COOLIDGE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
STUDENT – PARENT HANDBOOK
WELCOME To Students and Parents: Welcome to the 2010-2011 school year. For this
new year to be successful for your child, we must all work together: students,
parents, teachers, and other school staff members. The Coolidge Independent School
District Student – Parent Handbook is designed to provide a resource for some of the
basic information that you and your child will need during the school year. Please be
aware that term “student’s parent” is used to refer to the parent, legal guardian, or
other person who has agreed to assume school related responsibility for a student.
Both students and parents must be familiar with the Coolidge ISD Student Code of
Conduct, required by state law and intended to promote school safety and an
atmosphere for learning. That document may be found as a separate document sent
home to parents with additional copies to be kept in the Administrative Offices.
PURPOSE OF STUDENT – PARENT HANDBOOK The Student – Parent Handbook is
designed to be in harmony with Board Policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Please
be aware that the Handbook is updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision may
occur throughout the year. This handbook contains information relevant to
procedures and guidelines for students in grades 6-12. These topics cover some of
the most commonly addressed areas of student life on our campus. Complete
Coolidge ISD Policies may be obtained from our district Administration Office or
accessed online at www.coolidge.k12.tx.us. I urge you to become familiar with this
document and others you may receive in the coming school year. Throughout the
school year you may receive other information relevant to particular activities and
programs. Our policies and procedures are designed to further our goal of providing
the best education possible for the children of Coolidge ISD. Instructional time is to be
protected, and these guidelines will ensure that our goal is met. It is the mission of
Coolidge ISD to develop minds that think, hearts that care and hands that serve. We
believe in the value and strength of public education and our desire is to prepare
today’s students to be leaders of tomorrow. A list of campus administrators and
support personnel is included in this handbook. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if
you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Chris Hulen Coolidge ISD Superintendent
of Schools
Coolidge Independent School
District Student - Parent
Handbook 2010-2011
COOLIDGE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
1002 Kirven Street Coolidge, Texas 76635
(254) 786-2206 Fax (254) 786-4835
www.Coolidge.k12.tx.us
Contents
School Attendance ……………………......…..………..3
Academics.............................................................5
Counseling Services...............................................8
Special Programs...................................................8
Chris Hulen, Superintendent… 786-2206 Ext. 225
Coolidge Junior– Senior High
School (6-12)
Contact Information:(254)786-4822
Robert Lowry,Principal…………….Ext. 224
Rozlyn Faulhaber,Counselor……...Ext.226
Karen Ward,PEIMS Coordinator......Ext.245
Parent & Student Rights.........................................9
Dress & Grooming...............................................13
Conduct..............................................................14
Law Enforcement Issues......................................16
Health Issues.......................................................17
Nutrition Service..................................................21
Transportation….................................................23
Miscellaneous Distribution of Material.................24
Electronic Services...............................................24
Emergency Information.......................................24
Extracurricular Activity........................................24
Fees....................................................................25
Fundraising.........................................................25
Pledge/Moment of Silence...................................25
School Facilities...................................................25
Information for Coolidge High School Only..........26
Nondiscrimination Statement
Coolidge ISD does not discriminate on the basis
of gender, age, race, nationality, religion,
disability, socioeconomic standing or nonproficiency in English language skills in providing
educational services for students’ benefits, in
accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of
1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational
Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The
following District staff members have been
designated to coordinate compliance with these
requirements:
Title IX Coordinator, for concerns regarding
discrimination on the basis of sex:
Robert Lowry– 786-4822 Ext.224
Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns
regarding discrimination on the basis of
disability:
Rozlyn Faulhaber- 786-4822 Ext.226
Special Education Services:
Lynn Donley- 786-4822 Ext. 250
Liaison for Homeless Children and Youths,
coordinating services for homeless students:
Rozlyn Faulhaber— 786-4822 Ext.226
Parent Involvement Coordinator, coordinating
services for Title I programs:
Max Raymond 786-4822
Acknowledgement Forms....................................29
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SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
Regular school attendance is essential for the
student to make the most of his or her
education—to benefit from teacher-led activities,
to build each day’s learning on that of the
previous day, and to grow as an individual.
campus. In the event that a note or phone
call is discovered to not be authentic, school
disciplinary action (and in some cases legal
action) will be taken.
Compulsory Attendance The state compulsory
attendance law requires that a student between
the ages of 6 and 18 must attend school and
District-required tutorial sessions unless the
student is otherwise legally exempted or
excused.
A parent wishing to withdraw a student from
school must present a signed request to the
principal or registrar stating the reason for the
withdrawal and the effective date.
The school may provide an automated call for
any class absence. Periodic written
documentation will be sent by teachers and
administrators. An informal notice of absences is
also documented on the student’s report card.
School employees must investigate and report
violations of the state compulsory attendance
laws. A student absent without permission
from any class will be considered in violation
of the law and subject to disciplinary action.
Failure to receive such notice about lack of
attendance is not a defense to prosecution for the
parent/legal guardian’s failure to require a child
to attend school nor for the student’s failure to
attend school.
A school-aged student’s deliberate nonattendance
may also result in assessment of penalties by a
court of law against both the student and his/her
parent/guardian. A complaint against the parent/
guardian may be filed in the appropriate court if
the student is absent from school on ten or more
days or parts of days within a six-month period in
the same school year, or is absent on three or
more days or parts of days within a four-week
period.
Truancy charges are filed on a student who has
seven or more total accumulated tardies for the
semester in all classes. Leaving school during
the day without permission from a principal or
the school nurse is not permitted . A note or
telephone verification from a parent will be
accepted. Notes and phone calls are subject to
verification for authenticity.
Conduct indicating a child is in need of
supervision can also include that the child had
voluntary absences for 3 or more days in a
four-week period without the consent of the
child’s parent/legal guardian.
Procedure After Absences A written note from a
parent is required upon the student’s return to
school and is to be delivered to the Attendance
Office within three days of return. The note must
include the student’s name, student identification
number, grade level, the date’s) absent, the
reason for the absence, the parent’s daytime
phone number, and a parent’s signature.
Pre- arrangements can be made in the morning
for a student to leave during the day when a
parent/guardian calls in or sends a note to the
Attendance Office.
Notes may also be faxed or e-mailed to the
campus attendance office. Notes must be
received by the Attendance Office within 3 days
of the student’s return to school. For excused
absences exceeding 5 consecutive days, a note
from a doctor is required OR approval of the
student’s principal will be required.
The attendance clerks can then give the student
a pass to sign out. A student who becomes ill
during the school day should, with the teacher’s
permission, report to the school nurse. The
nurse will determine whether the student should
be sent home and will notify the student’s
parent/legal guardian.
Circumstances that constitute an excused
absence should include: personal illness, family
emergency (should be clarified with death,
funeral or life/death family illness), military duty
and quarantine. A note signed by the student,
even with the parent’s permission, will not be
accepted unless the student is 18 or older.
Students must always check out at the
Attendance Office when leaving campus and
check in at the Attendance Office when returning
to
Please note:
* A student absent from school for any reason
other than for a documented health care
appointment will not be allowed to participate in
school-related activities on that day or evening.
Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed by
the principal.
• A student absent for any reason should
promptly make up specific assignments missed
and/or complete additional in-depth study
assigned by the teacher. A student who does not
make up assigned work within the time allotted
by the teacher will receive a grade of zero for the
assignment. Students will be allowed to make up
work in accordance with CISD Board Policy if the
absence is classified as excused.
* Class time is important. Doctor’s appointments
should be scheduled, if possible, at times when
the student will not miss instructional time.
Tardies A student is tardy to class when a
student is not in the classroom before the tardy
bell rings. A student is absent to a class when a
student arrives to class later than ten minutes
after the tardy bell. Truancy charges are filed on
a student who has seven or more total
accumulated tardies for the semester in all
classes.
Course credit To receive credit in a class, a
student must attend at least 90 percent of the
days the class is offered. (Most semesters, this
means that a student should have no more than
9 absences of any kind in a class.) The actual
number of days a student must attend in order
to receive credit will depend on the exact
number of days in the semester.
A student who attends fewer than 90 percent of
the days the class is offered cannot receive
credit for the class unless the attendance review
committee finds that the absences are the result
of extenuating circumstances, such as: An
extracurricular activity or public performance,
subject to approval by the District’s Board of
Trustees.
The District shall make no distinction between
absences for UIL activities and absences for other
extracurricular activities approved by the Board. A
student shall be allowed ten extracurricular
absences not related to post-district competition,
five absences for post-district competition prior
to state, and two absences for state competition.
Additional absences, to a maximum of 15, shall
be permitted when a student has a grade average
of at least 80 in the courses or subjects to be
missed. A district-approved mentorship designed
to meet requirements for the Distinguished
Achievement graduation program.
Required screening, diagnosis, and treatment for
Medicaid-eligible students.
Observance of religious holy days, including
travel for that purpose. (One day to travel to the
location and one day to return.)
A documented health care appointment— the
student must commence classes or resume
classes within the same day as the medical
appointment and bring a written doctor’s
excuse. A temporary absence resulting from any
cause acceptable to the teacher, principal, or
Superintendent, including personal illness, or
illness or death in the immediate family.
A juvenile court proceeding documented by a
probation officer. An absence required by state
or local welfare authorities. A family emergency
or unforeseen or unavoidable instance requiring
immediate attention. College visitation’s) with
prior approval by the student’s principal. Days of
suspension. A migrant student’s late enrollment
or early withdrawal. Completion of a competencybased program for at-risk students. Late
enrollment or early withdrawal of a student under
Texas Youth Commission. Participation in a
substance abuse rehabilitation program.
Homelessness as defined in federal law.
Attendance Committee Reviews If a student is
denied course credit based on nonattendance, the
student, parent, or representative may submit a
letter (available in all administrators’ offices) to
the student’s administrator requesting award of
credit. Petitions for credit should be filed within
seven calendar days of notice. Attendance letters
may not be submitted after thirty days beyond the
end of the semester.
The attendance committee shall review the
student’s entire attendance record and the
reasons for the absences and shall determine
whether to award credit. Written notice of the
decision shall be mailed to the parent or
guardian.
The attendance committee is required to consider
extenuating circumstances for students absent
from school. If the committee determines that
there are no extenuating circumstances, the
student or parent may appeal the decision to the
Superintendent.
For absences evaluated by the committee, the
committee may impose conditions on the receipt
of credit, such as requiring the student to:
Complete additional assignments Attend Saturday
classes Make-up time minute for minute before or
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Complete parent/student joint projects.
Take an examination to earn credit in accordance
with Board Policy EEJA. The actual number of days
a student must attend in order to receive credit
will depend on whether the class is for a full
semester or for a full year. If credit is lost, the
attendance committee will decide how the student
may regain credit.
parent may be requested to schedule a
conference with the teacher of that class or
subject. Teachers follow grading guidelines
approved by the principal that have been
designed to reflect each student’s academic
achievement for the grading period, semester, or
course.
State law provides that a test or course grade
issued by a teacher cannot be changed unless the
Board determines that the grade was arbitrary or
contains an error, or that the teacher did not
follow the District’s grading policy.
The student or parent may appeal the
committee’s decision, in writing, to the Board.
The Superintendent will review all appeals of
campus committee decisions. The decision of the
may be appealed to the Board by submitting a
written request. Appeals shall be handled as
provided by the student complaint policies.
Questions about grade calculation should first
be discussed with the teacher; if the question is
not resolved, the student or parent may request a
conference with the principal.
Enrollment Verification Forms Enrollment
Verifications Forms (TEA FORMS) are required for
entry into a drivers education program, getting a
driver’s license, and each time a license is
renewed. These forms are for the Dept. of Public
Safety to verify that the student has been in
school (each class) 90% of the time each
semester. These forms are obtained from the
Front Office. The student MUST meet the Texas
Education Agency standard for 90% attendance at
that time in order to obtain the TEA/VOE form.
The report card or unsatisfactory progress report
will state whether tutorials are required for a
student who receives a grade lower than 70 in a
class or subject. Unsatisfactory progress reports
must be signed by the parent and should be
returned to the school within three days.
Credits When a student successfully completes a
semester of work with a grade of 70 or higher, ½
credit is earned.
ACADEMICS
Grade Averages Yearly averages Grades 6-8: The
yearly average for a subject shall be calculated by
adding the six-week grades and dividing by six.
For level I foreign languages that are taught in a
two-year sequence in the middle school, the
average of all six-weeks grades shall count 80
percent of the semester grade.
GRADE REPORTING
Grades 6 – 12 : A minimum of ten grades should
be recorded for each grading cycle to arrive at a
six-week grade. At least 60 percent of these
grades shall be major grades. Daily grades,
homework, notebooks, projects, and the like may
be counted as up to 40 percent of the six-week
grades. However, no one grade of this group
should count for more than 20 percent of the sixweek grade.
Semester grades for grades 9-12: The semester
grade for high school-level work (grades 9-12) for
which a Carnegie Unit of credit is earned shall be
calculated from the six-week grades and the final
exam. Each six weeks grade of the semester will
be counted twice and the semester final will count
once. Therefore, the semester final will count as
1/7 of the total semester average.
Report Cards/Progress Reports/Conferences
Report cards with each student’s grades or
performance and absences in each class or
subject are issued to parents at least once every
six weeks.
Class Rank
The scale for weighting high school courses to
determine class rank is as follows
90 - 100 =A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
69 or below = Failing
At the end of the first three weeks of a grading
period, parents are given written notice if the
student’s performance in any course is near or
below 70, or is below the expected level of
performance.
If the student receives a grade lower than 70 in
any class or subject during a grading period, the
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Class rank shall be determined by weighted grade
points that correspond to the level of difficulty of
the courses. Weighted grade points shall be used
in determining class rank but shall not be shown
on the academic achievement record.
plus one is allowed for make-up work. If the
assignment was made prior to the absence, the
teacher may require the work the day the student
returns.
One point shall be added to the numerical
semester grade points earned in any Pre-IB/ PreAP/honors class and academic courses. Two
points shall be added to the numerical semester
grade points earned in any Advanced Placement
(AP) course, any international baccalaureate (IB)
course, or specified college course.
On long-range projects (such as term projects,
science projects, any major project) or announced
tests where the due date is established well in
advance, the student may be penalized ten points
on a 100-point scale, or, if another
scale is used, ten percent per day for each day
beyond the due date.
Grades resulting from the following courses shall
not be included when calculating grade point
average and class rank: Correspondence courses,
Credit by examination (remediation and
acceleration) Off-campus (pre-approved) physical
education equivalents.
The teacher may use discretion regarding
extension of the due date based on the nature of
the absence or extenuating circumstances. Longrange projects will not be accepted for credit
after ten school attendance days beyond the due
date.
Courses awarded no grade/pass/fail, such as
office aide, study hall or AP labs, as approved by
the Executive Director of Secondary Education
For the class of 2006 and thereafter, high school
courses taken while the student was in middle
school.
If a student is absent on the day of a previously
announced test, he or she should take the test on
the day he or she returns or on a day arranged
with the teacher. At all levels, the teacher may use
discretion regarding the extension of the late
work due to extenuating circumstances.
Exceptions to this policy may be made for
students assigned to an alternative educational
setting.
Grade point averages for transfer students shall
be determined by the following: Course
weighting shall be determined by considering
equivalent courses taught at Coolidge High
School or equivalent courses recognized byTEA.
Grades considered for class rank must be from a
state-accredited high school. If a student transfers
from a non-accredited school, only grades earned
while at Coolidge High School shall be used for
determining grade point average and class rank.
The district shall not impose a grade penalty
for make-up work after an unexcused absence,
with the exception that students shall receive a
zero for makeup work after a truancy absence.
The District shall not impose a grade penalty
for make-up work after an absence due to
suspension.
Grades 6-12:
Late work penalties shall not be more severe than
the following standards:
Fifteen points off on a 100-point scale, or if
another scale is used, fifteen percent off for each
school attendance day the assignment is late.
After the second school attendance day if late
work has not been turned in, work shall not be
accepted and the student receives a zero.
Make-Up Work Policy
Students shall be permitted to make up
assignments and tests after absences. Teachers
may assign additional work to ensure students
who have been absent have sufficient opportunity
to master the essential knowledge and skills or to
meet subject or course requirements. The
assignments shall be based on the instructional
objectives for the subject or course and may
provide greater depth of subject matter than
routine make-up work. It is the student’s
responsibility to request makeup work.
Grade Promotion/Classification In grades 6-8,
promotion to the next grade level shall be based
on an overall average of 70 on a scale of 100
based on course-level, grade-level standards
(essential knowledge and skills) for all subject
areas, and a grade of 70 or above in language
arts and mathematics and either science or
social studies.
The teacher will provide the opportunity for the
make-up work. When a student is absent one day,
the student may be required to make up any work
missed upon return to school or have one day
provided to make up the assignment.
When a student is absent more than one day, a
grace period equal to the number of days missed
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A Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) will be prepared
for any student in a middle school or beyond who
did not perform satisfactorily on a statemandated assessment test or is determined by
the District as not likely to earn a high school
diploma before the fifth school year following
enrollment in grade 9.
The PGP will be designed and implemented by a
counselor, teacher, or other staff member
designated by the principal. The plan will identify
the student’s educational goals and include
consideration of the parent’s educational
expectations for the student.
Beginning in school year 2007-2008, students
enrolled in grade 8 must pass the TAKS reading
and math tests to be promoted to grade 9.
Students must also meet standards established
by the district in order to be promoted in each
grade. After the ninth grade, students are
classified according to the number of credits
earned toward graduation.
Classification shall be determined by credits
earned:
Freshman – fewer than four (4) state credits
Sophomore – at least four (4) state credits
Junior – at least nine (9) state credits
Senior – at least fifteen (15) state credits
Graduate – at least twenty-four (24) state credits
and mastery of Exit Level TAKS .
Certain students—some with disabilities and
some with limited English proficiency—may be
eligible for exemptions, accommodations, or
deferred testing. For more information, see the
principal, counselor, or special education
director.
Credit by Examination
With Prior Instruction
A student who has received prior instruction in a
course —but failed the course with a grade not
less than 60—may be permitted by the District to
earn credit by passing an examination on the
essential knowledge and skills defined for the
course. The Texas Education Agency has
approved exams to be ordered by CISD from an
approved institution. 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.
Credit by exam must be complete with the final
grade reported to the counselors’ office in order
to participate in graduation exercises.
All costs for these exams are the responsibility
of the student. No fee reduction is awarded for
students on the free or reduced lunch program.
Dates will be announced and set.
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 must score 90 or above on
a test ordered by
CISD from an approved institution. The dates on
which examinations are scheduled during the
school year include: June 2009 July 2009
The passing score required to earn credit on an
examination for acceleration is 90.
A student planning to take an examination for
acceleration (or the student’s parent) must
register with the principal or designee no later
than 30 days prior to the scheduled testing date.
The District will not honor a request by a parent
to administer, on some other date, a test
purchased by the parent from a State Boardapproved university.
For further information and specific district
policy in this regard, contact the campus
counselor or campus principal.
Correspondence Courses
The District permits high school students to take
correspondence courses for credit. Students in
grades 9-12 may earn credits toward high school
graduation by these means.
A maximum of 3 units of credits may be earned
by correspondence from the University of Texas
or Texas Tech University. Correspondence
courses are to be used as enrichment or in case
of emergency and are not a substitute for the
regular school program.
All correspondence work must be completed with
the final grade reported to the high school in
order to participate in graduation exercises.
For further information and specific district
policy in this regard, contact the campus
counselor or campus principal. Students
interested in taking a correspondence course
need prior approval from their counselor.
The preparation for a correspondence course
requires self-discipline and work outside the
school day. The grade will not count in class
ranking. Costs for correspondence courses are
the responsibility of the student.
supervising professional employee, taking into
consideration written materials, observation, or
information from students.
COUNSELING SERVICES
Textbooks
State-approved textbooks are provided free
of charge for each subject or class. Books
must be covered by the student, as directed
by the teacher, and treated with care.
A student who is issued a damaged book should
report the damage to the textbook coordinator
or teacher. Any student failing to return a book
issued by the school loses the right to free
textbooks until the book is returned or paid for
by the parent. However, a student will be
provided textbooks for use at school during the
school day.
Computer Resources
To prepare students for an increasingly
computerized society, the district has made a
substantial investment in computer technology
for instructional purposes. Use of these resources
is restricted to students working under a teacher’s
supervision and for approved purposes only.
Students and their parents will be asked to sign
a user agreement (separate from this handbook)
regarding use of these resources; violations of
this agreement may result in withdrawal of
privileges and other disciplinary action.
Students and parents should be aware that
electronic communications, including e-mail
using district computers, are not private and may
be monitored by district staff.
Academic Dishonesty / 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 or allowing the
same.
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.
The determination that a student has engaged
in academic dishonesty shall be based on the
judgment of the classroom teacher or other
Academic Counseling Students and parents are
encouraged to talk with a school counselor,
teacher, or principal to learn about course
offerings, the graduation requirements of
various programs, and early graduation
procedures.
Each spring, students in grades 8 through 11 will
be provided information on anticipated course
offerings for the next year and other information
that will help them make the most of academic
and vocational opportunities. The student and
counselor will examine the students annual
progress to make sure the student meeting
graduation requirements.
Students who are interested in attending a
college, university, or training school, or pursuing
some other type of advanced education, should
work closely with their counselor so that they take
the courses that best prepare them.
The counselor can also provide information about
entrance examinations required by many colleges
and universities, as well as information about
financial aid, housing, and scholarships.
Personal Counseling
The school counselor is available to assist
students with a wide range of personal concerns,
including such areas as social, family, emotional,
or substance abuse issues.
The counselor may also make available
information about community resources to
address these concerns. Students who wish
to meet with the counselor should make an
appointment at the appropriate office.
Please note: The school will not conduct a
psychological examination, test, or treatment
without first obtaining the parent’s written
consent, unless required by state or federal law
for special education purposes or by the Texas
Education Agency for child abuse investigations
and reports.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
The District
provides special programs for gifted and
talented students, homeless students,
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evaluation. Students having difficulty in the
regular classroom should be considered for
tutorial, compensatory, and other support
services that are available to all students.
bilingual students, migrant students, students
with limited English proficiency, dyslexic students
and students with disabilities.
The coordinator of each program can answer
questions about eligibility requirements, as well
as programs and services offered in the District or
by other organizations. A student or parent with
questions about these programs should call the
school’s office.
Dyslexia
Coolidge Independent School District provides a
program for early identification, intervention, and
support for students with dyslexia and related
disorders.
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.
Students identified for dyslexia services will be
provided those services at their home campus.
For further information, contact your student’s
counselor, or principal at the campus office.
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.
Gifted/Talented Identification/Criteria
Students may be nominated for the gifted and
talented program at any time by teachers,
counselors, parents, or other interested persons.
The criteria for gifted/talented is specific to the
state definition of gifted and talented and ensures
the fair assessment of students with special
needs, such as the culturally different, the
economically disadvantaged, and students with
disabilities.
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.
Special Education Records Parents of a student
with disabilities who has been provided special
education services by the
District 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. The
designated person to contact regarding options
for a child experiencing learning difficulties or a
referral for evaluation for special education is:
Lynn Donley— 786-4822 Ext. 250
504 Child Find Notice
Pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, the district has a duty to identify,
refer, evaluate and if eligible, provide a free,
appropriate public education to disabled
students. For additional information about the
rights of parents of eligible children, or for
answers to any questions about identification,
evaluation and placement into Section 504
programs, please contact the District’s Section
504 Coordinator Rozlyn Faulhaber at :
Coolidge, Texas 76635 (254-786-4822).
Special Education Services
As outlined in the Texas Education Codes
26.0081 and 29.004, note the following options
and requirements for providing assistance to
students who have learning difficulties or who
need or may need special education services: If a
child is experiencing learning difficulties, the
parent may contact the District’s Special Services
Director to learn about the District’s overall
general education referral or screening system
for support services.
Grade level counselor at your
school Roz Faulhaber786-4822 Ext. 226
Principal at your school
Robert Lowry 786-4822 Ext.224
PARENT & STUDENT RIGHTS
This system links students to a variety of
support options, including referral for a special
education
9
Student or Parent Complaints and/or Concerns A
phone call or a conference can usually address
complaints and/or concerns from students or
parents with the teacher. Parents and students
may also contact a counselor, special education
representative or the principal on campus for
Exceptions are hearing, vision, or scoliosis
screenings, or any physical exam or screening
permitted or required under state law. As a
parent, you also have a right:
To request information regarding the
professional qualifications of your child’s
teachers, including whether the teacher has met
state qualifications and licensing criteria for the
grade levels and subject areas in which the
teacher provides instruction; whether the teacher
has an emergency permit or other provisional
status for which state requirements have been
waived; and undergraduate and graduate degree
majors, graduate certifications, and the field of
study of the certification or degree.
assistance.
In general, a parent or student should follow the
campus protocol when voicing a concern or
complaint. If unresolved, a written complaint and
a request for a conference should be sent to the
Superintendent.
if still unresolved, the District has adopted a
standard complaint policy at policy code in the
policy manual.
A copy of this policy may be obtained on the
District’s website, www.Coolidge.k12.tx.us.
Obtaining Information and Protecting Student
Rights Your child will not be required to
participate without parental consent in any
survey, analysis, or evaluation— funded in whole
or in part by the
U. S. Department of Education—that concerns:
Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or
the student’s parent. Mental or psychological
problems of the student or the student’s family.
Sexual behavior or attitudes. Illegal, antisocial,
self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.
You also have the right to request information
about the qualifications of any paraprofessional
who may provide services to your child. 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. To inspect a
survey created by a third party before the survey
is administered or distributed to your child.
To review your child’s student records when
needed. These records include: -Attendance
records, -Test scores, -Grades, -Disciplinary
records, -Counseling records, -Psychological
records, -Applications for admission, -Health
and immunization information, -Other medical
records, -Teacher and counselor evaluations, Reports of behavioral patterns, and -State
assessment instruments that have been
administered to your child.
Critical appraisals of individuals with whom
the student has a close family relationship.
Relationships privileged under law, such as
relationships with lawyers, physicians, and
ministers.
Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the
student or parents. Income, except when the
information is required by law and will be used to
determine the student’s eligibility to participate in
a special program or to receive financial
assistance under such a program.
To grant or deny any written request from the
District to make a videotape or voice recording
of your child. State law, however, permits the
school to make a videotape or voice recording
without parental permission for the following
circumstances:
You will be able to inspect the survey or other
instrument and any instructional materials used
in connection with such a survey, analysis, or
evaluation.
“Opting Out” of Surveys and Activities As a
parent, you also have a right to receive notice
and opt your child out of participating in: Any
survey concerning the private information listed
above, regardless of funding.
School activities involving the collection,
disclosure, or use of personal information
collected from your child for the purpose of
marketing or selling that information.
When it is to be used for school safety; - When it
relates to classroom instruction or a co curricular
or extracurricular activity; or -When it relates to
media coverage of the school.
Any non-emergency, invasive physical
examination or screening required as a condition
of attendance, administered and scheduled by the
school in advance and not necessary to protect
the immediate health and safety of the student.
The removal cannot be for the purpose of
avoiding a test and may not extend for an entire
semester. Further, your child must satisfy gradelevel and promotion requirements as determined
by the school and by the Texas Education Agency.
-To remove your child temporarily from the
classroom, if an instructional activity in which
your child is scheduled to participate conflicts
with your religious or moral beliefs.
10
To request that your child be excused from
participation in the daily recitation of the Pledge
of Allegiance to the United States flag and the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag.
The request must be in writing. State law does not
allow your child to be excused from participation
in the required moment of silence or silent activity
that follows.
To request that your child be excused from
recitation of a portion of the Declaration of
Independence. State law requires students in
social studies classes in grades 3 – 12 to recite
a portion of the text of the Declaration of
Independence during Celebrate Freedom Week
unless :
(1)
you provide a written statement
requestingthat your child be excused,
(2)
the District determines that your child has
a conscientious objection to the recitation
you are a representative of a foreign
government to whom the United States
Government extends diplomatic immunity.
(3)
To request in writing, if you are a no custodial
parent, that you be provided for the remainder
of the school year a copy of any written notice
usually provided to a parent related to
misconduct that may involve placement in a
Disciplinary Alternative Education Program
(DAEP) or expulsion. See policies FL (LEGAL) and
(LOCAL), FO (LEGAL) and the Student Code of
Conduct.
Parent Involvement Education succeeds best
when there is a strong partnership between
home and school, a partnership that thrives on
communication and interaction and includes
parents, teachers, 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
(the Student Code of Conduct) with his or her
child and sign and return the acknowledgment
form’s) and the Directory Information notice.
questions, such as concerns about placement,
assignment, or early graduation, and the
options available to the child. Monitor the
child’s academic progress and contact teachers
as needed. Attend scheduled conferences and
request additional conferences as needed.
To schedule a telephone or in-person conference
with a teacher, counselor, or principal, please call
the school office for an appointment. A teacher
will usually arrange to return the call or meet with
the parent during his or her conference period or
at a mutually convenient time before or after
school.
Participate in campus parent organizations.
Parents have the opportunity to support and be
involved in various school activities, either as
leaders or in supporting roles. Parent
organizations include: Campus Performance
Improvement Committee (CPIC), Parent Teacher
Student Organization (PTSO), and various booster
clubs.
Offer to serve as a parent representative on the
District-Level or campus-level planning
committees formulating educational goals and
plans to improve student achievement. For
further information, contact the school principal.
Attend Board meetings to learn more about
District operations, including the procedure for
addressing the Board when appropriate.
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 the District 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.
Both federal and state law safeguard student
records from unauthorized inspection or use and
provide parents and “eligible” students certain
rights. For purposes of student records, an
“eligible” student is one who is 18 or older OR
who is attending an institution of postsecondary
education.
A parent with questions is encouraged to contact
the principal. Become familiar with all of the
child’s school activities and with the academic
programs, including special programs, offered in
the District.
Release of Information The law specifies that
Discuss with the counselor or principal
certain general information
any
about Coolidge Independent School District
education for students’ names, addresses,
and telephone listings, unless parents have
advised the District not to release their child’s
information without prior written consent.
students
is considered “directory information” and will be
released to anyone who follows procedures for
requesting it. That information includes: A
student’s name, address, telephone number, and
date and place of birth.
Inspection of Records 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 student’s photograph participation in
officially recognized activities and sports, and
weight and height of members of athletic
teams.
The student’s dates of attendance, grade level,
enrollment status, honors and awards received
in school and most recent school previously
attended.
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. A parent or eligible
student may inspect records during regular
school hours.
The student’s e-mail address. The parent or an
eligible student may prevent release of any or all
directory information regarding a student. This
objection must be made in writing to the principal
within ten school days of the child’s first day of
instruction for this school year.
Virtually all information pertaining to student
performance, including grades, test results, and
disciplinary records, is considered confidential
educational records. Release is restricted to: The
parents—whether married, separated, or
divorced—unless parental rights have been
legally terminated
and if the school is given a copy of the court
order terminating these rights.
If circumstances effectively prevent inspection
during these hours, the District will either provide
a copy of the requested records, or make other
arrangements for the parent or student to review
the requested records. The records custodian or
designee will respond to reasonable requests for
explanation and interpretation of the records.
Federal law requires that, as soon as the student
becomes eligible, control of the records go to the
student. However, the parents may continue to
have access to the records if the student is a
dependent for tax purposes.
A parent (or the student if he or she is 18 or
older or is attending an institution of
postsecondary education) may inspect the
student’s records and request a correction if the
records are considered inaccurate or otherwise in
violation of the student’s privacy rights.
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 (such as Board members, the
Superintendent, and principals), school staff
members (such as teachers, counselors, and
diagnosticians), or an agent of the District (such
as a medical consultant). Various governmental
agencies or in response to a subpoena or court
order.
If the District refuses the request to amend the
records, the requestor has the right to request a
hearing. If the records are not amended as a
result of the hearing, the requestor has 30 school
days to exercise the right to place a statement
commenting on the information in the student’s
record.
Although improperly recorded grades may be
challenged, contesting a student’s grade in a
course is handled through the general complaint
process defined by policy.
A school to which a student transfers or in
which he or she subsequently enrolls. Release
to any other person or agency—such as a
prospective employer or for a scholarship
application— will occur only with parental or
student permission as appropriate.
The District must comply with a request by a
military recruiter or an institution of higher
Copies of student records are available at a
cost of ten cents per page or $2.00 per folder,
payable in advance. If the student qualifies for
free or reduced price lunches and the parents
12
Any attire or hairstyle (including color) that, in
the principal’s judgment, may be reasonably
expected to cause disruption or interference
with normal school operation will not be allowed.
Any violation of the CISD dress code will be
documented as a discipline referral and handled
according to the procedures outlined in the
Student Code of Conduct.
to view the records during regular school hours,
one copy of the record will be provided at no
charge upon written request of the parent.
Parents may be denied copies of a student’s
records: after the student reaches age 18 and is
no longer a dependent for tax purposes; when the
student is attending an institution of
postsecondary education; if the parent fails to
follow proper procedures and pay the copying
charge when the District is given a copy of a court
order terminating the parental rights.
The following guidelines are minimum standards
as defined by the CISD Board of Trustees. Shoes
shall be worn at all times. Shoes should be
appropriate for identified physical activities.
Short dresses, short shorts, and short skirts are
not acceptable. They must be longer than the
student’s extended fingertips when the pupil’s
hands are held to the side of the body. Uniforms
that do not meet the dress code requirements
may be worn as approved by the campus
principal.
Please note: Parents or eligible students have the
right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department
of Education if they believe the District is not in
compliance with federal law regarding student
records. The District’s policy regarding student
records is available from the principal’s office.
Sunglasses shall be worn outside only. Clothing
that advertises alcohol, drugs, tobacco, the
occult, or gangs is not permitted. Clothing that
promotes violence or is lewd, offensive, vulgar,
contains obscene language, or that materially or
substantially disrupts is not permitted.
Right of Access The parent’s or eligible student’s
right of access to and copies of student records
does not extend to all records. Materials that are
not considered educational records— such as
teachers’ personal notes about a student that are
shared only with a substitute teacher—do not
have to be made available to the parents or
student. Certain officials from various
governmental agencies may have limited access
to the records.
Hair shall be a natural color, clean, wellgroomed, and worn in a manner and style that
is not distracting in the learning environment.
No sleeveless garments are allowed. Tattoos
that materially or substantially disrupt shall be
covered.
The District forwards a student’s records upon
request and without prior parental consent to a
school in which a student seeks or intends
to enroll.
Students shall not wear:
Low-cut necklines (front and back); See-through
apparel or clothing with holes; Tube-tops,
halters, spaghetti straps, half shirts, tank tops,
muscle shirts, crop tops, or any shirt which
allows the navel or bra to show. Any shirt/blouse
that does not come to the waistband or exposes
the midriff while standing, walking or sitting
must be worn with an undershirt that tucks in;
Records are also released in accordance with a
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, the District will make a
reasonable effort to notify the parent or eligible
student in advance of compliance.
Extremely tight fitting clothes;
Curlers or pin curls in the hair; House shoes,
slippers or shoes with wheels; Hats, caps,
sweatbands, hoods, or head coverings inside the
building at school.
Clothing that may be identified as gang related,
including bandanas; Pocket chains, including
chains attached to wallets, footwear, or
backpacks; Pants that are excessively long, large,
or sag below the top of the hip line or allow
undergarments to show; Clothing that is worn in
any other way than the way it was designed to be
worn; Pajamas or loungewear.
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.
DRESS AND GROOMING
The District’s dress code is established to teach
hygiene, instill discipline, prevent disruptions,
avoid safety hazards, teach respect for
authority, and prepare each student for future
employability.
13
Body piercing, other than earrings, including, but
not limited to nose rings and studs, eyebrow
loops and studs, lip rings and studs, tongue
piercing and the like.
established by the sponsor in accordance with
Board policy. Loitering or standing in the halls
between classes is not permitted.
Violations/Consequences
During class time, a student must have a hall
pass to be outside the classroom for any
purpose. Failure to obtain a pass will result in
disciplinary action.
If the principal determines that a student’s dress
and/or grooming violates the dress code, the
student shall be given an opportunity to correct
the problem at school by changing clothes.
If not corrected, the student shall be assigned
to in-school suspension for the remainder of the
day or until a parent or designee brings an
acceptable change of clothing to the school.
Violations may not be covered up by other
clothing, i.e., jacket, sweater. Any absences
resulting from a student leaving campus or
missing class due to a dress code violation will be
marked unexcused.
Repeated dress code offenses may result in more
serious disciplinary action. Appropriate discipline
procedures shall be followed in all cases in
accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
Dress for Extracurricular Activities
The principal, in cooperation with the sponsor,
coach, or other person in charge of an extracurricular activity, may regulate the dress and
grooming of students who participate in the
activity.
Students who violate dress and grooming
standards established for such an activity may
be removed or excluded from the activity for a
period determined by the principal or sponsor,
and may be subject to other disciplinary action,
as specified in the Student Code of Conduct. (
CONDUCT
Conduct Before and After School Teachers and
administrators have full authority over student
conduct at before- or after-school activities on
District premises and at school-sponsored
events off District premises, such as play
rehearsal, club meetings, athletic practice, and
special study groups or tutorials.
Students are subject to the same rules of
conduct that apply during the instructional day
and will be subject to consequences established
by the Student Code of Conduct or any stricter
code of conduct for extracurricular participants
Applicability of School Rules and Discipline As
required by law, the District has developed and
adopted a Student Code of Conduct that
prohibits certain behaviors and establishes
standards of acceptable behavior – both on and
off campus – and consequences for violation of
the standards. Students need to be familiar with
the standards set out in the Student Code of
Conduct, as well as campus and classroom rules.
To achieve the best possible learning
environment for all students, the Student Code of
Conduct and other campus rules of behavior will
apply: During the regular school day or while a
student is going to and from school on District
transportation;
Within 300 feet of school property; While a
student is in attendance at any school related
activity, regardless of time or location; For
any misconduct at any school-related event,
regardless of time or location.
Social Events (not including co-curricular or extra
curricular activities) School rules apply to school
social events to which a student brings a guest.
Guests are expected to observe the same rules as
students attending the event, and the person
inviting the guest will share responsibility for the
conduct of the guest. A student attending a social
event will be asked to sign out when leaving
before the end of the event; anyone leaving
before the official end of the event will not be
readmitted.
Detention Hall/Tutoring Students may be
assigned after school detentions/ tutoring by
their principal for violating school rules.
Students will be given a 24-hour notice as to
when to serve the detention/tutoring session.
Students are expected to follow the
detention/ tutoring rules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Bring specific materials to study
No sleeping
No talking
No CD players or other electronic
devices
5. Students must work/study the entire
time
6. Students removed for bad behavior or
14 not working/studying will not receive
credit for
attending that day of detention/tutoring.
harassment in any form in the public schools.
Students and/ or parents are encouraged to
discuss their questions or concerns about the
expectations in this area with a teacher,
counselor, or principal. A student who
believes he or she has been harassed by
another student or by a District employee is
encouraged to report the incident to the
counselor, or principal. The allegations will be
investigated and addressed.
Disruptions In order to protect student safety and
sustain an educational program free from
disruption, state law permits the District to take
action against any person, student or no student,
who: Interferes with the movement of people in
an exit, an entrance, or a hallway of a District
building without authorization from an
administrator.
Interferes with an authorized activity by seizing
control of all or part of a building. Uses force,
violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent
participation in an authorized assembly. Uses
force, violence, or threats to cause disruption
during an assembly.
A substantiated complaint against a student
will result in disciplinary action, according to
the nature of the offense and the Student
Code of Conduct. The student or parent may
appeal the decision of the principal regarding
the outcome of the investigation in
accordance with policy.
Uses force, violence, or threats in an attempt
to prevent people from entering or leaving
District property without authorization from
an administrator. Disrupts classes while on
District property or on public property that is
within 500 feet of District property. Class
disruption includes making loud noises;
trying to entice a student way from, or to
prevent a student from attending, a required
class or activity; entering a classroom without
authorization and disrupting the activity with
profane language or any misconduct.
Interferes with the transportation of students
in District vehicles.
Sexual Harassment / Sexual Abuse The
District encourages parental and student
support in its efforts to address and prevent
sexual harassment and sexual abuse in the
public schools. Students and/or parents are
encouraged to discuss their questions or
concerns about the expectations in this area
with a teacher, counselor, or district Students
must not engage in unwanted and unwelcome
verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
directed toward another student or a District
employee.
Bullying or Taunting Behaviors
This prohibition applies whether the conduct
is by word, gesture, or any other sexual
conduct, including requests for sexual
favors.
Students must not participate, either
individually or in a group, in bullying or
taunting behaviors toward another student.
Such behaviors may include repeated teasing
or ridicule, name-calling, threats, theft, gossip
and rumors, or physical intimidation of any
kind. A substantiated complaint against a
student will result in disciplinary action,
according to the nature of the offense and the
Student Code of Conduct.
The District will notify the parents of all
students involved in sexual harassment
by student’s) when the allegations are
not minor, and will notify parents of any
incident of sexual harassment or sexual
abuse by an employee.
To the greatest extent possible, complaints
will be treated as confidential. Limited
disclosure may be necessary to complete a
thorough investigation. A complaint alleging
sexual harassment by another student or
sexual harassment or sexual abuse by a staff
member may be presented by a student
and/or parent in a conference with the
principal or designee.
Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color,
Religion, National Origin, or Disability
Students must not engage in harassment
behaviors motivated by race, color, religion,
national origin, or disability directed toward
another student. Students are expected to
treat other students and District employees
with courtesy and respect; to avoid any
behaviors known to be offensive; and to stop
these behaviors when asked or told to stop.
The District encourages parental and student
support in its efforts to address and prevent
15
The parent or other advisor may accompany
the student throughout the complaint
process. A person who is the same gender
as the student ordinarily will hold the first
conference with the student. The
conference will be scheduled and held as
soon as possible, but no later than seven
calendar days of receipt of the complaint.
The principal [principal’s designee] will
conduct an appropriate investigation, which
ordinarily will be completed within seven
calendar days of the conference. The student
and/or parent will be informed if
extenuating circumstances delay completion
of the investigation.
The student will not be required to present
a complaint to a person who is the subject
of the complaint. If the resolution of the
complaint by the principal [principal’s
designee] is not satisfactory to the student
or parent may, within seven calendar
+days, request a conference with the
Superintendent or designee.
or parent, the student
Prior to or at this conference, the student
and/or parent must submit the complaint in
writing and must include:
(1) a complete statement of the complaint
(2) any evidence supporting the
complaint,
(3)
a statement about how the
matter should be resolved,
(4)
the student’s and/or
parent’s signature, and the date of
the conference with the principal, the
principal’s designee. If the resolution by the
Superintendent or designee is not satisfactory,
the student and/or parent may present the
complaint to the Board at the next regular
meeting. Information on the procedure for
addressing the Board can be obtained from any
campus office or the Superintendent’s office.
For more information about parent and student
rights, you may request a copy of the District’s
Notice of Parent and Student Rights found in the
District’s Policy Manual.
Vandalism The taxpayers of the community
have made a sustained financial
commitment for the construction and
upkeep of school facilities.
To ensure that school facilities can serve those
for whom they are intended-both this year and in
the coming years—littering, defacing, or
damaging school property is not tolerated.
Students will be required to pay for damages
they cause and will be subject to disciplinary
consequences in accordance with the Student
Code of Conduct.
Corporal Punishment Corporal punishment is
administered by CISD, according to board
policy.
Violations of Law Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco, and
Weapons — under state and federal law, a
student is not allowed to possess, sell, give
away, or use alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco
products, guns, or other weapons on school
property or at a school-related or schoolsanctioned activity, on or off school property.
Having one of these items in a privately owned
vehicle that the student has driven to school and
parked on District property is also prohibited.
Gangs and Other Prohibited Organizations
Under state law, a student is prohibited from
membership or involvement in a public school
fraternity, sorority, secret society, or gang.
Hazing Activities State law also prohibits a
student from participating in any hazing
activities. A student is guilty of hazing when he
or she takes direct hazing action; encourages or
assists someone else to take action; recklessly
permits such action; has knowledge of planned
action or action that has occurred without
reporting that knowledge in writing to a school
official.
School Safety Transfer Policy
If a student who becomes the victim of a violent
criminal offense while in school or on school
grounds, or is attending a persistently dangerous
school as defined by TEA, may apply to attend
another District school.
LAW ENFORCEMENT ISSUES
Questioning of Students 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
16
interviewer raises what the principal considers to
be a valid objection. If the event is part of a child
abuse investigation, the principal will cooperate
fully regarding the conditions of the interview.
Students Taken into Custody 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 laws of arrest.
By 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.
By an authorized representative of Child
Protective Services, Texas Department of
Protective and Regulatory Services, a law
enforcement officer, or a juvenile probation
officer, without a court order, under the
conditions set out in the Family Code relating to
the student’s physical health or safety.
Before a student is delivered to a law enforcement
officer or other legally authorized person, the
principal will verify the officer’s identity and, to
the best of his or her ability, will verify the
official’s authority to take custody of the student.
The principal will ordinarily attempt to notify the
parent unless the officer or other authorized
person raises what the principal considers to be a
valid objection to notifying the parents. Since the
principal does not have the authority to prevent
or delay a custody action, notification will most
likely be after the fact.
Notification of Law Violations The District is also
required by state law to notify: all instructional
and support personnel who have responsibility for
supervising a student who has been arrested or
referred to the juvenile court for any felony
offense or for certain misdemeanors.
All instructional and support personnel who have
regular contact with a student who has been
convicted or adjudicated of delinquent conduct
for any felony offense or certain misdemeanors.
Searches In the interest of promoting student
safety and attempting to ensure that schools are
safe and drug free, District officials may from
time to time
conduct searches. Such searches are conducted
without a warrant and as permitted by law.
Trained Dogs Trained dogs’ sniffing of cars and
lockers does not constitute a search under the
Fourth Amendment. The alert of a trained dog to
a locker or car provides reasonable cause for a
search of the locker or car only if the dog is
reasonably reliable in indicating that contraband
is currently present.
Students’ Desks and Lockers Students’ desks
and lockers are school property and remain
under the control and jurisdiction of the school
even when assigned to an individual student.
Students are fully responsible for the security
and contents of the assigned desks and lockers.
Students must be certain that the locker is
locked, and that the combination is not available
to others. Searches of desks or lockers may be
conducted at any time there is reasonable cause
to believe that they contain articles or materials
prohibited by District policy, whether or not a
student is present. The parent will be notified if
any prohibited items are found in the student’s
desk or locker.
Videotaping of Students
For safety purposes, video/audio equipment will
be used to monitor student behavior on buses
(and in common areas on campus). Students will
not be told when the equipment is being used.
The principal will review the tapes routinely and
document student misconduct. Discipline will be
in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
A parent who wants to view a videotape following
discipline of that parent’s child may request
access in accordance with in the District’s board
policy manual.
HEALTH ISSUES
School Nurse Services If a student becomes ill or
is injured, the student will be instructed to be
seen by the nurse. If a student has a medical
emergency at school or at a school-related
activity when the parent cannot be reached, the
school will need to have written parental consent
in order to obtain emergency medical treatment.
Therefore, parents are asked each year to
complete an emergency care consent form
(Registration form) and information about each
student’s medical history, etc.
have provided, Coolidge ISD reserves the right to
contact local EMS or law enforcement if needed.
For the protection of all students, any student
with the following symptoms will not be allowed
to stay at school. if the student has a
temperature of 100 degrees or more, if the
student had a temperature of 100 degrees or
more within the last 24 hours even if feverreducing medication was given, is suspected of
having a contagious/communicable disease, has
a skin boil or abscess that has not been treated
by a physician, is vomiting or has diarrhea, has a
severe stomachache, headache or earache, is
unable to remain in class due to an injury, has
active live head lice. All students should be free
of fever for at least 24 hours before returning to
school.
Parents should keep emergency care information
up to- date (name of doctor, emergency phone
numbers, allergies, etc.) Please contact the school
nurse to update any information. Public schools in
Texas have been granted immunity by the
legislature from liability for student accidents.
The District does make available an optional, lowcost student accident insurance program to assist
parents in meeting medical expenses. More
information is available at each school.
Parents should be aware that the District, the
School Board, and its employees are immune
from civil liability, except for acts constituting
gross negligence, for damages or injuries
resulting from the administration of medication
to a student, provided such administration
conforms to the requirements of Board Policy.
The District is not responsible for complications
resulting from adverse drug reactions.
Exemption from P.E.:
Students will not be exempted from P.E. without
a physician directive stating that the student
must be excluded and how long the exclusion
will be. The nurse will not provide excuse notes
for P.E. or Athletics except in cases of asthma
flare-ups during school hours.
Asthma Action Plan House Bill (HB) 1688, passed
by the 77th legislature and signed into law by
Governor Rick Perry, allows a student with
asthma to possess and self-administer
prescription asthma medication. A student may
possess and self-administer asthma inhalers on
school property or at a school related event with
the following in place:
Nurse’s Office The purpose of the nurse’s office
is to provide first aid in case of emergencies or
illness. Except in an emergency, students will
only be admitted to the nurse’s office with a pass
from the student’s teacher.
When the student’s parent/guardian needs to
be contacted regarding an illness or injury, the
school nurse or campus administrator will make
the contact. The school nurse can administer
first aid, provide vision and hearing screening,
keep immunization records along with health
education.
The student has written permission from a
parent/ guardian and a physician or licensed
health care provider.
The physician statement (Asthma Action Plan)
must be kept in the school clinic.
The physician statement (Asthma Action Plan) is
updated or revised within one year.
If your student has symptoms of illness at home:
Do not send your student to school if they have
vomiting, diarrhea, severe cough/cold symptoms,
skin abscess, or temperature of 100 or more. All
students must be free of fever for at least 24
hours, without fever-reducing medication, before
returning to school. If your doctor tells you that
your child has an illness that can spread from
person to person such as: chicken pox, strep
throat, pink eye, staph, mono, or if your child has
an abscess, boil or a spider bite please let the
school nurse know. Make sure to provide
emergency contact phone numbers for use in the
event you are unable to be reached for a sick or
injured student.
If your number changes, please notify both the
campus office and the nurse. In the event that
we cannot reach you or the emergency contacts
you.
Students who do not use their asthma
medication for their own use and/or allow other
students access to their medication will be
subject to disciplinary action as specified in the
Coolidge ISD Student Code of Conduct.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES / CONDITIONS
To protect children from contagious illnesses,
students infected with certain diseases are not
allowed to come to school while contagious, as
outlined by the Department of State Health
Services (formerly known as the Texas
Department of Health). Bacterial Meningitis
Information State law requires school districts
to provide information about bacterial
meningitis to its
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students and their parents each school year.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of
the brain and spinal cord, caused by viruses,
parasites, fungi and bacteria. Viral meningitis is
usually treatable and recovery is complete.
Parasites and fungi meningitis are rare. Bacterial
meningitis is serious and always requires medical
intervention. Meningitis makes a person very ill,
usually occurring over one or two days, but it can
also rapidly progress in a matter of hours.
Symptoms may include: Severe headache; High
temperature; Rash of tiny, red-purple spots;
vomiting; Sensitivity to bright lights; Neck
stiffness, joint pains; Drowsiness or confusion.
Meningitis is not as contagious as the common
cold or the flu, and is not spread by casual
contact or by breathing the air where a person
with meningitis has been. It is spread when
people exchange saliva (such as kissing, sharing
drinking containers, utensils or cigarettes).
Bacterial meningitis can be prevented by a
common sense approach. Do not share food,
drinks, utensils, toothbrushes or cigarettes.
There are vaccines against pneumococcal
disease and four meningococcal groups.
Immunity develops within seven to ten days
after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to five
years. For more information contact your family
doctor, the staff at the local or regional health
department and/or your school nurse.
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 State Health Services at www.
dshs.state.tx.us.
Head Lice Coolidge ISD follows the
recommendations of the Texas Department of
State Health Services and the American Academy
of Pediatrics (AAP) regarding screening for head
lice. According to the AAP: Head lice are not a
health hazard or a sign of uncleanliness and are
not responsible for the spread of any disease.
The gold standard for detecting head lice is
finding a live louse on the head.
This can be difficult, because the louse can crawl
very fast. Lice cannot hop or fly. The tiny eggs, or
nits, may be easier to spot, especially at the nape
of the neck or behind the ears. Nits (eggs) take
about one week to hatch, then another week to
mature and lay eggs. Check your child’s hair
often. It is probably impossible to totally prevent
head lice infestations. Young children come into
close head to- head contact with each other
frequently.
Teach children to not share personal items such
as combs, brushes, hats, batting helmets, hair
accessories, etc. They should place coats, jackets,
sweaters, hats, etc. in their backpacks at school
when they are not being worn.
If your child’s class has an activity where they
bring blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, etc. run
these items through the hottest cycle in the dryer
as soon as they get home before they come in
contact with other items. Where children are
together, adults should be aware of the signs and
symptoms of head lice infestation, and affected
children should be treated promptly to minimize
spread to others.
Screening for nits alone is not an accurate way of
predicting which children will become infested,
and screening for live lice has not been proven to
have an important effect on the incidence of head
lice in a school community over time. In addition,
such screening has not been shown to be costeffective.
All household members should be checked
routinely (weekly is optimal) for head lice, and
only those with live lice or nits close to the scalp
should be treated.
Treating as a preventive measure does not work
and only leads to resistance to the products that
are available. Lice are reddish-brown, wingless
insects. Do not confuse nits with dandruff,
hairspray or hair gel. If it can easily be removed
or dislodged, it is probably not a nit. Nits attach
with a cement or glue-like substance and are
difficult to remove. Consult your physician or
pharmacist before using lice treatment pesticides
when the person is pregnant, nursing, has
allergies or asthma, epilepsy, has pre-existing
medical conditions, or has nits in the eyelashes
or eyebrows.
NEVER use pesticides on or near the eyes.
Remember, all lice killing products are pesticides.
Follow the directions carefully and completely. If
the product fails, do not switch to another
product without contacting your physician. This
can be potentially harmful. Manual removal of the
nits is a must with any lice treatment. Follow the
package directions completely, including the
instructions to repeat in 10-14 days.
NEVER use animal/flea shampoo, kerosene,
gasoline or any other harmful agent on your
child. Fleas and lice are NOT the same. Flea
products do not kill lice and lice products do not
kill fleas. Campho-Phenique, hair products, and
dying or
coloring the hair DO NOT kill lice and their nits.
REMOVE ALL NITS. This assures TOTAL lice
treatment.
Follow package directions and use the lice/nit
removal comb. NIT REMOVAL MUST BE DONE
PRIOR TO RETURNING TO SCHOOL.
This process, although time consuming, will need
to be repeated daily to ensure complete removal
and prevent further re-infestation. It is wise to
treat family members who share a bed with the
person with infestation, even if no live lice are
found. Items such as clothing, furniture, or
carpeting that have been in contact with the head
of the person with infestation in the 24 to 48
hours before treatment should be considered for
cleaning, given the fact that louse survival off the
scalp beyond 48 hours is extremely unlikely.
Washing, soaking, or drying items at
temperatures greater than 130°F will kill stray lice
or nits. Furniture, carpeting, car seats, and other
fabrics or fabric-covered items can be vacuumed.
Campus-wide head checks will not be done. We
encourage parents/guardians to routinely check
their student’s head for lice as part of routine
personal hygiene.
Medicine At School Coolidge Independent School
District School Board policy states that
employees of the school district may give
medicine to a student provided: There is a
written note from the parent/guardian of the
child, requesting the time and amount of
medicine to be given. Verbal consent is not
accepted. There must be a written note.
The medicine is in the original container and
properly labeled. Medication includes not only
prescription medication but also over-the-counter
medications (i.e. cold/flu, anti-itch, pain relievers,
and stomach pain relievers). Parents/guardian
must bring the medication to the school nurse.
School staff will not accept medications brought
by students. Ask the pharmacist for an extra
prescription bottle for the medication the student
will bring to school.
Be aware that giving aspirin products after a fever
can result in a serious illness called Reye’s
Syndrome. Coolidge Independent School District
is not responsible for any complications resulting
from adverse drug reactions. If medication must
be taken during school hours, please follow the
guidelines listed below: For medications ordered
twice daily, the first dose should be given at home
before the child leaves for school and the second
after returning from school. Of those medications
ordered three or four times daily, only the second
dose will be given at school.
We must follow the usual recommended dosage
for the child’s age unless we receive specific
written instructions from the doctor. Any aspirin
products, adult or extra strength over-the-counter
medication, such as (Aspirin, Pepto Bismol, Aleve,
Advil, Excedrin, etc.) will not be given to students
without a doctor’s note or prescription.
The school does not keep stock medications. For
all long-term medication a Coolidge Independent
School District Medication Administration Record
must be completed by the student’s parents and
kept in the school clinic.
These forms are available in the school clinic. All
medications must be brought to the school by the
student’s parent/ guardian. All medications must
be stored in the school clinic. Only school
personnel may administer medication.
Medications are not to be kept with a student or
in desk, lunch box, pocket, etc. These rules are
necessary for the safety of all students.
Administering Medicine During Field Trips If the
above steps are in place and a second properly
labeled bottle is provided, the nurse can have the
teacher provide a student’s medication at the
appropriate time while on a field trip. The parent
or legal guardian must provide medicines for
overnight trips with proper written approval for
administering the medication by a school official.
Immunizations Texas State Law requires all
students be current on immunizations in order
to attend school. Students entering Coolidge ISD
have a 30 day provisional enrollment period to
provide their immunization records.
All students must be immunized against certain
diseases or must present a statement indicating
that “reasons of conscience”; medical or religious
reasons exempt the student from being
immunized.
Required immunizations include: diphtheria,
tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles (rubella),
mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, hepatitis A (for
certain grade levels) and chicken pox
(Vermicelli).
The school nurse can provide information on
age-appropriate doses or on an acceptable
physician validated history of illness required by
the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Proof of immunizations must be records from a
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licensed physician or public health clinic with a
signature or rubber-stamp validation. If a student
should not be immunized for medical reasons, a
parent must present an affidavit or certificate
signed by a U.S. licensed physician stating that, in
the doctor’s opinion, the immunizations required
would be harmful to the student’s health and wellbeing of any member of the family or household.
Unless a lifelong condition is specified, the
affidavit or certificate is valid only one year from
the date signed by the physician and must be
renewed every year for the exclusion to remain
in effect. For “Reasons of Conscience” the
student must provide an affidavit signed by a
parent or legal guardian. The affidavit must be a
form provided by the Department of State Health
Services. A TB skin test is required for all
students entering school from another country.
HEALTH SCREENINGS Vision and Hearing
Screening New students enrolling in the
District will be screened for vision and/or
hearing problems. All students in grades K, 1,
3, 5, 7 and 9 will be screened for vision and
hearing problems annually during the school
year.
UIL Participation All upper level students desiring
to participate in the UIL athletic competition shall
submit annually a statement from a physician
licensed to practice in the state indicating that
the student has been examined and is physically
able to participate in the athletic program, drill
team, cheerleading, or marching band.
Spinal Screening Coolidge ISD conducts spinal
screenings to detect signs of abnormal curves of
the spine at their earliest stages. State law
requires all children in grades 5 and 8 to be
screened. The procedure for screening requires
trained screeners, Coolidge ISD nurses, to look at
the student’s back while the student stands and
then bends forward.
Boys and girls will be seen separately and
individually. Two screeners are present for each
student. We assure you that privacy will be of the
utmost concern and priority.
BOYS WILL BE REQUESTED TO REMOVE THEIR
SHIRTS. GIRLS ARE REQUESTED TO WEAR A BRA
OR THE TOP OF A TWO PIECE SWIMSUIT UNDER
THEIR SHIRT. THEIR SHIRT WILL ONLY BE
REMOVED DURING THEIR INDIVIDUAL SCREENING.
Parents will receive the results of the screening
only if professional follow-up is needed. This
procedure does not replace your need for regular
health care and check-ups. If the parent chooses
for the student to not participate in the
screening, the student must provide a written
statement from his/her physician giving the
school the results of the physician’s finding for
that school year.
If, for religious reasons, the student does not
wish to be screened, the student is to submit an
affidavit of exemption, notarized, to the school
clinic. Fitness Testing Coolidge ISD is committed
to assisting our parents and students understand
the importance of physical wellness and have
initiated a variety of programs to promote
physical health and wellness.
Texas Senate Bill 530 requires that the
FITNESSGRAM physical fitness assessment be
administered to all students in grade 3-12 twice
a year.
The FITNESSGRAM physical assessment: sets a
baseline fitness zone from which students can
set goals to maintain or improve their fitness
level. tests all students regardless of age,
gender or ability. does not place an emphasis
on skill or sports-related fitness. does not
compare students to other students.
The assessment includes: Height and weight
-assesses body composition/ BMI 1 Mile Run measures students’ aerobic capacity Curl ups assesses abdominal strength and endurance
Trunk lift - assesses strength and flexibility 90°
push-up or modified pull-up or flexed arm hang
assesses upper body strength and endurance
Back-saver sit’n reach or shoulder stretch assesses flexibility.
Emergency Medical Treatment If a student has a
medical emergency at school or at a schoolrelated activity it is the District’s
policy to contact professional emergency
personnel to transport the student to the nearest
emergency facility. Parents are asked each year
to complete an emergency care form that
contains information about the child’s doctor,
emergency contact phone numbers, allergies to
medications, etc.
Parents should keep emergency care information
up-to-date. Please contact the school nurse to
update any information to ensure that the District
has the most current information on record.
The District is not responsible for medical
expenses associated with a student’s injury. The
District does make available, however optional
low-cost student accident insurance to assist
parents in meeting medical expenses.
Applications are available in the District athletic
offices. A parent who desires coverage for his or
her child will be responsible for paying insurance
premiums and for submitting claims through the
insurance program.
must be returned to the office for approval. To
avoid a delay in receiving meal benefits, please
do not return meal applications to the school
office or to the school cafeteria. Applications
cannot be processed without an original
signature; therefore, we cannot accept faxed
applications. Contact the Cafeteria Manager.
Safety/Accident Prevention Student safety on
campus and at school-related events is a high
priority of the District. Although the District has
implemented safety procedures, the cooperation
of students is essential to ensure school safety. A
student should: Avoid conduct that is likely to put
the student or other students at risk.
Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value (FMNV) All
districts that participate in the School Breakfast
and the National School Lunch Program must
restrict the use of foods of minimal nutritional
value (FMNV) and competitive foods per the Texas
Department of Agriculture Nutrition Policy.
Elementary school campuses may not serve or
provide access for students to FMNV and all other
forms of candy at any time anywhere on school
premises until the end of the last scheduled class.
An exception is that a parent may provide FMNV
or candy items for their own child, but they may
not provide restricted items to other children at
school. Middle school campuses are not allowed
to have FMNV at any time, anywhere on school
premises until after the end of the last lunch
period. High schools cannot have FMNV during
meal periods in areas where reimbursable meals
are served and/or consumed. Foods in the
classroom are limited to approved annual events
per school year to be determined by campus.
Follow the behavioral standards in this handbook
and the 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 safety hazards, such as
intruders on campus. Know emergency evacuation
routes and signals. Follow immediately the
instructions of teachers, bus drivers, and other
District employees who are overseeing the welfare
of students.
Pest Management Program Pesticides are
periodically applied on each school campus as
part of an integrated pest management
program. All persons applying pesticides on a
school campus are required to receive special
training in pesticide application and pest
control. In addition, Coolidge ISD has a policy
that requires use of non-chemical pest control
tactics whenever it is possible that pesticides
may periodically be applied. For questions
about pesticide use, including the types and
times of treatments, contact: Debra Price 1002
Kirven Street Coolidge, Texas 76635
(254) 786-2206
FMNV and Candy Exemptions
School Nurses: This policy does not apply to
school nurses using FMNVs or candy during the
course of providing health care to individual
students. Accommodating Students with Special
Needs: Special Needs Students whose
Individualized Education Program (IEP) plan
indicates the use of an FMNV or candy for
behavior modification (or other suitable need)
may be given FMNV or candy items. School
Events: Students may be given FMNV or candy
items during the school day for up to three
different events each school year to be
determined by school officials as part of school
policy and included on the school calendar. These
items may not be given during meal times in the
areas where school meals are being served or
consumed.
NUTRITION SERVICES
Coolidge ISD participates in the National School
Lunch Program and offers students nutritionally
balanced lunches daily. Free and reduced-price
lunches are available based on financial need.
Information about a student’s participation is
confidential. Eligibility is based on household
income guidelines established by the federal
government. In order to participate each year, a
new meal application must be completed and
submitted to the School Nutrition Services office
for approval. Meal benefits from the previous
year will expire 30 days from the first day of
school, unless a new application is submitted.
Applications are processed in the order they are
received and
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Compliance and Penalties The Texas Department
of Agriculture (TDA) administers the National
School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program
and After School Snack Program through its Food
and Nutrition Division. Responsibilities include
processing claims for reimbursement, providing
special marketing projects and procurement
assistance to promote
more nutritious eating habits, conducting on-site
compliance monitoring and coordinating training
through the 20 regional Education Service
Centers. TDA will aggressively enforce and
diligently monitor the Texas School Nutrition
Policy to ensure compliance. When violations of
this policy are noted, TDA will disallow all meal
reimbursement for the day and require the school
to reimburse the food service account for the lost
reimbursement. A documented corrective action
plan will be required and will be monitored
diligently to ensure continued compliance.
Meal Payments Paying in advance for meals is
recommended and will eliminate the need to send
cash with your child each day. You may send any
dollar amount to be credited to your child’s meal
account. If possible, please send checks instead
of cash to the cafeteria. CISD cannot be
responsible for cash that is lost or misplaced.
Checks should be made payable to CISD School
Nutrition. Please include child’s name, and grade,
on the check. We recommend that all checks or
cash be brought directly to the cafeteria upon
arrival to school.
2009-10 Meal Prices
Student Breakfast $1.00
Adult Breakfast $1.30
Student Lunch $ 1.75
Adult Lunch $2.00
Low Account Balances & No Charge Policy When
student accounts reach or fall below $5.00, the
cashier will verbally remind students their meal
account funds are low. School Nutrition Services
enforces a no charge policy at the secondary
level. Students without money or students that
have depleted their meal account funds will be
provided an Emergency meal in lieu of the regular
priced cafeteria meal. The emergency meal will
consist of a sandwich and milk. No fee will be
charged for the emergency meal. Emergency
meals are only given for three days.
Ala Carte Purchases Students may purchase ala
carte items such as fruit juice, extra milk, and
snack items for an additional charge. If you wish
to restrict ala carte purchases, please contact the
Cafeteria Manager at the school so a block can
be placed on the meal account.
Special Dietary Needs All special dietary
requests must be made in writing to School
Nutrition Services’ office. All special dietary
requests must be supported by a physician’s
medical statement. The medical statement must
include: 1) Identification of special dietary
condition which restricts child’s diet,2) The
foods to be omitted from the child’s
food of choice of foods to be substituted.
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
The district makes school bus transportation
available to all students living one or more miles
from school. This service is provided at no cost to
students. Bus routes and any subsequent changes
are posted at the school.
Further information may be obtained by calling
Transportation Services at 254-786-2206 ext.230.
Students are expected to assist district staff in
ensuring that buses remain in good condition and
that transportation is provided safely. When riding
school buses, students are subject to behavioral
standards established in this hand book and the
Student Code of Conduct. Students must: Follow
the driver’s directions at all times. Enter and leave
the bus in an orderly manner at the designated
bus stop nearest home. Keep feet, books, band
instrument cases, and other objects out of the
aisle.
Not deface the bus or its equipment. Not put
head, hands, arms, or legs out of the window,
hold any object out of the window, or throw
objects within or outside of the bus. Upon leaving
the bus, wait for the driver’s signal before
crossing in front of the bus. Wear seat belts at all
times when riding in a district van or passenger
car. Misconduct will be punished in accordance
with the Student Code of Conduct; bus-riding
privileges may be suspended. Video cameras may
be used in District vehicles to promote
compliance with the rules of conduct. Videotapes
are protected student records subject to the
provisions in Board policies at FL(LOCAL).
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, or the parent
presents — no later than the day before the
scheduled trip — a written request that the
student be permitted to ride with an adult
designated by the parent.
Vehicles on Campus Vehicles parked on school
property are under the jurisdiction of the school.
School officials may search any vehicle any time
there is reasonable cause to do so, with or
without the presence of the student. A student
has full responsibility for the security of his or
her vehicle and must make certain that it is
locked and that the keys are not given to others.
[See also the Student Code of Conduct.]
Parking Regulations Each campus has
designated parking for staff, visitors and
students (high school). Parking in unauthorized
locations, such as reserved spaces or fire lanes,
may result in towing and/or citations. Parking
Permits (High School Only) Sophomores, Juniors
and Seniors will be issued parking permits after
application requirements are met. High school
students parking permits are $15.00. The
following must be presented when purchasing a
permit.:Valid drivers license and proof of
insurance.
DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIAL
School Materials School publications distributed
to students may include the student newspaper
and student yearbook. All school publications are
under the supervision of the teacher, sponsor,
and principal.
Nonschool Materials Written materials, handbills,
photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes,
posters, or other visual or auditory materials may
not be posted, sold, circulated, or distributed on
any school campus by a student or a nonstudent
without the prior approval of the principal. If the
material is not approved within two school days
of the time it was submitted, it should be
considered disapproved. Disapprovals may be
appealed by submitting the disapproved material
to the Superintendent or designee; material not
approved by the Superintendent or designee
within three days is considered disapproved. This
disapproval may be appealed to the Board in
accordance with policy FMA(LOCAL).
Any student who posts material without prior
approval will be subject to disciplinary action.
Materials displayed without this approval will be
removed. All approved material will show the
signature of an administrator. The principal will
designate an area within the school building as
the location’s) for approved nonschool materials
to be placed.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Telecommunications Devices
Students shall not use telecommunications
devices, including but not limited to: cellular,
wireless, mobile, or portable phones, pagers,
or beepers anytime after the first bell and
prior to the dismissal bell. These devices
must also be off during standardized testing
times. Students who violate this policy shall
be subject to disciplinary measures in
accordance with local policy and the
Student Code of Conduct. District
employees shall confiscate any
telecommunications device used in
violation of this policy. Staff is not
responsible for the theft / lost of electronic
devices.
A student who violates this policy for the first
time shall have the device confiscated and
retained by the campus administrator. To retrieve
the device, a parent must present proof of
ownership, and pay a $15 fee. The device will not
be available for return until that afternoon at
3:30 p.m. A parent must pick up the device.
Repeat offenses will result in confiscation of the
device, which will be held for 30 calendar days. To
retrieve the device, a parent must present proof of
ownership, and pay a $15 fee. If after a period of
30 calendar days, the device has not been
claimed, the district may dispose of the
telecommunication device in accordance with law.
Cameras, Radios, CD Players, IPODS, Other
Electronic Devices, Games, Laser Pointers
Students are not allowed to bring cameras, radios,
tape or CD players, IPODS, other electronic
devices, toys or games to school or on school
busses except for instructional purposes with an
administrator’s approval. These items will be
confiscated and returned at the discretion of the
principal. Laser pointers are not allowed on
campus per board policy.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Drills – Fire, Tornado & Other Emergencies From
time to time, students, teachers, and other
District employees will participate in drills of
emergency procedures. When the alarm is
sounded, students should follow the direction of
teachers or others in charge quickly, quietly, and
in an orderly manner.
Emergency School-Closing Information School
closing information in emergency situations
will be made available to all local radio and
television stations and posted on the District’s
website at www.Coolidge.k12.tx.us.
EXTRACURRICULAR
ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION Eligibility for
participation in extracurricular activities is
governed by state law as well as rules of the
University Interscholastic League (UIL), a
statewide association overseeing inter district
competition. The following requirements apply to
all extracurricular activities: A student who
receives
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at the end of a grading period a grade below 70
in any academic class, other than a class
identified as honors or advanced by either the
State Board of Education or by the local Board,
may not participate in extracurricular activities
for at least three school weeks.
A student with disabilities who fails to meet the
standards in the individualized education
program (IEP) may not participate for at least
three school weeks. An ineligible student may
practice or rehearse. A student is allowed in a
school year up to ten absences not related to
post-district competition, a maximum of five
absences for post-district competition prior to
state, and a maximum of two absences for state
competition. All extracurricular activities and
public performances, whether UIL activities or
other activities approved by the Board, are
subject to these restrictions. A student who
misses a class because of participation in an
activity that has not been approved will receive
an unexcused absence. Please note: Sponsors of
student clubs and performing groups such as the
band, choir, and drill and athletic teams may
establish standards of behavior and athletic
teams may establish standards of behavior
including consequences for misbehavior—that
are stricter than those for students in general. If
a violation is also a violation of school rules, the
consequences specified by the Student Code of
Conduct or by local policy will apply in addition
to any consequences specified by the
organization.
Cheerleading/Drill Team/Spirit Groups Guidelines
for tryouts and memberships to cheerleading,
drill team or other spirit groups are available.
Please contact Rhonda Ivy or Irene Frazier.
FEES
Materials that are part of the basic educational
program are provided with state and local funds
and are at no charge to a student. A student,
however, is expected to provide his or her own
pencils, paper, erasers, and notebooks and may
be required to pay certain other fees or deposits,
including:
Costs for materials for a class project that the
student will keep. Membership dues in voluntary
clubs or student organizations and admission
fees to extracurricular activities. Security
deposits.
Personal physical education and athletic
equipment and apparel. Voluntarily purchased
pictures, publications, class rings, yearbooks,
graduation announcements, etc. Voluntarily
purchased student accident insurance. Musical
instrument rental and uniform maintenance, the activity
uniforms are provided by the District.
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be Personal
apparel used in extracurricular activities that
becomes the property of the student.
Parking fees and student identification cards.
Fees for lost, damaged, or overdue library books.
Photography supply fee. Fee for lost and damaged
textbooks. Art supply fees for optional courses
offered for credit that require use of facilities not
available on District premises (i.e., bowling and
golf ). Any required fee or deposit may be waived
if the student and parent are unable to pay.
Application for such a waiver may be made to the
appropriate principal. Failure to pay required fees
may result in the loss of permission to participate
in certain ceremonies or activities.
FUNDRAISING
Student clubs or classes, outside organizations,
and/or parent groups occasionally may be
permitted to conduct fund-raising drives for
approved school purposes with prior
administration approval and under the
supervision of the project sponsor. Student
participation in approved fund-raising activities
shall not interfere with the regular instructional
program. Funds raised shall be received,
deposited, and disbursed in accordance with
board policy. Except as approved by the
Superintendent or Principal, fund-raising by the
general public or public or private organizations
or clubs is not permitted on school property.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE
Texas law requires students to recite the Pledge
of Allegiance to the United States flag and the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag each day.
Parents may submit a written request to the
principal to excuse their child from reciting a
pledge. A minute of silence will follow recitation
of the pledges. The student may choose to reflect,
pray, meditate, or engage in any other silent
activity so long as the silent activity does not
interfere with or distract others. 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.
SCHOOL FACILITIES
Use By Students Before and After School Certain
areas of the school will be accessible to students
before and after school for specific purposes.
Students are required to remain in the area
where their activity is scheduled to take place.
Unless the teacher or sponsor overseeing
gives permission, a student will not when
permitted to go to another area of the building or
campus. After dismissal of school in the
afternoon, and unless involved in an activity under
the supervision of a teacher, students must leave
campus immediately. Library The library is a
learning laboratory with books, computers,
magazines, and other materials available for
classroom assignments, projects, and reading or
listening pleasure. Students may use the library as
authorized. Students must have CISD Electronic
Communications Systems acceptable use policy
forms on file in order to use library network
computers. Library computers are to be used for
school-related research and work processing. No
games may be played. Further regulations about
the use of the library before, after, and during the
school day may be formulated throughout the
school year by the administrative and/or library
staff. Lockers Lockers are school property and
remain under the control and jurisdiction of the
school even when assigned to an individual
student. The student has full responsibility for the
security of the assigned locker and for making
certain that the locker is locked and that the
combination is not available to others. Searches of
lockers may be conducted at any time there is
reasonable cause to believe that they contain
articles or materials prohibited by District policy,
whether or not a student is present. The parent
will be notified if any prohibited items are found
in the student’s locker. Meetings of
Noncurriculum-Related Groups Students are
permitted to meet with noncurriculum-related
groups during the hours designated by the
principal before and after school. These groups
must comply with the requirements of board
policy. . Pest Control Information The District
periodically applies pesticides inside buildings.
Except in an emergency, signs will be posted 48
hours before application. Parents who want to be
notified prior to pesticide application inside their
child(ren)’s school assignment area may contact
the school’s office. Telephones If available,
students may use free or pay telephones on
campus. Students are required to keep their
personal call to three (3) minutes or less. Students
will not be called from a class in order to answer
telephone calls, nor be permitted to make calls
during class. Telephone messages will not be
delivered to students except in medical or
extreme emergencies with approval of an
administrator. Visitors Parents are welcome to
visit District schools. For
the safety of those within the school, all visitors
must first report to the campus main office.
Visits to individual classrooms during
instructional time are permitted only with
approval of the principal and teacher and so long
as the duration or frequency does not interfere
with the delivery of instruction or disrupt the
normal school environment. Small children will
be permitted in the administrative offices only.
Children of Coolidge ISD students are not
permitted to visit the parent(s) campus without
prior approval from the campus principal.
Information for Coolidge High
School Only
CLASS RANKING
For two school years following their graduation,
students who are ranked in the top ten percent of
their graduating class are eligible for automatic
admission to Texas general academic universities
and colleges. Students and parents should see the
student’s counselor for further information about
how to apply and the deadline for application to
Texas Colleges and Universities. Unofficial class
rankings for seniors are available at any time. The
official class rankings for graduation honors will
be available after the fifth six weeks. To be
eligible for highest honors (top 2% of graduates),
a student must have been enrolled in Coolidge for
at least two full academic years. Grades received
for correspondence courses and grades received
for credit by exams (remediation and acceleration)
will not be considered for grade point average
and rank. Any course retaken to improve the
grade will be awarded the higher of the two
grades. Credit will not be awarded twice.
For the purpose of recognition at the graduation
exercises, the class ranking of honor graduates
and the top ten percent of the graduates shall be
calculated at the end of the fifth six weeks of the
senior year .[ Students may be periodically
ranked according to their grade point average
during their high school years. These rankings,
however, will be considered unofficial since class
rank may change after each semester. The
official ranking will occur at the end of the fifth
six weeks of the senior year. The courses
considered for class ranking are as follows:
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1. The grade points for each semester course
taken in all four years of high school, including
courses taken in summer school, shall be used to
determine the academic class ranking. Grades
resulting from correspondence courses, credit by
examination ( for remediation or acceleration), off
campus (pre approved) P.E., Athletics, and Band
equivalents, courses awarded no grade, and
pass/fail courses will not be considered for grade
point average or class ranking.
2. Grades resulting from approved college courses
may be considered for the student’s class rank if
the course is not in the TEA approved high school
curriculum and the student has obtained
permission from the Superintendent or designee
prior to college enrollment.
Grade point averages and class ranking for
transfer students will be determined by the
following:
1. Grades considered for class rank must be from a
state-accredited high school.
2. If a student transfers from a non accredited
school, only grades earned at CHS shall be used for
determining grade point average and class rank.
Courses that are not graded, such as office aide,
study hall, or AP labs, will not be considered for
class rank. COLLEGE DAYS (VISITS) Coolidge High
School students are allowed two excused absences
to visit the College or University of their choice. A
college day may be taken in the spring semester of
the junior year (before April 1) or anytime during
the senior year (before April 1).
In the event of an out-of-state visit, an
administrator may approve the use of both
college days during the same semester.
Documentation from the college that was visited
must be turned in to the students’
Administrator’s Office no later than three days
after the visit takes place unless prior approval
has been granted by the student’s Principal. DUAL
CREDIT COURSES (Navarro) A Dual Credit course
is a college course for which the student may
receive high school credit. Students desiring to
enroll in Dual Credit courses must meet the
college’s admission criteria, including satisfactory
scores on the ACUPLACES. The following Dual
Credit courses options are available :
English 4/Composition and Rhetoric 1301, 1302
English 3/Survey of American Literature
2327, 2328
US History/United States History 1301, 1302
Government/American Government (Federal)
2305
Economics/Principles of Economics (Macro)
2301
Calculus AB, BC/Calculus I, II, III 2413, 2414,
2415 (approval of CHS math teacher required)
Students may enroll in other college courses for
Dual Credit, but these courses will receive no
additional high school GPA weight. Please visit
with your counselor regarding these options.
Because Dual Credit grades are awarded at the
end of each
semester, 12th grade students taking Dual
Credit courses in the spring semester will not
have a grade for the Dual Credit course when
Senior Ranking is locked in at the end of the 5th
six weeks grading period. It is the student’s
responsibility to submit a Navarro transcript to
CHS so that high school credit may be posted to
the transcript. EXAM EXEMPTIONS Criteria for
final exam exemption is based on attendance,
grade average for the class, and no discipline
referrals during the semester. CHS EXAM
EXEMPTION GUIDELINES Freshman &
Sophomores may choose two nonacademic class
exams from which to be exempt IF they meet the
criteria below:
1.
Classes to choose from include –Ag,
Athletics, Band ,PE
2. Maintain 85 average or higher
3. No more than THREE UNEXCUSED ABENCES
IN AN EXEMPTED CLASS per semester.
4. Student may not have any office referrals
from an exempted class that semester.
Juniors & Seniors may be exempt from any
Midterm
attained:Final exam if all the following are
1. Maintain 85 average or higher.
2. No more than THREE UNEXCUSED
ABSENCES IN AN EXEMPTED CLASS
3. Students may not have any office referrals
from an exempted class. Seniors— exempt from
all tests on a particular day-will still have to
come check in until further guidance is received
by Mr. Lowry. Middle School policy on Mid Term
& Final Exams
A. Middle school classes will not require a Mid
Term or Final exam.
B. Semester grades will be based on the average
of their Six Weeks grades. GRADING - SEMESTER
AVERAGING When a student fails the first
semester of a two-semester course and
successfully passes the second semester then
semester averaging will be used to determine the
awarding of credit for the first semester. The two
semesters will be added together and divided by
two to obtain a new first semester grade.
Semester averaging will only be used when the
student fails the first semester and passes the
second semester course. The year-long course
cannot be denied due to failing only the second
semester grade. The following rules apply to
semester averaging:
Semester averaging will be in effect for the
2008-2009 school year and thereafter. Semester
averaging can be used when averaging a fall
semester and a spring semester from the same
school year. Transcripts will continue to reflect
each semester grade.
GRADUATION To receive a high school diploma
from the District, a student must successfully
complete the required number of credits as
outlined in the Minimum, Recommended, or
Distinguished Achievement plans, and pass a
statewide exit-level examination or end-of-course
examination. Students completing the
Recommended Program or the Distinguished
Achievement Program may be eligible for state
funding for attending a college or university in
Texas upon graduation. See your counselor for
information on financial aid opportunities. Upon
the recommendation of the Admission, Review,
and Dismissal committee, a student with
disabilities may be permitted to graduate under
the provisions of his or her Individual Education
Plan (IEP). GRADUATION EXERCISES The CISD
Board Policy states:
Students who have met the requirements
prescribed by the Board and TEA in the current
school term are eligible to participate in the
spring graduation exercises. Students who meet
the graduation requirements at the end of the
first or second semester may have a choice of
participating in the May exercises or receiving
their diplomas after the graduation ceremony.
Students subject to disciplinary action may be
excluded from graduation exercises. Students
who do not meet all the requirements may not
participate in graduation exercises.
Early Graduation Students who complete high
school within 36 months may be eligible for
financial incentives payable to a Texas university
or college. Students interested in participating in
early graduation may obtain more information
from their counselor. Graduation within three
years of entering the ninth grade is an option for
Texas high school students. However, the parent
or legal guardian must declare in writing the
students’ intent to graduate early and give their
permission for the student to do so. The early
graduation option is always dependent on
availability of the necessary classes. Students
must meet all state and local graduation
requirements in effect when they entered ninth
grade. Early Completion Early completion may be
possible for students who can complete all
graduation requirements before May of their
senior year. Seniors who wish to complete early
must meet the following conditions: Written
approval from student’s parent.
The early completion option is always dependent
on availability of the necessary classes.
SCHOLARS ACADEMY Based on fall Preliminary
Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) scores,
sophomores in CISD are invited to participate in
the Scholars Academy. The program was initiated
for several reasons:
To increase students’ scores on the Preliminary
Scholastic Aptitude Test, To increase the number
of scholarships received by students, To increase
students’ chances of being accepted to a
prestigious college/university, To increase
students’ chances of being National Merit
Semifinalists. The content of the program will
enable students to learn techniques and strategies
for answering questions on the verbal and math
portions of the PSAT and SAT. Also, the teachers
chosen to teach this program will be highly
trained professionals who are knowledgeable
about PSAT/SAT testing. Students interested in
learning more about the Scholars Academy should
visit with their counselor. TEXTBOOKS Stateapproved textbooks are provided free of charge
for each subject or class. Books must be covered
by the student, as directed by the teacher, and
treated with care. A student who is issued a
damaged book should report the damage to the
textbook coordinator or teacher. Any student
failing to return a book issued by the school loses
the right to free textbooks until the book is
returned or paid for by the parent. However, a
student will be provided textbooks for use at
school during the school day. Students may check
out or return textbooks on their own before or
after school. If a parent/ guardian pays for a
textbook and the book is returned within 6
months of payment, a refund will be issued.
No refunds are issued after 6 months. Students
are fully responsible for their assigned
textbook(s). Students should understand that any
book they return for credit on their textbook
account must be their book, and that any book
they return that is not their book will be credited
to the account of the person to whom the book
was distributed. A student will not receive credit
for any book returned that has the official CISD
bar codes removed from the book.
Written approval from student’s counselor
Written approval from the Assistant Principal.
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Sign and return this page
Student’s Name (printed) _______________________________________________ Grade _________ I.D. # ________
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF HANDBOOK RECEIPT
I have received a copy of the Student Handbook for 2009-2010. I understand that this handbook contains
information that my child and I may need during the school year and that all students will be held
accountable for their behavior and will be subject to the rules and consequences outlined in the handbook.
Signature of student Date
Signature of parent or legal guardian Date
Limited School-Sponsored Purpose Limited school-sponsored purposes in which student information may
be released or published include school newspapers and yearbooks, school and district websites, reporting
of student achievements and accomplishments, and photographing or videotaping activities by district
personnel or local media. This information is generally limited to name and and/or grade level and campus,
and a description of the activity in which the student is involved. Coolidge ISD does not allow the media to
interview children under the age of 18 without express parental permission.
Websites may only include photograph of the activity and will generally exclude identifying information
such a name and grade level.
Coolidge ISD is constantly seeking ways to promote the excellence of our students and schools, and these
images are vital in that process. Please contact your principal or the CISD office if you have any questions
or concerns.
_______ I agree to allow my child’s inclusion in limited school-sponsored activities.
_______ I do not agree to allow my child’s inclusion in limited school-sponsored purpose activities.
Signature of parent or legal guardian Date
Release of Directory Information Certain information about district students is considered directory
information and will be released to anyone who follows the procedures for requesting the information
unless the parent or guardian objects to the release of the directory information about the student. If you
do not want the Coolidge ISD to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without
your prior written consent, you must notify the district in writing, using this form, within 10 days of the
receipt of this notice.
Coolidge ISD has designated the information below as directory information. Please check the appropriate
blank indicating whether you wish this information to be released.
Release
Do Not Release
Student’s name
Address and telephone number
Grade level
Enrollment status
Dates of attendance
Date and place of birth
Photograph
Participation in officially recognized sports and activities
Weight and height of members of athletic team’s
Honors and awards received in school
Most recent previous school attended
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
Release of Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education
Federal law requires a district to provide certain information to military recruiters or institutions of
higher education upon request unless the parent has previously objected to such disclosure with the
parent’s consent.
_________ I agree to allow military recruiters or institutions of higher education access to my child’s
directory information.
_________ I do not agree to allow military recruiters or institutions of higher education access to my child’s
directory information.
Signature of parent or legal guardian Date
Sign and date this page, then return it to the issuing teacher within 10 days.
Release of Directory Information Certain information about district students is considered directory
information and will be released to anyone who follows the procedures for requesting the information
unless the parent or guardian objects to the release of the directory information about the student.
If you do not want the Coolidge ISD to disclose directory information from your child’s education records
without your prior written consent, you must notify the district in writing, using this form, within 10 days
of the receipt of this notice.
Coolidge ISD has designated the information below as directory information. Please check the appropriate
blank indicating whether you wish this information to be released.
Release Do Not Release
Student’s name _________ _________
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