To Students and Parents.…………………………………………………………… ……. 5 Nondiscrimination………………………………………………………………….. ……. 6

Services for the Homeless and for Title I Participants…………………………….……… 6

Services for Students with Disabilities…………………………………………….….…... 6

Working Together…………………………………………………………………………. 8

Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights…………………………………….. 8

"Opting Out" of Surveys and Activities…………………………………………….…....... 9

Other Parental Rights………………………………………………………………………. 9

Grading Guidelines……………………………………………………………………….... 10

Report Cards / Progress Reports, and Conferences……………………………….....……. 11

State-Mandated Assessment Tests………………………………………………................ 11

Promotion and Retention………………………………………………………………….. 11

Medicine at School…………………………………………………………………….….. 12

Psychotropic Drugs…………………………………………………………………..….... 13

Student Records………………………………………………….……………………….. 13

Student or Parent Complaints and Concerns…………………..………………………….. 15

Release of Students from School……………………………………..…………………… 15 Late Arrival to School……………………………………………………………………… 15 Withdrawal from School………………………………………………………………..….. 15

Computer Resources……………………………………………………………………….. 16

Counseling…………………………………………………………………………………. 16

Extracurricular Activities, Clubs, and Organizations………………………….………….. 16

Homework……………………………………………………………………….………… 17

Make-up Work……………………………………………………………..………………. 17

DAEP or In-School Suspension Make-up Work…………………………..………………. 17

Special Programs………………………………………………………..…………………. 17

Textbooks…………………………………………………………………..………………. 18

Library Books …………………………………………………………………………….. 18

Attendance ………………………………………………………………………………… 18 Compulsory Attendance …………………………………………………………………… 18 Attendance for Credit ……………………………………………………………………… 19 Communicable Diseases / Conditions …………………………………………………….. 19 Bacterial Meningitis ……………………………………………………………………….. 20

Health-Related Matters…………………………………………………………………….. 21

Physical Activity for Students in Elementary Grades……………………………………… 21

School Health Advisory Council…………………………………………………………... 21

Other Health-Related Matters……………………………………………………………… 21 Conduct ……………………………………………………………………………………. 21 Applicability of School Rules ……………………………………………………………... 21 Social Events ………………………………………………………………………………. 22 Corporal Punishment ……………………………………………………………………… 22 Disruptions ………………………………………………………………………………… 22 Radios, CD Players, Cell Phones, and other Electronic Devices and Games …………….. 22

Bullying or Taunting Behaviors…………………………………………………………… 23 Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, Religion, National Origin, or Disability ………. 23 Sexual Harassment / Sexual Abuse ……………………………………………………….. 23 Law Enforcement Agencies ………………………………………………………………. 24 Questioning of Students …………………………………………………………………… 24 Students Taken Into Custody ……………………………………………………………… 24 Notification of Law Violations ……………………………………………………………. 24 Distribution of Published Materials or Documents ……………………………………….. 25 School Materials …………………………………………………………………………... 25

Non-Student Non-school Materials …………………….…………………………………. 25

Non-student Non-school Materials ……………………………………………………….. 25

Dress and Grooming ………………………………………………………………………. 26

Student Fees ……………………………………………………………………………….. 26

Fund-Raising ………………………………………………………………………………. 27

Immunization ……………………………………………………………………………… 27

Pledges of Allegiance and Moment of Silence…………………………………………….. 27

Prayer ……………………………………………………………………………………… 28

Safety ……………………………………………………………………………………… 28

Accident Prevention ……………………………………………………………………….. 28

Accident Insurance ………………………………………………………………………… 28

Drills: Fire, Tornado, and Other Emergencies …………………………………………….. 28

Emergency Medical Treatment and Information ………………………………………….. 29

Emergency School-Closing Information ………………………………………………….. 29

School Facilities …………………………………………………………………………… 29

Use by Students Before and After School ………………………………………………… 29

Conduct Before and After School …………………………………………………………. 29

Cafeteria Services …………………………………………………………………………. 30

Library ……………………………………………………………………………………... 30

Meetings of Non-curriculum-Related Groups …………………………………………… 30

Pest Control Information …………………………………………………………………... 30

Asbestos……………………………………………………………………………………. 30

Vandalism …………………………………………………………………………………. 30

Searches …………………………………………………………………………………… 31

Students’ Desks and Lockers ……………………………………………………………… 31

Vehicles on Campus……………………………………………………………………….. 31

Trained Dogs ………………………………………………………………………………. 31

Metal Detectors ……………………………………………………………………………. 31

Transportation ……………………………………………………………………………... 31

School-Sponsored …………………………………………………………………………. 31

Buses and Other School Vehicles …………………………………………………………. 31

Videotaping of Students …………………………………………………………………… 32

Visitors to the School ……………………………………………………………………… 32

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM (to be signed and returned) …………………………… 33

Welcome to school year 2006-2007! We are privileged and excited to work with you, and look forward to a successful school year. We want you to know that we offer a safe and caring environment where every individual is greatly valued. We strongly believe in a team effort with students, parents, teachers, and other school staff members working together. This student handbook is one tool designed to help us to work together in making the educational experience for all students a great success.

The Chillicothe Elementary Student Handbook contains information that both parents and students will need during the school year. In this handbook, please be aware that the term "the 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.

Along with this handbook, both students and parents must also be familiar with the Chillicothe ISD Student Code of Conduct, required by state law and intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning. You will be given a copy of the Code of Conduct along with this handbook, and extra copies of each may be found in the school office.

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

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

We strongly recommend that parents review the entire handbook with their children and keep it as a reference during this school year. If you or your child has questions about any of the material in this handbook, please contact a teacher, the counselor, or the principal. Also, please complete and return the Acknowledgment Form found at the end of the handbook.

Again, we look forward to a successful school year!

Sincerely,

Howard Tooley, Principal

Please note that references to alphabetical policy codes are included so that parents can refer to current policy. A copy of the District’s policy manual is available in the school office or online at www.esc9.net/chillicothe.

Chillicothe Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

The following District staff members have been designated to coordinate compliance with these requirements:

Services for the Homeless and for Title I Participants

Other designated staff you may need to contact include:

Parents of students with learning difficulties or who may need special education services may request an evaluation for special education at any time. For more information, see next page and/or contact Howard Tooley at Chillicothe Elementary School.

Both experience and research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school, a partnership that thrives on communication. Your involvement in this partnership may include the following:

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:

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. [See policy EF for more information]

As a parent, you also have a right to receive notice and opt your child out of participating in:

Parents also have a right:

In grades 1-6, achievement is reported to parents every three weeks with either a report card or a progress report. A numerical grade of 70 or above is considered passing.

Report cards with your child’s grades or performance and absences in each class or subject are issued to you at least once every six weeks.

At the end of the first three weeks of a grading period, you will be given a written unsatisfactory progress report if your child’s performance in any subject is near or below 70, or is below the expected level of performance. If your child receives a grade lower than 70 in any class or subject during a grading period, you will be requested to schedule a conference with the teacher of that class or subject. To schedule a conference with a teacher, please call the elementary school office at (940) 852-5521.

Teachers follow approved grading guidelines 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. [See policy EIA for more information]

Questions about grade calculation should be first discussed with the teacher; if the question is not resolved, the student or parent may request a conference with the principal in accordance with FNG(LOCAL).

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.

Students at certain grade levels will take state assessment tests (such as TAKS) in the following subjects, as well as routine testing and other measures of achievement:

A student will be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency in the subject matter of the grade level. To earn credit in a course, a student must receive a grade of at least 70 based on course-level or grade-level standards.

In addition, students at certain grade levels will be required to pass the new Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) as a further requirement for promotion:

In addition, students in grades 3, 5, and 8 must meet promotion standards established by the District in order to be promoted.

Parents of students in grades 1-8 who do not perform satisfactorily on their exams will be notified that their child will participate in special instructional programs designed to improve performance. These students will also have two additional opportunities to take the test. If the student fails a second time, a grade placement committee, consisting of the principal or designee, the teacher, and the student’s parent, will determine the additional special instruction the student will receive. After a third failed attempt, the student will be retained; however, the parent can appeal this decision to the committee. In order for the student to be promoted, based on standards previously established by the District, the decision of the committee must be unanimous. Whether the student is retained or promoted, an educational plan for the student will be designed to enable the student to perform at grade level by the end of the next school year. [See policy EIE for more information]

Certain students—some with disabilities and some with limited English proficiency—may be eligible for exemptions, accommodations, or deferred testing. For more information, see your child’s teacher, the principal, counselor, or special education teacher.

District employees will not give a student prescription medication, nonprescription medication, herbal substances, anabolic steroids, or dietary supplements, with the following exceptions:

* When the parent has previously provided written consent to emergency treatment on the district’s form.

A student with asthma or severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) who has written authorization from his or her parent and physician or other licensed health care provider may be permitted to possess and use prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication at school or school-related events only if he or she has written authorization from his or her parent and a physician or other licensed health-care provider. The student must also demonstrate to his or her physician or health-care provider and to the school nurse the ability to use the prescribed medication.

If the student has been prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication for use during the school day, the student and parents should discuss this with the school nurse or principal.

In accordance with a student’s individual health plan for management of diabetes, a student with diabetes will be permitted to possess and use monitoring and treatment supplies and equipment while at school or at a school-related activity.

Teachers and other District employees may discuss a student’s academic progress or behavior with the student’s parents or another employee as appropriate. In addition, a District employee who is a registered nurse, and advanced nurse practitioner, a physician, or a certified or credentialed mental health professional can recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner, if appropriate.

"Psychotropic drug" means a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease, or as a component of a medication, and intended to have an altering effect on perception, emotion, or behavior. It is commonly described as a mood- or behavior-altering substance. [See policies at FFAC for more information]

Both federal and state law safe-guard student records from unauthorized inspection or use and provide parents certain rights.

The law specifies that certain general information about Chillicothe Independent School District students is considered "directory information" and will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it. That information includes:

Release of any or all directory information regarding a student may be prevented by the parent. 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. [See the acknowledgement form at the end of the handbook]

Virtually all information pertaining to student performance, including grades, test results, and disciplinary records, is considered confidential educational records. Release is restricted to:

The principal is custodian of all records for currently enrolled students at the assigned school. The principal is the custodian of all records for students who have withdrawn.

Records may be inspected by a parent during regular school hours. If circumstances effectively prevent inspection during these hours, the District shall either provide a copy of the requested records, or make other arrangements for the parent to review the requested records. The records custodian or designee will respond to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the records. The address of the Superintendent’s office is:

The address of the Principals’ office is:

A parent may inspect the student’s records and request a correction if the records are considered inaccurate or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. If the District refuses the request to amend the records, the requestor has the right to request a hearing. If the records are not amended as a result of the hearing, the requestor has 30 school days to exercise the right to place a statement commenting on the information in the student’s record. Although improperly recorded grades may be challenged, contesting a student’s grade in a course or subject is handled through the general complaint process defined by policy FNG.

Copies of student records are available at a cost of ten cents per page, payable in advance. If the student qualifies for free or reduced-price lunches and the parents are unable to view the records during regular school hours, one copy of the record will be provided at no charge upon written request of the parent.

Parents 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 or Superintendent’s office.

The parent’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.

STUDENT OR PARENT COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS

Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed simply—by a phone call or a conference with the teacher. For those complaints and concerns that cannot be handled so easily, the District has adopted a standard complaint policy at FNG(LOCAL) in the District’s policy manual. A copy of this policy may be obtained in the principal’s or Superintendent’s office, or on the district website at www.esc9.net/chillicothe .

In general, the student or parent should first discuss the complaint with the campus principal. If unresolved, a written complaint and a request for a conference should be sent to the Superintendent. If still unresolved, the District provides for the complaint to be presented to the Board of Trustees.

Because class time is important, doctor’s appointments should be scheduled, if possible, at times when the student will not miss instructional time.

A student will not be released from school at times other than at the end of the school day except with permission from the principal or designee and according to the campus sign-out procedures.

Unless the principal has granted approval because of extenuating circumstances, a student will not regularly be released before the end of the instructional day.

A student who will need to leave school during the day must bring a note from his or her parent that morning. A student who becomes ill during the school day should, with the teacher’s permission, report to the school nurse or principal’s office. The nurse or principal will decide whether or not the student should be sent home and will notify the student’s parent.

A student who is late to school must report to the principal’s office immediately upon arriving on the campus for a tardy slip and conference with the principal. Repeated instances of tardiness will result in more severe disciplinary action along with a parent conference.

A student under 18 may be withdrawn from school only by a parent. The school requests notice from the parent at least three days in advance so that records and documents may be prepared. A withdrawal form may be obtained by the parent from the principal’s office.

On the student’s last day, the withdrawal form must be presented to each teacher for book clearance; to the librarian to ensure a clear library record; to the school office for health records, and report card; and finally, to the principal. A copy of the withdrawal form will be given to the parent and a copy placed in the student’s permanent file.

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 their parents should be aware that electronic communications—e-mail—using District computers are not private and may be monitored by District staff. [See policy CQ for more information]

Academic Counseling - Students and their 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 six through eleven will be provided information on anticipated course offerings for the next year and other information that will help to make the most of academic and vocational opportunities.

Personal Counseling - The school counselor is available to assist students with a wide range of personal concerns, including such areas as social, family, or emotional issues, or substance abuse. The counselor may also make available information about community resources to address these concerns. A student who wishes to meet with the counselor should visit the principal’s office or counselor’s 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. [See policies FFE and FFG(EXHIBIT) for more information]

Participation in school and school-related activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships with other students; participation, however, is a privilege, not a right.

Eligibility for participation in many of these 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:

Homework is due the following day it is assigned unless otherwise specified by the teacher. Teachers may grant latitude during circumstances beyond the student’s control. Students with late schoolwork may be assigned a reduced grade at the teacher’s discretion.

A student will be permitted to make up tests and to turn in projects due in any class missed because of absence. Teachers may assign a late penalty to any project in accordance with time lines approved by the principal and previously communicated to students.

For any class missed, the teacher may assign the student make-up work based on the instructional objectives for the subject or course, the needs of the individual student in mastering the essential knowledge and skills, or in meeting subject or course requirements.

A student will be responsible for obtaining and completing the make-up work in a satisfactory manner and within the time specified by the teacher. [See policy EIAB for more information]

A student who does not make up assigned work within the time allotted by the teacher may receive a grade of zero for the assignment.

A student removed to a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) during the school year will have an opportunity to complete coursework needed to fulfill the student’s academic requirements before the beginning of the next school year. The District may provide the opportunity to complete the coursework through any method available, including a correspondence course, distance learning, or summer school. The District will not charge the student for any method of completion provided by the District. [See policy FOCA for more information]

A student removed from the regular classroom to in-school suspension (ISS) or another setting, other than DAEP, will have an opportunity to complete before the beginning of the next school year each course the student was enrolled in at the time of removal from the regular classroom. The District may provide the opportunity by any method available, including a correspondence course, distance learning, or summer school. [See policy FEA for more information]

Students and their parents are encouraged to discuss options with the teacher or counselor to ensure the student completes all work required for the course or grade level.

The District provides special programs for gifted and talented students, homeless 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 contact: Howard Tooley, Principal.

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 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 will be allowed to check out library books on a regular basis. The student is responsible for the care of the library book as with textbooks. Also, as with textbooks, any student failing to return a library book may lose the right to check out and/or take home another library book until the lost book is returned or paid for. The principal, in accordance to replacement costs, will determine amounts.

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. Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student’s mastery of the instructional materials; therefore, the student and parent should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences. Two state laws, one dealing with compulsory attendance, the other with attendance for course credit, are of special interest to students and parents. [See the following for more information]

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.

School employees must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. A student absent from school without permission from any class; from required special programs, such as additional special instruction (termed "accelerated instruction") assigned by the grade placement committee; or from required tutorials will be considered in violation of the law and subject to disciplinary action.

A school-aged student’s deliberately not attending school may also result in assessment of penalties by a court of law against both the student and his or her parents. A complaint against the parent may be filed in the appropriate court if the student:

To receive credit in a class or grade, a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class or grade is offered. A student who attends fewer than 90 percent of the days the class or grade is offered may be referred to the attendance review committee to determine whether there are extenuating circumstances for the absences and how the student can regain credit.

In determining whether there were extenuating circumstances for the absences, the attendance committee will use the following guidelines:

The parent may appeal the committee’s decision to the District’s Board of Trustees by filing a written request with the Superintendent in accordance with policy FNG.

When a student must be absent from school, the student—upon returning to school—must bring a note, signed by the parent, that describes the reason for the absence

To protect other students from contagious illnesses, students infected with certain diseases are not allowed to come to school while contagious. If a parent suspects that his or her child has a communicable or contagious disease, the parent should contact the school nurse or principal so that other students who might have been exposed to the disease can be alerted.

The school nurse or the principal’s office can provide information from the Texas Department of Health regarding these diseases.

State law requires the District to provide the following information:

Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is most common and the least serious. Bacterial meningitis is the most common form of serious bacterial infection with the potential for serious, long-term complications. It is an uncommon disease, but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death.

Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop over one or two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms.

Children (over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have a severe headache, high temperature, vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness or joint pains, and drowsiness or confusion. In both children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots. These can occur anywhere on the body.

The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory results.

If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete recovery. In some cases it can be fatal or a person may be left with a permanent disability.

Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body. They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing; sharing drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes).

The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of the germ for days, weeks, or even months. The bacteria rarely overcome the body’s immune system and cause meningitis or another serious illness.

Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Limit the number of persons you kiss.

While there are vaccines for some other strains of bacterial meningitis, they are used only in special circumstances. These include when there is a disease outbreak in a community or for people traveling to a country where there is a high risk of getting the disease. Also, a vaccine is recommended by some groups for college students, particularly freshmen living in dorms or residence halls. The vaccine is safe and effective (85–90 percent). It can cause mild side effects, such as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within seven to ten days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to five years.

You should seek prompt medical attention.

Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional health department office are excellent sources for information on all communicable diseases. You may also call your local health department or Regional Texas Department of Health office to ask about meningococcal vaccine. Additional information may also be found at the web sites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/, and the Texas Department of Health, http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/.

The District will make available for public inspection a statement of policy adopted to ensure that students in elementary grades engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day or 135 minutes per week, along with other information. For information regarding the District’s requirements and programs regarding elementary student physical activity requirements, please see the principal.

Information regarding the District’s School Health Advisory Council, including the number of meetings scheduled or held during the year, and information regarding vending machines in District facilities and student access to the machines is available from the principal. [See policies BDF and EHAA for more information]

The District and its staff strictly enforce prohibitions against the use of tobacco products by students and others on school property or at school-sponsored or school-related activities. [See policy GKA and the Student Code of Conduct for more information]

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 whenever the interest of the District is involved, on or off school grounds, in conjunction with or independent of classes and school-sponsored activities. The District has disciplinary authority over a student in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

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.

Corporal punishment—spanking or paddling the student—may be used as a discipline management technique in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and policy FO(LOCAL) in the District’s policy manual.

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 non-student—who:

Students are not permitted to possess such items as cell phones, pagers, radios, CD players, tape recorders, camcorders, DVD players, cameras, or electronic devices or games at school, unless prior permission has been obtained from the principal. Cell phones with cameras are not permitted.

Without such permission, teachers will collect the item and turn it in to the principal’s office. The principal will determine whether to return the item at the end of the day for the student to take home or whether the parent will be contacted to pick up the item. Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. For certain items, such as cell phones and pagers, in which a third party retains a legal right of ownership, an administrative fee may be charged. [See policy FNCE for more information]

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.

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 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, principal, or designee.

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 principal or Superintendent. The allegations will be investigated and addressed. 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 a parent may appeal the decision of the principal regarding the outcome of the investigation in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL). [See also policy FNCL for more information]

Students must not engage in unwanted and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed toward another student or a District employee. This prohibition applies whether the conduct is by word, gesture, or any other sexual conduct, including requests for sexual favors. All 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 will notify the parents of all students involved in sexual harassment by students 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, or with the Title IX coordinator, John Chapman.

The student or parent may appeal the decision regarding the outcome of the investigation in accordance with policy FNCJ(LOCAL).

When law enforcement officers or other lawful authorities wish to question or interview a student at school:

State law requires the District to permit a student to be taken into legal custody:

Before a student is released 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 immediately notify the Superintendent and 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. Because the principal does not have the authority to prevent or delay a custody action, notification will most likely be after the fact.

The District is also required by state law to notify:

Publications prepared by and for the school may be posted or distributed, with prior approval by the principal, sponsor, or teacher. Such items may include school posters, brochures, murals, etc.

The school newspaper and the yearbook are available to students.

All school publications are under the supervision of a teacher, sponsor, and the principal.

Unless a student obtains specific prior approval from the principal, written materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes, posters, or other visual or auditory materials over which the school does not exercise control may not be posted, sold, circulated, or distributed on any school campus. To be considered, any non-school material must include the name of the sponsoring organization or individual. The decision regarding approval will be made in two school days.

The student may appeal the principal’s decision in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL). Any student who posts material without prior approval will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Materials displayed without this approval will be removed.

Written or printed materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, films, tapes, or other visual or auditory materials not sponsored by the District or by a District-affiliated school-support organization will not be sold, circulated, distributed, or posted on any District premises by any District employee or by persons or groups not associated with the District, except as permitted by policy GKDA. To be considered, any non-school material must meet the limitations on content established in the policy, include the name of the sponsoring organization or individual, and be submitted to the principal for specific prior review. The principal will approve or reject the materials within two school days of the time the materials are received. The requestor may appeal a rejection in accordance with the appropriate District complaint policy. [See policies DGBA, FNG, and/or GF for more information]

Prior review will not be required for:

All non-school materials distributed under these circumstances must be removed from District property immediately following the event at which the materials are distributed.

The District’s dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, prevent disruption, and minimize safety hazards. Students and parents may determine a student’s personal dress and grooming standards, provided that they comply with the following:

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:

A fee not to exceed $50 for costs of providing an educational program outside of regular school hours for a student who has lost credit because of absences, and whose parent chooses the program in order for the student to meet the 90 percent attendance requirement. The fee will be charged only if the parent or guardian signs a District-provided request form.

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 principal. [See policy FP for more information]

Student clubs or classes, outside organizations, and/or parent groups occasionally may be permitted to conduct fund-raising drives for approved school purposes. An application for permission must be made to the principal at least 14 days before the event.

Except as approved by the principal, fund-raising by students is not permitted on school property. [See policies FJ and GE for more information]

A student must be fully immunized against certain diseases or must present a certificate or statement that, for medical reasons or reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, the student will not be immunized. For exemptions based on reasons of conscience, only official forms issued by the Texas Department of Health, Immunization Division, can be honored by the District. The immunizations required are: diphtheria, rubeola (measles), rubella, mumps, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type B, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and varicella (chicken pox). 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 Health. Proof of immunization may be personal records from a licensed physician or public health clinic with a signature or rubber-stamp validation.

If a student should not be immunized for medical reasons, the student or parent must present a certificate signed by a U.S. licensed physician stating that, in the doctor’s opinion, the immunization required would be harmful to the health and well-being of the student or any member of the student’s family or household. This certificate must be renewed yearly unless the physician specifies a life-long condition. [See policy FFAB and the Texas Department of Health website at http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/immunize/school_info.htm]

PRAYER

Each student has a right to individually, voluntarily, and silently pray or meditate in school in a manner that does not disrupt instructional or other activities of the school. The school will not require, encourage, or coerce a student to engage in or to refrain from such prayer or meditation during any school activity.

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:

Soon after school opens, parents will have the opportunity to purchase low-cost accident insurance that will help in meeting medical expenses, in the event of injury to their child.

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.

3 short rings leave the building

1 short ring halt; stand at attention

1 long continuous ring return to room

5 short rings move quietly but quickly to designated location

1 long continuous ring return to room

If a student has a medical emergency at school or a school-related activity when the parent cannot be reached, the school will need to have written parental consent to obtain emergency medical treatment, and information about allergies to medications, foods, insect bites, etc. Therefore, parents are asked each year to complete an emergency care consent form. Parents should keep emergency care information up-to-date (name of doctor, emergency phone numbers, allergies, etc.). Please contact the principal’s office to update any information that school personnel need to know.

In the case of inclement weather, Chillicothe I.S.D. will notify the following media outlets for school closings or delays:

KFDX-TV Channel 3 (Wichita Falls)

KSWO-TV Channel 7 (Lawton)

SCHOOL FACILITIES

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.

The following areas are open to students before school beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Unless the teacher or sponsor overseeing the activity gives permission, a student will not be 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.

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. 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 participants established by the sponsor in accordance with Board policy.

The District 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. See the school office to apply.

The District follows the federal and state guidelines regarding foods of minimal nutritional value being served or sold on school premises during the school day. [See policy CO for more information]

The library is a learning laboratory with books, computers, magazines, and other materials available for classroom assignments, projects, and reading or listening pleasure. The library is open for student use during the regular school day.

Students are permitted to meet with non-curriculum-related groups during the hours designated by the principal before and after school. These groups must comply with the requirements found in policy FNAB.

A list of these groups is available in the principal’s office.

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 building principal.

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 will not be tolerated.

Students will be required to pay for damages they cause and will be subject to criminal proceedings as well as disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

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.

Students’ desks and lockers are school property and remain under the control and jurisdiction of the school even when assigned to an individual student.

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.

Trained Dogs

Periodically, drug-detecting dogs will be allowed to search the campus. All items in the school or on school grounds will be subject to search. If you have any questions, please contact the building principal.

[For further information, see policy FNF]

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 makes a written request that the student be released to the parent or to another adult designated by the parent.

The District makes school bus transportation available to all students living two or more miles from school. This service is provided at no cost to students. Bus routes and any subsequent changes are posted at the school. Further information may be obtained by calling the school office.

See the Student Code of Conduct for provisions regarding transportation to the disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP).

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 held to behavioral standards established in this handbook and the Student Code of Conduct. Students must:

When students ride in a District van or passenger car, seat belts must be fastened at all times.

Misconduct will be punished in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct; bus-riding privileges may be suspended.

For safety purposes, video/audio equipment may 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 of the incident leading to the discipline of his or her child may request access in accordance with policy FL.

Parents and others are welcome to visit District schools. For the safety of those within the school and to avoid disruption of instructional time, all visitors must first report to the principal’s office.

Visits to individual classrooms during instructional time are permitted only with approval of the principal and teacher and so long as their duration or frequency does not interfere with the delivery of instruction or disrupt the normal school environment.

All visitors are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of courtesy and conduct; disruptive behavior will not be permit

Chillicothe ISD offers career and technology education programs in Agriculture, Home Economics, and Computer Technology.

It is the policy of Chillicothe ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in its vocational programs, services, or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

Chillicothe ISD will take steps to assure that lack of English language shills will not be a barrier of admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.

For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator and /or Section 504 Coordinator, John Chapman, 1610 6^th St. Chillicothe, Texas 79225, 940-852-5391.

Para informacion en Espanol., communiquese con el Coordinador de Titulo IX en/or Seccion 504, John Chapman, 1610S. 6^th St., Chillicothe, Texas 79225,940-852-5391

My child and I have received a copy of the Chillicothe Elementary School Student Handbook (and the Student Code of Conduct) for 2004–2005. I understand that the 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 disciplinary consequences outlined in the code.

Regarding student records, I understand that the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and state law require that "directory information" on my child be released by the District to anyone who requests it unless I object in writing to the release of any or all of this information. I also understand that to be in compliance with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the District will release to military recruiters and institutions of higher education, upon request, the name, address, and telephone listing of my child, unless I direct the District not to release this information without prior written consent, as indicated below. This objection must be filed with the principal within ten school days of my child’s first day of instruction for this school year.

Directory information includes my child’s:

In exercising my right to limit release of this information, I have marked through the items of directory information listed that I direct the District not to release without my prior written consent.

Print name of student: ______________________________________________________

Signature of student: ______________________________________________________

Signature of parent: _______________________________________________________

Date: ___________________________________________________________________

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