Kaufman High School Student Handbook & Campus Conduct

2012 – 2013

3205 South Houston Street, Kaufman, Texas 75142

Phone: 972.932.2811 Website: www.kaufmanlions.com Fax: 972.932.1948

3205 South Houston Street, Kaufman, Texas 75142

Phone: 972.932.2811 Website: www.kaufmanlions.com Fax: 972.932.1948

Acknowledgment Student Code of Conduct/Student Handbook Acknowledgment

Dear Student and Parent:

As required by state law, the board of trustees has officially adopted the Student Code of Conduct in

order to promote a safe and orderly learning environment for every student.

We urge you to read this publication that includes the 2012-2013 KISD Student Code of Conduct and

the 2012-2013 Student Handbook thoroughly and to discuss it with your family. If you have any

questions about the required conduct and consequences for misconduct, we encourage you to ask for an

explanation from the student’s teacher or campus administrator.

The student and parent should each sign this page in the space provided below, and then return the page

to the student’s school.

Thank you.

Todd Williams, Superintendent

……………………………………………………………………………………………

We acknowledge that we have received a copy of the Kaufman Independent School District’s Student

Handbook and the Student Code of Conduct for 2012-2013. We understand that the handbook contains

information that my child and I may need during the school year and that students will be held

accountable for their behavior and will be subject to the disciplinary consequences outlined in the Code

and the Handbook.

Printed name of student:

Signature of student:

Printed name of parent: ________________________________________

Signature of parent:

Date:

School: _____________________________________________________

Grade level: __________________________

Please sign and date this page, remove it, and return it to the student’s school.

3205 South Houston Street, Kaufman, Texas 75142

Phone: 972.932.2811 Website: www.kaufmanlions.com Fax: 972.932.1948

3205 South Houston Street, Kaufman, Texas 75142

Phone: 972.932.2811 Website: www.kaufmanlions.com Fax: 972.932.1948

STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012 – 2013

KAUFMAN HIGH SCHOOL 3205 SOUTH HOUSTON

KAUFMAN, TX 75142 972.932.2811

Principal Kenny Campbell Assistant Principal (Students M-Z) Stuart Andrus Assistant Principal (Students A-L) Jack Upton Assistant Principal Holly Thomas Counselor (Students A – G) Hope Smith Counselor (Students H – M) DeAnn Smith Counselor (Students N – Z) Joanna Davis Athletic Director Todd York Band Director John Mize Principal’s Secretary Nelda Warnek Assistant Principal’s Secretary Bonita Henson Assistant Principal’s Secretary Jerri Lewis Receptionist Ana Cordero Registrar Wendy Pate Attendance Clerk Marisa Olivarez Campus Nurse Karen Waldman Special Education Coordinator Linda LyBrand Facilities Coordinator Jerry Francis

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Table of Contents

PREFACE ...................................................................................................... 3

NONDISCRIMINATION ................................................................................. 4

CRITICAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS ............................................................... 5

YOUR INVOLVEMENT AS A PARENT .................................................................... 5

DIRECTORY INFORMATION ................................................................................ 6

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES .................................................................................. 7

SAFETY ............................................................................................................ 8

REPORT CARDS, PROGRESS REPORTS, AND CONFERENCES .................................... 8

STUDENT FEES ................................................................................................. 9

STUDENT OR PARENT COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS ........................................... 9

STUDENT RECORDS .......................................................................................... 9

TESTING ........................................................................................................ 10

SURVEILANCE VIDEO OF STUDENTS .................................................................. 11

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL ......................................................................... 11

ACCREDITED SCHOOLS .................................................................................... 12

CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS ........................................................... 12

CLASS RANK / TOP TEN PERCENT ..................................................................... 12

CLASS SCHEDULES .......................................................................................... 15

COMPUTER RESOURCES .................................................................................. 15

COUNSELING ................................................................................................. 15

CREDIT OPTIONS ............................................................................................ 16

DAILY WORK – TESTS – HOMEWORK ................................................................ 17

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS ............................ 18

GRADE CLASSIFICATION .................................................................................. 18

GRADUATION ................................................................................................ 18

SPECIAL PROGRAMS ....................................................................................... 19

OTHER GENERAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS ....................................... 20

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ATTENDANCE ................................................................................................. 20

TARDY POLICY ................................................................................................ 21

EXEMPTION POLICY ........................................................................................ 21

CAMPUS CONDUCT ........................................................................................ 22

DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR DOCUMENTS ................................ 23

DRESS AND GROOMING .................................................................................. 24

STANDARDIZED DRESS CODE ........................................................................... 24

FUND-RAISING ............................................................................................... 26

SCHOOL FACILITIES ......................................................................................... 26

TEXTBOOKS ................................................................................................... 27

VISITS TO THE SCHOOL .................................................................................... 27

HEALTH AND SAFETY ...................................................................................... 27

TRANSPORTATION .......................................................................................... 30

PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE ................................................................................ 32

A MINUTE OF SILENCE .................................................................................... 32

PRAYER ......................................................................................................... 32

BULLYING ...................................................................................................... 32

APPENDIX .................................................................................................. 33

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PREFACE

To Students and Parents: Welcome to school year 2012 - 2013! Teachers and other school staff members want this year to be an especially good one for each child, with many interesting learning experiences. For this to happen, we all have to work together: students, parents, and teachers. This Student Handbook is designed to help us do this. The KHS Student Handbook contains information that you are likely to need during the school year. The handbook is divided into three sections: the first for parents, with information all parents will need about assisting their child and responding to school-related issues; the second for students, to provide information about courses to take, extracurricular and other activities, and the third, general information regarding school operations and requirements. We have attempted to make the language as informal as possible, particularly in the first two sections; however, in parts of the 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. Both students and parents also need to be familiar with the KISD Student Code of Conduct, where you will find the consequences for inappropriate behavior. The Student Code of Conduct is required by state law and is intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning. That document may be found at the back of this handbook and posted in the office. The Student Handbook is designed to be in harmony with Board policy and the Student Code of Conduct that is adopted by the Board. Please be aware that the handbook is updated annually, while policy adoption and revision takes place throughout the calendar 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. 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 at www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/129903.

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NONDISCRIMINATION

KISD 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:

Title IX Coordinator for concerns regarding sex discrimination: Dr. Lori Blaylock 1000 S. Houston Street Kaufman, TX 75142 972-932-2622

Section 504 Coordinator for concerns regarding disability discrimination: Ms. Sherry Kerr Director Special Populations 1000 S. Houston Street Kaufman, TX 75142 972-932-2202

Kaufman ISD offers comprehensive special education services to eligible students ages three through 21 and to children from birth through 21 years who have a hearing or visual impairment. Children from birth to age three with other disabilities will be referred to appropriate agencies for services. A free, appropriate, public education with a full continuum of services is available to eligible children. All referrals are considered confidential, and services are provided at no cost to the family. If you have any further questions about special education in Kaufman, please call the Special Populations office in Kaufman, at 972-932-2202. SCHOOL HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL (SHAC) During the preceding school year, the district’s School Health Advisory Council held four meetings. Additional information regarding the district’s School Health Advisory Council is available from the SHAC Coordinator [See policies at BDF and EHAA.]

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CRITICAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

This section of the KHS Student Handbook is intended to give information on procedures of particular interest to you as a parent. It includes information about working with the school in guiding your child's education, such as: your child's grades and progress reports; records pertaining to your child; conferences with your child's teacher; the District's procedure to follow if you have a concern that is not resolved by a conference; and school events and school-related groups that would welcome your attendance or participation. We strongly recommend that you review the entire handbook with your child and keep it as a reference during this school year. If you or your children have any questions about the material in this handbook, please contact a teacher, the counselor, or the principal. Also, please complete and return the acknowledgment form, so that we have a record of your choices listed there.

YOUR INVOLVEMENT AS A PARENT

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:

Encouraging your child to put a high priority on education and working with your child on a daily basis to make the most of the educational opportunities the school provides.

Becoming familiar with all of your child's school activities and with the academic programs, including special programs, offered in the District.

Discuss with the counselor or principal any questions you may have about the options and opportunities available to your child.

Monitor your child's academic progress and contact teachers as needed. Attending scheduled conferences and requesting additional conferences as needed. To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, counselor, or principal, please call the school office at 972-932-2811 for an appointment. A teacher will usually return your call or meet with you during his or her conference period or at a mutually convenient time before or after school.

Exercising your right to review teaching materials, textbooks, and other aids, and to examine tests that have been administered to your child.

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

Mental and psychological problems potentially embarrassing to the student or family

Sexual behavior and attitudes

Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, and demeaning behavior

Criticism of other individuals with whom the student or the student's family has a close family relationship

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

Income, except when the information will be used to determine the student's eligibility to participate in a special program or to receive financial assistance under such a program.

You will be able to inspect any teaching materials used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation. For further information, see policy EF.

Review your child's student records when needed. You may review: 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 state assessment instruments administered to your child

Granting or denying 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:

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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

Removing your child temporarily from the classroom, if an instructional activity in which your child is scheduled to participate, conflicts with your religious or moral beliefs. The removal cannot be for the purpose of avoiding a test and may not extend for an entire semester. Further, your child must satisfy grade-level and graduation requirements as determined by the school and by the Texas Education Agency.

Become a school volunteer. For further information, see policy GKG and contact the campus principal.

Offer to serve as a parent representative on the District-level or campus-level planning committees assisting in the development of educational goals and plans to improve student achievement. For further information, see policies at BQA and BQB, and contact the campus principal.

Attend Board meetings to learn more about District operations, including the procedure for addressing the Board when appropriate. See policies BE and BED for more information.

DIRECTORY INFORMATION

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

However, release of student’s directory information may be prevented by the parent or an eligible student. This objection must be made in writing to the principal within ten school days of your child’s first day of instruction for this school year. [See the “Notice Regarding Directory Information and Parent’s Response Regarding Release of Student Information”].

Directory Information for School-Sponsored Purposes: This district often needs to use student information for the following school-sponsored purposes: district publications and positive publicity such as yearbook, newsletters, district and campus websites, local newspapers, athletic rosters, etc.

For these specific school-sponsored purposes, the district would like to use your child’s name, photograph, honors and awards received, grade level, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, height and weight (if a member of an athletic team). This information will not be released to the public without the consent of the parent or eligible student.

Unless you object to the use of your child’s information for these limited purposes, the school will not need to ask your permission each time the district wishes to use this information for the school-sponsored purposes listed.

Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education: The district is required by federal law to comply with a request by a military recruiter or an institution of higher education for students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings, unless parents have advised the district not to release their child’s information without prior written consent. A form is included in the KHS student packet for you to complete if you do not want the district to provide this information to military recruiters or institutions of higher education. 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 or superintendent’s office or on the district website at www.kaufmanednet10.net.

The parent’s or eligible students’ right of access to and copies of student records do 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.

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GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

Questioning of Students: When law enforcement officers or other lawful authorities wish to question or interview a student at school: An administrator 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 the parents unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection. The principal ordinarily will be present unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection. The principal will cooperate fully regarding the conditions of the interview, if the questioning or interview is part of a child abuse investigation. 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 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. 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. For further information, see policy GRA. 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 of a student or a student’s property. Such searches are conducted without a warrant and as permitted by board policy. Random weapon searches with use of magnetometers (metal detectors). Electronic equipment (including cell phones) is subject to search. 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 are highly encouraged to keep their locker locked. Searches of desks or lockers may be conducted at any time. The parent will be notified if any prohibited items are found in the student's desk or locker. Students must stay in assigned locker! Any student not following locker procedures are subject to disciplinary action. Vehicles on Campus: It is a privilege to drive a vehicle on to school property, not a right. Vehicles parked or driven on school property are under the jurisdiction of the school. School officials may search any vehicle any time, with or without the presence of the student or the person driving the vehicle. If a vehicle subject to search is locked, the student or person shall be asked to unlock the vehicle. If the student or person refuses, the District shall contact the student’s parents. If the parents also refuse to permit the vehicle to be searched, the District will contact KISD law enforcement officials and turn the matter over to them. FNF (Local) 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. It is important for students who drive vehicles to school to observe the following rules:

Student vehicles must have parking permits. Permits may be purchased at a cost of $20.00

Students parking on KHS parking lot will be drug tested

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Student vehicles must be properly parked in the spaces provided in the student parking lot. Improper parking or no parking permits will result in fines and/or the removal of the vehicle at the owner’s expense. Students are not permitted to park along the covered sidewalk, by the tennis court area, behind the gyms, and field house.

The speed limit on school property is 10 MPH

Students are required to observe this limit

All unlawful materials will be confiscated and appropriate disciplinary steps will be taken in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct manual

Parking permits will not be issued to students who do not have a valid Texas Drivers License and current insurance

Students must park in their assigned parking spaces

Students are not permitted to resell a parking permit

Students will not be allowed to park on KISD property without a permit

No loitering in or around vehicles after arriving on campus

Students must use permit assigned, NO EXCEPTIONS

Parking lot security officer will monitor all traffic and report to office

School officials may search vehicles parked or driven on school property

Students or the occupant of the vehicle shall be responsible for any prohibited items found in their vehicles parked on school property

Drug Detection Dogs: Random searches by drug-sniffing dogs will be conducted.

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

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 to a teacher or the principal safety hazards, such as intruders on campus and threats made by any person toward a student or staff member

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

Use the Crime Stoppers Line, 1-877-847-7522, or www.kaufmancountycrimestoppers.org, to report potentially dangerous or illegal activity.

Accident Insurance: 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. Under state law, the District cannot pay for medical expenses associated with a student's injury. Drills: Fire, Tornado, and 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: In the event of weather related or other school closing emergencies, this information will be broadcast on local radio stations, local television stations and the District web site at www.kaufmanednet10.net.

REPORT CARDS, PROGRESS REPORTS, AND CONFERENCES

At the end of the first three weeks of a grading period, you will be given written notice if your child's performance is a grade of 74 or below. If your child receives a grade lower than 70 in any class or subject during a grading period, you should request a conference with the teacher of that class or subject.

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STUDENT 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 and class supplies

Membership dues in voluntary clubs or student organizations and admission fees to extracurricular activities

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, when the District provides uniforms

Personal apparel used in extracurricular activities that becomes the property of the student

Parking fees, student identification cards and field trips

Fees for lost, damaged, or overdue library books or textbooks

Fees for optional courses offered for credit that requires use of facilities not available on District premises

Summer school for courses that are offered tuition-free during the regular school year

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 might be waived if the student and parent are unable to pay. Application for such a waiver may be made to the attendance committee. For further information, see policy FP

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. In general, you or your child 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. Some complaints require different procedures. Any campus office or the Superintendent's office can provide information regarding specific processes for the following complaints. Additional information can also be found in the designated Board policy, available in the principal's and Superintendent's offices or on the District's Web site at www.TASB.org/policy/pol/private/129903. Topics and policies include:

Identification, evaluation, or educational placement of a student with a disability: policies EHBA and FB

Loss of credit because of nonattendance: policy FDD

Removal of a student by a teacher for disciplinary reasons: policy FOAA and the Student Code of Conduct

Removal of a student to a disciplinary alternative education program: policy FOAB and the Student Code of Conduct

Expulsion of a student: policy FOD and the Student Code of Conduct

Discrimination on the basis of sex: policy FB

Harassment of a student on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or disability: policy FNCL and the Student Code of Conduct

Instructional materials: policy EFA

On-campus distribution of non-school materials to students: policy FMA

Complaints against District peace officers: policy CKE

STUDENT RECORDS

Both federal and state laws safeguard student records from unauthorized inspection or use and provide parents and "eligible" students certain rights. For purposes of student records, an "eligible" student is one who is 18 or older OR who is attending an institution of post secondary education.

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

The student's name, address, telephone number, date, and place of birth

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, most recent school attended and 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 after you have been provided this notice. See the acknowledgment form. Virtually all information pertaining to student performance, including grades, test results, and disciplinary records, is considered confidential educational records and may be released to the parents, whether married, separated, or divorced, who will generally have access to the records. 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. Federal law requires that, as soon as the student becomes eligible, control of the records goes to the student. However, the parents may access the records if the student is a dependent for tax purposes. Access will be given to district staff members who have what federal law defines as a "legitimate educational interest" in a student's record. 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). Access will be granted to various governmental agencies or in response to a subpoena or court order. Upon request, records will be sent to 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 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 or graduated. Records may be reviewed during regular school hours. If circumstances effectively prevent a parent or eligible student from inspecting the records, the District shall 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. The address of the principal's office is 3205 South Houston, Kaufman, TX 75142. A parent (or the student if he or she is 18 or older or is attending an institution of postsecondary education) may review and 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 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, upon written request of the parent, one copy of the record will be provided at no charge. 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 the law regarding student records. The District's complete policy regarding student records is available from the principal's or Superintendent's office. 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 on a student that are shared only with a substitute teacher and records on former students after they are no longer students in the District do not have to be made available to the parents or student.

TESTING

To receive a high school diploma, students must successfully pass exit-level tests.

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The exit level TAKS is given to all 11th grade students, as well as any 11th or 12th grade student who previously was unsuccessful on any portion of the TAKS test. The Texas Education Code sets forth the requirements for the Exit Level test. An individual must meet passing standards on each section of the Exit Level examination in order to be eligible to receive a high school diploma. The law provides that any student not meeting passing standards or minimum standards of the Exit Level TAKS or EOC test may retake those sections for the assessment instrument on which the pupil has not performed satisfactorily.

The Texas Administrative Code states that no Exit Level student is required to take an examination measuring objectives different from those assessed at the time the student was first eligible to take the test. Thus, the TAKS tests continue to be available at the Exit Level for eligible students both in and out of school.

Most colleges require either the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for admission. Students are encouraged to talk with the counselor during their junior year to determine the appropriate exam to take. Entrance exams are usually taken at the end of the junior year. Prior to enrollment in a Texas public college or university, students must take the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) test. Test results will be reported to students and parents. Parents may review any assessment test that has been given to their child. 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.

SURVEILANCE VIDEO 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. Due to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents/guardians are not allowed to view any video imaging.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

A student may be withdrawn from school only by a parent or guardian. A withdrawal form may be obtained by the parent/guardian from the counselor’s office. On the student's last day, the withdrawal form must be presented to Mr. Upton’s office with all books; to each teacher for current grade averages; to the clinic for health records; to the Librarian to assure a clear LRC record; and finally to the counselor’s office for final report card and course clearance. A copy of the withdrawal form will be given to the student and a copy placed in the student's permanent record. A student who is 18 or older, who is married, or who has been declared by a court to be an emancipated minor, may withdraw without parental signature. The district may initiate withdrawal of a student for nonattendance under the following conditions:

The parents of a student who has been absent 10 consecutive school days or class periods in any semester and have made no attempt to contact the school and give adequate cause for that student’s absence

Repeated efforts by the attendance clerk and/or principal to locate the student have been unsuccessful

An 18 year old or older student with five absences in a semester

Important note to seniors: Participating in the graduation ceremony is a privilege and not a right. Senior students should understand that conduct deemed detrimental by school officials could prohibit their participation in senior activities including the graduation ceremony.

CURRICULUM-RELATED INFORMATION

This section of the handbook contains pertinent requirements for academics and activities. Much of this information will also be of interest to your parents and should be reviewed with them, especially if you are entering 9th grade or are a transfer student. The section includes information on graduation programs and requirements; options for earning course credit; extracurricular activities and other school-related organizations; and awards, honors, and scholarships.

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ACCREDITED SCHOOLS

For the purpose of this policy, “accredited” shall be defined as accreditation by TEA, an equivalent agency from another state, or an accrediting association recognized by the commissioner of education.

New resident students entering the District from accredited public, private, or parochial schools after grade 1 shall provide evidence of prior schooling outside the District. They shall be placed initially at the grade level reached elsewhere, pending observation by the classroom teacher, guidance personnel, and the principal. On the basis of these observations and results of tests that may be administered by appropriate District personnel, the principal shall determine the final grade placement. (FDA (Local)) Non- Accredited Schools: Students entering the District from NON-ACCREDITED public, private, or parochial schools, including home school, shall be required to take placement tests. Transfer requests: No nonresident students shall be permitted to attend District schools. Exception: Resident students who become nonresidents during the year shall be permitted to continue in attendance for the remainder of the six-weeks grading period in which they move. Graduating seniors who have been in the District for one or more years may continue in attendance for the remainder of the school year, contingent upon written approval from the principal and Superintendent. Children of nonresident full-time District Employees shall be eligible to attend District schools tuition-free.

CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS

The District offers career and technology programs in Health, Science, Technology, Business, Agriculture, and Family & Consumer Science. KISD will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.

CLASS RANK / TOP TEN PERCENT

Advance Placement Courses: The AP curriculum is strenuous and involves many hours of outside work, sometimes even involving the weekends and the summer. It would be extremely difficult for many honors students who are also involved in extracurricular activities or who have jobs to take the AP strand. An agreement must be signed between parents, teacher, and a counselor in order for the student to take the AP class. If at any time during the 1st 6 weeks, the student feels they would like to switch to the regular strand, they may do so, however, the students grade from the advanced course transfers to the regular strand. Once this change is made, they may not change strands again.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES/DUAL CREDIT WILL CARRY THE FOLLOWING WEIGHT:

100 = 8.0

99 = 7.9

98 = 7.8 ETC

PRE-ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES AND HONORS COURSES WILL CARRY THE FOLLOWING WEIGHT:

100 = 6.0

99 = 5.9

98 = 5.8 ETC

REGULAR COURSES WILL RECEIVE A TOP WEIGHT OF 4.0:

100 = 4.0

99 = 3.9

98 = 3.8 ETC Top 10% and 20% Honor Graduates: Graduates in the top 10% will be considered with “high honors.” Graduates in the top 20% will be recognized as “honor graduates.” Class Rank: Graduating seniors shall be ranked within the graduating class on the basis of weighted grade averages for courses completed in grades 9 – 12. Early Graduates will be ranked in the class in which they graduate. The following lists show the courses that are used to calculate the weighted grade point average and their relative weight in calculation.

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Courses that will count in GPA for the Class of 2013, 2014, and 2015

ENGLISH PRE-AP 1, 2 PHYSICS AP HORTICULTURE

ENGLISH AP 3, 4 ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS BUS INFO MNGT

TVCC ENG 1301/1302 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY HONORS BUSINESS LAW

TVCC ENG 2322/2323 APPLIED SCIENCE PRIN BUS MNGT

ESL READ 1, 2, 3 WORLD GEOGRAPHY ACCOUNTING HONORS

APPLIED ENGLISH WORLD GEOGRAPHY PRE-AP WEB TECHNOLGY

BASIC ENGLISH WORLD HISTORY DIGITAL & MEDIA

COMMUNICATIONS APPLICATIONS WORLD HISTORY AP SPORT MEDIA/TECHNOLOGY

DEBATE US HISTORY PRIN HUMAN SRVC

JOURNALISM US HISTORY AP LIFE NUTRITION WELLNESS

NEWSPAPER HONORS TVCC US HISTORY 1301/1302 INTPERSONAL STUDIES

PHOTOJOURNALISM EUROPEAN HISTORY AP DOLLARS & SENSE

YEARBOOK HONORS GOVERNMENT CHILD DEVELOPMENT

ALGEBRA 1 GOVERNMENT AP CHILD GUIDANCE

GEOMETRY TVCC GOVERNMENT INSTR PRAC EDUCATION

GEOMETRY PRE-AP ECONOMICS FOOD SCIENCE

MATH MODELS ECONOMICS AP FASHION DESIGN

ALGEBRA 2 TVCC ECONOMICS INTERIOR DESIGN

ALGEBRA 2 PRE-A APPLIED HISTORY MANAGEMENT

TVCC MATH 1314/1342 SPORTS MEDICINE MARKETING DYNAMICS

PRE-CALCULUS SPANISH 1 PRNTING & IMAGING

PRE-CALCULS PRE-AP SPANISH 2 LAW ENFORCEMENT

CALCULUS AP SPANISH 2 PRE-AP BAND 1,2,3,4

ADVANCED QUANTITATIVE REASONING SPANISH 3 JAZZ BAND 1,2

APPLIED MATH SPANISH 3 AP JAZZ BAND HONORS 3,4

BASIC MATH ATHLETICS CHOIR 1,2,3,4

IPC CHEERLEADING CHOIR HONORS 2,3,4

BIOLOGY 1 PHYSICAL EDUCATION THEATRE ARTS 1,2,3,4

BIOLOGY PRE-AP PRINCIPLES OF AG FOOD & NATURAL RES PRODUCTION HONORS 1,2,3

BIOLOGY AP AG MECH & METAL TECH THEATRE 1,2

TVCC BIO 1406/1407 AG PROFESS STD ART 1,2

CHEMISTRY AG POWER SYSTEMS ART 2 PRE-AP

CHEMISTRY PRE-AP AG BUS MNG MKT ART AP 3,4

CHEMISTRY AP P&E FLORAL DESIGN DRILL TEAM 1

PHYSICS

Courses that will count in GPA for the Class of 2013, 2014, and 2015

LIBRARY AIDE OFFICE AIDE LIFE SKILLS AIDE

ESL AIDE TEACHER AIDE ATHLETICS AS LOCAL CREDIT

CHEERLEADING AS LOCAL CREDIT DRILL TEAM AS LOCAL CREDIT CREDIT BY EXAM

CORRESPONDENCE CORSES JUNIOR HIGH COURSES

SUMMER SCHOOL COURSES THAT ARE NOT DUAL CREDIT CORE AREA CLASSES

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Courses that will count in GPA for the Class of 2016

ENGLISH 1, 2, 3, 4 APPLIED MATH WORLD HISTORY AP

ENGLISH PRE-AP 1, 2 BASIC MATH US HISTORY

ENGLISH AP 3, 4 IPC US HISTORY AP

TVCC ENG 1301/1302 BIOLOGY TVCC US HISTORY 1301/1302

TVCC ENG 2322/2323 BIOLOGY PRE-AP EUROPEAN HISTORY AP

ESL READ 1, 2, 3 BIOLOGY AP GOVERNMENT

APPLIED ENGLISH TVCC BIO 1406/1407 GOVERNMENT AP

BASIC ENGLISH CHEMISTRY TVCC GOVERNMENT

ALGEBRA 1 CHEMISTRY PRE-AP ECONOMICS

GEOMETRY CHEMISTRY AP ECONOMICS AP

GEOMETRY PRE-AP PHYSICS TVCC ECONOMICS

MATH MODELS PHYSICS PRE-AP APPLIED HISTORY

ALGEBRA 2 PHYSICS AP SPANISH 1

ALGEBRA 2 PRE-A ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS SPANISH 2

TVCC MATH 1314/1342 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY HONORS SPANISH 2 PRE-AP

PRE-CALCULUS APPLIED SCIENCE SPANISH 3

PRE-CALCULS PRE-AP WORLD GEOGRAPHY SPANISH 3 AP

CALCULUS AP WORLD GEOGRAPHY PRE-AP ART AP 3,4

ADVANCED QUANTITATIVE REASONING WORLD HISTORY

Courses that will count in GPA for the Class of 2016

COMMUMICATIONS APPLICATIONS PRIN HUMAN SERV PRODUCTION

DEBATE LIFE NUTRITION WELLNESS TECH THEATER

JOURNALISM INTERPERSONAL STUDIES ART 1,2

NEWSPAPER HONORS DOLLARS & SENSE LIBRARY AIDE

YEARBOOK HONORS CHILD DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AIDE

PHOTOJOURNALISM CHILD GUIDANCE LIFE SKILLS AIDE

PRINCIPALS OF AG FOOD & NATURAL RES INSTR PRAC EDUCATION SPORTS MEDICINE

AG MECH & METAL FOOD SCIENCE DRILLTEAM 1

AG PROFESSIONAL STD FASHION DESIGN ATHLETICS

P & E FLORAL DESIGN INTERIOR DESIGN CHEERLEADING

AG FACILITY DESIGN MANAGEMENT PHYSICAL EDUCATION

HORTICULTURE MARKETING DYNAMICS ESL AIDE

BUS INFO MNGT PRINTING & IMAGING TEACHER AIDE

BUSINESS LAW LAW INFORCEMENT ATHLETICS AS A LOCAL CREDIT

PRIN BUS MNGT BAND CHEERLEADING AS A LOCAL CREDIT

ACCOUNTING HONORS JAZZ BAND DRILL TEAM AS A LOCAL CREDIT

WEB TECHNOLOGY MUSIC HISTORY CREDIT BY EXAM

DIGITAL MEDIA CHOIR CORRESPONDENCE COURSES

SPORTS MEDIA/TECHNOLOGY THEATER ARTS JUNIOR HIGH COURSES

SUMMER SCHOOL COURSES THAT ARE NOT DUAL CREDIT CORE AREA CLASSES

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GPA Information: Definite class ranking information will not be available until the end of the fifth six weeks period of the student’s senior year. If a student needs class ranking information before that time, the information will only be preliminary and is subject to change. No student or parent will be allowed to review class ranking or class grading information for any student other than themselves or their child. The GPA information will be given to the student or parent in writing and will be only a possible ranking for that student. If a student enters KHS with high school credit from junior high, credit will be granted, but not counted toward GPA. Other Scholarships and Grants: Students who have financial need according to federal criteria and who complete the Recommended High School Graduation Program may be eligible under the Texas Grant Program for tuition and fees to Texas public universities, community colleges, and technical schools, as well as to private institutions. For information, see the principal or counselor and see policies at EIC and FJ. Valedictorian and Salutatorian: In addition to meeting the requirements for top 10% graduates, a student must also be full-time as defined by TEA during the senior year to be considered for the honors of valedictorian or salutatorian. Determination of valedictorian and salutatorian graduates shall be made following the fifth six-weeks grading period of the senior year. The grades earned during the sixth six-weeks grading period shall not be used in calculating class rank for senior students. Final six-week grades and semester grades will be documented on the student’s transcript at the end of the senior year. Beginning with the senior class of 2008, to be eligible for valedictory and salutatory honors, a student must be enrolled at Kaufman High School for his or her entire junior and senior years. If the student is enrolled at any alternative education (home school, DAEP, Options Program) or other school district(s) during his or her junior or senior years, he or she shall not be eligible for valedictory and salutatory honors. Early graduates will not be eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian honors.

CLASS SCHEDULES

In the spring, a schedule request will be filled out and processed. There will be no schedule changes during the year except by the counselors, with the principal’s permission.

COMPUTER RESOURCES

To prepare you 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. You and your 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. You and your parents should be aware that electronic communications, e-mail, using District computers are not private and may be monitored by District staff. For additional information, see policy CQ. Inappropriate Use of Technology: Students are prohibited from sending or posting electronic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal. This prohibition applies to conduct off school property if it results in a substantial disruption to the educational environment. Any person taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing obscene, sexually oriented, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or photographs or other content will be disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct and may, in certain circumstances, be reported to law enforcement.

COUNSELING

Academic Counseling: You and your 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 you make the most of academic and vocational opportunities. To plan for your future, including attendance at a college, university, or training school or pursuing some other type of advanced education, you should work closely with the counselor so that you take the high school courses that best prepare you. The counselor can also provide information about entrance examinations and deadlines for application, as well as information about automatic admission to state colleges and universities, financial aid, housing, and scholarships.

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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. If you wish to meet with the counselor, you should set up an appointment. Please note: The school will not conduct a psychological examination, test, or treatment without first obtaining your parent's written consent, unless required by state or federal law for special education purposes. For more information, refer to policy FFE.

CREDIT OPTIONS

College Course Work/Dual Credit Program: Students classified as juniors or seniors may be granted credit for college course(s) taken in approved institutions to fulfill units for high school graduation under the following provisions:

The student makes written request to the principal and Superintendent that credit be given for a college course. The course(s) may be taken concurrently with high school courses or during the summer or evening.

The parent(s) or guardian(s) affirms in writing to the principal and Superintendent that the student has parental permission to take the college course(s).

The student pays all costs associated with taking the college course(s) and provides the District with an official college transcript showing the grade received. The grade must be a minimum of C to qualify for high school credit.

A student must have completed their sophomore year and meet all admission requirements of the college. If a student chooses to take a concurrent college class, they must take this class at TVCC or another approved college. The grades students receive from the college will be the grade documented on their KHS transcript.

Students must understand that if they fail the college course, they also will receive a failing grade at KHS and will not receive credit. Although TVCC and other colleges award credit for a 60 or above, KHS does not. In order for the student to receive KHS credit, they must receive a 70 or higher in a college course.

Students wishing to attend college classes may miss up to three class periods per day. Since seniors are limited to three college classes, this means that all seniors must be enrolled in a minimum of four on campus. Students must show proof of enrollment in these classes. If they drop the college course, they will lose credit and then must enroll in a course at KHS for attendance purposes. This could affect their ability to graduate if this credit is needed. Correspondence Courses: The District permits high school students to take correspondence courses, courses by mail, for credit toward high school graduation. A maximum of two credits may be earned through correspondence courses. The courses must be taken from one of two centers, which offer secondary level correspondence courses that have been approved by the TEA. The two sources of acceptable correspondence courses are:

The Extension Division of the University of Texas

The Extension Division of Texas Tech University

Any other institution of higher learning whose correspondence work has been approved by the Commissioner of Education or his designee. (EEJO(Legal)

Prior to enrollment in correspondence courses, approval must be given by the counselors. Students shall not be awarded credit toward graduation if approval was not granted prior to enrollment. The high school counselor or other principal’s designee shall supervise the correspondence program. Students may be enrolled in only one correspondence course at a time. Grades earned in correspondence courses shall not be used in computing class rankings or GPA. Seniors who are enrolled in correspondence courses to earn units required for graduation shall complete the course and submit the grade for recording prior to the graduation date in order to be eligible for graduation at the end of the term. For further information, see policy EEJC. Credit by Exam – If You Have Taken the Course: A student who has received prior instruction in a course or subject, but did not receive credit for it, may in circumstances determined by the teacher and counselor or principal, be permitted by the District to earn credit by passing an examination on the essential knowledge and skills defined for the course or subject. To receive credit, a student must score at least 70 on the examination. The attendance review

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committee may offer a student with excessive absences an opportunity to receive credit for a course by passing an examination. All exams will be ordered from Texas Tech at the student’s expense. Exams must be ordered six weeks in advance. Credit by Exam – If You Have Not Taken the Course: A student will be permitted to take an examination to earn credit for an academic course for which the student has no prior instruction. See your Counselor for exam dates. The passing score required to earn credit on an examination for acceleration is 90. If you plan to take an examination for acceleration, you (or your parent) must register with the principal no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled testing date. The District will honor a request by a parent to administer a test purchased by the parent from a State Board approved university. For further information, see EEJB. Distance Learning: Courses could possibly be offered depending upon Region 10’s scheduling and availability. Summer School: No more than two credits may be taken during summer school (Exception being a remedial summer school program). All summer courses must be approved in advance. Any coursework taken in the summer without approval may not be accepted. Summer school work is not counted toward a student’s GPA.

DAILY WORK – TESTS – HOMEWORK

Teachers shall use daily work and tests in grades 9 – 12 to evaluate individual student progress in courses of study in the following manner:

Tests given during a six-week period shall count 50% of the six-week grade. A minimum of 10 daily grades and 3 test grades shall be given during each six-week grading period unless approved by a principal. (Projects counted as test grades need principal approval)

Daily work (pop quizzes, themes, notebooks, class participation, and other approved activities) shall count 50% of a six-week grade. Tests given during a six weeks grading period shall count for 50% of a six-week grade.

Semester examinations shall count 1/5 of the student’s semester grade. The six-week grade shall count 4/5 of the student’s semester grade.

Dates for first and second semester exams are given to parents and students at the beginning of the school year. Parents are asked to mark these dates on their calendars and not to plan family activities that would require a student to be absent from these exams, because we cannot change an exam schedule to accommodate individual students. Students who miss a semester exam because of trips, family vacation, or other avoidable absences etc. can expect to be given a zero (0) for the semester exam missed. Students will not be given permission to leave class during semester exam time after they finish taking a semester exam until the scheduled release time for that exam. Parents are asked not to send a note with the students requesting that students be allowed to leave early, because this practice is not permitted. Note: To be eligible for the A Honor Roll the student must make a 90 or above on all first semester final grades. Those grades will be computed with all fourth and fifth six weeks grades to determine A Honor Roll status for the year. Homework: In an attempt to improve the quality of homework and to increase the number of students that are, turning in all of their assigned homework, the following policy regarding homework will be instituted:

Homework must be a meaningful extension of the work being studied in the classroom.

Homework will not be given for punishment.

Guided practice or class work will be started in class with the teacher helping the students as needed. Work not finished during the class period will become homework for the students, and the teacher will specify the due date. Make-Up Work: Make-up assignments or tests shall be made available to students after any absence. If the absence is unexcused, the highest grade the student can make on the assignment or test is a “70.” The student shall be responsible for finding out about the assignments and for satisfactorily making up the work within the allotted time.

Immediately upon return to school, the student should contact his or her teacher(s) for detailed assignments covering the work missed and arrange to complete such work promptly. Credit may be received if the rule below is followed: Number of days absent + one full day = Due date

In the event of extenuating circumstances, a written extension of time in which to make up work may be approved by the campus principal. (FDD (Local))

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Late Work: Late work by definition is work turned in late for reasons other than absence. Work turned in one day late shall result in a grade of 70. Work turned in more than one day late shall be left to teacher discretion. Long Term Projects: A long-term project with a previously established due date does not fall under the late work or make-up work policies. If a student is absent on the due date of the long-term project, the project is due the date the student returns.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS

Participation in school and school-related activities is an excellent way for you to develop talents, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships with other students; however, participation is a privilege. State laws as well as rules of the University Interscholastic League (UIL), a statewide association of participating districts, govern eligibility for participation in many of these activities. A student who receives at the end of a grading period a grade below 70 in any academic class other than a class identified as 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 individual education plan (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 10 absences for 1 extracurricular activity and 12 absences for multiple activities 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, cheer, choir, drill 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. For further information, see policy FM and FO. Elected student positions: To be eligible for any elected position including but not limited to (class officers, student council, homecoming court, etc.) students must be academically eligible prior to and during the nomination and election process. Students may not have received a discipline referral resulting in a day of PASS, suspension or DAEP Placement prior to or during the process. National honor society: The Kaufman High School Chapter of National Honor Society is a service organization that has members selected on the four standards of membership. Basic requirements for membership are students must be sophomores or juniors, have a 3.8 cumulative GPA, and meet the other standards of leadership, character, and service. The selection process is initiated during the spring semester each school year. Criteria for membership, selection of members, obligations of members, activities, disciplinary and dismissal of members, and other issues are outlined in the national constitution and the KHS NHS by-laws. The national constitution can be found at www.nhs.us/constitutions. Please contact NHS sponsors Ms. Patti Fay, pfay@kaufmanisd.net, or Mr. Enrique Elias, eelias@kaufmanisd.net, at Kaufman High School with questions.

GRADE CLASSIFICATION

After the ninth grade, students are classified according to the number of credits earned toward graduation. Credits Earned Grade Placement 6 10 12 11 19 12

GRADUATION

Requirements for a Diploma: To receive a high school diploma from the District, you must successfully complete the required number of credits and pass a statewide exit-level examination. Note: Seniors who are expelled or placed in DAEP and have not returned by May 1st, will not be allowed to participate in senior activities, including commencement exercises.

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Early Graduation: Students requesting early graduation must be classified as a junior to apply. They must apply through the counselor’s office by the last school day in September of the school year of planned early graduation. Applicants should obtain credit verification with a counselor to formalize the student’s plan for early graduation, which requires parent as well as principal approval. Students meeting graduation requirements before the scheduled graduation ceremonies may participate in the ceremonies. Students scheduled to complete credits during the summer after graduation shall not participate in ceremonies and activities. Diplomas will be picked up upon verification of completed courses. Graduation Programs: KISD offers the following graduation programs. The counselor can help you decide which program is best for you:

Minimum

Recommended

Distinguished Achievement IMPORTANT: All students entering grade 9 are required to enroll in the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program. Permission to enroll in the Minimum Graduation Program will be granted only as described in the exception below.

Permission to complete the minimum graduation plan will be granted only if an agreement is reached with the student, the student’s parent or guardian, the counselor and appropriate administrator.

For more information, see the KHS Course Guide. Graduation Expenses: Because you and your child will incur expenses in order to participate in the traditions of graduation, such as the purchase of invitations, senior ring, cap and gown, and senior picture, you and your child should monitor his or her progress toward completion of all requirements for graduation. The expenses often are incurred in the junior year or first semester of the senior year. Certificates of Coursework Completion: A certificate of coursework completion will not be issued to a senior student who successfully completes state and local credit requirements for graduation, but fails to perform satisfactorily on the exit-level or end-of-course examinations. Students with Disabilities: 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).

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

The District provides special programs for gifted and talented 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 Ms. Sherry Kerr.

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

If a child is experiencing learning difficulties, the parent may contact the person listed below to learn about the district’s overall general education referral or screening system for support services. This system links students to a variety of support options, including referral for a special education evaluation. Students having difficulty in the regular classroom should be considered for tutorial, compensatory, and other support services that are available to all students.

At any time, a parent is entitled to request an evaluation for special education services. Within a reasonable amount of time, the district must decide if the evaluation is needed. If evaluation is needed, the parent will be notified and asked to provide consent for the evaluation. The district must complete the evaluation and the report within 60 calendar days of the date the district receives the written consent. The district must give a copy of the report to the parent.

If the district determines that the evaluation is not needed, the district will provide the parent with a written notice that explains why the child will not be evaluated. This written notice will include a statement that informs the parent of their rights if they disagree with the district. Additionally, the notice must inform the parent how to obtain a copy

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of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards - Rights of Parents of Students with Disabilities. The designated person to contact regarding options for a child experiencing learning difficulties or a referral for evaluation for special education is Ms. Sherry Kerr 972-932-2202.

OTHER GENERAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS

Topics in this section, while students and parents may not need them as frequently, contain important information regarding school operations and requirements. Included are provisions such as health and safety issues, various aspects of attendance, the school's expectations for student conduct, textbooks, and cafeteria, LRC, and transportation services. For additional information or questions you may have, please see the principal.

ATTENDANCE

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.

The state compulsory attendance law requires that: A student between the ages of 6 and 18 must attend school unless the student is otherwise legally exempt or excused. If a student age 12 through 17 violates the compulsory attendance law, both the parent and student can be charged with a criminal offense. A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his or her eighteenth birthday is required to attend each school day until the end of the school year. However, if a student 18 or older has more than five absences in a semester, the District may revoke the student's enrollment. The student's presence on school property is then unauthorized and may be considered trespassing.

The District shall notify a student’s parent in writing at the beginning of the school year that, if the student is absent from school for ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year or for three or more days or parts of days with a four-week period, the student’s parent is subject to prosecution under Ed. Code 25.093, and the student is subject to prosecution under Ed. Code 25.094.

The District shall notify a student’s parent if the student has been absent from school, without excuse under Ed. Code 25.087, for three days or parts of days within a four-week period. The notice must:

o Inform the parent that it is the parent’s duty to monitor the student’s school attendance and require the student to attend school and the parent is subject to prosecution under Ed. Code 25.093 and request a conference between school officials and the parent to discuss the absences.

o The fact that a parent did not receive the notice described above is not a defense to avoid prosecution for the parent’s failure to require a child to attend school; nor for the student’s failure to attend school.

If a student has established a questionable pattern of absences, the principal or attendance committee may require that the student present a physician’s or clinic’s statement of illness after a single day’s absence as a condition of classifying the absence as one for which there were extinuating circumstances.

State law and Board policy permit certain absences, including: An extracurricular activity or public performance, approved by the District's Board of Trustees. To observe a religious holy day, obtain citizenship, or serve as an election clerk, including travel for that purpose. A documented health care appointment as long as the student begins classes or returns to school on the same day as the appointment. A temporary absence incurred as a result from any cause acceptable to the teacher, principal, or Superintendent. An absence incurred due to visit to a college campus. Junior’s are allowed one day and Senior’s two days. College days will not count against Juniors or Seniors for exemption purposes. All college visits must be approved by a principal at least 2 weeks in advance.

To receive credit in a class, a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered. A student who attends fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered may be referred to the attendance review committee to determine whether the absences can be excused or how the student can regain credit. If credit is lost, the attendance committee will decide how the student may regain credit. The student or parent may appeal the committee's decision to the District's Board of Trustees by filing a written request with the Superintendent. 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. When a student is absent from school for any period of the day, the student, upon returning to school, must bring a doctor’s note or a note signed by the parent that describes the reason for the

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absence. Upon return to school, a student absent for more than five consecutive days because of a personal illness must bring a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student’s extended absence from school. [See FEC (LOCAL).] Notes will not be accepted after a period of five days. A note signed by the student, even with the parent's permission, will not be accepted unless the student is 18 or older. 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. Because class time is important, doctor's appointments should be scheduled, if possible, at times when the student will not miss instructional time.

TARDY POLICY

Students are expected to be in their classrooms when the tardy bell rings. Please read carefully the following tardy policy:

The tardy bell will sound after five (5) minutes

Teachers lock the classroom doors immediately when the tardy bell sounds

Each teacher will report tardy students via attendance software

A student who is tardy to class by more than fifteen (15) minutes will be counted absent for that period

LCU=Lunch Clean Up ASD=After School Detention SDH=Saturday Detention Hall

The penalties for tardies are as follows:

Students will get two free tardies for each semester

On their 3rd, 4th tardy, students will be assigned (2) LCU

On their 5th, 6th, 7th tardy, students will be assigned (1) ASD

On their 8th, 9th, 10th tardy, students will be assigned (2) ASD or (1) SDH

On their 11th, 12th, tardy, students will be assigned (2) SDH

On their 12th tardy, students will be considered for DAEP

A missed ASD will result in (1) SDH

EXEMPTION POLICY

Students may be rewarded with exemptions from semester exams if the following criteria are met:

Students must be passing the class for the third or sixth six-weeks and semester and be clear of textbooks, LRC fines and any financial obligations to be exempt

Student must not have been suspended, i.e., (ISS/OSS or DAEP), during the semester

Student may have no more than three absences in the class (In regards to absences, all absences count, doctor appointments, funeral attendance, court appearances, family illnesses, accidents, etc.)

The Principal may add additional exemptions at his discretion and is the final authority Driver License Attendance Verification: To obtain a driver license, a student between the ages of 16 and 18 must annually provide to the Texas Department of Public Safety a form obtained from the school verifying that the student has met the 90 percent attendance requirement for the semester preceding the date of application. The student can obtain this form at the campus assistant principal’s office. Release of Students from School: 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. If a student leaves early for any reason, they MUST sign out with Mrs. Cordero or Mrs. Lewis. 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. The note must contain a telephone number where a parent can be reached that day. If a school official is unable to talk to someone personally, the student will not be allowed to leave. A student who becomes ill during the school day should, with the teacher's permission, report to the school nurse. The nurse will decide whether or not the student should be sent home and will notify the student's parent.

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Closed Campus: Kaufman High School is a “closed campus.” Students are to remain on campus once they arrive. Students who arrive at school must come immediately to the rear of the main building or cafetorium. Students are not allowed in the main building or gym areas until 7:50 am. Students attending KHS shall not be allowed to leave campus during the lunch period unless a parent or guardian checks them out. (For that lunch period only) If a student forgets to bring his/her lunch, parents are welcome to bring the student money or a lunch from home if they choose.

CAMPUS CONDUCT

In order for students to take advantage of available learning opportunities and to be productive members of our campus community, each student is expected to:

Demonstrate courtesy, even when others do not

Behave in a responsible manner, always exercising self-discipline

Attend all classes, regularly and on time

Prepare for each class; take appropriate materials and assignments to class

Meet District or campus standards of grooming and dress

Obey all campus and classroom rules

Respect the rights and privileges of other students, teachers, and other District staff

Respect the property of others, including District property and facilities

Cooperate with or assist the school staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline

Avoid violations of the Student Code of Conduct Applicability of School Rules and Discipline: To achieve the best possible learning environment for all our students, KISD rules and discipline 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:

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 school-related misconduct, regardless of time or location

This includes 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

Anyone who leaves a school social event before the official end of the event will not be readmitted

When retaliation against a school employee or volunteer occurs or is threatened, regardless of time or location

When a student commits a felony, as described by Texas Education Code 37.006

When criminal mischief is committed on or off school property or at a school-related event For information, regarding Searches of Student Lockers and Vehicles brought onto school property. 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.

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 non-student, who:

Interferes with the movement of people in an exit, 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

Interferes with the movement of people at an exit or an entrance to District property

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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 away 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

Harassment/Bullying: The District will not tolerate harassment or bullying. 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. A substantiated complaint against a student will result in appropriate disciplinary action, according to the nature of the offense and the Student Code of Conduct. The District encourages parental and student support in its efforts to address and prevent harassment and bullying 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, or Assistant Superintendent.

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. 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 Assistant Superintendent. The allegations will be investigated and addressed. 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. Sexual Harassment / Sexual Abuse: 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 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 or with the Title IX coordinator, Assistant Superintendent. The student or parent may appeal the decision regarding the outcome of the investigation in accordance with policy FNCJ (LOCAL).

DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR DOCUMENTS

School Materials: 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. All school publications are under the supervision of a teacher, sponsor, and the principal. Non-school Materials: Unless a student (or a non-student) obtains specific prior approval from the principal, 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. If the material is not approved within two school days of the time it was submitted to the principal, it should be considered disapproved. Disapprovals may be appealed by submitting the disapproved material to the Superintendent. Material not approved by the Superintendent 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 in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Materials displayed without this approval will be removed.

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DRESS AND GROOMING

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 they comply with the District’s standards. The District prohibits pictures, emblems, or writings on clothing and/or jewelry that are lewd, offensive, vulgar, obscene, or that advertise or depict tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other substance prohibited under policy FNCF (L). Any clothing or grooming that may be expected to cause disruption of or interference with school operations may be deemed inappropriate by the principal. The following shall apply:

STANDARDIZED DRESS CODE

Tops/Shirts

Solid color, polo, full button or crew neck t-shirt (short or long sleeve only) with no logos larger than 1 ½” x 1 ½”

All buttons must be buttoned except the top two buttons

Shirts must be long enough to cover the stomach and back when arms are raised and stay tucked into the pants when seated

Shirts must be tucked in so that the belt shows completely around the body

Shirts must be appropriately sized in the shoulders, sleeves, and length

Sweatshirts, turtlenecks, and sweaters may be worn if a solid color with no logos larger than 1 ½ “x 1 ½ “

Appropriate dress code shirts must be worn under sweatshirts and sweaters if they are removed

Layering is acceptable, but undershirts must be of a solid color that is a contrasting color to the color of the shirt. All layers must be in dress code.

Bottoms/Slacks, Pants, Shorts

Solid color – pleated or flat “Docker” style slacks or pants (navy, beige, brown, blue denim, white)

Solid color – knee length walking shorts

Pants/Shorts with designated belt loops must be belted and fastened at the waist

Pants/Shorts will be worn at the waistline at all times (no sagging)

Pants/Shorts shall be worn at the proper length and hemmed at all times

(no “ragging,” “holes” or “tears”) Not Permitted

Hip-hugger, skinny, form fitting, low rise, sagging, baggy legged slacks,jeans,bell-bottomed pants wider than shoes and/or oversized clothing are not allowed

Wind shorts/pants, athletic shorts/pants are not allowed except as directed by the building principal Dress & Jumpers (girls only)

Jumpers and skirts may be worn with an appropriate top

Solid color (navy, beige, black, brown, blue denim, white)

Skirts that require belts; belts will be worn and shirts tucked in

Jumpers, dresses, and skirts must be at or below the knee in length

Jumpers, dresses, and skirts must be of solid color

Kick-pleats or slits must be hemmed at or below the bend of the knee Belts

Belts must be fastened and worn in the appropriate manner at all times

Buckles shall be no larger than a credit card Footwear

Matching footwear must be worn at all times

All shoes must be buckled or tied appropriately

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Not Permitted

House shoes, or para-military type boots

No rollers or wheels of any kind on shoes Socks, Leggings, Tights

Leggings/Tights must be of a single color

Socks must match Headwear

Student shall not wear hats, caps, sweatbands, headbands, or other head coverings inside the building Outerwear

Outerwear, coats, jackets, sweatshirts/hoodies, fleece shirts, vest, and windbreakers must be appropriate for school

Kaufman/College spirit wear is permitted

Trench coats and dusters are not permitted

Coats/outerwear must be appropriately sized in length, shoulders, and sleeves and must be worn in accordance with appropriate weather conditions.

Other Dress Code Guidelines

Leather, suede, or vinyl materials are not allowed for any clothing other than outerwear

Clothing may not be more than one size larger than the student’s measurements; nor may the garment(s) be too tight

Clothing items cannot be worn in any way that reflects gang affiliation, conceal contraband, or creates a distraction.

Sufficient underclothing is required

All clothing must be clean and free from holes or tears

Accredited Jr. College and University t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, polo shirts and jackets are acceptable

Any top worn with leggings must be an appropriate length.

Students requiring an alternate dress code for medical reasons must see an administrator Hair (Boys and Girls)

All students must keep their hair clean, well groomed, and worn in good taste

Students may not have a hair color that is not a natural color

Notches in eyebrows are prohibited

Students may not wear cut designs in their hair

Rat-tails are not acceptable for any student

No hairstyles that are disruptive (e.g., Spikes, Mohawks) (Boys)

Boy's hair shall not extend over their eyebrows, beyond the bottom of the shirt collars, and past the bottom of the ear lobe

Sideburns shall not extend below the bottom of the ear lobe

Ponytails are not acceptable for boys

Mustaches are permitted, but must not extend below the top of the top lip, or the corner of the mouth. Waxed handlebar mustaches are not allowed. Mustaches must be kept clean and trimmed.

Beards and goatees are prohibited

Curlers, rolled hair, scarves, or other head coverings are prohibited

Afro or naturally curly hairstyles may not exceed 1 1/2 inches in length

No beads or rubber bands will be allowed in boy's hair Jewelry & Other Accessories:

Excessive make-up and/or jewelry are prohibited

All tattoos must be covered and hidden from view (fake or ink drawn included)

Jewelry which is used in conjunction with body piercing (e.g. nose rings, barbells, or tongue studs) is prohibited

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No heavy or spiked jewelry, belts, dog collars, heavy chains, spiked bracelets, or teeth grills

Boys may not wear earrings, spacers, make-up, or nail polish

Band-aids worn over earrings are not acceptable

Students are not to wear sunshades or sunglasses in school unless they provide a note from their doctor stating the need to do so

No chains (log chains, dog chains, wallet chains, etc.), cords, ropes, or beads

Ties may be worn with appropriate attire only

Gauges and spacers are not acceptable for boys or girls

Any “I LOVE BOOBIES” accessories are prohibited Extracurricular Dress Code

With respect to any extracurricular activities, the Administrator, in conjunction with the sponsor, coach or other person in charge of such activity, may regulate the dress and grooming of participating students

Such regulation may include denying the student permission to participate in the extracurricular activity or to go on extracurricular trips

Non-Standardized Dress Days: Administrator(s) shall have the authority to waive the wearing of the student standardized dress or alternative/interim student dress code for certain days, parts of days, special events or special activities. Students who choose not to participate in the special days are expected to wear clothing within the standardized dress code. Compliance: Any student who attends school in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary steps as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Final Authority: Administrators have complete and final judgment on all matters concerning interpretation of the dress code. Matters concerning appearance and dress not specifically covered in policy shall be within the discretion of the administration.

FUND-RAISING

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 7 days before the event. Except as approved by the Principal, fund-raising by non-school organizations is not permitted on school property. For further information, see policies FJ and GE.

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. The cafetorium will be opened at 7:30 am for students who arrive early. 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 or coach, students must leave campus immediately. Tutorials are offered each Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday after school. Conduct on Campus: 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 established by the sponsor in accordance with Board policy. Loitering or standing in the halls between classes is not permitted. 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. Cafeteria Services: 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 a school counselor to apply.

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LRC: The LRC is a learning laboratory with books, computers, magazines, and other materials available for classroom assignments, projects, and reading or listening pleasure. The LRC is open for student use during the following times with a teacher permit:

Mondays and Wednesdays 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM

The LRC computers are for educational purposes only Meetings of Non-curriculum-Related Groups: 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 FNA. Pest Control Information: The District periodically applies pesticides inside buildings. Except in an emergency, signs will be posted 48 hours before application. All persons applying pesticides at this school are required to receive special training in pesticide application and pest control. In addition, this school has a policy that requires use of non-chemical pest control tactics whenever it is possible that pesticides may periodically be applied. Parents who want to be notified prior to pesticide application inside their children's school assignment area may call 972-932-5615. Asbestos: Copies of the District Asbestos Management Plan can be found at each campus. Federal AHERA Regulations: KISD is working hard to maintain compliance with the federal AHERA regulations. The District is currently in the process of inspecting and updating the management plans for each school campus as required. Should you desire to review the management plan for KHS, a copy of the plan is available in the principal’s office. If you have any questions about the plan or this federally mandated program, you may call 972-932-5615. 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 criminal proceedings as well as disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

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. Textbook Guidelines: Students are responsible for any and all textbooks issued to them by the school. In accordance with TEC12.54.C, a student forfeits the right to free textbooks from this day forward if the student damages or is unable to account for all textbooks issued unless restitution is made. The student is charged with the responsibility of keeping textbooks covered at all times, and protecting their books from loss or theft. Give your teacher a list of all damages including marks, highlighting, water damage, lipstick, crayon, or other coloring, etc. Failure to list any and all existing damage will result in student being held financially responsible.

VISITS TO THE SCHOOL

Parents and guardians 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 or lunches are permitted only with prior 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. Since visitors may serve as role models to students, all visitors must adhere to the highest standards of courtesy and conduct.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Child Sexual Abuse: As a parent, it is important for you to be aware of warning signs that could indicate a child may have been or is being sexually abused. Sexual abuse in the Texas Family Code is defined as any sexual conduct harmful to a child’s mental, emotional, or physical welfare as well as a failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent

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sexual conduct with a child. Anyone who suspects that a child has been or may be abused or neglected has a legal responsibility, under state law, for reporting the suspected abuse or neglect to law enforcement or to Child Protective Services (CPS).

Possible physical warning signs of sexual abuse could be difficulty sitting or walking, pain in the genital areas, and claims of stomachaches and headaches. Behavioral indicators may include verbal references or pretend games of sexual activity between adults and children, fear of being alone with adults of a particular gender, or sexually suggestive behavior. Emotional warning signs to be aware of include withdrawal, depression, sleeping and eating disorders, and problems in school.

A child who has experienced sexual abuse should be encouraged to seek out a trusted adult. Be aware as a parent or other trusted adult that disclosures of sexual abuse may be more indirect than disclosures of physical abuse, and it is important to be calm and comforting if your child, or another child, confides in you. Reassure the child that he or she did the right thing by telling you.

As a parent, if your child is a victim of sexual abuse, the campus counselor or principal will provide information regarding counseling options for you and your child available in your area. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) also manages early intervention counseling programs. To find out what services may be available in your county, see dfps.state.tx.us/Prevention_and_Early_Intervention/Programs_Available_In_Your_ County/ Emergency Medical Treatment and Information: 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, 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 school nurse to update any information. Communicable Diseases / Conditions: To protect other students from contagious illnesses, students infected with certain diseases are not allowed to come to school while contagious. Parents of a student with a communicable or contagious disease should phone the school nurse or principal so that other students who might have been exposed to the disease can be alerted. Further information may be found at policy FFAD. Diabetes Management and Treatment Plan: In accordance with the 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. Immunizations: A student must be fully immunized against certain diseases or must present a certificate or statement that, for medical or religious reasons, the student will not be immunized. The immunizations required are diphtheria, rubeola (measles), rubella, mumps, tetanus, Haemophilus influenza 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's religious beliefs conflict with the requirement that the student be immunized, the student must present a statement signed by the student (or by the parent, if the student is a minor) stating that immunization conflicts with the beliefs and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination of which the student is an adherent or member. This statement must be renewed yearly. 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. Texas Administrative Code 25 97.67-77 states that children must be administered immunizations in accordance with the law in order to attend school. If your child's shot record is not in compliance with the law and is not brought up to date in a specified time frame your child will not be allowed to attend school. These absences will be unexcused. For further information, see policy FFAB. Medicine at School: A student who must take prescription medicine or over the counter medication during the school day must bring a written request from his or her parent, and the medicine in its original, properly labeled

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container, to the school nurse. The nurse will either give the medicine at the proper times or give the student permission to take the medication as directed. Students with medical needs should report their needs to the school nurse in case of emergency. For further information, see policy FFAC.

A student with asthma or severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) 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 health care provider and to the school nurse the ability to use the prescribed medication, including any device required to administer the 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.

Bacterial Meningitis: State law requires the District to provide the following information: What is Meningitis? Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. Viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria can cause it. Viral meningitis is most common and the least serious. Bacterial meningitis is the most common form of serious bacterial infection with the potential for serious, long-term complications. It is an uncommon disease, but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death. What are the symptoms? Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop over one or two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms. Children (over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have a severe headache, high temperature, vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness or joint pains, and drowsiness or confusion. In both children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots. These can occur anywhere on the body. The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory results. How serious is bacterial meningitis? If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete recovery. In some cases, it can be fatal or a person may be left with a permanent disability. How is bacterial meningitis spread? Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis is as contagious as diseases like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body. They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, sharing drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes). The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of the germ for days, weeks, or even months. The bacteria rarely overcome the body’s immune system and cause meningitis or another serious illness. How can bacterial meningitis be prevented? Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Limit the number of persons you kiss. While there are vaccines for some other strains of bacterial meningitis, they are used only in special circumstances. These include when there is a disease outbreak in a community or for people traveling to a country where there is a high risk of getting the disease. Also, a vaccine is recommended by some groups for college students, particularly freshmen living in dorms or residence halls. The vaccine is safe and effective (85 – 90 percent). It can cause mild side effects, such as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within seven to ten days after vaccine is given and last for up to five years. What should you do if you think you or a friend might have bacterial meningitis? You should seek prompt medical attention. Where can you get more information? Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional health department office are excellent sources for information on all communicable diseases. You may also call your local health department or Regional 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. Further information may be found at policy FFAD. Steroids: Parents and students should be aware that state law prohibits students from possessing, dispensing, delivering, or administrating an anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroids are for medical use only, and only a physician can prescribe use. Under state law, bodybuilding, muscle enhancement, or the increase of muscle bulk or strength

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through the use of an anabolic steroid or human growth hormone by a healthy student is not a valid medical use and is a criminal offense. Students involved in such activity as mentioned above will be subject to disciplinary action. Food Allergies: The district has developed and annually reviews a food allergy manamgement plan, which addresses employee training, dealing with common food allergens, and specific strategies for dealing with students diagnosed with sever food allergies. When the district receives information that a student has a food allergy that puts the student at risk for anaphylaxis, individual care plans will be developed to assist the student in safely accessing the school environment. The distict’s food allergy management plan can be accessed at the KISD website. Also see policy FFAF. Unsafe Schools: To request a transfer of your child to attend a safe public school in the District if your child attends school at a campus identified by TEA as persistently dangerous or if your child was a victim of a violate criminal offense while in school or on school grounds, see the campus Principal. Fitnessgram Testing: All students will be given a fitness test once per semester or as mandated by TEA.

TRANSPORTATION

Contact Information: Transportation Department 5026 CR 151 Kaufman, TX 75142 Office: (972) 932-6555 Fax: (972) 932-5678

General Information:

The State of Texas does not mandate transportation service.

Bus transportation is a service that Kaufman I.S.D. offers to eligible students residing in the district.

Riding the bus is a privilege, not a right!

To register your child, contact the student’s campus by phone or in person.

In order to remain eligible, students must follow ALL rules.

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide transportation for any student not eligible to ride the school bus.

It is the responsibility of the parent to provide transportation to school if a child misses the bus.

All students will be expected to ride the bus to which they are assigned.

Should a student need to ride a different bus or get off at a different stop, the student must present a note that is signed by the parent to the school office so that the office can notify the transportation department.

Each school bus is equipped with camera(s). This camera(s) will record all students riding the school bus. These recordings are used to insure the safety and well being of each bus rider.

Due to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents/guardians are not allowed to view these video.

Conduct on the Bus: The school bus is an extension of the classroom. Students are expected to follow the policies and procedures outlined in the Student Handbook. Students are required to follow all safety rules on the bus: (Including but not limited to)

Remain seated in your seat while the bus is moving. Do not move around the bus without permission.

Students must sit in their assigned seat.

Do not distract the driver while he is driving.

Keep the aisle completely clear at all times.

No screaming, yelling, or horseplay of any kind allowed on the bus.

No pens, pencils or paper are allowed out on the bus. Homework is to be done at home.

No food or drinks are allowed on the bus except for bottled water.

No cell phones are allowed out on the bus and will be taken up if they are out. Students will be

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required to pay a fine to have the phone returned.

Follow all instructions and cooperate with the driver and/or monitor. Discipline

1st Discipline Referral Verbal warning by Transportation Administration.

2nd Discipline Referral Suspension of bus riding privileges for 3 school days.

3rd Discipline Referral Suspension of bus riding privileges for 5 school days.

4th Discipline Referral Suspension of bus riding privileges for 10 school days.

5th Discipline Referral Suspension of bus riding privileges for 30 school days.

6th Discipline Referral Suspension of bus privileges for remainder of the school year.

*Prior to a discipline referral, a student may receive written/verbal warning(s) from the driver. Note: Severe misbehavior (i.e. vandalism, physical/verbal assault, possession of tobacco or weapons, and sexual harassment) may result in immediate removal of bus riding privileges. Bus Safety Class Information: Bus Safety Class is a class that is offered to students who have been suspended from riding the bus for at least 10 school days. The class will only be offered after having served at least 5 days off the bus. By attending the class, with a parent or guardian, a student may begin riding the bus immediately upon successful completion of the class. Bus Safety Class is offered, as needed, once a month. The class lasts about 2 hours. Instruction consists of video and class discussion. Unless otherwise specified, the class is held in the Transportation Office, which is located in the KISD Service Center. Once a student receives permission to attend the class (determined on a case-by-case basis by Transportation Administration), a parent or guardian needs to call the Transportation Office the day before the student is to attend the class at (972) 932-6555.

Anyone can request a Bus Safety Class by contacting the Transportation Office.

Bus Safety Class may not be offered to students who are suspended from riding the bus due to severe misbehavior, including but not limited to, vandalism, physical/verbal threats, or physical/verbal assault. Conferencing with Bus Drivers: If it becomes necessary to talk with a driver, please remember:

The bus driver is a trained professional who has the safety of ALL students in mind.

The bus driver will not be able to stay and talk while students are on the bus.

It is illegal to get on the bus to confront a driver. (intentionally or unintentionally)

Transportation Administration can be reached at (972) 932-6555 to handle any complaints or schedule a meeting with a driver.

Waiting for the Bus:

The Student Code of Conduct does apply at the bus stop.

Be at your bus stop before scheduled pick-up time. The driver will not wait or honk.

Stand on the sidewalk or back from the roadway while waiting for the bus.

Stand clear of the bus until it comes to a complete stop.

When the bus approaches, prepare to load immediately. Boarding the Bus:

Do not push, shove, or crowd in any way.

Use the handrail and steps.

Go directly to your seat. Departing the Bus:

Stay seated until the bus completely stops.

Do not push, shove, or crowd in any way.

Use the handrail and steps.

After exiting the bus, walk away; do not stand next to, or walk toward the bus.

Do not go to the mailbox until the bus has left the area.

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If any article drops, rolls near or under the bus, do not go after it. Go to the door of the bus and ask the driver for help.

Crossing in Front of the Bus:

Students will not be allowed to cross a farm-to-market road or state highway under any circumstances.

Students are expected to look at the driver AND check both directions before crossing the street in FRONT of the bus.

CAUTION! The student must be alert for vehicles that do not stop when the bus is loading or unloading.

Crossing Between Buses:

Students are not allowed to cross between buses except at designated cross walks.

Students are expected to check both directions before crossing. Accidents or Emergencies:

Follow the driver’s instructions.

Stay with the group.

Do not do anything to escalate an already tense situation. 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, before the scheduled trip, a written request that the student be permitted to ride with an adult designated by the parent.

PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE

Texas law requires students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the US flag and the Texas flag each school day. Parents may submit a written request to the principal to excuse their child from reciting the pledge.

A MINUTE OF SILENCE

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. (Policy EC)

PRAYER

Each student has a right to individually, voluntarily, and silently pray or meditate at 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.

BULLYING

To request a transfer of your child to another classroom or campus if your child has been verified by the Principal to have been a victim of bullying as the term is defined by Education Code 25.0341. Transportation is not provided for a transfer to another campus.

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APPENDIX

1. Notice Regarding Directory Information and Parent’s Response Regarding Release of Student Information

2. School Sponsored Directory Information Release Form

3. Directory Information Release Form

4. Parent’s Response Regarding Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education

5. Student Activity and Transportation Permission Form

6. Emergency Contact Information

7. KISD Acceptable Use Policy

FORMS WILL BE INCLUDED IN PARENT PACKET. FORMS MUST BE SIGNED BY THE STUDENT AND THE PARENT AND RETURNED TO KAUFMAN HIGH SCHOOL.

Penal Codes Effecting Schools

P.C. 12.50: Penalty if offense committed in disaster area or evacuated area: New Section- The penalty for Assault, Robbery, Burglary, or Theft is increased to the next higher category if committed in an area subject to:

A declaration of disaster

An emergency evacuation order

Standard enhancements: class A increases to a minimum sentence of 180 days

First degree Felony not applicable P.C. 8.07: Age Affecting Criminal Responsibility The Bill removed “other than public intoxication” from (a) (4), making it possible to prosecute a person younger than 15 in a Justice or Municipal Court for P.I.

Children and Public Intoxication Also authorized Law Enforcement to issue Field Release Citation to minor for Public Intoxication if released to parent, guardian, custodian, or other responsible ad (CCP 14.031, CCP 45.058) P.C. 22.01: Assault

Two new enhancements for family violence o Suffocation (breathing) o Strangulation (blood circulation)

Third Degree now not Class A, Second Degree for subsequent Family Violence Assault.

Consider using Aggravated Assault as a Second or First Degree based on level of injury and if a weapon is used.

The addition in Assault allows for prosecution of “any and all applicable offenses.” P.C. 22.015 (P.C. 22.015 is moved to P.C. 71.022): Coercing, Soliciting or Inducing Gang Membership

Repealed and moved to P.C. 71.022:

Coercing, inducing, or soliciting membership in a criminal street gang

71.022 adds Threats or injuries to family members (repeals P.C. 22.015; moves elements to P.C. 71.022) All conduct is a Third Degree Felony.

P.C. 71.023: Directing Activities of Certain Criminal Street Gangs

New Offense

Created to provide a First Degree Felony for certain “Gang Kingpin” activities

More extensive definition of “Criminal Street Gang” within the statute

A person commits an offense if he knowingly initiates, organizes, plans, finances, directs, manages or supervises a criminal street gang or its members with the intent to benefit, promote, or further the interests of the gang or to increase the person’s standing, position or status in the gang.

P.C. 71.028: Gang-Free Zones

Some offenses committed under P.C. 71.02 are the next higher category of punishment if committed in a “Gang-Free Zone.”

Does not apply to a person under 17

All public and private primary and secondary schools, institutions or higher learning and daycare centers must publicize information to students/parents/guardians.

The Zones Include: o within 1000 feet of any school, youth center or playground o within 300 feet of shopping mall, movie theater, public swimming pool or video arcade, or o any school bus

Glossary

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P.C. 71.029: Maps as Evidence of Location Or Area

To assist prosecution of Gang-Free Zones in proving the location or boundary.

(State law requires the dedicated, secured, labeled file cabinets be maintained for gang information. Juveniles MUST be in a separate file than adults. Other rules apply.)

P.C. 22.02: Aggravated Assault

Subsection (b) (3) added to create an enhancement similar to the elements of P.C. 22.05 Deadly Conduct.

Aggravated Assault is a First Degree Felony if suspect in a vehicle causes serious bodily injury by drive-by shooting.

P.C. 25.11: Continuous Violence Against The Family

New Continuous-course-of-conduct-offense

A Third Degree Felony if suspect commits TWO OR MORE family violence assaults within a 12-month period.

Note- Prior Convictions NOT REQUIRED (Prior INCIDENTS is the intent of this statute.) P.C. 28.02: Arson

“Reckless Arson” offense

State Jail Felony to intentionally start a fire or cause an explosion AND as a result o Recklessly damage/destroy another’s building, or o Cause bodily injury/death to another---State Jail Felony

P.C. 28.03: Criminal Mischief Impairment or interruption of certain public services (communications, transportation, utilities, etc) with a loss of less than $1500 (went from a Class A Misdemeanor to State Jail Felony) P.C. 28.08: Graffiti

Removed “aerosol” qualifier from type of paint necessary to commit the offense

Now a State Jail Felony for school, place of worship, cemetery, pubic monument or community center

Additional note: CCP 42.037, CCP 42.14, FC 54.046-Requires that restitution be made P.C. 31.03: Theft

* Adds subsection (e) (2) (C) to make theft of a driver’s license or personal identification certificate a Class B Misdemeanor

* Can be prosecuted as a Felony under 32.50, Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, IF intent to harm or defraud is present

Theft of less than 10 (was 100) head of sheep, swine or goats a State Jail Felony if value less than $20,000 (pertains to Ag Dept.)

Theft of 10 (was 100) or more head of sheep, swine or goats a Third Degree Felony if value less than $100,000 (pertains to Ag Dept.)

Provides punishment to the next higher level if: o Victim was a non-profit organization

P.C. 33.07: Online Harassment

New offense to address malicious behavior

Contains two separate crimes: o “Internet Impersonation” o “Spoofing”

“Internet Impersonation”-Using the name or persona of another to create a web page or message on a commercial social networking site, without the consent of the person and with the intent to harm, defraud, intimidate, or threaten ANY person.

Includes Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc. ---Third Degree Felony

Glossary

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“Spoofing”-Offense is sending an electronic message (email, text, IM, etc.) directly to a recipient while using the identifying information of another;

Without the other’s consent.

With intent that the receiver believes the sender really sent the message.

Class a Misdemeanor, becomes a Third Degree Felony if an emergency response is a result.

* Harassment, 42.07 is still the offense to use for DIRECT communication by email that is obscene, threatening or an alarming false report.

P.C. 38.04: Evading Arrest or Detention

Increases punishment to Class A from Class B Misdemeanor

Previous conviction makes subsequent conviction a State Jail Felony. P.C. 38.152: Interference With Radio Frequency Licensed to Government Entity

New offense to prevent interference with emergency response and Law Enforcement Operations

Class A Misdemeanor, unless used in commission of another crime, then State Jail Felony. T.C. 521.457: Driving While License Invalid

DWLI increased to a Class B Misdemeanor if the operator is driving without liability insurance.

DWLI is a Class A Misdemeanor if the driver has no insurance AND was at fault in an accident resulting in serious bodily injury or death

To Clarify DWLI: Class C Misdemeanor-DWLI with insurance Class B Misdemeanor-DWLI w/o insurance or prior conviction of DWLI or no insurance Class A Misdemeanor-DWLI and driver has no insurance AND was at fault in an accident resulting in serious bodily injury T.C. 545.424: Operation of Motor Vehicle By Person Under 18 Years Of Age

* No wireless communication device by motor vehicle operators under 18 or motorcycle/moped operators under 17 who have had a license for less than 12 months

Applies to persons issued a driver’s license on or after 9/1/2009

Ok if there is an emergency T.C. 545.425: Use of Wireless Communications Device

No cell phones in active school zones unless stopped or has hands-free device

Signs must be posted at school crossing zones

Does not apply to Law Enforcement while working

Kaufman High School

Campus Conduct

CAMPUS CONDUCT

Students are responsible for conducting themselves properly in a manner appropriate to their age. Please note that all students at KHS will be afforded due process concerning all disciplinary measures. The district has authority and control over its students during the regular school day and while going to and from school on district transportation. This jurisdiction includes any activity during the school day on school grounds, attendance at any school-related activity, and any school-related misconduct, regardless of time or location.

When administering discipline, students will be treated fairly and equitably. Discipline will be based on a careful assessment of the circumstances of each case, reviewing factors such as:

The seriousness of the offense

The student’s age

The frequency of the misconduct

The student’s attitude

The potential effect of the misconduct on the school environment

Whether or not the student was defending himself or herself

The school has the authority to administer discipline whenever the interest of the school is involved, on or off school property in conjunction with or independent of classes and school-sponsored activities. The District’s disciplinary authority applies:

During the regular school day and while the student is going to and from school on District transportation;

Within 300 feet of school property;

While the student is participating in any activity during the school day on school grounds;

During lunch (whether on or off school campus);

While the student is in attendance at any school-related activity of the District, regardless of time or location;

While the student is on school property of another Texas school district or attending a school activity of a school in another Texas school district;

For any school-related misconduct, regardless of time or location;

When the student retaliates or threatens retaliation against a school employee, regardless of time and location;

When the district has a reasonable belief that the student has engaged in conduct that would be punishable as a felony, as provided by Texas Education Code # 37.006 or 37.0081

When the student is involved in criminal mischief on or off school property or at a school-related event;

When the student makes a false alarm or report of bombing, fire, or other emergency involving a public school, regardless of time or location;

When the student makes a terroristic threat involving a public school, regardless of time or location; and

When the student commits aggravated robbery against another person, regardless of time or location;

When the student is required to register as a sex offender

Suspensions and PASS assignments will prohibit the student from attending or participating in a school-sponsored or school-related activity during the suspension period.

Students who accumulate 15 days or parts of days of Principal’s Alternative School Setting (PASS) will be reviewed by the administration for placement in Discipline Alternative Educational Placement (DAEP).

Upon a third suspension, the student will be immediately reviewed for placement in the DAEP.

Student responsibilities for achieving a positive learning environment at school or school-related activities shall include:

Being prepared for each class with appropriate materials and assignments

Behaving in a responsible manner

Paying required fees and fines, unless they are waived

Obeying all school rules, including safety rules

Seeking changes in school policies and regulations in an orderly and responsible manner, through appropriate channels

Cooperating with staff in investigation of disciplinary cases and volunteering information relating to a serious offense

Obeying directives from school personnel or school policies, rules and regulations

Obeying school policies and regulations about conduct on school buses

Refraining from any behavior that may disrupt the school environment or educational process

Removal to alternative education program or expulsion (as established by State of Texas) A student shall be expelled if the student commits an expellable offense on any school grounds in Texas or at a school sponsored or school related activity in another district in this state.

A student shall be removed from class and placed in an alternative education program or the student may be expelled if the student engages in conduct punishable as a felony or commits the following on school property or within 300 ft. of school property, or while attending a school-sponsored or school related activity.

1. Assault: Engages in conduct that contains the elements of the offense of assault under section 22.01 (A) (1) of Penal Code.

Mandatory Removal to DAEP

2. Terroristic Threat: Engages in conduct that contains the elements of the offense of terroristic threat involving a public school under section 22.07, Penal Code

Mandatory Removal to DAEP or Expulsion

3. Lewdness: Engages in conduct that contains the elements of the offense of public lewdness under Section 21.07, Penal Code, or indecent exposure under Section 21.08 Penal Code

Mandatory Removal to DAEP

4. Offense of Retaliation Against School Employee: A. Engages in conduct that contains the elements of the offense of retaliation

under Section 36.06, Penal Code, against any school employee. B. Engaging in conduct that contains the elements of assault under Section

22.10 (a) (1) against an employee or a volunteer on school property C. Engaging in conduct that contains the elements of assault and retaliation

against a school employee or volunteer, regardless of where or when the conduct occurs.

A. Mandatory Removal to DAEP B. Mandatory Removal to DAEP or Expulsion C. Mandatory Removal to DAEP or Expulsion

5. Participation in a Non-sanctioned Activity Member of or pledges, joins or solicits another person to join or pledge to become a member of a public school fraternity, sorority, secret society, or gang.

Mandatory Removal to DAEP

6. Persistent Misbehavior Persistent misbehavior that violates the district’s Code of Conduct.

Mandatory Removal to DAEP

7. Receiving deferred prosecution (not school jurisdiction) Receiving deferred prosecution under Family Code 53.03 for conduct defined in Title 5 of the Penal Code.

Mandatory Removal to DAEP

8. Delinquent Conduct (not school jurisdiction) A. A court or jury finding of delinquent conduct under Family Code 54.03 for

conduct defined as a felony in Title 5 of the Penal Code. B. A finding by the superintendent or designee that he or she has a reasonable belief that

the student engaged in conduct defined as a felony offense in Title 5 of the Penal

Code or a felony other than those defined in Title 5 (PC) if the presence of the student

in the regular classroom threatens the safety of others.

Mandatory Removal to DAEP

Same offenses, 1-8, with special findings by the board or designee, regardless of location or whether the student was enrolled at the time, will result in DAEP placement.

9. False Alarms or Report A. Engages in conduct involving a public school that contains the elements of

the offense of false alarm or report under Section 42.06, Penal code, or terroristic threat under Section 22.07, Penal Code

Definition of “false alarm or report” is as follows: A person commits an offense if he knowingly initiates, communicates, or circulates a report of a present, past or future bombing, fire, offense or other emergency that he knows is false or baseless and that would ordinarily: (1) cause action by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies; (2) place a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury; or (3) prevent or interrupt the occupation of a building, room, place of assembly, place to which the public has access, or aircraft, automobile, or other mode of conveyance.

Mandatory Removal to DAEP or Expulsion

10. Controlled Substance Possession/Abuse A. Sells, gives, or delivers to another person or possesses or is under the

influence of: 1. Marijuana or a controlled substance, as defined by Chapter 481, Health

and Safety Code, or by 21 U.S.C. Section 801 ET Seq.; or 2. A dangerous drug as defined by Chapter 483, Health and

Safety Code B. Sells, gives or delivers to another person an alcoholic beverage, as defined

by section 1.04, Alcoholic Beverage Code, commits a serious act or offense while under the influence of alcohol, or possesses, uses, or is under the influence of an alcoholic beverage

C. Engages in conduct that contains the elements of an offense relating to abusable glue or aerosol paint under Section 485.031 through 485.035, Health and Safety Code, or relating to volatile chemicals under Chapter 484, Health and Safety Code

This includes possessing or selling seeds or pieces of marijuana in less than a usable amount.

Mandatory Removal to DAEP or Expulsion

DAEP PROCEDURES

Placement Review: A student who is subject to placement in the Alternative Education Program for the first time will be assigned to DAEP for a minimum of 30 school days or maximum of 120 school days with a review every 30 days by a committee comprised of the superintendent and the two secondary school principals. The expulsion will remain as disciplinary option when allowed by law.

Review Content: The review must include the student’s academic status and specific graduation plan.

Length of Placement: Student’s placement may be extended beyond the current school year if the student engages in persistent misbehavior, or presents a danger of physical harm to students or others.

Terms of Placement: The terms of a placement under this section must prohibit the student from attending or participating in a school-sponsored or school-related activity.

Mandatory Expulsion Offenses (MEO): A student shall be expelled from a school if the student commits the following offenses on any Kaufman ISD campus or within 300 ft of a Kaufman ISD campus or while on the property or at a school related activity of another Texas District.

A. Use, exhibition, or possession of the following:

Firearm: Defined by Section 46.01 (3), Penal Code (A student bringing a firearm, as defined by 18 U.S.C. Section 921, to school must be expelled from regular campus for a period of at least one year.)

Mandatory Expulsion

Illegal Knife: Defined as a knife with a blade over 5-1/2 inches; a hand instrument designed to cut or stab another by being thrown; dagger, including but not limited to a dirk, stiletto, or poniard; Bowie knife; sword; or any other size knife by local policy. Section 46.01(6), Penal Code

Mandatory Expulsion

Club: Defined by Section 46.01(1), Penal Code Mandatory Expulsion

Weapon: (listed as a prohibited weapon under Section 46.05, Penal Code) i.e., an explosive weapon, a machine gun, a short-barrel firearm, a firearm silencer, a switchblade knife, knuckles, armor-piercing ammunition, a chemical dispensing device, or a zip gun.

Mandatory Expulsion

B. Engages in:

Assault A. Aggravated Assault- (Defined by Section 22.02, Penal Code) B. Sexual Assault- (Defined by Section 22.011, Penal Code) C. Aggravated Sexual Assault- (Defined by Section 22.021, Penal Code)

Mandatory Expulsion

Murder (Defined by Section 19.02, Penal Code) A. Capital Murder- (Defined by Section 19.03) B. Manslaughter C. Criminally Negligent Homicide D. Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder or Capital Murder

(Defined by Section 15.01, Penal Code)

Mandatory Expulsion

Indecency with a Child- (Defined by Section 21.11, Penal Code Mandatory Expulsion

Aggravated Kidnapping- (Defined by Section 20.04, Penal Code) Mandatory Expulsion

Conduct/Behavior A. Conduct Specified by Section 37.006 EC (A) 2) or (3) and 22.05 PC, if conduct is

punishable as a misdemeanor or felony B. Conduct that contains the elements of any offense listed in 1 through 3, against

any employee in retaliation for or as a result of the employee’s employment with the school district

C. Serious or persistent misbehavior that violates the districts’ Student Code of Conduct after being placed in an alternative educational program for disciplinary reason

D. Criminal mischief (conduct that contains the elements of criminal mischief is punishable as a felony; also, student will be referred to the authorized officer of the juvenile court) under Section 28.03, Penal Code if conduct is punishable as a felony.

Mandatory Expulsion

Arson - (Defined by Section 22.02, Penal Code) Mandatory Expulsion

Aggravated Robbery - (Penal Code) Mandatory Expulsion

If MEO section A & B offenses happen at other locations away from school-related activities, the offense(s) will result in DAEP. Emergency placement or expulsion:

Immediate placement of a student in the alternative education program results if the principal or the principal’s designee reasonably believes the student’s behavior seriously interferes with learning environment in the classroom, or with the operation of school or a school-sponsored activity.

Immediate expulsion is permitted of a student if the principal, or the principal’s designee, reasonably believes that action is necessary to protect persons or property from imminent harm.

At the time of an emergency placement or expulsion:

The student shall be given oral notice of the reason for the action, which must be a reason for removal or expulsion on a non-emergency basis.

Within a reasonable time after the emergency placement or expulsion, the student shall be accorded the appropriate due process as required under section 37.009.

If the student subject to the emergency placement or expulsion is a student with disabilities who receives special education services, the term of the student’s emergency placement or expulsion is subject to the requirement of 20 U.S.C. Section 1415 (E)(3) and 34 CFR 300.513.

All expulsion due process hearings shall be recorded and parents will receive a copy of their rights in writing including the appeals process.

Removal of Student from Classroom by Teacher

A teacher may remove from class a student:

If documented by the teacher to repeatedly interfere with the learning environment in the classroom; or

Whose behavior the teacher determines seriously interferes with the learning environment in the classroom.

Upon removal of the student, the principal must schedule a removal conference within three (3) class days.

A teacher SHALL remove from class and send to the principal a student who engages in conduct identified for placement in alternative education program or expulsion.

Following removal by the teacher, the principal may place the student:

In another appropriate classroom,

In in-school suspension,

Into an alternative education program

The student may be returned to the original class only

By teacher consent, or

By the placement review committee

The terms of the removal shall prohibit the student from attending or participation in school-sponsored or school-related activity during the removal period.

Teacher’s Assertive Discipline Plan For a positive learning environment, the following classroom procedures have been established:

1. Warning 2. Conference with student 3. Contact parent/guardian 4. Teacher detention (Teachers may hold their own detention before or after the school day during the

tutorial period.) 5. Referral to Assistant Principal

STUDENT DRESS CODE

Students violating the dress code will be subject to the following disciplinary procedures:

1st Violation Correct Violation Warning with write-up

2nd

Violation Correct Violation 2 LCU (Lunch Clean Up)

3rd

Violation Correct Violation 1 ASD (After School Detention)

4th Violation Correct Violation 2 ASD (After School Detention)

5th Violation, and any thereafter Correct Violation 1 SDH (Saturday Detention Hall)

On the sixth and following dress code violation, student will be considered for DAEP.

Any student not in dress code will correct the violation at school under the direction of an assistant principal. If the student chooses not to correct the problem at school, the student will be put into PASS for the remainder of the day or sent home with an unexcused absence.

Specific information of which you need to be aware: Administrators may assign After School Detention. After school detention hall is held Monday – Thursday from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM in the PASS room. Failure to attend after school detention will result in one (1) Saturday Detention Hall (SDH). Saturday Detention Hall is held from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Items confiscated, i.e., caps, earrings, sunglasses, audio/visual devices, etc., will automatically be taken up and held in administrator’s office for parent conference and/or pick up.

When a student is assigned to PASS, the student will be placed in the PASS room as soon as there is availability. While the student is in PASS or suspended, the student is not allowed to participate and/or attend any extracurricular events.

Refusal by a student to attend PASS will result in three (3) days suspension and the student will be required to attend their numbers of days in PASS before returning to regular classes. If a student causes a disruption in PASS, the student will be suspended and will be required to attend their number of days in PASS before returning to regular classes.

District shall not impose a grade penalty for make-up work after an absence due to suspension.

While a student is in PASS, the student will receive full credit for work completed. All work must be completed before a student is allowed to leave PASS. Early release or work program students assigned to PASS will attend PASS for the entire school day.

Pocketknives, box cutters, razors, or other dangerous objects are not allowed on Kaufman ISD property. If a student’s knife or other instrument is confiscated, it will be held by the assistant principal (designated alphabetically by student’s last name). Appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken (principal detention, PASS, Suspension, Discipline Alternative Educational Placement or Expulsion) for any knife or instrument used as a weapon. The knife or instrument may be picked up by a parent, with the exception of a knife or instrument used as a weapon.

For safety purposes, the District permits students to possess cell phones, but unauthorized use of a cell phone will result in disciplinary action. Cell phones must remain turned off during the instructional day.

School rules apply to all school social and extracurricular events, on or off campus, and students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner or will be subject to disciplinary actions.

DAEP/Expulsion In deciding whether to order expulsion or placement in a DAEP, the district will consider the following, self-defense, intent, or lack of intent at the time the student engaged in the conduct, and the student’s disciplinary history.

A student may be placed in a DAEP for behaviors prohibited in the General Conduct Violations section of this code. Removals to a DAEP will be made by the Principal or other appropriate administrator.

The duration of a student’s placement in a DAEP will be determined by the Principal or other appropriate administrator.

For placement in a DAEP to extend beyond the end of school year, the campus administrator must determine that the student’s presence in the regular classroom or campus presents a danger of physical harm to the students or others, or the student has engaged in serious or persistent misbehavior that violates the district’s code.

A student placed in a DAEP will be provided a review of his or her status, including academic status, by the campus administrator at intervals not to exceed 120 days.

The district does not permit a student who is placed in a DAEP to participate in any school-sponsored or school related extracurricular or co-curricular activities, including seeking or holding honorary positions and/or membership in school-sponsored clubs and organizations.

Seniors assigned to a DAEP whose placement in the program will continue through graduation, will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony and related graduation activities.

The district will not provide transportation to students in a DAEP.

A student assigned to a DAEP in an open-enrollment charter school or another district, including a district in another state (if the behavior committed is a reason for DAEP placement in the receiving district), at the time he or she enrolls in the district will be placed directly into the district’s DAEP.

The board of trustees delegates to the superintendent or designee the authority to conduct hearings and expel students. No later than the second business day after the hearing, the superintendent or designee will deliver to the juvenile court a copy of the expulsion order and the information required by Section 52.04 of the Family Code.

The district will continue the expulsion of any newly enrolled student expelled from another district or an open-enrollment charter school until the period of the expulsion is completed. Discipline with Local Discretion—Grades 7-12

The administrator may choose to utilize Saturday school as appropriate.

Violation 1st Offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense

Truancy: skipping class, leaving school or a school sponsored event without permission

2 days PASS

4 days PASS

6 days PASS

Fighting: both parties are assumed guilty unless there is strong evidence of self-defense.

Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Tobacco Use/Possession: smoking/ dipping, violation of State and City smoking laws may result in citation

2 days PASS & Citation

4 days PASS & Citation

6 days PASS & Citation Each additional results in suspension & Citation

Verbal Abuse/Inappropriate Behavior toward a school employee/Disrespect (subject to severity)

3 days PASS or Suspension or DAEP Placement and Possible Citation

3 days PASS or Suspension or DAEP Placement and Possible Citation

Expulsion or DAEP Placement and Possible Citation

Gambling or Card Playing 2 days PASS 4 days PASS 6 days PASS

Profanity Obscene Gestures Pornographic Materials In a School Environment

Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Public Display of Affection 3 LCU 1 ASD 2 ASD

Skipped/missed ASD or Principal Assigned

1 SDH 2 Days PASS 4 days PASS

Violation 1st Offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense

Stealing Restitution MANDATORY (subject to severity)

Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Cheating and/or Plagiarism (Including but not limited to cell phones or other electronic devices)

Teacher discretion & grade reduction

Referral to Principal & grade reduction

Referral to Principal & grade reduction

Damaging or vandalizing property owned by others. (subject to severity)

Restitution Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest. Damage greater than or equal to $1500.00 requires DAEP placement.

Extortion, Coercion and Blackmail obtaining money/objects from an unwilling person, or forcing an act through the show of force or threat of force, May involve Law Enforcement

Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Visible or audible use of cellular phone or telecommunications device during a school day

Confiscation, $15.00 fine, and phone returned to student at end of day.

Confiscation, $15.00 fine, and phone only returned to parent at end of day.

Confiscation, $15.00 fine, and phone only returned to parent at end of day.

Persistent violation of Student Code of Conduct

DAEP placement as prescribed by Education Code 37.009. Students who accumulate 15 days of PASS will be reviewed for DAEP placement.

Possession or use of Pyrotechnics, fireworks, matches, stink or smoke bombs, lighters, explosives, ammunition, etc.

Confiscation of items. Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, principal detentions, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, or expulsion, and possible citation and/or arrest.

Sexual harassment Including sexual abuse, whether by word, gesture or any other conduct, including request for sexual favors directed toward another student or district employee

Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Performing body piercing(s), tattooing

Suspension, DAEP Placement and Possible arrest

DAEP Placement Possible citation

Making ethnic or racial slurs, name-calling, making ethnic or racial slurs or derogatory statements (subject to severity)

Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Possessing drug paraphernalia or abusing the student's own prescription drug

Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Conduct causing bodily injury. (subject to severity)

Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Loitering during passing periods, early release and after school

1 Principal detention 2 Principal detention

2 days PASS

Failing to comply with a directive given by school personnel or not being truthful with staff members

2 days PASS or suspension

4 days PASS or suspension

6 days PASS or suspension

Possessing of CD players, I-Pods, head sets, electronic devices, cameras, camcorders, skateboards, rollerblades, “heelies” laser lights, musical instruments, etc.

1 ASD Confiscation and Item returned only to Parent

2 ASD Confiscation and Item returned only to Parent

1 SDH Confiscation and Item returned only to Parent

Violation 1st Offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense

Possessing an air gun "look-a-like" weapon, stun gun, mace, pepper spray, razor, box cutter, chain, or any other object used in a way that threatens or disrupts the school environment

Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Retaliation against or threatening a student or district employee on or off school property (including bullying and the making of a hit list)

Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Directing profanity, obscene gestures, or harassment toward school employees and/or students

Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Possessing, using, or selling "look-a-like" drugs, caffeine pills, energy pills or over the counter medications

Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Hazing Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Engaging in inappropriate physical or sexual contact or inappropriate exposure of body parts

Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Repeatedly violating classroom standards of behavior

Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Any misbehavior that disrupts the school environment or incites violence. This includes, but is not limited to computer, internet, or social networking sites on or off school property.

Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Criminal mischief, not punishable as a felony

Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Falsification of records passes or school related documents.

Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Sexting including but not limited to, inapproiate pictures, text messages or e-mails.

Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Videoing, photographing, or recording anything or person on campus or at a school-sponsored event is prohibited.

Full range of disciplinary measures to include warnings, LCU, ASD, SDH, PASS assignment, suspension, DAEP placement, expulsion, possible citation and/or arrest.

Failure to attend SDH (Saturday Detention Hall)

2 Days PASS 4 Days PASS 6 Days PASS

The school has the authority to administer discipline whenever the interest of the school is involved, on or off school property, in conjunction with or independent of classes and school-sponsored activities. Consequences will not be delayed or postponed pending an appeal. PARKING LOT

Vehicles parked on school property are under the jurisdiction of the school. The school reserves the right to search any vehicle. Students have full responsibility for the security of their vehicles and will make certain they are locked and that the keys are not given to others. Students will be held responsible for any prohibited objects or substances, such as alcohol, drugs, or weapons that are found in the vehicle they have parked in parking lot and will be subject to disciplinary action by the district as well as possible referral for criminal prosecution.

Searches of vehicles may be conducted at any time there is reasonable cause to do so, with or without the presence of the student.

Students must purchase parking tag to park on the student parking lot. Student drivers will be required to follow the guidelines listed below to park on the high school campus.

It is a privilege extended to all certified student drivers to drive and park their vehicles on KHS campus. All school and district policies relating to disciplinary actions will be followed as well as added consequences listed. Students must possess current liability insurance in order to drive on any part of the campus.

Students are to park in their designated parking only. Students are not to use any other parking lots.

No loud music, spinning of tires, or other loud disturbance, which may cause a distraction from the learning environment

10 M.P.H. speed limit

Students must drive in a safe and cautious manner (no speeding or reckless driving)

No returning to cars without written permission from an administrator

Parking tag must be displayed from the rearview mirror at all times (number turned to front of vehicle)

No possession/use of tobacco on campus

No leaving campus after arriving on campus without written permission from an administrator

No drugs, alcohol, firearms, tobacco products, weapons, or other contraband is allowed in vehicles on campus.

Inappropriate, obscene, suggestive writing on vehicles is prohibited. Cars parked on school property must not have decals, bumper stickers, or other writings or signs that are vulgar or obscene; that are related to or depict sexual activity; or that are related to or depict the use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco.

No driving on the grass

Additional school discipline may be assigned for loitering

If a parking tag is lost or stolen, another tag must be purchased

No loitering in or around vehicles after arriving on campus

Students will not use parking tags of other students

Students parking on KHS parking lot will be drug tested Consequences for parking lot violations (except those violations governed by state law). 1

st offense: written warning

2nd

offense: denial of parking privileges for 3 weeks 3

rd offense: denial of parking privileges for 6 weeks

4th offense: denial of parking privileges for duration of school year

xlviii

KAUFMAN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

2012 - 2013

“Emphasizing Excellence”

Todd Williams, Superintendent

Kaufman Independent School District

1000 S. Houston Street

Kaufman, Texas 75142

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT ............................................................... 1

Purpose ......................................................................................................................................................................... 1

SCHOOL DISTRICT AUTHORITY AND JURISDICTION ............................ 2

Reporting Crimes ........................................................................................................................................................ 2

Participating in Graduation Activities ....................................................................................................................... 2

STANDARDS FOR STUDENT CONDUCT ................................................. 3

GENERAL CONDUCT VIOLATIONS .......................................................... 4

Disregard for Authority .............................................................................................................................................. 4

Mistreatment of Others ............................................................................................................................................... 4

Property Offenses ........................................................................................................................................................ 4

Possession of Prohibited Items ................................................................................................................................... 5

Possession of Telecommunications or Other Electronic Devices ............................................................................. 5

Illegal, Prescription, and Over-the-Counter Drugs .................................................................................................. 5

Misuse of Technology Resources and the Internet ................................................................................................... 6

Safety Transgressions .................................................................................................................................................. 6

Miscellaneous Offenses ................................................................................................................................................ 7

DISCIPLINE MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES ............................................. 8

Students with Disabilities ............................................................................................................................................ 8

Techniques.................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Notification ................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Appeals ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9

REMOVAL FROM THE REGULAR EDUCATIONAL SETTING ................ 10

Routine Referral ........................................................................................................................................................ 10

Formal Removal ........................................................................................................................................................ 10

Returning Student to Classroom .............................................................................................................................. 10

OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION............................................................ 11

Misconduct ................................................................................................................................................................. 11

Table of Contents

Process ........................................................................................................................................................................ 11

DISCIPLINARY ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM (DAEP) PLACEMENT ............................................................................................ 12

Discretionary Placement: Misconduct That May Result in DAEP Placement ..................................................... 12 Misconduct Identified in State Law ........................................................................................................................ 12

Mandatory Placement: Misconduct That Requires DAEP Placement ................................................................. 12

Sexual Assault and Campus Assignments ............................................................................................................... 13

EMERGENCIES ....................................................................................... 14

Process ........................................................................................................................................................................ 14 Conference .............................................................................................................................................................. 14 Placement Order ..................................................................................................................................................... 14 Coursework Notice ................................................................................................................................................. 14

Length of Placement .................................................................................................................................................. 14 Exceeds One Year ................................................................................................................................................... 14 Exceeds School Year .............................................................................................................................................. 15 Exceeds 60 Days ..................................................................................................................................................... 15

Appeals ....................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Restrictions during Placement .................................................................................................................................. 15

Placement Review ...................................................................................................................................................... 15

Additional Misconduct .............................................................................................................................................. 16

Notice of Criminal Proceedings ................................................................................................................................ 16

Withdrawal during Process ...................................................................................................................................... 16

Newly Enrolled Students ........................................................................................................................................... 17

Emergency Placement Procedure............................................................................................................................. 17

PLACEMENT AND/OR EXPULSION FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES ........... 18

Registered Sex Offenders .......................................................................................................................................... 18 Review Committee ................................................................................................................................................. 18 Newly Enrolled Student .......................................................................................................................................... 18 Appeal ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18

Certain Felonies ......................................................................................................................................................... 18 Hearing and Required Findings .............................................................................................................................. 19 Length of Placement ............................................................................................................................................... 19 Newly Enrolled Students ........................................................................................................................................ 19

EXPULSION ............................................................................................. 20

Discretionary Expulsion: Misconduct That May Result in Expulsion .................................................................. 20

Table of Contents

Any Location .......................................................................................................................................................... 20 At School, Within 300 Feet, or at a School Event .................................................................................................. 20 Within 300 Feet of School ...................................................................................................................................... 21 Property of Another District ................................................................................................................................... 21 While in DAEP ....................................................................................................................................................... 21

Mandatory Expulsion: Misconduct That Requires Expulsion .............................................................................. 22 Under Federal Law ............................................................................................................................................. 22 Under the Texas Penal Code .............................................................................................................................. 22

Under Age Ten ........................................................................................................................................................... 23

Emergency .................................................................................................................................................................. 23

Process ........................................................................................................................................................................ 23 Hearing ................................................................................................................................................................... 23 Board Review of Expulsion .................................................................................................................................... 24 Expulsion Order ...................................................................................................................................................... 24

Length of Expulsion................................................................................................................................................... 24

Withdrawal during Process ...................................................................................................................................... 24

Additional Misconduct .............................................................................................................................................. 25

Restrictions during Expulsion .................................................................................................................................. 25

Newly Enrolled Students ........................................................................................................................................... 25

Emergency Expulsion Procedures ............................................................................................................................ 25

DAEP Placement of Expelled Students .................................................................................................................... 25

GLOSSARY .............................................................................................. 26

1

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Purpose

The Student Code of Conduct is the district’s response to the requirements of Chapter 37 of the

Texas Education Code.

The Code provides methods and options for managing students in the classroom and on school

grounds, disciplining students, and preventing and intervening in student discipline problems.

The law requires the district to define misconduct that may—or must—result in a range of

specific disciplinary consequences including removal from a regular classroom or campus, out-

of-school suspension, placement in a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP), or

expulsion from school.

This Student Code of Conduct has been adopted by the Kaufman ISD Board of Trustees and

developed with the advice of the district-level committee. This Code provides information to

parents and students regarding standards of conduct, consequences of misconduct, and

procedures for administering discipline.

In accordance with state law, the Code shall be posted at each school campus or shall be

available for review at the office of the campus principal. Parents shall be notified of any

conduct violation that may result in a student being suspended, placed in a DAEP, or expelled.

Because the Student Code of Conduct is adopted by the district’s board of trustees, it has the

force of policy; therefore, in case of conflict between the Code and the student handbook, the

Code shall prevail.

Please Note: The discipline of students with disabilities who are eligible for services under

federal law (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation

Act of 1973) is subject to the provisions of those laws.

2

School District Authority and Jurisdiction

School rules and the authority of the district to administer discipline 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:

1. During the regular school day and while the student is going to and from school on district

transportation;

2. During lunch periods in which a student is allowed to leave campus;

3. While the student is in attendance at any school-related activity, regardless of time or

location;

4. For any school-related misconduct, regardless of time or location;

5. When retaliation against a school employee or volunteer occurs or is threatened, regardless of

time or location;

6. When criminal mischief is committed on or off school property or at a school-related event;

7. For certain offenses committed within 300 feet of school property as measured from any

point on the school’s real property boundary line;

8. For certain offenses committed while on school property or while attending a school-

sponsored or school-related activity of another district in Texas;

9. When the student commits a felony, as provided by Education Code 37.006 or 37.0081; and

10. When the student is required to register as a sex offender.

The district has the right to search a vehicle driven to school by a student and parked on school

property whenever there is reasonable cause to believe it contains articles or materials prohibited

by the district.

District administrators conduct routine blanket inspections and searches of lockers and desks.

Reporting Crimes

School administrators shall report crimes as required by law and shall call local law enforcement

when an administrator suspects that a crime has been committed on campus.

Participating in Graduation Activities

The district has the right to limit a student’s participation in graduation activities for violating the

district’s Code.

Participation might include a speaking role, as established by district policy and procedures.

Students eligible to give the opening and closing remarks at graduation shall be notified by the

campus principal. Notwithstanding any other eligibility requirements, in order to be considered

as an eligible student to give the opening or closing remarks, a student shall not have engaged in

any misconduct in violation of the district’s Code resulting in an out-of-school suspension,

removal to a DAEP, or expulsion during the semester immediately preceding graduation.

The valedictorian and salutatorian may also have speaking roles at graduation. No student shall

be eligible to have such a speaking role if he or she engaged in any misconduct in violation of

the district’s Code resulting in an out-of-school suspension, removal to a DAEP, or expulsion

during the semester immediately preceding graduation.

3

Standards for Student Conduct

Each student is expected to:

Demonstrate courtesy, even when others do not.

Behave in a responsible manner, always exercising self-discipline.

Attend all classes, regularly and on time.

Prepare for each class; take appropriate materials and assignments to class.

Meet district and campus standards of grooming and dress.

Obey all campus and classroom rules.

Respect the rights and privileges of students, teachers, and other district staff and volunteers.

Respect the property of others, including district property and facilities.

Cooperate with and assist the school staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline.

Adhere to the requirements of the Student Code of Conduct.

4

General Conduct Violations

The categories of conduct below are prohibited at school and all school-related activities, but the

list does not include the most severe offenses. In the subsequent sections on Out-of-School

Suspension, DAEP Placement, Placement and/or Expulsion for Certain Offenses, and Expulsion,

certain offenses that require or permit specific consequences are listed. Any offense, however,

may be severe enough to result in Removal from the Regular Educational Setting as detailed in

that section.

Disregard for Authority

Students shall not:

Fail to comply with directives given by school personnel (insubordination).

Leave school grounds or school-sponsored events without permission.

Disobey rules for conduct on school buses.

Refuse to accept discipline management techniques assigned by a teacher or principal.

Mistreatment of Others

Students shall not:

Use profanity or vulgar language or make obscene gestures.

Fight or scuffle. (For assault see DAEP Placement and Expulsion.)

Threaten a district student, employee, or volunteer, including off school property, if the conduct

causes a substantial disruption to the educational environment.

Engage in bullying, harassment, or making hit lists. (See glossary for all three terms.)

Engage in conduct that constitutes sexual or gender-based harassment or sexual abuse, whether

by word, gesture, or any other conduct, directed toward another person, including a district

student, employee, or volunteer.

Engage in conduct that constitutes dating violence. (See glossary.)

Engage in inappropriate or indecent exposure of private body parts.

Participate in hazing. (See glossary.)

Cause an individual to act through the use of or threat of force (coercion).

Commit extortion or blackmail (obtaining money or an object of value from an unwilling

person).

Engage in inappropriate verbal, physical, or sexual conduct directed toward another person,

including a district student, employee, or volunteer.

Record the voice or image of another without the prior consent of the individuals being recorded

or in any way that disrupts the educational environment or invades the privacy of others.

Property Offenses

Students shall not:

Damage or vandalize property owned by others. (For felony criminal mischief see DAEP

Placement or Expulsion.)

General Conduct Violations

5

Deface or damage school property—including textbooks, lockers, furniture, and other

equipment—with graffiti or by other means.

Steal from students, staff, or the school.

Commit or assist in a robbery or theft even if it does not constitute a felony according to the

Texas Penal Code. (For felony robbery, aggravated robbery, and theft see DAEP Placement

and Expulsion.)

Possession of Prohibited Items

Students shall not possess or use:

Fireworks of any kind, smoke or stink bombs, or any other pyrotechnic device;

A razor, box cutter, chain, or any other object used in a way that threatens or inflicts bodily

injury to another person;

A “look-alike” weapon;

An air gun or BB gun;

Ammunition;

A stun gun;

A pocketknife or any other small knife;

Mace or pepper spray;

Pornographic material;

Tobacco products;

Matches or a lighter;

A laser pointer for other than an approved use; or

Any articles not generally considered to be weapons, including school supplies, when the

principal or designee determines that a danger exists. (For weapons and firearms see DAEP

Placement and Expulsion.)

Possession of Telecommunications or Other Electronic Devices

Students shall not:

Display, turn on, or use a telecommunications device, including a cellular telephone, or other

electronic device on school property during the school day.

Illegal, Prescription, and Over-the-Counter Drugs

Students shall not:

Possess or sell seeds or pieces of marijuana in less than a usable amount. (For illegal drugs,

alcohol, and inhalants see DAEP Placement and Expulsion.)

Possess, use, give, or sell paraphernalia related to any prohibited substance. (See glossary for

“paraphernalia.”)

Possess or sell look-alike drugs or attempt to pass items off as drugs or contraband.

General Conduct Violations

6

Abuse the student’s own prescription drug, give a prescription drug to another student, or possess

or be under the influence of another person’s prescription drug on school property or at a

school-related event. (See glossary for “abuse.”)

Abuse over-the-counter drugs. (See glossary for “abuse.”) Be under the influence of

prescription or over-the-counter drugs that cause impairment of the physical or mental

faculties. (See glossary for “under the influence.”)

Have or take prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs at school other than as provided by

district policy.

Misuse of Technology Resources and the Internet

Students shall not:

Violate policies, rules, or agreements signed by the student or the student’s parent regarding the

use of technology resources.

Attempt to access or circumvent passwords or other security-related information of the district,

students, or employees or upload or create computer viruses, including off school property if

the conduct causes a substantial disruption to the educational environment.

Attempt to alter, destroy, or disable district technology resources including but not limited to

computers and related equipment, district data, the data of others, or other networks

connected to the district’s system, including off school property if the conduct causes a

substantial disruption to the educational environment.

Use the Internet or other electronic communications to threaten district students, employees, or

volunteers, including off school property if the conduct causes a substantial disruption to the

educational environment.

Send, post, or possess electronic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented,

threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal, including cyberbullying

and “sexting,” either on or off school property, if the conduct causes a substantial disruption

to the educational environment.

Use e-mail or Web sites to engage in or encourage illegal behavior or threaten school safety,

including off school property if the conduct causes a substantial disruption to the educational

environment.

Safety Transgressions

Students shall not:

Possess published or electronic material that is designed to promote or encourage illegal

behavior or that could threaten school safety.

Engage in verbal (oral or written) exchanges that threaten the safety of another student, a school

employee, or school property.

Make false accusations or perpetrate hoaxes regarding school safety.

Engage in any conduct that school officials might reasonably believe will substantially disrupt

the school program or incite violence.

Throw objects that can cause bodily injury or property damage.

General Conduct Violations

7

Discharge a fire extinguisher without valid cause.

Miscellaneous Offenses

Students shall not:

Violate dress and grooming standards as communicated in the student handbook.

Cheat or copy the work of another.

Gamble.

Falsify records, passes, or other school-related documents.

Engage in actions or demonstrations that substantially disrupt or materially interfere with school

activities.

Repeatedly violate other communicated campus or classroom standards of conduct.

The district may impose campus or classroom rules in addition to those found in the Code.

These rules may be posted in classrooms or given to the student and may or may not constitute

violations of the Code.

8

Discipline Management Techniques

Discipline shall be designed to improve conduct and to encourage students to adhere to their

responsibilities as members of the school community. Disciplinary action shall draw on the

professional judgment of teachers and administrators and on a range of discipline management

techniques. Discipline shall be correlated to the seriousness of the offense, the student’s age and

grade level, the frequency of misbehavior, the student’s attitude, the effect of the misconduct on

the school environment, and statutory requirements.

Because of these factors, discipline for a particular offense, unless otherwise specified by law,

may bring into consideration varying techniques and responses.

Students with Disabilities

The discipline of students with disabilities is subject to applicable state and federal law in

addition to the Student Code of Conduct. To the extent any conflict exists, state and/or federal

law shall prevail.

In accordance with the Education Code, a student who is enrolled in a special education program

may not be disciplined for conduct meeting the definition of bullying, harassment, or making hit

lists (see glossary) until an ARD committee meeting has been held to review the conduct.

In deciding whether to order suspension, DAEP placement, or expulsion, regardless of whether

the action is mandatory or discretionary, the district shall take into consideration a disability that

substantially impairs the student’s capacity to appreciate the wrongfulness of the student’s

conduct.

Techniques

The following discipline management techniques may be used—alone or in combination—for

behavior prohibited by the Student Code of Conduct or by campus or classroom rules:

Verbal correction, oral or written.

Cooling-off time or “time-out.”

Seating changes within the classroom.

Temporary confiscation of items that disrupt the educational process.

Rewards or demerits.

Behavioral contracts.

Counseling by teachers, counselors, or administrative personnel.

Parent-teacher conferences.

Grade reductions for cheating, plagiarism, and as otherwise permitted by policy.

Detention, including outside regular school hours.

Sending the student to the office or other assigned area, or to in-school suspension.

Assignment of school duties such as cleaning or picking up litter.

Withdrawal of privileges, such as participation in extracurricular activities, eligibility for seeking

and holding honorary offices, or membership in school-sponsored clubs and organizations.

Penalties identified in individual student organizations’ extracurricular standards of behavior.

Discipline Management Techniques

9

Withdrawal or restriction of bus privileges.

School-assessed and school-administered probation.

Out-of-school suspension, as specified in the Out-of-School Suspension section of this Code.

Placement in a DAEP, as specified in the DAEP section of this Code.

Placement and/or expulsion in an alternative educational setting, as specified in the Placement

and/or Expulsion for Certain Offenses section of this Code.

Expulsion, as specified in the Expulsion section of this Code.

Referral to an outside agency or legal authority for criminal prosecution in addition to

disciplinary measures imposed by the district.

Other strategies and consequences as determined by school officials.

Notification

The principal or appropriate administrator shall notify a student’s parent by phone or in writing

of any violation that may result in a detention outside of regular school hours, out-of-school

suspension, placement in a DAEP, or expulsion. Notification will be made within three school

days after the administrator becomes aware of the violation.

Appeals

Questions from parents regarding disciplinary measures should be addressed to the teacher or

campus administration, as appropriate. Appeals or complaints regarding the use of specific

discipline management techniques should be addressed in accordance with policy

FNG(LOCAL). A copy of the policy may be obtained from the principal’s office or the central

administration office or through Policy On Line at the following address: www.kaufmanisd.net.

Consequences shall not be deferred pending the outcome of a grievance.

10

Removal from the Regular Educational Setting

In addition to other discipline management techniques, misconduct may result in removal from

the regular educational setting in the form of a routine referral or a formal removal.

Routine Referral

A routine referral occurs when a teacher sends a student to the principal’s office as a discipline

management technique. The principal may then employ additional techniques.

Formal Removal

A teacher or administrator may remove a student from class for a behavior that violates this

Code to maintain effective discipline in the classroom. A teacher may also initiate a formal

removal from class if:

1. The student’s behavior has been documented by the teacher as repeatedly interfering with the

teacher’s ability to teach his or her class or with the student’s classmates’ ability to learn; or

2. The behavior is so unruly, disruptive, or abusive that the teacher cannot teach, and the

students in the classroom cannot learn.

A teacher or administrator must remove a student from class if the student engages in behavior

that under the Education Code requires or permits the student to be placed in a DAEP or

expelled. When removing for those reasons, the procedures in the subsequent sections on DAEP

or expulsion will be followed. Otherwise, within three school days of the formal removal, the

appropriate administrator shall schedule a conference with the student’s parent; the student; the

teacher, in the case of removal by a teacher; and any other administrator.

At the conference, the appropriate administrator shall inform the student of the misconduct for

which he or she is charged and the consequences. The administrator shall give the student an

opportunity to give his or her version of the incident.

When a student is removed from the regular classroom by a teacher and a conference is pending,

the principal may place the student in:

Another appropriate classroom.

In-school suspension.

Out-of-school suspension.

DAEP.

Returning Student to Classroom

When a student has been formally removed from class by a teacher for conduct against the

teacher containing the elements of assault, aggravated assault, sexual assault, aggravated sexual

assault, murder, capital murder, or criminal attempt to commit murder or capital murder, the

student may not be returned to the teacher’s class without the teacher’s consent.

When a student has been formally removed by a teacher for any other conduct, the student may

be returned to the teacher’s class without the teacher’s consent, if the placement review

committee determines that the teacher’s class is the best or only alternative available.

11

Out-of-School Suspension

Misconduct

Students may be suspended for any behavior listed in the Code as a general conduct violation,

DAEP offense, or expellable offense.

In deciding whether to order out-of-school suspension, the district shall take into consideration:

1. Self-defense (see glossary),

2. Intent or lack of intent at the time the student engaged in the conduct, and

3. The student’s disciplinary history.

Process

State law allows a student to be suspended for no more than three school days per behavior

violation, with no limit on the number of times a student may be suspended in a semester or

school year.

Before being suspended a student shall have an informal conference with the appropriate

administrator, who shall advise the student of the conduct of which he or she is accused. The

student shall be given the opportunity to explain his or her version of the incident before the

administrator’s decision is made.

The number of days of a student’s suspension shall be determined by the appropriate

administrator, but shall not exceed three school days.

The appropriate administrator shall determine any restrictions on participation in school-

sponsored or school-related extracurricular and cocurricular activities.

12

Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) Placement

The DAEP shall be provided in a setting other than the student’s regular classroom. An

elementary school student may not be placed in a DAEP with a student who is not an elementary

school student.

For purposes of DAEP, elementary classification shall be kindergarten-grade 6 and secondary

classification shall be grades 7-12.

Summer programs provided by the district shall serve students assigned to a DAEP separately

from those students who are not assigned to the program.

A student who is expelled for an offense that otherwise would have resulted in a DAEP

placement does not have to be placed in a DAEP in addition to the expulsion.

In deciding whether to place a student in a DAEP, regardless of whether the action is mandatory

or discretionary, the district shall take into consideration:

1. Self-defense (see glossary),

2. Intent or lack of intent at the time the student engaged in the conduct, and

3. The student’s disciplinary history.

Discretionary Placement: Misconduct That May Result in DAEP Placement

A student may be placed in a DAEP for behaviors prohibited in the General Conduct Violations

section of this Code.

Misconduct Identified in State Law

In accordance with state law, a student may be placed in a DAEP for any one of the following

offenses:

Involvement in a public school fraternity, sorority, or secret society, including participating as a

member or pledge, or soliciting another person to become a pledge or member of a public

school fraternity, sorority, secret society, or gang. (See glossary.)

Involvement in criminal street gang activity. (See glossary.)

Any criminal mischief, including a felony.

In accordance with state law, a student may be placed in a DAEP if the superintendent or the

superintendent’s designee has reasonable belief (see glossary) that the student has engaged in

conduct punishable as a felony, other than aggravated robbery or those listed as offenses

involving injury to a person in Title 5 (see glossary) of the Texas Penal Code, that occurs off

school property and not at a school-sponsored or school-related event, if the student’s presence

in the regular classroom threatens the safety of other students or teachers or will be detrimental

to the educational process.

The appropriate administrator may, but is not required to, place a student in a DAEP for off-

campus conduct for which DAEP placement is required by state law if the administrator does not

have knowledge of the conduct before the first anniversary of the date the conduct occurred.

Mandatory Placement: Misconduct That Requires DAEP Placement

A student must be placed in a DAEP if the student:

Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) Placement

13

Engages in conduct relating to a false alarm or report (including a bomb threat) or a

terroristic threat involving a public school. (See glossary.)

Commits the following offenses on school property or within 300 feet of school property as

measured from any point on the school’s real property boundary line, or while attending a

school-sponsored or school-related activity on or off school property:

Engages in conduct punishable as a felony.

Commits an assault (see glossary) under Texas Penal Code 22.01(a)(1).

Sells, gives, or delivers to another person, or possesses, uses, or is under the influence of

marijuana, a controlled substance, or a dangerous drug in an amount not constituting a

felony offense. (School-related felony drug offenses are addressed in the Expulsion

section.) (See glossary for “under the influence.”)

Sells, gives, or delivers to another person an alcoholic beverage; commits a serious act or

offense while under the influence of alcohol; or possesses, uses, or is under the influence

of alcohol, if the conduct is not punishable as a felony offense. (School-related felony

alcohol offenses are addressed in the Expulsion section.)

Behaves in a manner that contains the elements of an offense relating to abusable volatile

chemicals.

Behaves in a manner that contains the elements of the offense of public lewdness or

indecent exposure.

Engages in expellable conduct and is between six and nine years of age.

Commits a federal firearms violation and is younger than six years of age.

Engages in conduct that contains the elements of the offense of retaliation against any school

employee or volunteer on or off school property. (Committing retaliation in combination

with another expellable offense is addressed in the Expulsion section of this Code.)

Engages in conduct punishable as aggravated robbery or a felony listed under Title 5 (see

glossary) of the Texas Penal Code when the conduct occurs off school property and not at a

school-sponsored or school-related event and:

1. The student receives deferred prosecution (see glossary),

2. A court or jury finds that the student has engaged in delinquent conduct (see glossary), or

3. The superintendent or designee has a reasonable belief (see glossary) that the student

engaged in the conduct.

Sexual Assault and Campus Assignments

If a student has been convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a young child or children or

convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault

against another student on the same campus, and if the victim’s parent or another person with the

authority to act on behalf of the victim requests that the board transfer the offending student to

another campus, the offending student shall be transferred to another campus in the district. If

there is no other campus in the district serving the grade level of the offending student, the

offending student shall be transferred to a DAEP.

Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) Placement

14

Emergencies

In an emergency, the principal or the principal’s designee may order the immediate placement of

a student in a DAEP for any reason for which placement in a DAEP may be made on a

nonemergency basis.

Process

Removals to a DAEP shall be made by the campus principal.

Conference

When a student is removed from class for a DAEP offense, the appropriate administrator shall

schedule a conference within three school days with the student’s parent, the student, and the

teacher, in the case of a teacher removal.

At the conference, the appropriate administrator shall inform the student, orally or in writing, of

the reasons for the removal and shall give the student an explanation of the basis for the removal

and an opportunity to respond to the reasons for the removal.

Following valid attempts to require attendance, the district may hold the conference and make a

placement decision regardless of whether the student or the student’s parents attend the

conference.

Placement Order

After the conference, if the student is placed in the DAEP, the appropriate administrator shall

write a placement order. A copy of the DAEP placement order shall be sent to the student and

the student’s parent.

Not later than the second business day after the conference, the board’s designee shall deliver to

the juvenile court a copy of the placement order and all information required by Section 52.04 of

the Family Code.

If the student is placed in the DAEP and the length of placement is inconsistent with the

guidelines included in this Code, the placement order shall give notice of the inconsistency.

Coursework Notice

The parent or guardian of a student placed in DAEP shall be given written notice of the student’s

opportunity to complete coursework required for graduation, at no cost to the student. The

notice shall include information regarding all methods available for completing the coursework.

Length of Placement

The duration of a student’s placement in a DAEP shall be determined by the campus principal or

designee.

The duration of a student’s placement shall be determined on a case-by-case basis. DAEP

placement shall be correlated to the seriousness of the offense, the student’s age and grade level,

the frequency of misconduct, the student’s attitude, and statutory requirements.

The maximum period of DAEP placement shall be one calendar year except as provided below.

The district shall administer the required pre- and post-assessments for students assigned to

DAEP for a period of 90 days or longer in accordance with established district administrative

procedures for administering other diagnostic or benchmark assessments.

Exceeds One Year

Placement in a DAEP may exceed one year when a review by the district determines that:

1. The student is a threat to the safety of other students or to district employees, or

Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) Placement

15

2. Extended placement is in the best interest of the student.

The statutory limitations on the length of a DAEP placement do not apply to a placement

resulting from the board’s decision to place a student who engaged in the sexual assault of

another student so that the students are not assigned to the same campus.

Exceeds School Year

Students who commit offenses requiring placement in a DAEP at the end of one school year may

be required to continue that placement at the start of the next school year to complete the

assigned term of placement.

For placement in a DAEP to extend beyond the end of the school year, the superintendent of

schools must determine that:

1. The student’s presence in the regular classroom or campus presents a danger of physical

harm to the student or others, or

2. The student has engaged in serious or persistent misbehavior (see glossary) that violates the

district’s Code.

Exceeds 60 Days

For placement in a DAEP to extend beyond 60 days or the end of the next grading period,

whichever is sooner, a student’s parent shall be given notice and the opportunity to participate in

a proceeding before the board or the board’s designee.

Appeals

Questions from parents regarding disciplinary measures should be addressed to the campus

administration. Appeals regarding the decision to place a student in a DAEP should be

addressed to the assistant superintendent of schools in accordance with policy FOC(LEGAL).

All other appeals regarding a placement in a DAEP should be addressed in accordance with

policy FNG(LOCAL). A copy of this policy may be obtained from the principal’s office or the

central administration office or through Policy On Line at the following address:

www.kaufmanisd.net .

Disciplinary consequences shall not be deferred pending the outcome of an appeal. The decision

to place a student in a DAEP cannot be appealed beyond the board.

Restrictions during Placement

The district does not permit a student who is placed in a DAEP to participate in any school-

sponsored or school-related extracurricular or cocurricular activity, including seeking or holding

honorary positions and/or membership in school-sponsored clubs and organizations.

A student placed in a DAEP shall not be provided transportation unless he or she is a student

with a disability who has transportation designated as a related service in the student’s IEP.

For seniors who are eligible to graduate and are assigned to a DAEP at the time of graduation,

the placement in the program shall continue through graduation, and the student shall not be

allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony and related graduation activities.

Placement Review

A student placed in a DAEP shall be provided a review of his or her status, including academic

status, by the DAEP principal at intervals not to exceed 120 days. In the case of a high school

student, the student’s progress toward graduation and the student’s graduation plan shall also be

reviewed. At the review, the student or the student’s parent shall be given the opportunity to

Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) Placement

16

present arguments for the student’s return to the regular classroom or campus. The student may

not be returned to the classroom of a teacher who removed the student without that teacher’s

consent.

Additional Misconduct

If during the term of placement in a DAEP the student engages in additional misconduct for

which placement in a DAEP or expulsion is required or permitted, additional proceedings may

be conducted, and the appropriate administrator may enter an additional disciplinary order as a

result of those proceedings.

Notice of Criminal Proceedings

The office of the prosecuting attorney shall notify the district if a student was placed in a DAEP

for certain offenses including any felony, unlawful restraint, indecent exposure, assault, deadly

conduct, terroristic threats, organized crime, certain drug offenses, or possession of a weapon,

and:

1. Prosecution of a student’s case was refused for lack of prosecutorial merit or insufficient

evidence and no formal proceedings, deferred adjudication (see glossary), or deferred

prosecution will be initiated; or

2. The court or jury found a student not guilty, or made a finding that the student did not engage

in delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision, and the case was

dismissed with prejudice.

If a student was placed in a DAEP for such conduct, on receiving the notice from the prosecutor,

the superintendent or designee shall review the student’s placement and schedule a review with

the student’s parent not later than the third day after the superintendent or designee receives

notice from the prosecutor. The student may not be returned to the regular classroom pending

the review.

After reviewing the notice and receiving information from the student’s parent, the

superintendent or designee may continue the student’s placement if there is reason to believe that

the presence of the student in the regular classroom threatens the safety of other students or

teachers.

The student or the student’s parent may appeal the superintendent’s decision to the board. The

student may not be returned to the regular classroom pending the appeal. In the case of an

appeal, the board shall, at the next scheduled meeting, review the notice from the prosecutor and

receive information from the student, the student’s parent, and the superintendent or designee,

and confirm or reverse the decision of the superintendent or designee. The board shall make a

record of the proceedings.

If the board confirms the decision of the superintendent or designee, the student and the student’s

parent may appeal to the Commissioner of Education. The student may not be returned to the

regular classroom pending the appeal.

Withdrawal during Process

When a student violates the district’s Code in a way that requires or permits the student to be

placed in a DAEP and the student withdraws from the district before a placement order is

completed, the district may complete the proceedings and issue a placement order. If the student

then reenrolls in the district during the same or a subsequent school year, the district may enforce

the order at that time, less any period of the placement that has been served by the student during

Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) Placement

17

enrollment in another district. If the appropriate administrator or the board fails to issue a

placement order after the student withdraws, the next district in which the student enrolls may

complete the proceedings and issue a placement order.

Newly Enrolled Students

The district shall continue the DAEP placement of a student who enrolls in the district and was

assigned to a DAEP in an open-enrollment charter school or another district.

A newly enrolled student with a DAEP placement from a district in another state shall be placed

as any other newly enrolled student if the behavior committed is a reason for DAEP placement in

the receiving district.

If the student was placed in a DAEP by a school district in another state for a period that exceeds

one year, this district, by state law, shall reduce the period of the placement so that the total

placement does not exceed one year. After a review, however, the placement may be extended

beyond a year if the district determines that the student is a threat to the safety of other students

or employees or the extended placement is in the best interest of the student.

Emergency Placement Procedure

When an emergency placement occurs, the student shall be given oral notice of the reason for the

action. Not later than the tenth day after the date of the placement, the student shall be given the

appropriate conference required for assignment to a DAEP.

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Placement and/or Expulsion for Certain Offenses

This section includes two categories of offenses for which the Education Code provides unique

procedures and specific consequences.

Registered Sex Offenders

Upon receiving notification in accordance with state law that a student is currently required to

register as a sex offender, the administration must remove the student from the regular classroom

and determine appropriate placement unless the court orders JJAEP placement.

If the student is under any form of court supervision, including probation, community

supervision, or parole, the placement shall be in either DAEP or JJAEP for at least one semester.

If the student is not under any form of court supervision, the placement may be in DAEP or

JJAEP for one semester or the placement may be in a regular classroom. The placement may not

be in the regular classroom if the board or its designee determines that the student’s presence:

1. Threatens the safety of other students or teachers,

2. Will be detrimental to the educational process, or

3. Is not in the best interests of the district’s students.

Review Committee

At the end of the first semester of a student’s placement in an alternative educational setting and

before the beginning of each school year for which the student remains in an alternative

placement, the district shall convene a committee, in accordance with state law, to review the

student’s placement. The committee shall recommend whether the student should return to the

regular classroom or remain in the placement. Absent a special finding, the board or its designee

must follow the committee’s recommendation.

The placement review of a student with a disability who receives special education services must

be made by the ARD committee.

Newly Enrolled Student

If a student enrolls in the district during a mandatory placement as a registered sex offender, the

district may count any time already spent by the student in a placement or may require an

additional semester in an alternative placement without conducting a review of the placement.

Appeal

A student or the student’s parent may appeal the placement by requesting a conference between

the board or its designee, the student, and the student’s parent. The conference is limited to the

factual question of whether the student is required to register as a sex offender. Any decision of

the board or its designee under this section is final and may not be appealed.

Certain Felonies

Regardless of whether placement or expulsion is required or permitted by one of the reasons in

the DAEP Placement or Expulsion sections, in accordance with Education Code 37.0081, a

student may be expelled and placed in either DAEP or JJAEP if the board or its designee makes

certain findings and the following circumstances exist in relation to aggravated robbery or a

felony offense under Title 5 (see glossary) of the Texas Penal Code. The student must:

Have received deferred prosecution for conduct defined as aggravated robbery or a Title 5 felony

offense;

Placement and/or Expulsion for Certain Offenses

19

Have been found by a court or jury to have engaged in delinquent conduct for conduct defined as

aggravated robbery or a Title 5 felony offense;

Have been charged with engaging in conduct defined as aggravated robbery or a Title 5 felony

offense;

Have been referred to a juvenile court for allegedly engaging in delinquent conduct for conduct

defined as aggravated robbery or a Title 5 felony offense; or

Have received probation or deferred adjudication or have been arrested for, charged with, or

convicted of aggravated robbery or a Title 5 felony offense.

The district may expel the student and order placement under these circumstances regardless of:

1. The date on which the student’s conduct occurred,

2. The location at which the conduct occurred,

3. Whether the conduct occurred while the student was enrolled in the district, or

4. Whether the student has successfully completed any court disposition requirements imposed

in connection with the conduct.

Hearing and Required Findings

The student must first have a hearing before the board or its designee, who must determine that

in addition to the circumstances above that allow for the expulsion, the student’s presence in the

regular classroom:

1. Threatens the safety of other students or teachers,

2. Will be detrimental to the educational process, or

3. Is not in the best interest of the district’s students.

Any decision of the board or the board’s designee under this section is final and may not be

appealed.

Length of Placement

The student is subject to the placement until:

1. The student graduates from high school,

2. The charges are dismissed or reduced to a misdemeanor offense, or

3. The student completes the term of the placement or is assigned to another program.

Newly Enrolled Students

A student who enrolls in the district before completing a placement under this section from

another school district must complete the term of the placement.

20

Expulsion

In deciding whether to order expulsion, regardless of whether the action is mandatory or

discretionary, the district shall take into consideration:

1. Self-defense (see glossary),

2. Intent or lack of intent at the time the student engaged in the conduct, and

3. The student’s disciplinary history.

Discretionary Expulsion: Misconduct That May Result in Expulsion

Any Location

A student may be expelled for:

Engaging in the following, no matter where it takes place:

Conduct that contains the elements of assault under Penal Code 22.01(a)(1) in retaliation

against a school employee or volunteer.

Criminal mischief, if punishable as a felony.

Engaging in conduct that contains the elements of one of the following offenses against another

student, without regard to where the conduct occurs:

Aggravated assault.

Sexual assault.

Aggravated sexual assault.

Murder.

Capital murder.

Criminal attempt to commit murder or capital murder.

Aggravated robbery.

Breach of computer security.

Engaging in conduct relating to a false alarm or report (including a bomb threat) or a terroristic

threat involving a public school.

At School, Within 300 Feet, or at a School Event

A student may be expelled for committing any of the following offenses on or within 300 feet of

school property, as measured from any point on the school’s real property boundary line, or

while attending a school-sponsored or school-related activity on or off school property:

Selling, giving, or delivering to another person, or possessing, using, or being under the

influence of marijuana, a controlled substance, or a dangerous drug, if the conduct is not

punishable as a felony. (See glossary for “under the influence.”)

Selling, giving, or delivering to another person, or possessing, using, or being under the

influence of alcohol; or committing a serious act or offense while under the influence of

alcohol, if the conduct is not punishable as a felony.

Expulsion

21

Engaging in conduct that contains the elements of an offense relating to abusable volatile

chemicals.

Engaging in conduct that contains the elements of assault under Section 22.01(a)(1) against an

employee or a volunteer.

Engaging in deadly conduct. (See glossary.)

Within 300 Feet of School

A student may be expelled for engaging in the following conduct while within 300 feet of school

property, as measured from any point on the school’s real property boundary line:

Aggravated assault, sexual assault, or aggravated sexual assault.

Arson. (See glossary.)

Murder, capital murder, or criminal attempt to commit murder or capital murder.

Indecency with a child, aggravated kidnapping, manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, or

aggravated robbery.

Continuous sexual abuse of a young child or children.

Felony drug- or alcohol-related offense.

Use, exhibition, or possession of a firearm (as defined by state law), an illegal knife, a club, or

prohibited weapon, or possession of a firearm (as defined by federal law).

Property of Another District

A student may be expelled for committing any offense that is a state-mandated expellable

offense if the offense is committed on the property of another district in Texas or while the

student is attending a school-sponsored or school-related activity of a school in another district in

Texas.

While in DAEP

A student may be expelled for engaging in documented serious misbehavior that violates the

district’s Code, despite documented behavioral interventions while placed in a DAEP. For

purposes of discretionary expulsion from a DAEP, serious misbehavior means:

1. Deliberate violent behavior that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others;

2. Extortion, meaning the gaining of money or other property by force or threat;

3. Conduct that constitutes coercion, as defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code; or

4. Conduct that constitutes the offense of:

a. Public lewdness under Section 21.07, Penal Code;

b. Indecent exposure under Section 21.08; Penal Code;

c. Criminal mischief under Section 28.03, Penal Code;

d. Personal hazing under Section 37.152; or

e. Harassment under Section 42.07(a)(1), Penal Code, of a student or district employee.

Expulsion

22

Mandatory Expulsion: Misconduct That Requires Expulsion

A student must be expelled under federal or state law for any of the following offenses that occur

on school property or while attending a school-sponsored or school-related activity on or off

school property:

Under Federal Law

Bringing to school a firearm, as defined by federal law. “Firearm” under federal law includes:

Any weapon (including a starter gun) that will, is designed to, or may readily be

converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.

The frame or receiver of any such weapon.

Any firearm muffler or firearm weapon.

Any destructive device, such as any explosive, incendiary or poison gas bomb, or

grenade.

Under the Texas Penal Code

Using, exhibiting, or possessing the following, as defined by the Texas Penal Code:

A firearm (any device designed, made, or adapted to expel a projectile through a barrel

by using the energy generated by an explosion or burning substance or any device readily

convertible to that use), unless the use, exhibition, or possession of the firearm occurs at

an off-campus approved target range facility while participating in or preparing for a

school-sponsored shooting sports competition or a shooting sports educational activity

that is sponsored or supported by the Parks and Wildlife Department or a shooting sports

sanctioning organization working with the department.

An illegal knife, such as a knife with a blade over 5 ½ inches; hand instrument, designed

to cut or stab another by being thrown; dagger, including but not limited to a dirk, stiletto,

and poniard; bowie knife; sword; or spear.

A club (see glossary) such as an instrument specially designed, made, or adapted for the

purpose of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by striking a person with the

instrument, including a blackjack, nightstick, mace, and tomahawk.

A prohibited weapon, such as an explosive weapon, a machine gun, a short-barrel

firearm, a firearm silencer, a switchblade knife, knuckles, armor-piercing ammunition, a

chemical dispensing device, a zip gun, or a tire deflation device. (See glossary.)

Behaving in a manner that contains elements of the following offenses under the Texas Penal

Code:

Aggravated assault, sexual assault, or aggravated sexual assault.

Arson. (See glossary.)

Murder, capital murder, or criminal attempt to commit murder or capital murder.

Indecency with a child.

Aggravated kidnapping.

Aggravated robbery.

Expulsion

23

Manslaughter.

Criminally negligent homicide.

Continuous sexual abuse of a young child or children.

Behavior punishable as a felony that involves selling, giving, or delivering to another

person, or possessing, using, or being under the influence of marijuana, a controlled

substance, a dangerous drug, or alcohol; or committing a serious act or offense while

under the influence of alcohol.

Engaging in retaliation against a school employee or volunteer combined with one of the above-

listed mandatory expulsion offenses.

Under Age Ten

When a student under the age of ten engages in behavior that is expellable behavior, the student

shall not be expelled, but shall be placed in a DAEP. A student under age six shall not be placed

in a DAEP unless the student commits a federal firearm offense.

Emergency

In an emergency, the principal or the principal’s designee may order the immediate expulsion of

a student for any reason for which expulsion may be made on a nonemergency basis.

Process

If a student is believed to have committed an expellable offense, the principal or other

appropriate administrator shall schedule a hearing within a reasonable time. The student’s parent

shall be invited in writing to attend the hearing.

Until a hearing can be held, the principal may place the student in:

Another appropriate classroom.

In-school suspension.

Out-of-school suspension.

DAEP.

Hearing

A student facing expulsion shall be given a hearing with appropriate due process. The student is

entitled to:

1. Representation by the student’s parent or another adult who can provide guidance to the

student and who is not an employee of the district,

2. An opportunity to testify and to present evidence and witnesses in the student’s defense, and

3. An opportunity to question the district’s witnesses.

After providing notice to the student and parent of the hearing, the district may hold the hearing

regardless of whether the student or the student’s parent attends.

The board of trustees delegates to the assistant superintendent of the district authority to conduct

hearings and expel students.

Expulsion

24

Board Review of Expulsion

After the due process hearing, the expelled student may request that the board review the

expulsion decisions. The student or parent must submit a written request to the superintendent

within seven days after receipt of the written decision. The superintendent must provide the

student or parent written notice of the date, time, and place of the meeting at which the board

will review the decision.

The board shall review the record of the expulsion hearing in a closed meeting unless the parent

requests in writing that the matter be held in an open meeting. The board may also hear a

statement from the student or parent and from the board’s designee.

The board shall hear statements made by the parties at the review and will base its decision on

evidence reflected in the record and any statements made by the parties at the review. The board

shall make and communicate its decision orally at the conclusion of the presentation.

Consequences shall not be deferred pending the outcome of the hearing.

Expulsion Order

After the due process hearing, if the student is expelled, the board or its designee shall deliver to

the student and the student’s parent a copy of the order expelling the student.

Not later than the second business day after the hearing, the assistant superintendent shall deliver

to the juvenile court a copy of the expulsion order and the information required by Section 52.04

of the Family Code.

If the length of the expulsion is inconsistent with the guidelines included in the Student Code of

Conduct, the expulsion order shall give notice of the inconsistency.

Length of Expulsion

The length of an expulsion shall be correlated to the seriousness of the offense, the student’s age

and grade level, the frequency of misbehavior, the student’s attitude, and statutory requirements.

The duration of a student’s expulsion shall be determined on a case-by-case basis. The

maximum period of expulsion is one calendar year except as provided below.

An expulsion may not exceed one year unless, after review, the district determines that:

1. The student is a threat to the safety of other students or to district employees, or

2. Extended expulsion is in the best interest of the student.

State and federal law require a student to be expelled from the regular classroom for a period of

at least one calendar year for bringing a firearm, as defined by federal law, to school. However,

the superintendent or other appropriate administrator may modify the length of the expulsion on

a case-by-case basis.

Students who commit offenses that require expulsion at the end of one school year may be

expelled into the next school year to complete the term of expulsion.

Withdrawal during Process

When a student has violated the district’s Code in a way that requires or permits expulsion from

the district and the student withdraws from the district before the expulsion hearing takes place,

the district may conduct the hearing after sending written notice to the parent and student.

If the student then reenrolls in the district during the same or subsequent school year, the district

may enforce the expulsion order at that time, less any expulsion period that has been served by

the student during enrollment in another district.

Expulsion

25

If the appropriate administrator or the board fails to issue an expulsion order after the student

withdraws, the next district in which the student enrolls may complete the proceedings.

Additional Misconduct

If during the expulsion, the student engages in additional conduct for which placement in a

DAEP or expulsion is required or permitted, additional proceedings may be conducted, and the

appropriate administrator or the board may issue an additional disciplinary order as a result of

those proceedings.

Restrictions during Expulsion

Expelled students are prohibited from being on school grounds or attending school-sponsored or

school-related activities during the period of expulsion.

No district academic credit shall be earned for work missed during the period of expulsion unless

the student is enrolled in a JJAEP or another district-approved program.

Newly Enrolled Students

The district shall continue the expulsion of any newly enrolled student expelled from another

district or an open-enrollment charter school until the period of the expulsion is completed.

If a student expelled in another state enrolls in the district, the district may continue the

expulsion under the terms of the expulsion order, may place the student in a DAEP for the period

specified in the order, or may allow the student to attend regular classes if:

1. The out-of-state district provides the district with a copy of the expulsion order, and

2. The offense resulting in the expulsion is also an expellable offense in the district in which the

student is enrolling.

If a student is expelled by a district in another state for a period that exceeds one year and the

district continues the expulsion or places the student in a DAEP, the district shall reduce the

period of the expulsion or DAEP placement so that the entire period does not exceed one year,

unless after a review it is determined that:

1. The student is a threat to the safety of other students or district employees, or

2. Extended placement is in the best interest of the student.

Emergency Expulsion Procedures

When an emergency expulsion occurs, the student shall be given verbal notice of the reason for

the action. Within ten days after the date of the emergency expulsion, the student shall be given

appropriate due process required for a student facing expulsion.

DAEP Placement of Expelled Students

The district may provide educational services to any expelled student in a DAEP; however,

educational services in the DAEP must be provided if the student is less than ten years of age.

26

Glossary

The glossary provides legal definitions and locally established definitions and is intended to

assist in understanding terms related to the Student Code of Conduct.

Abuse is improper or excessive use.

Aggravated robbery is defined in part by Texas Penal Code 29.03(a) when a person commits

robbery and:

1. Causes serious bodily injury to another;

2. Uses or exhibits a deadly weapon; or

3. Causes bodily injury to another person or threatens or places another person in fear of

imminent bodily injury or death, if the other person is:

a. 65 years of age or older, or

b. A disabled person.

Armor-piercing ammunition is handgun ammunition used in pistols and revolvers and

designed primarily for the purpose of penetrating metal or body armor.

Arson is:

1. A crime that involves starting a fire or causing an explosion with intent to destroy or damage:

a. Any vegetation, fence, or structure on open-space land; or

b. Any building, habitation, or vehicle:

Knowing that it is within the limits of an incorporated city or town,

Knowing that it is insured against damage or destruction,

Knowing that it is subject to a mortgage or other security interest,

Knowing that it is located on property belonging to another,

Knowing that it has located within it property belonging to another, or

When the person starting the fire is reckless about whether the burning or explosion will

endanger the life of some individual or the safety of the property of another.

2. A crime that involves recklessly starting a fire or causing an explosion while manufacturing

or attempting to manufacture a controlled substance and the fire or explosion damages any

building, habitation, or vehicle; or

3. A crime that involves intentionally starting a fire or causing an explosion and in so doing:

a. Recklessly damages or destroys a building belonging to another, or

b. Recklessly causes another person to suffer bodily injury or death.

Assault is defined in part by Texas Penal Code 22.01(a)(1) as intentionally, knowingly, or

recklessly causing bodily injury to another.

Bullying is when a student or group of students engages in written or verbal expression,

expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that occurs on school property, at a

school-sponsored or school-related activity, or in a vehicle operated by the district and a school

district’s board of trustees or the board’s designee determines that the behavior:

Index

27

1. Has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s

property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or of damage

to the student’s property; or

2. Is sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an

intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student.

This conduct is considered bullying if it:

1. Exploits an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator who is engaging in bullying

and the student victim through written or verbal expression or physical conduct; and

2. Interferes with a student’s education or substantially disrupts the operation of a school.

Chemical dispensing device is a device designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of causing

an adverse psychological or physiological effect on a human being. A small chemical dispenser

sold commercially for personal protection is not in this category.

Club is an instrument specially designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting serious

bodily injury or death. A blackjack, mace, and tomahawk are in the same category.

Criminal street gang is three or more persons having a common identifying sign or symbol or

an identifiable leadership who continuously or regularly associate in the commission of criminal

activities.

Cyberbullying is the use of any electronic communication device to engage in bullying or

intimidation.

Dating violence occurs when a person in a current or past dating relationship uses physical,

sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse to harm, threaten, intimidate, or control another person in the

relationship. Dating violence also occurs when a person commits these acts against a person in a

marriage or dating relationship with the individual who is or was once in a marriage or dating

relationship with the person committing the offense, as defined by Section 71.0021 of the Family

Code.

Deadly conduct occurs when a person recklessly engages in conduct that places another in

imminent danger of serious bodily injury, such as knowingly discharging a firearm in the

direction of an individual, habitation, building, or vehicle.

Deferred adjudication is an alternative to seeking a conviction in court that may be offered to a

juvenile for delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision.

Deferred prosecution may be offered to a juvenile as an alternative to seeking a conviction in

court for delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision.

Delinquent conduct is conduct that violates either state or federal law and is punishable by

imprisonment or confinement in jail. It includes conduct that violates certain juvenile court

orders, including probation orders, but does not include violations of traffic laws.

Discretionary means that something is left to or regulated by a local decision maker.

Explosive weapon is any explosive or incendiary bomb, grenade, rocket, or mine and its

delivery mechanism that is designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting serious

bodily injury, death, or substantial property damage, or for the principal purpose of causing such

a loud report as to cause undue public alarm or terror.

False Alarm or Report occurs when a person knowingly initiates, communicates, or circulates a

report of a present, past, or future bombing, fire, offense, or other emergency that he or she

knows is false or baseless and that would ordinarily:

1. Cause action by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies;

Index

28

2. Place a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury; or

3. Prevent or interrupt the occupation of a building, room, or place of assembly.

Firearm silencer means any device designed, made, or adapted to muffle the report of a firearm.

Graffiti are markings with paint, an indelible pen or marker, or an etching or engraving device

on tangible property without the effective consent of the owner. The markings may include

inscriptions, slogans, drawings, or paintings.

Harassment is:

1. Conduct that meets the definition established in district policies DIA(LOCAL) and

FFH(LOCAL); or

2. Conduct that threatens to cause harm or bodily injury to another student, is sexually

intimidating, causes physical damage to the property of another student, subjects another

student to physical confinement or restraint, or maliciously and substantially harms another

student’s physical or emotional health or safety.

Hazing is an intentional or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or acting with

others, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of

pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an

organization.

Hit list is a list of people targeted to be harmed, using a firearm, a knife, or any other object to be

used with intent to cause bodily harm.

Knuckles are any instrument consisting of finger rings or guards made of a hard substance and

designed or adapted for inflicting serious bodily injury or death by striking a person with a fist

enclosed in the knuckles.

Machine gun is any firearm that is capable of shooting more than two shots automatically,

without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.

Mandatory means that something is obligatory or required because of an authority.

Paraphernalia are devices that can be used for inhaling, ingesting, injecting, or otherwise

introducing a controlled substance into a human body.

Possession means to have an item on one’s person or in one’s personal property, including but

not limited to clothing, purse, or backpack; a private vehicle used for transportation to or from

school or school-related activities, including but not limited to an automobile, truck, motorcycle,

or bicycle; telecommunications or electronic devices; or any other school property used by the

student, including but not limited to a locker or desk.

Public school fraternity, sorority, secret society, or gang means an organization composed

wholly or in part of students that seeks to perpetuate itself by taking additional members from the

students enrolled in school based on a decision of its membership rather than on the free choice

of a qualified student. Educational organizations listed in Section 37.121(d) of the Education

Code are excepted from this definition.

Reasonable belief is a determination made by the superintendent or designee using all available

information, including the information furnished under Article 15.27 of the Code of Criminal

Procedure.

Self-defense is the use of force against another to the degree a person reasonably believes the

force is immediately necessary to protect himself or herself.

Serious misbehavior means:

1. Deliberate violent behavior that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others;

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2. Extortion, meaning the gaining of money or other property by force or threat;

3. Conduct that constitutes coercion, as defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code; or

4. Conduct that constitutes the offense of:

a. Public lewdness under Section 21.07, Penal Code;

b. Indecent exposure under Section 21.08; Penal Code;

c. Criminal mischief under Section 28.03, Penal Code;

d. Personal hazing under Section 37.152; or

e. Harassment under Section 42.07(a)(1), Penal Code, of a student or district employee.

Serious or persistent misbehavior includes but is not limited to:

Behavior that is grounds for permissible expulsion or mandatory DAEP placement.

Behavior identified by the district as grounds for discretionary DAEP placement.

Actions or demonstrations that substantially disrupt or materially interfere with school activities.

Refusal to attempt or complete school work as assigned.

Insubordination.

Profanity, vulgar language, or obscene gestures.

Leaving school grounds without permission.

Falsification of records, passes, or other school-related documents.

Refusal to accept discipline assigned by the teacher or principal.

Short-barrel firearm is a rifle with a barrel length of less than 16 inches or a shotgun with a

barrel length of less than 18 inches, or any weapon made from a rifle or shotgun that, as altered,

has an overall length of less than 26 inches.

Switchblade is any knife with a blade that folds, closes, or retracts into the handle or sheath and

that opens automatically by pressing a button or by the force of gravity or centrifugal force. The

term does not include a knife that has a spring, detent, or other mechanism designed to create a

bias toward closure and that requires exertion applied to the blade by hand, wrist, or arm to

overcome the bias toward closure and open the knife.

Terroristic threat is a threat of violence to any person or property with intent to:

1. Cause a reaction of any type by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with

emergencies;

2. Place any person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury;

3. Prevent or interrupt the occupation or use of a building; room, place of assembly, or place to

which the public has access; place of employment or occupation; aircraft, automobile, or

other form of conveyance; or other public place;

4. Cause impairment or interruption of public communications, public transportation, public

water, gas, or power supply or other public service;

5. Place the public or a substantial group of the public in fear of serious bodily injury; or

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6. Influence the conduct or activities of a branch or agency of the federal government, the state,

or a political subdivision of the state (including the district).

Tire deflation device is defined in part by Section 46.01 of the Penal Code as a device,

including a caltrop or spike strip, that, when driven over, impedes or stops the movement of a

wheeled vehicle by puncturing one or more of the vehicle’s tires.

Title 5 offenses are those that involve injury to a person and include murder; kidnapping;

assault; aggravated assault; sexual assault; aggravated sexual assault; unlawful restraint;

indecency with a child; injury to a child, an elderly person, or a disabled person; abandoning or

endangering a child; deadly conduct; terroristic threat; aiding a person to commit suicide; and

tampering with a consumer product. [See FOC(EXHIBIT)]

Under the influence means lacking the normal use of mental or physical faculties. Impairment

of a person’s physical or mental faculties may be evidenced by a pattern of abnormal or erratic

behavior, the presence of physical symptoms of drug or alcohol use, or by admission. A student

“under the influence” need not be legally intoxicated to trigger disciplinary action.

Use means voluntarily introducing into one’s body, by any means, a prohibited substance.

Zip gun is a device or combination of devices, not originally a firearm, but adapted to expel a

projectile through a smooth-bore or rifled-bore barrel by using the energy generated by an

explosion or burning substance.

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Index

admission, review, and dismissal (ARD)

committee, 9, 20

appeals process

board review of expulsion, 27

DAEP appeals, 17, 18

discipline management techniques, 10

sex offender registry, 20

attendance, 4

authority of the district, 2

board of trustees, 1

campus rules, 4, 8

cell phones. See electronic devices.

cheating. See prohibited behavior.

classroom rules, 4, 8

computers, 7

abusive behavior, 8

breach of security, 7

cyberbullying, 8

hacking/cracking, 7

illegal activity, 8

online impersonation, 8

threatening behavior, 7

vandalism, 7

See also technology resources.

confiscation of student property

confiscation of property. See discipline

management techniques.

corporal punishment. See discipline

management techniques.

counseling, 9

courtesy, 4

crimes

aggravated robbery, 6, 14, 15, 20, 23

breach of security, 7, 23

criminal mischief, 2, 6, 14, 23

criminal proceedings and placement in

DAEP, 18

felonies, 2, 6, 14, 15, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24,

26

reporting, 2

Title 5 offenses, 14, 15, 20, 21, 34

expulsion and placement, 21

hearing and required findings, 21

length of placement, 21

newly enrolled students, 22

delinquent conduct, 15, 18, 21, 31

demonstrations, 8

detention. See discipline management

techniques.

disciplinary alternative education program

(DAEP), 13, 20

appeals. See appeals process.

coursework notice, 16

discretionary placement, 14

elementary school students, 13

emergency placement, 15, 19

extracurricular activities, 17

grade classification, 13

graduation, 17, 18

length of placement, 16

mandatory placement, 14

300 foot rule, 14

notice of criminal proceedings, 18

placement review, 18

pre- and post-assessments, 16

process, 15

restrictions during placement, 17

summer programs, 13

transportation, 17

under age six, 14

under age ten, 14

discipline management techniques, 9

alternative educational setting, 10

appeals. See appeals process.

behavioral contracts, 9

bus privileges, 10

confiscation of property, 9

corporal punishment, 10

counseling, 9

criminal prosecution, 10

DAEP. See disciplinary alternative

education program (DAEP).

demerits, 9

detention, 9

expulsion. See expulsion.

extracurricular organizations, 10

grade reductions, 9

in-school suspension, 9

loss of privileges, 10

notification, 10

Index

32

out-of-school suspension, 10

probation, 10

referral. See routine referral.

refusal to accept, 5

rewards, 9

school duties, 9

students with disabilities, 9

time-out, 9

dress code, 4, 8

drugs, 7

marijuana, 7

over-the-counter, 7

paraphernalia, 7

prescription, 7

under the influence, 7

electronic devices, 6, 7

expulsion, 23

300 foot rule, 23

additional misconduct, 28

and DAEP placement, 29

emergency, 26, 29

for serious misbehavior committed while

in DAEP, 24

length, 28

mandatory, 25

newly enrolled students, 28

process, 26

restrictions, 28

under age six, 26

under age ten, 26

withdrawal during process, 28

falsification of records, 8, 33

formal removal from class, 11

returning student to the classroom, 11

fraternity, 13, 33

gangs, 13, 14, 31, 33

gender-based harassment, 5, See also

prohibited behavior.

graduation

participation, 3

participation, 17

inspections, 2

jurisdiction of the district, 2

300 foot rule, 2

juvenile justice alternative education

program (JJAEP), 20, 28

lunch period, 2

nonresident student, 2

parent-teacher conferences, 9

placement review committee, 11, 20

plagiarism. See prohibited behavior:

cheating.

posting

of the Student Code of Conduct, 1

preparation for class, 4

prohibited behavior, 8

300 foot rule, 14, 23

alcohol, 14, 24

assault, 5, 11, 14, 15, 18, 23, 24, 34

at another district, 24

blackmail, 5

bullying, 5

cheating, 8

coercion, 5

cyberbullying, 8

dating violence, 5

deadly conduct, 24

drugs, 14, 23

false accusations, 8

false alarm, 14, 23

fighting, 5

fire extinguishers discharged without

cause, 8

forgery. See falsification of records.

gambling, 8

gender-based harassment, 5

graffiti, 6

harassment, 5

hazing, 5

hit lists, 5

hoaxes, 8

inappropriate conduct, 5

inciting violence, 8

indecent exposure, 5, 14

insubordination, 5

leaving school grounds, 5

misuse of technology resources, 7

on school buses, 5

online impersonation, 8

profanity, 5

recording without consent, 5

repeated offenses, 8

Index

33

robbery, 6

sexting, 8

sexual abuse, 5

sexual assault, 16

sexual harassment, 5

stealing, 6

terroristic threat, 14, 23, 34

theft, 6

threats, 5, 8

throwing objects, 8

under the influence, 23

vandalism, 6

volatile chemicals, 14, 24

prohibited items

air guns, 6

alcohol, 26

ammunition, 6

clubs, 24, 25

drugs, 26

firearms, 14, 24, 25

fireworks, 6

knives, 24, 25

lighters, 6

mace, 6

matches, 6

other dangerous items, 6, 24

other weapons, 26

pepper spray, 6

pornography, 6

stun guns, 6

tire deflation device, 26

tobacco, 6

property, 4

protests. See demonstrations.

removal from the regular educational

setting, 11

respect, 4

retaliation, 2, 15, 23, 26

routine referral, 11

safety, 4, 8

searches

desks, 2

lockers, 2

vehicles, 2

secret society, 13, 33

self-defense, 12, 13, 23

self-discipline, 4

serious misbehavior, 24

sex offender, 2, 20

appeal of placement as a registered sex

offender, 20

newly enrolled student, 20

sexual abuse, 5, See also prohibited

behavior.

sexual harassment, 5, See also prohibited

behavior.

smart phones. See electronic devices.

sorority, 13, 33

special education, 9

standards for student conduct, 4

student handbook

conflict with Student Code of Conduct, 1

students with disabilities, 1, 20

discipline management techniques, 9

transportation while in DAEP, 17

suspension

in-school. See discipline management

techniques.

out-of-school, 10, 12

technology resources

district policy, 7

See also computers.

telecommunications devices. See electronic

devices.

time-out. See discipline management

techniques.

Title 5 offenses. See crimes.

transfers

campus assignments, 15

revoked, 2

transportation, 2

discipline management techniques, 10

rules for conduct, 5

while in DAEP, 17

34