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SAISD Home : Parents & Community : Handbook : Section II

SAISD Parent-Student Handbook 2002-03
Section II: General Information

ABSENCE PROCEDURES

  1. When a student must be absent, the student, upon returning to school, must bring a note, signed by the parent that describes the reason for the absence. A note signed by the student, even with the parent's permission, will not be accepted unless the student is 18 or older.
  2. A student absent for any reason should promptly make up specific assignments missed.
  3. If a student has an appointment with a health care professional, the student may be counted present for the day if: the student attends class sometime during the day of the appointment, either before or after the appointment; the school sign-in/out sheet supports the appointment; and the student provides written documentation from the health care professional for his/her presence at the appointment. The student is responsible for completing any assignment missed.
  4. A student who is tardy to class will be subject to the consequences established at each campus in accordance with the possible consequences in the SAISD Student Code of Conduct.
  5. Students and parents should be aware of specific school procedures for contacting the Attendance Office at each school.
  6. A student absent from school may not be allowed to participate in school-related activities on that day or evening.

ADMISSION (AGE) REQUIREMENTS

Pre-Kindergarten - A child must be age 3 or 4 on or before September 1st and must also be from a low-income family be unable to speak and comprehend English, or eligible under the McKinney Act as a homeless child.
Kindergarten - A child must be age 5 on or before September 1st.
First Grade - A child must be age 6 on or before September 1st.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES FOR STUDENTS

Parents are responsible for ensuring that their children arrive on campus no earlier than 45 minutes prior to the start of the school day and depart from campus in a timely manner (generally within 30 minutes) following the students' dismissal. The school day begins and ends as follows:

Elementary Schools 7:55 am to 2:55 pm
Middle Schools 8:25 am to 3:25 pm
High Schools 8:30 am to 3:45 pm
Fox Tech High School 8:15 am to 3:30 pm

It is imperative for safety reasons that students do not arrive before the specified time in the morning nor remain later than the expected time of departure in the afternoon or following an after-school event. Parents and students will be held responsible for cooperating with school personnel regarding compliance with these hours.

Individual campuses will determine the places and times where students will be permitted to assemble before and after school and will notify students and parents of these places and times. In addition, cafeterias are open before the start of the school day so that students may participate in the breakfast program.

ATTENDANCE

Regular school attendance is essential for the student to make the most of his or her education – to benefit from teacher-led activities, to build each day's learning on that of the previous day's, and to grow as an individual. It is also the law in Texas that:

  1. A student between the ages of 6 and 18 must attend school and District-required tutorial sessions unless the student is otherwise legally exempted or excused. Upon enrollment in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten, a child is also subject to the compulsory attendance law. School employees must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. A student absent without permission from school, from any class, or from required tutorials, will be considered truant and subject to disciplinary action. If a student is absent from school on ten (10) or more days within a six-month period in the same school year or on three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period: (1) the student’s parent(s) is/are subject to prosecution under section 25.093 of the Texas Education Code (Parent Contributing to Truancy); and (2) the student is subject to prosecution under section 25.094 of the Texas Education Code (Failure to Attend School). Also, the school will notify the parent if the student has been absent from school, without excuse acceptable to the school, on three days or parts of days within a four-week period.
  2. To receive credit in a class, a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered. The actual number of days a student must attend in order to receive credit will depend on whether the class is for a full semester or a full year. A student who attends fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered cannot receive credit for the class unless the Attendance Review Committee of the school finds that the absences are the result of extenuating circumstances.
  3. A student age 18 or older shall attend school each school day for the entire period the program of instruction is offered. The District may revoke for the remainder of the school year the enrollment of a student age 18 or older who has more than five absences in a semester that are not excused. A student whose enrollment is revoked may be considered an unauthorized person on school District grounds for purposes of the trespass law.

School Attendance Committee
A student and the student's parent or guardian shall be given written notice prior to and upon a student's attendance in any class dropping below 90 percent of the days the class is offered. When a student's attendance drops below 90 percent of the days the class is offered, the student, parent, or representative may submit a written petition to the appropriate school Attendance Committee requesting award of credit. The Attendance Committee shall review the student's entire attendance record and the reasons for absences and shall determine whether to award credit.

Petitions for credit may be filed at any time the student receives notice, but in any event no later than 30 days after the last day of classes.

The school Attendance Committee may review the records of all students whose attendance drops below 90 percent of the days the class is offered, whether or not a petition is filed.

BUS BEHAVIOR

Students are to follow these general rules when they are on school buses or other public transportation (e.g., VIA buses) which may carry students to and from school:

  1. Follow the driver's instructions at all times.
  2. Do not engage in any conduct that does or may distract or harm the driver, or otherwise cause the driver to be unable to operate the vehicle safely.
  3. Board and leave the bus in an orderly manner at the designated bus stop.
  4. Exhibit good manners toward all others on the bus: do not use profanity, vulgar language, obscene gestures, insults, racial slurs, or exhibit other disruptive or abusive behavior.
  5. Do not fight, push, or engage in other inappropriate physical or sexual contact.
  6. Do not exhibit any gang-related behavior, including throwing gang signs, gestures, verbal threats, etc.
  7. District rules apply regarding prohibited items or substances and will be strictly enforced: do not possess or use any alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, weapons, matches, lighters, or flammable substances, etc. on the bus.
  8. Remain seated when the bus is in motion if seats are available.
  9. Keep books, band instrument cases, feet, and other objects out of the aisle of the bus.
  10. Keep the vehicle clean; do not deface or vandalize the bus and/or its equipment.
  11. Maintain safety near windows: do not extend head, hand, arm, or leg out of the window nor hold any object out of the window.
  12. Do not throw any objects within the bus or out of the bus.
  13. Upon leaving the bus, use caution before crossing streets.
  14. Comply with all other behavior expectations in the SAISD Student Code of Conduct.

Bus Behavior Violations
Violations may result in the withdrawal or restriction of bus privileges or other disciplinary consequences as listed in this SAISD Student Code of Conduct. Note: A change in transportation services for a student with a disability for whom transportation is a related service requires ARD committee action; a change in transportation services for Section 504 students requires Section 504 committee action. The Special Education Department has developed a handbook for parents of students receiving a special education service that is available as a resource.

For further information, contact the District’s Transportation Department at (210) 223-9792.

CAMPUS STUDENT HANDBOOKS

Each SAISD campus has the option of distributing a student handbook with specific guidelines and rules of operation pertaining to a particular campus. A campus student handbook, while separate and distinct from the SAISD Student Code of Conduct, must be consistent with the SAISD Student Code of Conduct. If a question arises concerning whether a provision of a student handbook is consistent with the SAISD Student Code of Conduct, the Superintendent or designee shall review the provision in question and make a determination.

COMPLAINTS/CONCERNS OF PARENTS OR STUDENTS

Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed simply – by a phone call or a conference with the teacher, counselor, or other staff member. If a conference is preferred, the parent should make an appointment with the appropriate teacher or other campus staff member to discuss the concern. If the concern remains unresolved following the discussion with the teacher or other staff member, the parent or student shall discuss the situation with the campus principal within fifteen (15) days of the time the student or parent knew or should have known of the event causing the concern.

Although in most cases, parent and student concerns are resolved at the campus level, the District has adopted a standard policy [FNG (LOCAL)] that outlines the steps to be taken if the situation is unresolved after a discussion with the principal. The parent or student shall contact the office of the appropriate Area Executive Director of Campus Operations within ten District work days following receipt of a response from the principal or if no response is received within ten days of the response deadline.

The appropriate Area Executive Director varies depending upon the campus involved, so the parent or student may ask the school principal for the name of the Area Executive Director or call (210) 299-5500 for information. The Area Executive Director, or designee, will attempt to resolve the complaint prior to a formal conference with the parent or student. However, if a formal conference between the Area Executive Director and the parent or student is necessary, either before or during the conference, the parent or student shall submit a written complaint to the Area Executive Director. This written complaint must explain the complaint, any evidence in its support, the solution sought, the date of the conference with the principal, and the signature of the person presenting the complaint.

If the parent or student remains dissatisfied with the decision, he/she may request a conference with the Superintendent/designee within ten (10) District work days following receipt of a response from the Area Executive Director or if no response is received within ten days of the response deadline. Either before or during the conference, the parent or student shall submit a written complaint to the Superintendent/designee that explains the complaint, any evidence in its support, the solution sought, the date of the conference with the Area Executive Director, and the signature of the person presenting the complaint.

Following the response from the Superintendent/designee, the parent or student may appeal that decision to the Board of Trustees following the procedure outlined in policy FNG (LOCAL).

COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET

Computer resources are electronic tools to enhance student learning. The purpose of using the Internet in our schools is to support research and education by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity of collaborative work. Disciplinary action shall be taken for acts of misconduct listed. All student users of computers and the Internet shall comply with the following rules:

Acceptable Use

  1. The use of computer resources must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of SAISD.
  2. All e-mail accounts shall be used only by the authorized user, and sharing an ID or password with any other person is discouraged.
  3. All e-mail users shall follow the accepted "netiquette for e-mail" which includes, but is not limited to, the following actions:

    a. Be polite: users shall not send, or encourage others to send, abusive messages.

    b. Use appropriate language: users shall not swear or use vulgarities or other inappropriate language.

    c. Protect privacy: users shall be cautious about transmitting credit card numbers, account numbers of any kind, Social Security numbers, home addresses or phone numbers, or any other personal information about themselves or other individuals.

Unacceptable Use

  1. Transmission of any material in violation of any federal or state law or regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret.
  2. Use for commercial activities or private business is prohibited. Users shall not initiate any purchases through online communication.
  3. Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is prohibited, except when used for instructional purposes.
  4. Deletion, examination, copying, or modification of files and/or data belonging to others without their prior consent is prohibited.
  5. Vandalism, defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy property or data of another user, is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creating of computer viruses, the use of the network to disrupt use by others, the use of e-mail to disable servers or clog the access lines, and the destruction, modification, or abuse of hardware and software.
  6. Creating, transmitting, accessing, or processing hate mail, threats, harassment, discriminatory remarks, pornographic references or graphics, and other anti-social behaviors are prohibited.
  7. Use of computer resources to access or process inappropriate files or files dangerous to the integrity of the network is prohibited.
  8. Illegal installation of copyrighted software for use on District computers is prohibited. Copying any copyright-protected material in violation of the copyright law is illegal and prohibited.
  9. Plagiarizing material or information from any computer resource, whether from a single program or an Internet resource, is prohibited.

Security and Monitoring

  1. Electronic transmissions and other use of the SAISD system by students shall not be considered confidential and may be monitored at any time by designated District staff to ensure appropriate use for educational purposes.
  2. Any violations of the use of computer resources and/or the Internet/SAISD system, or any violations of privacy, must be reported to the teacher or administrator.

Computer Use/Internet Violations

The principal or designee shall investigate allegations of violations of these rules and identified violations are generally considered to be Level II – Major Offenses.

CONFERENCES WITH TEACHERS OR ADMINISTRATORS

As partners in the education of our students, school personnel are available to meet with parents. We recognize that close communication between parents and educators forms a foundation for student success. The parent may make an appointment for a conference by contacting the school's main office or by writing a note to the teacher, counselor, or administrator. Teachers have a conference period during the day, but if the parent cannot meet at that time, sometimes an appointment may be arranged before or after school.

DIPLOMA REQUESTS

Requests for a duplicate high school diploma should be directed to Management Information Services, 1702 N. Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78215, phone (210) 475-0016. These requests take 4 to 6 weeks for completion. A nominal fee is charged and can be paid by money order (to Herff Jones) only.

DIRECTORY INFORMATION
At the time of registration or at the beginning of each school year, a copy of "Release of Information from Student Records" is provided to each parent. This notice explains that basic directory information (name, grade, age, etc.) may be released by the District unless the parent submits an objection to the release of this information (a form is part of the notice). Please review this notice carefully.

DRESS CODE

In General

The District's dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, instill discipline, prevent disruption, avoid safety hazards, and teach respect for authority. Students shall be dressed and groomed in a manner that is clean and neat and that will not be a health or safety hazard to themselves or others.

School Uniforms

The Board has determined that the use of school uniforms will improve the learning environment at the District and has adopted the use of student uniforms as specified in the rules. Uniforms are defined in this policy as one or more specific kinds of articles of clothing, not commonly available at a variety of retail outlets, that are required to be worn by students during normal school hours or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities on or off school property.

Uniforms made up of khaki shorts, skirts, skorts, jumpers, and trousers and white long- and short-sleeved blouses and shirts with collars shall be worn by all students enrolled in each SAISD school. In addition, an alternate shirt/blouse that conforms to the uniform standards may be selected by each school.

Uniform Specifications

  • Khaki pants, shorts, skirts and jumpers must fit well and not be oversized or undersized. Pants and shorts must fit at the waist and must not "sag."
  • Uniform pants must be straight-legged, and pockets must be the standard front pockets. No "baggies" or loose-fit pants are permitted. Cargo pants (with pockets on the side of the leg), overalls, Capri pants, bell-bottom, or wide-leg styles are not uniform pants and are not permitted. For enforcement purposes, pants of any kind that extend below the knees but above the ankles are considered cropped pants, and like Capri pants, are not permitted. This restriction applies to boys and girls regardless of the name of the clothing style. Some examples of styles not permitted include Capri pants, pedal pushers, beachcombers, and other cropped pants.
  • Shorts, skirts and skorts must be no shorter than three inches above the knee. For enforcement purposes, pockets on shorts, skirts, or skorts must also be standard front pockets; no "cargo" styles are permitted. Also, to be considered shorts rather than pants, the length cannot extend below the knee.
  • No manufacturers' logos or brand names may be visible. If visible when purchased, they must be removed.
  • No visible drawstrings on pants, shorts, or skorts.
  • All clothing must be hemmed. No cut-offs or rolled-up cuffs. Cuffs must be tailored and tacked/sewn at the seams.
  • Shirts must fit well and not be oversized or undersized. Shirts must have collars, and may be polo-style or dress-style.
  • All shirts must be tucked in, except for those with a wide (approximately three-inch) band at the bottom that are meant to be worn out.

Students wearing uniforms and uniform components must also conform to the other dress code requirements stated below.

Dress Code

  1. Skirts, dresses, jumpers, shorts and skorts must be no shorter than three inches above the knee.
  2. Appropriate footwear must be worn; footwear which has toes reinforced with steel, hard plastics or similar materials is specifically prohibited, as are thongs, beach sandals or other open-toed shoes that do not have straps to secure them.
  3. Unconventional colors or hairstyles (e.g., Mohawks, spiked hair or designs) causing distractions are not permitted.
  4. Headwear shall not be worn in buildings. For enforcement purposes, headwear worn as legitimate religious attire may be considered as an exception following a conference with the principal.
  5. Any clothes that are suggestive or indecent or which cause distraction are prohibited. Specifically, tank tops, muscle shirts, halter-tops, spaghetti straps, exposed backs or midriffs, and see-through garments without a shell or shirt worn under the garments are prohibited.
  6. Indecent/inappropriate patches, writings, or drawings on clothing or body are prohibited. Clothing with inappropriate advertising or statements that are lewd, offensive, vulgar, obscene or inflammatory (e.g., alcoholic beverages, sex, tobacco, drugs, gangs, etc.) are also prohibited.
  7. Oversized clothing shall not be worn to school. Specifically, "bagging" or "sagging" pants are prohibited. All pants are to be worn at the waist. Tight-fitting pants (e.g., tights, bicycle pants, Spandex) are also prohibited. Extra-long belts are prohibited. Belts must be put through the belt loops on the pants.
  8. All shirts, including any type of jersey, must be tucked in at all times. Sweatshirts, sweaters, shirts or blouses designed to be worn out are the only exceptions.
  9. Dangling key rings and chains will not be permitted. This includes chains attached to wallets, footwear and backpacks.
  10. Visible body piercing jewelry is prohibited, except for ear piercing.
  11. No gang-related attire will be permitted. This will be designated by individual campuses. For enforcement purposes, gang-related attire may be identified by specific colors. Principals shall work with SAISD Police to identify gang-related attire and shall communicate to students and parents what attire is considered gang-related in the school and community to prevent these violations.

These rules apply to all SAISD campuses and facilities and to any locations off-campus where SAISD students are receiving classroom instruction (e.g., official class field trips, internships, or other programs hosted at facilities other than SAISD).

Extracurricular Activities

The principal, in cooperation with the sponsor, coach, or other person in charge of an extracurricular activity, may regulate the dress and grooming of students who participate in the activity. Students who violate dress and grooming standards established for such an activity may be removed or excluded from the activity for a period determined by the principal or sponsor and may be subject to other disciplinary action. [FNCA (LOCAL)].

Dress for Special Occasion Days

The principal has the authority to allow all or part of the student body to vary from the uniform and establish a particular mode of attire for special occasion days or for particular school-sponsored or school-related activities.

Uniform Options for Outerwear

  1. Cold classroom and cold weather clothing must support the SAISD uniform policy by:
  2. Providing the necessary warmth;
  3. Maintaining visibility of the required uniform components;
  4. Allowing students flexibility to add or remove an extra article of clothing (layering);
  5. Complementing the required uniform components and being neat and clean;
  6. Being the correct size (not oversized);
  7. Complying with specific school guidelines addressing gang-related attire as determined by the principal;
  8. Being appropriate to wear in a classroom for an entire school day;
  9. Allowing flexibility for extreme weather conditions; and
  10. Maintaining school safety – long coats extending below mid-thigh, including but not limited to trench coats, shall not be permitted.

Exemptions

A parent or guardian who requests that a child be exempted from the uniform requirement must submit a written statement that explains a religious or philosophical objection to the uniform requirement. Each campus shall provide forms for this purpose (Form F28-A). District or campus personnel shall not discriminate against any student who has been exempted from the mandatory use of uniforms because of religious or philosophical objections.

Uniform Assistance Program

Uniform assistance will be provided for families that qualify. For information, contact the school principal or designee.

Dress Code Violations

If the principal determines that a student's grooming or clothing violates the dress code, the student shall be given an opportunity to correct the problem at school if the occurrence is the first or second offense during the school year. If not corrected, or if the violation is a third offense within the school year, the student shall be assigned to in-school suspension, or be subject to other appropriate discipline consequences as determined by the principal, for the remainder of the day or until the problem is corrected. Repeated dress code offenses may result in more serious disciplinary action, and may constitute a Level I or Level II offense. Appropriate discipline procedures shall be followed in all cases. [FNCA (LOCAL)].

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS

When weather or another emergency makes it necessary to close schools, information on school closings will be broadcast on late night or early morning radio and television.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS

Participation in school and school-related activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships with other students. Participation is a privilege. Many of the activities are governed by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) – a statewide association of participating districts. However, eligibility for participation in many of these activities is governed by state law, District policies and student code of conduct, as well as UIL rules. Please note: some organizations and performing groups, such as the drill team or pep squad, may establish and enforce standards of behavior – including consequences for misbehavior- that are stricter than those for students in general or provided in the Student Code of Conduct (for instance, merits and demerits may be established). Such standards of behavior are hereby recognized and approved by the District. If a violation is also a violation of school rules, the consequences specified by the SAISD Student Code of Conduct or by local policy will apply in addition to any consequences by the organization. All such behavior codes are approved by the Superintendent, and parents may inquire with the sponsor or principal when questions arise.

FOOD SERVICES

The District provides free meals to all SAISD students, rather than qualifying individual students for the free or reduced meals program based on income. At registration, each parent of new students must provide some income information on the Family Income Data - Public Education Information Management System form in order to comply with requirements of the Texas Education Agency regarding this free meal program.

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAMS

Guidance and Counseling programs are dedicated to improving student’s lives by assisting with academics, life skills, and career planning. Under the SAISD Guidance and Counseling programs, students learn study skills, decision-making strategies, communication skills, social skills, character development, conflict resolution, time management, and, generally, how to be successful in and out of school.

Capturing Kids Hearts, under the Guidance and Counseling Program, provides a district discipline management model that also addresses violence prevention.

For more specific information on the Guidance and Counseling Program on individual campuses, please contact the school’s counselor or the Guidance and Counseling Office for the District at (210) 227-1206.

HEALTH SERVICES AND MEDICAL TREATMENT

Communicable Diseases

A communicable disease is one that may be passed directly or indirectly from one person to another. The principal shall exclude from attendance any student suffering from a communicable disease, as defined by the Texas Board of Health, until one of the criteria for readmittance is fulfilled.

  1. Conditions for which children may be excluded include, but are not limited to, hepatitis A, chickenpox, pediculosis (head lice), scabies, impetigo, ringworm of the scalp, and infectious forms of conjunctivitis (pink eye).
  2. Students excluded due to a communicable disease shall be readmitted by one or more of the following methods:
  3. Written medical clearance from the student's physician;
  4. Readmission permit from the local health authority (San Antonio Metropolitan Health District);
  5. After the disease is no longer contagious, as established by the Texas Commissioner of Health.

Emergency Medical Treatment

If a student should have a medical emergency at school or at a school-related activity when the parent cannot be reached, the school will need to have written parental consent to obtain emergency medical treatment. Therefore, parents are asked each year to complete the consent portion of the Student Registration Data form, an official registration document. Parents should keep emergency care information up-to-date (name of doctor, emergency phone numbers, allergies to medications, etc.). Having current information will be of critical importance should an accident or injury occur that requires medical attention. Please contact the school nurse to update any information. If, in the opinion of the campus administrator or school nurse, a life-threatening emergency occurs, EMS will be called.

Health/Accident Insurance for Students

If a student is injured at school or at a school-related activity, the District is not responsible for medical expenses associated with the student's injury. The District does make available, however, an optional, low-cost student accident insurance program to assist parents. Information about this program may be obtained at the school office or by contacting the SAISD Employee Benefits & Risk Management Department at 299-5645.

Also, a student whose family earns too much to qualify for Medicaid but still cannot afford health insurance may be eligible for subsidized health insurance through a state program called CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program). Parents may contact the school nurse for information.

Mandated Screenings

Vision and hearing screenings are required by the Special Senses and Communication Disorders Act for all students in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and grades 1,3,5,7 and 9. Additionally, the school nurses conduct vision and hearing screenings for students at all other grade levels upon referral by the parents, school staff, or upon self-referral by the student. Students who do not pass the screening tests are referred to a medical practitioner for further testing. It is the parent's responsibility to select a specialist of their choice and to pay for the professional services.

Spinal screening is mandated for students in grades 6 and 8. This requirement is met if the parent provides the results of a screening conducted by a state-licensed practitioner or if the students are screened by the school nurse.

Medicine at School

The parent must submit a written request when a student must take medicine during the school day, along with the medicine, in its original, properly labeled container, to the school nurse. Such written permission is required for both prescription and non-prescription medication, regardless of the length of time the medication is to be taken, and forms are available from the school nurse. Medication to be taken for more than ten days requires a doctor's signature on the form. Medications not listed by the U.S. Pharmacopoeia and approved by the FDA may not be administered at school. Also, sample medicine or medicine obtained from outside the U.S. will not be administered at school. Students are not permitted to carry any prescription or over-the-counter medicines at school or at school-related activities, with the exception of prescription asthma medicine. The prescription label must show that the medicine has been prescribed for that student, the self-administration is in compliance with the prescription or written instruction from the student's physician or other licensed health care provider, and the student's parent provides the school with a written form from the physician or other licensed health care provider. A physician's written statement must state that the student is capable of self-administration and, with respect to the medication, state the name, purpose, dosage, administration times or circumstances, and the period for which it is prescribed.

Outside Counselors

Before a student is referred to an outside counselor for care or treatment of a chemical dependency or psychological condition, the District will obtain written, informed consent from the parent. This parental right is set forth in detail in Texas Education Code Section 38.010.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND SURVEYS

The Board of Trustees has adopted guidelines to ensure that written consent is obtained from the parent, legal guardian, or person entitled to enroll the student for the student to participate in those activities for which the District requires parental consent.
Instructional Materials and Surveys

The Protection of Pupil Rights Act sets forth requirements regarding inspection of instructional materials and limitations on surveys and evaluations. These requirements are:

  1. Inspection of instructional materials by parents or guardians: All instructional materials, including teacher's manuals, films, tapes, or other supplementary material which will be used in connection with any survey, analysis, or evaluation as part of any applicable program shall be available for inspection by the parents or guardians of the children.
  2. Limits on survey, analysis, or evaluations: No student shall be required, as part of any applicable program, to submit to a survey, analysis, or evaluation that reveals information concerning:
    1. Political affiliations;
    2. Mental and psychological problems potentially embarrassing to the student or his family;
    3. Sex behavior and attitudes;
    4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating and demeaning behavior;
    5. Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships;
    6. Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers;
    7. Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program);
    8. Religious beliefs or affiliations; or
    9. . Other matters that of a personal or family nature without the prior consent of the student (if the student is an adult or emancipated minor), or in the case of an un-emancipated minor, without the prior written consent of the parent.

MUTUAL RESPECT OF RIGHTS

Members of the SAISD community must respect the rights of each other. SAISD officials, teachers, parents, and students will not retaliate, intimidate, interrogate or harass any other member of the District community for exercising their rights.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is the policy of San Antonio Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

  1. San Antonio Independent School District will take steps to assure that the lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocations programs.
  2. For information about your rights or grievance procedures, you may contact the following people:
    • Allegations of discrimination on the basis of sex or allegations of sexual harassment: Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Patricia Karam, Executive Director of Student Services/Guidance and Counseling, at 1702 N. Alamo, San Antonio, TX 78215, (210) 227-1206.
    • Allegations of discrimination because of a disability: Dyslexia Coordinator and Section 504 Supervisor, Marsha Carmichael. She may be contacted at 237 West Travis Street, San Antonio, TX 78205, (210) 354-3635.

PARENTAL CONSENT

SAISD requires consent for certain activities: An employee of a school district must obtain the written consent of a child's parent before the employee may:

  1. Conduct a psychological examination, test, or treatment, unless the examination, test, or treatment is required under Texas Education Code Section 38.004 or state or federal law regarding requirements for special education; or
  2. Make or authorize the making of a videotape of a child or record or authorize the recording of a child's voice.

An employee is not required to obtain the consent of a child's parent before the employee may make a videotape of a child or authorize the recording of a child's voice if the videotape or voice recording is to be used only for:

  1. Purposes of safety, including the maintenance of order and discipline in common areas of the school or on school buses;
  2. A purpose related to a co-curricular or extracurricular activity;
  3. A purpose related to regular classroom instruction; or
  4. Media coverage of the school.

SAISD policy requires that the School District shall obtain, and keep as part of the student's permanent record, written consent of the parent or legal guardian if required by law. The consent form shall include specific information on the content of the program and the types of activities in which the student will be involved.

PARENTAL RIGHTS

Parents may by written petition either request the assignment or transfer of their child(ren) to a designated school or to a school to be designated by the board, and file an objection to the assignment of their child(ren) to the school to which the student has been assigned.

  1. A parent is entitled to petition the board, pursuant to Administrative Procedure, designating the school in the District that the parent's child will attend;
  2. Parents are allowed reasonable access to the school principal, or a designated administrator, with the authority to reassign a student, or to request a change in the class or teacher to which their child(ren) has/have been assigned;
  3. Parents may request:
    1. The addition of an academic class to their student's curriculum in keeping with the required curriculum (there must also be sufficient interest shown to make it economically practical to offer the class),
    2. That their child(ren) be allowed to attend a class for credit above their child(ren)'s grade level (unless a representative of the Board expects that the child cannot perform satisfactorily in the class),
    3. That their child(ren) be allowed to graduate from high school earlier than the child(ren) would have graduated (provided that their child(ren) has/have completed all graduation requirements), and
    4. To have a child who graduates early, as provided above, participate in graduation ceremonies at the time the child graduates.
      (The decision of the Board of Trustees concerning a request described in 2 or 3 is final and may not be appealed.)
  4. Parents may have access to all written records of the School District concerning their child(ren) including:
    1. Attendance records;
    2. Test scores;
    3. Grades;
    4. Disciplinary records;
    5. Counseling records;
    6. Psychological records;
    7. Applications for admission;
    8. Health and immunization information;
    9. Teacher and counselor evaluations; and
    10. Reports of behavioral patterns.
    11. Unless otherwise allowed by law, a minor student’s education records are not kept in confidence from the minor’s parents. Parents must follow procedures under Student Records (Section D. Other District Information) to request access to these records.
  5. Parents may have access to a copy of each state assessment instrument administered under Texas Education Code Section 39.023 to their child(ren);
  6. Parents may have the opportunity to review:
  7. All teaching materials, textbooks, and other teaching aids used in the classroom of their child(ren);
  8. Each test administered to their child(ren), after the test has been administered;
  9. Parents may have access to any meeting of the San Antonio Independent School District Board of Trustees, except those meetings that are closed to the public under the provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act;
  10. Parents may receive full information regarding school activities of their child(ren), except as provided by Texas Education Code Section 38.004;
  11. A parent may remove their child(ren) temporarily from a class or other school activity that conflicts with the parent's religious or moral beliefs provided that the parent present or deliver to their child(rens’) teacher a written statement authorizing the removal of their child(ren) from the class or other activity. This right does not allow the parent to remove their child(ren) from a class or other school activity to avoid a test or to prevent their child(ren) from taking a subject for an entire semester. These rights are set forth in the Texas Education Code, Sections 25.033 and 26.001 to 26.012.
  12. Parents of children receiving special education services receive a Procedural Safeguards pamphlet that describes their rights and due process.

RECORD RETENTION

All student records are retained according to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission regulations. Elementary and middle school records will be destroyed after a 7-year retention period and high school records are permanently retained. The schools keep records for withdrawn students for 2 years before forwarding them to Management Information Services. Records of graduated students are kept at the high school for 6 months and then forwarded to Management Information Services.

RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL

A student will not be released from school at times other than regular dismissal hours except with the permission of the principal/designee or according to the campus sign-out procedures.

School personnel reserve the right to require that the person requesting the student's release provide personal identification prior to the release of a student. A person picking up a student must wait in the office/clinic area for the student to be released.

A student who needs to leave school during the day must bring a note from his/her parent that morning. The note should include a telephone number or other method of contact during the day for verification by school staff.

A student who becomes ill during the day should, with the teacher's permission, report to the school nurse. The nurse will decide if the student is so ill the parent should be contacted to pick up the child from school. It is the responsibility of the parent and the student to provide at least one emergency telephone number so that parents can be notified immediately, if necessary.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

Parents must submit proof of residence within District boundaries, such as a current telephone bill, City Public Service bill, or mortgage or lease contract, if it includes the parent's name and the current address of their residence. Parents must also complete the Student Residency Questionnaire to declare where the student is living. If the student is living in a Shelter or in a motel, car, or campsite, the student may come under the McKinney Act. The administrator shall send the form to the Transitions Program in Guidance & Counseling for follow-up and verification.

A student who is living separate and apart from a parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control under a court order may apply for admission. The principal shall review the application as explained in Administrative Procedures. However, the District is not required to admit a student who has engaged in conduct within the preceding year that has resulted in removal to a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) or expulsion, has engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct in need of supervision and is on probation, or has been convicted of a criminal offense and is on probation or other conditional release: the principal shall refer these students to the District administrator for admissions.

Documentation

In addition to proof of residency, the parent will need to present the following documents/information to register a student:

NOTE: Required records are 1) a birth certificate or other proof of identity, 2) the child’s records from the school most recently attended, and 3) immunization records. Copies of the original Social Security card and birth certificate are required for the state of Texas education records.

Proof of child's identity: adoption records, birth certificate, baptismal record, driver's license, hospital birth record, passport, school ID card, records or report card, or any other legal document that establishes identity. Other demographic information also required includes complete name, sex, ethnicity, date of birth, home language, and migrant information. Parents are strongly urged to present the child's Social Security card for enrollment.

Academic information:

A copy of the child's records from the school the child most recently attended. The child's Social Security number is important in ensuring that the correct information is received. Even if written documentation is not available at the time of registration, the parent must explain the following to school officials:

Information regarding special education/Section 504 disabling condition and special education/Section 504 instructional setting.

Information regarding disciplinary placement: placement in a DAEP, disciplinary transfers, expulsion, etc. Texas Education Code Section 37.008(j) stipulates that if a student was placed in a DAEP by another school district and has not completed the term of placement, our District shall continue the placement in a DAEP in our District until the term is completed by the student. Therefore, it is necessary that parents and students wishing to enroll clearly communicate such a placement to the school upon registration.

Up-to-date immunization record:

Students who have never before been enrolled in a school in the United States - If the child is initially entering a public school (i.e., pre-kindergarten or kindergarten or coming from another country), immunization records are required before the student can be enrolled. [Texas Education Code Section 38.001(a)]. A student may be provisionally admitted if the student has begun the required immunizations, as verified by submitted records, and continues to receive the necessary immunizations as rapidly as is medically feasible.

Students who are transferring from another school in the United States - The parent must present copies of the immunization record that establishes that the student's immunizations are current. A grace period of thirty (30) calendar days may be allowed while the school awaits the transfer of written proof of the immunization which the child has been given prior to enrollment; this does NOT mean that the parent has thirty days to have the student immunized. The student may be provisionally admitted during the thirty-day grace period, or if the student has begun the required immunizations, as verified by submitted records, and continues to receive the necessary immunizations as rapidly as is medically feasible.

In addition, the parent is required to complete various registration forms at the school, some of which will be the Student Registration Data card, the Family Income Data - Public Education Information Management System form, and the Home Language Survey (See Administrative Procedure F1).

Should the parent not have written documentation of the above information at the time of registration, the written proof must be submitted within thirty (30) calendar days (except in 3 a. above which requires records upon enrollment). The student shall be enrolled by having the parent give the information verbally to school personnel or complete the Registration Questionnaire [FORM F1-D]. If the documentation is not submitted within 30 days, the principal shall report to the proper authorities as required by law. It is vital that parents be aware of the importance of giving correct information and their legal obligation to do so.

SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CENTERS AND STUDENT MEDICAL RECORDS

The parent has the right to joint participation, with school-based health care staff, in identifying any health-related concerns of a student that may be interfering with the student’s well-being or ability to succeed in school.

Before a school-based health center may provide services to a student, the District, or the health care provider with whom the District has contracted for the delivery of health care services and programs, must obtain written consent from the student’s parent or guardian, or other person having legal control of the student. The student’s parent or guardian, or other person having legal control of the student, may give consent for the student to receive ongoing services, or may limit the consent to one or more services provided on a single occasion.

Before the District, or school-based health care center, may refer a student for mental health services, the parent or guardian, or other person having legal control of the student, shall be notified by the staff of the center, verbally and in writing, of the basis for the referral. The referral may not be provided unless the parent or guardian, or other person having legal control of the student, provides written consent for the type of service to be provided, and provides specific written consent for each treatment occasion.

The parent or guardian of a student is entitled to access to the medical records of the student maintained by the District.
The parent or guardian has right to request a copy of the student’s medical records. Upon payment of the appropriate fee, the District must provide a copy of the student’s medical records to the parent or guardian. These rights are set forth in the Texas Education Code, Sections 38.011 and 38.0095.

SCHOOL FACILITIES

Pest Control Information

In accordance with Board policy and the Texas Structural Pest Control Act, Article 135b-6, the San Antonio Independent School District hereby notifies parents, guardians, and managing conservators of students that pesticides are periodically applied at District facilities and that information about the application of pesticides is available upon request through the school principal.

Asbestos Management Plan

As required by Environmental Protection Agency regulation 40 CFR Part 763.93, the San Antonio Independent School District hereby notifies parents, guardians, and managing conservators of students that an Asbestos Management Plan is available for review in the administrative office of each school. Periodic inspections of school buildings containing asbestos are made every six months, and reinspections are made at least once every three years.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMPLAINTS

If a parent or a student has any concerns about possible sexual harassment, the parent or student should first speak with the principal or Title IX Coordinator about the situation. The District has designated the following individual as Title IX Coordinator to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which pertains to sexual discrimination claims: Dr. Patricia Karam, Director of Guidance and Counseling, 1702 North Alamo, San Antonio, Texas 78215, (210) 227-1206.

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS OR MATERIALS

School-Sponsored Publications

The District's professional employees shall exercise editorial control over style and content of student speech in school?sponsored expressive activities, so long as their actions are reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns.

The District may refuse to disseminate or sponsor student writings or speech that:

  1. Might reasonably be perceived to advocate drug or alcohol use, inappropriate and irresponsible sexual behavior, or conduct otherwise inconsistent with the shared values of a civilized social order.
  2. Is inappropriate for the level of maturity of the listeners and readers.
  3. Does not meet the standards of the professional employees who supervise the production of the publication.
  4. Can be reasonably interpreted to associate the school with any position other than neutrality on matters of political controversy.

Non-School Publications

The District's classrooms during the school day are provided for the limited purpose of delivering instruction to students in the courses and subjects in which they are enrolled. Classrooms shall not be used for distribution of any materials over which the school does not exercise control. Hallways in school buildings are provided for the limited purpose of facilitating the movement of students between classes and allowing access to assigned lockers. Hallways shall not be used for the distribution of any materials over which the school does not exercise control.

Each school campus shall designate an area where materials that are not District- or school-sponsored publications, but which have been approved for distribution to students, as provided below, may be made available to students or distributed to students, in accordance with the time, place, and manner restrictions developed and approved by the campus principal.

Distribution of such materials may be restricted, subject to the following guidelines:

  1. Distribution may be limited in order to prevent material and substantial interference with normal school operations in circumstances where there is evidence that reasonably supports a forecast that disruption will likely result directly from the distribution.
  2. Reasonable administrative regulations as to the time, place, and manner of distribution shall promote orderly administration of school activities by preventing disruption, but shall not be designed to stifle expression.
  3. Content of the non-school-sponsored materials to be distributed shall conform to the following standards:
  4. Materials that are obscene or sexually inappropriate for the age and maturity of the audience or that endorse actions endangering the health and safety of students shall not be distributed.
  5. Material may not be forbidden if the portions or specific language objected to may also be found in material that is made available to students through school facilities, i.e., the school library or readings assigned by teachers.
  6. Libelous material is prohibited for distribution. Libelous material includes defamatory falsehoods about public figures or governmental officials, which are made with knowledge of their falsity or reckless disregard for truth.
  7. Publications that criticize Board members or school officials or advocate violation of school rules are prohibited if they fall within the disruption standard described at item 1 above. Advocacy directed toward inciting or producing imminent lawless or disruptive action and that is likely to incite or produce such action shall be restricted.
  8. Hate literature that scurrilously attacks ethnic, religious, or racial groups, and similar irresponsible publications aimed at creating hostility and violence, are prohibited if they fall within the disruption standard described at item 1 above.

Prior Review Of Non-School Materials

  1. All written material that is not a District- or school-sponsored publication, but that is intended for distribution to students, shall be submitted for prior review according to the following procedures:
  2. Material shall be submitted to the school principal or a designee for review.
  3. The principal or a designee shall approve or disapprove submitted material within 24 hours of the time the material is received. Failure to act within the 24-hour period shall be interpreted as disapproval.
  4. The student may appeal disapproval to the Superintendent, who shall decide the appeal within three days of its receipt. Failure of the Superintendent to act within the three?day period shall be interpreted as disapproval.
  5. If the request to distribute material was initiated by a student, disapproval may be appealed to the Board under FNG (LOCAL), beginning at Level Four. If the request to distribute material was initiated by someone other than a student, disapproval may be appealed to the Board under GF (LOCAL), beginning at Level Four.

SITE-BASED DECISION-MAKING

District policies, in response to legal mandates, establish teams at the overall District level and the campus level to act in an advisory capacity on educational goals and objectives.

District Leadership Team (DLT)

This committee is composed of professional employees who are elected, and non-employees including parents, community members, and business representatives. Parents who are interested in serving on the DLT must first be members of a CLT, elected to serve on the ALT, and then express interest in the DLT.

Area Leadership Team (ALT)

The ALT, composed of campus and non-campus based Personnel, was created by the District to bring forth issues and recommendations concerning educational and district level matters to the DLT. The ALT allows a two- way communication network between the DLT and the Campus Leadership Teams (CLTs).

Campus Leadership Team (CLT)

Every school has a Campus Leadership Team (CLT) that is composed of parents, community and business representatives, classroom teachers, other professional, paraprofessional, and classified staff members, and students (grades four and above). The CLT meets regularly and serves as an advisory group to the principal on matters related to development of the Campus Improvement Plan - planning, budgeting, staffing patterns, curriculum, and organization. Although employees are elected to the CLT, parents, students, and community and business members are drawn from the names of those who volunteer to serve. Parents are encouraged to contact the principal for information about involvement in the CLT.

STUDENT EDUCATIONAL RECORDS

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. They are:

  1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the District receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

    Requests for copies of records: Parents or eligible students must submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to have copied. Copies are available at a per copy cost. If the student qualifies for free or reduced lunch and the parent is unable to inspect the records at the time arranged by the principal, then the principal, upon written request of the parent, will provide one copy at no charge.
  2. The right to request amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the San Antonio Independent School District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

    If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
  3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
    Upon request, the District discloses education records, without consent, to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. Parents of students receiving special education services are asked to sign a consent for release/request of records to allow a campus to release or request special education records.

    One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
  4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.

STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

All students are entitled to enjoy the basic rights of citizenship recognized and protected by law for persons of their age and maturity. Students are expected to respect the rights and privileges of other students, teachers, and District staff. Students shall exercise their rights responsibly, in compliance with rules established for the orderly conduct of the District's educational mission.
Student responsibilities for maintaining a positive learning environment at school or school-related activities include:

  1. Treating other students and the adults in the school with courtesy and respect.
  2. Accepting responsibility for their actions and behavior and being accountable for the consequences.
  3. Actively supporting and assisting the school in maintaining a campus free from drugs, alcohol, weapons, and gang activity, by:
    • Cooperating with staff in investigations of disciplinary cases and volunteering information within the student's knowledge relating to a serious offense.
    • Responsibly informing staff of conduct violations by others.
    • Immediately submitting any prohibited items to staff or informing staff of location of prohibited items immediately upon discovery.
  4. Attending all classes regularly and on time.
  5. Being prepared for each class with appropriate materials and assignments.
  6. Dressing and grooming appropriately as described in this document.
  7. Paying debts in a timely manner, unless these are waived.
  8. Seeking changes in school policies and regulations in an orderly and responsible manner, through appropriate channels.
  9. Respecting the property of others, including District property and facilities.
  10. Refraining from violations of the SAISD Student Code of Conduct, and obeying all campus and classroom rules, including safety rules. The District may impose campus or classroom rules in addition to those found in the SAISD Student Code of Conduct. These rules may be listed in the campus student handbook or posted in classrooms, and violations of such rules may or may not constitute violations of the SAISD Student Code of Conduct.

STUDENT TRANSFERS WITHIN THE DISTRICT

Generally, a student shall be enrolled in the school designated for the student's attendance zone (i.e., the student's home school). The Superintendent's designee will consider a parent request for the transfer of any student from one school to another. The decision concerning any transfer shall be based upon various factors, and neither a student's national origin nor ancestral language shall be a basis for denial. A request may be denied or revoked on any reasonable basis determined by the District. By way of example and not by way of limitation, a reasonable basis may include the following:

  1. administration's projection of adverse impact on the home campus and/or receiving campus and/or class;
  2. the need to maintain staffing levels and/or class size and/or student-teacher ratios; the impact on and/or displacement of another student; the adverse impact on attendance zones;
  3. facility limitations or changes;
  4. misbehavior of the student;
  5. and other factors.

The Transfer Application is to be completed by parents who request a transfer for a child from their residential attendance zone to another school within the SAISD. Parents are asked to submit documentation to support a claim that a transfer, if granted, will alleviate or help alleviate an extremely serious or crisis situation.

Such documentation is not required, but it will increase the chance of approval. Also, if the reason for the request is based upon the parent's complaint(s) against the campus pertaining to how the student has been handled or other issues, the principal shall not forward the application as a transfer request until the principal has attempted to resolve the complaint at the campus level.

The student shall be enrolled in the home school pending any decision regarding a transfer to another school. All requests for transfers shall only be made after the student is enrolled in the home school, except for those made in advance for the coming school year as explained in this section. Requests for transfers that are approved for the ensuing school year shall not require enrollment in the home school if the parent completes the entire transfer request process (Sections A, B, and C of the Transfer Application) by July 1st. Generally, transfers shall not become effective during the last two weeks of a grading period.

The parent shall sign the Terms & Conditions when any transfer is granted.

  1. Term of transfer: A transfer is considered valid as long as the student and parent comply with all of these conditions and the transfer is not revoked for any reason by the Superintendent's designee. The transfer does not need to be renewed at any time.
  2. A transferred student must remain a student in good standing, maintaining satisfactory attendance and exhibiting satisfactory conduct, including dress code compliance; otherwise, the receiving principal may recommend that the transfer be revoked and that the student be returned to the home school at the end of the 18-week grading period.
  3. In the event of overcrowding at the receiving school, students residing in the school's attendance zone shall be given priority in placement over the transfer student. Therefore, the transfer student could be returned to the home school based on the District's last-in-first-out procedure. Space availability, staffing ratios, or other District factors may be cause for revocation of a transfer.
  4. A transferred student shall be responsible for complying with the policies and rules in the SAISD Student Code of Conduct and the school rules of the receiving campus and shall be subject to disciplinary consequences as established in the SAISD Student Code of Conduct. Repeated or serious violations may be cause for revocation of a transfer.
  5. A transferred student shall be responsible for maintaining attendance as required by law. The school shall take action against the parent and/or the student in accordance with compulsory attendance laws. Unsatisfactory attendance may be cause for revocation of a transfer.
  6. In order to participate in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities, the student must meet UIL eligibility requirements. A transfer to another campus may adversely affect the student's ability to participate in UIL sanctioned extracurricular activities.
  7. Transportation for students receiving special education or Section 504 services will continue to be provided if the student's ARD/Section 504 Committee has previously determined that transportation is required as a related service for the student. Transportation shall NOT be provided by the District for other approved transfers.
  8. A student will be allowed only one transfer by parent request during the school year.
  9. The approval of a transfer for one student shall not be considered grounds for transfer of other family members

Please Note: The following placements are not considered transfers, and the transfer procedures do not apply: Students in bilingual/ESL programs whose home campus does not provide the program enroll automatically in the school providing the service; students admitted into a magnet program; students who are placed at another elementary school because the home elementary school is capped at the child's grade level.

STUDENT TRANSFERS FROM OTHER DISTRICTS (NONRESIDENTS)

SAISD does not allow students who do not reside within District boundaries to enroll in the District schools, except in certain circumstances. Board policy FDA (LOCAL) lists the following exceptions to the residency requirement:

  1. Nonresident students who have been admitted to Magnet/Charter programs, following approval in accordance with Administrative Procedures;
  2. Children of nonresident District employees, following approval in accordance with Administrative Procedures;
  3. Resident students who become nonresidents during a semester –These students may be permitted to continue in the District school for the remainder of the semester or term, following parent request and recommendation by the principal and approval in accordance with Administrative Procedures; and
  4. Graduating seniors – These students, who must have attended District schools for at least the two previous years, may be permitted to continue in the District for the remainder of the semester or term, following parent request and recommendation by the principal and approval in accordance with Administrative Procedures.
  5. Parents must complete a Nonresident Transfer Application and submit it to the principal, who shall forward it along with the principal's recommendation to the appropriate administrator for approval.

TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS

Requests for official high school transcripts should be directed to Management Information Services, 1702 N. Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78215, phone (210) 475-0016. All requests will be processed for next day service. A nominal fee is charged and can be paid by cash or money order (to SAISD) only.

VALUABLE/ PERSONAL ITEMS

Students are responsible for their own personal belongings while on campus or at a school-related or school-sponsored event. Students are discouraged from bringing or wearing valuable items such as jewelry/watches, cameras, expensive jackets or clothing, etc. SAISD is not responsible for personal items that are lost, damaged, or stolen.

VEHICLES ON CAMPUS

Student vehicles parked on school property are under the jurisdiction of the school. The school may search any vehicle any time there is reasonable cause to believe that the vehicle contains articles or materials prohibited by District policy. Students shall be responsible for any prohibited items found in their vehicles parked on school property. (See Section III of the SAISD Student Code of Conduct).
A student has full responsibility for the security of his or her vehicle and must make certain that it is locked and that the keys are not given to others. The District is not responsible for damaged or stolen vehicles.

VISITORS

To maintain the safety and security of the campus for the students and staff, the District requires that all visitors, including parents, first report to the main office where they will be asked to sign in, declare their purpose for the visit, and obtain author