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Sugar Grove Academy
2015-2016
STUDENT HANDBOOK
8405 BONHOMME
HOUSTON, TX 77074
PHONE: (713) 271-0214
FAX: (713) 771-9342
http://www.houstonisd.org/SugarGroveMS
Houston Independent School District
www.houstonisd.org
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
HISD ACADEMIC CALENDAR……….………………………………………..2
LEADERSHIP............................................................................................4
SGA MISSION STATEMENT ....................................................................6
SGA VISION STATEMENT .......................................................................6
SCHOOL HOURS .....................................................................................7
ID CARDS .................................................................................................7
SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST ............................................................................8
SCHOOLWIDE BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS ......................................9
GENERAL INFORMATION .....................................................................10
ACADEMICS ...........................................................................................14
ATTENDANCE ........................................................................................17
CAFETERIA ............................................................................................19
RECORDS ..............................................................................................19
STUDENT DRESS CODE .......................................................................21
WHAT TO DO IN CASE ..........................................................................24
BELL SCHEDULE ..................................................................................25
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Sugar Grove Academy
Houston Independent School District
Leadership
Dr. Terry Grier
Superintendent of Schools
Michael Cardona
Chief School Officer, Middle School
Dr. Charles Foust
School Support Officer
Lynette Hookfin,
Principal
6th Grade Dean of Students
Karl Unger
7th Grade Dean of Students
Kathy Warren-Ramirez
8th Grade Dean of Students, Assistant Principal
Deonta J. Daniels
Instructional Specialist
Aldo Molina
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Preface
The Sugar Grove Academy Student Handbook includes important information and notices for
both students and parents. All students receive a copy on their first day of school. Teachers
and/or a school administrators review the handbook with all students. A student who violates the
rules and expectations set forth in the Sugar Grove Academy Student Handbook shall be subject to
disciplinary action.
The Houston School District does not discriminate against any person on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national
origin, race, religion, or sex. Our educational and extra-curricular programs are offered to students and patrons on that basis. No
student will be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination in any educational program
or activity conducted by the district.
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SGA Mission Statement
Sugar Grove Academy Middle School's fundamental purpose is to create rigorous
levels of learning for each child in every classroom so that students can be college
and career-ready upon leaving Sugar Grove Academy. Sugar Grove Academy will
prepare students to successfully engage in any social, academic, or extracurricular
opportunities that will advance them in life.
SGA School Vision
Sugar Grove Academy will operate as a professional learning community that
continually reflects, plans, and acts on the following questions:
1) What do we want our students to learn?
2) How will we know when they have learned it?
3) How will we respond when they do not learn it?
4) How will we respond when they do learn it?
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SCHOOL HOURS
Classes begin at 7:45 am in the morning. Students are dismissed by 3:15 pm for all grades.
Students are expected to be in the building by 7:45 am in the morning and should clear the building
by 3:20 pm. The cafeteria will be opened at 7:15 am for students who arrive before the general
building is open. Students who need to work with a teacher before or after school need to secure
a pass from the teacher, in advance.
Students participating in extracurricular activities, athletics or other community education activities
are allowed in the school outside of regular student hours, when they are under the direct
supervision of an adult. Students are expected to follow the established school guidelines for
behavior.
ID Cards
Students are required to wear their ID cards on a lanyard while at school, riding buses, and at
extra-curricular events. ID and photo must be worn above the waist and visible from the front.
Lanyards must be school-appropriate. ID cards should remain free of damage/markings.
Replacement cost is $5.00. Students without an ID must secure a temporary one. Multiple
violations will result in disciplinary action.
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School Supply List
Items
Binder (2-3 inches)
8-Tab Dividers
Zipper Pouch (3-hole punched heavy duty)
Highlighters (assorted colors)
Composition Notebook
Black and Blue Pens
Colored Pencils
3x5 Index Cards (100 card pack)
No. 2 Pencils/Mechanical Pencils
Loose-Leaf Paper
Erasers
Flash Drive
Ruler (6-inch)
Calculator
Clorox Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Quantity
1
1
1
2
4
2 packs
1 pack
4
2 packs of 24
2 packs
1 pack
1
1
1
1
1
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I. SCHOOL-WIDE BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS
A. ACTING RESPECTFULLY AND RESPONSIBLY
In order for students to take advantage of available learning opportunities and to be productive
members of our campus community, each student is expected to:
 Demonstrate courtesy – even when others do not.
 Behave in a responsible manner, always exercising self-discipline.
 Attend all classes, and be on time.
 Prepare for each class; bring appropriate materials and assignments to class.
 Adhere to district or campus standards of grooming and dress.
 Obey all campus and classroom rules.
 Respect the rights and property of other students, teachers and district staff.
 Respect all school property and facilities.
 Refrain from unauthorized use cell phone/electronic device during school time.
 Cooperate with or assist the school staff in maintaining a safe, orderly, and disciplined
environment.
B. HARASSMENT
Students must not engage in harassment behaviors motivated by race, color, religion, national
origin, or disability directed toward another student or adult.
Students must not engage in unwanted or unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual
nature directed toward another student or a district employee. This prohibition applies whether
the conduct is by word, gesture, or any other sexual conduct, including requests for sexual
favors.
C. SAFETY
Student safety on campus and at school-related events is a high priority of the Campus and
District. Although the District has implemented safety procedures, the cooperation of students is
essential to ensure school safety. A student should:



Avoid contact that is likely to put the student or other students at risk.
Follow the behavioral standards in this Student Code of Conduct, as well as any additional
rules for behavior and safety set by the principal, teachers, or bus drivers.
Remain alert to, and promptly report to a teacher or the principal, safety hazards, such as
intruders on campus and threats made by any persons toward a student or staff member.
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II.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
A. REGISTRATION
In order to enroll at Sugar Grove Academy, a NATURAL PARENT or LEGAL GUARDIAN must
bring the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Student's original Birth Certificate
Immunization record
Report card from last school attended
Withdrawal sheet from former school, if changing schools during the year
Must have social security card
Proof of residency, lease or light bill
Photo ID of parent or guardian
B. RESIDENCY
Residency will be established at the time of registration in each school. Non-resident students, and
situations which require special documents and approval, will be processed through the District
Office. Students will be considered residents, and will be allowed to attend HISD schools if they live
within School District boundaries, with one of the following:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Parent
Legal Guardian
Foster Care
Person in Parental Relationship
C. SGA COUNSELING SERVICES
Sugar Grove Academy provides counseling services for a variety of needs. Students and parents are
encouraged to take advantage of the services available through the SGA Campus Social Worker.
The following are services offered:






Assistance with conflict resolution involving friends, students, family, or teachers.
Assistance with organization and study skills.
Parent and student referrals to community agencies and resources.
Arrange parent and teacher conferences.
Help for students to deal with personal problems.
Individual or small group counseling, based on student needs.
D. VISITORS WELCOME
Parents are always welcome at Sugar Grove Academy. To help protect students and school
property, and to prevent disruptive activity, school officials must know if any persons who are not
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members of the staff or student body are inside the building or on the grounds. All visitors who
are in the building during school time must immediately report to the Main Office, sign in
and wear a visitor badge throughout the entire time of their visit. We do not allow visitors
in the classroom unless prior arrangements have been made with the classroom teacher
and the Main Office. All visitors are required to use our main entrance to enter the
building. Students from other schools are not allowed to visit while school is in session. Please
call ahead to arrange to meet with teachers, counselors or administrators.
E. DELIVERIES FOR STUDENTS
Deliveries to the school, of any nature to students will be held in the Main Office until the end of the
day to prevent disruption to classes.
F. SGA LIBRARY
The SGA library is a friendly and inviting space where students can grow as both readers and
researchers. Our fiction collection is designed with the leisure reader in mind. Books are organized
by genre, or the kinds of books that a student might like to read. Nonfiction books are tied to the
curriculum that students will study in their classroom, along with other popular information books.
Students can check out up to six items from the library. Two of those items may be magazines.
Books can be held for two weeks and may be renewed once. If books are overdue, fees will be
assessed. After, paying and returning the books new books can be checked out. Overdue notices
are sent home with report cards.
G. SCHOOL SAFETY PLAN
The safety and well-being of our staff and students is a priority at Sugar Grove Academy. In an effort
to ensure the safety of all students and staff at SGA, the School Safety Plan is reviewed and modified
annually. The current plan is a comprehensive approach to school safety that takes into
consideration a variety of school safety issues including fire safety, earthquake preparedness, bomb
threats, student safety, school lockdown, and individual student injuries. In addition, students and
staff practice safety procedures to provide comfort and familiarity with the plan.
H. FIRE DRILL
Fire drills will be conducted at least once each month. Students will receive training regarding
appropriate safety procedures. Fire evacuation procedures and fire exit signs are posted in each
classroom. Students are expected to exit the building in an orderly manner. Once outside,
students are to line up quickly and quietly so that their Advisory/First Period teacher can take
attendance.
I. School Closures
When extreme weather emergencies make it impossible for the school to be or stay opened, local
radio stations will be notified. The Inclement Weather Hotline— 713-267-1704—provides
information regarding schedule changes that may occur due to weather.
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J. FIELD TRIPS
Field trips may be scheduled for educational, cultural, or other extracurricular purposes. All students
are considered to be "in school" while participating in District-sponsored field trips. This means that
students are subject to the school's student conduct rules, applicable Board policy, and such other
regulations as may be deemed appropriate by the field trip supervisor. When a field trip is planned,
information will be sent home to parents regarding the excursion. A parent permission slip will
accompany the information sheet, and must be turned in to the teacher before the student is
allowed to participate in the field trip. Field trips which require students to miss other class time
require consent from the teacher(s) of the class(es) they will miss. Students will be asked to take
a Teacher Consent or Field Trip Participation form to their teachers. Students who are behind in
school assignments will not be permitted to miss additional class time by participating in the field
trip. They are required to attend classes the day of the field trip. Students are expected to follow
all school bus conduct rules while traveling to and from field trips. Students who have lost
school bus privileges will also be excluded from riding the school bus for participation in field
trips.
K. FUNDRAISING
Student fund-raising activities at Sugar Grove Academy are closely managed and controlled. As a
general practice SGA will conduct fund raisers to support student activities, under the direct
supervision of a staff member.
Unauthorized Sales
Students are not allowed to sell any items at school that are not part of an approved SGA
fundraiser.
L. STUDENT/PARENT COMPLAINTS
The Sugar Grove Academy recognizes the need to develop and maintain an orderly procedure for
resolving student/parent complaints. The following procedure will be followed for handling
student/parent complaints:
Informal conferences between parties concerned (e.g., via telephone or in-person).
Conferences with the grade level administrator.
Conferences with the building principal or a hearing when step one (1) and (2) do not
resolve the problem.
1.
2.
3.
M. STUDENTS WITH HARASSMENT COMPLAINTS
All forms of harassment are strictly prohibited at Sugar Grove Academy. A complaint regarding
harassment by a member of the staff to a student, by a student to another student, or by a third
party (volunteer, visiting guest speaker, etc.) to a student, should be filed with the building
principal. Harassment includes, but is not limited to student or adult behaviors based on race,
color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or age. It also
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includes unwanted communication or physical contact of a sexual nature by students or adults.
Harassment is a violation of district policy and regulations, and may also be a violation of criminal or
other laws. Students whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to
investigatory procedures, which may result in discipline, up to and including suspension or expulsion.
Retaliation against any student who has filed a harassment complaint, assisted, or participated in
a harassment investigation or proceeding is also prohibited. A student who is found to have
retaliated against another in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline up to and including
suspension and placement. Any student who has knowledge of or feels he/she is a victim of
harassment should immediately report his/her concerns to the building principal.
N. INTERNET/SOCIAL NETWORKS
Students need to be aware that posting any information on an internet website and/or social
network such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. may have consequences, if issues are
brought into the school due to the posting(s), or if their posting violate local, state, or federal
laws or regulations. Consequences for such conduct may be handled administratively or
through applicable law enforcement channels.
TELEPHONE: The school telephones are for school business, and may be used by students
only in cases of emergency. Parents and students are to take care of personal communications
before they separate for the school day. Telephone messages will not be delivered during
the instructional day for non-emergencies.
O. UNAUTHORIZED ITEMS
The following items are not authorized, and should not be used during the school day:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
CD players
Head phones
Cameras/Camcorders
Permanent Markers
Gaming Devices
6. Cellular Phones
7. Body Lotion/Sprays
8. Hair Spray
9. Make-Up/Perfume
10. Gum/Candy
11. Laser Pointers/Laser Pens
12. iPods/MP3 players
13. Any other item that might
disrupt the educational
process
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III. ACADEMICS
A. Grading
A scoring guide is a tool used to describe the various levels of quality and complexity of a
specific task. The scoring guide clearly identifies the criteria which will be used to evaluate the
work. A scoring guide is different from a letter grade, because it is designed to provide the student
with very specific feedback about the characteristics of their work which are strong, and those
areas which need improvement. In this way the scoring guide should be viewed as a tool to assist
each student in monitoring their progress towards proficient work. Cycle grades will be reported
each six weeks. In accordance with state law, the following grading scale is used at Sugar
Grove Academy:
90 – 100
80 – 89
75 – 79
70 – 74
Below – 70
A – Excellent
B – Good
C – Fair
D – Poor
F – Failing
A student may be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated
proficiency in the subject matter of the course or grade level. To earn credit in a course, a
student must receive a grade of at least 70 based on course-level or grade level standards.
Written reports of your child’s grades, performance and absences in each class or subject are
issued to you at least once every six (6) weeks. At the end of the first three (3) weeks of each
grading period, you will be given written notice of your child’s performance (progress report).
B. FIVE-POINT SCALE SCORING GUIDE
A-Excellent
Work at this level is both exceptional and memorable. It shows a distinctive and
sophisticated application of knowledge and skills.
B- G o od
Work exceeds the standard. It shows a thorough and effective application of knowledge
and skills.
C-Fair
Work at this level meets the standard. It is acceptable work that demonstrates application
of essential knowledge and skills. Minor errors or omissions do not detract from the
overall quality.
D-Poor
Work at this level does not meet the standard. It shows basic, but inconsistent application of
knowledge and skills. Minor errors or omissions detract from the overall quality. Work needs
further development.
F-Failing
Work at this level shows little or no application of knowledge and skills. It contains major
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errors or omissions.
C. GRADE CLARIFICATION
When there is a question regarding a course grade, the following procedure should be used:
1. Talk with the teacher who assigned the grade, and ask for clarification and an explanation
of the grade.
2. Schedule an appointment with the grade-level Dean for assistance.
D. REPORT CARDS
Official reports of student progress are made at the end of each cycle (6 weeks). Report cards
are given to the students on the following dates:
Cycle
Issue Date
Grading Periods
First Cycle..........................October 9, 2015……………August 24 – October 1
Second Cycle …….…….…November 13, 2015……….October 5 – November 6
Third Cycle ………………...January 8, 2016…………...November 9 – December 18
Fourth Cycle ……………….February 19, 2016………...Jan 5 – February 12
Fifth Cycle ………………….April 8, 2016……………….February 15 – April 1
Sixth Cycle …………………May 25, 2016………………April 4 – May 25
E. CHECKING STUDENT PERFORMANCE
Parents are encouraged to be informed about their child’s school performance. If you find that the
report cards, the progress reports, and the phone calls that teachers make to you are not sufficiently
answering your questions about student progress, please call the Principal, at 713-271-0214, to
schedule an appointment. At any time during the school year, parents may request and schedule
a conference with their child’s teachers, and/or an administrator.
F. PARENT ASSISTANT
Parents are able to access school information about their student(s) via a secure, passwordprotected website. The PSConnect Web site offers access to grades and attendance as
teachers enter data into their online gradebooks. To register you will need to have the
following information:
 Parent First and Last Name
 Student ID (HISD)
 Student First and Last Name
 Student Address
 Student Date of Birth
 Last 5 Digits of Student’s Social Security Number (if on file with HISD). If not on file,
use the last 5 digits of the “S‐Number” provided to your child by HISD. Please call the
school if you do not know this number.
Please contact the Super School Parent Center at the HMS office for your Parent Assistant
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Password and training.
G. HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework is an important complement to classroom learning at Sugar Grove Academy. The
purpose of homework is to supplement and extend the instructional program. Homework is
assigned at SGA for one of the following purposes:
Preparation:
To get ready for the next day's lesson.
Practice:
To reinforce and review material presented in a previous lesson.
Extension:
To expand upon concepts already taught in class.
Creativity:
To use students' own ideas related to a class topic to
invent something new.
H. Homework Plan
The following approach is recommended for student homework:





Write down the exact assignment and its deadline in a student planner.
Know what books, materials, and information will be necessary to complete the
assignment.
Understand the purpose of the assignment.
Ask questions about any portion of the assignment that is confusing.
Budget your time – develop a schedule, divide assignments into manageable units, take a
5 minute break, wait a day before refining a rough draft into its final form.
Parents can best support their students by providing a place and time to do homework. This
support is important, as is the encouragement to complete assignments regularly.
I. TUTORING:
SGA offers the following opportunities for additional academic support for students:



Advocacy/1st Period 7:45 – 8:10 a.m. Monday through Friday
Saturday and after-school tutorials are also an important intervention for extra assistance
and support that students may be REQUIRED to attend.
21st Century Program
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IV.
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ATTENDANCE
A. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
Daily participation in class is vital for academic success. Absences for any reason mean missed
classroom discussions, activities, and opportunities to clarify assignments. Poor attendance will
directly impact grades. Students need to assume responsibility to be in class each day, and to
make up the work missed when they must be absent from class. Students in an annual
promotion course may accumulate no more than twelve (12) unexcused absences during the
school year. Students who exceed this limit will be denied credit for that course. If a student is
in a semester course, the unexcused absence limit is six (6) absences per semester. Students
should make every effort to attend and avoid unexcused absences. Officers or constables may
make a home visit when students are absent. If a student is absent, a note from a parent or
guardian must be presented to the teachers within 3 days of returning to school. Failure to do
so will result in the absence being marked unexcused. At the teacher’s discretion, missed
assignments may be graded as a zero. At SGA, most courses are taken on an annual
promotion basis, and the final course average is not determined until the end of the school
year. If a student in an annual promotion course accumulates more than the allotted unexcused
absences, that student’s grades will be flagged with an asterisk (*) on the report card indicating
credit for the course has been denied.
B. EXCUSED ABSENCES
Student absences can only be excused by a parent and/or legal guardian. SGA will accept up to
3 parent notes for excused absences. The following are accepted reasons for excused absences:
Illness of the student (may require medical release upon request);
Illness of an immediate family member when the student's presence at home is necessary;
Emergency situations that require the student's absence;
Field trips and school-approved activities;
Medical or dental appointments (confirmation of appointments may be required);
Other reasons deemed appropriate by the school administrator, when satisfactory
arrangements have been made in advance of the absence.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
A student who leaves school during the day must bring a note from his/her parent. A student who
becomes ill during the school day should, with the teacher's permission, report to the school clinic.
The school clinic will decide whether or not the student should be sent home, and will notify the
student's parents. A student who is absent from school for more than a half-day for any reason
will not be allowed to participate in school-related activities on that day or evening—including
athletic events, dances, musical performances, etc.
C. PRE-EXCUSED ABSENCES
Students who are going to be absent, for reasons other than those listed, need to notify the school in
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advance. A note from a parent requesting permission for the student to be absent and stating the
reason and date(s) for the absence(s) should be turned in to the Attendance Office.
Prior to a planned absence, the student should arrange with each teacher to get any class
assignments that they will miss during the absence(s).
D. UNEXCUSED ABSENCES AND TARDIES
Appointments for haircuts, tanning, pictures, shopping, and other personal business are not
excused. Oversleeping, missing the bus, and similar excuses are not considered excused
absences. Absences will be considered unexcused when the parent is unaware of and has not
authorized the absence.
E. TRUANCY LETTERS
A student who is absent from school or from any class without permission will be considered
truant, and will be subject to disciplinary action.
Unexcused absences and tardies will be reported to parents, and the student will be subject to
disciplinary action. Texas law states that parents are responsible for making sure their children
are in school.
A student absent from school/class without the consent of his/her parent or school personnel is
truant. This constitutes an unexcused class absence, and the student will not be permitted to
return to class unless accompanied by his/her parent or a written excuse from an administrator.
Students with three unexcused absences will be turned over to the constable. The
constable may then ticket the student.
F. REQUESTING HOMEWORK FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES
Parents of students who are unable to attend school for several days, due to illness or injury, may
request homework assignments. In this way students have the opportunity to receive and complete
homework assignments while they are out of school. Parents may make homework requests by
contacting the Attendance Office, at 713-217-0214.
Tardiness causes unnecessary delays in class work. The following policies will be used to
reduce excessive tardiness:


The teacher will inform the student that a tardy has been recorded.
The teacher will assign discipline according to their learning community plan for repeated
Tardiness.
 Students are not to be sent back to a teacher or sent to the office for a permit.
Tardiness which results in the student being present less than 35 minutes will result in the
student being marked with an unexcused absence.
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G. Making Up Missed Work
It is the responsibility of the student to make up assignments that were missed during absences.
Following an absence, the student should contact each teacher about missed assignments.
Students are allowed one day of make-up time for each day they were absent; after that the work
is considered late.
V. CAFETERIA
A. CAFETERIA RULES
Lunches and other food are to be eaten in the cafeteria and are not allowed in the halls or in
classrooms. Students at lunch need to form a line, and wait their turn in an orderly fashion.
Students are not allowed to cut in line or save places for their friends. Good manners are
expected from all students. Students are expected to talk quietly, stop talking for
announcements, stay seated until the dismissal, and never throw or play with food.
B. LUNCH TIMES
Except in cases where scheduling does not permit, students will eat lunch with their
respective grade-levels. Lunch times are as follows:
A-Lunch
10:35 am – 11:05 am
B-Lunch
11:11 am – 11:41 am
‘’
C-Lunch
11:47 am – 12:17 pm
‘’
D-Lunch
12:23 pm – 12:53 pm
6-minute preparation time between lunches
‘’
C. BREAKFAST TIME
Breakfast will be served during Advocacy Period. Except for classes that are in the Library
or Computer Laboratory during Advocacy Period, students will eat breakfast in their
respective classrooms.
VI.
RECORDS
A. STUDENT EDUCATION RECORDS
Virtually all information pertaining to student performance, including grades, test scores, and
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disciplinary records, is considered confidential educational records. Release is restricted to:
The parents – whether married, separated, or divorced – unless parental rights have
been legally terminated and the school is given a copy of the court order.
 District staff members who have what federal law defines as a “legitimate educational
interest” in a student’s records. Such persons would include school officials or an agent of
the district.
 Various governmental agencies, or in response to a subpoena or court order.
 A school to which a student transfers, or in which he or she subsequently enrolls.

B. TRANSFER OF RECORDS
When a student is going to withdraw or transfer to another school, the parent or guardian must
inform the school of the date of the intended withdrawal, and the new location of the student’s
school attendance. On the student’s last day of attendance, a checkout sheet should be
obtained from the Attendance Office, and taken to each of the student’s teachers. The teachers
will sign their names if the student fulfills all book, property and/or money obligations
C. STUDENT PASSES
Hall passes are written by classroom teachers, and should be given to any student leaving the
classroom during the school day. All students must have proper documentation if they have an
errand in any part of the building. This is non-negotiable.
Library passes are good only during the class period in which they are written. A library permit
from one teacher does not allow a student to be late to another teacher’s class.
D. MEDICATION
No district employee will give a student prescription or non-prescription medication, herbal
substances, or dietary supplements except authorized employees, in accordance with district
policy. If the medication is prescribed, it must be provided by the parent, along with a written
request; it must be in the original, properly labeled container, and remain with the school nurse.
E. SAFETY
Student safety, on campus and at school related events, is a high priority of the Campus and
District. Although the District has implemented safety procedures, the cooperation of students is
essential to ensure school safety. A student should:


Avoid contact that is likely to put the student or others at risk.
Follow the behavioral standards in this Student Code of Conduct, as well as any additional
rules for behavior and safety set by the principal, teachers, or bus drivers.
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Remain alert to, and promptly report to a teacher or the principal, safety hazards, such as
intruders on campus, and threats made by any persons toward a student or staff member.
F. TRANSPORTATION
The District makes school bus transportation available to all students living two or more miles
away from their assigned campus. This service is provided at no cost to students. Bus routes,
and any changes, are available at the school. Please contact the school, or see your gradelevel dean for more information.
VII.
STUDENT DRESS CODE
A. DRESS CODE (UNIFORM AND APPAREL POLICY)
All students attending Sugar Grove Academy will be required to wear the SGA School Uniform,
as defined in the following policy. All articles of the uniform are to be maintained and worn in a
way that represents the individual student and the school in a positive way. All articles of the
uniform are to fit properly without cuts, rips, or tears at hems or seams.
1) Shirts
Shirts are available for purchase in the Sugar Grove Academy school store, The Lions’
Den. The Lions’ Den is located in the school Cafeteria, near the stage. Shirts will be
available throughout the school year. The Lions’ Den hours are as follows:
Monday - Fridays: 7:30 – 8:00am for students (7:30 – 12:00 am for parents)
Shirts are a 50/50 cotton & polyester blend polo type available in three colors (Navy Blue
for 6th grade, Red for 7th grade, and Gray for 8th grade). Uniform shirts must always be
tucked in. Students who fail to comply will be in dress code violation, and subject to
applicable consequences.
2) Undershirts
Students are permitted to wear white undershirts only (underneath their uniform shirts).
The white undershirts must be plain, but may be long- or short-sleeved. No graphics or
lettering can be visible. Students may wear the P.E. T-shirt under their uniform shirts.
Students are not to wear any shirt or T-shirt (including P.E. uniform shirts) slung over the
shoulder or covering the SGA uniform shirt.
3) Pants/Skirts
i.

PantsPants must be uniform khaki. No wide hems on the pant legs are permitted.
The pants shall be cuffed or straight hemmed. The bottom of the pant leg
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
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
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ii.
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cannot be frayed or split. The bottom of the pant leg cannot drag on the floor.
Pants must fit appropriately—pants which are too baggy or too tight are not
permitted. Pants cannot sag; the inseam cannot hang low. Pants must fit at
the waistline.
Capri pants (hem at mid-ankle) are not permitted.
Cargo pants (pants with pockets on the side) are not permitted.
Corduroy pants, stretch pants, and khaki jean pants are not permitted.
Jeans are not permitted without prior approval from an administrator.
Skorts (combination shorts and skirt) are not permitted.
The “club” look for girls (skinny pants) and the “baggin” look for boys (low midseam) are not permitted.
A belt must be worn at all times. Buckles must not be too large.
SkirtsSkirts must be uniform khaki.
Skorts are not permitted.
Skirts must be no shorter than 3 inches above the top of the knee.
Skirts must fit appropriately at the waist and may not be tight-fitting.
The waistband on the skirt must not be rolled up.
4) Head Coverings 

Hats, do rags, scarves, hairnets, bandanas, and other headgear that is deemed
to be a distraction to the learning environment are NOT permitted. Religious
headgear are permitted.
Headbands may be worn in the building if their purpose is to hold the hair in
place and they do not distract from instruction.
5) Hosiery and Tights
Hosiery, if worn, must cover the entire leg. No footless leggings are allowed.
6) Shoes
Shoes must allow for SAFE movement throughout the building, including the
stairs. Shoelaces must be tied and all straps must be strapped. High-heeled
shoes, flip flops, house shoes/slippers, platform shoes and backless shoes are
not permitted.
7) Backpacks
Only clear or mesh backpacks are allowed.
8) Make-Up, Body Piercing, Hair Color, Heavy Chains
Student appearance must not be such a distraction that it interferes with the
educational process. Consequently, excessive makeup, body piercing other
than appropriate earrings and hair color other than a natural shade, are not
permitted. Excessive bracelets and bracelets with metal spikes are not
permitted. Tattoos must not be visible. Heavy chains and dog collars are not
permitted.
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9) Club/Organization Shirts
Club/organization shirts may be worn on the day of the event or competition
only. Club shirts must have administrative approval.
10) P.E. Uniforms
The P. E. Uniforms consists of plain black shorts and plain white t-shirts.
These items may be purchased at any store and can be any brand as long as
they have no designs, labels or markings. The P.E. uniform is to be worn only
during P.E. class. During cold weather, students may wear plain black
sweatpants with permission from the P.E. teacher. Jackets and coats are not
permitted.
B. CONSEQUENCES
Failure to comply with the uniform dress code will result in disciplinary action. The
consequences for not meeting the expectations are as follows:
1. First Offense – Teacher/Student conference. Teacher issues dress code violation form.
2. Second Offense – Parents contacted. The parent will be asked to bring appropriate
clothing before the student may return to class.
3. Third Offense – Referral to Administrator (After-School Detention).
4. Fourth Offense – Referral to SRC (In-School Suspension).
5. Fifth Offense – Suspension (Defying Authority).
C. ADMINISTRATIVE DISCRETION
Administrators will determine if any issue related to student dress, including ones not listed
above, are a violation of the student dress code. We encourage you to make wise choices!
11) I.D. Badges
Photo ID badges will be issued to all middle school students at Sugar Grove
Academy. The badges will be required to be worn at all times, above the waist
and visible from the front, while at school or at school functions, and while
riding to and from school on District transportation. Replacement badges and
lanyards are sold in the Registrar’s Office during normal school hours. Failure
to comply may result in disciplinary actions. Defaced/damaged badges must
be replaced at the student’s expense. Students are not allowed to place
stickers on their ID badges. Student lanyards are color coded by grade level.
Red lanyards are worn by 6th grade students. Green lanyards are worn by 7th
grade students. Blue lanyards are worn by 8th grade students. Students are
only allowed to wear school issued lanyards.
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WHAT TO DO IN CASE YOU…
ARE HURT…Notify a teacher, an officer, an administrator or any staff member as soon as
possible after the injury. We want to take care of you immediately.
ARE ABSENT FROM SCHOOL… Upon your return to school you are to bring a written note
from your parent or guardian explaining the reason for your absence(s), the signature and phone
number of your parent or guardian. The note must be given to your advocacy teacher, even if
your absence is unexcused. Your advocacy teacher will then issue you an official HISD white
return slip which all class teachers must sign.
NEED TO LEAVE SCHOOL…Your parent or guardian must notify the school in writing of your
reason for leaving school early. Their phone number and signature must appear on the
note. The note will be verified in the attendance office. The parent or guardian must sign you
out through the attendance office.
NEED INFORMATION ABOUT SCHOOL ACTIVITIES…Listen to the announcements each
morning during Advocacy. Further information may be obtained from the activity sponsor, flyers,
or assistant principals when appropriate.
WANT TO AVOID CONFLICT…Report it to a police officer, assistant principal, counselor,
teacher or any staff member, as well as your parent or guardian immediately.
NEED TO LEAVE THE CLASSROOM…You must have permission from your teacher to leave
the classroom. Do not leave the classroom without a permit or pass from your teacher. Leaving
the classroom without permission and an official permit is a violation of school rules and will
result in disciplinary action.
NEED TEXTBOOKS…Textbooks will only be issued to parents or guardians. Please pay close
attention to the announcements for details. Students, parents and guardians are legally
responsible for replacement. All fees are to be paid in cash to the finance clerk in the Main
Office. (only cash or money orders will be accepted ). If the textbook is recovered after you
have paid for it, bring your receipt and your money will be refunded.
NEED TO TALK ABOUT PERSONAL PROBLEMS…If you feel comfortable with your advocacy
teacher, talk to them first. Do not hesitate to speak with any teacher with whom you feel
comfortable. Your teacher may also help arrange a time for you to speak with your counselor or
other staff. Remember any discussions will be confidential.
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IX.
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BELL SCHEDULE
SUGAR GROVE ACADEMY
Bell Schedule/Lunch 2015-2016
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