To Valentine ISD Students and Parents:
Welcome to school year 2007-2008! The ultimate purpose of education is to help each individual student become an effective citizen in our democracy. A student who develops and accepts the responsibilities of good citizenship will be able to participate successfully in the world of tomorrow.
Administrators, teachers and other staff members want this year to be an especially good one for each child, with many interesting learning experiences. For this to happen, we all have to work together: students, parents, teachers, Board of Trustees, and administrators.
The Valentine School Student/Parent Handbook contains information that you are likely to need during the school year. This information has been carefully prepared and presented so that it will be of great value in helping you become an integral part of VISD. It is organized alphabetically by topic. Students are addressed as “the student,” “students”, “the child,” or “children”. In the handbook, please be aware that the term “the student’s parent” is used to refer to the parent, legal guardian, or other person who has agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student.
Both students and parents also need to be familiar with the Valentine Student Code of Conduct, where you will find the standards for appropriate behavior and consequences for inappropriate behavior. The Student Code of Conduct is required by law and is intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere of learning. This document may be found in the back section (Appendix A) of this handbook.
The Student Handbook is designed to be in harmony with School District Policy and the Student Code of Conduct which are adopted by the VISD Board of Trustees. Please be aware that the handbook is updated annually, while policy adoption and revision takes place throughout the calendar year. Changes in policy that affect Student Handbook provisions will be made available to students and parents through other communications.
In case of conflict between Board policy or the Student Code of Conduct and any provisions of student handbooks, the provisions of Board policy or the Student Code of Conduct that were most recently adopted by the Board are to be followed.
Please note that references to alphabetical policy codes are included so that parents can refer to current policy. A copy of the District’s Policy Manual is available at the Superintendent’s office.
Valentine ISD has and will continue to meet the needs of our students and community. Any changes or restructuring for our School District will be designed to integrate technology into the curriculum, to challenge students intellectually, to engage students in their own learning, and to provide students with the opportunity for a concentrated, personalized education.
Every student is required to follow all school policies and regulations. Each student will be issued a handbook. The principal or designated teacher will explain the policies at the beginning of the school year. Claiming ignorance of the policies/regulations will not excuse a student from compliance or from being subject to corrective action.
Parents/guardians must acknowledge receipt of this handbook, the Code of Student Conduct (Appendix B) and the consequences to students who violate District disciplinary policy. Parents/guardians should also let the District know, within 10 days of receipt of the handbook, if they object to the release of "directory information" on their child(ren) (See Appendix B).
We look forward to another great year of learning for our children. Our cooperative effort is essential for this great year to take place. Please feel free to call or visit if you should have any questions or concerns. We also welcome your comments and ideas.
Sincerely, George T. Elliott, Superintendent
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
Valentine I.S.D. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs including vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Valentine I.S.D. will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational programs.
Individuals having questions regarding Valentine I.S.D. practices may address them to the following District staff member who has been designated to coordinate compliance with these requirements:
· Title IX Coordinator for concerns regarding sex discrimination and Section 504 Coordinator for concerns regarding disability discrimination:
George T. Elliott, Superintendent
P. O. Box 188
Valentine, Texas 79854
Phone # (432) 467-2671
Fax # (432) 467-2114
SCHOOL COLORS Red and White
MASCOT Pirate
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Alfred Means, Jr.........................................................................................................................President
Larry Porras.......................................................................................................................Vice President
Maria Elena Carrasco...............................................................................................................Secretary
Lisa Morton.................................................................................................................................. Member
Jackie Means.............................................................................................................................. Member
Jesus Navarrete.......................................................................................................................... Member
Steve York ………………………………………………………………………………………Member
VALENTINE ISD EMPLOYEES
Mr. George T. Elliott Superintendent
Mr. Ernie Villarreal Business Manager
Mrs. Maralea Miller Tax Assessor-Collector
Ms. Rita Weigart School Secretary
Mrs. Carol Almanza Teacher Aide
Ms. Stephanie Lovelady Teacher Aide
Mr. Al Ackley Teacher- H.S. Math
Mr. William Moss Teacher/Coach
Mr. Jesus Calderon ASST Principal/Teacher-Science
Ms. Marsha Everett Technology Coordinator
Mr. Rito Cancino Custodian/ Maintenance
Mrs. Valerie Garcia Custodian
Mrs. Brenda Calder Teacher-H.S. English
Mrs. Jill Miller Teacher-Elementary English/Social Studies
Mrs. Bernadette Jordan Teacher-Elementary Math/Science
Mrs. Julia Snyder Teacher-3-12 Reading
Ms. Bianca Porras Teacher/Coach
Mrs. Irma Porras Teacher--Pre-K & Kindergarten/1st & 2nd
Mrs. Janet Elliott K-12 Art Teacher
Mrs. Lena Slover Special Ed Teacher/PEIMS/Bus Driver
Mrs. Dawn Houy Counselor
"EXCELLENCE THROUGH EDUCATION"
Valentine is an accredited school, which meets state requirements and also provides broad academic experiences for all students.
Please feel free to call or come by if you have any questions. The phone number for Valentine ISD is (432) 467-2671.
CRITICAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS:
This section of the Valentine ISD’s Student Handbook is to give information on procedures of particular interest to you as a parent. It includes information about working with the school in guiding your child’s education such as:
We strongly recommend that you review the entire handbook with your child and keep it as a reference during the school year. If you or your child have questions about any of the material in this handbook, please contact your
child(ren)’s advisor(s), a teacher, the principal, or the Superintendent. Please sign and return to the school the written statement that the parent understands and consents to the responsibilities outlined in the Discipline Management Plan. Parents with questions are encouraged to contact the principal.
A child’s education succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school, a partnership that thrives on communication and includes the student, parents, teachers, administrators, and the Board of Trustees. Your involvement in this partnership may include:
· Attending scheduled conferences and requesting additional conferences as needed. To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, principal, or Superintendent, please call the school office at (432) 467-2671 for an appointment. A teacher will usually return your call or meet with you during his/her conference period or at a mutually convenient time before or after school. See CONFERENCES, page (POLICY EIA)
· Exercising your right to review teaching materials, textbooks, and other aids, and to examine tests that have been administered to your child.
The school will notify parents of the right to inspect all instructional materials to be used in connection with a survey, analysis, or evaluation-- funded in whole or in part by the U. S. Department of Education. Notice will be sent home before such survey, analysis, or evaluation is administered, and parent consent (or student consent if 18 or older) will be requested if information regarding any of the following is part of the survey, analysis, or evaluation:
· Political affiliations.
· Mental and psychological problems potentially embarrassing to the student or family.
· Sexual behavior and attitudes
· Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, and demeaning behavior.
· Criticism of other individuals with whom the student or the student’s family has a close family relationship.
· Relationships privileged under the law, such as relationships with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.
· Income, except when the information will be used to determine the student’s eligibility to participate in a special program or to receive financial assistance under such a program.
You will be able to inspect any teaching materials used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation. (POLICY EF)
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.
This handbook is organized alphabetically by topic for ease of use.
ADMISSION
A student (or the student's parent) who wants to enroll in the District should contact the Superintendent or Principal at the school office.
His/her parent(s) or legal guardian must accompany a student enrolling in the district for the first time. Proof of immunizations, Social Security number, home address, phone numbers, mother & father’s name, place of business or work, nearest relative or friend to contact in case of an emergency, and a withdrawal form from the previous school must be provided when enrolling in VISD.
Students wishing to enroll in Valentine ISD and that reside outside the District must be approved by filing a transfer request with the District Superintendent.
Admission / Enrollment with Discipline Problems
Any student transferring into the District, who is under disciplinary action (suspension, home-based, AEP, or expulsion) from another school or school district, shall not be allowed to enroll, until the disciplinary action has ended or if allowed to enroll, the student will be placed in the appropriate setting to complete the disciplinary action before entering regular classes.
Students who enter class late will be allowed absences pro‑rated on the basis of days remaining in the semester. Students transferring who have already enrolled will have the absences accumulated in the class they transferred from carried forward into the class they enter.
VISD investigates and reports violations of the State and District permanent residence law.
Penal Code 37.10 Tampering with Governmental Record (Admission Forms)
An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor unless the actor's intent is to defraud or harm another, in which event the offense is a felony of the third degree.
In addition to the penalty provided by Section 37.10, Penal Code, a person who knowingly falsifies information on a form required for enrollment of a student in a school district is liable to the district if the student is not eligible for enrollment in the district but is enrolled on the basis of the false information. The person is liable, for the period during which the ineligible student is enrolled for the cost of education.
A student in any grade may use advanced placement examinations to advance one grade level or gain credit for a subject. Questions about advanced placement examinations may be discussed with the Superintendent.
Clubs and organizations wishing to make an announcement should turn in the announcement to the principal for approval before the announcement memo is to be posted. The announcement needs to be turned in no later than Friday of the previous week.
ASBESTOS
An EPA accredited inspector/management planner, performed the mandatory three-year inspection of asbestos‑containing materials for our district. Districts use this inspection as a time to check condition of asbestos materials, update records, and review current regulations. A copy of the management plan, as well as the inspection documentation, dated May 31, 1999, will be kept in the office of the superintendent and may be examined upon request. Should you need additional information, you may call the Valentine ISD Asbestos Coordinator at (432) ‑467‑2671.
ASSEMBLIES/PEP RALLIES
Assemblies and pep rallies will be held in the gym or auditorium. Students are not to leave campus or go to the parking lot during assemblies or pep rallies. A student's conduct at assemblies or pep rallies must meet the same standard as in the classroom. A student who is tardy or who does not follow District rules of conduct during an assembly will be subject to disciplinary action. Students will assemble by grades at all programs unless otherwise notified. During the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem, students are to stand and show proper respect. We encourage every student to support our school teams and activities.
Valentine ISD provides the opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to participate in inter-
scholastic athletic programs such as cross-country, volleyball, basketball, track & field, and tennis. VISD intends for athletic programs to be a positive part of the educational experience for each student participant. All athletic programs are considered to be extra-
curricular activities and participation in athletics and all other extracurricular activities is considered to be a privilege and not a right. Student athletes must abide by all rules and regulations of the program as well as the Code of Student Conduct while maintaining high academic standards in order to continue participation.
ATTENDANCE
Regular school attendance is essential for the student to make the most of his/her education—to benefit from teacher-led activities, to build each day’s learning on that of the previous day, and to grow as an individual.
In Texas, a child between the ages of six years of age and 18 must attend school and District-required tutorial sessions unless the student is otherwise legally exempted or excused. A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his or her eighteenth birthday is required to attend each school day. If a student 18 or older has more than five unexcused absences in a semester, the District may revoke the student’s enrollment. The student’s presence on school property is then unauthorized and may be considered trespass.
School employees must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. A student absent without permission from school, from any class, or from required tutorials, will be considered truant and subject to disciplinary action. Truancy may also result in assessment of penalty by a court of law against the student and his or her parents.
Education Code 21.033, Section 4.25 provides that in the event that a "parent or person standing in parental relation fails to require a child to attend school as required, it shall be the duty of the attendance officer to warn that attendance must be immediately required." If, after warning, the parent "intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence" fails to require such attendance, he commits an offense, and section 4.25 requires "the attendance officer" to file a complaint against him in the proper justice, county, or municipal court.
State law makes it a Class C misdemeanor for a child to repeatedly miss school. This law authorizes officers to take a child into custody if the child's unexcused absence from school totals 10 or more days or parts of days in a six-month period, or three or more days or parts of days in a four-week period. This constitutes "conduct indicating a need for supervision."
If kindergarten students are assigned to an accelerated reading instruction program under state law, compulsory attendance applies to attendance in the reading program. Parents will be notified in writing if their child is assigned to an accelerated reading instruction program as a result of the reading diagnosis.
90% Attendance Rule
An excused absence does not exempt a student from the 90% rule. It only allows make‑up work for that day to be graded and averaged. To receive credit in a class, a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered. The actual number of days a student must attend in order to receive credit will vary, depending on whether the class is for a semester or a full year. A student who attends fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered cannot receive credit for the class unless the attendance committee finds that the absences are the result of extenuating circumstances. If credit is lost, the attendance committee will decide how the student may regain credit. The student or parent may appeal the committee’s decision to the Districts Board of Trustees by filing a written request with the Superintendent.
Failure to comply with the 90% attendance rule will also terminate your driver license at the next RENEWAL.
To obtain a driver license, a student between the ages of 16 and 18 must annually provide to the Texas Department of Public Safety a form obtained from the school verifying that the student has met the 90% attendance requirement for the semester preceding the date of application. The student can obtain this form at the principal’s office. Notify the principal three days in advance to provide for preparation of the form.
Notice of Attendance Problems
The student and Parent/Guardian will receive a letter of awareness in cases of possible failure due to the 90% rule. This letter of awareness will be mailed when the student is within four days of reaching the limit allowable before denial of credit is enforced due to excessive absence.
Unexcused Absence
Failure to provide a written statement on the day the student returns after an absence will cause the absence to be recorded as "unexcused". An extension of one day will be the maximum allowed in cases where written statements are forgotten. An absence will be recorded as "unexcused" if the cause does not comply with the accepted causes for an excused absence stated in the guidelines listed in this document. When returning to school after an absence, a student must bring a note signed by the parent or a physician, that describes the reason for the absence; notes signed by the student, even with the parent's permission, (unless the student is 18 or older) will be considered forgery and the student will be disciplined.
A student will need to have a note from parent and/or guardian before student will be allowed to leave the school grounds.
In cases of unexcused absences, make‑up work will be required, but a grade of 85 will be the maximum allowed. Detention and/or Saturday School may also be assigned.
Temporary Absence Due to Professional Health Care Visits
A temporary absence resulting from a visit to professional health care providers (doctors, dentist, etc.) is excused and no absence results if the student commences classes or returns to school on the same day of the appointment. Documentation is required from the health care provider.
Students who are absent as a result of observance of religious holy days or documented health care appointments who make up the work missed may not be penalized for the absences. After completion of the make-up work, the students are counted as if they were present for ADA purposes; for compulsory attendance purposes; and for the 90% requirement. Once make-up work is completed, these become "nonabsences.”
Extenuating Circumstances
The District accepts the following as extenuating circumstances for the purpose of granting credit for a class:
1. An excused absence based on personal sickness, sickness or death in the family, a family emergency or unforeseen or unavoidable instance requiring immediate attention, quarantine, weather or road conditions making travel dangerous, or any other unusual cause acceptable to the Superintendent.
2. Days of suspension.
3. Participation in court proceedings or child abuse/neglect investigation.
4. A migrant student's late enrollment or early withdrawal.
Days missed as a runaway.
Completion of a competency‑based program for at‑risk students.
Late enrollment or early withdrawal of a student under Texas Youth
Commission.
8. Teen parent absences to care for his or her child.
9. Participation in a substance abuse rehabilitation program.
10. Homelessness, as defined in federal law.
11. Observation of a religious holiday, if before the absence, the Parent or
Guardian of the student submits a written request for the absence.
12. School sanctioned extracurricular activities, not exceeding the limit
allowed by the UIL.
13. College visitations for Seniors must be approved. A request must be made
in writing.
. 14. Required screening, diagnosis, and treatment for Medicaid-eligible students.
15. A juvenile court proceeding documented by a probation officer.
16. An absence required by state or local welfare authorities.
17. An extracurricular activity or public performance, approved by the District
Board of Trustees.
18. A District-approved mentorship designed to meet requirements for the
Distinguished Achievement graduation program.
19. An approved visit to a college campus.
A student absent for any reason should promptly make up specific assignments missed and/or to complete additional in‑depth study assigned by the teacher to meet subject or course requirements. A student who does not make up assigned work within the time allotted by the teacher will receive a grade of zero for the assignment.
Class time is important. Doctor’s appointments should be schedule, if possible, at times when the student will not miss instructional time.
A parent wishing to withdraw a student from school must present a signed request to the principal stating the reason for the withdrawal and the effective date.
Attendance Review Committee
If the attendance committee finds there are no extenuating circumstances for the absence or if the student does not meet the conditions set by the committee to earn or regain credit, the student will not receive credit for the class. If a petition for credit is denied, the student or parent may appeal the decision to the Board of Trustees by completing a written request to the Superintendent.
The Attendance Review Committee shall be composed of a majority of classroom teachers, the counselor, the attendance officer, and the Superintendent or designee. The Committee will review the appeal request and determine whether the student should be eligible for credit. Some of the items the Review Committee may take into consideration in determining their recommendations are:
(a) Doctor’s notes (b) Prior arrangements with the School Administration
(c) Extenuating circumstances (d) Make‑up work completed on time
(e) Attendance in Saturday school (f) Proper behavior
Options of the Review Committee
After the review of the case the Attendance Review Committee will make their recommendation.
1. Grant credit for the course. 3. Deny credit for one or more courses.
2. Grant credit with stipulations.
The District provides these alternatives for a student to make up work or regain credit lost because of absences:
1. Complete additional assignments, as specified by the AR committee.
2. Satisfy time-on-task requirements before or after school.
3. Attend Saturday school if the time has not been made up.
4. Maintain the attendance standards for the rest of the semester or year.
The Attendance Review Committee's decision to deny credit may be appealed to the Board of Education by submitting a written request to the Superintendent that includes the basis for the disagreement with the Committee's decision.
Appeal Process Relating to Attendance Problems
Students who have been denied credit on the basis of attendance will have the opportunity to regain credit by fulfilling the requirements of the Attendance Review Committee. In order to regain credit, a student may be required to:
(a) Complete additional assignments, as specified by the Committee.
(b) Satisfy time‑on‑task requirements before or after school.
(c) Attend Saturday school if the time has not been made‑up.
(d) Maintain the attendance standards for the rest of the semester or year.
The Committee will ensure that all requirements are imposed equitably.
Attendance Guidelines
A student absent from school for any reason will not be allowed to participate in school‑related activities on that day or evening.
A student who is not present inside the classroom when the tardy bell rings is tardy and may be required to make up the time through after school detention, lunch detention or Saturday School. Repeated instances of tardiness will result in more severe disciplinary action. Three unexcused tardies will be counted as one unexcused absence and may result in assignment to a form of detention or Saturday School.
A student absent from school or from any class, including required tutorials, without permission, will be considered truant and subject to disciplinary action.
Students that meet the requirements will be honored for the following:
Honor Graduates
All graduating students who maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher in courses used in ranking graduates will be recognized as HONOR GRADUATES.
Honor Roll
Students that receive “All A’s” or “A’s / B’s” on their report cards for the entire year will recognized at the Academic Awards ceremony held each year. “A & A/B” honor students will receive plaques or trophies.
Perfect Attendance
Students that do not miss any school will be recognized at the Awards Ceremony held each year.
TAAS Exams
Students passing all parts of the TAAS exams will receive a certificate to be presented at the Awards ceremony. Students receiving “Academic Recognition” in TAAS exams will receive a medal to be presented at the Awards ceremony.
School facilities may be available for use by student organizations and community members under conditions prescribed or permitted by law. Community members and individual patrons may be permitted to use school facilities provided use does not conflict with school activities. Written requests must be submitted to the Superintendent or Principal for consideration. Requests will be considered on an individual basis with the final decision of approval or disapproval by the Superintendent.
Community members and individual patrons shall observe the following rules:
1. School facilities may not be used for any fund-raising or moneymaking projects.
2. Admission to the premises shall be free of charge.
3. No alcoholic beverages are to served or consumed on school property at anytime.
4. Person or persons making the request for use of school facilities agree to be liable for
any damage or vandalism to the school property during the time the facilities are
used.
5. The Board may assess building fees.
The use of the school buildings during non‑school hours by student groups is permitted only when sponsored by a teacher or staff member. When a teacher, sponsor, and student group plan to use the building at night or during other non‑school hours, the sponsor must first make arrangements with the School Administrators.
Students should practice good housekeeping at all times. They should put cans, wrappers, and paper in the trashcans provided on the campus at various locations. Food and drinks or snacks are NOT permitted in classrooms unless prior arrangements have been made with the School Administrators. Glass bottles and containers are NOT to be brought onto the school campus or school bus at any time. They should be disposed of prior to coming onto the campus.
Career/Technology programs are offered at Valentine ISD. Some of these classes are offered in alternate years due to our school schedule. The courses that may be offered are: Basic Computer Information Systems, Accounting, Desktop Publishing, Web Mastering, Computer Science, Digital Graphics/Animation, Multimedia, and Video Technology. Admission to these programs is based on grade level, age, and teacher approval. The District will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in any educational and career/technical programs.
CHEATING / PLAGIARISM / ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Plagiarism is the use of another person's original ideas or writing as one's own without giving credit to the true author. Plagiarism will be considered cheating and the student will be subject to academic disciplinary action that may include loss of credit for the work in question. Teachers who have reason to believe a student has engaged in cheating or other academic dishonesty will determine the academic penalty to be assessed. Students found to have engaged in academic dishonesty will be subject to disciplinary penalties as well as academic penalties. Forgery of another person’s signature without the permission of the other person is also considered a form of dishonesty.
CLASSIFICATION (Required CREDITS)
Required credits for each grade are listed below. Classifications are made only at the beginning of each school year.
Freshman (0 – 5) Sophomore (6 – 11) Junior (12 – 17) Senior (18+)
Class rank for eighth grade students will be computed at the end of the fifth six weeks. Seventh and eighth grade subject averages will be used. Each member of the eighth grade graduating class will be ranked numerically by their individual GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA).
Class rank for high school seniors will be computed at the end of the fifth six weeks period. Each member of the graduating class will be ranked numerically by their individual GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA). Students with identical grade point averages (GPA) will be counted at the same numerical place.
Students who are ranked in the top ten percent of their graduating class are eligible for a period of two school years following their graduation for automatic admission into Texas general academic universities and colleges. Students and parents should contact the Superintendent for further information about how to apply and the deadline for application.
A grade point average (GPA) based on a 100-point scale will be computed for all graduating students (see table on next page). All courses taken for credit will be used to calculate GPA’s. The application of weights to classes will encourage students to challenge themselves by enrolling in courses that will develop higher order thinking skills, problem solving skills, and better prepare students to become productive adults in the 21st century.
Courses will be divided into three (3) categories – Advanced Program (courses that challenge and stimulate students to the highest level of their abilities by requiring a level of performance near that of freshman college courses and content that exceeds the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), Recommended Program (courses that includes required state TEKS and objectives), and Minimum Program or Modified Content (courses that are below-grade level, or less content is required, and mastery level is modified / reduced).
Any grade transferred in from other schools will be converted and computed to adhere to the Valentine conversion scale. Correspondence courses, credit by exam, concurrent enrollment courses, summer school, high school advanced placement exams, and
Algebra I taken in the junior high with high school credit granted are included in the calculation of overall GPA.
Letter Numerical Advanced Recommended Minimum Program or
Grade Grade Honors / AP Program Modified Content
A 100 6.0 5.0 4.0
A 99 5.9 4.9 3.9
A 98 5.8 4.8 3.8
A 97 5.7 4.7 3.7
A 96 5.6 4.6 3.6
A 95 5.5 4.5 3.5
A 94 5.4 4.4 3.4
A 93 5.3 4.3 3.3
A 92 5.2 4.2 3.2
A 91 5.1 4.1 3.1
A 90 5.0 4.0 3.0
B 89 4.9 3.9 2.9
B 88 4.8 3.8 2.8
B 87 4.7 3.7 2.7
B 86 4.6 3.6 2.6
B 85 4.5 3.5 2.5
B 84 4.4 3.4 2.4
B 83 4.3 3.3 2.3
B 82 4.2 3.2 2.2
B 81 4.1 3.1 2.1
B 80 4.0 3.0 2.0
C 79 3.9 2.9 1.9
C 78 3.8 2.8 1.8
C 77 3.7 2.7 1.7
C 76 3.6 2.6 1.6
C 75 3.5 2.5 1.5
D 74 3.4 2.4 1.4
D 73 3.3 2.3 1.3
D 72 3.2 2.2 1.2
D 71 3.1 2.1 1.1
D 70 3.0 2.0 1.0
(See GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS on page 35.)
Student clubs and performing groups such may establish codes of conduct and consequences for misbehavior that are stricter than those for students in general. If a violation is also a violation of school rules, the consequences specified by the Student Code of Conduct or local policy will apply in addition to any consequences specified by the organization.
Clubs and organizations at Valentine ISD are 4H, Student Council, Drama, History Club and the Travel Class.
Participation in school and school-related activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive individual recognition and build strong friendships with other students. Participation is a privilege. While many activities are governed by the University Interscholastic League (UIL)—a statewide association of participating districts—eligibility for participation in many of these activities is governed by state law as well as UIL rules. The UIL (University Interscholastic League) was created by the University of Texas at Austin in an attempt to provide leadership and guidance to Texas public school debate and athletic teachers in 1913. Today the UIL is the largest organization of its kind in the world. With so many varied programs offered by UIL, a large percentage of students find one or more contests in which to compete. Students shall be permitted to participate in co/extracurricular activities, subject to the following restrictions:
1. During the first grading period, a student is eligible if he/she was promoted at the end of the previous year, or has accumulated the required number of units toward graduation. See the PROMOTION and GRADE CLASSIFICATION sections in this handbook or the principal for further information on promotion.
2. During other grading periods, a student who receives an average grade below 70 in any academic course or subject, other than identified honors or advance class, or a student with disabilities who fails to meet the standards in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) may not participate in extracurricular activities for at least three school weeks. An ineligible student may practice or rehearse, however. The student regains eligibility when the principal and teachers determine that he or she has: (1) earned a passing grade (70 or above) in all academic classes, other that those that are honor or advanced, and (2) completed the three weeks of ineligibility. A seven-calendar day grace period to lose eligibility and a seven-day waiting period to regain eligibility are in effect.
3. Valentine ISD allows students to miss classes for a reasonable amount of time
during the school year in order to participate in approved co-curricular and/or
extracurricular activities. Generally, no student would miss more than 10 class
periods in any one subject over the course of the school year, however, each
student case is considered individually depending primarily upon the academic
status in the class to be missed. Students participating in co-curricular and extra-
curricular activities are required to attend tutorial classes on a daily basis for any
subject in which the grade average is below 75.
4. A student absent from school may not be allowed to participate in school- related
activities on that day or evening depending on the circumstance of
the absence. The Superintendent or designee must approve participation.