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www.sweenyisd.org

SWEENY HIGH SCHOOL 979.491.8100 SWEENY ISD ADMINISTRATION 979.491.8000 600 Ashley Wilson Road 1310 Elm Street Sweeny, TX 77480 Sweeny, TX 77480 FAX 979.491.8171 FAX 979.491.8030 Brett Miksch, Principal 979.491.8100 Randy Miksch, Superintendent 979.491.8000 Dean of Students, Joseph Olguin 979.491.8100 Asst. Principal, David Smothers 979.491.8100 Ex.Dir. of Curriculum, & Special Counselor, Lori Richard 979.491.8120 Programs, Amy Pope 979.491.8080 Counselor, Renee Mitchell 979.491.8120 Counselor Sect./Registrar, Cheryl Hanna 979.491.8120 Business & Finance 979.491.8020 Attendance Secretary, Myrna DeJulian 979.491.8100 Ex. Dir. Of Business & Support Librarian, Kelly Stroud 979.491.8140 Services, 979.491.8020 Nurse, Becky Wojcik, RN 979.491.8130 Principal’s Secretary, Melissa Salazar 979.491.8100 Human Resources and Public Relations, 979.491.8016 Gerald Nixon Athletic Secretary, Sylvia Gutierrez 979.491.8147 Asst. Principal’s Secretary, Regina Green 979.491.8127 SUPPORT DEPARTMENTS Athletics, Randy Lynch 979.491.8148 District Police, John Ideus 979.491.8182 SCHOOL HOURS Dir. of Child Nutrition/Food Service, Kathy Wolford 979.491.8090 Elementary 8:00a.m. – 3:15p.m Ex.Dir.of Support Serv., Les Kluttz 979.491.8400 Jr. High School 7:40a.m. – 3:35p.m. Nurse Supervisor, Becky Wojcik 979.491.8330 High School 7:45a.m. – 3:40p.m Transportation Coor. Diane McNeil 979.491.8408 Dir of Technology, Kelly Bertsch 979.491.8134 .

RED denotes the changes for the 2016-2017 School Year SWEENY HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION GUIDE .......................................................................................................................................................... STUDENT CODE OF ETHICS .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 PATRIOTISM AND SCHOOL SPIRIT ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 GENERAL INFORMATION ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 After School Activities .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 1 Auditorium Manners................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2 Awards ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Conferences .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2 Courtship on Campus/School Sponsored Activities .............................................................................................................................................. 2 Crime Stoppers ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Drug Dogs ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2 Electronic Video, Recordings, and Telecommunication Devices .......................................................................................................................... 2 Emergency Medical Treatment ............................................................................................................................................................................... 2 False Enrollment Information ................................................................................................................................................................................. 3 Hall Passes ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Homework Policy ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Homework Procedures ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 ID Badges………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3 Infractions of Rules (Miscellaneous) ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Issuance of Driver’s License..................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Junior/Senior Prom .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3 Laser Pointers ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Leaving School during School Hours ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Loitering on Campus ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Lost and Found ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Lunch Time Etiquette ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Lunch Time Visitors .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3 Motor Vehicle Registration & Parking Regulations ............................................................................................................................................... 4 Parking Permits Displayed .................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Motor Vehicle Registration Application .............................................................................................................................................. 4 School Activities – Participating .............................................................................................................................................................................. 4 School Hours............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 School Property ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 School Issued Electronic iPads……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5 School Trips .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Skateboards/Recreation Vehicles ........................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Soft Drinks and Snacks ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Substitute Teachers ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Tardiness ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 COURSE CURRICLUM – GRADES 9-12 .................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 SWEENY SCHOLARS ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7 EXIT-LEVEL TAKS TEST ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7 WEIGHTED GRADE POINT SYSTEM AND RANKING .............................................................................................................................................................. 7 GPA Calculations for Grade 12 Students ................................................................................................................................................................ 7 Student Ranking ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Top Ten Percent Highest Ranking Student ............................................................................................................................................................. 8 Graduation Honors Ranking .................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 GRADUATION ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 8 Honors ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 8 Expense ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 8 Ceremony ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 8 Early Graduation ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 GRADE CLASSIFICATION ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 SERVICES AND ENRICHMENT FOR EXCEPTIONAL KIDS (SEEK) ............................................................................................................................................ 9 TRANSFER CREDIT ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9 CREDIT FROM NON-ACCREDITED SCHOOLS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9 GUIDELINE AND RULES FOR CREDIT RECOVERY AND COURSES FOR ACCELERATION .................................................................................................... 10 COURSES BY CORRESPONDENCE ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 10 PASS/FAIL COURSES ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10 CREDIT BY EXAMINATION .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 COLLEGE CREDIT COURSES .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10

2016-2017 High School Student-Parent Handbook

Table of Contents

DUAL CREDIT & CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT ................................................................................................................................................................... 10 RECOGNITION OF SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT ................................................................................................................................................................. 11 CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 PROPERTY RULES .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11 General Property Rules .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Locker Rules ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11 LIBRARY POLICIES .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12 SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT ....................................................................................................................................................................... 12 DYSLEXIA OR RELATED DISORDERS ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 PEP RALLIES .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13 SPECIAL PROCEDURES AND SERVICES ................................................................................................................................................................................ 13 Standardized Test Schedule .................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 Semester Exam Schedule ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Final Exam Exemption Policy ................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 SCHEDULE CHANGES ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 13 WITHDRAWAL ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13 COUNSELING SERVICES ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 14 TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION ASSESSMENT (THEA) ............................................................................................................................................................. 14 BELL SCHEDULE .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14 HOMEROOM/TUTORIALS .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 DISCIPLINE MANAGEMENT PLAN GUIDELINES .................................................................................................................................................................. 15 I. Offenses within the classroom .......................................................................................................................................................................... 15 I. Disciplinary Sequence ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 15 II. Major Offenses and/or Serious Disruptions .................................................................................................................................................... 15 II. Offenses within the classroom, more serious than Category I....................................................................................................................... 15 III. Major Offenses .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 15 III. Disciplinary Disposition Sequence ................................................................................................................................................................... 16 IV. Minor Offenses that occur outside the classroom ......................................................................................................................................... 16 IV. Disciplinary Disposition Sequence ................................................................................................................................................................... 16 TARDY POLICY .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16

www.sweenyisd.org

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Welcome to Sweeny High School. The faculty and administration are pleased to offer assistance to each student in the pursuit of excellence in academic, co-curricular and extra-curricular endeavors. Our hope is that both knowledge and wisdom may be acquired during the student's tenure in Sweeny High School. The information provided in this handbook is to acquaint you, the student, and your parents with the policies, rules, regulations, and procedures that affect a student's daily school life. You and your parents are expected to read this handbook carefully and become familiar with its contents. Through informed students and parents, we can maintain a more desirable school atmosphere. All students must return the verification notice signed by both the student and the parents by August 22, 2016, or within one week following the date of enrollment. The return of the verification notice is part of the enrollment process. If there are any questions as to the meaning of any part of the content of this handbook or if additional information is desired, please call 491-8100. STATEMENT OF EXCLUSION This handbook is not a contract. The purpose of this handbook is to serve as a guideline only. The policies and procedures contained within this handbook can be changed at any time to serve the best interest of the District. Subsequent to the printing of this handbook edition, periodically there are changes in law, policy, guidelines, and regulations that are not reflected in this document. Parents and students are responsible for conferring with campus administrative offices for updates that were neither effective nor available at the time of this printing. STUDENT CODE OF ETHICS I realize that, as a student in an American public school, I owe an obligation: (1) To parents or relatives whose sacrifices have given me the foundation upon which I am building, (2) To the school which offers me an opportunity to develop my natural powers, (3) To the community which makes my educational advantages possible, (4) To my country which gives me liberty under law and (5) To my own future as an individual and as a citizen. As a token of my determination to honorably discharge this obligation, I promise: (1) That I will use the opportunities offered through the classroom to enlarge and broaden my interests, to increase my knowledge, to

bring me closer to truth, and to cultivate habits of industry and sound thinking. (2) That I will broaden my sympathies and will practice the arts of sociability and true friendliness, exhibit helpfulness in my home, school,

and in all my associations, and avoid snobbishness in my own conduct while condemning it in others. (3) That I will develop habits of reading and conversing that will broaden my culture and enable me to better understand the problems of

community, state, and nations. (4) That I will carry on discussions in and out of the classroom, not to overcome opponents and gratify my pride, but that I may grow in

knowledge and wisdom. (5) That I will avoid every form of cheating or dishonesty and will undertake to discourage all dishonorable practices. (6) That I will obey every rule or law of school, city, state, and nation, reserving the right to criticize rules and laws constructively, but

respecting them so long as they prevail. (7) That I will use my powers and my influences for the common good. (8) That I will pursue happiness myself and strive to establish conditions under which happiness and opportunity may be hopefully

pursued by everyone in my home, my school, my community, my country, and the world. PATRIOTISM AND SCHOOL SPIRIT Sweeny High School expects appropriate behavior of students in reference to showing patriotic pride. Due respect should be shown by all students for the flag of the United States of America and for the flag of the State of Texas. In assemblies and on special occasions when patriotic behavior is in order, students are expected to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. If the occasion is out-of-doors, boys are expected to remove hats if these are worn. In saluting the national flag, the dictates of custom should be followed. No student should become careless in showing respect to these national or state symbols and emblems. At no time should either flag be desecrated, either in handling or in merely observing. A display of love of country is never outdated.

General Information After School Activities Reasons exist for students to return to school buildings after school hours for special sessions related to schoolwork, play rehearsals, club meetings, and special study groups. Such activities are considered to be part of regular schoolwork, and students are expected to comply with all rules set forth for daytime behavior. At no time will it be appropriate for students to simply loiter on school property. Students should remain in the area where their activity is taking place and are not permitted to wander about the building or campus during such after-school-hour sessions. Teachers are given full authority over students' conduct in the buildings; on school premises during all after-school work sessions; athletic events and school sponsored activities, and will report all improper conduct of students to proper school authorities.

2016-2017

SWEENY HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION GUIDE

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Auditorium Manners Students are asked to wipe their feet on the mats before entering the auditorium. Punctuality for all auditorium functions is essential. Students should be seated as quickly as possible and refrain from talking. No drinks, food, candy, or gum are to be brought into the auditorium. Students must refrain from making loud noise, whistling, catcalling, and excessively loud clapping. Feet are to be kept out of seats and off backs of the seats. Respect the rights of the speaker and the audience. NO TALKING. No applause should follow the rendition of sacred songs. Students must not leave trash in the auditorium. During the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem, students are to stand at attention and show proper respect. Those students whose religious faith is violated by this activity are excused from participation. Awards Scholastic, scholarship, athletic, band, choir, cheerleading, and other awards are given to students in a special presentation held at the end of the school year. Conferences Each teacher has a regular conference period each day. Parents who desire conferences with teachers should call the high school office and make an appointment. All visitors and parents must report to the office before going to talk with a teacher. Courtship on Campus/School Sponsored Activities Tangible courtship on campus, the parking lot and at school-sponsored activities is prohibited. This should be interpreted to mean no bodily contact such as hugging, kissing, walking arm and arm, etc. Crime stoppers The Crime stopper program is a school-based program that operates in conjunction with the Brazoria County Crime stoppers. This provides students the opportunity to call in and provide information anonymously in regards to violations of the student code of conduct. Approved monetary awards are provided to the student(s) if the information provided leads to the resolution of the code of conduct violation. Students should call 491-8482 to report violations of the student code of conduct. Drug Dogs Special dogs trained in identifying drugs, illegal paraphernalia, alcohol, and pyrotechnics will be used on campus periodically. The dogs are harmless and are trained for that purpose only. Student cars and lockers on which the dogs alerted are subject to investigation. ELECTRONIC VIDEO, RECORDING, AND TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES A student shall not display or use any personal electronic devices once they enter school, of while attending school-related activities during regular school hours (as defined as 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM). A personal electronic device shall be defined as any device, with or without a display screen, that runs off of electrical power, whether battery operated or from a wall outlet, and shall include, but not be limited to: pager, cellular telephone, blackberry, tablet, walkie-talkie, MP3 player, iPod, and any and all peripheral devices associated with the previous devices, such as headphones, earbuds, etc. If a student is in possession of one of these devices during instructional hours, the device must be turned off and kept out of sight. Students may use these devices during the class period only with teacher permission and under teacher supervision for class projects. Parents are reminded that in the event of an emergency, the main office is the appropriate point of contact to ensure your child is reached quickly and assisted properly. The school at no time accepts responsibility for cell phones or other electronic devices that are lost, damaged, or stolen at school or while travelling to and from school events. Because electronic video, recording, and telecommunication devices can disrupt testing environments by disturbing other students and because these devices could compromise the integrity of the test, all electronic devices (cell phones with and without text-messaging and camera features as well as any other electronic video, recording, or telecommunications device, etc.) will not be permitted on the student or near the student’s desk at any time during the school day. To insure that state testing environments are not compromised, school employees shall request to visually inspect each phone or device to insure it is turned off before requiring the student to place it in an appropriate storage container determined by the campus administration. Cell phones or any other electronic video, recording, or telecommunication device will not be allowed on the student or near the student’s desk during state test administrations until each test administrator is notified by the campus principal or designee to return the devices to their students. A student who violates this policy shall be subject to a minimum of 5 days in ISS and the student’s test results may be invalidated. Property containing assaults/fights, obscenity, pornography, or contraband in violation of Texas Law is subject to destruction. Any type of electronic device that is visible at any time, emits an audible signal, vibrates, or used during regular school hours will be confiscated by school personnel. Any refusal to turn over the device will constitute an immediate SISD Police Referral and minimum 5 day ISS assignment. If the device is a cell phone, the phone including sim card and battery will be confiscated. The 1st offense will result in a $15 administrative fee being charged to the owner of the device before it is released at the end of the last day of school that week. 2nd offense – same administrative fee and an additional week added before device is released. 3rd offense – same administrative fee, device will not be released for three (3) weeks, and must be picked up by parent/guardian. 4th offense – same administrative fee, device will not be released until the end of the semester to the parent/guardian. Any phones left beyond 10 days following their assigned pick up date will become property of the school district. Any student having more than one device confiscated will be required to “buy Back” the devises in the order in which they were confiscated. Emergency Medical Treatment If a student should have a medical emergency at school or a school-related activity when the parent cannot be reached, the school will need to have a written parental consent to obtain emergency medical treatment. Therefore, parents are asked each year to complete an emergency care consent form. Parent should keep emergency care information up-to-date (name of doctor, emergency phone numbers, and allergies to medications, etc.). Having current information will be of critical importance should an accident or injury occur that requires medical attention. Please contact the school nurse to update any information. The District is not responsible for medical expenses associated with a student's injury. The District does make available; however, optional, low-cost student accident insurance programs to assist parents in meeting medical expenses. A parent who desires coverage for his or her child will be

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responsible for paying insurance premiums and for submitting claims. False Enrollment Information A person who knowingly falsifies information on a form required for a student's enrollment in the District shall be liable to the District if the student is not eligible for enrollment, but is enrolled on the basis of false information. Hall Passes Any time during the school day that a student is in the hall or out of class he/she will be required to have their hall pass signed by the teacher giving him/her permission to be out of class. The student must be able to account for his/her action to any teacher or administrator who asks. Homework Policy Any request for homework should be made through the counselor's office and should be for extended absences (three or more days). Twenty-four hours’ notice will be needed in most cases. Homework Procedures Students will be assigned homework from time to time. Homework is used as an independent practice for students to reinforce skills/objectives taught, to broaden experiences, as well as a method of checking for understanding. Therefore, it is essential that students do their homework to provide teachers feedback on areas that need re-teaching or skills that need refining. Students are expected to complete all homework as assigned by teachers with punctuality. Students absent from class are responsible for making up all assigned work. Id Badges Id badges must be worn around the neck and visible at all times. Temporary badges can be purchased in the library before the first bell rings to begin the day. Students are responsible for obtaining replacement IDs, if needed, and to be in their assigned first period classroom before the tardy bell rings. Miscellaneous Infractions of Rules Obviously there are numerous infractions of common sense rules that could not be anticipated, such being due to circumstances, personality and other factors. Therefore, it shall be the prerogative of all staff members to report inconsistencies as they arise; regardless of whether or not there is a published list upon which to base judgment. All factors in the individual case are to be weighed by the principal before action is taken on the reports submitted under these conditions. Issuance of Driver's License House Bill 850 requires students to be enrolled in public or private schools and be in attendance for at least 90 percent of the days in the fall or spring semester before the student is eligible to obtain a driver's license permit. House Bill 850 also requires the annual renewal of driver's licenses for persons less than 18 years of age. The requirements of the bill would have to be met at each renewal. Junior/Senior Prom Only juniors, seniors, and their dates are eligible to attend the prom. *The principal must first approve any date that is not a student at Sweeny High School before they can be signed up for the prom. **There will be no dates allowed below the ninth grade level, nor older than 20 years old. Laser Pointers Students are not permitted to possess or use laser pointers while on school property, while using District transportation, or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities, whether on or off school property. Laser pointers will be confiscated and students will be disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct. Leaving School during School Hours Any student needing to leave during the day must have permission from a school official and must sign out through the front office. Students who leave school without permission, regardless of the reason, will be considered truant and given an unexcused absence admit. The penalty for leaving campus without permission will be assessed by the Principal or Assistant Principal. Loitering On Campus School is dismissed at 3:45 p.m. Students not under the supervision of a teacher are required to leave the campus immediately. Non-sponsored students will be considered trespassers after 4 p.m. unless prior arrangements have been made with the principal. State law allows no person the authority to be inside any school building during the hours when school is not in session unless a member of the instructional staff is continuously present. Lost and Found The "Lost and Found" is located in the main office. Any article of value found on school property should be turned in to the office. Lunch Time Etiquette Students are not permitted to run to the lunchroom. In consideration of other students, pushing, shoving, or cutting ahead of others is not permitted. Lunch tables are to be left clean. All cartons, paper, and dishes should be placed in areas designated for such purposes. Students who bring their lunch to school should eat in the lunchroom. Good table manners should be practiced at all times. Lunch Time Visitors Parents, grandparents, and/or siblings of students will be allowed to visit with their family members during lunch. Any food that might be brought onto the campus during lunch, MUST NOT be shared with any other students. State law prohibits the sharing of food. Local armed service recruiters and local religious youth directors are also allowed to visit students during lunch. ALL LUNCHTIME VISITORS MUST ADHERE TO THE STANDARD SCHOOL DRESS CODE. Former students are NOT allowed to visit students during lunch.

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Motor Vehicle Registration & Parking Regulations Driving a motor vehicle to school is a privilege offered to responsible students by parents and the school. The campus monitor and the administration of the school will strictly enforce the following vehicle and parking regulations. All vehicles parked on school grounds must display a current year official SHS parking permit sticker. Parking stickers can be purchased from the front office for $10.00. In emergency cases when a student must park a non-registered vehicle, a temporary permit must be secured from the office. Temporary permits are valid for a specified period of time only.

1. The student must show proof of a valid driver’s license and insurance. This information will be copied and kept on file with the registration application.

2. Students are to park vehicles only in designated spaces as marked in the student parking lot. The student parking lot is accessed from Elm Street and is located in front of the new gym and auditorium. Vehicles must be parked and driven only in areas designated for vehicle movement and parking (park and drive on pavement, not on grass).

3. Only staff members and senior students will be allowed to park in the lot accessed from Ashley Wilson Road, located between the high school and the district administration building.

4. Visitor and additional staff parking is permitted on the Ashley Wilson Road curb directly in front of the SHS office. This area is NOT designated for student parking.

5. Vehicles are to be vacated immediately upon arrival at school and shall not be re-entered until school dismissal time. No student should be in the parking area during lunch or at any other time unless authorized by campus administration.

6. Reckless driving, racing, or spinning-out will not be tolerated. 7. Students should not expect excused tardies or absences due to car problems. 8. Vehicles on campus that are reasonably believed to contain prohibited materials that are in violation of school policy will be subject to

search by school officials. 9. Vehicles parked on the Sweeny High School campus without a valid parking permit or vehicles in violation of any of the above

regulations are subject to being towed away at the owner's expense. 10. The school is not responsible for security of any privately owned vehicle. 11. Violation of the motor vehicle and parking regulations may be grounds for revoking a student's driving/parking privileges on the SHS

campus. Parking permits must be displayed in the following manner:

1. Automobiles - lower right-hand corner of the front windshield. 2. Motorcycles - lower back portion of the front fender.

The motor vehicle registration application will require the following information:

1. Assigned permit number 2. Student name and name of person to which vehicle is titled 3. Student driver's license number 4. Insurance company name and policy number 5. Make, year, color and type of vehicle 6. License plate number 7. Signature of student.

Participating in School Activities Eligibility- a student in grades 9-12 may participate in extracurricular activities on or off campus at the beginning of the school year only if the student has earned the cumulative number of units in state approved courses indicated below:

a. Beginning of the 9th grade—promotion from 8th grade. b. Beginning of the10th grade – at least 5 units toward graduation. c. Beginning of the 11th grade – at least 10 units toward graduation or a total of 5 credits that count toward state high school graduation

requirements must have been earned during the 12 months preceding the first day of the current school year. d. Beginning of the 12th grade – at least 15 units toward graduation or a total of 5 credits that count toward state high school graduation

requirements must have been earned during the 12 months preceding the first day of the current school year. Passing Period Students are NOT to congregate in the commons area between classes, they are to proceed immediately to their next class.

School Hours Classes start promptly at 7:45 a.m. and end at 3:40 p.m. each day. School Property Most of the material used in school, i.e., books, desks, seats, and the buildings, are paid for by tax money. Care of this property is mandatory. Keep textbooks properly covered and take extreme precaution to prevent damage to them. Students are responsible for damages to school property or materials. If property or materials are defaced or damaged, students may be:

1. Required to pay for the repairs or the replacement of the damaged items. 2. Subject to additional disciplinary measures determined by the Assistant Principal.

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School Issued Electronic Devices (iPads)

Sweeny Independent School District has initiated an iPad loan program for students in grades 6 -12. Using instructional technology, we enhance our mission to prepare and empower students to utilize current and emerging technologies as tools for life-long learning. In an effort to increase access to 21st Century skills and prepare our students to be responsible members of the global community, Sweeny ISD will offer 24/7 accessibility to learning.

Students are expected to have the iPad with them every school day – fully charged.

All students and parent/guardians must adhere to the loan and insurance agreement policies, SISD iPad User Contract, Student Code of Conduct, Student Handbook, Responsible Use Guidelines, Board policies, and federal/state laws.

Sweeny ISD will monitor use of the iPad through management software. Anyone found to be violating acceptable use standards will be disciplined. An iPad issued to a student as part of this program is owned by the District, and contents of the device can be viewed at any time.

The iPad will have the same filtering and firewall policies as other devices or computers in the District. Users should not attempt to bypass the filtering system, as doing so will cause the user to be in violation of school policy. When iPads are away from the District, and WiFi is accessible, the Sweeny ISD profile will direct Internet traffic through the Sweeny ISD content filter. Parents will also be responsible for monitoring the appropriateness of material viewed in accordance with all District policies.

The technology device covered by this agreement is an iPad mini, charger, charging cable, and case. iPads may NOT be serviced or replaced at an Apple Store or service shop. Any technical or mechanical issues with the iPad must be reported to the school and repairs will be handled by the Sweeny ISD Technology Department. This equipment is, and at all times remains, the property of Sweeny Independent School District. The iPad is subject to inspection, damage assessment, and can be confiscated at any time. It will need to be returned in an acceptable condition if a student withdraws or leaves school for any reason. iPads will be turned in for inventory and maintenance at the end of each school year, with the plan that students will receive the same iPad in the fall.

Item Replacement Cost Lost, Stolen, Damaged iPad $60 deductible Power Cable $20 Power Adapter Brick $20 Rugged Protection Case $23.00 up to $35.00

Students are to be reminded that Sweeny ISD has the right to set the iPad back to factory default setting, without notice. Students shall use an unobstructed, clear picture of themselves for the lock screen so the iPad can be quickly identified. Students should never leave the iPad unattended, and shall ensure that the Location Service is turned on and remains on. Students arrive shall arrive at school every day with the iPad fully charged. Students shall keep food and beverages away from the iPad and shall not attempt to disassemble or try to repair any part of the iPad or attempt any repairs, voiding the warranty. Students shall protect the iPad by storing it in the protective case provided by Sweeny ISD. Students shall use the camera and audio recording features of the iPad responsibly and appropriately and will not video or record anyone without their permission. Students will not post recordings or images without permission. Students shall not install any social media (Facebook, MySpace, etc) or instant messaging apps (WhatsApp, Snapchat, Kik, IMO messenger, fring, Skype, etc) on the iPad. Students shall only install appropriate apps, videos, music and photos on the iPad. Students shall secure the iPad in a backpack or bookbag between classes, and shall not use, nor have it visible in the hallways. Students shall not listen to music, nor have earbuds/headphones visible in the hallways. Students shall not use the iPad to engage in academic dishonesty. Students shall not use the iPad to access, submit, post, publish, or display any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal material. Students shall report damage or loss to Campus Administration within one school day. Students shall return the iPad and accessories issued to them at the end of each school year or upon request by the District. School Trips School trips are excused, usually without requiring re-admit slips and without requiring written statements of absence by parents, since the sponsor of the trip must send a roster of students to the office prior to the trip, and the teacher/sponsor is responsible for the students' whereabouts from the time they leave for the trip until their return.

Skateboards/Recreational Vehicles - The use/possession of skateboards, bicycles, roller blades, etc. and other recreational vehicles are prohibited in or around school buildings and property, specifically on tables, sidewalks, steps, and any other access areas to school facilities. Violators are subject to prosecution.

Soft Drinks and Snacks No “outside” soft drinks are to be brought into the school building. There are to be no open food or drinks in the hallways, classrooms, or locker area. At no time will “energy “type drinks be allowed on campus.

Substitute Teachers When regular teachers are absent, qualified substitutes are employed to take their places. These substitutes may not be like the teacher they replace in manner or method but they try to be as helpful as possible to students in their own way. To be able to help, they must have the same respect and co-operation the regular teacher receives.

Tardiness All students are required to be in their seats and ready for class to begin when the tardy bell rings.

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COURSE CURRICULUM- GRADES 9-12 COURSE CLASSIFICATION Courses at Sweeny High School are classified within one of the following categories:

SPECIAL EDUCATION - The Sweeny ISD provides special education services for all identified eligible disabled students residing in the district. Services are provided for students based upon decisions of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee. Parents or teachers may make referrals for students to be evaluated for special education services. No student can be tested for special education or placed in class without parent permission. If a student is found to be eligible for services, the ARD Committee will determine the placement that meets the student’s needs in the least restrictive environment. Sweeny ISD utilizes the inclusion model for many of its students with special learning needs, but resource instruction, life skills classes, and related services are also provided as needed. Detailed information regarding the program is available from the Assistant Superintendent’s office. Compensatory - a program designed to improve and enhance the regular education program whose purpose is to increase the achievement and reduce the dropout rate of identified students. Students enrolled in compensatory and special education courses are not eligible for Honor Rolls.

Regular - a course that is on-grade level and appropriate for the average student as either a required course or an elective.

Advanced (Pre-AP, AP, Dual) - a course of differentiated curriculum that includes a wider range and greater depth of subject matter than a regular or advanced course. Emphasis is on higher level and critical thinking skills, creative and productive thinking, and independent as well as guided research. Refer to the current Bulldog Catalog for details on courses required and offered at Sweeny High School.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS The State Board of Education (SBOE) adopted rules and procedures for the implementation of a state basic curriculum as mandated by action of the 67th Texas Legislature (commonly referred to as House Bill 5). New guidelines provide for an Academic Achievement Record (transcript) that will indicate one of the following high school programs. The programs include:

1. Minimum High School Program- Permission to enroll in the Minimum Graduation Program will be granted only if a written agreement is reached among the student, the student’s parent or person standing in parental relation, and the counselor or appropriate administrator. In order for a student to take courses under the Minimum Program, the student must be at least 16 years of age; have completed at least 4 credits each in English language arts, 3 math, 2 science, and 3 social studies courses that are required for graduation; or have failed grade 9 one or more times. Board policy EIF (LEGAL)

2. Recommended High School Program 3. Distinguished Achievement Program

• All graduates will be awarded the same type of diploma. • A student must meet at least the course requirements under the Minimum High School Program to graduate. • Graduation in the various graduation programs only guarantees that the student meets the state mandated course requirements for

that particular graduation program and has the corresponding state of Texas Graduation Program seal stamped on his/her transcript.

• Student must pass the state mandated End of Course Exams or be eligible for graduation on the basis of an ARD decision (for special education students).

• If a student is deficient in days of attendance, that student can be denied credit for a course with a passing grade because of excessive absences and denied graduation until absences are cleared. See section on attendance policies.

Texas State Graduation Requirements Students entering high school must be on the Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Program and earn a total of 30 credits. For details of these plans, refer to the Bulldog Catalog.

• College courses on the approved Dual Credit list will meet the requirement for the High School equivalent course. • Grades 9-11 students must have eight class periods each semester. • 12th graders must have six class periods each semester. • A student taking a full load each year (6-8) courses in the four-year sequence and satisfactorily completing all courses pursued will earn

30-32 units of credit.

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SWEENY SCHOLARS Sweeny Scholars is a partnership between Phillips 66 Sweeny Complex and Sweeny I.S.D. Sweeny Scholars are high school students from the Sweeny Independent School District who have completed a specific curriculum that provides a high level of skills and readiness for the labor market or college. Sweeny Scholars are recognized in their senior year at an awards ceremony each spring and in a special directory for area employers. Students qualify to be Sweeny Scholars because they can be assured that their high school education will prepare them for the work force and make them ready for the competition of getting a meaningful job. Sweeny Scholars are awarded a special certificate that is recognized by local employers as a symbol of a high-quality education. The Sweeny Scholars program subscribes to the joint requirements of the Texas Globe Scholars and Phillips 66. For details on the Sweeny Scholars program requirements. 3.2 unweighted GPA and have met all EOC requirements

WEIGHTED GRADE POINT SYSTEM AND RANKING Sweeny High School offers a diversified educational program with courses to meet the varying abilities, interests, and future plans of its students. A weighted grade point system will more accurately reflect the efforts and achievements of those students who have pursued a more rigorous and challenging program of study. Also, it will serve as an incentive to students to go beyond the minimum requirements and to strive toward higher goals throughout their school experience. GPA Calculations

High school rank in classes shall be based on the following criteria: 1. All courses that receive state credit will count toward GPA calculation. 2. All dual credit courses, correspondence courses, credit-by-exam tests, and summer school credits will be calculated in GPA. 3. High school credit classes taken during junior high will be calculated in GPA. 4. Only students in the Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Programs will qualify for top honors designations. 5. If a student passes a course and chooses to retake the class, the grade earned when the course was first taken will count toward the

GPA. The second grade earned will be considered an audit grade and will not be listed on the transcript.

Student Ranking A weighted grade point system shall be used to determine student ranking and graduation honors, including the designation of the valedictorian and salutatorian. Courses shall be classified as advanced placement, pre-advanced placement/honors, advanced, and regular. The numerical grade earned by a student in a course shall be translated into grade points according to the classification of the course. State high school credits earned during junior high, ninth, tenth, and eleventh grades and through the fifth six weeks of twelfth grade shall be used when calculating student GPAs. Grades from second semester college courses taken during the senior year, along with first semester college government from the senior year, will not be calculated in final GPA or class ranking.

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Top Ten Percent Highest Ranking Student For two school years following his or her graduation, a district student who graduates in the top ten percent of his or her class is eligible for automatic admission into four-year public universities and colleges in Texas if the student:

• Complete the Recommended or Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program; or • Satisfies the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks or earns at least a 1500 out of 2400 on the SAT.

The University of Texas at Austin may limit the number of students automatically admitted to 75 percent of the university’s enrollment capacity for incoming resident freshmen. For students who are eligible to enroll in the University of Texas at Austin during the summer or fall 2011 term, the University will be admitting the top seven percent of the high school’s graduating class who meet the above requirements. Additional applicants will be considered by the University through an independent review process. Students and parents should contact the counselor for further information about automatic admissions, the application process, and deadlines. Graduation Honors Ranking A student must attend Sweeny High School for the entire junior and senior year (11th & 12th grade) and earn at least five six units of credit in the senior year to be eligible for the designation of valedictorian or salutatorian. The student with the highest grade point average shall be named valedictorian; the second highest shall be named salutatorian. Grades will be weighted in the following manner: Regular courses 100% Advanced courses 105% Pre-Advanced Placement/Honors 110% Advanced Placement 110% Dual Credit 110%

GRADUATION Graduation Honors Beginning with Year 2000 graduates, only students in the Recommended and Distinguished Programs can qualify for any of the following graduation honors:

• Valedictorian (Summa Cum Laude) - Highest-ranking graduate in Senior Class • Salutatorian (Magna Cum Laude) - Second highest-ranking graduate in Senior Class • Cum Laude Graduates - Graduates ranking in the top 10 percent of Senior Class • Honor Graduates - Graduates ranking in the top 15 percent of the Senior Class

Graduation Expenses The school cannot predict nor can it assume responsibility for the performance of a student in his/her course work. It is therefore the student's responsibility to determine his status relative to graduation. Invitations, rings, cap and gown fees, pictures, and other graduation expenses incurred by a senior will not guarantee his graduation from high school. He/she will be permitted to order these materials if it is possible to complete the graduation requirements. Whether the student does so or not is subject to the individual's performance. Senior students who elect to take part in the Baccalaureate and Graduation exercises will be required to wear appropriate dress as designated by the High School administrators and to exhibit proper etiquette. Failure to follow the guidelines from the administration will result in the candidate’s failure to be a part of these exercises.

Graduation Ceremony Participation in graduation is an extracurricular activity and a privilege and students do not have a right to participate in the graduation ceremony. A student must meet the following criteria to participate in graduation ceremonies:

1. Has earned all sections of the sufficient credits; 2. Has passed the state mandated exit tests or be eligible for graduation on the basis of an ARD decision (for special education students); 3. Is in compliance with the student code of conduct and is in good standing with the requirements of the code; 4. Has completed all financial commitments to the school; 5. Is in compliance with the grooming code as well as any additional dress requirements established by the principal for the graduation

ceremony. 6. Attend Required Practices

Students are subject to removal from the graduation ceremony for inappropriate behavior before or during the ceremony. In addition to removal from the ceremony, students may be required to participate in a conference with the principal in order to obtain the diploma.

Early Graduation An early graduate is a student who satisfies all the requirements for graduation in 36 consecutive months. Early graduates are recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and receive a tuition waiver to attend college. See your counselor for information. A student desiring to graduate early should declare his/her intent by filling out an early graduation form by May 1 of his/her sophomore year.

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For purposes of early graduation, the following stipulations apply:

1. Students will be ranked the year of their graduation and transcripts will be marked early graduation. Early graduates are members of the graduating class for the year of their graduation.

2. Early graduates should apply for scholarships the year of their graduation. 3. Early graduates may participate in senior activities and graduation exercises the year of their graduation.

GRADE CLASSIFICATION The number of total credits the student has earned prior to the beginning of school in the fall will determine grade level placement for that school year:

Level Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

2016-2017 0-6.5 7 to 14.5 15 to 22.5 23+ (30 to graduate) 2015-2016 0- 6.5 7 to 14.5 15 to 22.5 23+ ( 30 to graduate)

• Semester credit is given for semester classes only. • Full year classes earn credit from the final grade. • Credit will not be given at semester for yearlong classes; however, a student can earn credit at the end of the school year.

Gifted and Talented – Sweeny ISD’s program for the gifted/talented (GT) is modeled after the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students (19 TAC §89.5). High school students who have been identified as “gifted and talented” are offered opportunities for enrichment and challenge through Pre-AP (Pre-Advanced Placement) and AP (Advanced Placement) courses in the four core content areas (ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies) as well as in Spanish. These courses are taught by teachers who have both GT certification as well as AP certification. Students in Pre-AP and AP courses are expected to take the AP examination following course instruction. If the student’s score on the AP exam shows mastery of the course material, the student is eligible for college credit for the course. As required in 19 TAC §89.3(2), a continuum of learning experiences is provided that leads to the development of advance-level products and/or performances, such as those provided with the Texas Performance Standards Project. Additional opportunities for advancement include dual credit courses, credit by exam, and early graduation.

Courses designated as "AP" refer to the Advanced Placement course program of the National College Board. Students who take the more rigorous Pre-AP and AP courses are being prepared for the College Board exam that offers students college credit. The Texas Education Agency endorses College Board advanced placement coursework as appropriately differentiated instruction for students identified as gifted and talented. Please refer to the SHS Bulldog Catalog for course descriptions and pre-requisites, for participation in these classes. Please consult with a counselor for specific criteria.

TRANSFER CREDIT Credit earned for state approved courses and transferred from other public high schools in Texas shall receive grade points on the same basis as local courses. Courses transferred from private schools and out-of-state schools shall be reviewed by the high school counselor who shall have the responsibility, in consultation with the principal and appropriate instructional staff members, for determining the category of each course for the purpose of assigning credit and level for grade points. Transcript or official letter must verify honors courses. .

CREDIT FROM NON-ACCREDITED SCHOOLS Students entering Sweeny High School from schools other than a state-accredited school (home school, private schools, etc.) will be awarded credit in the following manner:

1. Proof must be furnished that credit has been awarded from the transferring institution. 2. The student will be required to take a test covering essential knowledge and skills in required courses at the highest level at which credit has

been received and earn a grade of 70 or more to receive credit at the local district. Testing must be complete prior to scheduling classes Example: Algebra 1 - 1 credit

Algebra 2 - 1 credit, testing required at this level 3. Credit for courses will be awarded based on Texas Education Agency mandates. Example: Government - .5 credit

Psychology - .5 credit, etc. 4. Courses not having essential knowledge and skills will not be awarded credit.

Example: General Business - 0 credit, New Testament History - 0 Credit 5. The student will not be ranked unless he/she has attended a state-accredited high school for at least 6 semesters

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GUIDELINES AND RULES FOR CREDIT RECOVERY AND COURSES FOR ACCELERATION

1. A $50 fee will be charged for each ½ credit recovery and/or acceleration. 2. Students will receive a standard “70” on their transcript for any passing grade for credit recovery. 3. Students will receive whatever grade they earn in the acceleration courses. 4. Currently enrolled 8th grade students may take Speech and/or Health for acceleration. 5. Students in grades 9-12 may take any of the courses offered by SISD through Odessyware for credit recovery, but they will not be allowed to

take any of the Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior core courses for acceleration. Accelerated courses will count toward GPA and class rank. 6. No limit to the # of accelerated credits students can take. 7. Students may attempt to pass an accelerated class two times. If he/she is not successful, then the student would be required to take the

course again in the regular classroom. 8. We will allow students to work on credit recovery and accelerated courses year-round and with prior Principal approval. 9. Parents may contact the program facilitator to check on students’ progress. 10. Student fees may be waived on a case by case basis due to financial need.

PASS/FAIL COURSES No credit shall be awarded on a pass/fail basis. Neither shall such courses be counted in the calculation of a student's grade point average.

CREDIT BY EXAMINATION Credit by Examination is available to provide students an opportunity to (1) accelerate progress through the required grades/courses (Texas Education Codes 28.023 & 74.24) or (2) regain credit for students who have failed a course or subject. General Provisions

(1) The District will provide at least three days between January 1 and June 30 and three days between July 1 and December 31 annually when examinations for acceleration required under Texas Education Code 28.023 shall be administered in grades 9-12. December 12-15, 2016, and May 8-12, 2017.

(2) The district will honor a request by a parent to administer a test on a date other than the published dates. If the district agrees to administer a test other than the one chosen by the district, the parent much purchase a test from a university approved by the State Board of Education.

(3) The District will not charge a fee for an exam for acceleration. Students will be assessed a fee only for exam retakes during the same half-year period of the initial administration.

(4) A student in grades 9-12 will be given credit for an academic subject in which, he or she has had no prior instruction only if a score of at least 90% is achieved on a criterion-referenced test for the applicable course.

(5) If the student is given credit in a subject on the basis of an examination, the school district will enter the examination score on the student’s transcript.

(6) In accordance with local school district policy, a student will be given credit for an academic subject in which he or she had some prior instruction and if the student scores at least 70% on a criterion-referenced test for the applicable course.

(7) To be eligible to earn credit by examination, a student shall have had prior instruction in the subject or course as determined by the district on the basis of a review of the student’s educational records.

(8) The student is responsible for fees and for mailing the application. Applications may be obtained through the counselors’ office and must have the signature of the counselor/administrator before mailing the application.

(9) Credit-by-examination may not be used to gain eligibility for participation in extracurricular activities. (10) A student planning to take credit-by-examination shall be required to register with the counselor or administrator no later than 30 days prior

to the scheduled testing date on which the student wishes to take the test.

College Credit Courses Students in grades 9-12 have opportunities to earn college credit through the following methods:

• Certain courses taught at the high school campus, which may include courses termed dual credit, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB);

• Enrollment in an AP or dual credit course through the Texas Virtual School Network; • Enrollment in courses taught in conjunction and in partnership with approved universities; • Enrollment in courses taught at the following institutions in the district: Brazosport College; and • Certain CTE courses.

All of these methods have eligibility requirements and must be approved prior to enrollment in the course. Please see the counselor for more information.

Dual Credit & Concurrent Enrollment House Bill 246 of the 67th Texas Legislature provides that public schools may enter cooperative programs with institutions of higher learning through which high school seniors may enroll in freshman college level courses and receive high school and college credit concurrently. Sweeny High School has such an arrangement with Brazosport College, Wharton County Junior College, and Texas State Technical College. The same mandates apply for dual credit and concurrent enrollment. Concurrent Enrollment means a student is enrolled in two or more schools at the same time. Our Dual Credit students are concurrently enrolled at Brazosport College. Students can take classes not on the Dual Credit list, but for only college credit. Dual Credit means a college course meets the requirements of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for a high school course and a student will get

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high school credit and college credit for passing a college course. 1. The student shall be enrolled in the junior or senior year of high school and have the written approval of the parent and high school principal

or counselor. The student may participate during the sophomore year with individual approval by school district and by the participating college.

2. Dual credit courses for Sweeny High School are those college courses approved by both the District and the college for which a student may receive both state-approved credit toward high school graduation and college credit.

3. Credit for successfully completed college course(s) shall be earned in one-half or one unit increments. 4. The student pays all costs associated with taking the college course(s). The grade must be a minimum of “D” to qualify for high school credit. 5. If a student takes a college class on the Dual Credit list that they have already earned credit in the high school equivalent course, the student

will not receive high school credit for that course. The course would be for college credit only. 6. In determining grade eligibility for extracurricular activities, college coursework shall be considered on a pass/fail basis rather than the

college’s numerical grade. If a student is passing a course according to the college grading system, the student shall be considered to be passing for extracurricular purposes.

7. The University Interscholastic League and the Texas Education Agency mandates that a high school student must take at least five courses per semester. Dual Credit courses will count toward this requirement.

8. The Junior College Coordinating Board restricts a concurrent student to a maximum of two courses. A student will not be allowed to drop a course once enrolled in a concurrent program.

9. The Dual Credit courses will be calculated in GPA and ranking. Brazosport College and Wharton County Junior College registrars apprise local administration of concurrent enrollment students' status at three-week intervals. If, at the end of a nine-week grading period, a concurrent enrollment student is failing a class, he/she will be ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities. The student will be considered eligible or ineligible on a pass/fail basis, rather than grades, as determined by the college grading system.

Sweeny High School Dual Credit Courses For dual credit course offerings refer to the SHS Bulldog Catalog or see a counselor for assistance.

RECOGNITION OF SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT Honor Roll A SHS student must be enrolled in at least four (4) class hours (including dual credit classes) to be considered for the Honor Roll.

1. SUPERINTENDENT'S HONOR ROLL (9-week reporting period) a. All courses at regular, advanced, or honors level.

b. 9-week grades 90 or above in all courses. c. If a student has less than four class hours, excluding dual credit, he/she will be eligible for the honor roll the 2nd and the 4th 9-week period

based on the semester grade for the dual credit classes.

2. PRINCIPAL'S HONOR ROLL (9-week reporting period) a. All courses at regular, advanced, or honors level b. 9 weeks grades 85 or above in all courses c. If a student has less than four classes excluding dual credit, he/she will be eligible for the honor roll the 2nd and the 4th 9-week period,

based on the semester grade for the dual credit classes

CLUB & ORGANIZATIONS Campus Clubs and Organizations - Student clubs and performing groups such as band, choir, and drill and athletic teams 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 will apply in addition to any consequences specified by the organization. Rules and Regulations

1. Majority vote will determine the winners of elections. 2. No student shall be denied an appropriate position of honor and trust because of race, creed, sex, ethnic background or handicapping

condition. 3. Refer to each group’s particular constitution or by-laws for information regarding requirements for membership. Members of the

Cheerleading Squad, Drill Team, Twirlers, Flags, and other groups are selected during competitive try-outs.

SCHOOL RULES AND REGULATIONS PROPERTY General Property Rules

1. Students are responsible for any damage they do to buildings, furnishings, and books. 2. Students are advised not to bring large sums of money or other valuables to school. The temptation exists for some people to take

what is not theirs. 3. If it is necessary to bring articles to school that are highly valued, please leave them in the Principal’s office.

Locker Rules

1. All books and possessions should be kept in lockers.

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2. All lockers have combination locks—make sure your locker is secured before leaving the locker area. REMEMBER: The school cannot be held responsible for thefts resulting from students’ indiscretion or lack of knowledge. a. Lockers will be issued in the attendance office. b. Any change of lockers must be done through the office. c. Lockers are subject to inspection by school administrators for the enforcement of school disciplinary policy.

LIBRARY POLICIES 1. The library facilities of the high school are for the use of all students and faculty. 2. The library will open each day from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. (Subject to change) 3. Rules:

a. Quiet must be maintained to permit everyone in the room to work undisturbed. When you converse with someone, always do so in a low tone of voice and for short periods of time.

b. Return library materials (books, magazines, pamphlets, and newspapers, etc.) to their proper place. c. When you return books checked out to you, place them in the slot at the end of the circulation desk. d. It is important to return books to their proper places. "A book out of place is a lost book". e. Have all books you take from the library charged in your name. Do not lend books charged to you to another student. They have

the same privilege of checking books out as you do. Let them check out their own books. f. Reference books and magazines are to be used in the library and are not to be checked out for use elsewhere. g. Reserved books may be borrowed for one period at a time, or for overnight use at the close of the school day; "overnight" books

should be returned to the library before the beginning of first period class the following day. h. All other books may be retained for three weeks. Books may be returned to the library and renewed for an additional week if

necessary. i. Return books promptly after you are through with them; others may be waiting for the book you have checked out. A fine of five

cents a day will be charged for each book kept overtime. All fines and lost books must be paid by the end of each semester. j. Damage to books beyond reasonable wear, and the borrower shall pay for all losses. k. Magazines are to be used only in the library. Current issues will be found in the magazine rack.

Back issues may be checked out at the circulation desk for use in the library. When back issues of magazines are wanted, fill out a yellow magazine call slip and give it to the librarian or library aide. The magazine call slips will be found on the shelf next to the Reader's Guide.

ENGLISH-AS-A-SECOND-LANGUAGE (ESL) - The ESL program is designed to meet the needs of students whose Home Language Survey indicates that the student’s language or the language spoken in the home is one other than English and who demonstrate limited English proficiency on an oral proficiency test. Sweeny ISD does not offer bilingual classes or dual-language classes. Rather, limited English proficient students are served through a pull-out English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) program. LEP students are served in heterogeneous English/Language Arts classrooms (mixture of ESL and English-speaking students) with English-speaking teachers who are ESL certified and who provide language-acquisition supports to assist students in learning both the English language and instructional content. DYSLEXIA OR RELATED DISORDERS – Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulty with word recognition, difficulty with reading/decoding and poor spelling. The dyslexic student displays unexplained reading difficulties; i.e., deficits in the phonological components of language despite adequate intelligence. If a teacher, parent or a member of the RtI (Response to Intervention) Committee observes dyslexic tendencies in a student, they may refer the student to the Section 504 Committee to consider a referral for assessment. The 504 Committee will collect and review data and may request formal assessment. Parent permission is required for individual assessment or dyslexic screening. If the §504 Committee determines that the student meets the diagnostic criteria for Dyslexia, the members of the Committee will create an educational plan to address the student’s reading and learning needs. The educational plan may incorporate one or more of the school’s reading intervention programs and/or the services of the District’s certified dyslexia therapist. SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT – Section 504 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. No funding is provided to schools to implement §504 mandates. Procedures and timelines for testing, identifying, and services for students eligible through §504 of the Rehabilitation Act are implemented on each campus in the District. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces §504. Any student who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities or who has a record of such impairment may be eligible for §504 protection/services. Eligibility may be based on academic and/or nonacademic issues. Each campus has a §504

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Committee made up of individuals with knowledge of the referred student, the evaluation data, and the placement options. Parent attendance at §504 meetings is welcomed but is not required; however, the District is obligated to keep parents informed of interventions, services and the educational and/or health plan provided for their child. For more information, contact the Coordinator of School Improvement, Christy Howell.

UNWRITTEN REGULATIONS Each year there are a few things including some "fads" that appears on campus. We are not listing any of these nor are we making any regulations to cover all problems that may arise. When any "fad" gets started on our campus and a "nuisance" develops, we shall immediately take steps to eliminate the nuisance. Anything that distracts from the spirit or dignity of the Sweeny Schools will be regulated.

PEP RALLIES Time and place to be announced weekly.

SPECIAL PROCEDURES AND SERVICES A. High School Standardized Test Schedule: PSAT – October 19, 2016 – Will be administered to all Sophomore Students

STAAR Test (tentative)Dates

English I March 28 English II March 30 Algebra I, Biology, U.S. History May 1-5

STARR Test Retest Dates Dates (summer)

English I December 5 June 19 English II December 7 June 21 Algebra I, Biology, U.S. History, Dec 5 – Dec 9 June 19 – July 23 * NOTE: Any student NOT meeting the standard on ANY STARR or EOC test during the regular school year will be required to attend summer acceleration classes prior to the re-test date. Compulsory attendance laws WILL be in effect for these summer classes. Students who fail to obtain the minimum passing standard will be placed in an EOC Acceleration Course during the regular school year and this class will be taken in the place of an elective opportunity. *Registration deadlines for both the SAT and ACT exams are well in advance of the actual test date. You must visit the counselors' office early to get the appropriate registration information. Information regarding dates and registration forms is available in the counseling office. B. Semester Exam Schedule First Semester Second Semester December 14 May 23 December 15 May 24 December 16 May 25

FINAL EXAM EXEMPTION POLICY Students will have the opportunity to be exempt from final examinations.

All students must report at a designated time to the Attendance Office each day of testing if they are exempt from exams for the entire day. Failure to “check-in” during this time will result in loss of exemption for that day and faculty are instructed to give the student a “0” as their final grade that will be used in calculating a semester grade. Students who qualify for exemption may, at their discretion, elect to take an exam.

Schedule Changes A student will have three (3) school days to drop a class. After that time, a student will be required to stay in the class until the end of the semester/school year depending on the type of course change that is requested. NOTE: Any Senior athlete, who chooses to transfer out of athletics at the end of the first semester (football season), will be required to be made during the first three days of the second semester. *Sweeny High School does not allow students to audit classes.

Withdrawal from Sweeny High School Students will be withdrawn for the following reasons:

1. Parent/Guardian request (in person or in writing). 2. Non-attendance. A student may be withdrawn after twenty (20) consecutive school day absences if the parent/guardian does not

notify the school in regard to the absences. 3. Students are withdrawn and transcript will be sent after: All fines and fees are paid.

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All books are returned or restitution made. All classes are cleared by teacher's signature. Books are cleared in the library by librarian's signature. Completed clearance is given by principal's signature.

School Counseling Services - Information and Consent This portion of the handbook is designed to provide students and parent(s)/guardian(s) with information about the counselor(s) and the counseling services available in our school. ACADEMIC COUNSELING Students are encouraged to talk with the school counselor, teachers, and principals in order to learn about the curriculum, course offerings, graduation requirements, and differences between graduation requirements for regular high school program and the advanced program. Students who are interested in attending college, university, or training school or pursuing some other advanced education should work closely with the counselor so that they may take the high school courses that will best prepare them for attendance at a college, university, or training school, or for pursuit of some other type of advanced education. The counselor can also provide information about entrance examinations required by many colleges and universities, as well as information about available financial aid and housing. Students are urged to consult the counselor for interpretation of test results. Knowing one's individual strengths and weaknesses is of great help in planning for the future and in improving a weak area at the present time. Pamphlets on different personal phases of interest to students are in the counselor's office. Vocational information is available in the counselor's office and in the library. The counselor will also attempt to contact resource people for students if it will be beneficial. PERSONAL COUNSELING School counselors hold the professional certificate in counseling issued by the Texas Education Agency on the recommendation of the college or university where the counselor has a master's degree in counseling or psychology. Such programs prepare counselors to work with children of all ages and grade levels. Our counselors believe that most children have the capacity to resolve their own problems and to make their own decisions with the professional assistance of a counselor serving as a facilitator. Each counselor's goal is to help each child develop positive feelings of self as well as the problem solving skills necessary to be effective citizens in today's world. Our counselors spend time counseling with children in their offices, provide guidance services to children in classrooms, confer with teachers and parents to promote the best interests of children and serve as a liaison to outside agencies that also serve the interests of children. The counseling relationship and counselors have a professional code of ethics. Our counselors are aware that there are times when a counselor must confer with others regarding a particular child's problem in order to best serve that child. Our counselors are required by state law and their own professional code of ethics to report any form of child abuse or endangerment whether to self or others. To the extent possible under legal and ethical guidelines, our counselors protect the privacy rights of children and their families. It is impossible for a counselor to guarantee specific results in working with any child. Our counselors are dedicated professionals, however, who will work diligently with children and significant others in the children's lives in an attempt to help the children achieve important developmental goals. Our counselors follow accepted standards of practices for the profession. If you have questions about counseling services, contact the counseling department at 491-8120. The school will not conduct a psychological examination, test, or treatment without first obtaining the parent's written consent, unless required by state or federal law for special education purposes or by the Texas education Agency for child abuse investigations and reports.

Success Initiative Assessment http://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/sites/default/files/accuplacer-tsi-assessment-student-brochure.pdf The Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSI) must be taken before entering any college level coursework. TSI Assessment is a program designed to help determine if you are ready for college-level course work in the general areas of reading, writing and mathematics. It is designed to provide information about reading, mathematics and writing skills of students entering colleges, universities and educator preparation programs in public and private institutions. The THEATSI test has been approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board under Senate Bill 286, Texas Education Code, Section 51.3062 Texas Success Initiative, for use by Texas institutions of higher education as an assessment instrument for students entering post-secondary educational programs. TSI test data provides diagnostic information required by legislation. Exemptions from the TSI test may be obtained by achieving a minimum score on the following tests:

• ACT – a composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on both the English and Math sections. • SAT – a combined score of 1070 with a 500 minimum on both the verbal and math sections.

Sweeny High School Bell Schedule Regular Bell Schedule 7:45 – 8:35 First Period 8:40 – 9:30 Second Period 9:35 – 10:30 Third Period 10:35 – 11:25 Fourth Period 11:25 – 11:55 First Lunch 11:30 – 12:25 Fifth Period 12:00 – 12:55 Fifth Period 12:25 – 12:55 Second Lunch 1:00 – 1:50 Sixth Period

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1:55 –2:45 Seventh Period 2:50 – 3:40 Eighth Period

M.E.S.S. (Math, ELA, Science, Social Studies) Tutorials Students who are failing any class after the first 3 weeks of school will be assigned to after school tutoring from 3:45 until 4:30 according to the following schedule: Monday – Math Thursday – Social Studies Tuesday – English Friday – CTE, Fine Arts Wednesday – Science Students who bring their previously failing grades up to a 75 minimum score will be allowed to discontinue MESS Tutorials.

SWEENY HIGH SCHOOL DISCIPLINE MANAGEMENT PLAN GUIDELINES All student offenses are divided into categories according to their severity. Each category has its accompanying sequence of disciplinary dispositions. Consequences for discipline infractions may vary due to the student’s disciplinary history and the standards set by this campus. Sweeny High School strives for consistency and may apply specific consequences. CATEGORY I (Offenses within the classroom) 1. Dress Code infractions. 2. Disruptive behavior (minor, can be handled in class). 3. Name calling (offensive to others) 4. Disobeying class rules. 5. Discourteous, rude. 6. Other CATEGORY I DISCIPLINARY SEQUENCE 1. Conference with student/warning 2. Lunch D-Hall

3. Parent contact and Lunch D-Hall 4. Referral to Assistant Principal

CATEGORY II MAJOR OFFENSES and/or SERIOUS DISRUPTIONS are to be referred to the office immediately. All other referrals are to be placed in the Assistant Principal’s box and she/he will send for the student as soon as possible. Teacher will contact parents on all initial office referrals.

CATEGORY II (Offenses within the classroom, more serious than Category I) 1. Disruptive behavior (extreme, teacher cannot teach) 2. Throwing objects that could harm someone 3. Inappropriate/objectionable literature or written material 4. Profanity directed at a student 5. Insubordination (serious disobedience that undermines teacher authority) 6. Scuffling or horseplay (rowdy, prankish play) 7. Other similar offenses DISCIPLINE HIERARCHY: OFFICE REFERRALS FOR CATEGORY I & II Under ordinary circumstances, except for severe infractions that have their own consequences, the following hierarchy will be used with those students who are referred to the Assistant Principal. Offense 1 Warning Offenses 2-4 After school or morning detention (2 days, 3 days, 4 days) Offenses 5-10 Corporal punishment, suspension, or ISS assignment. ISS begins at 7:45 a.m. Any lateness will be counted as tardy. Remember, students must complete all assignments before being released from ISS. If student refuses to work on their assignments the parent will be notified. After parent notification, if the student still refuses to work student will be sent home. Any student who disrupts ISS will receive a warning. A citation will be issued to those who continue to be disruptive after being warned (refer to Disruption of Classes). Persistent Misbehavior DAEP assignment (the length of assignment depends on severity of the infraction) or expulsion. Failure to attend tutorial class will result in an after school detention assignment. A “Failure to Attend School” complaint will be filed on those students who are habitually absent from homeroom/tutorial but who are in attendance for the remainder of their classes. Failure to attend After School or Morning Detention will result in additional ASD, MD, Sat Saturday School, or ISS as well as serving the original assigned detention. The same also applies to students who leave or are asked to leave detention for failure to abide by the rules. Students are expected to attend assigned After School or Morning Detentions and must get approval from the Assistant Principal to re-schedule detention assignments. Each time a student receives an office referral, she/he advance to the next level in the discipline hierarchy, i.e. After School/Morning Detention === ISS === Suspension === DAEP === JJAEP (Boot Camp) ===Expulsion.

CATEGORY III (Major Offenses)

1. Agitating, instigating a fight/altercation 2. Arson 3. Bomb threat 4. Cheating or plagiarism 5. Disruption of class 6. Fighting/assault (physical or sexual)

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7. Filming a fight/assault 8. Fireworks, stink bombs, etc. 9. Identification with gangs and / or gang related activities (The severity of this offense will determine the disciplinary consequences) 10. Incorrigible conduct (persistent misbehavior) 11. Possession of objects which could be used as a weapon (i.e. pocket knife, club, etc…) 12. Theft 13. Tobacco (use, possession or selling of) 14. Truancy and/or leaving school without permission 15. Vandalism 16. Verbal assault, profanity directed at a staff member 17. Violation of bus rules 18. Use/possession of e-cigarettes and/or vaporizers

CATEGORY III DISCIPLINARY DISPOSITION SEQUENCE

1. Confiscation of inappropriate article (i.e. bandanas, notebooks, etc…) 2. In-School Suspension (ISS) 3. Referral to appropriate law-enforcement/juvenile agencies for legal action 4. Restitution / Restoration 5. Suspension 6. DAEP 7. Emergency removal from school

* The above disciplinary disposition consequences may vary according to the severity of the offense. When students are involved in a major offense (example: a fight), the police are called and the students are issued a citation. They may be suspended for multiple days. Additionally, they may receive a 5-day ISS assignment when they return to school. When a student is involved in a second fight, the police are called and they receive a DAEP assignment when they return to school. Disruption of classes, or any school activity, by students or others is prohibited and is subject to disciplinary action and/or referral for criminal prosecution. CATEGORY IV (Minor offenses that occur outside the classroom)

1. Disruption of classroom from outside sources 2. Horseplay 3. In halls without a pass 4. In unauthorized area 5. Inappropriate language Infraction of cafeteria rules 6. Littering 7. Name calling/offending others 8. Others 9. Possession of food/drink 10. Public display of affection 11. Sitting or lying in hallway 12. Sitting or lying in hallway 13. Throwing objects

CATEGORY IV DISCIPLINARY DISPOSITION SEQUENCE

1. After school detention (maximum of 5 times) 2. Option of school service, Saturday detention, corporal punishment 3. In-School Suspension (two five day assignments) 4. Suspension (maximum 3 days) 5. DAEP placement

TARDY POLICYEach student should make every effort to arrive at all classes on time and ready to work. Any students who are tardy to a class will be marked as such while taking standard attendance. Tardies are calculated overall basis and not by each class period. All students are required to be in their seats and ready for class to begin when the tardy bell rings. Three unexcused tardies will equal one absence to that class. The teacher will inform the student when such incidents are recorded as absences. The campus Tardy Policy will be enforced as follows: • First Through 3rd Tardy – Warning issued by teacher. • Fourth Tardy – Lunch Detention • Fifth , Sixth, and Seventh Tardies – After School Detention. • Eighth and Ninth Tardies – Saturday School • Ten Tardies or more – ISS (or discretion of the principal)

Tardies shall be cumulative until the end of

the semester. Examples of unexcused tardies include, but are not limited to:

1) Parent running late or car trouble 2) Doing other schoolwork 3) Hair appointment 4) Over-sleeping 5) Shopping,etc.