FWISD



-450166-68428600Burton Hill Elementary School519 Burton Hill RdFort Worth, TX 76119817-815-1400 Important RemindersStudents may not be dropped off in the staff parking lot. It is a safety concern. Additionally, this lot is reserved for staff members and handicap students/visitors. The campus is closed to visitors during STAAR Benchmarks and STAAR Assessments.-803275134620New00NewThe first bell rings at 7:45 am, students are required to be sitting in their classrooms by 7:50 am. The school opens at 7:30 am. Student dismissal plans are established the first day of school, any changes must be done in writing prior to 1:45 pm the day of enactment.Birthday celebrations will occur as a whole class event on the last Friday of the month. Individual birthdays will be recognized daily as part of the morning announcements. Birthday students will receive a pencil. Important Reminders Continued Recess – Each class will have two (at least 15-minute) recess periods. The first period is mandatory for all students; the second recess period is not mandatory.To ensure the safety of all our students, no student will be permitted early dismissal 30-minutes prior to dismissal time without appointment verification. Appointment verification can be an email, note, or other message from the professional your child has an appointment to visit. As always, we will provide friendly customer service while ensuring your child’s safety. School attendance is critical for the success of all students. To help create an extra excitement for being present at school, in addition to our engaging learning opportunities, we will have attendance contests each grading period. Winning Classes will be those that improve their attendance from grading period to grading period or maintain their attendance at 98%-100%. In order for a class to win following the first grading period, a class must have at least 96% attendance. Winning classes will have a free dress down Monday. A list of the winning classes will be posted on the school website and teachers are included in the dress down day.The Award Ceremonies at the end of each grading period will be modified this year. There will be only one ceremony for all students. During this ceremony only the Gold Standard Students, Honorable Character Positive Office Referral students, and the winners of the different fairs will be recognized. The parents of these students will be contacted to attend. All other recognitions will be celebrated in the students’ homeroom. Parents will not be invited to these informal celebrations. We will continue our end of year award ceremony as they have been in past years.Introduction - About This HandbookThis handbook is not a substitute for the official School Board Policy. District policies and procedures may change at any time. These changes shall supersede any handbook provisions that are not compatible with the change. For more information, refer to the online Fort Worth ISD Board Policy Manual, Bulletin Number One, or contact the Elementary School Leadership Department.Link to Policy and Planning Department Policy Manuals, Updates and ResourcesDistrict Mission and LeadershipFort Worth ISD MissionPreparing ALL Students for Success in College, Career and Community LeadershipBoard of EducationTobi Jackson, District 2 – PresidentT. A. Sims, Sr., District 4– First Vice PresidentAnn Sutherland, District 6– Second Vice PresidentAnael Luebanos, District 8 – Board SecretaryJacinto A Ramos, Jr., District 1Christene C. Moss, District 3Judy G. Needham, District 5Norman Robbins, District 7Ashley Paz, District 9 Superintendent of SchoolsDr. Kent P. Scribner, Ph.D. District Leadership TeamChief Academic OfficerChief of Business & FinanceCharles Carroll, Ph.D.Elsie SchiroChief of OperationsChief of Policy & PlanningArt CavazosKaren Molinar Chief of Equity & ExcellenceChief of Capital Improvement ProgramSherry BreedVicki BurrisChief of Elementary Schools Chief of Human Capital ManagementDr. Raúl Pe?a Cynthia RincónChief of Secondary Schools Senior Communications OfficerDr. Cherie WashingtonBarbara GriffithTable of ContentsImportant Reminders 2District Mission and Leadership 5Campus Mission and Vision 8Welcome Letter 9STUDENTSEnrollment/Withdrawal 10Transfers 10Conduct 11Applicability of School Rules 11Personal Electronic Devices 12Grade Reporting 14Medicine at School 15Release of Students 16Dismissal/Arrival 17Compulsory Attendance 20Truancy 21School Use 22Transportation 23Cafeteria Information 24Birthday Celebrations 24Dress Code 25PARENTS AND COMMUNITYSchool Visitors 28Directory Information 28 School Communication 29Student Records 29Testing Information 30Instructional Information 31Parental Involvement 35Communicable Diseases 36Harassment Statement 38Please Continue to page 9Dear Students and Parents:Greetings! Welcome back to the 2018-2019 school year. Here at Burton Hill, we continuously strive to ensure that ALL students reach their greatest potential and feel a part of the Burton Hill Family every day they come to school. It is our belief that all stakeholders play a role in the success of our students. You as the parent have the greatest influence on how well your child does in his/her educational journey! We want to unite with you in establishing the best educational experience we can for your child. The Burton Hill Parent/Student Handbook contains information that both students and parents are likely to need during the school year. Parents and students should also become familiar with the Fort Worth Independent School District’s Student Code of Conduct, required by state law and intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning. The Student Handbook is designed to be in harmony with Board policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Please be aware that the handbook is updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision may occur throughout the year. Changes in policy that affect Student Handbook provisions will be made available to students and parents through newsletters and other communications.Please review the handbook online at with your child and download or bookmark it to reference during this school year. If you do not have Internet access, please indicate below that you would like a hard-copy of the 2018-2019 Student Handbook. If you or your child has questions about any of the material in this handbook, please contact a teacher, the counselor, or an administrator. Please complete and return this acknowledgment form, so that we have a record that you have access to a copy of this handbook. A copy of the District’s Policy Manual is available in the school library and on-line at the Fort Worth ISD homepage.We are Family!T.M. Bigley and Michelle BallaisBurton Hill Elementary Administration Team 285756169000My child and I have read the 2018-2019 Student Handbook from the school website online2857517526000I do not have Internet access and will need to be provided a copy of the 2018-2019 Student Handbook ___________________________________________________________ Student’s Name Parent’s Signature DateEnrollmentFor new and returning students to the Fort Worth ISD, enrollment begins with online registration. Fort Worth ISD is transitioning to a new online registration system for the 2018-19 school year.?You will be able to upload documents while completing the online registration. Have the following documents ready to upload:?Proof of address (Gas, Water, Electric or Lease Agreement dated within 30 days and showing the service address)Guardian’s driver’s license or State IDBirth Certificate (Must be Vital Statistics Birth Certificate)ImmunizationsProof of incomeStudent’s Social Security Card (optional)You can use a smart phone to upload documents. The online registration can be accessed through the Fort Worth ISD webpage, click on the FAMILIES link ().Technical Support for parents is available from PowerSchool InfoSnap for the new online registration system.Support Hours: Monday- Friday?8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.Phone: 866-434-6276WithdrawalA student under 18 years of age may be withdrawn from school only by a parent on the birth certificate. The school requests notice from the parent at least one day in advance so that records and documents may be prepared. A withdrawal form may be obtained by the parent from the attendance clerk.TransfersThe transfer request begins 5 days after the first day of school and ends 10 days before the end of the school year. Five days allows for students to enter after the first day, schedules to be set, and enrollment counts to be updated. If a parent would like to transfer their child, the parent needs to contact the receiving campus during the transfer period to see if there is room in the grade and program being requested. If the principal at the receiving school accepts, the parent is to notify the home campus of the withdrawal.ConductIn order for students to take advantage of available learning opportunities and to be productive members of our campus community, each student is expected to:Demonstrate courtesy—even when others do not.Behave in a responsible manner, always exercising self-discipline.Attend all classes, regularly and on time.Prepare for each class; take appropriate materials and assignments to class.Meet district or campus standards of grooming and dress.Obey all campus and classroom rules.Respect the rights and privileges of other students, teachers, and other District staff.Respect the property of others, including District property and facilities.Cooperate with or assist the school staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline.Use appropriate language and do not threaten ply with district regulations for electronics use.Avoid violations of the Student Code of Conduct.Applicability of School RulesTo achieve the best possible learning environment for all our students, the Student Code of Conduct and other campus rules of behavior will apply whenever the interest of the District is involved, on or off school grounds, in conjunction with or independent of classes and school-sponsored activities. The District has disciplinary authority over a student:During the regular school day and while a student is going to and from school on District transportation.Social media transactions that disrupt the school environment.Within 300 feet of school property.While a student is in attendance at any school-related activity, regardless of time or location.When retaliation against a school employee or volunteer occurs or is threatened, regardless of time or location.When a student commits a felony, as described by Texas Education Code 37.006.When criminal mischief is committed on or off school property or at a school-related event.When a student impedes the education of another student through bullying, even if the bullying does not take place on campus, but it can be shown to have occurred and that it is affecting a student’s ability to learn. Personal Electronic Devices and EquipmentPersonal belongings such as radios, mp3 players, cell phones, smart watches and other electronic devices and games are not allowed on the school campus. The school is required to confiscate electronic devices and have two school days to notify the parent or guardian and explain how the device may be reclaimed. Reclaiming DevicesPresent in person at the campus, during posted school hours, written proof of ownership and a photo ID;Complete a form acknowledging return of the device; andPay a $15 fee per deviceFeeAn administrative fee of $15 per device shall be charged for release of each telecommunications/paging device confiscated, in accordance with Education Code 37.082. The fee shall be accepted by the local campus to cover administrative costs for processing the confiscated device. The fee may be paid either in cash or money order. If a telecommunications device is not retrieved, the District shall dispose of the device after providing notice required by law. Definition Telecommunication Devices Wireless, mobile, or portable telephones, pagers, or any device that allows two-way communication by means of radio wavesDefinition Electronic DevicesPortable music players, handheld games, and other similar devices that may be used to store, record, or play auditory and/or visual informationBurton Hill’s District Adoption PolicyStudents may possess telecommunications or electronic devices while on school property or while attending school sponsored activities on or off school property. However, such devices must not be visible and must remain off during the instructional day. Burton Hill Elementary is not liable or responsible for any damage or loss of telecommunication or electronic devices brought to campus.During testing, students will not be permitted to possess telecommunications or electronic devices on their persons during testing periods, unless specifically allowed to do so by the instructor or a school administrator, or by the student’s individualized education program (IEP) or behavioral improvement plan (BIP).The possession of telecommunications or electronic devices by students on school property or while attending school-sponsored or school-related events is a privilege, not a right. A campus administrator, in the exercise of reasonable discretion in response to student misbehavior, abuse of the privilege, or other reasonable cause, may deny or revoke the privilege of possessing a telecommunication or electronic device. Please refrain from allowing your child to bring toys to school. This includes spinners, balls, bats, etc. for P.E. or recess. The first time the child will be warned and asked to take his/her things home at the end of the day. If they bring something again, the teacher will collect the item and request the parent pick it up. Scooters are not allowed at school. Valuable items should not be brought to school.Playground equipment is supplied by the school district, and personal equipment such as footballs, baseballs, etc. should not be brought to school. The school cannot be responsible for lost or damaged items. Any disciplinary action involving personal equipment will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.GradesA student must be present at least eleven days in a six-week reporting period in order to receive grades for the current six weeks. Prekindergarten and Kindergarten reports to parents are also sent home every reporting period and do not consist of numerical grades.Grade reports for grade levels one through five are based on the following numerical breakdown:91-100 Outstanding Progress81-90 Good Progress70-80 Satisfactory Progress69 & Below FailingYour child(ren)’s grades can be accessed online through the Parent Portal. Teachers will update grades weekly on Mondays, no later than 4pm, showing the assignments completed from the prior week. *If the district changes the grading scale, parents will be notified.Make-up WorkFor any class missed the teacher may assign the student make-up work based on the instructional objectives for the subject or course and the needs of the individual student in mastering the essential knowledge and skills or in meeting subject requirements.A student will ordinarily have one day for each day’s absence (excused and unexcused) to make up work missed. A student who has an unexcused absence will be encouraged to make up work missed; a 10-point penalty will be applied. (Board Policy FDD Local, p. 1 of 5)A six weeks “Incomplete” (“I”) grade due to excused absences must be made up within the next reporting period, or the missing work will be given zero (“0”) credit and will be averaged with the other work.Medicine at SchoolTexas law permits a public school to administer medication prescribed by a physician/licensed prescriber to a child on behalf of the parent or legal guardian under certain limited circumstances with an appropriate written authorization. Administration of medication must be updated each new school year. The only medication that may be given at school is that which is necessary to enable the student to remain in school. If possible, all medication should be given outside of school hours. Three times a day medications can be given before school, after school and at bedtime. If necessary, medication can be given at school under the following conditions: 1. Medications must be in original, properly labeled containers. The pharmacy can supply two (2) labeled bottles for this purpose. Medications sent in baggies or unlabeled containers will not be given. 2. Medications will not be given without a specific written request signed by at least one parent or legal guardian and physician/licensed prescriber. This request should be made on the appropriate form supplied by the school or on a form supplied by your physician. 3. Medications may be given by a staff member designated by the principal and trained by the school nurse. 4. All medications must be kept in the nurse’s office in a locked cabinet except for students whose doctor/licensed prescriber has completed a Self-Administration of Prescribed Asthma or Anaphylaxis Medication by Student form or a comparable written authorization that complies with district board policy. 5. Empty medication containers will be returned to the students at the end of the month or when the container is empty. Parents should send only the amount of medication needed for one week to one month. Additional medication will be returned to the parent. 6. Medications will not be sent home with the student. An adult designated by the parent/guardian will need to pick up the medication from the school nurse or designated personnel. In some incidences, medication may be sent home with the school bus driver to be given to the parent/guardian. 7. Herbal medications, dietary supplements and other nutritional aids not approved as medication by the FDA may not be administered at school. Please contact your school nurse if there are any questions. Medication brought to school must be in a labeled container and delivered to the school nurse. It will be kept in a locked cabinet. Release of Students from SchoolEarly DismissalsEarly dismissal of students is discouraged because students miss valuable instruction. However, for those occasions when an early dismissal is unavoidable, students must be dismissed from the office. The individual requesting dismissal of the student must present a picture ID to the office staff. Students will not be released directly from class without a dismissal from the office, and students will only be dismissed to individuals on the students’ emergency card. A student who becomes ill during the school day should, with the teacher’s permission, report to the school nurse. The nurse will decide whether or not the student should be sent home and will notify the student’s parent.For Safety Purposes, no student will be permitted early dismissal 30-minutes prior to dismissal time without appointment verification. DismissalAt Burton Hill Elementary, safety is our #1 priority. For this reason, we have a strict dismissal procedure. There are four (4) ways a student can be dismissed:Bus RiderUnescorted WalkerEscorted WalkerCar-rider pickup LineIt is required that you have a teacher/office-issued card, with your child’s name on it, to pick up your child if they are an escorted walker or car rider. The dismissal location for the escorted walkers is in the Pre-K/Kinder hallway. Parents will meet students at exterior door #7 (the exit door facing the garden area). Parents will show their sign and teachers will dismiss students from the door. Parents and students need to use the sidewalks and avoid walking through the teacher parking lot. If you and your student(s) need to cross Burton Hill Road please make sure to cross the street with the city provided safety guard.The car-rider students will be taken to the auditorium and seated by class. Parents will use Ansley Avenue to enter the pickup line on the left side of the street. Parents will display the teacher/office-issued student card. Parents will remain in their cars and student(s) will be escorted to their car. Parents please do not park your car at the front of the school or in the teacher parking lot and come into the school to pick up your child during dismissal time. Students may not be dropped off or picked up in the staff parking lot. It is a safety concern to have children walking across the carpool line and in the parking lot. Please wait in the Carpool Line with all the other parents, Thank You!Unescorted Walkers will be monitored as long as they are on school property. If a student walks home with siblings, they will all meet in the cafeteria prior to leaving the school. Unescorted walkers need to use the sidewalks and if they need to cross Burton Hill Road they will need to use the city provided safety guard. These students need to exit the school grounds as soon as possible.Bus Riders will all be escorted to the bus through the playground. Students are responsible for following all Fort Worth ISD bus rules and regulations as outlined in the Bus Rider’s Safety Handbook.Parents choose a method of pick-up the first day of school. If you need to change method of pick-up, either temporarily or permanently, it is imperative that you contact the front office and notify the student’s teacher in writing by 1:45 pm. Phone calls, emails or text messages will no longer be accepted to change a student’s dismissal plan. In order to ensure the safety of our students, parents must provide the office with dated and signed note to change an established dismissal plan; otherwise, your student will have to follow his or her regular dismissal procedure. Please limit changes to no more than 3 per month.Pre-KindergartenAll Pre-K students will be dismissed in the front of the school. Pre-K students are not allowed to walk home unescorted. Use the teacher/office issued card to pick up your child. School FacilitiesSchool Hours: Pre-kindergarten 7:50 - 2:15Kindergarten through Fifth Grade7:50 - 3:00Please DO NOT bring your child to school before 7:30 a.m. The school is not open until 7:30 a.m. and staff members are not on duty until that time. Therefore, no supervision is available for your child. If a child comes early or stays late, the parents will be contacted. All students not eating breakfast need to report to the auditorium. For the safety of your children, they will only be allowed to enter the school through the front door or the parking lot door. The school does not have the personnel to supervise children after their designated dismissal time. The school will make every effort to notify you if your child has been left at school. However, if we have not reached anyone after one hour, we have been authorized to contact All Church Home. Your child may be transported to this facility (3714 Wichita Street, 817-335-4673) if there is not an adult available at the school after 4:00 p.m. Please make every effort to assist us in this matter by picking your child up on time. Clayton Yes provides before and after school care in the cafeteria. The morning program will begin at 6:30 am and students will be dismissed to breakfast or to the auditorium. After-school the program ends at 6:30 p.m. You may contact them at 817-923-9888 for registration and fee information.Students living on the base may attend Action Zone. For registration information, contact them at 817-782-7566.Reporting a Student AbsenceCall the school office at 817-815-1400 to report that your child will be absent. When the student returns to school, a note is required by the parent/guardian. The note must include the child’s name, teacher, date(s) the student was absent, the reason for the absence and a parent/guardian signature. If a student is absent more than three (3) consecutive days, a note is required by a doctor. All notes must be received within seven (7) days of the absence(s). Failure to send a note within the required time period will result in an unexcused absence. Late Arrivals/TardiesThe first bell rings at 7:45 a.m. Students should be in class and seated by 7:50 a.m. Instruction begins when students walk into the classroom. It is IMPERATIVE for children to be in class on time—being on time sets the tone for a successful day. At 8:00 a.m. the school is locked for security purposes and any student arriving after 8:00 a.m. will need to be escorted to the main office. Students arriving after 7:50 a.m. will be considered tardy and marked accordingly on the attendance sheets. Students arriving after 7:50 a.m. MUST come to the office with their parent and receive a tardy pass before going to class. Students arriving after 10:00 a.m. will be counted absent for the day. If the tardy is due to an appointment, a note is required from that institute.Parent Escorts to ClassParents may escort their younger children to the auditorium (Pre-K students to class) before school begins; however, if a parent remains in the classroom after the 7:50 am bell, he or she will need to check-in with the office. Teachers and staff members are required to ask all visitors and parents in the building to check in with the office after the morning bell. Visitors are required to wear the visitor slip where it is visible for all to view. Beginning with the 2nd semester, Pre-K and Kindergarten students will walk to class without a parent escorts if they arrive after the tardy bell rings.Attendance*A student must be in school for two hours to be counted present. If a student leaves before 10:00 a.m. the student will be counted absent for the day. If a student returns on the same day with a note from the medical office they will be considered ‘medical in school’ and will not be counted absent.**Absences, Tardies and Early Dismissals are all considered “negative attendance”. Depending on the accumulated number, these may be considered truancy and will result in one of the following:A letter from the school (3 unexcused absences within a 4-week period)Warning Letter from the Attendance Control Office with mandatory meetingSART notice and a mandatory meeting with a truancy prevention facilitator & School OfficialsCourt hearing before a judge with possible fines. (Contributing to Non-Attendance, Texas Education Code 25.093)The parent may be subject to prosecution and the student may be referred to truancy court if the student is absent 10 or more days or parts of days within a six-month period.TruancyStudents categorized as truant may be subject to one or all of the following:Implementation of a Behavior Improvement PlanSchool-based community serviceReferral to counselingDocumentation is a key word: note from the parent, doctor, dentist, military issues, death in family, other appointments, etc. If you have any questions, please call the attendance office.FWISD wants your student to be successful. You can help by making sure that your student is regularly attending school. Best wishes for a successful school year.By: Valerie D. Baston, Assistant District AttorneyStated by: Tarrant County Office of the Criminal District AttorneyAlso listed in the Student Code of ConductOne key to a child’s success is school attendance. FWISD has specific policies and procedures concerning attendance, tardiness and truancy. Absent an exemption such as attendance at a private school or homeschool, Texas law requires students age 6–19 to attend school each day that instruction is provided. Compulsory attendance also applies to students who are younger than six who have previously been enrolled in first grade and to students below the age of six who are voluntarily enrolled in prekindergarten or kindergarten. For students over the age of 19, student truancy may result in revocation of enrollment in certain circumstance.Texas Education Code Sec. 25.092.?“MINIMUM ATTENDANCE FOR CLASS CREDIT OR FINAL GRADE.? (a)? Except as provided by this section, a student in any grade level from kindergarten through grade 12 may not be given credit or a final grade for a class unless the student is in attendance for at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered (b)? The board of trustees of each school district shall appoint one or more attendance committees to hear petitions for class credit or a final grade by students who are in attendance fewer than the number of days required under Subsection (a).” Numerous absences, whether excused or unexcused, may jeopardize a student’s ability to receive credit or final grades for classes.School use by Students Before and After SchoolCertain areas of the school will be accessible to students before and after school for specific purposes. Students are required to remain in the area where their activity is scheduled to take place. The following areas are open to students before school beginning at 7:30 a.mCafeteria (breakfast)Library (AR Tests)AuditoriumUnless the teacher or sponsor overseeing the activity gives permission, a student will not be permitted to go to another area of the building or campus. After dismissal of school in the afternoon, and unless involved in an activity under the supervision of a staff member, students must leave campus immediately. Unescorted students must immediately travel to their parent/guardian determined destination; they may not remain unsupervised on campus grounds. LibraryThe library is a learning laboratory with books, computers, magazines, and other materials available for classroom assignments, projects, and reading or listening pleasure. Books are checked out for 2 weeks at a time. Overdue notices will be sent out. If a student has an overdue book, they will not be allowed to check out new materials until the overdue items are returned or purchased.Transportation School SponsoredStudents who participate in school-sponsored trips are required to use transportation provided by the school to and from the event. The principal, however, may make an exception if the parent personally requests that the student be permitted to ride with the parent. Parents are not allowed to ride the bus when going on field trips with their students. Buses Students are expected to assist District staff in ensuring that buses remain in good condition and that transportation is provided safely. When riding school buses, students are held to behavioral standards established in this handbook and the Student Code of Conduct. Riding the bus is a privilege, not a right Students must:Follow the driver’s directions at all times.Enter and leave the bus in an orderly manner at the designated bus stop nearest home.Keep feet, books, band instrument cases, and other objects out of the aisle.Not deface the bus or its equipment.Not put head, hands, arms, or legs out of the window, hold any object out of the window, or throw objects within or out of the bus.Wait for the driver’s signal upon leaving the bus and before crossing in front of the bus.Misconduct will be punished in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct; bus-riding privileges may be suspended.Cafeteria ServicesThe District participates in the National School Meal Program and offers students nutritionally balanced lunches daily. Free and reduced-price lunches are available based on financial need. Information about a student’s participation is confidential. Breakfast is served from 7:30 a.m. -7:45 a.m. at a cost of $0.75 (regular) or $0.00(reduced). Children arriving after 7:50 a.m. will not be able to purchase breakfast. Adults may purchase a tray for $2.25 after all participating students have had an opportunity to eat.Lunch is served from 10:35 a.m. -12:35 p.m. The cost is $1.50 (regular), $0.40 (reduced) or $0.00 (free). Adult trays are $3.50. Grades Pre-K through 2nd may purchase ice cream and/or snack crackers for $0.30 or $0.50 at their scheduled lunch times on Fridays only. Grades 3-5 may purchase ice cream and/or snack crackers for $0.30 or $0.50 daily at their scheduled lunch time. If your child forgets or loses his/her lunch money, they will be permitted to call home. If we are unable to reach a parent, the cafeteria will provide a peanut butter sandwich or substitute and milk for a fee of $0.35. Parents are welcome to eat lunch with their children; however, because of the number of classes, parents will only be allowed to eat with their student on the designated day for the grade level. Please see the designated days listed below. All visitors must sign in at the office upon arrival.Tuesday: Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st GradeWednesday: 2nd & 3rd GradeThursday: 4th & 5th GradeNo carbonated drinks (Coke, Dr. Pepper, etc.) are allowed. We ask that no glass containers be sent with student lunches.*Prices may change based on federal guidelines; however, if a change does occur parents will be notified.Birthday CelebrationsBirthday celebrations will occur as a whole class event on the last Friday of the month. Individual birthdays will be recognized daily as part of the morning announcements. Birthday students will receive a pencil. Students with summer birthdays will have their birthday celebrated during the school year (August in September, June in May, and July in April).Dress and GroomingThe District’s dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, prevent disruption, and minimize safety hazards. Please adhere to the following standards developed by Fort Worth Independent School District throughout the entire school year including the last day of school, birthdays, and so forth unless directed otherwise by school officials. Tops:Color: Navy or white Style: Collared (polo or oxford) shirts or blouses, mock turtlenecks or turtlenecks; all must have sleeves and should be tucked in. T-shirts shall not be worn as outer clothing. Outerwear: Sweatshirts or sweaters in navy, white, or black are acceptable as outerwear if worn over standard dress; coats and jackets of any color shall be worn in accordance with weather conditions and are not worn in the classroom. Bottoms:Color: Navy, khaki, black or blue denim Style: Pants, shorts, skirts, skorts, capris or jumpers are acceptable; all must be hemmed or cuffed and can be no shorter than three inches above the knee. Jeans must be free of embellishments. Sagging pants are not permissible. Shoes:Style: Athletic shoes, loafers, dress shoes or other closed-toe shoes as well as open-toe/open-heel shoes. Shoelaces should be white or should match the color of the shoe. This local policy has been changed to allow students to wear black sweaters and sweatshirts in addition to the current options of navy and white. ?This change applies only to sweaters and sweatshirts and not to shirts. ?Navy and white are still the only allowable colors of shirts or blouses for elementary and middle school students.Guidelines for ALL grades (Prekindergarten-12):Clothing shall be the correct size for students, with no sagging pants. Tops (shirts or blouses) shall be tucked into clothing. T-shirts worn as undergarments must be solid white. T-shirts shall not be worn as outer clothing. Denim blue jeans must be free of embellishments. Bottoms should be hemmed or cuffed. Shorts, skirts and skorts shall be no shorter than three inches above the knee. Shoelaces must be white or match the color of the shoe. Acceptable accessories include belts of a solid color fabric or leather with a buckle no larger than two inches. Tights, socks and hosiery should be a solid color. Manufacturer logos on apparel must be less than a one and one-half inch square with the exception of school logos. Not Acceptable For Any Grade Level:Sagging pantsT-shirts worn as outer clothing or visible undergarmentsClothing considered too revealing (bare midriffs, tube tops, tank tops, cut off shirts, low-cut tops, crop tops, see-through skirts, fishnet clothing)Clothing with holes, tears or cutsClothing with lewd, offensive, vulgar, or obscene pictures, emblems or languageClothing with advertising that depicts tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any substance prohibited under FNCF (LEGAL)Gang-related clothing, accessories or jewelry bearing signs, insignias, colors or symbolsActive-wear such as wind shorts, warm-ups, soccer shorts, boxer shorts, sweat suits or spandex gym wearSleepwear, visible drawstrings, house shoesExcept for verified religious clothing, head gear such as hats, scarves, bandanas, do-rags or shower capsCombs, sunglasses or grillzAccessories or body piercings that could be classified as dangerous or as a potential weapon, i.e., chains, spiked necklaces or bracelets, and the like. Students of all grade levels are expected to be in full compliance with the dress code beginning on the first day of school. Violations of the dress code are handled at the school level.ExceptionsAt Burton Hill, on Fridays, students are allowed to wear a BURTON HILL T-shirts for Spirit Day.All other clothing must remain within the standard dress code. Students are NOT allowed to wear Burton Hill T-shirts on any other day. On designated picture days, students may “dress up” within limits of the standard dress code.On other days permission must be secured from the principal to be out of standard dress.ANY FORM OF DRESS WHICH IS DEEMED INAPPROPRIATE AND/OR A DISTRACTION TO THE SAFETY OF THE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE SCHOOL BY THE ADMINISTRATION SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED!Parents and CommunityVisitors to the School Parents and others are welcome to visit our school. For the safety of those within the school and to avoid disruption of instructional time, all visitors must first report to the office with an approved picture identification and receive a visitor sticker. The visitor sticker must be visible at all times.ParkingParking is allowed along the fence across from the front of the school for persons having business in the school during school hours. For safety purposes, parking is NOT allowed by the fence during dismissal to pick up students. Please refer to the section titled “DISMISSAL” for questions concerning those procedures. Parents are not allowed to park in the faculty/staff parking lot or in the bus zone at any time unless a handicap sign is displayed on your vehicle. Thank you for your help and cooperation with this matter in helping to create a safe environment for all students before, during, and after school. Directory InformationCertain information about district students is considered directory information and will be released to anyone who follows the school district’s procedures for requesting it unless a parent objects, in writing, to the principal within ten (10) days after issuance of this notice. Directory information includes a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized sports and other activities, date of attendance, awards received in school, most recent previous school attended, and other similar information.If you, as the parent or guardian of a minor student, object to the release directory information concerning your child, you must notify the school, in writing, within ten (10) days. No response is required unless you refuse to allow this information to be made public.School CommunicationBurton Hill will be using a school-wide REMIND program to notify parents of pertinent information. For this purpose, please provide your child’s teacher with a parent/guardian cell phone number and e-mail address.Student or Parent ConcernsUsually student or parent concerns can be addressed simply by a phone call or a conference with the teacher. For those complaints and concerns that cannot be handled through the classroom teacher please contact a school administrator. If the concern is still not handled the District has adopted a standard complaint policy at FNG (LOCAL) in the District’s policy manual. Student RecordsBoth federal and state laws 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 years or older.The law specifies that certain general information about FWISD students is considered “directory information” and will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it. That information includes:A student’s name, address, telephone number, and date and place of birth.The student’s photograph, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and weight and height of members of athletic teams.The student’s dates of attendance, grade level, status, honors and awards received in school, and most recent school previously attended.The parent or an eligible student may prevent release of any or all directory information regarding a student. This objection must be made in writing to the principal within ten school days after the parent has been provided this notice. 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 go 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. 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.TestingIn order for students to do their best on any test, they must be comfortable and alert. Parents are encouraged to be aware of their child’s schedule and to assure that the child comes to school every day—but especially on test days—after:A good night sleep;A good breakfast; andDressed for the weather or for the temperature inside the testing center.The campus will be closed to visitors on district testing days.State AssessmentIn addition to routine testing and other measures of achievement, students at certain grade levels will take state assessment tests in the following subjects:Mathematics, annually in grades 3–5 without the aid of technologyReading, annually in grades 3–5Writing, including spelling and grammar, in grade 4 Science in grade 5 IOWA Assessment, Kinder – 2nd TELPAS – EL studentsTest results will be reported to students and parents; parents may review any assessment test that has been given to their child.This section of the handbook contains pertinent requirements for academics and activities. Instructional InformationComputer ResourcesTo 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.[For additional information, see policy CQ.]CounselingThe school counselor is available to assist students with a wide range of personal concerns, including such areas as social, family, or emotional issues. The counselor may also make available information about community resources to address these concerns. You can reach our school counselor, Marcy Stephan, by calling 817-815-1415 Extra-Curricular Activities, Clubs, and OrganizationsParticipation 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. Throughout the year, students will have the opportunity to participate in the following programs:School Academic TeamsScience FairHistory FairSpelling Bee600 Minute Reading ClubStudent CouncilRunning ClubArt ClubHomeworkHomework will be assigned Monday through Thursday and will be omitted on weekends and before holidays. We recommend parents begin on the first day of school to designate a time and place for studying. The suggested amount of time for homework assignments in grades K-2nd is 30 minutes dedicated to reading and for grades 3rd through 5th, 30 minutes for reading and 15 minutes for math. Homework assignments will be adapted to the individual needs of the students. The most important homework task your child will have is reading. All students, Pre-K-5th will be required to read something every night.All work sent home will be independent practice of concepts already taught in the classroom. Homework will be reviewed by the teacher, but it is not always given a numerical grade. Homework assignments count as much as 10% of the total grade. Teachers will notify parents and administrators if students are not completing or turning in homework. Homework Haven will be for students needing academic assistance and will be referral based. Third through fifth grade teachers will refer students based on need to the school administration. Those students selected will be given a Homework Haven form to bring home and have completed by parents. There will be a staff member who oversees Homework Haven. If you have any further questions please contact Dr. Bigley at 817-815-1400Students are expected to make up assignments when they are absent. They are given one day for every day they are absent to make up work. When students turn in work after the allowed days points may be deducted from the assignments grade.RetentionStudents will not be promoted if they have less than 70% in math, or reading/language arts, or in all numerical subjects averaged together or do not meet attendance requirements (being present 90% of the instructional days).Please be aware that effective in the school years set out below a student’s satisfactory performance on state exams, called The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STARR), will be required for promotion. This requirement will be effective for the following students:Fifth graders A student who does not perform satisfactorily will participate in special instructional programs designed to help improve performance and will also have additional opportunities to take the test. If the student fails a second time, a grade placement committee, consisting of the principal or designee, the teacher, and the student’s parent, will determine the additional special instruction the student will receive. After a third failed attempt, the student will be retained; the parent can appeal this decision to the grade placement committee. Whether the student is retained or promoted, an educational plan for the student will be designed for the next school year to enable the student to perform at grade level.For further information, see policies at EHBC, EI, and EIE. Special ProgramThe District provides special programs for gifted and talented students, bilingual students, migrant students, students with limited English proficiency, dyslexic students, and students with disabilities. The coordinator of each program can answer questions about eligibility requirements, as well as programs and services offered in the District or by other organizations. A parent with questions about these programs should contact the principal.Options & RequirementsFor Providing Assistance to Students Who Have Learning Disabilities orWho Need or May Need Special EducationIf a child is experiencing learning difficulties, the parent may contact the person listed below to learn about the district’s overall general education referral or screening system for support services. This system links students to a variety of support options, including referral for special education evaluation. Students having difficulty in the regular classroom should be considered for tutorial, compensatory, and other support services that are available to all students. At any time, a parent is entitled to request an evaluation for special education services; however, in order to attain the needed data for special education testing the RTI process is necessary. The school will respond to any parent request within 10 school days to decide if the evaluation is needed. If an evaluation is necessary, the parent will be notified and asked to provide consent for the evaluation. The district must complete the evaluation and report within 45school days of the date the district receives the written consent. The district must give a copy of the report to the parent. If the district determines that the evaluation is not needed, the district will provide the parent with a written notice that explains why the child will not be evaluated. This written notice will include a statement that informs the parent of their rights if they disagree with the district. Additionally, the notice must inform the parent how to obtain a copy of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards-Right of parents of Students with Disabilities.The designated person to contact regarding options for a child experiencing learning difficulties or a referral for evaluation for special education is:Contact Person: Marcy Stephan, Counselor or Kristen McCarthy, DiagnosticianPhone Number: 817-815-1415 817-815-1426TextbooksState-approved textbooks are provided free of charge for each subject or class. Books must be covered by the student, as directed by the teacher, and treated with care. A student who is issued a damaged book should report the damage to the teacher immediately. Lost textbooks should be paid for before another is issued.Parental InvolvementA 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.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. Monitor your child’s academic progress and contact teachers as needed.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 817-815-1400 for an appointment. A teacher will usually return your call or meet with you during his or her conference period or at a mutually convenient time before or after school. Exercising your right to review teaching materials, textbooks, other teaching aids, and to examine tests that have been administered to your child.Removing your child temporarily from the classroom, if an instructional activity in which your child is scheduled to participate in 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 requirements as determined by the school and by the Texas Education Agency. An alternative assignment(s) would be required to complete in order to satisfy the academic requirements. Becoming a school volunteer. For further information, see policy GKG and contact our parent liaison. There are many new opportunities to volunteer this year at Burton Hill. Participating in campus parent organizations. Parent organizations include: the Burton Hill PTO, SBDM and other school committees. Offering to serve as a parent representative on the District-level or campus-level planning committee assisting in the development of educational goals and plans to improve student achievement. For further information, see policies at BQA and BQB.Attending Board meetings to learn more about District operations. Board meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise provided by the Board. [See policies BE and BED for more information.]Communicable Diseases / Health ConcernsTo protect other students from contagious illnesses, students infected with certain diseases are not allowed to come to school while contagious. Parents of a student with a communicable or contagious disease should phone the school nurse or principal so that other students who might have been exposed to the disease can be alerted. Further information may be found at policy FFAD.Head LiceHead lice are a common problem that occurs in many childcare settings and schools throughout the year. Lice are very small, tan colored insects that live on human heads. The eggs are tiny and gray or white in color. They are easily spread from person to person by direct contact or by sharing personal items.Please check your child(ren) for head lice or nits before sending them to school. If they are present in your child’s hair, use a special shampoo for the treatment of head lice and notify the school nurse. All of the nits must be removed before your child can return to school. A child will be given one (1) excused absence in the event of a head lice infestation.Bacterial MeningitisState law requires the District to provide the following information:WHAT IS MENINGITIS?Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is most common and the least serious. Bacterial meningitis is the most common form of serious bacterial infection with the potential for serious, long-term complications. It is an uncommon disease, but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death.WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop over one or two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms.Children (over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have a severe headache, high temperature, vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness or joint pains, and drowsiness or confusion. In both children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots. These can occur anywhere on the body.The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory results.HOW SERIOUS IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS?If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete recovery. In some cases it can be fatal or a person may be left with a permanent disability.HOW IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS SPREAD?Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body. They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing; sharing drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes).The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of the germ for days, weeks, or even months. The bacteria rarely overcome the body’s immune system and cause meningitis or another serious illness.HOW CAN BACTERIAL MENINGITIS BE PREVENTED?Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Limit the number of people you kiss.While there are vaccines for some other strains of bacterial meningitis, they are used only in special circumstances. These include when there is a disease outbreak in a community or for people traveling to a country where there is a high risk of getting the disease. Also, a vaccine is recommended by some groups for college students, particularly freshmen living in dorms or residence halls. The vaccine is safe and effective (85–90 percent). It can cause mild side effects, such as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within seven to ten days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to five years.WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU THINK YOU OR A FRIEND MIGHT HAVE BACTERIAL MENINGITIS?You should seek prompt medical attention.WHERE CAN YOU GET MORE INFORMATION?Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional health department office are excellent sources for information on all communicable diseases. You may also call your local health department or Regional Texas Department of Health office to ask about meningococcal vaccine. Additional information may also be found at the websites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, , and the Texas Department of Health, on the Basis of Race, Color, Gender, Religion, Sexual Orientation, National Origin, or DisabilityStudents must not engage in harassment behaviors motivated by race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability directed toward another student.Students are expected to treat other students and District employees with courtesy and respect; to avoid any behaviors known to be offensive; and to stop these behaviors when asked or told to stop. The District encourages parental and student support in its efforts to address and prevent harassment in any form in the public schools. Students and/or parents are encouraged to discuss their questions or concerns about the expectations in this area with a teacher, counselor, or principal.A student who believes he or she has been harassed by another student or by a District employee is encouraged to report the incident to the teacher, counselor, or principal. The allegations will be investigated and addressed. A substantiated complaint against a student will result in appropriate disciplinary action, according to the nature of the offense and the Student Code of Conduct. ................
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