WELCOME TO
Grades K-l2
The policies and procedures contained in this handbook are designed to help the school run smoothly so you will have a successful year in Burton I.S.D. This information has been carefully prepared to help all students adjust to our school, and become an integral part of it.
Your teachers are eager to help you prepare for a successful adult life, so study hard. Along with your studies, get involved in co/extra curricular activities. The activities are designed to help you enjoy school life. Remember that your success is directly related to your efforts.
The Student Handbook is designed to be in harmony with Board policy and the Student Code of Conduct adopted by the Board. Please be aware this document is updated annually, while policy adoptions and revision is an ongoing process. Changes in policy that affect student handbook provisions will be communicated by newsletters and other communications to students and parents. These changes will generally supersede the provisions found in this handbook and made obsolete by newly adopted policy.
In case of conflict between a Board policy or the Student Code of Conduct and provisions of student handbooks, provisions of policy or the Student Code of Conduct most recently adopted by the Board shall prevail.
Become 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, such as concerns about placement, assignments, or early graduation, and the options available to the child. Monitor the child’s academic progress and contact teachers as needed.
Attend scheduled conferences and request additional conferences as needed. To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, counselor, or principal, please call the school office at (979) 289-3830 for an appointment. A teacher will usually arrange to return the call or meet with the parent during his or her conference period or at a mutually convenient time before or after school.
Lastly, no handbook can cover all situations. In cases where the handbook does not cover a particular situation, decisions of the administration will prevail.
James Palmer Karen Steenken Cheryl DaBera
Superintendent H.S. Principal Elementary Principal
PURPOSE OF RULES AND REGULATIONS
Rules and regulations are necessary for the smooth operation of any institution. It is the policy of our school to have as few regulations as possible. Most rules are not made until it seems advisable for the good of the pupils themselves. The good citizen with a sincere desire to cooperate in all matters for the best interest of the school, will be seldom aware of the existence of such rules, because of his/her high standards will not conflict with them. The students of BURTON I.S.D. consistently observe most of the regulations listed here, but they are in written form so that all students may be well informed. It also provides parents and other interested persons information regarding how our school is organized and operated.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
President ---- Marcus Broesche
Vice-President ---- David Warner
Secretary ---- Danna Anders
Member ---- Demetrius Covin, Sr.
Member ---- Terri Smith
Member ---- Roy Schmidt
Member ---- Karen Tappe
School Board regular meetings are held on the third Monday of each month, times are subject to change. Notices and agendas are posted on the doors to the Administration offices.
ADMINISTRATION
Superintendent ---- James Palmer
High School Principal ---- Karen Steenken
Elementary School Principal ---- Cheryl DaBera
Counselor ---- Melinda Fuchs
B.I.S.D. Phone Numbers
Central Office (979) 289-3131
Fax Number
(979) 289-3076
High School (979) 289-3830
Fax Number
(979) 289-4609
Elementary (979) 289-2175
Fax Number
(979) 289-0170
2006-2007 Calendar
August 8, 9, 10 & 11- Staff Development days
August 14 – Staff Workday
August 15 – First day of school/ First Six Weeks
begins/First semester
Begins
September 4 – Labor Day Staff/Student
September 20 –
September 21 &22 – Staff Development (Comp
days)/Student Holidays
September 29 – First Six Weeks ends (30 days)
October 2 – Second Six Weeks begins
October 9 – Early release/parent conferences
November 10 – Second Six Weeks ends (30 days)
November 13 – Third Six Weeks begins
November 22 – Student Holiday/Staff development (comp
day)
November 23 -24
– Thanksgiving Staff/Student Holidays
December 14 8 15 – Early Release Final Exams/afternoon
staff development
December 15 – Third Six Weeks ends (22 days)/
First
semester ends (82 days)
December 18-22 and 25-29 – Christmas Staff/Student
Holidays
January 1 – New Year’s Day Staff/Student Holiday
January 2 – Teacher workday
January 3 -- Fourth Six Weeks begins/Second semester
begins
January 15 – Martin Luther King Day Staff/Student
February 20 –
TAKS ELA/Reading/Writing testing
February 16 – Fourth Six Weeks ends (32 days)
February 19 – Fifth Six Weeks begins
March 12 through 16 – Spring Break Staff/Student
April 5 – Fifth Six Weeks ends (29 days)
April 6 – Good Friday Staff/Student
April 9 – Easter Staff/Student
April 10 - Sixth Six Weeks begins
April 17 through 20 – TAKS testing
April 20 – Early Release Cotton Gin Festival
May 24 & 25 – Early release Final Exams/Sixth Six
Weeks ends (34
days)/Second semester ends (95 days)/ Last day of
school/Graduation exercises
May 26 – Teacher Workday
Both experience and research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school, a partnership that thrives on communication. Your involvement in this partnership may include:
· 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. Ensure that your child completes all homework assignments and special projects. Be sure your child comes to school each day prepared, rested, and ready to learn.
· Becoming a school volunteer. [For further information, see policy GKG and contact High School (979) 289-3830, Elementary (979) 289-2175.]
· Participating in campus parent organizations. Parent organizations include: PTO, and Burton High School Booster Club..
· Offering 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 Superintendent (979) 289-3131, High School (979) 289-3830, or Elementary (979) 289-2175.
· Offering to serve on the School Health Advisory Council, assisting the District in ensuring local community values are reflected in health education instruction. [See policies BDF and EHAA.]
· Attending Board meetings to learn more about District operations. [See policies BE and BED for more information.]
Your child will not be required to participate without parental consent in any survey, analysis, or evaluation—funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education—that concerns:
· Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent.
· Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family.
· Sexual behavior or attitudes.
· Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.
· Critical appraisals of individuals with whom the student has a close family relationship.
· Relationships privileged under law, such as relationships with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.
· Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents.
· Income, except when the information is required by law and will be used to determine the student’s eligibility to participate in a special program or to receive financial assistance under such a program.
You will be able to inspect the survey or other instrument and any instructional materials used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation. [For further information, see policy EF.]
As a parent, you also have a right to receive notice and opt your child out of participating in:
· Any survey concerning the private information listed above, regardless of funding.
· School activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from your child for the purpose of marketing or selling that information.
· Any nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered and scheduled by the school in advance and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student. Exceptions are hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under state law. [See policies EF and FFAA.]
· To request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s teachers, including whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction; whether the teacher has an emergency permit or other provisional status for which state requirements have been waived; and undergraduate and graduate degree majors, graduate certifications, and the field of study of the certification or degree. You also have the right to request information about the qualifications of any paraprofessional who may provide services to your child.
· To review teaching materials, textbooks, and other teaching aids and instructional materials used in the curriculum, and to examine tests that have been administered to your child.
· To inspect a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to your child.
· To review your child’s student records when needed. These records include:
·
Attendance records,
·
Test scores,
·
Grades,
·
Disciplinary records,
·
Counseling records,
·
Psychological records,
·
Applications for admission,
·
Health and immunization information,
·
Other medical records,
·
Teacher and counselor evaluations,
·
Reports of behavioral patterns, and
·
State assessment instruments that have been administered to your
child.
[See Student Records on page 46.]
· To grant or deny any written request from the District to make a videotape or voice recording of your child. State law, however, permits the school to make a videotape or voice recording without parental permission for the following circumstances:
·
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.
· To remove your child temporarily from the classroom, if an instructional activity in which your child is scheduled to participate conflicts with your religious or moral beliefs. 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.
·
To request that your child be excused from
participation in the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the
· To request that your child be excused from recitation of a portion of the Declaration of Independence. State law requires students in social studies classes in grades 3-12 to recite a portion of the text of the Declaration of Independence during Celebrate Freedom Week unless (1) you provide a written statement requesting that your child be excused, (2) the District determines that your child has a conscientious objection to the recitation, or (3) you are a representative of a foreign government to whom the United States government extends diplomatic immunity. [See policy EHBK]
·
To request in writing, if you are a noncustodial
parent, that you be provided for the remainder of the school year a copy of any
written notice usually provided to a parent related to misconduct that may
involve placement in a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) or
expulsion. See policies FL(LEGAL) and
(LOCAL), FO(LEGAL) and the Student Code of Conduct.
ACADEMIC
INFORMATION
Grading
Requirements
The following is the grading system
used by Burton Schools. Numerical grades
will be given in all subjects in grades 1 through 12.
A 90 -100 B 80 – 89 C 70 – 79 F 69 and below
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten
students will be graded on an S, N, or U basis.
S Satisfactory N Needs
Improvement U Unsatisfactory
Grades 3 through 6 – A minimum of
10 grades per six weeks in Language Arts and Math.
Numerical grade conversion to GPA
is on a basic 4.00 scale with 4.00 being 100 and 0.00 being 69 or below. Seventy or above is passing.
The grading system used to
determines a student’s six weeks average will be as follows for grades 7
through 12.
Daily Work (class work/homework) –
40%. A minimum of 6 daily grades per six
weeks.
Major exams and projects –
50%. A minimum of 3 per six weeks and
one per 3 weeks.
Six Weeks exam – 10%. Band and P.E. are exempt from giving 6 weeks
exams.
The teacher may require every
student to keep a notebook for each six weeks.
The notebook will not take the place of the minimum required major
grades listed above. A semester exam is
compulsory for secondary courses (except band and P.E.) and the grade will
count 1/7 of the semester grade
Credit for a two-semester course will be granted provided the two
semesters average 70. Students
violating the mandatory
attendance rule in a course will not receive credit in that course unless
the
time missed has be
addressed. The attendance committee
(composed of 2 teachers, the counselor,
and the principal) will
conference with the student and determine the student’s make-up schedule.
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 individualized education program (IEP).
PSAT/NMSQT
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test are three-hour tests administered in October of each year. The purposes of the tests are to provide preparation for students to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and to determine National Merit Scholarship Awards. Juniors preparing to attend college should seriously consider taking the test. The counselor administers these tests at the high school, and there is a nominal fee for these tests.
College-Entrance
Tests
Most colleges require at least one college-entrance test prepared by the College Board or by American College Testing. The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) attempts to measure verbal and math reasoning ability. The ACT (American College Testing) attempts to measure reasoning ability as well as "learned information" within one series of test that yield a composite score as well as sub-scores in English, social studies, math, and natural sciences. Students interested in taking a test should see the counselor about specific dates, times and places available.
College Visit
Seniors may be excused by the administration two student days to visit college campuses and to take the TASP exam required to enter college. These days will count as an excused absence. Any student requesting a day for college must request the form from the counselor no less than 24 hours in advance of the day to be used. The student is responsible for having their teachers initial the form and for obtaining any work that will be missed. Senior college days should be used by the end of the fifth six weeks.
The student must bring verification from the college and turn it in to the office the next day. The following people must sign the form before the student may take a College Day: (l) student, (2) parent or guardian, (3) teachers, (4) principal and (5) counselor. The principal or counselor may deny the use of a college day for the following reasons:
l. Turning in the form less than 24 hours in advance
2. No parent signature
3. No teacher initials
4. Too many days used
Dual Credit:
Correspondence Courses
Burton I.S.D. permits high school students to take correspondence courses (course by mail) for credit. Students that are Juniors or Seniors may earn up to two credits toward high school graduation by these means. Credit shall be granted only under the following conditions:
The institution
offering the course is the
The correspondence course includes the state-required or TEKS for such a course.
Prior to enrollment students shall make written request to the principal to enroll in a course.
The principal approves the request.
Students at certain grade levels will take state assessment
tests in the following subjects, as well as routine testing and other measures
of achievement:
· Mathematics, annually in grades 3-7 without the aid of technology and in grades 8-11 with the aid of technology on any assessment test that includes algebra
·
· Writing, including spelling and grammar, in grades 4 and 7
· English language arts in grade 10, 11
· Social studies in grades 8 ,10, and 11
· Science in grades 5, 8, 10, and 11
Beginning in 2003, third graders must pass the reading portion of the TAKS in order to be promoted. In 2005, fifth graders must pass the reading and mathematics portions to be promoted, and in 2008, eighth graders must pass the reading and mathematics portions to be promoted. Beginning with the Class of 2005, students in 11th grade must pass the TAKS in order to graduate from high school and be eligible to participate in graduation exercise.. The Science assessment test in grade 8 will be administered beginning in the 2006-2007 school year.
Program Choice
Students entering high school in the fall of 2004 are
required to take the Recommended high school program offered in public high
school, unless the student, their parents and the counselor or appropriate
administrator opt to allow them to participate in the state’s Minimum
Plan. The state’s Recommended High
School Plan includes Chemistry or Physics, a fine arts elective and two years
of a foreign language. To opt out the parent will be required to conference with
the school counselor and sign a waiver request.
(Policy EIF)
All students shall complete a minimum of 24 (twenty-four) units of credit including 7 ½ elective credits to receive a high school diploma. (See exhibit A)
Recommended High
School Program
A student who wishes to complete the Recommended High School Program and have the accomplishment recognized on the academic achievement record (transcript) must complete 3 ½ additional components for a total of 24 (twenty-four) credits. (See exhibit D ) They may not be remedial classes. For more information, please consult with the school counselor.
Distinguished High School Program
A student who wishes to complete the Distinguished High School Program and have the accomplishment recognized on the academic achievement record (transcript) must complete must complete 3 ½ additional components for a total of 24 (twenty-four) credits one of which should be Spanish III. (See exhibit E)
Must also complete advance measures, see counselor for details. They may not be remedial classes. For more information, please consult with the school counselor.
House Bill 1479 provides a tuition scholarship totaling $1,000 to students whom
*have written approval from their parent or parents to participate in the accelerated program,
*have completed the required number of credits and pass the statewide exit-level exam for
graduation from public high school in no more than 36 consecutive months,
*have attended high school only in
*if attending a private
institution, has a commitment from the private institution to provide matching
tuition scholarship. Early graduates are not eligible for Valedictorian or
Salutatorian designation. If you would
like more information, please see the counselor. (TEC
33.007)
Insert chart A
Insert chart B
Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to seniors who plan to attend college. Interested students should visit with the counselor for further information and guidelines. It is the students' responsibility to fill out the correct information and have the forms back to the counselor before the deadline. Students who need letters of recommendation should give at least one week's notice to those people they ask for letters.
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
Automatic admission for Top Ten Percent of the Graduating Class
For two school years
following their graduation, District graduates who ranked in the top ten
percent of their graduating class are eligible for automatic admission into
four-year public universities and colleges in
THEA Exemptions (College Entrance Exam)
Qualifying standards for
exemption from the THEA are as follows:
-Using
ACT scores: Minimum composite score of
23, with English and Math sub-scores of at least 19. Scores must be from same test date and not
more than 5 years old at time of initial enrollment in college.
-Using
the SAT scores: Minimum composite score
of 1070, with verbal and math sub-scores of at least 500. Scores must be from same test date and not
more than 5 years old at time of initial enrollment in college.
-Using
TAKS scores a student must qualifying standards on certain test:
TAKS (exit level)-2200 in Math
and/or 2200 in English Language Arts(ELA) with a writing sub score of at least
3
TAAS(exit level)-a TLI Math score
of 86, a TLI reading score of 89, and a writing score of 1770
SAT-a combined score of 1070 with
a 500 on the Math and verbal sections.
ACT-a composite score of 23 with
a 19 on the Math and English sections.
TAKS
and TAAS scores are valid for three years from the date of testing.
SAT
and ACT scores are valid for five years from the date of testing.
Completion of credit for graduation, but unsuccessful on State-mandated exam
A certificate of course work completion will 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 examination.
Tech Prep
Tech Prep is a Program
of study that begins in high school and ends with a two-year college degree
and/or a certificate. The program
combines academic and career-oriented courses to give students a mix of
traditional learning and hands-on experiences.
Check with your
counselor to see which courses are considered as Tech-Prep. In order to be considered a “Tech-Prep
Student,” students apply for admission, sign the intent form, and once
accepted, they may start taking these courses during their Junior and Senior
years in high school. The amount of
college credit allowable will depend upon the Program of Study chosen. Up to twelve college hours can be acquired
through taking approved high school “Tech-Prep” courses. Successful completion of the high school
program will result in having high school credits placed onto the college
transcript for college credit upon successful completion of six hours at more
than sixty junior colleges statewide.
The student receives high school credit, which not only counts for high
school graduation, but also can be counted for college credit toward a two-year
degree or a certificate. Basic requirements
include:
Earn a grade of “A or B” in the
high school approved course
Receive a high school diploma
Meet the community college
admission requirements, including TASP
Successful completion of six
college hours-not remedial hours-at the community college
Declare a Tech-Prep major, an
A.A.S. or Certificate
For more information, please contact the school counselor.
Because students and parents may 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, both student and
parent should monitor progress toward completion of all requirements for
graduation. The expenses often are
incurred beginning in the junior year and the first semester of the senior
year. (
Name_____________________ID#________ Parent Signature ______________________________
EXHIBIT A
·
4 credits
of English Language Arts (or SBOE approved substitute for English IV)
_________/_________ _________/_________ _________/_________ __________/_________
English I English II English III English IV or SBOE options
·
3 credits
of Mathematics (must include Algebra I and Geometry)
_________/_________ _________/_________ _________/_________ ________/________
Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Math w/Models
·
2 credits
of Science (must include IPC and Biology)
_________/_________ _________/_________ _________/_________
Int. Phy. & Chem Biology Env. Science (optional)
·
3 1/2
credits of Social Studies and ½ credit Economics
________/_________
_________/_________
_________/_________
_________/_________
World Geography World
History
·
1 1/2
credits of Physical Education (not to exceed 2 for grad.)
_________/__________/_________/_________
PE IA PE IB PE IIA PE IIB
·
1/2
credit ½ credit
_________ _________
Health Communication Applications
·
1 credit
of Technology Applications
_________/_________
BCIS I
·
Additonal
components: 7 1/2 credits of Electives (may include JROTC, innovative course or
Driver’s Ed)
_________/_________/_________/_________/_________/_________
_________/_________/_________/_________/_________/_________
_________/_________/_________
Name____________________ID#____________ Parent Signature ______________________________
EXHIBIT B RECOMMENDED HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM 24 CREDITS Freshmen 2004
·
4 credits
of English
_________/_________ _________/_________ _________/_________ _________/_________
Adv. English I Adv. English II Adv. English III Adv. English IV
·
3 credits
of Mathematics must consist of the following:
_________/_________ _________/_________ _________/_________
Algebra I Geometry Algebra II
·
3 credits
of Science (one must be Biology I) from the following:
_________/_________ _________/_________ _________/_________ _________/_________
Int. Phy. & Chem Biology Chemistry Physics
·
3 1/2
credits of Social Studies and 1/2 credit Economics:
_________/_________ _________/_________ _________/_________ _________/_________
World Geography
World History