Student Handbook

Student Handbook 2018-2019

Bell Schedule • First bell rings at 7:50 a.m. • The teacher dismisses the class NOT the bell. • The library will be open daily from 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. • 4 minute passing periods • 5 - 58 minute periods • 2 - 60 minute periods (2 minutes - Announcements, 58 minutes - Instruction) • 3 - 36 minute lunch periods

School Songs

ATTENDANCE • All students are required by State Law to attend at least 90% of the days that the class is offered. • Each quarter (9 weeks), student attendance will be reviewed for the following absences: • 1st Quarter – exceeds 4 absences • 2nd Quarter – exceeds 9 absences • 3rd Quarter – exceeds 13 absences • 4th Quarter – exceeds 18 absences • Students who do not meet these attendance expectations: • Will receive ‘No Credit’ • Will be referred to the credit recovery program committee and must meet all requirements set forth by it before they are cleared • Are ineligible to participate in U.I.L. events until cleared by the credit recovery administrator

ATTENDANCE • A doctor’s note is required when a student has been ill or under a doctor’s care, otherwise the absence will not be considered excused. It is :required • Within 5 days of returning to school • For absences with more than 5 consecutive days • A pattern of absences • NOTE: Absences will effect eligibility for field trips. Students with excessive absences will be unable to attend their team’s field trip

Assemblies • Student conduct during assemblies must meet the same standards as in the classroom • Any student who does not follow the District Code of Conduct during an assembly will be subject to disciplinary action.

Awards • Awards and honors are presented to students throughout the year • Students are recognized for outstanding achievement in: • Citizenship • Academics • Attendance • Athletics • Fine Arts • Competition • Students, who maintain passing standards, attend school regularly, and exhibit acceptable school behavior, qualify for recognition

ACADEMIC HONORS • Honor Roll • Students who pass all subjects and maintain an overall average of 90 or above • Banquet • In May, the top 12 students of each grade level are selected for special recognition at an Academic Honors Banquet

BUS RULES AND EXPECTATIONS • Any student who fails to comply with district/school code or established rules of conduct while on school transportation may be denied transportation services and shall be subject to disciplinary action. • Video cameras are used to promote compliance with the rules of conduct.

BUS RULES AND EXPECTATIONS When a discipline concern arises on the bus: • A conference involving the principal, the student passenger, the driver, and the parents may be required. • The principal may suspend the student's bus-riding privileges. • In the case of serious misconduct that endangers the safety of other passengers or the driver, the driver shall have the authority to put the student off the bus or to call for law enforcement assistance. The student shall not be provided bus service again until a conference involving all persons listed above has been held.

BULLYING • Is a single significant act or a pattern of acts by one or more students directed at another student that exploits an imbalance of power and involves engaging in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that: • 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; • Is severe, persistent, or pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student; • Materially and substantially disrupts the educational process or the orderly operation of a classroom or school; or • Infringes on the rights of the victim at school.

BULLYING • Bullying includes cyberbullying • Cyberbullying is defined by Section 37.0832 of the Education Code as bullying that is done through the use of any electronic communication device, including: • Cellular or other type of telephone • Computer • Camera • Electronic mail • Instant messaging • Text messaging • A social media application • Internet website, or any other Internet-based communication tool.

BULLYIING The district has policies and procedures regarding: • Bullying that occurs on or is delivered to school property or to the site of a school-sponsored or school-related activity on or off school property; • Bullying that occurs on a publicly or privately owned school bus or vehicle being used for transportation of students to or from school or a school-sponsored or school-related activity; and • Cyberbullying that occurs off school property or outside of a school-sponsored or school-related activity if the cyberbullying interferes with a student’s educational opportunities or substantially disrupts the orderly operation of a classroom, school, or school-sponsored or school-related activity.

CAFETERIA PROCEDURES • Dress Code enforced • Follow directions/instructions from faculty/staff • Clean up your area when finished • No offensive language or gestures (no cursing, putdowns, racial/ethnic/religious slurs or negative hand signs, etc.) • Keep hands/feet/objects to self • No food/drinks to leave cafeteria/snack bar area

CAFETERIA PROCEDURES Breakfast • 7:25 a.m. until 7:55 a.m. • Only students on late arriving buses are served after 7:55 a.m. Lunch • Students may bring their own lunch or purchase it from the cafeteria. • All students are required to eat their lunches in the school cafeteria. • *Energy drinks are not allowed on campus.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Expectations for Students in Extracurricular Activities • Students participating in classes or organizations are subject to the rules and regulations in addition to the regular Student Code of Conduct. • Each organization or team may establish rules of conduct and 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 school shall apply in addition to the consequences specified by the organization.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS • A student who receives at the end of a grading period a grade below 70 in any academic class—other than a Pre-AP course in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies,—may not participate in extracurricular activities for at least three school weeks. • A student who receives special education services and who fails to meet the standards in the individualized education program (IEP) may not participate for at least three school weeks. • An ineligible student may practice or rehearse but may not participate in any competitive activity. • A student is allowed in a school year up to ten absences not related to post-district competition, a maximum of five absences for post-district competition prior to state, and a maximum of two absences for state competition. • An absence for participation in an activity that has not been approved will receive an unexcused absence.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Athletics • Athletic activities are available to all seventh and eighth grade students • Physicals are required for participants • All practices are held before or after school • All participants are subject to all University Interscholastic League (U.I.L.) rules • Band • Selected in the sixth grade • Subject to the rules established by U.I.L. • Participate at home football games and numerous band concerts • Participate in District U.I.L. Band competition

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Cheerleading • Subject to the rules and regulations outlined in the Cheerleader Constitution • Must exhibit positive attitudes toward the school and display a spirit of cooperation in all classes • Required to attend every home football game and any other games required by the cheerleader sponsor. • Expected to attend all scheduled practices, to be on time to all practices and events, and to respect the leadership and directions of the head cheerleader and sponsor at all times. • Any cheerleader who fails to follow the student cod of conduct is subject to removal from the squad by the campus administrator. • Tryouts are in the Spring and are open to current 7th graders

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Choir • Selected at the end of 6th grade • Subject to the rules established by University Interscholastic League (U.I.L.). • Participate in numerous concerts as well as in District U.I.L. Choir competition

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS National Junior Honor Society • Organized to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, to develop character, and to encourage citizenship. • 7th and 8th graders are eligible to apply for membership after one full fall semester of attendance in the 7th or 8th grade at Vernon M.S. • The selection process is as follows: • Eligible students have an overall average of 89.5 or higher • Students display good examples of: scholarship, character, leadership, service, and citizenship as evaluated by the faculty. • Students taking honors classes or classes for high school credit receive additional points (5points) for designated courses toward the required average. (Example: If a student is taking Algebra I and makes an 86, five points will be added for the purpose of attaining an average. A grade of 91 would then be used for Algebra I).

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS National Junior Honor Society (cont.) • Administration reviews discipline records • The selection of each member to the chapter shall be by a majority vote of the faculty council. • Students with unexcused absences and any referral resulting in an assignment to In School Suspension, Suspension, Alternative Education Center, and Saturday Assignment Center are on probation and subject to dismissal from the organization if they are a current member. • The faculty is responsible for membership determination. In all instances, the appointed members of the faculty make the actual selections and dismissals from the National Junior Honor Society.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Student Council • Students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade are selected by their peers at the beginning of the school year. • The Student Council then elects the officers. • Student Council members must maintain an 80 or above average during the entire school year. U.I.L. Academics • Students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade are eligible to participate in a variety of academic competitions throughout the Rio Grande Valley. • These events include: impromptu speaking, ready writing, science, mathematics, number sense, calculator skills, one act play, prose and poetry, etc. • All members are subject to U.I.L. rules.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Vernon Proud • Environmental group • Recycling and beautification projects • Emphasizes leadership and drug awareness

DELIVERIES • Deliveries to students in classrooms of non-instructional items by relatives, friends, florists, for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Homecoming activities, or any other occasion cause a disruption of learning activities and are prohibited. • Office staff are not responsible for deliveries.

DISCIPLINE When reporting to the office • All students are required to have a signed pass when coming to the office. Teacher/Team Assigned Detention • Teachers may assign detention before school, after school, and during lunch. • The teacher will notify your parents with a written detention notice or telephone contact so that transportation can be arranged. Students who fail to attend a teacher assigned detention are subject to a referral to the principal or designee for disciplinary action. • Students with incomplete or missing assignments may be required to stay at lunch or after school to complete missing assignments. Parents will be notified.

DISCIPLINE On-Campus Suspension (OCS) • During the school day, beginning at 7:55 a.m. • While in OCS, teachers will send class assignments and students are required to complete these assignments. • Failure to report in a timely manner and complete assignments will result in additional penalties added to the current assignment. • Students who are disruptive in OCS are subject to additional OCS days, suspension from school, DAEP personnel/student conference, removal to the DAEP center, or expulsion. • Parents will be notified in writing by the principal or designee of the assigned OCS days.

DISCIPLINE Suspension (Out of School) • Students may be suspended for a period not to exceed three school days for engaging in persistent misbehavior or any serious offense as described in District Student Code of Conduct. • A student's parent shall be notified by telephone, or other appropriate means, of a suspension. • Parents of students who have been suspended shall be advised that it is their responsibility to provide adequate supervision for the student during the period of suspension. • The student is not allowed on the home campus or any other school campus or at any school-related activity during the period of suspension. If a student violates this prohibition, the student can be charged with illegal trespass, a Class C Misdemeanor.

Disciplinary Alternative Education Program Center • Students removed from school for disciplinary actions will be assigned to the Alternative Education Program Center (DAEP). • These students are not allowed to participate in extracurricular activities before or after school. • They may not be on school grounds or at any school related activity or event until he/she is released and re-enrolled at Vernon Middle School. • Students assigned to the DAEP must report to the center with their parents the first day of their assignment at 7:15 a.m.

DRESS AND GROOMING • Students will be dressed and groomed in a manner that is clean and neat and that will not be a health or safety hazard. • The District prohibits any clothing or grooming that in the principal's judgment may reasonably be expected to cause disruptionof or interference with normal school operations. • The District prohibits pictures, emblems, or writings on clothing that are lewd, offensive, vulgar or obscene. • Any clothing that advertises or depicts tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other substance prohibited under local policy is prohibited.

DRESS AND GROOMING Clothing Guidelines and Expectations • The nude look, see-through blouses, and revealing fashions without appropriate concealing undergarments are prohibited. • Low-cut sundresses are inappropriate. • Blouses that look like under garments such as spaghetti straps, etc. are prohibited. • Walking shorts are appropriate dress as long as the following are observed: • Dresses, shorts and skirts must be no more than 3 inches above the knee. Measurement will begin from the top of the knee. • Spandex, elastic or stretch type shorts are not allowed. • Leggings may be worn under appropriate-length clothing. • Cut off shorts are not allowed. • Please note: The principal may suspend the wearing of walking shorts or any clothing apparel to school that is deemed to be inappropriate.

DRESS AND GROOMING Clothing Guidelines and Expectations (cont.) • All clothing must havefinished hems and be free of rips, holes, or tears. • Overalls with suspenders are permissible when suspenders and bibs are worn appropriately, with straps over both shoulders, with a shirt. • Athletic apparel including: shorts, warm-ups, pants, jerseys, and wind suits may not be worn on campus, except during physical education or athletic classes as appropriate.

DRESS AND GROOMING • Loose fitting clothing is unacceptable and a safety hazard. Please follow these guidelines: • a) Oversized baggy pants or shorts are not permitted. Clothing must fit so that the trousers and shorts remain at the waist when standing erect, walking or running. If they fall below the waist, they do not fit. • b) Any oversized tops such as a shirt, a jacket, hoodie, sweatshirt, or vest are not acceptable. • c) Sags are unacceptable and prohibited.

DRESS AND GROOMING • Any and all tank tops are not acceptable without an undershirt. • Students will be required to tuck in their shirtswhile on campus or school related activities if the length of their shirt covers a significant portion of the pant pockets. • Clothing that contains features identified as "gang-related," violent, satanic, ritualistic, macabre, or sadistic shall not be permitted. This includes but is not limited to: • a) Eight ball emblems • b) Names denoting any known gangs or gang signs • c) Flags and or works which are racial or could be construed to be racial • d) Words and symbols which are related to cruising features, homie shirts, Joker characters, Drama faces, etc. • e) Rosary beads should not be worn. • f) Necklaces and/or bracelets, with or without any type of vial that contains liquid or with known gang colors or symbols are not allowed.

DRESS AND GROOMING Hair Styles • Students must avoid hairstyles that distract or detract within the school environment. Hair must be well groomed.The following are guidelines for student hairstyles: • Inappropriate hair styles include, but are not limited to: • mohawks, • spiked hair, • excessively bushy hair, • shaved names/symbols/lines on the scalp, • unnatural hair colors, including streaks or chunked • shaved eyebrows. • Hair "tails" of any kind or patches of hair are not allowed. • The length of a boy’s hair shall be no longer than the top of the shoulder. • Hair must not cover the student’s eyes. • Beards are not allowed and mustaches must be well groomed.

DRESS AND GROOMING Clothing, Shoes, and Clothing Accessories • Footwear not intended for use out of the home is prohibited. In addition any footwear that administrators deem inappropriate or a possible safety hazard to students while attending school is prohibited. • Hats or caps of any kind or bandanas of any shape, size, and color are not allowed on campus. • Boys are not allowed to wear earrings of any kind. • Ear Spacers or other ornamental ear accessories are prohibited. • All students (girls and boys) are not allowed to display any visible body piercing or extensive tattoos. Body piercings include but are not limited to, nose rings, tongue rings, eyebrow rings, etc. • Body piercings (the wearing of ornaments on other parts of the body other than the ears) is prohibited.

DRESS AND GROOMING Miscellaneous • Chains will not be allowed to hold wallets or other items. • Sunglasses are not permitted inside of school buildings and classrooms. • Backpacks, cinch bags, or large tote bags must be mesh or clear. • Large, oversized purses are not allowed. • Students are not permitted to possess or use laser pointers while on school property or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities, whether on or off school property. Laser pointers will be confiscated and students will be disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct. • Students are not permitted to possess any aerosol products

DRESS AND GROOMING Grooming In Extra-Curricular Activities • Grooming and/or dress for students representing the school or participating in extra-curricular activities will be governed by written rules set forth for each group or category by the coaching staff or sponsors of the activity subject to the approval of the principal. Penalty for Violation • Any student who fails to comply with the expected standards shall be asked to comply with the dress code and make any correction necessary to meet the expected standard. • Any disregard of these regulations will result in disciplinary action until compliance is achieved. • Continued disregard of the dress code will result in suspension and or placement in an alternative education program. • Classes missed while a student is correcting dress and grooming will be considered unexcused absences.

DRESS AND GROOMING- What You Can Wear • Skirts/Shorts/Dresses that are 3 inches above the knees • Pants without holes, worn at the waist

ELECTRONIC DEVICES • A student must have approval to possess other telecommunications devices such as netbooks, laptops, tablets, or other portable computers. • All cell phones and other telecommunication devices must be in silence mode on the bus • All cell phones/tablets MUST be turned off (not silent) upon entering the building • The hallways should be free from electronic devices

ELECTRONIC DEVICES • Students are not permitted to have their headphones/ear buds in ears or around their neck when moving through the hallways. Earphones/buds must be put away. • Students should not sit in the halls using their devices • DURING LUNCH…Safe Zones are the cafeteria and ILC. Digital activities during lunch will be limited to games, music, and research. No social media.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES • Classroom staff has ultimate control regarding when and what type of electronic devices are used in the classroom for educational purposes. • Charging of cell phones in classrooms is NOT allowed. • Students may be required to relinquish their cell phones at teacher discretion. • All cell phones/tablets will be picked up by teachers during exams which includes but is not limited to: DCA's, Semester/Final Exams, Benchmarks, and STAAR tests.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES • Any violations will result in confiscation and subject to these guidelines: • 1st infraction – item will be returned to parent with a warning on consequences for further infractions; • 2nd infraction and beyond– item will be returned to the parent and a $15 administrative fee will be imposed. • Confiscated telecommunications devices that are not retrieved by the student or the student’s parent will be disposed of after the notice required by law.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES • Confiscated telecommunications devices that are not retrieved by the student or the student’s parent will be disposed of after the notice required by law. • In limited circumstances and in accordance with law, a student’s personal telecommunications device may be searched by authorized personnel. • The district is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen telecommunications devices.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES and BYOD • Responsibility to keep the PTD (personal technology device) secure rests with the individual owner. HCISD is not liable for any device stolen, infected, or damaged on campus, at school functions, or on the school bus. • If a device is stolen or damaged, it will be handled through the administrative office. • It is recommended that custom identification be used to physically identify your device. Example: School appropriate Skins (decals). Additionally, protective cases for technology are strongly encouraged. • It is a privilege, rather than a right, for a student to bring personal technology devices to school.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES and BYOD • HCISD has a right to protect its network and technical resources. Thus, any network user who brings his/her own personal device into the school building is required to adhere to the Acceptable User Policy (AUP) and sign a copy of the Harlingen CISD User Agreement. • Students are responsible for their device(s) at all times. The school is not responsible for storing or keeping the PTD secure at any time. • Students are limited to three PTDs on campus at one time.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES and BYOD • Each teacher has the discretion to allow and regulate the use of personal devices in the classroom and for use during specific projects. • Approved PTDs must be off while on the school campus, unless otherwise allowed by a teacher. PTDs must be in silent mode while on the school bus. • Students may not use devices to record, transmit, or post photographic images, sound, or video of a person or persons on campus during school activities and/or hours including locker rooms or restroom areas while at school or at a school-related or school-sponsored event. • All PTDs are required to be registered on the Harlingen CISD network to access the Internet while on campus. PTDs may not be plugged into the wired network. • Students may not use personal data plans while at school to access the Internet.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES and BYOD • Students acknowledge that the school's network filters will be applied to one's connection to the Internet and students will not bypass or attempt to bypass them. • Devices may only be used to access files on computers or Internet sites that are relevant to the classroom curriculum. Games are not permitted, unless otherwise allowed by a teacher. • Unless specifically directed by a teacher, a student turning on or activating a cell phone or other electronic device during testing will be subject to discipline and confiscation of the device in accordance with that policy. • Students must comply with all teacher requests regarding technology, such as power up, device down, shutting down, closing screen, storing, etc.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES and BYOD • The school district has the right to collect and examine any device that is suspected of causing problems that violate either a school/district rule or law of the state of Texas as defined in the Code of Conduct. • Printing from PTDs will not be possible at school unless permission is given by the classroom teacher and then may only print within that classroom. • HCISD will not provide repair, software installation services, or technical support to any PTD.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES and BYOD • Students will not monopolize the resources of the Harlingen CISD network by running large programs or applications over the network, sending massive amounts of e-mail to other uses, or using the system resources for games or streaming of music or videos. • Students shall inform a teacher if they mistakenly access inappropriate information or content. • E-mail: Student users shall not access or use individual personal e-mail accounts at school for non-instructional purposes. All student email collaboration shall be done through the district provided e-mail accounts

Student Handbook