welcome to harker heights high school heights high school is a united educational community...

WELCOME TO HARKER HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL

2013-2014

Welcome to Harker Heights High School! Our staff is dedicated to providing a learning environment, which is

student centered. Our goal is to provide a world-class education, which will give students the skill sets required to

walk through the doors of opportunity in their future.

We value the power of parent, community and school relations and will seek to increase opportunities for these

partnerships at every occasion. As the state requirements for student achievement rise, we cherish the prospect of

increasing the rigor of our learning for all students.

Please partner with us to create a school, which is significant in the lives of students. We value your feedback and

your input as we strive for continuous improvement at Harker Heights High School.

Go Knights!

David Manley, Principal

VISION

Harker Heights High School is a united educational community committed to excellence and providing a safe

environment, inspiring students to become lifelong learners and ethical citizens who are competitive in a global

society.

MISSION

Harker Heights High School is passionately committed to providing students with a strong and relevant

educational foundation through

Providing every student with a rigorous and relevant education which aims to develop critical

thinking skills and enables all students to become active participants in their own learning through

student-centered instruction

Ensuring student/parent/administration/teacher collaboration by embracing community

involvement

Enriching the classroom experience through effective use of technology and real-world connections

in a collaborative learning environment

Building student/teacher relationships that foster self-motivation to learn, encouraging students

and staff to develop their individual talents as well as to promote high standards

Setting expectations for students and staff to be positive ambassadors of our school

Focusing on data driven analysis to shape instruction and promote best practices in the classroom

Maintaining safety and order to provide an optimal learning environment

Honoring student and staff accomplishments by recognizing successes

H.H.H.S. ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

David Manley, Principal Marcia Cantu, Registrar

Elizabeth Cook, Assistant Principal/Curriculum Curriculum Specialist

Larry Brazzil, Assistant Principal Daniel Stovall, Counselor (A-Cro & TBI)

Jorge Soldevila, Assistant Principal Ann Eaglin, Counselor (Cru-Her)

Melissa Davis, Assistant Principal Cassie Scott, Counselor (Hes-Mel)

Sarah Salter, Assistant Principal Michelle Taylor, Counselor (Mem-San)

Bobbie Swenson, Assistant Principal Kimberly Shultz, Counselor (Sao-Z)

Jennifer Bonheim, Special Education Brittanie Whitfield, Student Activities

Keith Kearney, Attendance Officer

OUR MISSION IS TO MAINTAIN SAFETY, ORDER, AND DISCIPLINE.

GENERAL INFORMATION

(Guidelines to help the Knights succeed)

General Rules

1. Be respectful of others at all times

2. Be prepared for class daily and ready to begin with the tardy bell.

3. Please wear your ID cards as a safety precaution.

4. Be aware of KISD policies and procedures.

Discipline

See District Handbook and the Student Code of Conduct

Dress Code

HHHS enforces dress code as a means of helping students achieve success. Each student will receive a copy of

the dress code during the student readiness week. Opportunity to comply, on a case-by-case basis, ends on

Tuesday, September 3rd. After September 3, all students must arrive at school in compliance with dress code and

ID policies or face consequences.

Closed Campus

Harker Heights is a CLOSED CAMPUS except during lunch, when scheduling requires a student to leave campus

(vocational school or work release), or when a student obtains permission at the attendance office by note or

parental contact. In all other cases during the regular school day, students are to remain on school property.

Leaving between classes for any reason is a violation of this provision making students subject to disciplinary

action for truancy.

Visitors and Non-Students on Campus All visitors must report to the front office upon entering the building. Visitors must secure a pass from the

Principal or his designee in order to remain on campus. Student visitors are included in this procedure.

HHHS Classroom Observation Policy

Classroom observations require the permission of the principal or designee and the teacher. Parents, who wish to

observe their children in class, must call the Curriculum Office at 336-2352, or email

[email protected] 48 hours in advance, make an appointment and must comply with the access rules.

Upon requesting a classroom observation the following information is needed:

1. Name of teacher(s)

2. Class period(s) wanting to visit

3. Purpose of the visit.

Classroom observations may occur once every four weeks.

This does not apply to parents identified as registered sex offenders because they are denied campus access

altogether.

If it is determined that excessive visits are interrupting the learning environment, the principal has the discretion

to limit visits on a case by case basis.

Hall Passes

Students are expected to remain in class the entire class period. In the rare case a student needs to leave a

classroom, he/she must be in possession of a pass from the teacher showing the date and time.

Identification Cards

Photo I.D. cards, issued to all students, must be worn at all times, visible from the front (above the waist) while

at school or at school functions and while riding to and from school on school transportation. ID may not be worn

on the book bag. The first I.D. card is provided at no charge to the student but remains the property of Harker

Heights High School. I.D. cards will be turned in when a student transfers or withdraws or paid for, if lost. Lost

I.D. cards must be replaced at a cost of $8 each. I.D. cards that have come apart or have been mutilated or altered

in any way are no longer valid and must be replaced. Students can pay for new cards through Cash Receipts (in

the gym hallway) and take the receipt to Student Activities to obtain the new card. Students not wearing proper

I.D. cards will be in violation of district and campus policy. ID cards are the property of KISD. Absolutely no

stickers, writings, or other graffiti is allowed on the ID or the ID case.

Tardy Policy

Random tardy sweeps will be conducted. Students who are swept are assigned mandatory lunch detention. This

lunch detention is held in the cafeteria on the stage. Failure to attend will result in a suspension, and or an

assignment of an entire day in ISS. Additionally, teachers will submit a discipline referral after every four tardy

violations.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

All students are entitled to enjoy the basic rights of citizenship recognized and protected by law for persons of

their age and maturity. A climate of mutual respect for the rights of others is necessary in order to enhance the

educational purpose of H.H.H.S. Therefore, students shall exercise their rights responsibly in compliance with

established rules. Students who violate the rights of others or who violate school rules shall be subject to

disciplinary measures. Anyone who feels that his/her rights have been violated should contact an assistant

principal. See the district handbook for explanation of rights.

Code of Conduct for Students Representing Harker Heights High School

Participation in activities which represent the school is considered a privilege and an honor subject to regulation.

Students who represent H.H.H.S. are expected to conform to a more rigid code of behavior than the general

student population. Failure to do so dishonors the organization to which the student belongs as well as H.H.H.S.

and K.I.S.D. Contact the appropriate coach or sponsor and the Coordinator of Student Activities for specific

expectations and consequences. Also refer to the K.I.S.D. Code of Conduct (Extracurricular Activities).

Code of Conduct for Spectators at Athletic Events

1. All spectators should be in the stands throughout the game except for concession and bathroom use.

2. Fans should not obstruct the aisles, stand at railings, block walkways or throw any items.

3. Fans should support their own teams by positive comments and actions. Spirit signs should be supportive.

Negative comments or actions are not appropriate at any time.

4. By law, smoking is not permitted at any school function or facility.

5. Student IDs are required at all athletic events.

6. Although, school day attire is not required, HHHS administrative reserve the right to refuse entry of any student

in the student section who is dressed inappropriate. This is at the discretion of administrative staff on duty at the

event.

7. Public Display of Affection is not allowed in the student sections.

8. All spectators are subject to removal from the event for inappropriate or unsportsmanlike conduct.

Public Display of Affection

Public Display of Affection is prohibited. Holding hands and hugging is also considered a public display of

affection.

Profanity

Profanity, vulgar language, and obscene gestures will not be tolerated. Violators are subject to

administrative/legal consequences including but not limited to being issued a citation.

Prohibited/Entertainment Items

Skateboards/roller blades/scooters, water pistols, dice, paging devices, walkman/headsets, hair picks, trading

cards, chains, video or recording devices, and laser pointers are prohibited on campus or at school activities on or

off school property. Prohibited items found on campus will be confiscated and taken to the Assistant Principals'

Office.

Library

Students are encouraged to use the library and to seek help from the librarians. Library hours are Monday &

Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 7:45 – 5:00. Unless accompanied by a

teacher, students must have a hall pass and sign in to use the library during class time. Students will use their bar

coded I.D. card to check out library materials. All materials except reference books may be checked out for two

weeks with one renewal. Students may copy or print up to 5 pages per day of school assigned materials. Students

are expected to conduct themselves appropriately and follow posted library rules in order to use the library.

Summary of Dress Code

Dress includes but is not limited to the following:

No sagging pants

No exposed skin if pant/shorts have holes

No pajamas or house shoes

Skirts, dresses, and shorts must measure one ID card length from the bend of the back of the knee when

standing straight up

Garments worn with leggings, tights or colored hose must follow the same length as above

No cleavage

Textbooks

Textbooks are supplied free of charge. Students are responsible for the care and return of textbooks and may be

charged for their damage or replacement. If a textbook is lost, misplaced, damaged or stolen, students should

report the incident immediately to the bookroom. They must pay the cash receipts clerk within three school days

of losing a book. Once the student has paid for the textbook, he/she should present the receipt to the bookroom in

order to receive another textbook. If the textbook is found, it will be returned to the bookroom. A refund will be

made upon presentation of the receipt.

NOTE: Lost textbooks that are found must be presented for refunds on or before JUNE 10, of current school

year. Textbook checks will be held during each semester. Students will not be allowed to purchase tickets for the

prom, homecoming, or any other dance or activity as directed by the Principal unless all fines are first cleared.

While textbooks are supplied for each student, they are the property of the state of Texas. LOST, STOLEN, OR

DAMAGED textbooks are the DIRECT RESPONSIBILITY of the STUDENT. Failure to return the textbook OR

damage to a textbook WILL RESULT in a fine for the full cost of the book to be paid by the student or his/her

parent or guardian. Texas state law and Killeen ISD policy states:

TEC Sec. 31.104(d)

Each student, or the student’s parent or guardian, is responsible for each textbook, not returned by the student. A

student who fails to return all textbooks forfeits the right to free textbooks until each textbook previously issued

but not returned is paid for by the student, parent, or guardian. As provided by policy of the board of trustees or

governing body, a school district or open-enrollment charter school may waive or reduce the payment requirement

if the student is from a low-income family. The district or school shall allow the student to use textbooks at

school during each school day. If a textbook is not returned or paid for, the district or school may withhold the

student’s records.

Additionally, students failing to return textbooks or damage to textbooks will incur the following consequences:

o Students owing fines/textbooks will be barred from purchasing tickets to prom,

homecoming and other school related activities

o A hold will be placed on diploma for graduation

Fees

Materials that are a part of the basic educational program are provided without charge to students. Students are

expected to provide pencils, paper, erasers and notebooks. They may be required to pay certain other fees or

deposits including the following: club dues; security deposits; materials for a class projects that the student will

keep; personal physical education and athletic equipment and apparel; voluntary purchases of pictures,

publications, class rings, etc.; uniform maintenance; parking fees and additional student identification cards; fees

for damaged library books and school-owned equipment; fees for copies of student records. All fees must be paid

to the cash receipts clerk. Any required fee or deposit may be waived if the student and parent are unable to pay.

Application for such a waiver may be made to the Principal.

Check Acceptance Policy

SEE DISTRICT HANDBOOK

Clinic

A school nurse or nurse’s aide is available in the clinic. By law, student health records and emergency cards are

kept on file. Health information should be updated if changes occur. Students must have a clinic pass and sign in

to use the clinic during class time.

Medication Policy


Medication policy for high school students


Other Non-Academic Guidelines

K.I.S.D. Police Officers

The mission of the K.I.S.D. police officers is to prevent and deter violence and criminal activity. Police officers

conduct investigations; hear complaints, issue warrants, and take individuals into custody when necessary. Police

officers work with administrators when there is a violation of the law or when a situation has the potential of

becoming uncontrolled. Police Officers will not investigate stolen electronic devices. Students are responsible for

securing these types of devices.

Use of Sniffer-Dogs and Equipment

In order to maintain a safe school environment conducive to education, specially trained dogs and equipment are

used to detect concealed contraband or drugs. If any prohibited substances are found, the student shall be subject

to appropriate disciplinary /legal action.

Telephones/Cellular Phones/ BYOD

Cell phones are an amazing electronic device to be used as an instructional tool. However, personal phone calls

and texting needs to be taken care of before school, after school, and/or at lunch. Students receiving calls during

school hours will not be called out of class except in the case of an emergency. Cellular phones shall be out of

sight and turned off during the school day inside the building and on school buses to and from school; unless the

teacher has authorized usage for the electronic device. Cell Phone use in the building during the school day may

result in the device being confiscated. Once confiscated, the device will only be returned to a parent or guardian.

Deliveries

Parent deliveries of any nature (lunch money, gym clothes, etc.) will be left at the front office. A message will be

given to the student or the item will be delivered. Approved commercial deliveries to students will be accepted in

the front office and given to students at the end of the school day. No commercial deliveries of food will be

accepted.

Bus Rules/Regulations

SEE DISTRICT HANDBOOK AND STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Automobile Use

The operation of automobiles and other vehicles by high school students is a privilege and shall be under the

supervision of the principal. A student must present a valid driver's license and proof of insurance and pay the

permit fee in order to obtain a parking permit.

Parking permits at Harker Heights High School are available for purchase from the cashier for a fee of $10.00. A

student may not purchase more than one parking permit. Parking permits will be made available to Harker

Heights students in good standing on a first come, first served basis (senior students first, followed by junior

students and, space permitting, sophomore students). The number of permits sold will not exceed the number of

parking spaces available. Students may park only in the student parking lot. Vehicles found on campus without a

valid parking permit may be towed at the owner's expense. Permits expire at the close of each school year.

Any student who operates a vehicle in an unsafe or disruptive manner shall be subject to disciplinary action

including a citation, and may be denied the privilege of vehicle use on all KISD property. Students may not

double park; violators may be cited.

Automobiles on school property are subject to search if there is reasonable cause to believe contraband or other

prohibited items are in the vehicle. Any vehicle illegally park or parked in an area other than the designated space,

or on campus with out a permit is subject to being towed at the driver’s expense. Towing policy can be obtained

from the police department.

Students may only park in spots designated for students. Failure to purchase a parking permit or park in proper

locations can result in the vehicle being towed at the student’s expense.

Food and Drinks

Food, of any kind, and drinks are NOT permitted in classrooms.

Emergency Drills

Fire drills are held at unannounced periods throughout the year. A set of instructions for emergency drills, based

on district standards, will be kept in classrooms. Students will also participate in evacuation and other emergency

scenario drills. Students will also participate in emergency evacuation, tornado, and emergency drills as directed

by KISD and HHHS.

Property Damage

Students are financially responsible for any damage they cause to district or personal property.

Lost and Found

Lost and Found is located on the cafeteria stage.

ATTENDANCE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Importance of Attendance

Texas State Law, Senate Bill 247, requires students to attend school until the 18th birthday. Daily attendance is

very important since it addresses two issues for the student: legal and academic.

LEGAL: The Texas State Compulsory Attendance Laws states that a student who fails to attend school on ten or

more days OR PARTS of days within a six month period, or three or more days OR PARTS of days within a four

week period without an acceptable excuse is in violation of the law. The student and the parent are subject to

prosecution under TEC sections 25.093 and 25.094. (PART OF A DAY IS A SINGLE PERIOD). Also, the Texas

Education Code, Section 25.085 states that a student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his/her 18th birthday

is required to attend school each day. If a student 18 or older has more than 5 unexcused absences in a semester,

the district may revoke the student’s enrollment.

ACADEMIC: The State of Texas [TEC 25.09(a)] requires 90% attendance each semester before credit is earned;

90% is the minimum requirement. Local district may increase that minimum at their discretion.

Appeal Status and Parent Notification

Documentation

In all cases, appropriate documentation must be provided in order for absences to be classified as excused. All

absences are subject to verification, investigation, or question. All notes are subject to review. For personal

illness, absences exceeding 3 consecutive days will require documentation from a health care professional.

Parental notes will be accepted for up to 3 days per nine-week session. In order to be excused, all other absences

for personal illness must be accompanied by a note from a health care professional except when a medical

practitioner has advised that an office visit is unnecessary. (A single note from a health care professional will

suffice in the case of a chronic illness or serious medical condition.) For medical, dental, or legal appointments,

notes from health care or legal professionals are preferred; however, parental notes will be accepted as noted

under personal illness above. Students who attend a partial day, complete work missed, and bring a note from the

health care professional will be counted present for the entire day.

Excused Absences

The following is a list of reasons for which students may be excused from class:

Family-related absences such as emergency leave, promotion/retirement ceremonies

(official documentation of dates, times and conditions required)

Personal illness (See note above.)

Illness or death in family (with proper documentation)

Dangerous weather or road conditions (as determined by school authorities)

Emergency leave (verification required)

Medical, dental, or legal appointments (subject to regulations outlined above)

Parents are expected to exercise reason in the amount of time a student misses school. Principals have the

authority to declare certain cases as "extenuating circumstances" on a case-by-case basis.

Unexcused Absences

Absences with parental knowledge for reasons such as missing the bus, shopping, baby-sitting, visiting relatives,

vacations, moving, extended holidays, etc. are documented as UNEXCUSED.

Students who miss all or any portion of a school day without the parent’s knowledge will be considered TRUANT

and will be disciplined accordingly. Truancies will count toward unexcused absences. Disciplinary action may

include mandatory attendance at Saturday detention. When students accumulate unexcused absences from school,

attempts will be made to notify parents as a courtesy.

The person discharging the duties of attendance officer of the school may investigate any case in which an

excused absence is requested.

Extra Curricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are school-sponsored activities that are not directly related to instruction but have an

indirect relation to curriculum. A student may accumulate not more than ten (10) absences of this nature per

subject per school year. No more than seven (7) of these absences may occur in one session. No single

extracurricular activity can be responsible for all the allowable absences in a single session. School-sponsored

activities are approved by the Board of Trustees. These absences shall be considered as days of attendance.

Absences under this category are defined as exempted absences. Student eligibility is based on grades and not

attendance. As long as the student is passing his/her classes, the student is eligible to participate in extracurricular

activities. Students placed in In-School Suspension, home based instruction or suspension may not participate in

or attend extracurricular activities during the term of the consequence. Violation of this rule will result in further

disciplinary action.

AYPYN – After School Program

This program was designed to provide HHHS students with a safe place to hang-out, play games, and eat snacks

while waiting for a ride home. The only requirement for participation in the program is that the student must be

enrolled at HHHS, must sign-in, stay in the AYPYN area while consuming snacks, and be polite and respectful to

all. All KISD and HHHS policies apply, as well as consequences. The AYPYN program is open most school days

except for early-out. The program will end a week or so before the end of school. Unannounced closures could

occur.

Prom, Banquet, and Dance policy

All guests who are not currently enrolled at HHHS must be approved by administration. They must be at least a

9th grader in high school and may not be over 20 years in age. This includes but is not limited to Prom and

Homecoming. Dress code guidelines for school functions will be posted on the HHHS website and on the student

activities bulletin board. Dress code guidelines are strictly enforced. Students who arrive at an event dressed in a

manner that violates guidelines will be allowed to correct the problem. Students, who are unable to meet the

standards, WILL BE DENIED ACCESS, without a refund. Students are responsible for knowing the standards

before purchasing clothing for the event. Students must have his/her student ID with them to enter Prom or

Homecoming. Guest must have a picture ID with them.

Signing Out During School Hours

Students are not to leave campus without permission. Students who leave school during the school day before

their usual dismissal time must sign out in the Attendance Office, either by note or parental contact. Students who

leave during the lunch hour and who will not be back must still sign out in the Attendance Office.

ACADEMICS

Registration of Transfer Students

When a transfer student registers at Harker Heights, personal attention is given and a schedule is developed to

meet individual needs. Immediately after a student registers at Harker Heights, a request is made for a transcript

from the former school. Upon receipt, the transcript becomes a part of the student’s permanent record. Credits

received are evaluated and courses needed for graduation from H.H.H.S. are determined. A student may be

required to validate credits by testing if he/she wishes to transfer in credits from a school that is not accredited.

Work Release/Course Load

All students are expected to be enrolled in 7 of 7 classes each semester. Work release periods are available only to

Vocational Coop students. Under certain circumstances, fourth year senior students who have passed Exit Level

TAKS and have 22 or more credits may be enrolled in 6 of 7 classes each semester with parental approval. All

students must be enrolled for five (5) hours each day. An application to take a Reduced Class Load may be

obtained from the Guidance Center. Students who have work release or reduced class load are not allowed on

campus during the time of work release/reduced class except under special circumstances. Failure to leave

campus may result in administrative/legal consequences.

Changing Courses

Students are enrolled for a full year’s worth of courses. Schedule change request will be honored only when

absolutely necessary within one week of the beginning of a semester. For further information, regarding the

schedule change procedure, contact a counselor.

Computing Credit for Session Courses

Credit will be awarded at the end of a semester if the student has earned a passing grade and met TEA

requirements for receiving credit. With successful completion of courses students will receive 1/2 credit for each

18-week semester and 1 credit for each 36-week class. Grades will be averaged under certain conditions. The

overall average of a full year course must be a 70 or above to receive one (1) credit. Students who change from a

course of one level to another (such as honors to regular) at the end of the class will have their grades averaged

with the level of the lower level class determining grade points.

Mid Session Performance Reports/Report Cards

All students receive a Performance Report at the end of 4 1/2 weeks of each 9-week grading period and a report

card at the end of each session. Report cards will be mailed home at the end of each semester.

Grading Policy

Assignment Type Regular Course Pre-AP Course AP/Dual Credit Course

Formative 40% 35% 30%

Summative 60% 65% 70%

Homework Policy

The Killeen Independent School District endorses the use of homework as an instructional tool because research

studies in this area indicate that homework, which is accompanied by meaningful feedback, enhances student

learning.

Teachers assign different types of homework to accomplish specific purposes.

Practice homework helps students’ master specific knowledge and skills that have been presented in

class.

Preparation homework is designed to motivate or prepare students for knowledge and skills that they

have not yet mastered. Teachers may assign students to read text, take notes on reading, work on solving

a problem that will illustrate the need to learn upcoming material, or gather information from resources

outside of class.

Extension homework provides students the opportunity to apply or transfer specific knowledge and

skills to a new situation or in an original response. Teachers may assign a written composition, a

demonstration, a compare/contract assignment, visual display, or technology presentation.

Homework should not be assigned during district testing, dead week for nine week and semester exams, and

official school holidays. Time constraints on the length of homework assignments should not exceed 120 minutes

per day, approximately 30 - 35 minutes for any one subject. Homework should be used as part of a multifaceted

evaluation program for students.

Credit By Examination (CBE)

Credit by Examination is offered for students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and

wish to test out of an academic course without formalized instruction. Students must score a grade of 90 or above

on a test covering the essential elements of the course or subject. Additional information is available from the

Director of Curriculum and the Guidance Center. UIL eligibility and GPA are not affected by CBE.

Course Proficiency Test (CPT)

Students who have prior formal instruction in a course but did not receive state or local credit may apply to take a

course proficiency test. In order to receive credit on a test, students must score at least 70. UIL eligibility and

GPA are not affected by CPT. Additional information is available from the Director of Curriculum and the

Guidance Center.

Correspondence Courses

Correspondence courses are accepted for fulfillment of graduation requirements if:

(1) the course is taken through the University of Texas, Texas Tech University or other

public institutions of higher education approved by the Commissioner of Education;

(2) only two correspondence courses for credit will count toward high school graduation;

(3) the correspondence grade is received at least thirty days prior to graduation if that

course is to count toward high school graduation.

Courses earned by correspondence cannot be used when determining distinguished student status. Grade points

are not assigned. Approval must be obtained from the Curriculum Director.

Pass/Fail Grading Option

Students wishing to take courses in excess of state and local requirements may take courses on a pass/fail basis.

No required courses may be taken on a pass/fail basis. Students who choose this option must declare this decision

and complete the Pass/Fail Grading Option Form (available from the Guidance Center) on their first day of

attendance in this course. Students who have a grade average of 70 or above shall be awarded credit. Grade-point

averages are not affected, but failure in a pass/fail course will result in ineligibility for competition. Students are

limited to only 2 pass/fail courses during their high school career.

Auditing a Course

Students may only audit a course at the discretion of the registrar and only for extenuating circumstances.

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate, all current sophomores, juniors and seniors students must pass the Exit Level Texas

Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) examination in English, mathematics, science and social studies.

First year freshman students must pass the requirements of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic

Readiness (STAAR) examinations in core classes. Students may graduate under one of the following programs:

Minimum High School Program (22 credits), Recommended Program (26 credits), or Distinguished Achievement

Program (26 credits). All high school students are automatically placed on the recommended plan. For specific

requirements of programs, see the 2012-2013 Course-Selection Guide of High School Instructional Programs.

Graduation Participation

Senior students will be eligible to participate in spring graduation ceremonies when: (1) they have completed the

course requirements for graduation and have passed the Exit Level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills

(TAKS) examinations; (2) they have met the current graduation requirements and provided credit verification

from the sending high school (Students will receive diplomas from their home school if a reciprocal agreement

can be made with sending schools.); (3) they are not enrolled in the Killeen Alternative Center. Students with

special needs may be permitted to graduate with A.R.D. committee recommendation under the provisions of their

IEP and with the consent of the A.R.D. committee and their parents.

Early Graduation

Students who have the required number of credits to graduate early will be encouraged to take additional courses

or enroll in additional college preparatory courses. Special permission must be granted to graduate early. An

application for early graduation may be secured from the Registrar or the Guidance Center and returned no later

than the 10th class day of the term in which the student plans to graduate.

Request for Transcripts

Enrolled students are allowed 3 free transcripts for admissions. Each additional transcript cost $5.00. Transcripts

for scholarship application are free of charge. All official transcripts (signed, sealed, with GPA and Rank) are

mailed directly from HHHS to the requesting school. Official transcripts will not be given to a student or parent.

Allow 48 hours for transcripts to be mailed.

Concurrent Enrollment

Students may be enrolled in approved higher institutions while also enrolled in high school. Written request to

the Principal and Superintendent, written parental permission, official written notice of passing status each six

weeks, and an official college transcript are required. Concurrent-enrollment is for pass or fail only; no grade

points are awarded. Credits earned through concurrent enrollment will be honors credits if the student earns a “B”

or better in the course. To receive any credit the student must earn a grade of “C” or better.

Grade Point System/Class Rank

A grade point system has been established in order to determine class rank. Such a system is necessary because

all courses, whether Advanced Placement, honors, regular, or basic, use the same grades: 90-100 (A - excellent),

80-89 (B - above average), 75-79 (C - average), 70-74 (D - Minimal passing), and below 70 (F - failing, no

credit). The grade point system assigns points based on grade and level of course beginning in the ninth grade.

This system is used to determine class rank. Students are listed according to total grade points from highest to

lowest in a "class rank." See the Grade Point Distribution Chart in the 2012-2013 Course Selection Guide of High

School Instructional Programs. Class rank is available from the counselor’s office for juniors (11th) and seniors

(12th) only.

Schedules for Seniors

In some cases, a senior’s schedule may differ from that of other students.

The schedule must be such that the credits earned will enable the student to meet graduation

requirements.

Seniors needing to pass TAKS may be required to enroll in a remedial course.

Seniors must not be present on campus or in the vicinity of school during release period.

Failure to abide by these guidelines may result in a schedule being revised to 7 courses.

Seniors must meet all qualifications to have a release period.

Special Programs

For information concerning Talented and Gifted; Honors/Pre-Advanced Placement; Career and Technology

Education (CATE); Correlated, Vocational, G.E.D. and Academic Program (Pathways), see the 2012-2013

Course Selection Guide of High School Instructional Programs and contact the Guidance Center.

Texas Assessment Knowledge and Skills (TAKS)/

State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR)

TAKS/STAAR tests are required tests administered in Texas public schools through the Texas Education Agency.

Please see district calendar for testing dates.

Withdrawal Procedure for Students from KISD

Students withdrawing from school begin the procedure in the Registrar’s Office. A parent with appropriate

identification will need to personally withdraw his/her student. To ensure a smooth withdrawal for students from

KISD, parents should begin the withdrawal procedure several days prior to the student's last day of attendance. A

general withdrawal form will be given to students and parents at the time of withdrawal; this document is usually

sufficient for enrollment in another school. Copies of additional documents such as special education or gifted

education records will be provided with 48 hours notice.

All textbooks, library fines, and other outstanding debts/fines must be cleared to avoid delays with the report card

or the forwarding of the transcript of credits to another school.

Transferring and/or reenrolling While under Disciplinary Action

See the K.I.S.D. Student Code of Conduct

Early Testing Policy

Students will not be permitted to take mid-term or final exams early. If students are unable to take a test during

the schedule testing times, the school administration will schedule a makeup date after each semester. Mid-term

make-up exams will be administered by the teachers. Final exam make-ups will be administered by the

curriculum office. The dates will be posted before the end of the semester. Students who finish their exams before

the end of class will not be allowed to leave early. Calling students out of class early is not permitted.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Awards

The Board of Trustees awards students who excel in academic achievements. To qualify, students (grades 10 - 12)

must earn an overall grade point average of 11.7 in K.I.S.D. for the spring term of the previous year and the fall

term of the current year. Ninth grade students must earn an overall grade point average of 11.7 in K.I.S.D. for the

fall term. There is a residency requirement of no later than the first day of the second week of the fall semester of

the school year in which academic awards are to be earned.

University Interscholastic League

H.H.H.S. participates in the following University Interscholastic League events: Speech & Debate, Journalism,

Academic Decathlon (ACA-DEC), Spelling, One Act Play, Accounting, and Literary Criticism. Sponsors and

contestants must know and abide by the rules in the University Interscholastic League Constitution and Rules.

Sponsors will have a rule book. For more information, contact the Coordinator of Student Activities.

National Honor Society

Membership in the National Honor Society (NHS) is based upon scholarship, service, leadership and character.

NHS candidates must have been in attendance for at least one session during the current school year at one of the

K.I.S.D. high schools. Candidates eligible for election to the Harker Heights High School chapter must be

members of the sophomore, junior or senior class. They shall have a cumulative grade point average of 11.7.

Their eligibility, selection and dismissal, where warranted, shall be judged on the basis of their academic average,

service, leadership and character by a panel of teachers.

Student Council

This is the heart of school activities. Authority is delegated to the council by the Principal and is exercised under

the direction of the Coordinator of Student Activities. The Student Council charters all high school organizations,

and all school organizations function by their own constitution as well as that of the Student Council.

Choral Organizations

Membership in H.H.H.S. Choral Organizations (Chanteurs, Master Singers, Cantabile, and Kantorei) is

determined by competitive audition each spring. Members of Harker Heights High School choirs must be

enrolled in choir all year and must maintain academic eligibility in order to fully participate in choir activities.

Harker Heights High School choirs present numerous concerts, programs and competitions throughout the year,

and choir members participate in individual events such as All-Region Choir auditions and Solo & Ensemble

Contest.

Harker Heights Band, Drill Team, Color Guard

Members of the band, drill team and color guard are selected by audition each spring and must maintain eligibility

under state law requirements to retain membership. Students must be enrolled as full-time students and must not

have been in attendance at any high school for more than four years.

Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps (JROTC)

The Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps (JROTC) prepares high school students for responsible leadership

roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities and privileges as citizens. ROTC is a stimulus for

promoting graduation from high school, and it provides instruction and rewarding opportunities which benefit

students, the community and the nation. JROTC participates in a variety of activities including drill, file, color

guard, and orienteering competition throughout the state. ROTC plans and participates in adventure activities

such as rafting, rappelling, and special trips. Students can find fun, adventure, camaraderie, leadership, discipline

and a focus in life through JROTC.

Athletics

Harker Heights High School competes in U.I.L. athletics in the state's 5A classification. The following sports for

women are offered at Harker Heights: cross country, volleyball, basketball, softball, track and field, swimming,

golf, soccer, and tennis. Men's sports are as follows: cross country, football, basketball, soccer, baseball, track

and field, golf, swimming, wrestling, and tennis. U.I.L. eligibility standards are in effect for all extracurricular

activities. Harker Heights athletes are expected to meet and exceed those standards.

Clubs

The following clubs are available to students: Student Council, National Honor Society, International Club, Key

Club, Keywanettes, Science Club, year book/newspaper, Future Homemakers of America (FHA), Future Farmers

of America (FFA),, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), Vocational Industrial Clubs of America

(VICA), Home Economics Related Occupations (HERO), Industrial Trades Club (ITC), Business Professionals of

America (BPOA), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and Health Occupations Students of America

(HOSA), Crusaders, and others. Early in the school year announcements will be made regarding organizational

meetings. Students are encouraged to participate and take an active role. For more information, contact the

Coordinator of Student Activities.

Club Trips

Parental permission is required of any student who participates in a school sponsored trip. K.I.S.D. will provide

transportation at club expense whenever possible. Students will leave school and return to school as a group. The

use of private vehicles for school sponsored trips is discouraged and may be approved only by the Principal

and/or Coordinator of Student Activities. Permission slips will be required of all students regardless of age.

Fund Raising Campaigns

All school fund raising campaigns must have the approval of the Coordinator of Student Activities before classes

start each year. Fund raising campaigns will be limited to those absolutely necessary to accomplish established

goals. The Student Council is the only organization that may sponsor dances. Candy may not be sold in school

except on the three designated nutrition-exempt days.

Social Events

All social activities sanctioned by the school shall be under the supervision of the Principal or his designee. Rules

of conduct applicable to regular school time are also applicable regardless of the location of the event.

Student Elections

All elections (club officer elections, sweetheart elections, etc.) will be coordinated through the Student Activities

Class Officers must apply for an officer position and then interview and be selected for that position. Senior

student may apply for president and vice-president. Junior students may apply for secretary and historian.

Sophomore and Freshmen students may apply for senator positions. All candidates must make arrangement to be

at the class officer interviews.

School Calendar

All H.H.H.S. athletic, club and special classroom events/meetings on or off campus must be placed on the school

calendar in the Student Activities Office prior to events/meetings. Any usage of campus facilities must be

coordinated through the student activities office at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

Drug Testing

All students involved in UIL or extracurricular activities are subject to random drug testing per district drug

testing policy.

UIL Eligibility for the Nine-Week Grading Period

Eligibility grade checks will be completed on each student at six weeks. Students passing at six weeks will

remain eligible until nine weeks when another check is completed. Students passing all courses at nine weeks

remain eligible until the next grading period. Students failing a course at six weeks shall be ineligible for three

weeks. At the nine weeks grading period, students failing one or more courses are ineligible for three weeks.

Basically, failing students, according to U.I.L. guidelines, have eligibility checked every three weeks.

Teachers may not give students extra work or late work to be turned in after the grading or evaluation period is

over. Students’ grades may not be changed to make a student eligible for U.I.L. competition. Students with “I”

or incomplete grades are ineligible until the “I” becomes a passing grade. This may occur provided the “I” was

due to an excused absence or work is made up following district and building guidelines. Students failing a course

or becoming eligible for participation may do so seven calendar days after the grading period ends or seven

calendar days after the three week evaluation period ends. Refer to TEA/UIL 2001-2002 Side by Side for

questions concerning U.I.L. eligibility for extracurricular activities.

EDUCATION RECORDS

Access to student education records is governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974

(FERPA) and by K.I.S.D. Board Policy FL. Copies of these documents are located in the Central Administrative

Office and in the Principal's Office. The principal is the primary custodian of education records in the building.

Questions about student and parent rights in respect to student records should be directed to the principal. The

superintendent is the custodian of all records for students who have withdrawn or graduated. The Director of

Special Education for K.I.S.D. is the custodian of records for students who are currently receiving special

education services or who have received special education services in the district.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Title IX, VI and Section 504 are laws protecting K.I.S.D. students, parents and employees against discrimination

because of race, color, sex, national origin or handicap. Title IX concerns should be directed to Andy Greer (501-

0316.) Complaints concerning 504 should be directed to Karen - Roub-Kowaleski (501-0207.)

K.I.S.D. does not discriminate on the basis of disabilities in any programs and services offered. Qualified

students with disabilities are entitled to regular or special education and related aids and services that are designed

to meet individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of non-disabled persons are met. Students who

believe they may be eligible for services under Section 504 should see a counselor or the 504 Coordinator for

referral to the Campus 504 Committee.

Harassment

Anyone who has a complaint alleging harassment by other student(s) or harassment or abuse by an employee

should request a conference with the principal, the principal’s designee, or the District’s Title IX coordinator. A

conference will be scheduled within five (5) days after receiving the complaint. An investigation will be

coordinated by the principal or Title IX coordinator and should be completed within ten (10) school days. Parents

will be informed of any delays due to extenuating circumstances. Any complaints should be made in writing.

Falsifying Official Documents

It is against the law to falsify any official document, including school registration forms or birth certificates “…a

person who knowingly falsifies information on a form required for enrollment of a student in a school district is

(financially) liable to the district if the student is not eligible for enrollment in the district but is enrolled on the

basis of the false information. The person is liable, for the period during which the ineligible student is enrolled,

for the greater of: (1) The maximum tuition fee the district may charge…” or (2) The amount the district has

budgeted for each student…” 25.001 (h) TEC