SECTION I
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

This section of the Sunray High School Parent and Student Handbook includes information on topics of particular interest to you as a parent.

QUICK REFERENCE:

Where to look when you need information about …

· Parental involvement page 8

· Grading guidelines page 12

· Report cards/progress reports and conferences page 13

· State-mandated assessment testing page 13

· Promotion and retention page 14

· Other standardized testing: College Requirements page 14

· Medicine at school page 14

· Steroids page 15

· Psychotropic drugs page 15

· Student records page 16

· Student or parent complaints and concerns page 17

· Release of students from school page 18

Both experience and research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school, a partnership that thrives on communication. Your involvement in this partnership may include:

· Encouraging your child to put a high priority on education and working with your child on a daily basis to make the most of the educational opportunities the school provides. Ensure that your child completes all homework assignments and special projects. Be sure your child comes to school each day prepared, rested, and ready to learn.

· Becoming familiar with all of your child’s school activities and with the academic programs, including special programs, offered in the District. Discuss with the counselor or principal any questions you may have about the options and opportunities available to your child. If your child is entering ninth grade, review the requirements of the graduation programs with your child. Monitor your child’s academic progress and contact teachers as needed. [See Academic Counseling on page 26 and Academic Programs on page 20.]

· Attending scheduled conferences and requesting additional conferences as needed. To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, counselor, or principal, please call the school office at 806-948-5515 for an appointment. A teacher will usually return your call or meet with you during his or her conference period or before or after school. [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences on page 13.]

· Becoming a school volunteer. [For further information, see policy GKG and contact Judy Stewart, Principal, 948-5515, extension 599.

· Participating in campus parent organizations. Parent organizations include: Bobcat Band Boosters, Athletic Booster Club, LPAC for ESL parents, PAC for Migrant parents, CATE Advisory Committee for career and technology parents, and GT Parent Advisory Committee for parents of GT students.

· Offering to serve as a parent representative on the District-level or campus-level planning committees assisting in the development of educational goals and plans to improve student achievement. For further information, see policies at BQA and BQB, and contact Judy Stewart, 948-5515, extension 599.

· Offering to serve on the School Health Advisory Council, assisting the District in ensuring local community values are reflected in health education instruction. [See policies BDF and EHAA and School Health Advisory Council on page 42.]

· Attending Board meetings to learn more about District operations. [See policies BE and BED for more information.] The Sunray I.S.D Board of Trustees meets the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the administration building at 400 E. 7^th in Sunray.

· Getting copies of the campus and district improvement plans with campus and district goals.

· Getting copies of monthly calendars from the school office.

· Getting on the parent-community email lists. Call Judy Stewart at 948-5515, extension 599, or email her to be added to the list. (judy.stewart@region16.net.)

Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights

Your child will not be required to participate without parental consent in any survey, analysis, or evaluation—funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education—that concerns:

· Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent.

· Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family.

· Sexual behavior or attitudes.

· Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.

· Critical appraisals of individuals with whom the student has a close family relationship.

· Relationships privileged under law, such as relationships with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.

· Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents.

· Income, except when the information is required by law and will be used to determine the student’s eligibility to participate in a special program or to receive financial assistance under such a program.

You will be able to inspect the survey or other instrument and any instructional materials used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation. [For further information, see policy EF.]

“Opting Out” of Surveys and Activities

As a parent, you also have a right to receive notice and opt your child out of participating in:

· Any survey concerning the private information listed above, regardless of funding.

· School activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from your child for the purpose of marketing or selling that information.

· Any nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered and scheduled by the school in advance and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student. Exceptions are hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under state law. See policies EF and FFAA. See the OPT-OUT FORM in the Appendix.

· Display of your child’s artwork, projects, and other special work products: As a parent, if you choose that your child’s artwork, special projects, photographs and the like not be displayed to the community on the District’s Web site, in printed material, by video, or any other method of communication, you must notify the principal in writing.

As a parent, you also have a right:

· To request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s teachers, including whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction; whether the teacher has an emergency permit or other provisional status for which state requirements have been waived; and undergraduate and graduate degree majors, graduate certifications, and the field of study of the certification or degree. You also have the right to request information about the qualifications of any paraprofessional who may provide services to your child.

· To review teaching materials, textbooks, and other teaching aids and instructional materials used in the curriculum, and to examine tests that have been administered to your child.

· To inspect a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to your child.

· To review your child’s student records when needed. These records include:

· Attendance records,

· Test scores,

· Grades,

· Disciplinary records,

· Counseling records,

· Psychological records,

· Applications for admission,

· Health and immunization information,

· Other medical records,

· Teacher and counselor evaluations,

· Reports of behavioral patterns, and

· State assessment instruments that have been administered to your child.

[See Student Records on page 16.]

· To grant or deny any written request from the District to make a videotape or voice recording of your child. State law, however, permits the school to make a videotape or voice recording without parental permission for the following circumstances:

· When it is to be used for school safety;

· When it relates to classroom instruction or a co-curricular or extracurricular activity; or

· When it relates to media coverage of the school.

· To remove your child temporarily from the classroom, if an instructional activity in which your child is scheduled to participate conflicts with your religious or moral beliefs. The removal cannot be for the purpose of avoiding a test and may not extend for an entire semester. Further, your child must satisfy grade-level and graduation requirements as determined by the school and by the Texas Education Agency.

· To request that your child be excused from participation in the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. The request must be in writing. State law does not allow your child to be excused from participation in the required moment of silence or silent activity that follows. [See Pledges of Allegiance and a Minute of Silence on page 52 and policy EC.]

· To request that your child be excused from recitation of a portion of the Declaration of Independence. State law requires students in social studies classes in grades 3-12 to recite a portion of the text of the Declaration of Independence during Celebrate Freedom Week unless (1) you provide a written statement requesting that your child be excused, (2) the District determines that your child has a conscientious objection to the recitation, or (3) you are a representative of a foreign government to whom the United States government extends diplomatic immunity. [See policy EHBK]

· To request in writing, if you are a non-custodial parent, that you be provided for the remainder of the school year a copy of any written notice usually provided to a parent related to misconduct that may involve placement in a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) or expulsion. See policies FL(LEGAL) and (LOCAL), FO(LEGAL) and the Student Code of Conduct.

· To request a transfer of your child to another classroom or campus if you child has been verified by the superintendent to have been a victim of bullying as the term is defined by Education Code 25.0341. Transportation is not provided for a transfer to another campus. See the principal for information.

· To request a transfer of your child to attend a safe public school in the District if your child attends school at a campus identified by TEA as persistently dangerous or if your child was a victim of a violent criminal offense while in school or on school grounds. See police FDD(LOCAL).

GRADING GUIDELINES

In grades 9 - 12, achievement is reported to parents at three-week progress report time and at six-week report card time. Parents are urged to contact their child’s teachers for any questions concerning grades.

Six Week Report Card Dates* Progress Report Dates*

§ September 28, 2005 September 7, 2005

§ November 9, 2005 October 18, 2005—Parent Conference Day

§ January 11, 2006 November 20, 2005

§ February 22, 2006 February 1, 2006

§ April 19, 2006 March 21, 2006—Parent Conference Day

§ June 2, 2006 May 10, 2006

*Please note: Circumstances could mean that the date might be changed. If any of these dates are changes, new dates will be posted on the monthly calendar of events.

Exemption Policy

Sunray High School students may be exempt from semester exams provided they meet academic, attendance, and citizenship guidelines each semester as follows:

1. 90-100 average and no more than 3 absences in a class or

2. 80-89 average and no more than 2 absences in a class or

3. 75-79 average and no more than 1 absence in a class or

4. 70-74 average and no absences in a class AND

5. No disciplinary referrals to the office AND

6. No more than 3 tardies in the semester AND

7. No unpaid fees or charges

Please Note: College days for seniors are counted as absesnces, but those absences do not count for exemption purposes.

Grade Conversions

At times when a student transfers in from another state or country, the academic record is recorded with letter grades. Sunray High School has a letter grade conversion chart. A copy of that chart is in the appendix of this handbook.

REPORT CARDS / PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES

Report cards with each student’s grades or performance and absences in each class or subject are issued to parents at least once every six weeks. See the dates on which report cards will be issued above.

At the end of the first three weeks of a grading period, parents will be given a written unsatisfactory progress report if their child’s performance in any course is near or below 70, or is below the expected level of performance. If the student receives a grade lower than 70 in any class or subject during a grading period, the parent is requested to schedule a conference with the teacher of that class or subject. [See Working Together on page 8 for how to schedule a conference.]

Teachers follow grading guidelines approved by the principal that have been designed to reflect each student’s academic achievement for the grading period, semester, or course. State law provides that a test or course grade issued by a teacher cannot be changed unless the Board determines that the grade was arbitrary or contains an error, or that the teacher did not follow the District’s grading policy. [See policy EIA.]

Questions about grade calculation should first be discussed with the teacher; if the question is not resolved, the student or parent may request a conference with the principal in accordance with FNG(LOCAL).

Report cards and progress reports of students who failed any class must be signed by the parent and should be returned to the school within a week that the report is issued.

Tutorials ARE required for every student whose grade is below 70. It is recommended for those who grade is between 70 and 75. The Student Campus Assistance Team (SCAT) meets every three and six weeks on students whose grade is 70 or below or on students with attendance, discipline, or assessment issues. This team will inform parents of the steps the student need to take to bring his/her grade to the passing level, to regain credit for attendance, to pass state assessments, or to resolve discipline issues.

STATE-MANDATED ASSESSMENT TESTS

Students at certain grade levels will take state assessment tests (such as TAKS) in the following subjects, as well as routine testing and other measures of achievement:

· Mathematics, annually in grades 3–7 without the aid of technology and, in grades 8–11, with the aid of technology on any assessment test that includes algebra

· Reading, annually in grades 3–9

· Writing, including spelling and grammar, in grades 4 and 7

· English language arts in grade 10 and 11

· Social studies in grades 8, 10, and 11

· Science in grades 5, 8, 10, and 11 [See note below.]

· Any other subject and grade required by federal law.

Note: The science assessment test in grade 8 will be administered beginning in the 2006–2007 school year. [See policy EKB.] See the 2005-2006 SISD Testing Schedule in the Appendix.

PROMOTION AND RETENTION

A student will be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency in the subject matter of the course or grade level. To earn credit in a course, a student must receive a grade of at least 70 based on course-level or grade-level standards.

A Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) will be prepared for any student in a middle school or beyond who did not perform satisfactorily on a state-mandated assessment test or is determined by the District as not likely to earn a high school diploma before the fifth school year following enrollment in Grade 9. The PGP will be designed and implemented by a guidance counselor, teacher, or other staff member designated by the principal. The plan will identify the student’s educational goals and include consideration of the parent’s educational expectations for the student. [For additional information, see the campus principal and policy EIF.]

Students in grade 11 must pass the secondary exit-level assessment in English language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science in order to receive a diploma. A student who does not pass the exit-level assessment will have additional opportunities to take the test. [See Graduation on page 29 for information regarding exit-level tests required by state law.]

Certain students—some with disabilities and some with limited English proficiency—may be eligible for exemptions, accommodations, or deferred testing. For more information, see the principal, counselor, or special education director.

OTHER STANDARDIZED TESTING: COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS

Most colleges require either the ACT or the SAT for admission. Students are encouraged to talk with the counselor during their junior year to determine the appropriate exam to take; entrance exams are usually taken at the end of the junior year. (Prior to enrollment in a Texas public college or university, most students must take an assessment test, such as the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) test [formerly the TASP test].)

MEDICINE AT SCHOOL

District employees will not give a student prescription medication, nonprescription medication, herbal substances, anabolic steroids, or dietary supplements, with the following exceptions:

· Authorized employees, in accordance with policy FFAC, may administer:

· Prescription medication provided by the parent, along with a written request, and in the original, properly labeled container.

· Medication from a properly labeled unit dosage container filled by a registered nurse or another qualified District employee from the original, properly labeled container.

· Nonprescription medication provided by the parent along with a written request, and in the original, properly labeled container.

· Herbal or dietary supplements provided by the parent if required by the student’s individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan for a student with disabilities.

· In certain emergency situations, the District will maintain and administer to a student nonprescription medication, but only:

· In accordance with the guidelines developed with the District’s medical advisor and

· When the parent has previously provided written consent to emergency treatment on the District’s form.

A student with asthma who has written authorization from his or her parent and physician or other licensed health-care provider may be permitted to possess and use prescribed asthma medication at school or school-related events. The student and parents should see the school nurse or principal if the student has been prescribed asthma medication for use during the school day.

In accordance with a student’s individual health plan for management of diabetes, a student with diabetes will be permitted to possess and use monitoring and treatment supplies and equipment while at school or at a school-related activity. See the campus principal for information.

STEROIDS

Parents and students should be aware that state law prohibits students from possessing, dispensing, delivering, or administering an anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroids are for medical use only and only a physician can prescribe use.

Under State law, body building, muscle enhancement, or the increase of muscle bulk or strength through the use of an anabolic steroid or human growth hormone by a healthy student is not a valid medical use and is a criminal offense.

PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS

Teachers and other District employees may discuss a student’s academic progress or behavior with the student’s parents or another employee as appropriate; however they will not recommend the use of psychotropic drugs. A District employee who is a registered nurse, an advanced nurse practitioner, a physician, or a certified or credentialed mental health professional can recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner, if appropriate.

“Psychotropic drug” means a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication and intended to have an altering effect on perception, emotion, or behavior. It is commonly described as a mood- or behavior-altering substance.

[For further information, see policies at FFAC.]

STUDENT RECORDS

Both federal and state law safeguard student records from unauthorized inspection or use and provide parents and “eligible” students certain rights. For purposes of student records, an “eligible” student is one who is 18 or older OR who is attending an institution of postsecondary education. The law specifies that certain general information about Sunray I.S.D. students is considered “directory information” and will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it.

Release of any or all directory information regarding a student may be prevented by the parent or an eligible student. This objection must be made in writing to the principal within ten school days of the child’s first day of instruction for this school year. [See the acknowledgement form attached to this handbook.]

Virtually all information pertaining to student performance, including grades, test results, and disciplinary records, is considered confidential educational records. Release is restricted to:

· The parents—whether married, separated, or divorced—unless parental rights have been legally terminated and if the school is given a copy of the court order terminating these rights. Federal law requires that, as soon as the student becomes eligible, control of the records goes to the student. However, the parents may continue to have access to the records if the student is a dependent for tax purposes.

· District staff members who have what federal law defines as a “legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records. Such persons would include school officials (such as Board members, the Superintendent, and principals), school staff members (such as teachers, counselors, and diagnosticians), or an agent of the District (such as a medical consultant).

· Various governmental agencies or in response to a subpoena or court order.

· A school to which a student transfers or in which he or she subsequently enrolls.

Release to any other person or agency—such as a prospective employer or for a scholarship application—will occur only with parental or student permission as appropriate.

The District must comply with a request by a military recruiter or an institution of higher education for students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings, unless parents have advised the District not to release their child’s information without prior written consent.

The campus principal is custodian of all records for currently enrolled students at the assigned school. The superintendent is the custodian of all records for students who have withdrawn or graduated.

Records may be inspected by a parent or eligible student during regular school hours. If circumstances effectively prevent inspection during these hours, the District will either provide a copy of the requested records, or make other arrangements for the parent or student to review the requested records. The records custodian or designee will respond to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the records. The address of the Superintendent’s office is 400 E. 7^th in Sunray or P. O. Box 240; Sunray, Texas 79086; 806-948-4411, extension 299.

Principal Contact Information: Judy Stewart, 900 Avenue Q or P.O. Box 240; Sunray, TX 79086; 806-948-5515, extension 599.

A parent (or the student if he or she is 18 or older or is attending an institution of postsecondary education) may inspect the student’s records and request a correction if the records are considered inaccurate or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. If the District refuses the request to amend the records, the requestor has the right to request a hearing. If the records are not amended as a result of the hearing, the requestor has 30 school days to exercise the right to place a statement commenting on the information in the student’s record. Although improperly recorded grades may be challenged, contesting a student’s grade in a course is handled through the general complaint process defined by policy FNG. [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences on page 13 and Student or Parent Complaints and Concerns on page 17 for an overview of the process.]

Copies of student records are available at a cost of ten cents per page, payable in advance. If the student qualifies for free or reduced-price lunches and the parents are unable to view the records during regular school hours, one copy of the record will be provided at no charge upon written request of the parent.

Please note:

Parents or eligible students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe the District is not in compliance with federal law regarding student records. The District’s policy regarding student records is available from the principal’s or Superintendent’s office.

The parent’s or eligible student’s right of access to and copies of student records does not extend to all records. Materials that are not considered educational records—such as teachers’ personal notes about a student that are shared only with a substitute teacher—do not have to be made available to the parents or student.

STUDENT OR PARENT COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS

Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed simply—by a phone call or a conference with the teacher. For those complaints and concerns that cannot be handled so easily, the District has adopted a standard complaint policy at FNG(LOCAL) in the District’s policy manual. A copy of this policy may be obtained in the principal’s, the Superintendent’s office, or on the district website. (http://region16.net//sunrayisd)

In general, the student or parent should first discuss the complaint with the campus principal. If unresolved, a written complaint and a request for a conference should be sent to the Superintendent. If still unresolved, the District provides for the complaint to be presented to the Board of Trustees.

RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL

Because class time is important, doctor’s appointments should be scheduled, if possible, at times when the student will not miss instructional time.

A student will not be released from school at times other than at the end of the school day except with permission from the principal or designee and according to the campus sign-out procedures. Unless the principal has granted approval because of extenuating circumstances, a student will not regularly be released before the end of the instructional day.

A student who will need to leave school during the day must bring a note from his or her parent that morning. A student who becomes ill during the school day should, with the teacher’s permission, report to the school secretary or principal. These school personnel will decide whether or not the student should be sent home and will notify the student’s parent.

Late Arrival to School or to Class (Tardies)

A student who is tardy to class will be assigned to detention hall according to the SHS tardy policy. Repeated instances of tardiness will result in more severe disciplinary action and possible loss of credit in the class where the tardies occurred. [See Attendance for Credit on page 37.]

Tardies will be turned in to the office at the end of each day. Tardies will be recorded for each student in the office. Students are allowed only 4 tardies per semester for all classes, according to the exemption policy. The office will tabulate the tardies and do the discipline referrals. Students will be assigned detention from 4:00 – 4:30 on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Failure to attend detentions will result in further disciplinary action.

Withdrawing from School

A student under 18 may be withdrawn from school only by a parent. The school requests notice from the parent at least three days in advance so that records and documents may be prepared. A withdrawal form may be obtained by the parent from the principal’s office.

On the student’s last day, the withdrawal form must be presented to each teacher for current grade averages and book clearance; to the librarian to ensure a clear library record; to the secretary for health records; to the counselor for the last report card and course clearance; and finally, to the principal. A copy of the withdrawal form will be given to the student and a copy placed in the student’s permanent record.

A student who is 18 or older, who is married, or who has been declared by a court to be an emancipated minor, may withdraw without parental signature.

SCHOOL EVENTS/DATES/INFORMATION

Monthly Calendar of Events

To keep parents and students informed of school events and activities, the high school office publishes a yearly calendar and a monthly calendar of events (a paper copy and a copy on www.sunrayonline.com). The campus principals also send out monthly and weekly events to parent and community members via email. See below.

Handbooks, Progressive Discipline Guides, Student Code of Conduct, and Other School Documents

To conserve school resources, this year the district will place lengthy district and campus documents on our school website (http//region16.net//sunrayisd). When packets come home to parents at the beginning of school, parents will have a sign off sheet stating that they will view the documents on the school website, or they can request that a copy of the documents be sent home.

School Email Communication

The principal has a parent and community email list which is used to communicate events and activities and to recognize student achievements. To get your email address on this list, please send an email to Judy Stewart (judy.stewart@region16.net). Each teacher at the high school also has a school email address. Teachers check their emails several times each day. If you would like to contact a teacher by email, please email the principal and she will get your email address to your child’s teachers. A list of school email address will be enclosed in the beginning of year packets that are sent home to parents.

SECTION II
CURRICULUM-RELATED INFORMATION

This section of the handbook contains pertinent requirements for academics and activities. Much of this information will also be of interest to your parents and should be reviewed with them—especially if you are entering 9th grade or are a transfer student. The section includes information on graduation programs and requirements; options for earning course credit; extracurricular activities and other school-related organizations; and awards, honors, and scholarships.

QUICK REFERENCE:

Where to look when you need help with…

· Academic Programs page 21

· Awards and honors page 21

· Class rank/top ten percent/highest-ranking student page 24

· State scholarships and grants page 25

· Class schedules page 25

· Computer resources page 26

· Correspondence courses page 26

· Counseling: academic page 26

· Counseling: personal page 26

· Credit by exam page 27

· Dual credit courses/college courses page 27

· Career and technology programs page 28

· Extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations page 28

· Grade classification page 29

· Graduation page 29

· Homework page 33

· Nontraditional academic programs page 32

· Instructional television page 33

· Special programs page 33

· Summer school page 33

· Textbooks page 34

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

The school counselor provides students and their parents information regarding academic programs to prepare for higher education and career choices

AWARDS AND HONORS

[See Academic Counseling on page 26.]

Honor Rolls

Superintendent’s Honor Roll: Any student who has a 90 or above average and no six week’s grade lower than 90 at the end of each grading period.
Principal’s Honor Roll: Any student who has a 90 or above average and no six week’s grade lower than an 80 at the end of each grading period.

Awards

High Honors: Any student who has a current-year average of 90 or above and no six weeks grade lower than an 80 at the end of the 5^th six week’s grading period.
Academic Excellence: Any student who has a current-year 90 or above and no six weeks grade lower than 90 at the end of the 5^th six week’s grading period.
UIL: All students who participate in invitational, district, regional, or state Academic meets or in OPSU Vocational Meet are eligible for recognition if they place in one of the top six places.
Academic Letter Jackets: During a four-year period a student must earn a total of 10 academic points. Academic points may be earned in the following manner:
1. 1 point: Maintaining a 90 average for a semester of work
2. 1 point: Participation in UIL Academic contests at the district level
3. 2 points: Qualifying for regional competition in a UIL Academic contest
4. 2 points: Qualifying for state competition in a UIL Academic contest
Band Letter Jackets: A student must fulfill the requirements as outlined in the SHS Band Handbook
Athletic Letter Jackets: A student must fulfill the requirements as outlined in the SHS Athletic Handbook.
Honor Graduates: A student must maintain a 3.0 GPA or above for all eight semesters of work. Valedictorian denotes the highest-ranking senior; Salutatorian denotes the second highest ranking senior.

Annually an Academic Awards Banquet is sponsored by Sunray High School. This banquet will recognize those students who achieved excellence in academic areas. The Valedictorian and Salutatorian announcements are made during this banquet.

Selection of Favorites/Personality Awards

Each year the student body selects student leaders to receive Personality Awards and each class selects Class Favorites. These are students who have set an example for the other students at Sunray High School, who are passing all subjects, who passed all subjects the previous grading period (semester and/or six weeks), and are willing to take responsibility for the position to which they have been elected. The following are selected when the individual receives the most popular vote of their respective classes or of the student body:

· Homecoming Queen

· Most Beautiful and Most Handsome

· Mr. and Miss Personality

· Class Favorites

· Mr. and Miss Sunray High School

The most prestigious honor awarded to students by the student body is that of Mr. and Miss Sunray High School. Three senior students will be nominated by the student body for these two awards based on academic achievement, extracurricular participation, and service/leadership in the school and in the community. The award will be given to one senior boy and one senior girl based on the popular vote of the student body. The top nominees and winners will be recognized at a Personality Awards Assembly conducted by the Yearbook Staff and the SHS student Council. Homecoming Queen and court will be recognized at half time of the homecoming football game.

Yearbook Awards are a special category of Personality Awards. Each year the yearbook staff holds an election for the Koobraey Awards. These awards are given to recipients based on the popular vote of the student body. These honors will be announced at the Personality Awards Assembly and will be recognized in the yearbook.

National Honor Society

Membership into the National Honor Society is one of the highest honors the faculty can bestow on a student. Membership into this chapter is based on scholarship, leadership, character, citizenship, and service. Membership is limited to junior and senior students. In addition, a student must have attended Sunray High School for the equivalent of one full year in order to be eligible for consideration for membership.

The qualities considered for nomination for this honor are the following:

Scholarship: The student with scholarship must have maintained a 90 GPA or better for the two years prior to being nominated. Following election, the student must maintain a 90 or better average. This will be determined by the same method in selection of honor graduates in ranking students.

Leadership: The student who exercises leadership….

Is resourceful in proposing new problems, applying principles and making suggestions
Demonstrates initiative in promoting school activities
Exercises influence on peers in upholding school ideals
Contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school
Is able to delegate responsibilities
Exemplifies positive attitudes
Inspires positive behaviors in others
Demonstrates academic initiative
Successfully holds school offices or positions of responsibility, conducting business effectively, and without prodding, demonstrates reliability and dependability
Is a forerunner in the classroom, at work, and in school or community activities
Is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility accepted

Character and Citizenship: The student of character….

Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously

Consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior—cheerfulness, friendliness
poise and stability
Upholds principals of morality and ethics
Cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property, programs, office, and halls
Shows courtesy, concern and respect for others
Observes instructions and rules, punctuality, and faithfulness both inside and outside the classroom
Has powers of concentration and sustained attention as shown by perseverance and application to studies
Manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoiding cheating in written work, and showing unwillingness to profit by the mistakes of others
Actively helps rid the school of bad influences or environment

Service: The student who serves….

Is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal attitude
Participates in some outside service activity
Volunteers dependable and well-organized assistance, is gladly available, and is willing
to sacrifice to offer assistance
Works well with others and is willing to take on difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities
Cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service to the school
Is willing to represent the class or school in inter-scholastic competition
Does committee and staff work without complaining
Is a model for loyalty to the school

For more information about the National Honor Society, please request a copy of the NHS Constitution from the high school office.

CLASS RANK / TOP TEN PERCENT / HIGHEST-RANKING STUDENT

Honor students are designated following completion of the fifth six weeks of the senior year. Students who maintained a 3.0 GPA or above for four academic years will be designated as honor graduates. The top student will be named as Valedictorian and the second ranked student will be named as Salutatorian. A student must have attended Sunray High School through their junior and senior years and graduate under either the Recommended or Distinguished Achievement plan to quality for Valedictorian or Salutatorian.

For two school years following their graduation, District graduates who ranked in the top ten percent of their graduating class are eligible for admission into four-year public universities and colleges in Texas. Students and parents should contact the counselor for further information about how to apply and the deadline for application.

[For further information, see policies at EIC.]

Core Course Ranking

This core course ranking began for all students beginning in 2001-2002. The following provides

information regarding the weighting of courses for class ranking.

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Any class in which English I – V English Pre-AP

there is significant ESL I – II English AP

curriculum-based Algebra I – II Dual Enrollment Courses

modifications. Geometry Pre-Calculus

Math Models Calculus

Biology Calculus AP

Chemistry

Physics

GMO Spanish III

Envir. Systems Independent Study in Math

Astronomy

Anatomy & Phys.

World History

World Geography

U.S. History

Government

Economics

Spanish I – II

See the Grade Point Chart at the end of this handbook which provides the grade weights used to determine class rank.

STATE SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS

Under the Texas Early High School Graduation Scholarship Program, students who complete the Recommended or Advanced (Distinguished Achievement) High School Program may earn financial credits in varying amounts to apply toward college tuition. The amounts depend on the number of consecutive months in which the student completed graduation requirements and the number of early college credits earned and may be used at public or private Texas higher education institutions within the state. The counselor can provide additional information about meeting the program’s eligibility requirements.

Students who have a financial need according to federal criteria and who complete the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program may be eligible under the TEXAS Grant Program for tuition and fees to Texas public universities, community colleges, and technical schools, as well as to private institutions. [For further information, see the counselor and policy EJ.]

CLASS SCHEDULES

Class schedules are made during the summer and will be distributed to students before the beginning of school at the school office. Students will have an opportunity to change their schedules for the first semester during the first two weeks of school. At the end of the second full week of school, schedules will not be changed. Students will have an opportunity to change their schedules for the second semester during the last week of the first semester and the first week of the second semester. After the first week of the second semester, schedules will not be changed for the second semester. The development of schedules and schedules are the responsibility of the counselor and the principal.

COMPUTER RESOURCES

To prepare students for an increasingly computerized society, the District has made a substantial investment in computer technology for instructional purposes. Use of these resources is restricted to students working under a teacher’s supervision and for approved purposes only. Students and their parents will be asked to sign a user agreement (separate from this handbook) regarding use of these resources; violations of this agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.

Students and their parents should be aware that electronic communications—e-mail—using District computers are not private and may be monitored by District staff.

[For additional information, see policy CQ.]

CORRESPONDENCE COURSES

The District permits high school students to take correspondence courses—courses by mail—for credit toward high school graduation. Students in Grades 11 and 12 may earn credits toward high school graduation by these means. These credits may be applied toward graduation and must be earned from approved accredited correspondence schools. These schools may include but are not limited to Texas Tech, Texas A&M, and West Texas A&M.

Application for correspondence courses must be made through the counselor’s office with approval from the principal. Sunray I.S.D. personnel will monitor the exams. Credit for correspondence courses must be received in writing from the university three weeks prior to expected graduation date if the course is to be counted towards graduation

[For further information, see policy EEJC.]

COUNSELING

Academic Counseling

Students and their parents are encouraged to talk with a school counselor, teacher, or principal to learn about course offerings, the graduation requirements of various programs, and early graduation procedures. Each spring, students in grades 8 through 11 will be provided information on anticipated course offerings for the next year and other information that will help to make the most of academic and vocational opportunities.

To plan for the future, including attendance at a college, university, or training school, or pursuit of some other type of advanced education, students should work closely with the counselor in order to take the high school courses that best prepare them. The counselor can also provide information about entrance exams and deadlines for application, as well as information about automatic admission to state colleges and universities, financial aid, housing, and scholarships.

Personal Counseling

The school counselor is available to assist students with a wide range of personal concerns, including such areas as social, family, or emotional issues, or substance abuse. The counselor may also make available information about community resources to address these concerns. A student who wishes to meet with the counselor should stop by his office to make an appointment.

Please note: 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.

If you want to refuse counseling services, contact the high school counselor for a refusal form. [For more information, refer to policy FFE and FFG(EXHIBIT).]

CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Taken the Course

A student who has received prior instruction in a course or subject—but did not receive credit for it—may, in circumstances determined by the teacher, counselor, attendance committee (SCAT), or principal, be permitted to earn credit by passing an exam on the essential knowledge and skills defined for the course or subject. To receive credit, a student must score at least 70 on the exam. In other instances, the District administration will determine whether any opportunity for credit by exam will be offered.

The attendance review committee may offer a student with excessive absences an opportunity to earn credit for a course by passing an exam. A student may not use this exam, however, to regain eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities. [For further information, see the counselor and policy EEJA.]

CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Not Taken the Course

A student will be permitted to take an exam to earn credit for an academic course for which the student has no prior instruction. The dates on which exams are scheduled during the 2004–2005 school year include:

Dates Scheduled

September 9, 2005 March 3, 2006

November 11, 2005 June 2, 2006

January 13, 2006 July 7, 2006

The passing score required to earn credit on an exam is 90.

If a student plans to take an exam, the student (or parent) must register with the principal no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled testing date. The District will honor if possible a request by a parent to administer a test on a date other than the published dates. The parent will be responsible for paying an appropriate fee to the district or for purchasing the test from a university approved by the State Board of Education. [For further information, see EEJB.]

DUAL CREDIT COURSES / COLLEGE COURSES

Dual credit courses are currently offered on campus during the school day through Amarillo College. Under an agreement with this institution, students enrolled in dual credit courses are eligible for college credit if they successfully complete all requirements and pay the tuition and fees. Summer offerings and offerings outside the school from accredited institutions are eligible for consideration in the dual credit agreement.

CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS

The District offers career and technology programs in Vocational Home Economics, Vocational Agriculture, and Business Education. Admission to these programs is based on credits accrued by the students and the successful completion of any required pre-requisite courses.

Sunray I.S.D. will take steps to ensure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS

Participation in school and school-related activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships with other students; participation, however, is a privilege, not a right.

Eligibility for participation in many of these activities is governed by state law as well as rules of the University Interscholastic League (UIL)—a statewide association overseeing interdistrict competition. School extracurricular organizations such as FFA and FCCLA and the community organization 4H are also governed by the UIL guidelines at Sunray High School.

The following requirements apply to all extracurricular activities:

· A student who receives at the end of a grading period a grade below 70 in any academic class, other than a class identified as honors or advanced by either the State Board of Education or by the local Board of Trustees, may not participate in extracurricular activities for at least three school weeks.

· A student with disabilities who fails to meet the standards in the individualized education program (IEP) may not participate for at least three school weeks.

· An ineligible student may practice or rehearse.

· A student is allowed in a school year up to ten absences not related to post-