any time. Classrooms and other common areas may be sniffed by trained dogs at 52 any time when students are not present. If contraband of any kind is found, the possessing student shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. The student’s parent or guardian shall be notified if any prohibited articles or materials are found in a student’s locker, in a student’s vehicle parked on school property, or on the student’s person, as a result of a search conducted in accordance with this policy. Vehicles Students shall be fully responsible for the security and contents of vehicles driven or parked on school property. Students shall make certain that their parked vehicles are locked and that the keys are not given to others. Students shall not place or keep in a vehicle on school property any article or material prohibited by law, District policy, or the Student Code of Conduct. If there is reasonable cause to believe that a vehicle on school property contains contraband, it may be searched by school officials or by personnel whose services have been engaged by the District to conduct such searches. Students shall be held responsible for any prohibited items found in their vehicles on school property. If a vehicle subject to search is locked, the students shall be asked to unlock the vehicle. If the student refuses, the district shall contact the student’s parents. If the parents also refuse the search, the District may contact local law enforcement officials and turn the matter over to them, or the District may conduct the search. SMOKE AND TOBACCO-FREE FACILITIES In an attempt to provide a cleaner and more healthful environment for its students and employees, the Ennis ISD has designated all campus buildings and grounds as smoke and tobacco-free facilities. State Law Prohibits possession of a burning tobacco product or smoking tobacco in a facility of a public primary or secondary school (Texas Penal Code 48.01). All students, employees, and visitors will be expected to comply with this law. SPECIAL PROGRAMS Ennis High School provides special programs for gifted and talented students, bilingual students, migrant students, and students with limited English proficiency, dyslexic students and students with disabilities. The coordinator of each program can answer questions about eligibility requirements, as well as programs and services offered in the district or by other organizations. A student or parent with questions about these programs should contact the student's counselor. STUDENT COUNCIL Any Ennis High School student may become a member of the Student Council by attending meetings and paying the $10.00 membership fee. Attendance at three meetings leads to voting rights. Nine officers are elected during the spring semester from current members of the Student Council. In addition to sponsoring homecoming activities, including homecoming dance, the Student Council participates in many other service projects and sponsors other dances during the school year. Students who become members of the Student Council are expected to commit themselves to participation in such activities. 53 STUDENT PARKING LOT REGULATIONS Students who are planning to drive a motor vehicle to school will be required to register their vehicles with the office. Ennis ISD has assessed a fee of $20.00 per year, per parking permit for student parking, payable at the beginning of the school year. Parking permits should displayed on the front windshield of the vehicle. If a student drives more than one vehicle to school, it is his/her responsibility to purchase an additional permit. Vehicles without a permit in place will not be allowed to remain on campus. Students are not allowed to go to the parking lot without office approval! Failure to adhere to parking guidelines will result in one or more of the following consequences: (1) Fine no less than $5 not to exceed $25 (2) Vehicle towed at owner’s expense (3) Removal of parking privilege Students are to park their vehicles on the student parking lot only. Students found parked anywhere else will be given ISS, and cars may be towed at owner’s expense. Students who are driving motor vehicles to school will need to have the following information/items with them when they come to the assistant principal's office to register their parking permits: A valid Texas driver's license The make and year of the vehicle The license plate number of the vehicle Proof of insurance is required to obtain a parking permit. The money for the parking permits ($20.00 for the year). Our student parking lot will accommodate approximately 500 cars and motorcycles. The school is not responsible for damage to the auto or its contents. Students must adhere to the following regulations: 1. Each student who drives a vehicle to school must have a valid Texas driver's license. 2. All vehicles driven by students to school must be registered with the school and must display the current parking pass on the windshield of the vehicle (number readable through front windshield). 3. Once students have parked in the school parking area, at the beginning of the school day, they will not be allowed to leave until the end of the school day. Students involved in school work programs will be assigned "special" parking decals for leaving during the school day. Any other student needing to leave campus must get special permission from the office. 54 4. Parking is strictly limited to the student parking area. Faculty parking is marked accordingly. Student vehicles parked in the faculty parking areas in front of or behind the building, or in parking area for the Career Center, may be towed away at student expense. 5. Automobiles are to be parked front end first in parking spaces. 6. There is to be no loitering in the parking lot or visitation of same without permission. Any student who must go to the parking lot must get a pass from the office and report to the parking lot attendant BEFORE going to his/her vehicle. 7. There will be no speeding (5 m.p.h. on parking lot) or any form of reckless driving on school property or adjacent streets. 8. Student vehicles may be subject to search if there are reasonable grounds to believe that drugs, alcohol, stolen property, or other contraband might be present in the vehicle. 9. No firearms or ammunition should be in any vehicle. 10. Parking regulations are strictly enforced. It is considered a privilege to drive a vehicle to school. Suspension of driving privileges, towing of vehicles (at student's expense) and/or suspension (or expulsion) from school may occur when violations of these regulations occur. 11. A parking attendant will be on duty each day to enforce parking regulations, control traffic in and out of the parking area, and for the protection of the vehicles in the parking area. The school is not responsible for damage to the auto or its contents. 12. Possession, transfer, or use of a fraudulent or stolen parking pass will result in disciplinary consequences including, but not limited to ISS, DAEP, and or the suspension or revocation of parking privileges. 13. Lock Your Car. 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 Ennis ISD 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 students at the assigned school. The superintendent is the custodian of all records for students who have withdrawn or graduated. Records may be reviewed during regular school hours upon completion of the written request form. 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, the district will either provide a copy of the requested records, or make other arrangements for the parent or student to review the requested records. 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 55 student's records. "School officials with legitimate educational interests" include any employees, agents, or trustees of the district; cooperatives of which the district is a member; or facilities with which the district 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, an 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 or 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 on a student that are shared only with a substitute teacher, records pertaining to former students after they are no longer students in the district, and records maintained by school law enforcement officials for purposes other than school discipline do not have to be made available to the parents or student. Certain officials from various governmental agencies may have limited access to the records. The district 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, Ennis High School will make a reasonable effort to notify the parent or eligible student in advance of compliance. Parental consent is required to release the records to anyone else. When the student reaches 18 years of age, only the student has the right to consent to release of records. Students over 18, and 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 the district refuses the request to amend the records, the requestor has the right to ask for 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, parents and the student are not allowed to contest a student's grade in a course through this process. Parents or the student have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe the district is not in compliance with the law regarding student records. Copies of student records are available at a cost of $2.00 per page, payable in advance. Parents may be denied copies of a student's records (1) after the student reaches age 18 and is no longer a dependent for tax purposes; (2) when the student is attending an institution of postsecondary education; (3) if the parent fails to follow proper procedures and pay the copying charge; or (4) when the district is given a copy of a court order terminating the parental rights. If the student qualifies for free or reduced-price meals and the 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 district 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 student. The opportunity to exercise such an objection was provided on the form signed by the parent to acknowledge receipt of this handbook. Should circumstances change; the parent can contact the principal to indicate his or her desire to change the original request. 56 Directory information includes: a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, participation in official recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, awards received in school, and most recent previous school attended. Special Education Records Parents of a student with disabilities who has been provided special education services by Ennis ISD will be notified when any information that specifically identifies the student is no longer needed. If the parent requests destruction of the information and the time established by law for retention has expired, the records will be destroyed. However, if the retention period established by law has not expired, the material will be deleted from the records but the records will be maintained until the time has expired. STUDENT RIGHTS No student will 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. Mental and psychological problems potentially embarrassing to the student or family. Sexual behavior and attitudes. Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, and demeaning behavior. Criticism of other individuals with whom the student or the student's family has a close family relationship. Relationships privileged under law, such as relationships with lawyers, physicians, and ministers. Income, except when the information will be used to determine the student's eligibility to participate in a special program (such as Federal School Lunch Program) or to receive financial assistance under such a program. Parents shall be able to inspect any teaching materials used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation. SUMMER SCHOOL A summer school program offering specific courses for remediation and/or advancement will be offered by Ennis High School. Cost of the program and other information is detailed in the Summer School Registration Packet, available at the beginning of May of each school year. SUSPENSIONS Any student that is suspended will not be able to participate, nor attend any extracurricular activities on or off campus. The student will receive 100% credit on work completed during suspension. Students are responsible for obtaining their work from their teachers. 57 TEXTBOOKS Most textbooks are issued by the state at no cost to the students. When a student receives a book at the beginning of the year, the student should write his/her name in ink in the space provided inside the book cover. Books must be covered at all times. Students who lose books during the year should get the book number and the correct title of the text from the individual teacher and then pay for the book in the assistant principal's office. The student will be given a receipt, which must be returned to the teacher before another book can be issued. The student, not the school is responsible for lost or damaged textbooks. Each student, or his/her parent or guardian, shall be responsible to the school, for all books not returned or damaged by the student. Any student who fails to return books issued to him/her shall forfeit the right to free textbooks until the books are either returned, or the cost of the textbooks are paid in full. No student shall have school records completed until all books are clear. In order to receive a refund, any student who finds a textbook for which he has paid, must return the book within 15 days of the date he paid for the book. TRAVEL – School Sponsored Students who participate in school-sponsored trips are required to use transportation provided by the school to and from the event. The principal, however, may make an exception if the parent personally requests that the student be permitted to ride with the parent. TUTORING Tutoring will be held in the morning from 8:00 a.m. to 8:25 a.m. Students needing tutorial assistance must make arrangements with their teacher to receive a pass. Also, teachers will tutor in the afternoon from 4:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. upon request. U.I.L. LITERARY AND ATHLETIC EVENTS Students who can excel in literary and athletic events are encouraged to participate in U.I.L. activities. Students are eligible under the rules of the University Interscholastic League. Some of the U.I.L. events in which Ennis students participate are the following: baseball, basketball, calculator applications, computer science, cross country, debate, editorial writing, feature writing, football, golf, headline writing, informative speaking, literary criticism, music, news writing, number sense, one act play, persuasive speaking, poetry reading, ready writing, science, soccer, softball, spelling and vocabulary, tennis, track and field, typewriting, and volleyball. VANDALISM As stated earlier, we have a beautiful facility and it is everyone's responsibility to help keep it that way! Take pride in your school! Don’t vandalize any part of the building or equipment, and don’t permit others to vandalize this facility! Anyone apprehended in an act or found to be responsible for an act of vandalism involving property of Ennis ISD is subject to expulsion from school and may be prosecuted within the full limits of the law. Any graffiti, such as carving or writing on desks, writing on walls or lockers, will be considered an act of vandalism, and will be disciplined and fined accordingly. Any suspected drug or gang graffiti will be 58 turned over to the EISD security officer, who may refer the incident to the Ellis County Task Force or to the Ennis Police Department. VENDING MACHINES Students may purchase items from the vending machines before school, during his/her designated lunch period, and after school only. VISITORS/SECURITY Ennis ISD welcomes visitors and encourages parents to visit the E.I.S.D. schools. For the safety of students and of others, all visitors must stop in the school office upon entering the building and present a valid state issued driver’s license to be scanned in the computer to obtain a visitor’s pass. The visitor must be listed as a contact on the student PEIMS data sheet in order to have contact with the student. 59 APPENDIX 1: NOTICE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS REGARDING DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS The Ennis Independent School District (ISD) believes that student use of alcohol and illegal drugs is both wrong and harmful. Consequently, the district has established a Code of Student Conduct that prohibits the use, sale, possession, and distribution of alcohol and illegal drugs by students on school premises or as part of any school activity, regardless of its location. Compliance is mandatory, and students shall be disciplined if they are found to have violated this code of conduct. The district's policies and its Discipline Management Plan provide a range of disciplinary sanctions for alcohol and drug related offenses. Students may be suspended for up to six school days or expelled for a period of time ranging from seven school days to the end of the school year; in addition, they may be referred to appropriate law enforcement officials for criminal prosecution. Procedural requirements for the imposition of suspension and expulsion are set out in the district's policies. The principal of your school will be glad to provide you access to or a copy of these policies. Depending on the nature and severity of a drug or alcohol related offense; a student may be required to complete an appropriate rehabilitation program, either in lieu of or in addition to other school discipline. The principal or counselor of your school can provide you with information about rehabilitation and re-entry programs that are available in our community or within reasonable access. In an attempt to provide a cleaner and more healthful environment for its students and employees, all Ennis ISD campus buildings and grounds have been designated as smoke and tobacco free facilities. There are no designated smoking areas inside the buildings. All students, employees, and visitors are expected to comply with this regulation in an effort to provide an environment that is more conducive to good health and learning. 60 APPENDIX 2: NOTICE OF PARENT AND STUDENT RIGHTS WHAT IS THE DISTRICT'S POLICY CONCERNING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT? Every student has the right to attend Ennis ISD schools and school-related activities free from all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment. Ennis ISD encourages parental and student support in its efforts to address and prevent sexual harassment and sexual abuse in the public schools. WHAT IS SEXUAL HARASSMENT? Sexual harassment of a student by an employee includes any welcome or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal (oral or written), physical, or visual conduct of a sexual nature. It also includes such activities as engaging in sexually oriented conversations for purposes of personal sexual gratification, telephoning a student at home or elsewhere to solicit inappropriate social relationships, physical contact that would be reasonably construed as sexual in nature, and enticing or threatening a student to engage in sexual behavior in exchange for grades or other school-related benefit. Sexual harassment of a student by another student includes unwanted and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, whether by word, gesture, or any other sexual contact, including requests for sexual favors. WHAT IS SEXUAL ABUSE? Sexual abuse is defined as "illegal sex acts performed against a minor. . . ." It may include, but is not limited to, fondling, sexual assault, or sexual intercourse. Sexual abuse is a form of child abuse that must be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities. WHAT LAWS ADDRESS SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS? Sexual harassment of students may constitute discrimination on the basis of sex and is prohibited by Title [X (the federal law prohibiting gender-based discrimination by schools that receive federal funds). WILL I BE INFORMED IF MY CHILD HAS BEEN SEXUALLY HARASSED OR SEXUALLY ABUSED AT SCHOOL? Ennis ISD will notify parents of students involved in sexual harassment by students when the allegations are not minor or of any incident regarding sexual harassment or sexual abuse by an employee. Notification may be by telephone, letter, or personal conference. WHAT WILL THE DISTRICT DO WHEN IT LEARNS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT OR SEXUAL ABUSE OF A STUDENT? When a principal or other school a d m i n i s t r a t o r receives a report that a student is b ei n g sexually harassed or abused, he or she will initiate an investigation and take prompt action to intervene. If a district employee is found to have sexually harassed or abused a student, that employee wi l l b e disciplined. Disciplinary action may range from a warning to termination of employment. If a student is found to have sexually harassed or abused another student, the offender will be disciplined Ennis ISD will consider the full range of disciplinary options, up to and including expulsion, according the nature of the offense. 61 APPENDIX 3: APPEALS PROCESS ENNIS ISD Public Complaints - GF (LOCAL) In this policy, the terms “complaint” and “grievance” shall have the same meaning. OTHER COMPLAINT PROCESSES Complaints by members of the public shall be filed in accordance with this policy, except as provided below: 1. Complaints concerning instructional materials shall be filed in accordance with EFA. 2. Complaints concerning a commissioned peace officer who is an employee of the District shall be filed in accordance with CKE. INFORMAL PROCESS The Board encourages the public to discuss concerns and com-plaints through informal conferences with the appropriate administrator. Concerns should be expressed as soon as possible to allow early resolution at the lowest possible administrative level. FORMAL PROCESS If an informal conference regarding a complaint fails to reach the outcome requested by an individual, he or she may initiate the for-mal process described below by timely filing a written complaint form, which can be downloaded at: http://www.ennis.k12.tx.us/files/filesystem/Ennis%20ISD%20Public%20Complaint%20Form.pdf Even after initiating the formal complaint process, individuals are encouraged to seek informal resolution of their concerns. An individual whose concerns are resolved may withdraw a formal com-plaint at any time. The process described in this policy shall not be construed to create new or additional rights beyond those granted by law or Board policy, nor to require a full evidentiary hearing or “mini-trial” at any level. FREEDOM FROM RETALIATION Neither the Board nor any District employee shall unlawfully retaliate against any individual for bringing a concern or complaint. GENERAL PROVISIONS: FILING Complaint forms and appeal notices may be filed by hand-delivery, fax, or U.S. Mail. Hand-delivered filings shall be timely filed if received by the appropriate administrator or designee by the close of business on the deadline. Fax filings shall be timely filed if they are received on or before the deadline, as indicated by the date/time shown on the fax copy. Mail filings shall be timely filed if they are postmarked by U.S. Mail on or before the deadline and received by the appropriate administrator or designated representative no more than three days after the deadline. RESPONSE At Levels One and Two, “response” shall mean a written communication to the individual from the appropriate administrator. Responses may be hand-delivered or sent by U.S. Mail to the individual’s mailing address of record. Mailed responses shall be timely if they are postmarked by U.S. Mail on or before the deadline. 62 DAYS “Days” shall mean District business days. In calculating time lines under this policy, the day a document is filed is “day zero.” The following business day is “day one.” REPRESENTATIVE “Representative” shall mean any person who or organization that is designated by an individual to represent the individual in the com-plaint process. The individual may designate a representative through written no-tice to the District at any level of this process. If the individual designates a representative with fewer than three days’ notice to the District before a scheduled conference or hearing, the District may reschedule the conference or hearing to a later date, if desired, in order to include the District’s counsel. The District may be represented by counsel at any level of the process. CONSOLIDATING COMPLAINTS Complaints arising out of an event or a series of related events shall be addressed in one complaint. An individual shall not bring separate or serial complaints arising from any event or series of events that have been or could have been addressed in a previous com-plaint. UNTIMELY FILINGS All time limits shall be strictly followed unless modified by mutual written consent. If a complaint form or appeal notice is not timely filed, the complaint may be dismissed, on written notice to the individual, at any point during the complaint process. The individual may appeal the dis-missal by seeking review in writing within ten days from the date of the written dismissal notice, starting at the level at which the com-plaint was dismissed. Such appeal shall be limited to the issue of timeliness. COSTS INCURRED: Each party shall pay its own costs incurred in the course of the complaint. COMPLAINT FORM Complaints under this policy shall be submitted in writing on a form provided by the District. Copies of any documents that support the complaint should be attached to the complaint form. If the individual does not have copies of these documents, they may be presented at the Level One conference. After the Level One conference, no new documents may be submitted by the individual unless the individual did not know the documents existed before the Level One conference. A complaint form that is incomplete in any material aspect may be dismissed, but may be refiled with all the required information if the refiling is within the designated time for filing a complaint. LEVEL ONE Complaint forms must be filed: 1. Within 15 days of the date the individual first knew, or with reasonable diligence should have known, of the decision or action giving rise to the complaint or grievance; and 2. With the lowest level administrator who has the authority to remedy the alleged problem. If the only administrator who has authority to remedy the alleged problem is the Superintendent or designee, the com-plaint may begin at Level Two following the procedure, including deadlines, for filing the complaint form at Level One. If the complaint is not filed with the appropriate administrator, the receiving administrator must note the date and time the complaint form was received and immediately forward the complaint form to the appropriate administrator. The appropriate administrator shall investigate as necessary and hold a conference with the individual within ten days after receipt of the written complaint. The administrator may set reasonable time limits for the 63 conference. The administrator shall provide the individual a written response within ten days following the conference. The written response shall set forth the basis of the decision. In reaching a decision, the administrator may consider information provided at the Level One conference and any other relevant documents or information the administrator believes will help resolve the complaint. LEVEL TWO If the individual did not receive the relief requested at Level One or if the time for a response has expired, he or she may request a conference with the Superintendent or designee to appeal the Level One decision. The appeal notice must be filed in writing, on a form provided by the District, within ten days of the date of the written Level One response or, if no response was received, within ten days of the Level One response deadline. After receiving notice of the appeal, the Level One administrator shall prepare and forward a record of the Level One complaint to the Level Two administrator. The individual may request a copy of the Level One record. The Level One record shall include: 1. 2. 3. 4. The original complaint form and any attachments. All other documents submitted by the individual at Level One. The written response issued at Level One and any attachments. All other documents relied upon by the Level One administrator in reaching the Level One decision. The Superintendent or designee shall hold a conference within ten days after the appeal notice is filed. The conference shall be limited to the issues presented by the individual at Level One and identified in the Level Two appeal notice. At the conference, the individual may provide information concerning any documents or information relied upon by the administration for the Level One decision. The Superintendent or designee may set reasonable time limits for the conference. The Superintendent or designee shall provide the individual a writ-ten response within ten days following the conference. The written response shall set forth the basis of the decision. In reaching a decision, the Superintendent or designee may consider the Level One record, information provided at the Level Two conference, and any other relevant documents or information the Superintendent or designee believes will help resolve the complaint. Recordings of the Level One and Level Two conferences, if any, shall be maintained with the Level One and Level Two records. LEVEL THREE If the individual did not receive the relief requested at Level Two or if the time for a response has expired, he or she may appeal the decision to the Board. The appeal notice must be filed in writing, on a form provided by the District, within ten days of the date of the written Level Two response or, if no response was received, within ten days of the Level Two response deadline. The Superintendent or designee shall inform the individual of the date, time, and place of the Board meeting at which the complaint will be on the agenda for presentation to the Board. The Superintendent or designee shall provide the Board the record of the Level Two appeal. The individual may request a copy of the Level Two record. The Level Two record shall include: 1. The Level One record. 2. The notice of appeal from Level One to Level Two. 3. The written response issued at Level Two and any attachments. 4. All other documents relied upon by the administration in reaching the Level Two decision. 64 If at the Level Three hearing the administration intends to rely on evidence not included in the Level Two record, the administration shall provide the individual notice of the nature of the evidence at least three days before the hearing. The District shall determine whether the complaint will be presented in open or closed meeting in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act and other applicable law. [See BE] The presiding officer may set reasonable time limits and guidelines for the presentation, including an opportunity for the individual and administration to each make a presentation and provide rebuttal and an opportunity for questioning by the Board. The Board shall hear the complaint and may request that the administration provide an explanation for the decisions at the preceding levels. In addition to any other record of the Board meeting required by law, the Board shall prepare a separate record of the Level Three presentation. The Level Three presentation, including the presentation by the individual or his or her representative, any presentation from the administration, and questions from the Board with responses, shall be recorded by audio recording, video/audio recording, or court reporter. The Board shall then consider the complaint. It may give notice of its decision orally or in writing at any time up to and including the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. If the Board does not make a decision regarding the complaint by the end of the next regularly scheduled meeting, the lack of a response by the Board upholds the administrative decision at Level Two. APPENDIX 4: BULLYING Bullying occurs when a student or group of students engages in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that occurs on school property, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, or in a vehicle operated by the District and that: 1. Has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or of damage to the student’s property; or 2. Is sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student. This conduct is considered bullying if it: 1. Exploits an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator and the student victim through written or verbal expression or physical conduct; and 2. Interferes with a student’s education or substantially disrupts the operation of a school. Bullying of a student may include hazing, threats, taunting, teasing, confinement, assault, demands for money, destruction of property, theft of valued possessions, name calling, rumor spreading, or ostracism. The District prohibits retaliation by a student or District employee against any person who in good faith makes a report of bullying, serves as a witness, or participates in an investigation. Examples of retaliation may include threats, rumor spreading, ostracism, assault, destruction of property, unjustified punishments, or unwarranted grade reductions. Unlawful retaliation does not include petty slights or annoyances. A student who intentionally makes a false claim, offers false statements, or refuses to cooperate with a District investigation regarding bullying shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. 65 Reports of bullying shall be made as soon as possible after the alleged act or knowledge of the alleged act. A failure to immediately report may impair the District’s ability to investigate and address the prohibited conduct. To obtain assistance and intervention, any student who believes that he or she has experienced bullying or believes that another student has experienced bullying should immediately report the alleged acts to a teacher, counselor, principal, or other District employee. Any District employee who suspects or receives notice that a student or group of students has or may have experienced bullying shall immediately notify the principal or designee. A report may be made orally or in writing. The principal or designee shall reduce any oral reports to written form. The principal or designee shall determine whether the allegations in the report, if proven, would constitute prohibited conduct as defined by policy FFH, including dating violence and harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability. If so, the District shall proceed under policy FFH. If the allegations could constitute both prohibited conduct and bullying, the investigation under FFH shall include a determination on each type of conduct. The principal or designee shall conduct an appropriate investigation based on the allegations in the report. The principal or designee shall promptly take interim action calculated to prevent bullying during the course of an investigation, if appropriate. Absent extenuating circumstances, the investigation should be completed within ten District business days from the date of the initial report alleging bullying; however, the principal or designee shall take additional time if necessary to complete a thorough investigation. The principal or designee shall prepare a final, written report of the investigation. The report shall include a determination of whether bullying occurred, and if so, whether the victim used reasonable self-defense. A copy of the report shall be sent to the Superintendent or designee. If an incident of bullying is confirmed, the principal or designee shall promptly notify the parents of the victim and of the student who engaged in bullying. If the results of an investigation indicate that bullying occurred, the District shall promptly respond by taking appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the District’s Student Code of Conduct and may take corrective action reasonably calculated to address the conduct. A student who is a victim of bullying and who used reasonable self-defense in response to the bullying shall not be subject to disciplinary action. The discipline of a student with a disability is subject to applicable state and federal law in addition to the Student Code of Conduct. Examples of corrective action may include a training program for the individuals involved in the complaint, a comprehensive education program for the school community, follow-up inquiries to determine if any new incidents or any instances of retaliation have occurred, involving parents and students in efforts to identify problems and improve the school climate, increasing staff monitoring of areas where bullying has occurred, and reaffirming the District’s policy against bullying. The principal or designee shall refer to FDB for transfer provisions. The principal or designee shall notify the victim, the student who engaged in bullying, and any students who witnessed the bullying of available counseling options. 66 If the investigation reveals improper conduct that did not rise to the level of prohibited conduct or bullying, the District may take action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct or any other appropriate corrective action. To the greatest extent possible, the District shall respect the privacy of the complainant, persons against whom a report is filed, and witnesses. Limited disclosures may be necessary in order to conduct a thorough investigation. A student who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation may appeal through FNG(LOCAL), beginning at the appropriate level. Retention of records shall be in accordance with Board Policy CPC (LOCAL). This policy addresses bullying of District students. For provisions regarding discrimination and harassment involving District students, see FFH. Note that FFI shall be used in conjunction with FFH for certain prohibited conduct. For reporting requirements related to child abuse and neglect, see FFG. 67 APPENDIX 5: TECHNOLOGY ENNIS ISD/STUDENT ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY Please read this document in full. Both parent and student must read and sign the EISD Acknowledgment and Consent form on the acknowledgment of handbook form and enrollment form. We live in a changing world, where we have more and faster access to information than ever before. Staff and students now can be both consumers and producers of information; and Ennis ISD strives to be a 21st Century district taking advantage of the many new technologies and new methods of communication now available to everyone. The District provides an array of technology resources for staff and student use. With access to these new technologies, users will have opportunities to learn and create like never before, but with those opportunities do come new responsibilities. This agreement outlines appropriate use and prohibited activities when using technology resources. Every user is expected to follow all guidelines stated below, as well as those given orally by the staff, and to demonstrate good citizenship and ethical behavior at all times. In accepting this agreement, users acknowledge the following rules and conditions: As a District student, I understand that my school network and email accounts are owned by the District and are not private. Ennis ISD has the right to access my information at any time. This includes, but is not limited to, email transmission, online history, and computer files. GOVERNMENT LAWS I will use computers in conformity with laws of the United States and the State of Texas, and the local policies of the Ennis I.S.D. School Board. Violations include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Criminal Acts – These include, but are not limited to, “hacking” or attempting to access computer systems without authorization, harassing email, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, child pornography, vandalism, and/or unauthorized tampering with computer systems. (A list of Federal statutes from the United States Department of Justice is below as Appendix A). 2. Libel Laws - Publicly defaming people through the published material on the internet, email, etc… 3. Copyright Violations - Copying, selling or distributing copyrighted material without the express written permission of the author or publisher (users should assume that all materials available on the Internet are protected by copyright), engaging in plagiarism (using other's words or ideas as your own). NETIQUETTE AND RESPONSIBLE USE 1. I understand that passwords are private. I will not allow others to use my account name and password, or try to use that of others. I will report any suspected breach of security to my teacher. 2. I will be polite and use appropriate language in my email messages, virtual learning environments, online postings, and other digital communications with others. I will refrain from using profanity, vulgarities or any other inappropriate language as determined by school administrators. 3. I will use email and other means of communications (e.g. blogs, wikis, podcasting, chat, instant-messaging, discussion boards, virtual learning environments, etc.) responsibly. I will not use computers, handheld computers, digital audio players, cell phones, personal digital devices or the Internet to send or post hate or harassing mail, pornography, make discriminatory or derogatory remarks about others, or engage in bullying, harassment, or other antisocial behaviors. 4. I understand that masquerading, spoofing, or pretending to be someone else is forbidden. This includes, but is not limited to, sending out e-mail, creating accounts, or posting messages or other online content (e.g. text, images, audio or video) in someone else's name as a joke. 5. I will use technology resources responsibly. I will not retrieve, save, or display hate-based, offensive or sexually explicit material using any of EISD computer resources. I am responsible for not pursuing material that could be considered offensive. I understand that I am to notify an adult immediately if by accident I encounter materials which violate appropriate use. 68 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. I will use technology resources productively and responsibly for school-related purposes. I will avoid using any technology resource in such a way that would disrupt the activities of other users. I will refrain from attempting to bypass, or circumvent, security settings or Internet filters, or interfere with the operation of the network by installing illegal or personal hardware, software, or web-based services not approved by the District Technology Department. I understand that vandalism is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to modifying or destroying equipment, programs, files, or settings on any computer or other technology resource. I understand that I am responsible for reasonable daily care of the equipment made available by the district. A list of responsibilities for computer equipment care is maintained in the Student and Faculty Handbooks. I will keep my home directories (i.e. H:Drive and/or other personal directories), email, etc. cleaned of items I no longer need. I understand that work created using district equipment remains the property of Ennis I.S.D. I will respect the intellectual property of other users and information providers. I will obey copyright guidelines. I will not plagiarize or use other’s work without proper citation and permission. I will refrain from the use of or access of files, software, or other resources owned by others without the owner’s permission. I will use only those school network directories and other resources that are designated for my use or for the purpose designated by my teacher. I will not install any personal computer programs on school computers. I will follow all guidelines set forth by the District and/or my teachers when publishing schoolwork online (e.g. to a website, blog, wiki, discussion board, podcasting or video server). I understand the Internet is a source for information that is both true and false; and that the school is not responsible for inaccurate information obtained from the Internet. I understand that District administrators will deem what conduct is inappropriate use if such conduct is not specified in this agreement. I agree to abide by all Internet safety guidelines that are provided by the school and to complete all assignments related to Internet safety. I am aware that the use of electronic communication devices is prohibited without permission during the school day. DISCLAIMERS EISD cannot guarantee that computers or networks will be error free or that services will go uninterrupted. Therefore, the District shall not be liable for any direct or indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including but not limited to, lost data or information sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operation, or inability to use the system. The District will not be responsible for any financial obligations that occur through the unauthorized use of the system. All of the above policies and rules for acceptable use are intended to make maximum use of equipment and materials while allowing for a minimum of technical and mechanical administration. If there is any question concerning any of these policies or rules, please contact the EISD Superintendent of Schools, the Campus Principal, or the EISD Director of Technology. 69 APPENDIX 5A: UNLAWFUL ONLINE CONDUCT AND APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAWS The chart below details the type of unlawful online conduct, potentially applicable federal laws, and the section of the Department of Justice with subject-matter expertise. If the subject matter expert is not a section of the Department, but rather another agency, the entry will have an asterisk following its initials. In many cases, prosecutors may also consider whether the conduct at issue is a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2 (aiding and abetting) or 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy). Unlawful Conduct Applicable Federal Law DOJ Section Denial of Service Attacks 18 U.S.C. § 1030(a)(5)(A) (transmission of program, information, code, or command, resulting in damage) CCIPS 18 U.S.C. § 1362 (interfering with government communication systems) CCIPS Use of Misleading Domain Name 18 U.S.C. § 2252B (using misleading domain name with intent to deceive a person into viewing obscene material or with intent to deceive a minor into viewing harmful material) CEOS Password Fraud 18 U.S.C. § 1030(a)(6) (trafficking in computer passwords) CCIPS 18 U.S.C. § 1029 (access device fraud) Obscenity Piracy and Intellectual Property Theft Electronic Threats Fraud/CCIPS 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (wire fraud) Fraud 47 U.S.C. § 223(a)(1)(A) (using telecommunications device to make, create, or solicit, and transmit any obscene comment, request, suggestion, proposal, image, or other communication) CEOS 18 U.S.C. § 1465 (using interactive computer service for purpose of sale or distribution of obscene material) CEOS 17 U.S.C. §§ 1201-1205 (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) CCIPS 17 U.S.C. § 506 and 18 U.S.C. § 2319 (criminal copyright infringement) CCIPS 18 U.S.C. § 2319A (trafficking in recordings of live musical performances) CCIPS 18 U.S.C. § 875 (transmitting communications containing threats of kidnap or bodily injury) (Hobbs Act) CTS 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (interfering with commerce by robbery, extortion, threats or violence) (Hobbs Act) DSS 47 U.S.C. § 223 (a)(1)(C) (anonymously using telecommunications device to threaten person who receives communication) CCIPS 47 U.S.C. § 223 (a)(1)(C) (anonymously using telecommunications device to harass person who receives communication) CCIPS 47 U.S.C. § 223(a)(1)(E) (repeatedly initiates communication with a telecommunication device solely to harass person who receives communication) CCIPS 18 U.S.C. § 2511 (intercepting electronic communications) CCIPS 18 U.S.C. § 2701 (accessing stored communications) CCIPS 18 U.S.C. § 1030(a)(2) (accessing a computer and obtaining information) CCIPS Cyberstalking 18 U.S.C. § 2261A (using any facility of interstate or foreign commerce to engage in a course of conduct that places person in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury to person, person's spouse or immediate family) See also Electronic Harassment DSS Hate Crimes Look to civil rights laws and penalty enhancements Electronic Harassment Interception of Electronic Communications 70 Civil Rights Libel/Slander Look to civil laws Posting Personal Information on a Website (e.g., phone numbers, addresses) This is not a violation of law. May also be protected speech under First Amendment. Invasion of Privacy See Interception of Electronic Communications// Disclosure of Private Information 18 U.S.C. § 2511(1)(c) (disclosing intercepted communications) CCIPS Spam 18 U.S.C. § 1037 (CAN-SPAM Act) CCIPS Spoofing Email Address 18 U.S.C. § 1037 (CAN-SPAM Act) CCIPS 71 APPENDIX 6: FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)/FAMILY POLICY COMPLIANCE OFFICE (FPCO) HOME The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students." Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies. Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information. Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31): School officials with legitimate educational interest; Other schools to which a student is transferring; Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes; Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student; Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school; Accrediting organizations; To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena; Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law. Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school. 72 APPENDIX 7: 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 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 that 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 their rights if they disagree 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 options for a child experiencing learning difficulties or a referral for evaluation for special education is: Contact Person/s: Director of Special Education 972-872-7000 Or: The Campus Principal 73 Ennis Independent School District 303 W. Knox Ennis, TX 75119 Phone # 972.872.7000 Fax # 972.875.8667 NOTIFICATION OF ASBESTOS RE-INSPECTIONS Dear Students, Parents, Teachers, and Staff of Ennis ISD: The EPA Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) of 1988 requires all school districts to maintain a Management Plan for any asbestos materials in our buildings. Over the years we have removed much of the asbestos containing materials from our schools. We have recently completed the required three year re-inspection of the District’s Asbestos Management Plan; school buildings no longer in use have been removed and new schools have been inspected and added to the plan. There are asbestos containing materials (ACM) in some of our school buildings; however, in their present condition these materials do not pose a health hazard. The materials are being managed in accordance with our Management plan and may be removed or managed in place. Renovations or maintenance issues may require the disturbance of ACM and in an effort to protect our students, staff, and other occupants these materials are being removed in accordance with state and federal regulations. There is a copy of the Management Plan at the District Office and a copy at each campus in the principal’s office. These are available for review upon request. This letter serves as our annual notification. Sincerely, Jeff Hill Director of Operations 74 Danny R. Patak LEA Designated Person Ennis High School National Honor Society 2014-2015 Handbook Dr. John Chapman, Superintendent Mr. David Averett, Principal Dr. Joel Davenport, Chapter Advisor 75 “Intelligence plus character – these are the real goals of education.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Honor Society Pledge I Pledge Myself to Uphold The High Purposes of the National Honor Society To Which I Have Been Selected; I Will Be True to the Principles For Which It Stands: I Will Be Loyal Forever to My School; And Will Maintain and Encourage High Standards of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character 76 The PRINCIPAL The principal has the right to approve all activities and decisions of the chapter. This authority extends to selection and dismissal of members. The principal cannot serve as chapter adviser and is not a member of the voting Faculty Council. The principal shall receive appeals in cases of non-selection of candidates, and the disciplining or dismissal of members. The principal appoints and works closely with the chapter adviser and the Faculty Council to develop and follow fair selection and dismissal procedures consistent with the Constitution. FROM THE CONSTITUTION “The national constitution defines several obligations for members. First, all members are to maintain the standards by which the member was selected (i.e., continued performance at or above the required GPA, involvement in service and leadership projects, etc.). In addition, the constitution expects members to attend meetings and to perform both individual and chapter service projects during the year” (National Honors Society Handbook, pg. 33). CHAPTER BY-LAWS of ENNIS HIGH SCHOOL The following are clarifications of NHS Constitutional Articles in which Ennis High School has adopted as Chapter By-Laws. NAME AND PURPOSE Section 1: The name of this organization shall be the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools (NHS). Section 2: The purpose of this organization shall be to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of secondary schools. OFFICIAL INSIGNIA Section 1: The motto of the National Honor Society shall be “Noblesse Oblige” – If one is capable of doing something to benefit another, one is obliged to do so. PREREQUISITE CONDITIONS FOR SELECTION Section 1: Membership is open to qualified sophomores, juniors and seniors. Section 2: For school year 2014-2015, the academic requirement has been raised for the incoming sophomore class (2017), as well as all classes following them. All sophomore candidates must have a GPA of 93.00 or higher AND be on the Recommended High School Plan or Distinguished Achievement Program. Juniors (Class of 2016) and Seniors (Class of 2015) will have the academic GPA requirement of 90.00 or higher AND be on the Recommended High School Plan or Distinguished Achievement Program. Section 3: There can be no specific quota or percentage of members per class. Those students who meet the criteria should be inducted regardless of the number. If it is necessary to limit chapter size, the academic requirement for all candidates can be raised. 77 THE CRITERIA Section 1: The Faculty Council of the chapter selects students who demonstrate outstanding performance in all four criteria of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. The Faculty Council should first identify students with the prerequisite GPA and then evaluate the candidates' performance in the areas of leadership, service, and character. While the academic criterion is important and should be considered first, membership should never be considered on the basis of grades alone, even though the Faculty Council may consider scholarship as the most important of the four criteria. STUDENT ACTIVITY INFORMATION FORMS Section 1: In order to ascertain the degree to which a student candidate meets the selection criteria, the Faculty Council will utilize a Student Activity Information Form. The form will help the Faculty Council to obtain information directly from the student regarding leadership and service activities and to elaborate on the student's perspectives concerning the honor society and its values. The forms should not be considered under any circumstances as applications for membership. The form exists to support the student's candidacy by providing relevant information for use by the Faculty Council. FACULTY EVALUATION FORMS Section 1: Selection for membership to the chapter is always to be by a majority vote of the Faculty Council. However, the local council members may obtain information to assist them in making their decision. A faculty evaluation may be used to support the strength of a student's candidacy in the areas of service, leadership, and character. In the event of a low rating on one of the evaluations, it is always important to verify the reasons for such a rating, avoiding “speculation and rumor.” Evaluations bring to the attention of the Faculty Council information that may not otherwise be represented on the information forms. Upon reviewing the evaluations, and verifying their accuracy, the Faculty Council is still required to undertake a vote on each candidate, selecting each student who receives a majority vote. All evaluations will be signed, and each evaluator must be prepared to support any below-average rating with substantiating data based on sound professional judgment and action. The local adviser serves as the link between the Faculty Council and the evaluators, and may conduct informal interviews with those teachers who provide the below-average ratings. Faculty evaluations are considered working documents to assist the Faculty Council in making sound decisions regarding membership. Such evaluations are expected to be used only by the Faculty Council, the adviser, and the principal and should be considered confidential. NOTIFICATION OF INDUCTEES Section 1: Those students selected will be notified by the chapter adviser or principal. Students not selected will also be informed. APPEALS IN CASES OF NON-SELECTION Section 1: Chapters are not legally or constitutionally obligated to share with parents and students information concerning specific students not selected for membership in the Society. It is, however, a common expectation of school personnel to be able to explain how decisions regarding the growth and development of a students on campus were made and, furthermore, to provide 78 effective direction to such students to assist them in reaching their goals, despite the existence of a specific setback. Since the chapter adviser is closest to the selection process, it is this individual who is best prepared to provide immediate feedback. Should students or parents still not be satisfied, the next level of discussion will take place with the principal. Following this discussion, if the principal feels that some kind of technical or procedural mistake has been made, the principal may ask the Faculty Council to reconvene to review the situation. Technical or procedural errors might include the inadvertent omission of a student's name from the list of those qualified for induction, the erroneous averaging of grades, or failure to follow prescribed procedures. Parents and students must understand that no student has a right to be selected for membership in a chapter of the National Honor Society. Reconsideration of a Faculty Council's decision must be a rare occurrence if the council is to be expected to take its assignment seriously. It is important to uphold the integrity of NHS standards and to recognize the potential danger of yielding to pressure tactics. If a non-selected student or his/her parents wish to challenge the principal's decision they should follow the local school system's complaint procedure. Section 2: Non-Selected students have ten school days from the date of the letter to discuss with the principal about reasons available for non-selection. INDUCTION CEREMONY Section 1: Ennis High School will induct once a year. Induction is scheduled for September 15, 2014 in the EHS Auditorium. This will be for eligible sophomore, juniors and seniors that now qualify. Section 2: Prospective NHS members MUST attend Induction ceremony in order to become NHS members. MEMBERSHIP Section 1: All members are required to attend all NHS meetings, as well as, 30 NHS Service Events offered by NHS during the year. If a senior fails to meet this requirement, they will not be extended the opportunity to wear the NHS collar. Section 2: All members are required to come to thirty NHS Sponsored events, which include but not limited to, NHS meetings and service projects. If a sophomore of junior fail to meet the participation requirement of thirty NHS sponsored events, OR miss more than two NHS meetings not excused by other EHS school related activities, they will NOT be invited back for their junior/senior year. Section 3: If a NHS member transfers from Ennis High School into the Horizons program, they give up their membership into NHS at Ennis High School. TRANSFER STUDENTS Section 1: A National Honor Society member from another school who transfers to this school and brings a letter from the former principal or chapter advisor shall be accepted automatically as a member of this school's chapter. Transfer members must meet this school's standards within one semester in order to retain membership. 79 MEETINGS Section 1: Bi-monthly meetings shall be held the first/third Thursday during the school year, at 8:00 am or during Advisory in the Ensign Media Center. Members can go to either. Meetings are subject to change. Section 2: All members are required to attend all meetings unless they have a justified reason to be absent. Members that are in Ennis High School sponsored events at the time of NHS meetings, shall not be penalized for missing. In the event that a member has more than two unexcused absences for NHS meetings, they will be placed on probation. If they miss another meeting with an unexcused absence, they will be dismissed. A member can reduce an unexcused absence by attending two additional service events. They will only have this opportunity once a semester. Those who miss meetings should check with the Dr. Davenport or Kayla McCabe to stay informed. Section 3: It is the member’s responsibility to sign in at all meetings. Alpha Group (A-F) will sign in with Taima Qasem-Service-Vice President; Alpha Group (G-K) will sign in with Sarah BlazekTreasurer; Alpha Group (L-P) will sign in with Katherine Betik-Historian; Alpha Group (Q-Z) will sign in with Ross Mitchell or Jake Turner-Officers at Large. DISCIPLINE AND DISMISSAL Section 1: Members who fall below the standards that were the basis for their selection shall be promptly warned in writing by the chapter adviser and given a reasonable amount of time to correct the deficiency, except that in the case of flagrant violation of school rules or the law, a member does not necessarily have to be warned, these include but are not limited to: theft, DWI/DUI, drug offenses, Minor in Possession, or sexual misconduct. Violating the NHS Electronic and Social Media Student Contract may also be grounds for dismissal. You will be dismissed if your actions bring dishonor to the National Honor Society. Section 2: National Honor Society students are expected to demonstrate the highest character. A member who is disciplined for academic dishonesty will be removed from the Chapter. Section 3: A member will be dismissed after the second warning. Section 4: In all cases of pending dismissal, a member shall have a right to a hearing before the Faculty Council. This hearing is required and is considered “due process” for all members. Section 5: For purposes of dismissal, a majority vote of the Faculty Council is required. Section 6: A member who has been dismissed may appeal the decision of the Faculty Council to the principal and thereafter under the same rules for disciplinary appeals in the school district. RESIGNATION Section 1: A member may resign from the National Honor Society with a written letter signed by both the member and a parent. A student who resigns or is dismissed from the National Honor Society may never again become a member. 80 ACTIVITIES Section 1: All members shall regularly participate in these projects. Some of the activities include helping at: Chili Supper, BBQ Bash, Give a Kid a Chance, Taste of Ennis, Flapjack Fever, EHS Showcase, North Texas Food Bank, Spaghetti Supper and various field days at different EISD schools. Section 2: These projects shall have the following characteristics: fulfill a need within the school or community; have the support of the administration and the faculty; be appropriate and educationally defensible; be well planned, organized, and executed. Section 3: Each chapter shall publicize its projects in a positive manner. The NHS Publicist for 2014-2015 is Gabby Rendon. NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY CHAPTER OFFICERS SELECTION & JOB DESCRIPTIONS Section 1: The EHS Chapter will designate a group of select students to serve as a Leadership Team. Potential members of the Leadership Team including the Executive Committee or formal officer positions (President & 1st Vice-President) must apply to be considered for this honor and are evaluated on five criteria: a personal letter and/or speech of interest, leadership experience, faculty council recommendations, NHS experience, attendance record, and school record. A chapter vote will determine the President and 1st Vice –President. The remaining positions will be appointed by the Chapter Advisor and Faculty Council. All members wanting to participate on the Leadership Team are encouraged to apply. Section 2: NHS Officer Job Descriptions (per the Bylaws) **This is not a complete description of what each job entails; being an NHS officer requires you to go above and beyond what is expected, and generally, officers help each other out even when it isn’t necessarily their job to. ** The NHS Leadership Team will consist of these eleven people. The President : KAYLA MCCABE a) b) c) d) e) f) oversee, direct, organize, and represent the chapter, call meetings; provide a power point presentation for each meeting of future events direct the induction ceremony; meet with the sponsor weekly. maintain communication with other officers and supervise completion of duties. set an example of scholarship, leadership, character, and service for others to follow. The 1st Vice President : CHAUNCEY BUCKLEY a) b) c) d) e) act in the president's absence; coordinate the junior NHS class; administer the election of officers in the spring; responsible for the NHS Tutoring Program you will be in charge of Hamburger Supper. 81 The Service Vice President : TAIMA QASEM a) b) c) d) e) act in the president's/Vice president's absence; oversee service projects for the chapter, including i. notifying members of service projects each meeting ii. posting projects available on the bulletin board/website coordinate the sophomore class; in charge of Alpha Group (A-E) you will be in charge of the Sky Ranch Leadership Trip The Secretary : HOLLY DOLEZALIK a) b) c) d) e) f) in charge of members signing up for events; www.signupgenius.com conduct any correspondence necessary; maintain attendance records and submit them to the publicist bimonthly; report to the membership monthly. Secretary also runs NHS Tutoring every Monday from 6-8*** you will be in charge of the Daddy Daughter Dance The Parliamentarian : RENE AVILA a) b) c) oversee all rules and regulations of the National Chapter and EHS chapter. Parliamentarian also runs NHS tutoring every Thursday from 6-8*** you will be in charge of North Texas Food Bank trip. The Treasurer : SARAH BLAZEK a) b) c) d) e) collect, record, and deposit money; help maintain attendance records; report the status of the treasury monthly. in charge of Alpha Group (F-J) you will be in charge of all NHS Jean Days The Publicist : GABBY RENDON a) b) c) d) e) f) g) advertise meetings; make any necessary daily announcements; Remind 101, Twitter, Facebook publicize service projects; maintain the NHS Bulletin Board; post service hours, and attendance records on the bulletin board after each meeting; editor of The Torch-NHS Update you will be in charge of Can-a-palooza 82 The Historian : KATHERINE BETIK a) b) c) d) d) Record chapter activities; maintain the NHS display organize chapter scrapbook and take pictures; organize and present slide show or video at the end of the year. in charge of Alpha Group (K-O) you will be in charge of Senior Dinner Officers at-Large : JAKE TURNER & ROSS MITCHELL a) b) c) d) e) coordinates with officers and advisor to complete specific tasks completes term of any elected officer who cannot complete his/her term acts as a liaison between members and other EHS organizations in charge of Alpha Group (P-T) you will be in charge of Take A Teacher to Lunch Webmaster : DREW BROOKS a) b) c) coordinate all technology efforts in charge of Alpha Group (U-Z) you will be in charge of the sophomore trip to The Stewpot If an officer cannot be present at a meeting due to illness or prior commitment, it is their responsibility to report their absence to the chapter advisor in advance and to make arrangements to have another officer performs their duties. Officers can be removed from their positions for failure to attend meetings regularly, for serious violations of school or district rules, or for conduct contrary to the principles of the National Honor Society. GRADUATION Section 1: In order for a senior (Class of 2015) NHS member to wear the NHS stole during graduation, he/she must have met the participation requirement of 30 NHS sponsored events, AND not miss more than two NHS meetings not excused by other EHS school related activities In addition, they must still maintain a 90.oo cumulative GPA. The last official grades check will be conducted by the senior counselor to determine valedictorian/salutatorian, Top 10 etc. 83 Ennis High School National Honor Society Statement of Understanding I, ___________________________________________ have read the National Honor Society Handbook and am familiar with its contents. I understand that if I should become a member of the Ennis Chapter of the National Honor Society, I must agree to follow the contents of this handbook and comply with the procedures and guidelines contained within. I fully understand the dismissal policy, as well as, the requirements for graduation. Signed ______________________________________________________________ Date___________ (Student Name Printed) ______________________________________________________________ Signed ______________________________________________________________ (Parent Name Printed) ______________________________________________________________ 84 Date___________ Ennis High School National Honor Society Electronic and Social Media Student Contract I understand that I will not violate the Ennis High School NHS Electronic and Social Media Student Contract by using a cellular device, camera, video, audio, computer recording device or any other device in a manner that interferes with/disrupts the educational process, invades the privacy of an individual or violates the academic integrity of any school activity. I will not photograph or video students, school personnel, or guests at any time or anywhere during school hours. I will not use an electronic device/social media site in an inappropriate and/or malicious manner, including but not limited to the following: • • • • • • • • • • • Sending any confidential /personal information about school personnel, students, or guests Bullying/cyber bullying of any person Videoing or photographing students, school personnel, or guests at school activities with an inappropriate or malicious intent Using defamatory or discriminatory statements and images of any kind Posting inappropriate or malicious images, videos, messages or statements to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Deviant Art, Tagged, Orkut, Ning, Meet up, or any other social media or internet sites of or to any person Looking at and/or sharing pornography of any kind Sending sexually exploitative messages/images of any kind Making terroristic threats of any kind Promoting/sharing information about illegal items and/or activities of any kind Cheating on any test, assignment or project Disrupting the educational process in any manner I understand that if I violate the Ennis High School National Honor Society Electronic and Social Media Student Contract, I will be subject to consequences for such action and could be subject to dismissal from the Ennis High School National Honor Society, as well as consequences under local, state and federal laws, whether civil or criminal. Ennis High School also reserves the right to remove any student from clubs, teams, or organizations depending on the nature of such posting(s). Such right is exercisable at the complete discretion of Ennis High School’s administration. I also agree to support my child in following all school rules and district policies as stated in this Ennis High School National Honor Society Handbook. NHS student signature ______________________________________________________ Date___________ Parent signature ______________________________________________________ Date___________ 85
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