PISD Student Handbook High School Information

SECTION II: HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION
PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL COWBOYS AND COWGIRLS
IN THIS SECTION YOU WILL FIND INFORMATION WHICH IS PERTINENT TO STUDENTS IN PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL. PLEASE READ SECTION I: GENERAL INFORMATION FOR INFORMATION THAT APPLIES TO THE DISTRICT AS A WHOLE.
1. PLAINS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL BELL SCHEDULE
First Bell Zero Period 7:00
Zero Period 7:05 – 7:50
First Bell 8:00
First Period 8:05 – 8:56
Second Period 9:00 – 9:56
Third Period 10:00 – 10:50
Fourth Period 10:54 – 11:45
Lunch 11:45 – 12:19
Fifth Period 12:23 – 1:08
Sixth Period 1:12 – 1:57
Seventh Period 2:01 – 2:46
Eighth Period 2:50 - 3:35
2. AUTOMOBILES
Automobiles on school property are in a school zone and drivers should exercise due caution. Pre-school and other children may be present at any time on or near driving areas; motorists should be alert at all times. Students will be expected to follow instructions given concerning school traffic regulations and speed limits. Parking a vehicle on school grounds is a privilege earned by responsible behavior. Irresponsible behavior may result in the loss of this privilege.
Students driving automobiles or other vehicles to school will be expected to park in the designated area, clear of the area zoned for buses or visitors. Student vehicles must display a proper parking permit.
Students are asked not to sit in cars before school or during the lunch period. The reputation of the school can often be reflected in student’s conduct at such times.
After students park cars on campus, they should not move them during the day, with the exception of lunchtime, without a permit from the principal.
3. FUNDRAISING
All school fund-raising activities must be approved by the principal. Each class or organization may have one fundraising project per school year.
4. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Extracurricular activities at Plains ISD include athletics, band, UIL academics, One Act Play, stock shows and judging competitions, competitions and trips sponsored by the home economics department, industrial arts competitions, cheerleaders or any other activity where students represent Plains Independent School District.
Athletics:
The coaching staff and the administration in no way condones poor conduct, the use of any type of drug, or use of alcohol by the student athlete, and the uniform of any student who takes part in such will be taken up if deemed necessary. Therefore, the decision has been made to introduce this Athletic Code of Conduct and Rules to address any problems, which might occur in our athletic program. The Athletic Code of Conduct and Rules shall be enforced beginning with the athletic season and ending with the last day of the current scholastic attendance year.
Alcohol/Drug Policy:
Any student who participates in extracurricular activities and is caught by a school official or ticketed by a law enforcement officer and convicted for a drug-or alcohol-related incident off school premises once active participation has begun shall be subject to a penalty in each current area of participation to be determined by coaches, sponsors, and school administrators in communication with parents. The penalty may range from a two-week suspension from activities, not including practice, to suspension for the remainder of the year.
Tobacco Use:
Students in all grades shall not possess or use tobacco products, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, or chewing tobacco, on school premises or at school-related functions.
Appeals regarding discipline imposed or complaints regarding this policy may be addressed through the procedure outlined in policy FNG (LOCAL) beginning at Level Two.
(1) Rules of Conduct: The same rules of conduct, dress, language, respect, etc., that applies to the student as listed in the Student Handbook for the regular classroom situation shall apply to the athletic setting. Athletes shall be held responsible for any additional rules of conduct established by the athletic director, coaching staff, administration, and/or the school board, to maintain discipline, order, and safety. All athletes and parents must sign the Athletic Code of Conduct.
(2) Tobacco Products: House Bill 858 and Education code 21.927 prohibits students from smoking or using tobacco products while under the school’s jurisdiction. Therefore, the uses of tobacco products in the dressing rooms are prohibited.
(3) Practice/Game: An individual who will miss a practice or a game is responsible for contacting the extracurricular coach to inform the coach of the absence.
Band: The Cowboy Band has one of the most enviable records among similar high school music organizations in the state, having received wide recognition for outstanding performances. It contributes much to the life of the school and community by giving concerts, playing for assemblies, performing at athletic events, and participating in other programs. The band is organized as a definite class group, and meets during school hours with additional practice periods often held before or after school. Credit is allowed for satisfactory participation.
Drum Major - The position of Drum Major for the Plains Cowboy Band will be selected from prospective students in Grades 9-12. The position has the following requirements:
(1) The person must possess leadership qualities and capabilities.
(2) Have a positive attitude.
(3) Demonstrate responsibility.
(4) Be able to take initiative when necessary.
(5) Have attended band camp the summer before.
(6) Be a proper representative of the band, the school, and the community.
(7) Maintained a 70 average or better in the previous semester and met all UIL eligibility requirements.
Cheerleaders (High School):
(1) Cheerleaders are to be passing in all subjects to try out. Campaigning will be limited to the week of the elections. Contestants are limited to five campaign posters. No locker signs will be placed on students’ lockers, and no handouts in the form of candy, gum, or any other gifts that are intended to “buy” votes will be allowed.
(2) Grades: Cheerleaders must meet Texas Education Agency education guidelines, i.e. no pass, no play, for participation in extracurricular activities. Cheerleaders with a failing grade at the end of any grading period will be suspended from the squad pending their raising that grade to passing at the end of the next grading period.
(3) Citizenship: Cheerleaders are expected to follow guidelines for citizenship outlined in the Student Handbook. Cheerleaders are expected to be leaders in all these areas. You must be able to get along with people, must be willing to follow rules, and you must display lots of enthusiasm. Cheerleaders are expected to uphold acceptable social conduct on and off campus. A cheerleader’s every word and action directly reflects on Plains High School and our community.
(4) Eight cheerleaders will be selected as follows: One must be selected from each class (9-12) and the remaining will be elected at-large from the remaining contestants.
(5) Cheerleaders will be required to attend all varsity football games, all varsity home basketball games, all varsity district basketball games, all home varsity volleyball games, and all play-off games in any of the three mentioned sports.
(6) Applicants must try out before the student body. Failure to try out will eliminate the student.
(7) The school will pay $750 for uniforms. Cheerleaders will be responsible for any additional uniforms they choose. School-purchased uniforms will be the property of the school at the end of the school year.
(8) The school will send the cheerleaders to camp and provide the transportation to and from camp.
(9) The school will provide a reasonable amount of paper, markers, and paint for all signs.
(10) The school will provide transportation and meals, when applicable, to out-of-town varsity games.
(11) There will be meetings required during the summer months.
(12) All cheerleaders will be required to wear hair pulled up and no jewelry when in uniform.
(13) Cheerleaders will abide by above said rules or be subject to possible dismissal.
Eligibility:
You will be permitted to participate in extracurricular activities, subject to the following restrictions:
(1) During the initial six-week period of the school year, you shall have been promoted into the next grade level or shall have accumulated the required number of units toward graduation. (See grade classification in the academic section of this handbook.)
(2) During the subsequent six weeks’ period, you must have a 70 or above to participate in extracurricular activities the following six weeks’ period. Suspension from extracurricular activities goes into effect seven days after the last day of the six weeks’ period in which the grade lower than 70 was earned. You will be allowed to participate at the end of any six weeks’ period in which you earn a course average of 70 or more.
(3) You are permitted thirteen absences in any one course for the year to participate in school-related or School-sanctioned activities on or off campus. Please refer to the Attendance Section under General Information.
Extracurricular Awards:
Awards shall be given in band, baseball, basketball, football, golf, track, tennis, and volleyball. All letters and awards shall be approved by the teacher in charge and turned into the principal for final approval. All jackets must be in school colors. Athletic awards shall be presented to students according to the awards policy found in the Athletic Program manual. The University Interscholastic League prohibits an athlete’s receiving more than one major award in a four-year career. Band awards shall be presented to students who participate in any contest beyond district competition.
5. ORGANIZATIONS
Class Organizations: Classes will meet for the purpose of organization and election of officers each spring. Each class will be sponsored by members of the high school faculty. The class officers, in cooperation with the class and faculty sponsors, will be responsible for many of the class activities during the year.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes: Any student in Grades 9-12 may become a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Future Farmers of America: Members of the Future Farmers of America must have completed or be currently enrolled in a vocational agriculture course.
Future Homemakers of America: Members of the Future Homemakers of America must have completed or be currently enrolled in a home economics course.
National Honor Society: Membership in the National Honor Society is a privilege, not a right, based on the four criteria of scholarship, character, service, and leadership. The National Honor Society has a membership limited to the senior, junior, and sophomore classes, as determined by the four criteria. Selection is made by a faculty committee appointed by the principal. In the selection of members, scholarship is based upon the records while the other three factors, leadership, character, and service, are judged by a majority vote of the faculty committee on all eligible persons. Students must have a 90.00 average to be considered for this society. Students who have taken remedial courses will not be eligible for membership. A student may be dismissed from the organization for not maintaining NHS standards.
Student Council: Membership is composed of elected officers, class presidents and class representatives, and work-on members. The Student Council is an integral part of planned student activities both social and educational. Responsibilities include operating high school basketball concessions, daily break time concessions, leading assemblies and morning announcements and sponsoring service projects which include food drives, drug and safety education, and the Santa Hotline. The Council also contributes to building school spirit and promoting school loyalty among the student body, and is the student body’s voice to both the administration and board of trustees.
6. ACADEMIC HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS GRADUATION GRADUATION
DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM ** Prior to 2011 2011 and Later
English 4 credit units 4 credit units
Mathematics (a) 3 credit units 4 credit units
Science 3 credit units 4 credit units
Other Language (b) 3 credit units 3 credit units
U.S. History 1 credit unit 1 credit unit
World History 1 credit unit 1 credit unit
World Geography 1 credit unit 1 credit unit
Government ½ credit unit ½ credit unit
Economics ½ credit unit ½ credit unit
Physical Education (c) 1 ½ credit units 1 ½ credit units
Health ½ credit unit ½ credit unit
Computer (Technology Applications) 1 credit unit 1 credit unit
Fine Arts 1 credit unit 1 credit unit
Speech ½ credit unit ½ credit unit
Electives 3 1/2 credit units 2 ½ credit units
TOTAL 25 credit units 26 credit units
RECOMMENDED HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM **
English 4 credit units 4 credit units
Mathematics (a) 3 credit units 4 credit units
Science (b) 3 credit units 4 credit units
Other Language (c) 2 credit units 2 credit units
U.S. History 1 credit unit 1 credit unit
World History 1 credit unit 1 credit unit
World Geography 1 credit unit 1 credit unit
Government ½ credit unit ½ credit unit
Economics ½ credit unit ½ credit unit
Physical Education (d) 1 ½ credit units 1 ½ credit units
Health ½ credit unit ½ credit unit
Computer (Technology Applications) 1 credit unit 1 credit unit
Fine Arts 1 credit unit 1 credit unit
Speech ½ credit unit ½ credit unit
Electives 4 1/2 credit units 3 ½ credit units
TOTAL 25 credit units 26 credit units
(a) Required courses are Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and one more math credit. Math Models must be taken prior to Algebra II if it is to be used for the fourth math credit.
(b) One credit must be a biology credit (Biology, AP Biology, or IB Biology). Not more than one credit may be chosen from each of the areas to satisfy this requirement: Integrated Physics and Chemistry, a Chemistry credit (Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry), a Physics credit (Physics, Principles of Technology I, AP Physics, or IB Physics). Students are encouraged to take courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. IPC cannot be taken as the final fourth year of science, but must be taken before the senior year of high school. The credits for the DAP must consist of a biology credit, a chemistry credit, a physics credit, and an approved additional laboratory-based science course.
(c) Credits must be in the same language.
(d) Three semesters of athletics will fulfill the Physical Education requirements.
MINIMUM PROGRAM **
English 4 credit units
U.S. History 1 credit unit
World History or World Geography 1 credit unit
Government ½ credit unit
Economics ½ credit unit
Mathematics 3 credit units
Science 2 credit units
Physical Education 1 ½ credit units
Health ½ credit unit
Computer (Technology Applications) 1 credit unit
Science/Social Studies Elective 1 credit unit
Speech ½ credit unit
Electives 8 ½ credit units
TOTAL 25 credit units
THE SEMESTER PLAN
Plains High School operates on the two semesters per academic year plan for scheduling of courses. Most courses are designed for the complete year due to the nature and depth of the course. Some courses are designed for one semester in length and these courses are noted in the course offering portion of this handbook.
GENERAL ACADEMIC INFORMATION
You are required to take three semesters of physical education in sequence during your freshman and sophomore years; however, you may substitute marching band for the physical education requirement. Band students may choose to participate in both activities and will receive credit in both. If you present a doctor’s statement regarding a condition, which makes physical education inadvisable, physical education will not be required.
**State Law now requires that students automatically work toward the fulfillment of the Recommended High School Program. All students will be scheduled into the Recommended High School Program, unless a parent/guardian visits with the school counselor, and there is a written request to do otherwise by the parent/guardian.
7. CLASS RANK/GRADUATION HONORS/PARTICIPATION IN COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
Class Rank:
Your class rank is determined by your grade point average considering all grades except blanket and/or subjectively- awarded grades: athletics, band, correspondence courses, credit by exam, library skills aide and teacher’s aide, physical education, and TAKS remediation.
Graduation Honors:
You must meet all standards of citizenship and behavior to receive graduation honors. Grades for all four years of high school based on class rank above will be used to determine your average. Blanket and subjectively-graded courses will not be considered. You must have been enrolled in Plains High School your junior and senior years and the balance in a fully accredited high school. If you have the highest scholastic average, you will be declared the valedictorian; and if you have the second highest average, you will be the salutatorian. Should either the valedictorian or salutatorian positions be tied, then high school grades will be averaged by numerical position to break the tie. Should all high school grades be tied, the same procedure will be used by going backward to lower grades.
Honor graduates will be selected at the end of the fifth six weeks’ grading period.
Participation in Commencement Exercises:
Students who have satisfactorily completed all coursework requirements for graduation but have failed to meet applicable exit-level testing requirements shall be allowed to participate in commencement activities and ceremonies. Students who have not satisfactorily completed all coursework requirements will not be allowed to participate in commencement activities and ceremonies.
8. CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
You may earn a maximum of two units of credit by correspondence in Grades 9-12. These credits may be applied toward graduation and may be earned from the University of Texas at Austin or Texas Tech University or other institutions of higher learning approved by the commissioner of education.
9. EXAMINATION EXEMPTIONS FOR STUDENTS
Students in Grades 9-12 may be exempted from taking final examinations if they meet the following criteria:
1. a 90 semester average in a class and no more than three (3) absences in that class for the semester.
2. an 85 semester average in a class and no more than two (2) absences in that class for the semester.
3. an 80 semester average in a class and no more than one (1) absence in that class for the semester.
4. in Grades 9-10, exemptions are limited to three (3) final exams per semester, as applicable. Freshmen may be exempt from English, social studies, and one elective. Sophomores may be exempt from English, health/speech, and one elective.
5. juniors and seniors who meet the exemptions criteria may be exempt in all classes.
6. the student must have no more than three (3) absences in the class during the semester.
7. if a student has an unexcused absence, his/her right for exemption in that class is forfeited.
8. if a student is assigned to ISS for any length of time, his/her right for exemption in any class is forfeited.
GRADE POINT VALUES
LEVEL 100-90 89-80 79-70 69-60 59-50
1 10.0-9.0 8.9-8.0 7.9-7.0 6.9-6.0 5.9-5.0
2 8.9-8.0 7.9-7.0 6.9-6.0 5.9-5.0 4.9-4.0
3 7.9-7.0 6.9-6.0 5.9-5.0 4.9-4.0 3.9-3.0
4 6.9-6.0 5.9-5.0 4.9-4.0 3.9-3.0 2.9-2.0
5 No grade for credit
10. GRADE CLASSIFICATION
Your grade classification will be determined at the beginning of each school year. Once you have begun the new school year, your classification will remain the same throughout the year. If you are a junior who can show that in all probability you will graduate with the senior class, you may reclassify as a senior at the end of the first semester. Classification is determined as follows:
Freshman 0 or more credits
Sophomore 5 or more credits
Junior 11 or more credits
Senior 18 or more credits
11. GRADE REPORTING
Remove conduct grades
Progress Reports:
You will receive a progress report or notice of concern following the end of the third week of each six week’s grading period for each class in which you have a 75 or below.
Six Weeks’ Grades:
You will receive a report card the Thursday following each six week’s grading period. The report card will contain the scholastic grades, conduct grades, and attendance for each subject. Your six week’s exam grade should count no more than 1/7 of the six weeks’ grade. Numeric grades are as follows:
90 - 100 exceptionally high achievement
80 - 89 above average achievement
70 - 79 average achievement
Below 70 Failing
Semester Grades:
Semester grades will be determined by considering each of the six weeks’ grades as 2/7 and the semester exam as 1/7 of the grade. The yearly grade is determined by averaging the two semester grades.
12. HONOR ROLLS
The “A” honor roll is composed of any student who takes six separate subjects, on grade level, makes all “A’s” and satisfactory or above in conduct at the end of each grading period. The “B” honor roll is composed of any student who takes six separate subjects, on grade level, and who makes a combination of “A’s” and only one “B” and satisfactory or above in conduct at the end of each grading period. Blanket grades will not be considered.
13. ACADEMIC AWARDS
Any student advancing beyond district level of competition in any UIL literary event will be eligible to receive a letter jacket from Plains High School. A student may receive only one major award during his high school years.
A junior student may receive a letter award for participation in regularly-scheduled UIL activities upon recommendation of sponsor and principal.
Outstanding achievement by students in junior high and high school will be recognized and awards will be given to those students at an annual awards program.
14. LATE GRADUATION
If you are unable to meet the graduation requirements in the spring but meet requirements prior to the following September 1, you may receive your diploma from the principal’s office.
15. SCHEDULE CHANGES
High school students have one week to change their schedules following the beginning of each semester. The principal will determine the necessity of the change, and all changes must be approved by the principal. Schedule changes are based on class size and students’ needs.
Remove tutorial schedule
16. EXPLANATION OF COURSE NUMBERS
All course numbers will be a three-digit number. By looking at the course number, you can determine the first year this course can be taken, the length of the course, and its weighted grade point value. Courses beginning with the number 1 can be taken by any student in high school. Courses beginning with the number 2 can be taken by sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Courses beginning with the number 3 can be taken by juniors and seniors. Courses beginning with the number 4 are reserved for seniors, unless approved through the administration. The middle digit of a course number indicates the number of half units received for that course. The last digit of a course number indicates the grade point level.
Level 1--Honors
Level 2-Academic
Level 3-Introductory
Level 4-Modified (Special Education)
Level 5-No grade point credit
Example:
421-Senior course, 2 half unit values, Honors level.
122-First year course, 2 half unit values, Academic level.
223-Second year course, 2 half unit values, introductory level.
314-Third year course, 1 half unit value, no grade point level.
17. COURSE OFFERINGS
COURSE SUBJECT GRADE PREREQUISITE
NUMBER LEVEL
BUSINESS EDUCATION
122 Accounting 9-12 None
221 Accounting II 10-12 Accounting I
122 BCIS I 9-12 None
221 BCIS II 10-12 BCIS I
121 Introductory Computer 9-12 None
Programming
Web-Page Design
ENGLISH-LANGUAGE ARTS
124 Modified Language Arts 9-12 None
121 Honors English I 9 Requires Writing Project
122 English I 9 None
221 Honors English II 10 Requires Writing Project
222 English II 10 English I
321 Honors English III 11 Requires Writing Project
322 English III 11 English II
421 College English IV 12 Requires Writing Project
422 English IV 12 English III
122 Speech 9-12 None
Business & Professional Speech 9-12
Radio Broadcasting 9-12 Requires Zero Hr. + Broadcast
115 Theatre Arts I, II, III, IV 9-12 None
122 Art I, AP Art 9-12 None
125 Band I, II, III, IV 9-12 None
125 Journalism, Yearbook 9-12 Sponsor Approval
Photo-journalism
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
122 Spanish I 9-12 None
222 Spanish II 10-12 Spanish I
321 Spanish III 11-12 Spanish II
421 A.P. Spanish 12 Spanish III/Native Sp.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
112 Health 9-12 None
125 Physical Education 9-12 None
Athletic Trainer/PE Equivalent 9-12
Band/PE Equivalent 9-12
INDUSTRIAL ARTS
122 Technology Systems 9-12 None
1/2 to 1 unit
122 Production Systems 9-12 None
1/2 to 1 unit
222 Manufacturing Systems 10-12 None
1/2 to 1 unit
222 Research & Development 10-12 Woods
1/2 to 1 unit
122 Manufacturing Graphics 9-12 None
121 Manufacturing Graphics II 10-12 Manufacturing Graphics I
122 Cisco Networking I 9-12 None
222 Cisco Networking II 10-12 Cisco Networking I
122 Computer Repair 9-12 None
MATHEMATICS
124 Modified Math 9-12 None
122 Algebra I 9-12 None
222 Algebra II 10-12 Algebra I
122 Geometry 9-12 Algebra I
321 Pre-Calculus 11 Algebra II, Geometry
(NOTE: Honors Requires R&D Project)
322 Math Models 9-12 Algebra I, Geometry
421 Calculus 12 Pre-Calculus
College Algebra/Trig 12
Independent Studies/Math 12
(NOTE: Honors in all SECTION 421
courses requires R&D Project)
SCIENCE
122 Physical Science 9-12 None
122 Integrated Physics and Chem. 9-12 None
122 Biology 9-12 None
222 Chemistry 10-12 Physical Science
Algebra I
321 AP Biology 11-12 Biology
321 Physics 11-12 Approval
321 AP Chemistry 11-12 Chemistry
(NOTE: All 321 Honors courses requires
R&D Project)
321 Anatomy & Physiology 11-12 Honors requires Ath. Training
EMT
Environmental Science
SOCIAL STUDIES
122 World History 9-12 None
122 World Geography 9-12 None
122 U.S. History 9-12 None
412 Government 12 None
412 Economics 12 None
College Government
College Economics
COMPUTER SCIENCE
121 Computer Science I 9-12 None
221 Computer Science II 10-12 Computer Science I
AGRICULTURE SCIENCE
112 Wildlife & Range 10-12 None
Management
112 Introduction to World 9-12 None
Ag Science & Technology
1/2 unit
112 Horticulture Plant 9-12 None
Production
112 Landscape D.C. & M. 9-12 None
112 Applied Ag Science & 9-12 None
Technology-1/2 unit
212 Animal & Plant 10-12 None
Production-1/2 unit
212 Introduction to Ag 10-12 None
Mechanics-1/2 units
212 Ag Metal Fabrication 10-12 None
Technology-1/2 units
212 Ag Business Management 10-12 None
& Marketing 1/2 unit
442 Ag Power & Machinery 12 None
1 to 2 units
MISCELLANEOUS COURSES
115 One Act Play 9-12 None
115 Resource Center Courses 9-12 None
115 Teen Leadership 9-12 None
115 Office Aide 12 None
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
112 Health 9-12 None
125 Physical Education 9-12 None
Athletic Trainer/PE Equivalent See Administration
Math Recovery See Administration
Science Recovery See Administration
Reading and writing Recovery See Administration
18. DUAL-CREDIT COURSES
Guidelines and Regulations
Student Requirements
I. Available to juniors beginning in the fall of their junior year and all seniors if all other requirements are met.
II. Must have passed THEA or have been exempted from THEA because of TAKS performance, ACT or SAT scores, or must have passed an alternative assessment that could be substituted for THEA.
III. Must be passing all high school subjects prior to registering for the course.
IV. The student requesting dual credit will be responsible for making a formal request in writing two weeks prior to the beginning of the course. The request must be presented to the high school principal and should include a syllabus of the course for analysis.
V. Prior approval for dual credit will be based on an analysis of the college course syllabus by the high school principal and a high school teacher from the same teaching field to determine if the course being offered meets the requirements for the particular subject as described in the TEKS for high school students.
VI. Prior approval from the college must be given for high school AP courses that are used to earn college credit.
VII. The high school principal and superintendent must make a decision to allow dual credit at least one week prior to the beginning of the course.
VIII. The student will be responsible for the payment of all college fees, tuition, books, and transportation.
Dual-Credit Information
I. Students may take college courses for college credit providing they meet the college guidelines. To receive high school credit for a college course the student must have prior approval from the high school principal and the superintendent.
II. Dual-credit courses can be offered in the following ways:
A. Instruction by a college professor over the Interactive Video Network (ITV):
1. After regular school hours
2. Before regular school hours
3. During regular school hours, if scheduling can accommodate
B. Instruction by a college professor at:
1. The Plains High School campus
2. An alternative site
3. The college campus
C. Instruction during a Plains High School AP class by a Master Degreed teacher with at least 18 graduate hours in the subject being taught.
D. The instruction could be available during regular fall and spring semesters or during summer school. (Summer school class sites could be: Plains High School ITV lab, a college campus, or an alternative site.)
III. Dual credit can be earned in the following ways:
A. High school credit for a college course
B. College credit for a high school AP course taught by a qualified high school teacher
Pre-planning
I. Plains ISD will work with the colleges providing the instruction to determine minimum and maximum class sizes.
II. Plains ISD will work with the colleges providing the instruction to determine personnel needed to monitor and operate the ITV lab.
III. The counselor will announce ITV and high school AP courses available for college and high school credit as soon as course offerings are determined and scheduling can be addressed.
IV. It will be the student’s responsibility to determine college courses available at the college or alternate sites.
V. ITV course availability during the regular school day will be based on scheduling compatibility between the high school and the college.
Grading
I. The numerical grade earned by the student for the college course will be the same grade that is reported for the high school course.
II. Students taking a college course will receive semester grades only. The student or parent will have to contact the college professor for progress reports. (Students participating in extracurricular activities will be responsible for obtaining progress reports from their college professors every three weeks to comply with UIL participation guidelines concerning student eligibility based on passing grades. The district will provide a form but the responsibility for obtaining the information will lie with the student. Any student failing to provide documentation will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities until the grade documentation is presented to the principal.)
III. Plains ISD will not guarantee the transferability of any college grade earned while attending Plains High School.
IV. A maximum of three college courses per semester or two college courses during the summer session can be taken for dual credit.
These guidelines do not prohibit Plains High School students from taking college courses whenever a course is available and wherever that course is available as long as the course does not conflict with the high school schedule. This does not mean that every college course taken will earn high school credit as well. The student and parent should understand that courses will be offered over the ITV or at school when scheduling will accommodate and when qualified personnel are available. Any questions about these guidelines should be directed to the superintendent or high school principal.
19. THE TEXAS GRANT
State law requires that senior students be notified of the opportunity to have grant money available to them to help pay for college expenses.
Texas Grant Program purpose: To provide grant aid to financially needy students who are academically prepared to handle college-level course work.
Who Can Apply? Individuals who:
* Are Texas residents * Show financial need
* Register for the Selective Service or are exempt * Graduated from public or accredited high
from this requirement school in 1998 or later
* Completed the Recommended High School * Enroll in college on at least a ¾ time basis
Curriculum or a higher level curriculum in high (unless granted a hardship waiver)
school
* Receive their first award in this grant program * Have not been convicted of a felony or a crime
within 16 months of high school graduation involving a controlled substance
Where May The Awards Be Used? Only in-state (Texas) colleges or universities may participate in the program. Both public and private, non-profit colleges or universities may participate in the program.
How Much Can Be Awarded? The award amount depends on the number of hours taken by the student and the type of institution the student attends. In general, it is an amount equal to the student’s tuition and required fees. (For 2001-2002, approximately $1,344 per semester for public university students; $582 per semester for community college students, and $861 per semester for technical college students, based on enrollment of 12 hours per semester).
How Large is the Program? The following are statistics for the 1999-00 academic year:
Type of Institution Average Award Number of Awards
Public University $2,322 6,163
Community Colleges $815 3,258
Technical Colleges $1,459 129
Private, non-profit Colleges $2,047 1,305
How Can I Apply? Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Contact your college financial aid office for additional instructions.
Where Can I Get Additional Information? Talk to the counselor or the counselor at the college that you are expecting to attend or you may go on the internet to: www.collegefortexans.com or call 1-877-782-7322.