PISD Student Handbook General Information

SECTION I: GENERAL INFORMATION
IN THIS SECTION YOU WILL FIND INFORMATION FOR ALL STUDENTS IN PLAINS ISD.
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
The public address (PA) system is used to make announcements concerning school information and activities. Announcements will be made during a time that will cause the least amount of class disruption and will be kept concise and essential in nature. Please pay attention and be quiet at this time.
2. ASSEMBLIES
Assemblies and special programs are a privilege for students. Students are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior in order for everyone to benefit. Food and drink are not permitted in the auditorium for any reason.
3. ATTENDANCE
Compulsory Attendance [TEC 21.032]: Students who are at least six years of age, or who have been previously enrolled in first grade, but who have not completed the academic year in which the 17th birthday occurred shall attend school or have an excused absence for at least 170 days of the regular school year. Students enrolled in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten shall attend class or have an excused absence for a minimum of 90 percent of the days during each semester in which the student is enrolled.
Exemption [TEC 21.032]: Students who meet one or more of the following conditions shall be exempt from compulsory attendance requirements:
1. The student is at least 17 years of age and has been issued a high school equivalency certificate.
2. The student attends a private or parochial school that includes in its course a study of good citizenship.
3. The student is handicapped as defined in Education Code 21.503 and cannot be appropriately served by the district.
4. The student has a temporary and remedial physical or mental condition that renders attendance infeasible and has a certification from a qualified physician that specifies the condition, indicates the prescribed treatment, and covers the anticipated time of absence needed for remedial treatment.
5. The student has been expelled in accordance with legal requirements. [FOD]
Student Absences [FDD]: Student absences shall be listed and make-up or remedial work shall be required from students with excessive absences. [19 TAC 75.2 (f)]
Any student not already exempted from the compulsory attendance law may nevertheless be excused for temporary absence resulting from personal sickness, sickness or death in the family, quarantine, weather or road conditions making travel dangerous, or any other unusual cause acceptable to the superintendent, or to the teacher or principal of the school in which the student is enrolled. [Texas Education Code]
The reason for an excused absence must be stated in writing and signed by the parent or other person standing in parental relation to the student. The district may investigate any case in which an excused absence is requested. [Texas Education Code]
A student shall not be given credit for a class if he has been in attendance fewer than 90 percent of the days in a semester unless an attendance committee appointed by the board gives credit because there were extenuating circumstances for the absences. The board shall establish alternative ways for students to make up work or regain credit lost because of absences.
College Day: Seniors are allowed one day during their senior year to visit a college. This day will count as an absence but will not be an unexcused absence. You should prearrange this absence with the office at least one week in advance. Work should be turned in prior to the absence or the day you come back.
Excused/Unexcused Absences: If you are absent from class more than ten percent of the time in any one semester, you may be in jeopardy of losing your credits. Absences are not to be viewed as days you are entitled to take but are for personal illness, illness in immediate family, death in immediate family, or prior arrangements approved by the administration. If you have been absent for any reason, you must make up the work you missed within the time limit set by the make-up work policy. Failure to make up work may result in academic penalties.
For students in Pre-K through Grade 12, absences shall be aggregated on the basis of 90 % of the days the class is offered, whether a semester, a scholastic year, or an alternative time frame. Excused absences will be deemed as those provided under Texas Education Code. Excused absences are for:
(1) personal sickness
(2) sickness or death in the family
(3) quarantine
(4) weather or road conditions making travel dangerous
(5) any other unusual case acceptable by the principal or superintendent of the school in which the child is enrolled.
The reason for an excused absence must be stated in writing and signed by the parent or other person standing in parental relation to the child.
All other absences will be considered unexcused. Assignments missed due to excused absences that have been prearranged (see Prearranged Absences), or have been approved by the attendance officer (superintendent), will be made up with 100 percent credit. Assignments missed due to other unexcused absences will result in the student receiving no more than 70 percent of the grade earned on all assignments missed during the unexcused absence.
A recovery class will be scheduled for secondary students who need to replace clock hours due to absences over the allowable ten percent in one semester.
Appeal Process: After incurring excessive absences, you may be granted course credit upon recommendation by the local campus principal or Attendance Appeals Committee, if you have fulfilled the required clock hours, completed all assignments required by the teacher, and have exhibited proper behavior.
Student Appeal Form: At the end of the semester if you wish to appeal your case, you must obtain the form “Student Request for Credit Review” from the office, fill it out completely and return the form to your principal who will provide a copy to other members of the Attendance Appeals Committee when it is convened to review the case. The Attendance Appeals Committee shall be composed of one or more of your teachers, the counselor, and your principal. The committee will review the appeal request and determine whether you should be eligible for credit. Some of the items the appeals committee may take into consideration in determining their recommendations are:
(1) doctor’s notes.
(2) prior arrangements with the school administration.
(3) extenuating circumstances (UIL conflict, One-Act Play).
(4) attendance in Clock Hour Class.
(5) proper behavior.
Options of the Appeals Committee: After review of the case, the Attendance Appeals Committee will make their recommendation:
(1) grant credit for the course.
(2) grant credit with stipulations.
(3) deny credit for the course.
Transfers: If you enter class late because of a transfer from another school district or whatever other reason, you will be allowed absences pro-rated on the basis of days remaining in the semester. If you were previously enrolled, you will have the absences accumulated in the class you transferred from carried forward into the class you enter. If you transfer out of the district and have exceeded the number of absences allowable for credit, you will not receive credit. You may petition for credit by mail or in person with the same opportunities to present your case as any other student. Your transcript, sent to another school district, will reflect no credit due to excessive absences.
Recovery Clock Hour Classes: You will be given the opportunity to make up clock hours missed due to absences that exceed the 90 percent attendance law. This can be accomplished by attending a Recovery Clock Hour Class. The class will meet for five hour sessions. One day of a clock hour class will be equivalent to one school day. If you are attending the clock hour class, you will be required to bring assignments to work on during the complete session. The Recovery Clock Hour Class can also be utilized by administrators as an alternate form of discipline. If you are serving in the Clock Hour Class for violations of school discipline rules, you will not be granted time equivalency for days missed from your regular classroom. You must provide your own transportation to the Recovery Clock Hour Class. Location of the Recovery Clock Hour Class will be announced.
Truancy: If you are not lawfully exempt or properly excused from school attendance, or if you have a record of excessive absences, your parent will be warned in writing that your attendance must improve immediately. In the event your attendance does not improve, the attendance officer shall file a complaint in the appropriate justice court. If you are absent from school or from any class without permission, you will be considered truant and will be subject to disciplinary action. You are required to attend two Recovery Clock Hour classes for each unexcused absence.
Recovery Clock Hour Class Schedule and Rules:
(1) Be on time
(2) Have school-related books and materials.
(3) No food.
(4) No radios.
(5) No tobacco.
(6) Two five-minute breaks will be given. You may not leave the building during the breaks.
(7) You are expected to do your own work without talking.
(8) You must sign in and out to receive credit.
(9) You must follow the dress code.
Hall Passes: If you are out of your classroom during class time, you must have a hall pass signed by your teacher. It must contain the date, time, and reason for being out of class. It is your responsibility to return the hall pass to your teacher.
Leaving Campus: Obtain a pass from the office prior to 8:15 a.m. if you need to leave campus during the school day. You must obtain permission and check out through the office to leave campus for any reason. You must have a note from your parent or guardian stating date, time, and reason for leaving campus. After returning to campus, you must return the pass to the office. It should contain the signature of a person who is able to account for your whereabouts. If you should become ill at school, you may check out to go home after the nurse or secretary has notified your parents that you are ill.
Should you plan to leave during the lunch period and not return for your afternoon classes, your parent must call school to notify the office. If you fail to follow the proper procedure for leaving campus, you will receive an unexcused absence and be subject to disciplinary action. If you are off campus without a proper permit, you will be considered truant.
Prearranged Absences: You are allowed three days per year for prearranged absences. These excused absences must be scheduled at least one week in advance. These absences will count as excused absences, and students will be allowed to make up assignments either before or after the absence according to the teacher’s discretion and full credit for the work will be received. Prearranged absences will not be approved for six-week tests, semester tests, or the day before or during any mandated state testing.
Tardies: Tardies are usually unexcused. You must obtain a tardy slip from the office each time you are tardy. If you are detained by an emergency, your parents must send a note of explanation. If you are detained by the office or a teacher, you must have an admittance slip from the office to be admitted to class. You are considered tardy if you are not in your seat ready to work when the tardy bell finishes ringing.
4. CAFETERIA
The cafeteria is under the supervision of competent workers who are striving to give the best service possible to the students. All Plains ISD students may eat free of charge in the cafeteria. Breakfast will be served to every student during the school day. Elementary and Middle School students must eat lunch in the cafeteria. High School students may elect to leave campus for lunch if desired. All food must be consumed in the cafeteria.
5. COUNSELING
The counselor’s office is open each day from 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to provide assistance with educational decisions, vocational choices, and personal problems. Make an appointment between classes or during the break if you need to see the counselor.
6. DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATERIALS/POSTERS
To distribute printed materials at school or use the school bulletin boards for signs, posters, or advertisements, you must receive prior approval from the principal.
7. FIRE AND DISASTER DRILLS
Plains Independent School District will conduct fire and disaster drills throughout the course of the school year. The District Crisis Intervention Plan is housed in the Superintendent’s office.
8. HEALTH AND SAFETY
Emergency Medical Treatment:
Parents shall complete an emergency care card each year that includes parental consent for school officials to request medical treatment for the student as provided by law. Parents should also supply other information needed in case of an emergency and update this information as often as necessary.
Immunizations:
Texas laws require immunizations for all persons enrolled in child-care facilities and schools. Questions concerning immunizations requirements should be directed to the school nurse or a family physician.
Medication will not be given to a student unless the student has returned a signed permission form provided by the office. Any prescription medication must be in the original bottle, and must be accompanied by a parent note. All medication will be administered by the school nurse. Over the counter medication will not be given to students without the same parent permission.
Students with live head lice may not remain at school. If live head lice are found, parents will be contacted and the student may not return to school until he has received treatment. Upon returning to school, students should be cleared through the nurse’s office before going to the classroom.
Students will be sent to the office or to the nurse only when the teacher or other school personnel deems it necessary. Any student with a temperature exceeding 100 cannot return to the classroom. When returning to school after a contagious illness (such as chicken pox), a student should be cleared through the nurse’s office.
Plains ISD complies with the Safe Schools Act and every precaution is taken to prevent student accidents. In the unfortunate event of an accident occurring, the student’s supervisor will take proper steps to see that the student receives the first aid needed and that the student receives medical attention if needed. Parents will be notified immediately in this event. An accident report form will be completed by the supervisor at the time of the accident.
9. ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN
The district is committed to providing a safe environment for employees. An accredited management planner has developed an asbestos management plan for each piece of district property. A copy of the district’s management plan is kept in the superintendent’s office and is available for inspection during normal business hours.
10. BACTERIAL MENINGITIS
What Is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is most common and the least serious. Bacterial meningitis is the most common form of serious bacterial infection with the potential for serious, long-term complications. It is an uncommon disease, but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death.
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 are as contagious as diseases like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body. They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, sharing drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes).
The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of the germ for days, weeks or even months. The bacteria rarely overcome the body’s immune system and causes 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%). It can cause mild side effects, such as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within 7 to 10 days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to 5 years.
What Should You do if You Think You or a Friend Might Have Bacterial Meningitis?
Seek prompt medical attention.
For 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: www.cdc.gov and the Texas Department of Health: www.tdh.state.tx.us.
11. HONOR CODE (CHEATING)
Academic Integrity: Significant thought and planning go into the development of the activities teachers at Plains ISD use for learning and assessment. It is important for the work our students submit to be their own if they are to gain the knowledge and skills that are necessary and we are to have an accurate assessment of learning. Submitting work other than your own by copying, cheating, plagiarism, or any other means may result in a loss of credit and student placement in In-School Suspension.
12. INSURANCE (STUDENT ACCIDENT)
Plains ISD student accident insurance coverage is provided by the district for all students. The insurance is designed to pay supplemental benefits for medical expenses that are the result of an accident or injury incurred by a student participating in a regularly scheduled school day or extracurricular activity. Student accident insurance claim forms are available at each campus office and from activity sponsors. Parents should read and complete the claim form carefully to ensure that all service providers are paid in a timely manner.
Plains ISD student accident insurance is a supplemental insurance coverage designed to pay medical expenses that are not covered by a parent’s primary health care coverage. Payment is subject to any plan limits or exclusions. If a student is not covered by primary health care in the home or is covered but subject to a high deductible, the student accident insurance will still pay charges incurred due to the injury subject to any plan limits or exclusions. In this case the payment limits would be reached much faster on any given injury. Any charges above these limits or any charges for services otherwise excluded by the insurance company are the parent’s responsibility. Information on these plans is provided to students at the beginning of each school year. Information may also be obtained from the student’s sponsor, coach, or principal as well as from the school business office.
13. LIBRARY / RESOURCE CENTER
Rules for use of the library include:
1. General and reference works such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, and magazines may be checked out by special permission only.
2. Library books may be checked out for two weeks and may be renewed twice (maximum of six weeks).
3. At the request of the teachers, books may be placed “on reserve” and checked out for one hour or overnight.
4. Students are expected to display the same respect for personnel, other students, equipment and furniture that is required in the classroom. No food, drink, or chewing gum is permitted in the Resource Center at any time.
5. Students failing to adhere to policy rules may lose Resource Center privileges.
6. Use of the copy machine is limited to school personnel. There will be a charge of ten cents per copy to students for personal use.
Add overdue policy
14. LOCKERS
You are assigned a locker. You have the responsibility to keep it clean and have your books and materials arranged in an orderly fashion at all times. You are not permitted to put your books in another locker. Do not share your locker at any time. You will be subject to disciplinary action if you use someone else’s locker. You may place a lock on your locker; however, the office must be provided with a key or combination to your lock. Do not keep valuables in your locker. School personnel have the right to search lockers if deemed necessary.
15. LOST AND FOUND
Articles that are found should be turned in to the office. Report lost articles as soon as you miss them. Label your belongings so that they may be identified and returned to you. Lost clothing articles will be taken to the gym offices. Articles will be kept for the remainder of the semester.
16. MAKE-UP WORK AND LATE WORK
Make-up Work
A. Students who are absent for one (1) to two (2) consecutive days will be given two (2) days to make up missed assignments.
B. Students who have three (3) to five (5) days of consecutive absences will be given three (3) days in which to make up missed assignments.
C. For students with more than five (5) days of consecutive absences, make-up assignments will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
D. Make-up work, which is not turned in on time, will automatically receive a grade of zero (0).
E. Absences due to extracurricular activities will be treated the same as any other absences.
Late Work
A. All class work and homework is due when the teacher calls for it. Any work turned in after that time is late.
B. Late work that is turned in the same day or the following day will receive a grade equal to seventy percent (70%) of the grade originally earned on the assignment.
C. Late work which is not turned in by the day following the original due date will automatically receive a grade of zero (0).
17. MARRIED STUDENTS
Married students may participate in the total school program with the same responsibilities and rules as any other student.
18. PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parents are asked to call the campus office to schedule a conference with a child’s teacher. When parents come to school for a conference, they are asked to come by the office and check in. Please do not go to a teacher’s room for a conference when children are present or when class is progress. Each parent conference will be documented on a form provided by the school. It is hoped that this careful documentation will ensure that the conference decisions will be carried out for the benefit of the child.
19. PESTICIDES
This school periodically applies pesticides. Information concerning these applications may be obtained from Greg McCravey at 456-7401.
20. PREGNANT STUDENTS
If you are pregnant, you can continue with the regular education program or you may participate in a special education program. You must submit a medical certification at reasonable periods of time stating that it is medically safe for you to attend class.
21. SCHOOL TRIPS
Many school-sponsored trips will be made during the school year for the many activities in which students of Plains Schools will participate. Parents and students are requested to study the following regulations concerning school-sponsored trips.
1. Students approved to participate in school-related or school-sanctioned activities shall not be counted absent from school; however, school assignments shall be turned in prior to participating in the activity. (See FM)
2. All students should go and should return in school-arranged transportation.
3. Students must take the responsibility of observing all safety rules while riding in school-arranged transportation.
4. Students must meet UIL and House Bill 72 regulations before they will be allowed to go on an extracurricular trip.
5. Students making a school-arranged trip shall be under the supervision of a sponsor and shall be expected to conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen.
6. Students will be released to parents or guardians at the conclusion of school activities if a proper release is signed by parent or guardian and the parent or guardian has contacted the sponsor in person or by phone. The coach or sponsor will use his or her judgment in each case.
7. Board approval is required for trips not pertaining to academics or athletic programs.
8. Sponsors are responsible for seeing that they have in their possession on the trip a medical release/treatment form signed by the parents for each student making the school trip.
22. SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS
The district believes that every student has the right to attend district schools and school-related activities free from all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment. The district considers sexual harassment of students to be serious and will consider the full range of disciplinary options, up to and including expulsion, according to the nature of the offense.
All students are expected to treat one another courteously, with respect for the other person’s feelings; to avoid any behaviors known to be offensive; and to stop these behaviors when asked or told to stop. All students are prohibited from engaging in offensive verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed toward another student. This prohibition applies whether the conduct is by word, gesture, or any other intimidating sexual conduct, including requests for sexual favors, that the other student regards as offensive or provocative.
Students and/or parents are encouraged to discuss their questions or concerns about the expectations in this area with the teacher, the principal or designee, or the superintendent, who serves as the District’s Title IX coordinator for students.
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 the Title IX coordinator. The first conference with the student ordinarily will be held by a person who is the same gender as the student. The conference will be scheduled and held as soon as possible within five days of the request. The principal or Title IX coordinator will coordinate an appropriate investigation, which ordinarily will be completed within 10 days. The student or parent will be informed if extenuating circumstances delay completion of the investigation.
The student will not be required to present a complaint to a person who is the subject of the complaint.
If the resolution of the complaint is not satisfactory to the student or parent, the student or parent within 10 days may request a conference with the superintendent or designee by following the procedure set out in board policy FNCJ (local). If the resolution by the superintendent or designee is not satisfactory, the student or parent may present the complaint to the board as provided by policy.
23. SPECIAL EDUCATION
Plains ISD provides appropriate special education and related services to eligible children ages 3-21 and visual and auditory handicapped ages 0-21 free of cost. The ten school districts of the Four County Special Service Cooperative work as a team to provide appropriate programs for each handicapped student. Special education services will allow your child to be with children his/her own age to the maximum extent possible.
As a parent, you have the following rights:
(1) To request education evaluation if you believe your child is not adequately functioning in school.
(2) To review educational records on your child maintained by Plains ISD and the Four County Special Education Co-op.
(3) To participate in decision-making regarding your child’s educational program.
(4) To request a hearing if you disagree with the position of the school or believe that your child is not being appropriately served.
(5) To have access to local policies and procedures located at the Co-op office or in the administrative offices on each campus.
If you ask to see the educational records we will explain the types and locations of records kept on your child. You have a right to make copies at cost. If you have any questions about items in the records we will provide an explanation. If you wish to ask that information in the records be changed, you may submit a written request.
In the event that your child is referred for possible placement in special education, you will be notified of the referral. Evaluation to determine your child’s need for special education services will only be conducted with your permission. You will be invited to attend a meeting to consider the educational needs of your child, following assessment. If it is determined that your child is eligible for special education, he/she will be placed in a special education program only if you give permission.
Should you feel that the assessment is not based on appropriate information, you may request the school district to seek additional information. An independent evaluation may be conducted at the expense of the parent or guardian and the new information will be considered along with information collected by the school district. A list of independent evaluators can be obtained from the Four County Special Education Co-op office.
24. GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAM
Plains Independent School District offers a Gifted and Talented Program for students at all three campuses in the district. The campus principal is the director for the program at each campus. The principal at each campus should be contacted for information concerning the G/T program for that campus.
25. TELEPHONE
The telephone should be available for calls, both incoming and outgoing, which pertain to school matters. It is requested, therefore, that students do not ask for permission to use the telephone except in case of urgency and that they discourage others from calling them during school hours except for urgent reasons. Messages will be taken in the principal’s office and delivered to the student when necessary.
26. TEXTBOOKS
Keep all of your textbooks covered and in good condition. You must pay for lost or damaged books. If your lost book is found before the state deadline, the office will refund your money.
27. TRANSPORTATION/BUS
When you are riding a school bus to/from school or to/from a school activity, you are under the jurisdiction of the school and subject to the discipline management plan. All buses may be monitored by video camera.
Follow these regulations when you are riding a school bus:
Prior to loading and unloading
(1) Be on time at the designated stop.
(2) Stay off the road and avoid fighting while waiting for the bus.
(3) Wait until the bus stops completely before attempting to enter or leave the bus. Enter and leave the bus in an orderly manner.
(4) Never enter or leave a bus through the emergency door unless it is an emergency.
While on the bus:
(1) Keep head, hands, clothing and all other articles inside the bus.
(2) Assist in keeping the bus safe and sanitary.
(3) Avoid loud talking, laughter, and unnecessary confusion that diverts the driver’s attention and may result in a serious accident.
(4) Take care of bus equipment. You must pay for any damage you cause.
(5) Do not leave lunches, books, etc., on the bus.
(6) Remain seated while the bus is in motion. Horseplay is not permitted around or in the bus.
(7) Respond to the driver’s instructions promptly. The bus driver is in charge and may assign seats.
(8) Do not bring food or drinks on the bus.
(9) Do not bring harmful or dangerous articles or weapons on the bus (fireworks, matches, lighters, etc.)
(10) Do not use, possess or consume tobacco, intoxicating beverages, or narcotics on the bus (including marijuana and hallucinatory drugs).
(11) Do not bring animals on the bus.
(12) Do not handle any emergency equipment in the bus.
General rules:
(1) Ride only the bus to which you are assigned.
(2) To get off the bus at a different stop, you must bring a signed note from your parent.
(3) In cases of serious misconduct, endangering the driver or passengers, the driver has the authority to put you off the bus and call for law enforcement assistance. You will be subject to disciplinary action and may lose the privilege of bus service indefinitely.
The school buses at Plains ISD may be equipped with on-board video cameras. These cameras may be periodically used in discipline cases and for bus driver safety. Only authorized school personnel and parents will be allowed to view these videotapes should a problem arise. Every effort to follow the Family Education and Privacy Rights Act and to protect the rights of our students will be adhered to.
Anyone who has questions should contact Mike Taylor, transportation director, Plains ISD.
28. UNIVERSITY INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE PARTICIPATION
UIL participation shall be governed by the UNIVERSITY INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE CONSTITUTION and stringently adhered to by the coaching staff, administration, and participating sponsors of Plains Public Schools. If you have any question regarding eligibility or participation, check with the appropriate coach, sponsor, or administrator.
29. EXTRACURRICULAR ABSENCES
The District shall make no distinction between absences for UIL activities and absences for other extracurricular activities approved by the Board. A student shall be allowed in a school year ten extracurricular absences not related to post-district competition, five absences for post-district competition prior to state, and two absences for state competition. Additional absences, to a maximum of three, shall be permitted for competition in any extracurricular activity when a student has a grade point average of at least 76 on the previous report card or three-week progress report in the courses or subjects to be missed. If the student maintains an 85 grade point average in the courses or subjects to be missed, the number of absences increases to four, and if the student’s grade point average in the subject to be missed is 92, the number of absences allowed increases to five. (FM Local)
30. VISITORS
Visitors should not be brought to school or accompany you to class. All visitors must check in at the office. No visitor may interrupt a class to speak to a teacher or a student.
31. WITHDRAWALS
You must have a written request from your parent or guardian to withdraw from school. The request should include the date of withdrawal, the reason for withdrawal, and the name and address of the school to be attended. Obtain the withdrawal form from the principal’s office. Return all textbooks, uniforms, etc., to your teachers. Secure signatures from the following: cafeteria manager, teachers, librarian, counselor, and principal. The principal’s secretary will check you out after all withdrawal procedures have been completed.
32. STUDENT RECORDS STATEMENT
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 postsecondary education.
The law specifies that certain general information about Plains students is considered “directory information” and will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it. That information includes:
• A student’s name, address, telephone number, and date and place of birth.
• The student’s photograph, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and weight and height of members of athletic teams.
• The student’s dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status, honors and awards received in school, and most recent school previously attended.
• The student’s e-mail address.
Release of any or all directory information regarding a student 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 the child’s first day of this school year. [See the acknowledgement from attached to this handbook.]