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Sharpstown High School a Houston Independent
School District Quality School
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· Multiple-period courses or Career Preparation programs for which credit is received shall be calculated in the same manner as a single period multiplied by the number of periods per day that the class meets or represent. · If a student repeats a course, either to make up a failure or to improve his grade, both courses and grades will be recorded on the Academic Achievement Record. Credit is awarded only once - the first time that a passing grade is achieved. In determining the student's GPA for class ranking, the courses and grades are computed as if each were a separate and different course. If a student has taken Biology 1A twice with grades of 72 and 85, a total of two (2) courses and four (4) grade points are used to compute the GPA. WEIGHTED CLASSES/CLASS RANKING Summary of Rules for Ranking of Students: · Students are ranked on the basis of all courses recognized for credit by TEA or HISD. These courses have a value or 0.5 or more, indicated in the HISD Master Catalog or Courses. · Local credit courses must be included in figuring class ranking. These courses will appear in the HISD Master Catalog with a designation of "Local Credit". · There are statutory citations and SBOE rules that address the awarding of graduation credits in grades 7th and 8th. However, it was not the intent of the legislature or the SBOE to credit five-year high schools. Middle Schools wishing to offer credit courses must secure approval from the appropriate Curriculum Director before scheduling these courses and must adhere to all designated high school guidelines if the approval is granted. Students enrolled in these courses must take final exams and applicable end-of-course tests. These courses are prerequisites to more advanced courses in their subject sequence and satisfy graduation credit and course requirement. As such, it is essential that students master the full course curriculum. Grades earned in credit courses taken in grades 7th and 8th are used to determine GPA and class rank. · Grades earned through Correspondence Courses and Credit by Exam -- and which are recorded on the Academic Achievement Record -- will be included when figuring a student's GPA and class rank. · Only those students who are enrolled in Special Education Option II courses shall be included in the general class ranking. Option III and Option IV courses are not included in determining class rank. All Special Education students shall be included in determining the total number of graduating seniors. VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN To be eligible for Valedictorian and Salutatorian honors at a particular school, a student must have been classified as a senior and must have been enrolled in that school no later than September 1st of that academic school year. To be eligible for school honors based on academic achievement, i.e., School Board Award, etc., a student must earn his last five credits at the school in which the awards are presented -- at least two of which must be completed before the time of ranking. · Only those students who qualify for the spring commencement exercises will be eligible for the academic honors of valedictorian or salutatorian. A summer school graduate, even though ranked with the general senior class, will not be eligible for these two honor designations. · To be considered a 5 percent or 10 percent honor graduate, it is required that a student shall have completed at least one semester in a Houston public secondary school at the time of the ranking. · A student must attend class for a minimum of 90% of the days the class is held in a semester to receive credit for any course; therefore, changing classes during the semester may result in loss of credit for both the course dropped and the course entered. NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY Sharpstown High School is proud to sponsor the National Honor Society for junior and senior students. The goals of the National Honor Society are to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of Sharpstown High School. The Sharpstown High School Athena Chapter is under the sponsorship and supervision of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The following information is provided to help parents and students understand the criteria for membership in the Sharpstown High School chapter. QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Scholarship - The cumulative grade average will be determined at the end of the fall semester. To be eligible for membership, a student must have a 3.5 on the 4 Point Grade scale. The student needs to have passed the exit level of TAKS. 2. Leadership - The student must have participated in one community or school activity for which leadership qualities are required. This activity must be verified by an adult sponsor. 3. Service - The student must have participated in one or more service projects in the school or community. One of these activities must be verified by an adult sponsor. 4. Character - The student of good character is one who possesses integrity, good behavior, ethical conduct, and cooperation with both students and faculty. Students who are known to have cheated, disrupted classes frequently, lied, stolen, or repeatedly broken school rules are unlikely to be considered for membership. Students who have been in D.R.C. (Discipline Referral Center) during the previous school year will not be considered for membership. Students who have been expelled or suspended at any time during their high school years will not be considered for membership. 5. NHS members are given specific guidelines which are signed by the member and his/her parent.
ATTENDANCE · School attendance is essential for student success. Texas law requires students to attend 90 percent of the days in a semester. Truancy will be handled as a discipline problem or forwarded to the Justice of the Peace in accordance with Texas statutes.
Students who attend less than 90 percent of the days in a semester will lose extenuating circumstances exist. When a student is in violation of the 90% attendance rule and is absent from school three consecutive days without a successful home contact, the school will refer the student to the H.I.S.D. truancy officer and we will perform an in-school checkout. To receive credit in a class, a student must attend at least 90% of the days the class meets and have no more than 4 unexcused absences per semester and 8 unexcused absences for whole course credit. When a student has accumulated the fifth unexcused absence in a semester course, or a ninth unexcused absence in a whole course credit class, credit is denied for that course; however, students with passing grades in that course may appeal to the school Attendance Committee. An appeal does not automatically ensure that credit will be awarded. The counting of absences, excused and unexcused, begins with the first day the student is enrolled in an HISD school for the first time that school year. Should the student transfer from one HISD school to another during the school year, all absences will be transferred and will apply to that class at the new school. A student may not enroll in a school or a new course for credit after the first fifteen (15) days of a semester unless he/she receives a special exemption from the administration. Personal calls, as well as an automated dialing system are activated daily, thus reporting to the parent any student who misses a class during the day. It is important to note that vacations are not considered as extenuating circumstances and are not excused absences. The principal or assistant principal must address special situations. All students are required to bring a note from the parent/guardian the first day they return to school from an absence. The note must be clearly written and include the following: 1. Student’s first and last name 2. Parent’s/Guardian’s signature 3. Phone number where a parent/guardian can be reached between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Students must supply work numbers. 4. Reason for absence 5. Exact dates of absence(s) (A doctor’s statement is required for extended illnesses.) 6. Assistant Principal’s name. The note should be taken to the Attendance Office before school begins. Parents may be contacted for note verification. If the student fails to bring a note from the parent to excuse the absence within three (3) school days after he/she returns to school, the absence is unexcused. All absence notes are filed in the Attendance Office. Regular attendance and punctuality are required of every student at Sharpstown High. The only acceptable excuses for absences are as follows: 1. Illness of student 2. Illness or death in the student’s family 3. Participation in school activities (with approval of administration) 4. Hospital confinement 5. Medical/dental appointments 6. Emergencies or extenuating circumstances recognized by the administration. On a daily basis, if a student is absent, the Attendance Office will attempt to notify the parent/guardian.
LEAVING CAMPUS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY Parents/guardians are to come in and check students out. Identification will be required of all persons checking out students. Students will not be dismissed from class to leave campus, without a permit from the Attendance Office. Students must follow the steps below: 1. Bring a note from the parent/guardian to the Attendance Office, and give it to the attendance clerk prior to the morning entry bell on the day of the request to leave campus. 2. The note must include student's name, phone number at which a parent can be reached, specific reason for early dismissal, time at which student must leave campus, and Assistant Principal’s name. 3. Attendance Office may verify permission for a student to leave by speaking directly with the parent/guardian. 4. If a permit to leave campus at the requested time is granted, the student will be take it to his/her class prior to the designated time to leave. 5. Student will show the permit to leave to their teacher, and proceed to the Attendance Office to sign out. 6. If returning to school that day, the student must report back to the Attendance Office and sign in. FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES WILL RESULT IN AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE AND/OR DISCIPLINARY ACTION. STUDENTS WHO WORK Students who work and are enrolled in the vocational program will be issued an Off-Campus card by administration. Students with Off-Campus cards must leave the campus at the time indicated on the card, and must report to the office if they return before the end of the school day. Violation of this policy
may result in the student's removal from the vocational program or from
other off-campus privileges. ASSIGNMENTS FOR ABSENCES Any student absent from any class for an excused reason, including suspension, is required to make up all work missed. A student will be given one day for every day absent for make up work without academic penalty. Additional time may be granted at the discretion of the teacher. It is the responsibility of the student to see his/her teachers to obtain the work and additional help, if needed, to make up the work. Students with unexcused absences will be allowed to make-up work however; credit may be reduced at the teacher’s discretion. Make-up work or tests will be permitted for all absences within reasonable timelines. Students who are absent for school-related reasons must arrange with their teacher(s) for their assignment(s) before the absence. It is the teacher’s responsibility to set a time f or a make-up test. It is the student’s responsibility to take the test at that time. If the student fails to do so, the teacher is NOT obligated to set another time for make-up. If a student will be absent for more than three (3) days, the parent/guardian should contact the counselor’s office and ask that the “Homework Assignment Request” form be sent to the student’s teachers requesting work for the days the student will be absent. ATTENDANCE COMMITTEE The Attendance Committee will meet to hear non-truancy appeals as needed. The committee may require students and parents to appear in person to explain excessive absences regardless of the reason. LUNCH/CAFETERIA USE Students will exhibit pride in our school by helping to maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the cafeteria area. The district participates in the
National School Lunch Program and offers free and reduced price lunches to
qualified students. Forms are available in the
Registrar’s Office.
All lunches/food will only be permitted in the cafeteria, patio and
deck areas. The only 1. Paper and waste must be disposed of in trash cans. 2. Students are responsible for the cleanup of their own spills and messes. 3. Students must remain in designated areas after eating until the bell which signals the end of their lunch period. 4. All plate lunches must be eaten in the cafeteria. 5. Snack lunches and items purchased from the snack bar may be eaten on the patio/deck. FOOD AND BEVERAGES Students are not permitted to bring food and or beverages into any instructional areas. Items will be confiscated and not returned for violating this policy. Food for special occasions must have prior approval from the principal or dean. All food and beverages will be consumed in the cafeteria and patio/deck areas. FEDERAL BREAKFAST/LUNCH APPLICATIONS Free/Reduced Breakfast/Lunch Application Forms are available in the Registrar’s Office. The application must be completely filled out and signed by a parent/guardian. Students who qualify will be notified. Students may apply at the beginning of the school year or at any time as the need arises. Students and parents are reminded that enrollment in the Free/Reduced Program also entitles the student to reduced rates for college entrance exams (ACT, SAT) and college application fees. Eligible students and families are encouraged to apply as early in the school year as possible. Students must have their student picture ID in order to receive free breakfast or lunch. Students must scan their ID cards on a scan pad in the cafeteria. Students found guilty of using another student's ID card to receive a free or reduced breakfast or lunch will be disciplined. COMPUTER USE Computers are available to all students for class projects and online research for general knowledge. Because the computers and computer systems in our building represent a sizable investment, any misuse of either hardware or software will be considered a serious offense and could result in criminal charges being filed. Texas State Law addresses computer misuse under felony statutes. In addition, accessing of lewd or inappropriate information will result in severe disciplinary action. COUNSELING Counselors are available for conferences with students, parents, teachers, and members of the community. Appointments must be scheduled through the main office (713-771-7215) or a written request form. Please make appointments in advance. Four-year plans are the responsibility of the student with the assistance of their counselor and advocacy teacher. DISCIPLINE REFERRAL CENTER (DRC) Only the Principal and Assistant Principals can send students to the DRC. Assistant Principals will notify teachers of the assignment of a student to DRC. Students must remain in DRC all day and must eat lunch with the other DRC students. Once they are notified, teachers have the responsibility of providing their students with work. Students will not be allowed to return to the classroom without a re-admittance slip signed by an administrator or the DRC supervisor. GANG RELATED INFORMATION Students in HISD are not permitted to demonstrate participation in any gang-related activities by wearing any specific clothing, or items, which might be considered evidence of gang membership. HISD has implemented the G.E.A.R. (Gang Education Awareness and Resistance) Intervention Procedure on all school campuses to discourage participation in gang-related activities. Students suspected of gang membership will be subject to investigation and appropriate referrals will be made to the Houston Police Department if membership is confirmed. Additionally, the student’s parents will be requested to meet with an assistant principal regarding prescriptive student modification. PAGING DEVICE/CELLULAR PHONE/RADIOS/ TAPE, CD & DVD PLAYERS Students are prohibited from possessing and using electronic communication and entertainment devices during regular school hours. If a student is found in possession of a paging device or cellular phone in violation school policy, the student is subject to discipline as provided by the Discipline Management Plan. Electronic devices will be confiscated during regular school hours. Beepers and cellular phones are returned to the parent/guardian after a payment of a fee of $15 (with proper ID). PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION The public display of affection, including kissing, intimate embraces, and any other behaviors deemed inappropriate, is not permitted in any area of school. Students who persist in this behavior will be subject to disciplinary action. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ABSENCES/ATTENDANCE If passing all courses, students will be allowed to miss a maximum of 10 days a year for participation in extra-curricular a ctivities, 4 days during the fall semester and 6 days during the spring semester. Included are all sports and approved extra-curricular activities that are combined for the total number of 10 permitted days. NOTE: Given the fact that all extra school activities are a privilege and not a right as per state law and board policy, students who are absent from school are not permitted to attend extra-activities on the same day they were absent. TAKS PERFORMANCE/TUTORIALS Students who are eligible to take and have not passed all parts of the TAKS exit exam will be excluded from participation in all extra-curricular activities unless they successfully participate in all assigned tutorials. Assigned tutorials are determined by agreement between the teachers and administrator of the student in question. GRADES AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES A student enrolled in a school district shall be suspended from participation in any extra-curricular activity or sanctioned activity by the school district during the grade reporting period in which the student received a grade lower than the equivalent of 70 on a scale of 100 in any academic class. UIL ELIGIBILITY As a member of the University Interscholastic League, SHS is governed by its regulations. Refer to the coach or sponsor for rules governing the activity. For further details regarding interscholastic eligibility, refer to “Constitution and Rules of the University Interscholastic League.” A minimum grade of 70% is required in all classes to participate as mandated by the HISD Board of Trustees. HALL PASSES Hall monitoring system (pass processes) 1) No individual will be permitted on the high school campus without one of the following forms of identification: A) Student Identification Badge NOTE: There may be disciplinary action taken by School Administration if a student is found without a badge in his/her possession. B) Visitor’s Badge (after registering with the receptionist) 2. NO student will be permitted outside of a classroom during instructional time unless he/she is in possession of a hall pass. Teachers are permitted to send one student out of class with a pass at a time. LOCKERS Lockers can be issued to students at the beginning of the school year. Locks are built into each locker, and combinations are secured with administration. Students must use the locker assigned to them by their advocacy teacher. Security is breached when students share lockers or let others know their combinations. Students are responsible for all books, supplies, or equipment checked out to them. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. It is strongly suggested that money or valuables not be left in lockers at any time. All students will be assigned a locker. All items not permitted to be in a student’s possession during instructional time must be placed in the lockers. MESSAGES FOR STUDENTS In case of an emergency message, parents must contact the Attendance Office at (713) 773-6104. Parents will be required to state the nature of the emergency. Student messages will not be delivered during academic learning time. Note: Please make arrangements for appointments as per the LEAVING SCHOOL DURING SCHOOL HOURS section of this handbook. OFF-SITE COURSES Students taking "off-site" courses such as summer school, night school, correspondence, etc., must have prior approval from the home school administrator or counselor for credit to be accepted. This is to ensure that the student has not previously taken and been awarded credit for the courses in which they are enrolled during the regular school term. This provision applies to Credit by Exam courses taken through the University of Texas as Austin or Texas Tech University but is not applicable to Credit by Exam courses taken through the HISD Student Assessment Department. If a student does take one of these types of courses without prior approval, the principal has the option of accepting the credit or refusing to accept the credit. If credit is accepted for a course in which the student is concurrently enrolled in the home school, both courses and grades must be recorded on the transcript and the grades of both courses are used in determining the student's Grade Point Average (GPA) and class rank. POLICE OFFICER SHS employs an HISD Officer for the safety of all students and all other school employees. If you have any concern for your own safety or the safety of others, please contact the Main Office, and you will be put in immediate contact with one of our campus officers. STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND PRIVILEGES LIBRARY The Library-Media Center services are available each school day from 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. All students, except for those students escorted by a teacher, must have an official library permit signed by the appropriate teacher. The librarians maintain a sign-in/sign-out log. Students may u se the library before school, during lunch, and after school without a permit. Proper library conduct will be expected at all times. Computers are available in the library for use. The fine for overdue books is five cents per day. Students must present their ID to enter the library. NURSE The nurse evaluates and provides nursing care for pupils with emergency illness and trauma, as well as hearing, vision, and scoliosis screening for all new students. The nurse serves as a liaison between the school, home, and community services and as a health education resource person. Any student who requires the assistance of the nurse should bring a permit from the teacher to the Nurse’s Office which is located near the Attendance Office. It is against School Board Policy for HISD personnel to give medication of any kind, including aspirin, similar preparations, or any other drugs, except with the written permission of the student’s doctor and parent. Under these circumstances, only the nurse or, in her absence, an authorized person may administer the medication. PROGRESS REPORTS Progress Reports are issued to all students the fourth week of each six-week grading period. The Progress Reports provide information to parents and students concerning academic progress, and allow the parents the opportunity to communicate with teachers. Additionally, teachers may send home Progress Reports any time that unsatisfactory progress is being made. Parents are encouraged to make an appointment with teachers to discuss concerns. The Counselor’s Office can assist with the teacher to schedule a Parent/Teacher Conference during the teacher’s conference period. The number to call is (713) 771-7215. REPORT CARDS The advocacy teacher issues computer report cards at the end of the grading period. At the end of the school year, report cards are mailed to the address the school has on file. If a grade is missing from the student’s report card, it is imperative that the student notify the teacher immediately. LITERATURE, SIGNS, POSTERS, AND DISPLAYS Duplicated, written, or printed materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, films, tapes, or other visual or auditory materials shall not be sold, circulated or distributed on or near the premises of any school in HISD without explicit approval of the administration of the school. No person shall enter on any school campus to distribute such materials without explicit permission of the school administration. In addition, there will be no signs, posters, or displays in the building without permission of the administration. All announcements and information will be on the SHS Apollo News. Posters, signs and advertising must be placed on bulletin boards and or in approved areas. Signs will be disposed of if they are posted on windows or unapproved areas. STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND GOVERNMENT The development and operation of student government organizations are encouraged in the school system. All organizations shall be under the supervision of a faculty advisor and the administrator in charge. Student government and organizations will not set rules and regulations for operation of t he schools but may submit recommendations to the administrator in charge in the appropriate manner. There will be no secret societies in the Houston Schools, no organizations that are social or fraternal in nature, and none that are discriminatory in membership selections. Student contracts must be on file with the sponsor. A minimum grade of 70% in all class is required to participate. STUDENT USE OF FACILITIES Clubs, organizations, or groups of students shall meet at SHS or at any school facility only with a sponsor present. If the sponsor has to leave, the meeting must be terminated. All activities must be listed on the master event calendar. (See the principal's secretary) STUDENT PARKING Student automobiles must be parked in the designated area. 1. There is a $40.00 fee per year for parking on campus. 2. Students must have a valid Drivers License in order to purchase a parking permit. 3. Students may NOT use cars for errands during the school day. 4. Students are not to loiter in parked cars before or after school 5. Vehicles are not to leave lot and return the same day without permission from the Main Office. 6. Going to a vehicle during the school day is not permitted. The only authorization is by an administrator. 7. Vehicles parked illegally may be towed. 8. Student parking and parent drop off/pickup is not permitted in the teacher parking lot drive. Students are not allowed in the visitor’s parking spaces. TEXTBOOKS Textbooks are checked out to students based on teacher and class requirements. If a student loses a textbook, the student must pay for the book. If a lost book that was paid for by a student is found, the financial clerk upon presentation of a receipt will give a refund for the price paid. Each student is responsible for all textbooks issued to him/her. Books must be covered according to Texas law. Students should write their name in the appropriate place on the inside front cover. All textbooks that are found should be immediately turned in to the library. Students are instructed not to deface or alter either the bar code number on the front of the book or any numbers on the front or back inside covers. Students are expected to pay for lost books before being issued any additional ones. Students are instructed to keep payment receipts issued for lost books. Textbooks are the property of the State of Texas and are issued to students at no cost. As required by law, students are responsible for the proper care of these textbooks during the year. All textbooks must be returned at the close of the school year or upon withdrawal from school during the year. Students must pay for all lost, stolen, or damaged textbooks. Money collected for lost textbooks is sent to the Textbook Division in Austin, Texas to pay for a replacement text. All grades and records for students will be withheld until the textbook record is clear. VISITORS TO CAMPUS School policy is to accept only those visitors who have legitimate business at SHS. Visitors and guests must register at the reception desk immediately upon entering the building and must receive and wear a visitor's pass. Note to parents: You are always welcome to visit. We require that all parents register when they enter. We ask for 24 hour notice to visit teachers during instructional and conference times. Please call ahead for an appointment with an assistant principal, teacher, or anyone with whom you want to meet. WITHDRAWAL AND TRANSFER Students desiring to transfer from SHS must go to the Attendance Office to receive a withdrawal form. It is mandatory that the parent/guardian accompany the student for withdrawal. The parent/guardian must provide a picture ID for verification purposes. Procedures to follow: 1. Secure authorization to withdraw or transfer from a parent or guardian. 2. Obtain appropriate forms from the Attendance Office. 3. Have the forms filled out by teachers, return all school textbooks and property, and make sure all fees are paid. 4. Take completed forms to the Attendance Office for final clearance. 5. This process must take place period by period or before/after school.
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John Allen, Principal |
