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Austin High School '06 - '07 Student Handbook

EXPECTATION GRADUATION

STEPHEN F. AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL
HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2006- 2007

AUSTIN’S MISSION IS TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH AN ACADEMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY PREPARATORY PROGRAM AND WITH A SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT SYSTEM WITHIN SMALLER LEARNING COMMUNITY ACADEMIES.

STEPHEN F. AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL
1700 DUMBLE
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77023
(713) 924-1600
SCHOOL YEAR, 2006- 2007

LINDA LLORENTE, M.Ed.
PRINCIPAL

EVA M. SILVAS, M.Ed.
ASSOCIATE VICE PRINCIPAL

LAURA ALANIZ, M.Ed.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

TIM MEALEY, M.Ed.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

ARTHUR PETTERWAY, M.Ed.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

Stephen F. Austin High School’s administration has an open- door policy that encourages students to voice their comments and opinions concerning methods to improve Austin’s academic and social environment. You may voice your concerns through your student representatives on the Shared Decision Making Committee (SDMC), Student Council members, the Principal’s Advisory Council (Senior, Junior, Sophomore, and Freshman Class Officers), or you may place your comments in the suggestion box in the main office. You may also make an appointment to speak with the administration or your counselor.

The faculty, staff, and administration are committed to high student achievement and academic excellence. There are many wonderful opportunities available at Austin, so take advantage of them. It is up to you!

This handbook serves as a guide for keeping students and parents informed regarding the policies and procedures of Austin High School. In those matters not specifically detailed in this document, administrative discretion will determine policy.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Austin High School - (713) 924- 1600
Attendance Office, Ms. Nunez - (713) 924-1613, 1614
School Clinic- Nurse Reyes - (713) 924-1612
Registrar’s Office- Mrs. Guerra- (713) 924-1607
Communities In Schools (CIS) –Mrs. Meneces- (713) 926-2641
Guidance Counselors- Ms.Booker, Head Counselor- (713) 924-1634; Ms. Montes- 1630; Ms. Mayes- 1636
Special Education Office- Mr. Asoy-(713) 924-1640
Library-Ms. Laster, (713) 924-1618
Police Office- Officer Gehret- (713) 924-1689
Substance Abuse Monitor, Mr. Chapel- (713) 924-1637
Silvas, Eva, Associate Principal- (713) 924-1661
Alaniz, Laura, Assistant Principal- (713) 924-1652
Petterway, Arthur, Assistant Principal- (713) 924-1622
Mealey, Tim, Assistant Principal- (713) 924-1340
Shaw, Betty, School Improvement Facilitator- (713) 924-1664
Parker, Terry, Title Coordinator- (713) 924-1635

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Student: Welcome to Austin High School. This handbook was developed to make your enrollment at Austin easier. It should answer many of the questions you may have about the school and how it operates. If you do not find the answer to a question, ask someone—your teachers, your counselor, an administrator, or any other staff member. We are committed to excellence and your success. We will provide you with that opportunity---join us!

Best wishes for a successful year at Stephen F. Austin High School!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Linda Llorente,
Master of Science, Educational Administration
713- 924-1600

AUSTIN SCHOOL MISSION

To provide students with an academic and technological university preparatory program and with a social and emotional support system within Smaller Learning Community Academies.

AUSTIN OVERVIEW

Austin High School is a sixty- nine year- old school which is located southeast of downtown Houston. Austin has a student population of approximately 1850 students. The student body is over 97% Latino- American, 2% African- American, and less than 1% each of Anglo- American and Asian- American. Austin was designated as an Academically Acceptable School by Texas Education Agency in 2006.

For school year 2005- 2006, we believe that our students did well on the rigorous state- required TAKS Tests, which consist of Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies subtests. We will receive scores in late May 2006, at which time we will distribute to our students’ parents.

Austin’s instructional program focuses on the needs of all students. Austin’s administrators, teachers, and counselors have made the TAKS scores the school’s priority by providing school- wide instructional and curricular strategies to ensure that all students’ academic needs are being addressed in preparation for university work. For 2006- 2007 school year, our academic goal for all TAKS sections is 80- 90% passing rate for all students within each grade level. Our attendance goal for all students is 94%, and our Stanford Reading Test goal is 60% for all grade levels in all academic areas.

Austin is on an accelerated A/B Block Schedule. Students may take six- eight classes per nine weeks. Our counselors schedule our students on the Texas Scholars High School Graduation Plan. The Texas Scholars Graduation Plan prepares our students for university work as well as for TAKS Test mastery.

Austin High School for Teaching Professions is our Magnet School Program, which serves approximately 210 students. Our magnet students are provided with a four- year sequential specialized curriculum designed to attract them to the teaching profession. The program provides enhanced academic preparation for college and has a variety of field components such as exploration, commitment, lesson teaching, and internship. Austin was selected as one of ten schools in the U.S. to implement the pilot program, S.A.Y. (Science and Youth). Students are trained in S.E.R.I.E.S., a science curriculum that they teach to the elementary students during their internships. Students and/ or parents may call Ms. Koch, Magnet Coordinator, if interested in enrolling in the Magnet Program (713-924-1608).

Austin has the following ten departments and their respective Administrators: Math (Mr. Petterway), Language Arts (Ms. Silvas), Science (Mr. Mealey), Social Studies (Ms. Alaniz), Career and Technology (Mr. Jones), Fine Arts (Mr. Runnels), ROTC (Major Jones), Foreign Languages, and Physical Education (Mr. Gareri), and Special Education ( Mr. Asoy).

Austin’s Special Education Program serves approximately 277 students. Our Inclusion Program ensures that all special education students are served by a special education teacher as well as a regular education teacher. It is a team- teaching program. The Inclusion Program enhances our Discipline Management Plan and ensures that our special education students are served by two effective teachers in each inclusion class.

Our Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Program serves approximately 400 students who are in English- as- a- Second Language and Transitional English classes. The Beginners and Intermediate ESL students are scheduled into English and Language Development classes to assist them in acquiring the English language. We also have a Reading Program, Read 180, for our ESL students.

Austin’s Career and Technology Department offers four programs: Business Education, Technology Education, Home Economics Education, and Agriculture Education.

Austin has an accelerated program of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Our AP courses are AP Geometry, AP Biology, AP Algebra I, AP Algebra II, AP United States History, AP World History, AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP English I, II, III, and IV, AP Environmental Science, AP Chemistry, AP Integrated Science and Physics, AP World Geography, and AP Government. Our AP teachers receive the required Gifted and Talented Training and Advanced Placement Training. They teach Advanced Placement and Gifted and Talented curricula to our AP students. A student who is interested in enrolling in the AP Program needs to see his/ her counselor or principal or Ms. Koch, AP Coordinator, in A201.

Austin also offers Dual Credit Courses in conjunction with Houston Community College. Students earn high school credit as well as HCC credit for each course in which the student meets requirements as reflected by a grade of 70 or above. We offer Business Computers Information Systems, Drafting, English IV, and Advanced Business Computer Information Systems Dual Credit courses.

The College Connection Program is provided in partnership with Houston Community College. The College Connection classes are taught at Austin High School by Houston Community College instructors. Seniors learn college survival skills, college study skills, financial aid information, scholarship information, and development of educational and career goals.

Austin offers TAKS Preparatory classes for students who are determined by counselors and principals to be in need of extra emphasis on TAKS objectives. TAKS Preparatory classes help our students strengthen their reading, writing, math, social studies, and science skills.

Austin has a major social service entity on campus. Communities in Schools (CIS) is in A121. CIS provides counseling and other assistance for students and their families such as referrals to Social Workers, outside clinics, UH Optometry services, etc.

Austin graduated 367 seniors for school year 2005- 2006. Our seniors were awarded approximately $900,000.00 in scholarships. We expect our juniors and seniors to apply for scholarships early during their junior and senior years. Our goal for 2006- 2007 is $1,000,000.00 in scholarships. Students need to see their counselors for information regarding scholarships. Also, counselors meet with students and parents during the school year to distribute information on scholarship sources. Students should also use Austin computers to get on-line for information on scholarships and university Financial Aid.

DRESS CODE- STANDARDIZED DRESS

1. ALL STUDENTS MUST WEAR STANDARDIZED DRESS ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL AND ON EVERY DAY OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. (THIS INCLUDES FIELD TRIPS).

SOLID COLORS ONLY:

2. Students must wear either white or green shirts. Shirts must have collars and sleeves. Shirts must be polo or buttoned- down style and tucked- in.

3. Pants must be khaki (cotton twill) of dickie or docker style and must be light or dark brown. Students must wear black or brown belts. NO DENIM JEANS OF ANY COLOR ARE PERMITTED. NO BAGGY PANTS ARE PERMITTED. Cargo pants with pockets, capri pants, and ankle pants are permitted. (“Overalls” pants- brown khaki with collared and sleeved shirts are permitted.)

4. Female students are permitted to wear skirts or dresses no more than 3 inches from the top of the knee. Skirts and dresses must be brown khaki. Dresses must have sleeves and collars, and blouses worn with skirts must have sleeves and collars.

5. Students may wear brown khaki shorts; dickie or docker style, and no more than 3 inches from the top of the knee. (“Overalls” shorts- brown khakis- with collared and sleeved shirts are permitted.)

6. Students may wear white, green, or brown undershirts. Polo or buttoned- down shirts must be worn over the undershirts and both must be tucked- in.

7. Students must wear white tennis shoes with white laces or black tennis shoes with black laces or black or brown dress shoes or boots.

8. Students must wear white, green or brown socks.

9. On cold days, students may wear white, green, brown, or black sweaters, jackets, or coats. NO TRENCH COATS ARE PERMITTED. Austin logo jackets are encouraged.

10. Seniors may wear Senior T-shirts any day of the week. Only seniors may purchase Senior T- shirts. Under classmen found in Senior T- shirts will face disciplinary action.

11. All students may wear Austin T-shirts or University T- shirts on Fridays to boost school spirit and to encourage interest in university enrollment and graduation.

12. Athletes may wear their team sport attire on game days to boost school spirit. Athletes must be on Team Lists submitted to all teachers and staff.

13. Students may not wear hoods, hats, baseball caps, or any other head attire while on Austin High School property. Students will not be permitted to wear jackets, shirts, sweaters, or coats with hoods. Students found wearing these items on school property will face disciplinary action, and items will be confiscated.

14. NO LOCKERS ARE ISSUED DUE TO SECURITY
REASONS. STUDENTS MUST USE CLEAR OR
MESHED BACKPACKS.

15. NO CAPS, FACIAL JEWELRY, CHAINS,
SPIKED BELTS ARE PERMITTED. STUDENTS
ARE SUBJECT TO DRESS CODE
INSPECTIONS AT ANY TIME OF THE
SCHOOL DAY. REPEAT OFFENDERS OF
OUR DRESS CODE WILL BE REFERRED TO
ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS AND WITHDRAWN
FROM AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL.

DEPARTMENTS

DEPARTMENT, CONTENT MANAGER, ADMINISTRATOR

LANGUAGE ARTS (ENGLISH, READING, ESL): MR.CLINGON, B108 | MS. SILVAS, A223
MATH: MS. CASUPANG, C202 | MR. PETTERWAY, D118
SOC. STUDIES: MR. BANFIELD, A332 | MS. ALANIZ, A141
SCIENCE: MR. JOHNSON, C107 | MR. MEALEY, A143B
SPECIAL EDUCATION: MR. ASOY, A146
FINE ARTS/PE: MR. GARERI, FIELD HOUSE
ROTC: MAJOR JAMES JONES, R107
CAREER/ TECH.: MR. RODNEY JONES, A310

ATTENDANCE/ ABSENCE POLICY/ ASTERISK REMOVAL

Attendance is a very important part of high school education. Austin is on an accelerated schedule, which means that during each nine weeks, a student takes six- eight classes. THREE (3) OR MORE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES IN A NINE- WEEK CLASS WILL RESULT IN LOSS OF CREDIT. AN ASTERISK WILL BE ATTACHED TO THE GRADE EARNED FOR A CLASS IN WHICH A STUDENT HAS THREE OR MORE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES. THE STUDENT WILL HAVE TO MAKE-UP ALL UNEXCUSED ABSENCES IN DETENTION. DETENTION IS HELD ON SATURDAYS. HOWEVER, IF THE STUDENT HAS SIX OR MORE (6) UNEXCUSED ABSENCES, HE/ SHE WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO DO DETENTIONS FOR CREDIT RECOVERY. SO, GO TO ALL CLASSES EVERY DAY! REMEMBER THAT YOU NEED 24 CREDITS (IN ADDITION TO PASSING ALL TAKS TESTS) TO GRADUATE. DEADLINES FOR ASTERISK REMOVAL WILL BE PRINTED ON EACH NINE WEEKS’ REPORT CARD.

STUDENTS WHO EARN A GRADE OF 90 OR ABOVE WITH 3 DAYS OR FEWER OF EXCUSED ABSENCES AND AN “E” OR “S” IN CONDUCT IN ANY CLASSES WILL BE EXEMPT FROM FINAL EXAMS AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER. IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP- UP WITH HIS/ HER ABSENCES.

PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW AFTER AN ABSENCE

1. Upon returning to school after an absence, the student is to
provide the Attendance Office (A208) with a written note which should include:
a. the current date
b. the date(s) of the absence(s)
c. the reason(s) for the absence(s)
d. parent’s/ guardian’s signature
e. a working daytime phone number for verification
THE STUDENT IS TO TAKE THIS NOTE TO A208 BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS. THE STUDENT HAS THREE (3) DAYS TO DO SO AFTER AN ABSENCE IN ORDER TO BE EXCUSED BY THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE. THE STUDENT’S STATUS WILL BE POSTED ON THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE COMPUTER SCREEN FOR TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS TO VIEW.
EXCEPTION: A note issued by the Attendance Office, a school nurse, or a principal may be used in lieu of a parent’s note. Unless extenuating circumstances exist, as determined by a principal, a student is not to write his/ her own note.

2. The Attendance Specialist will determine if the absence(s) is excused, which she will post on the Attendance Screen (ATPCRT screen) for teachers and principals. The only acceptable reasons for which an absence may be excused are:
a. personal illness
b. sickness or death in the family
c. quarantine
d. hazardous weather and/ or dangerous road conditions, as determined by HISD
e. participation in school activities with appropriate approval
f. medical/ dental/ court appointments

3. If a student does not bring an appropriate note for an absence, his teachers will document the absence(s) as UNEXCUSED. Note: Three (3) or more unexcused absences will result in loss of credit. Students will receive an asterisk next to their course grade which indicates the loss of credit. Students may make- up unexcused absences of five (5) or less. If a student has six (6) or more unexcused absences, he may not attempt credit recovery.

4. The student’s teacher is responsible for calling the
parent/guardian on the first (and subsequent)
unexcused absence(s).

5. If a student does receive an asterisk on any of his report cards, he must do two (2) hours of detention for each unexcused absence in Detention/ Study Hall in order to receive credit for the class(es). Detention/ Study Hall is held on Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

6. If a student is returning from a suspension, he must report to his Assistant Principal immediately after the first bell rings. School suspensions are excused.

7. Students assigned to In- school Suspensions (DRC) are documented as present by his/ her teachers.

8. Students participating in co- curricular activities/ field trips are marked present. Teacher Sponsors must provide a list of participating students to the Attendance Office as well as globally emailing lists to all teachers and staff.

WEEKLY STUDENT ATTENDANCE LISTS
ANTI- DROPOUT COMMITTEE MEETINGS

On Thursdays, Academy Principals, Deputy Constable Meekins, and Attendance Specialists, Mr. Soria and Mrs. Acosta, meet as the Austin Anti- Dropout Committee. The following is on the agenda for this committee:

• Review of Weekly Student Attendance Lists to check students’ attendance.
• Academy Principals’ recommendations to the Constable of those students who should receive court tickets for repeated failure to attend all classes. Parents are also ticketed. (Attendance Laws require this.)
• Academy Principals determine which students should be on Attendance Contracts.
• Academy Principals determine those students who should be referred to CEP Alternative School.
• Verification of Enrollment (VOE) Forms are either recommended or denied by Academy Principals for students applying for a Texas Driver’s License. (See example of VOE Form on pages 28- 29.)

GRADUATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

COURSE CREDITS REQUIRED

AUSTIN TEXAS SCHOLARS GRADUATION PROGRAM
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 4
MATHEMATICS 3
SOCIAL STUDIES 4
SCIENCE 3
HEALTH/ PE 2
LANGUAGE OTHER
THAN ENGLISH 2
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS 1
SPEECH ½
FINE ARTS 1
ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS 3.5
TOTAL 24

DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT GRADUATION PROGRAM
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 4
MATHEMATICS 3
SOCIAL STUDIES 4
SCIENCE 3
HEALTH/ PE 2
LANGUAGE OTHER
THAN ENGLISH 3
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS 1
SPEECH ½
FINE ARTS 1
ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS 2.5
TOTAL 24

TARDY POLICY

(INCLUDES BOTH EXCUSED AND UNEXCUSED TARDIES)

TEACHERS WILL MARK STUDENTS TARDY ON THEIR SCANTRON ATTENDANCE SHEETS.

FIRST TARDY- WARNING BY TEACHER; TEACHER DOCUMENTS IN ATTENDANCE BOOK.

SECOND TARDY- ONE HOUR DETENTION; TEACHER DOCUMENTS IN ATTENDANCE BOOK AND NOTIFIES STUDENT’S ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL.

THIRD TARDY- TWO HOURS DETENTION; TEACHER DOCUMENTS IN ATTENDANCE BOOK AND NOTIFIES PARENT VIA PHONE CALL AND ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL VIA EMAIL.

FOURTH TARDY- TEACHER SENDS STUDENT TO ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR SUSPENSION EITHER IN DRC (IN- SCHOOL SUSPENSION) OR AT HOME. ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL NOTIFIES PARENT/ GUARDIAN VIA PHONE.

FAILURE TO ATTEND ANY DETENTION RESULTS IN SUSPENSION (IN- SHOOL OR AT HOME).

FIELD TRIPS

1. No student may participate in a field trip without the following:
a. teacher approval signatures and grade verification
b. signed parent/ guardian permission form
2. Students unable to participate or unwilling to miss other Classes may not be punished with a failing grade or conduct cut.
Exception: students enrolled in classes that require participation in a performance or related activity (teacher permission required).
3. Students are allowed five days in the Fall and five days in the Spring for field trips. (exceptions: students in state or regional contests, students’ meetings with counselors or non classroom personnel).

PARKING FOR STUDENTS

All students must park in the Student Lockwood Parking Area. It is located directly behind the cafeteria on Lockwood Street. Austin does employ a Parking Lot Police Officer, Officer Cortez, and we use security cameras in the area and throughout the school.

• STUDENTS MUST PLACE PARKING PERMITS ON REAR VIEW MIRRORS.
• CARS WITH NO PARKING PERMITS WILL BE TOWED.
• PARKING IS ON FIRST- COME- FIRST- SERVE BASIS.
• NO RECKLESS DRIVING IN PARKING LOT WILL BE PERMITTED.
• NO FIGHTING PERMITTED OVER PARKING SPACES. STUDENT FIGHTERS WILL LOSE PARKING PRIVILEGES AND FACE SUSPENSION.
• STUDENTS WITH OFF CAMPUS PASSES MAY LEAVE AT ASSIGNED TIMES ONLY. (NO EARLY DEPARTURES WITHOUT A PRINCIPAL’S NOTE)
• NO BLOCKING OF CARS WILL BE PERMITTED.
• ANY INCIDENTS IN PARKING LOT MUST BE REPORTED TO OFFICER CORTEZ.
• STUDENTS MAY NOT PARK IN TEACHERS’ OR ADMINISTRATORS’ PARKING SPACES. STUDENTS WHO VIOLATE THIS POLICY WILL HAVE THEIR CARS TOWED AND/ OR TICKETED BY AUSTIN’S POLICE OFFICERS.
• STUDENTS MUST PAY A PARKING-PERMIT OF $30.00 ($15.00 PER SEMESTER) IN ORDER TO PARK IN AUSTIN’S STUDENT PARKING LOT. THIS WILL BE REQUIRED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FALL SEMESTER. SEE MRS. MACIAS IN A223 TO PURCHASE PARKING PERMITS.

CAFETERIA CONDUCT

All students are expected to follow all school disciplinary policies as outlined in the HISD Student Code of Conduct.

ANY STUDENTS FOUND TO BE DISRUPTIVE IN THE CAFETERIA OR PATIO AREAS DURING LUNCHES WILL BE SUSPENDED AND REFERRED TO AN ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL (EX.: CEP, CLC, ETC.).

IF STUDENTS START FOOD FIGHTS DURING LUNCHES OR BREAKFASTS, ALL COKE MACHINES AND JUICE SERVICES WILL BE CUT OFF. THOSE STUDENTS RECORDED BY SECURITY CAMERAS AS HAVING PARTICIPATED IN FOOD FIGHTS WILL BE SENT TO COMMUNITIES/ PARTNERS IN EDUCATION (CEP), ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL.

DISCIPLINE AND ATTENDANCE VIOLATORS

Any student who violates the HISD Student Code of Conduct on infraction levels II, III, IV, or V, or who accumulates excessive absences will be referred to CEP and withdrawn from Austin High School.

Any student who leaves class without permission will be subject to discipline referral. Students may not leave the school campus without written permission from an Attendance Office clerk or a principal. NO EXCEPTIONS. ONLY THE PARENT/ GUARDIAN WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON REGISTRATION DOCUMENTATION MAY TAKE A STUDENT OUT OF THE SCHOOL BUILDING THROUGH THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE OR A PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE. NO EXCEPTIONS.

CELL PHONES/ ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

For school year, 2006- 2007: Cellular Phones must be put away in backpacks, pockets, purses, etc. to prevent any disruptions of the educational processes at Austin High School. Any students who are found using their cell phones in classes, hallways, or any other parts of the school building will have their phones confiscated and placed in their Academy Principals’ offices under lock and key. This also applies to any other electronic equipment, including CD players, radios, recorders, etc.

According to the Houston Independent School District Student Code of Conduct, Level II Acts of Misconduct include the following: “Use or operation of paging devices, including beepers, cell phones, electronic pagers, or any other type of electronic communication system on school campuses or at functions during school hours in a manner that disrupts the educational process. In addition to disciplinary action, the unauthorized use or operation of paging devices will result in confiscation. The principal or other administrator will notify the parent and pager company of the serial number and of intent to dispose of the device after 30 days. A $15.00 administrative fee payable to HISD will be charged if the device is claimed within the 30 days. Paging devices not claimed will be sent to Property Management for disposal.”

NOTICE TO PARENTS (PROGRESS REPORTS)

Notice of Progress Reports will be distributed to students who are failing a class during the FOURTH week of each nine weeks grading period. Students are to take the Progress Reports to their parent/ guardian for signatures and are to return the signed Progress Report to the teacher who sent it home. Notice of Progress Reports contain current information based on the student’s academic achievement and class attendance (including tardies) during the nine week grading period. For each subject that a student is failing, the notice will state the need for a teacher/ parent/ student conference.
Progress Reports do not apply to a student who:
1. is 18 years of age or older and who is living in a
different residence than the student’s parents or legal guardian;
2. is married.

SCHOOL SUPPORT SERVICES - SCHOOL CLINIC

The school clinic is located on the Jefferson Street side of the school house. The clinic is staffed by a full- time Registered Nurse. It is open from 7:45 AM to 3:30 PM. If a student becomes ill or injured at school, he/ she should obtain a permit from his/ her classroom teacher to report to the clinic. The nurse will assess the student’s condition and determine the appropriate course of action(s). If it is necessary for a student to go home, the nurse will contact the parent/ guardian and make the necessary arrangements. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MAY STUDENTS CALL PARENTS TO PICK THEM UP. STUDENTS MUST FOLLOW THE ABOVE PROCEDURE.

Student immunization records must be presented to the nurse when a student enrolls at Austin. The nurse will notify a student if additional immunizations are needed.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

The Houston Independent School District Board Policy prohibits school personnel from administering any medication at school. The only exception is long- term preventive medication which can not be administered other than during school hours. Long- term preventive medication can be administered under the following restrictions:
1. A physician must state, in writing, that a student should have a certain medication during school hours. The doctor should describe the type of preparation, color, quantity, and time of administration. Form 40.3740 must be signed by the physician and be on file before any medication can be given. This form must be renewed at the beginning of each year.
2. Parental consent must appear on Form 40.3740.
3. School personnel may not alter physician’s orders in any way without written permission of the doctor. Discontinuation of the medication is permissible upon verbal order of the doctor.
4. The school principal will designate the person to administer medication. The school nurse must train those persons as to the specific mode of administration and toxicity of the drug.
5. A record of administration of each dose by school personnel must be documented on file.
ATTENDANCE OFFICE, A208

The Attendance Specialists monitor student absences. If a student is absent, the specialists will call the student’s home to determine the reason for the absence. When the student returns to school, he/ she has three (3) days to bring parent’s, doctor’s, or court officer’s note to the Attendance Office. Failure to bring a note will result in an UNEXCUSED absence.

If a student is absent for more than three consecutive days, a doctor’s note is necessary. Students who accumulate excessive absences will be filed against for COURT APPEARANCE in Judge Rodriguez’s or Judge Vara’s Courts. The Judges usually fine the parent and students fines of $89.00- $2000.00 dollars. Parent/ guardian will be required to appear in court with the student. Also, the student will be referred to CEP and withdrawn from Austin High School.

REGISTRAR/ GRADE POINT AVERAGES

The Registrar is Ms. Guerra. She is located in A207. The Registrar maintains a permanent scholastic record for each Austin student and requests records from previous schools. Each scholastic record includes a student’s TAKS SCORES IN GRADES 9- 12, number of credits for all four years, and the student’s final Grade Point Average.

The Grade Point Average is the average of all grade points divided by the number of classes taken by the student. Grade Point Averages (GPAs) are extremely important because they will determine the student’s rank as a senior. The student with the highest GPA will be named the AUSTIN VALEDICTORIAN (#1), and the student with the second highest GPA will be named the AUSTIN SALUTATORIAN (#2). The Valedictorian and Salutatorian earn the honor of speaking at the Graduation Ceremony with the Principal, District Superintendent, and School Board Member. Other students who earn the privilege to sit on the stage in the Graduation Ceremony will be the top 5% of their Senior Graduating Class. Students must be aware that universities are looking for graduating seniors who have high GPAs and hundreds of Community Service Hours. Students must initiate Community Service Hours through their teachers, counselors, principals, and community leaders. Many students get involved in tutoring younger middle or elementary schools, volunteering at their churches, community agencies, etc., and volunteering in Austin High School Volunteer Projects or Programs.

Requests for HISD transcripts are handled through this office.

SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY

AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL has three full- time Police Officers. The Officers patrol the school building, grounds, and parking lots. Austin also has security cameras throughout the building (and on the outside of the building) which help in maintaining safety for students and staff. Police Officers Gehret and Chapel monitor all parts of the school property with several security camera monitors. Academy Principals also have access to all parts of the school property through their computer monitors. If a student needs police assistance, he/ she may contact any principal, teacher, or other personnel.

COUNSELORS

Austin has four counselors. The Head Counselor is Mrs. Booker. Counselors are located in A204. They are Mrs. Montes and Mrs. Mayes. Counselors are available for academic counseling (scheduling), career guidance and planning, personal and family problems, parent- teacher conferences, etc.

Please be sure that you have a written permit from your teacher if you need to see your counselor during class time. Counselors are also available during both lunches. Information is available in the counselors’ offices for the following:

ACT and SAT TESTING/ PSAT TESTING
College catalogues and applications
Summer school
Graduation requirements
Summer enrichment programs
Scholarships and applications
Financial Aid
FAFSA Forms
Credit By Exams
TAKS and Stanford Tests

CREDIT RECOVERY CLASSES

AUSTIN STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND MANDATORY CREDIT RECOVERY CLASSES AFTER SCHOOL, ON SATURDAYS, AND/OR IN CREDIT RECOVERY SUMMER SCHOOL. WE WANT TO HELP OUR STUDENTS RECOVER CREDITS FOR CLASSES THAT THEY HAVE FAILED DURING THE FIRST AND SECOND SEMESTERS. CREDIT RECOVERY CLASSES ARE FREE; HOWEVER, ONLY AUSTIN STUDENTS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR AUSTIN’S CREDIT RECOVERY PROGRAM.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Students needing letters of recommendation for university applications, etc. should provide their counselor, teacher, or principal the following:
1. grade point average and rank in class
2. a list of club memberships and date of memberships
3. community service activities, hours, and dates
4. university aspirations and career goals
5. a list of honors and awards with dates

AUSTIN LIBRARY SERVICES & COMPUTER LABS

The Austin Library is located on the second floor above the cafeteria. It is D200. It is open Monday – Friday from 7:30am- 3:30pm. Students may check out books from the Austin collection. Daily newspaper subscriptions include The Houston Chronicle. Various magazines are also available. A copy machine is available at ten cents a copy. Also, students may use computers in the library for research purposes. A new software program called Questia is utilized by juniors and seniors for research papers. It contains over 400,000 books in its library.

COMPUTER LABS
AUSTIN HAS SEVERAL COMPUTER LABS FOR STUDENT USE. THEY ARE THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS COMPUTER LAB, THE SOCIAL STUDIES COMPUTER LAB, THE MATH COMPUTER LAB, THE SCIENCE COMPUTER LAB, THE PSAT/ SAT COMPUTER LAB, AND THE CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY COMPUTER LABS. STUDENTS WILL GAIN ACCESS TO THESE LABS THROUGH THEIR TEACHERS.

PROCEDURES FOR LEAVING CAMPUS

1. Bring a parent (or guardian) note to A208, the Attendance Office, concerning the reason for leaving campus. The note should include: the student’s name, name of doctor or court paperwork, the doctor’s phone number, date and time of the appointment, parent’s phone number, and parent’s signature. The Attendance Specialist will verify the appointment and issue you a permit to leave early.
2. Show the permit to the class room teacher and ask to leave the room at the appropriate time. DO NOT wait to be called out. It is your responsibility to report to the Attendance Office at the appropriate time.
3. Sign out at the Attendance Office before leaving campus.
NOTE: IF YOUR PARENTS ARE PICKING YOU UP, THEY MUST SIGN YOU OUT IN THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE, A208.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

1. Report to the Attendance Office.
2. The Attendance Office will contact your parent and principal.
3. Obtain a permit.
4. Sign out at the Attendance Office.

PROCEDURE FOR A SCHEDULE CHANGE

1. Obtain a schedule change form from your first period teacher. Announcements will be made as to the day of the first week of each nine weeks that will be designated for schedule changes. No changes can be made after the first six days of a nine weeks due to credit requirements.
2. Complete current schedule portion of the form, indicating the requested change. Include the reason for the request.
3. Return the completed form to your first period teacher.
4. Approved schedule changes will be returned to you during first period.
5. Follow your original schedule until the change is made to avoid unexcused absences.

PROCEDURE FOR STUDENT WHEN SENT TO PRINCIPAL FOR DISCIPLINE PURPOSES

Students are assigned by Academy to Austin Academy Principals for discipline and attendance purposes. Teachers must email the discipline referral form to the appropriate Academy Principals:

Science Academy: Mrs. Silvas, A223
9th Grade Academy: Mr. Petterway, D118
Education Academy: Ms. Alaniz, A141
Arts/ Media/ Techn. Academy: Mr. Mealey, A141b

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Austin’s National Honor Society is comprised of Austin Students who achieve a 3.4 Grade Point Average (or higher). Those students who study hard to learn all course objectives and to master skills required for TAKS tests usually earn “As” and high “Bs.” Students who earn “As” and high “B’s” can maintain a Grade Point Average of 3.4 or above in order to be eligible for membership in the Austin National Honor Society Chapter. University Admission Committees are very interested in students who are National Honor Society members. We encourage ninth, tenth, and eleventh graders to achieve the academic goal of National Honor Society membership and status.

PSAT EXAMS

Juniors are urged to do their very best on the PSAT Exams. If juniors score exceptionally high on the PSAT Exam they could qualify for National Merit Scholar status.

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