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Texas School for the Blind
and Visually Impaired
1100 West 45th Street, Austin, TX
78756
(512) 454-8631
Bill Daugherty , Superintendent 206-9133
Miles Fain, Principal 206-9251
Susan Hauser, Assistant Principal 206-9273
Linda Locke, Assistant Principal 206-9265
Pat Stephenson, Assistant Principal 206-9261
Shelly Allen, Residential Director 206-9179
Garner Vogt, Residential Director 206-9115
Ken Miller, Director of School and Student Services. 206-9185
Michael Clinkscales, Counselor 206-9280
Marcela Contreras, Counselor 206-9194
Roy Martz, Counselor . 206-9316
Elsa Wirsching-Guimbarda, Counselor 206-9172
Marnee Loftin, School Psychologist 206-9199
Valerie Perwein, School Psychologist. 206-9281
Business Office Cashier 206-9215
Health Center 206-9136
Jesus H. Bautista- El Paso
Gene Brooks, Secretary- Austin
Donna Clopton- Weatherford
Otilio (Toby) Galindo- San Angelo
Deborah Louder, Vice-President- San Angelo
Frankie D. Swift, President -Nacogdoches
Mary Sue Welch- Dallas
Jamie Wheeler- Watauga
To Parents & Students:
Welcome to the 2007-2008 school year at the Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired! Teachers, other school staff members & I want this year to be a successful school year for each student.
This handbook contains information that may be needed by both parents and students during the school year. If you have questions about any of the information or any other concerns, please contact your child's residential instructor, advisor (or primary teacher), assigned counselor, Assistant Principal or myself.
Sincerely,
Miles Fain
Principal
STUDENT AND PARENT HANDBOOK AND CODE OF CONDUCT
TSBVI will be a leading center of educational expertise for students with visual impairments in Texas. TSBVI will provide opportunities for children and youth who are visually impaired, including those with additional disabilities, to develop the skills necessary to lead vocationally, personally, and socially satisfying and productive lives.
1st Period 7:50-8:40
2nd Period 8:45-9:35
3rd Period 9:40-10:30
4th Period 10:35-11:25
5th Period 11:25-12:10
6th Period 12:15-1:05
7th Period 1:10-2:00
8th Period 2:05-2:55
In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination, the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, 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 Educational Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
The following school staff members have been designated to coordinate compliance with these legal requirements:
A student's conduct in assemblies must meet the same standard as in the classroom. A student who is tardy or who does not follow TSBVI rules of conduct during an assembly will be subject to disciplinary action and may be asked to leave. Students in work training programs may attend assemblies that conflict with their jobs only with prior approval from their job coaches.
Regular school attendance is essential for the student to make the most of his or her education--to benefit from teacher-led and school activities, to build each day’s learning on the previous day’s, and to grow as an individual.
A student absent for any reason should promptly make up specific assignments missed as assigned by the teacher. A student will be responsible for obtaining and completing the makeup work in a satisfactory manner and within the time specified by the teacher. A student who does not make up assigned work within the time allotted by the teacher will receive a grade of zero for the assignment.
When the student returns to school following an absence, the student 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.
A student who becomes ill during the school day should, with the teacher's permission, report to the Health Center. The nurse will decide whether or not the student should be sent home and will notify the student's parent.
Students should not ask to leave class to get materials or supplies which have been left at the dormitory or to attend to personal business which should be handled after school hours. Students who wish to return to the dormitory during the school day should obtain permission from their teacher, go to the school office, and must obtain the permission of the Assistant Principal, Principal, or Residential Director.
Parents who wish to take their child off campus during the school day must sign out the student from the school office. After school hours, parents may sign out the student from his or her dormitory office.
School employees must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. A student absent without permission from school; from any class; from required special programs, such as additional special instruction (termed “accelerated instruction” by the state) assigned by the grade placement committee and basic skills for ninth graders; or from required tutorials will be considered in violation of the compulsory attendance law and subject to disciplinary action.
A court of law may also impose penalties against both the student and his or her parents if a school-aged student is deliberately not attending school. A complaint against the parent may be filed in court if the student:
To receive credit in a class, a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered (no more than nine absences per semester). A student who attends fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered will be referred to the attendance review committee to determine whether there are extenuating circumstances for the absences and how the student can regain credit, if appropriate.
In determining whether there were extenuating circumstances for the absences, the attendance committee will use the following guidelines:
The student or parent may appeal the committee's decision to the School's Board of Trustees by filing a written request with the Superintendent in accordance with policy FNG.
When a student must be absent from school, 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.
A student removed to a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) during the school year will have an opportunity to complete, before the beginning of the school year, coursework needed to fulfill the student’s high school graduation requirements. The School may provide the opportunity to complete the coursework through an alternative method, including a correspondence course, distance learning, or summer school. The School will not charge the student for any method of completion provided by the School.
A student removed from the regular classroom to in-school suspension or another setting, other than a DAEP, will have an opportunity to complete before the beginning of the next school year each course the student was enrolled in at the time of removal from the regular classroom. The School may provide the opportunity by any method available, including a correspondence course, distance learning, or summer school.
Students and their parents are encouraged to discuss options with the teacher or counselor to ensure the student completes all work required for the course or grade level.
Students who meet the minimum criteria for nomination (on an academic graduation plan; possess a cumulative GPA of 85 or above; sophomore class rank or above; at TSBVI at least one semester) will be invited to complete a Student Activity Information Form with will be used to consider them for admission to the National Honor Society. A faculty council selects students based upon the minimum criteria and information regarding character, leadership, and service, gathered from teachers and residential instructors. Members should understand fully that they are subject to dismissal if they do not maintain the standards of scholarship, leadership, service, and character that were used as a basis for their selection. The Principal appoints the faculty council and shall be a part of any appeal process for non-selection or dismissal.
The purpose of the awards assembly is to recognize students who have displayed significant achievement in academic and extracurricular activities. The following major awards are given:
1. Valedictorian and Salutatorian Awards
These awards are presented to the students (in all SBOE classes) who compile the highest grade point averages of the graduating seniors, who pass all components of statewide assessment testing, and who meet the minimum criteria for membership in the National Honor Society. These students also have demonstrated exemplary citizenship. Under certain circumstances the Principal may restrict students' participation as Valedictorian or Salutatorian as a result of poor citizenship.
2. Kopecky-Meyers Achievement Award
These awards are given to a deserving young man and woman in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade (non-graduating) who have progressed significantly, relative to their own potential, after overcoming major and difficult obstacles.
The award winners should also have demonstrated:
3. Clarence A. Jaecks Citizenship and Most Improved Citizenship Awards
The recipient of the Citizenship Award must:
The recipient of the Most Improved Citizenship Award must have shown considerable improvement in the above areas.
4. The Annie Gerke Technology Award
The Annie Gerke Technology Award is given to a deserving young woman or young man who is classified as a graduation senior. The award winner should have demonstrated:
5. Music Department Awards
The Lucille Guilmynott Award is presented to a student in instrumental or vocal music who has made consistent progress while surmounting special handicaps and who has not yet reached the proficiency required for the Spring Concert. The Louis Armstrong and the John Phillips Sousa Jazz/Band Award is presented to the outstanding jazz musician and band instrumentalist respectively.
6. Extracurricular Awards
Awards are presented by the sponsors and coaches in athletics, drama, yearbook staff, and other student activities.
Students who may need staff assistance when bathing, dressing and/or toileting will be accorded respect in determining whether a staff person of the same gender, or opposite gender, will provide that assistance. Sensitivity to the student's age, development, maturity and individual comfort levels of the student and staff person will be considered prior to staff assignments.
Students may ride bikes off campus with a staff member on tandem bikes only. An activity proposal must be completed and submitted for route and destination approval by the Residential Director before the activity may occur. Special permission must be obtained from the Residential Director if a student desires to ride an individual bike off campus.
Students must not participate, either individually or in a group, in bullying or taunting behaviors toward another student. Such behaviors may include repeated teasing or ridicule, name-calling, threats, theft, gossip and rumors, or physical intimidation of any kind. A substantiated complaint against a student will result in disciplinary action, according to the nature of the offense and the Student Code of Conduct.
Students for whom it has been determined by an orientation and mobility instructor that they should use a cane should carry a cane at all times for traveling on or off campus. Students should travel on the right hand side of hallways and passageways for the safety of all students.
Copying another person's work, such as homework, classwork, or a test, is a form of cheating. Plagiarism, which is the use as one's own of another person's original ideas or writing without giving credit to the true author, will also be considered cheating and the student will be subject to academic disciplinary action that may include loss of credit for the work in question. Teachers who have reason to believe that a student has engaged in cheating or other academic dishonesty will assess the academic penalty to be imposed. Students found to have engaged in academic dishonesty will be subject to disciplinary penalties as well, according to the Student Code of Conduct.
TSBVI cannot require any student to attend church services, nor can TSBVI provide transportation to churches throughout Austin. However, several local churches do provide transportation to their services by identifying a member of the church to transport a TSBVI student. Parents wanting their child to attend church services while enrolled at TSBVI will need to speak to the minister of an Austin church of their choosing and establish the transportation arrangement. Once the arrangement is made, the Residential Director will need to be given the name of the person transporting the student to church.
A student will be initially assigned to a grade level based upon a review of transcripts, the student’s age and recommendations from the IEP/ARD committee.
Students will be classified as Juniors and Seniors based on
1) the required number of course credits, or 2) final one and two year status or age eligibility at TSBVI. Students may also be classified as "non-graduating seniors". These students meet the minimum course requirement of senior standing, yet do not have all requirements (course work/exit tests). Students may be exempted from exit tests by ARD committee decision if it is determined that they cannot pass the test because of their handicap.
Members of the Junior and Senior classes have the privilege of participation in class sponsored events and activities. To take advantage of these privileges, class members must take an active role in the class by accepting certain responsibilities. Responsibilities include 1) attending all class meetings unless the student gets an excused absence in advance from the class sponsor; 2) paying class dues by the designated deadline; and 3) participating in class fund raising projects.
Each year, the junior/senior class activities will be determined by the classes.
In the junior year, the student may purchase class rings. In the senior year, the students may order commencement announcements and may have their senior portraits taken.
The Principal may exclude or excuse any student from any of the class sponsored activities.
For two school years following their graduation, students who are ranked in the top ten percent of their graduating class are eligible for automatic admission into four-year public universities and colleges in Texas. Students and parents should see the counselor for further information about how to apply and the deadline for application.
To protect other students from contagious illnesses, students infected with certain diseases are not allowed to come to school while contagious. If a parent suspects that his or her child has a communicable or contagious disease, the parent should contact the school nurse or Principal so that other students who might have been exposed to the disease can be alerted.
State law specifically requires the School to provide the following information:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Limit the number of persons 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.
You should seek prompt medical attention.
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 web sites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov and the Texas Department of Health, http://www.dshs.state.tx.us.
Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed by a phone call or a conference with the teacher or residential instructor. For those complaints and concerns that cannot be handled so easily, the School has adopted TSBVI Board Policy FNG that is in the School’s policy manual. A copy of this policy may be obtained in the Principal’s or Superintendent’s office or on the School’s Web site at www.tsbvi.edu.
In general, the student or parent should submit a written complaint and request a conference with the Principal. If the concern is not resolved, a written complaint and a request for a conference should be sent to the Superintendent. If still unresolved, the School provides for the complaint to be presented to the Board of Trustees. In general, the student or parent should first discuss the complaint with the campus Principal. If unresolved, a written complaint and a request for a conference should be sent to the Superintendent. If still unresolved, the School provides for the complaint to be presented to the Board of Trustees.
To prepare students for an increasingly computerized society, the School 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 parents will be asked to sign a user agreement (separate from this handbook) regarding use of these resources; violations of this agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.
Students and parents should be aware that e-mail using School computers is not private and may be monitored by School staff.
[For additional information, see policy CQ.]
As required by law, the board has adopted a Student Code of Conduct that prohibits certain behaviors and establishes standards of acceptable behavior—both on and off campus—and consequences for violation of the standards. Students need to be familiar with the standards set out in the Student Code of Conduct, as well as campus and classroom rules.
To achieve the best possible learning environment for all students, the Student Code of Conduct and other campus rules will apply whenever the interest of the School is involved, on or off school grounds, in conjunction with classes and school-sponsored activities. The School has disciplinary authority over a student in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
Teachers and administrators have full authority over student conduct at before- or after-school activities on district premises and at school-sponsored events off school premises, such as play rehearsals, club meetings, athletic practices, and special study groups or tutorials. Students are subject to the same rules of conduct that apply during the instructional day and will be subject to consequences established by the Student Code of Conduct or any stricter standards of behavior for extracurricular participants established by the sponsor.
Loitering or standing in the halls during class time is not permitted. During class time, a student must have a hall pass to be outside the classroom for any purpose. Failure to obtain a pass will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
School rules apply to school social events to which a student brings a guest. Guests are expected to observe the same rules as students attending the event, and the person inviting the guest will share responsibility for the conduct of the guest.
Corporal punishment of any kind is not permitted at the School.
In order to protect student safety and sustain an educational program free from disruption, state law permits the School to take action against any person—student or nonstudent—who:
Teachers, advisors, and residential instructors will contact parents for informal conferences on student progress on a regular basis. Students and parents may expect teachers/residential instructors to request a special conference 1) if the student is not maintaining passing grades or achieving the expected level of performance [See REPORT CARDS AND PROGRESS REPORTS], 2) if the student presents any other problem to the teacher/residential instructor or 3) in any other case considered necessary.
A student or parent who wants information or wants to raise a question or concern should confer with the appropriate residential instructor, teacher, counselor, advisor, Residential Director, Assistant Principal or Principal. A parent who wishes to confer with a teacher may call the office (512-206-9167) for an appointment during the teacher's planning period or request that the teacher call the parent during a mutually convenient time.
A student in grades 9-12 may earn credit by correspondence. These students should see the Principal.
Students and parents are encouraged to talk with a school counselor, teachers, or Principals to learn about the curriculum, course offerings, graduation requirements, and differences between graduation programs. All students in grades 7-12 and their parents will be provided information about the recommended courses for students preparing to attend college, as well as available school-to-work programs. Students who are interested in attending a college, university, or training school or pursuing some other advanced education should work closely with their counselor so that they take the high school courses to best prepare them for further work. The counselor can also provide information about entrance examinations required by many colleges and universities, as well as information about financial aid and housing. Prior to enrollment in a Texas public college or university, most students must take an assessment test, such as the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) test, formerly the TASP test. See also GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS.
The school counselor is available to assist students with a wide range of personal concerns, including such areas as social, family, emotional, academic, or chemical dependency needs. The counselor may also make available information about community resources to address personal concerns.
A student who has previously taken a course or subject—but did not receive credit for it—may, in circumstances determined by the teacher, counselor, Principal, or attendance committee, be permitted to earn credit by passing an exam on the essential knowledge and skills defined for the course or subject. Prior instruction may include, for example, incomplete coursework due to a failed course for excessive absences, home schooling, correspondence courses, or independent study supervised by a teacher.
The Principal will determine if a student may take an exam for this purpose. If approval is granted, the student must score at least 70 on the exam to receive credit for the course or subject.
The attendance review committee may also offer a student with excessive absences an opportunity to receive credit for a course by passing an exam. A student may not use this exam, however, to regain eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities.
In all instances, the Principal will determine whether any opportunity for credit by exam will be offered.
A student will be permitted to take an exam to earn credit for an academic course for which the student has no prior instruction. The passing score required to earn credit on an exam is 90.
If a student wants to take an exam, the student (or parent) should contact the Principal who will arrange for the student to take the exam. The parent will be responsible for purchasing the test from a university approved by the State Board of Education.
A student removed to a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) during the school year will have an opportunity to complete a course needed to fulfill the student’s high school graduation requirements before the beginning of the next school year. The School may provide the opportunity to complete the coursework through any method available, including a correspondence course, distance learning, or summer school. The School will not charge the student for any method of completion provided by the School.
A student removed from the regular classroom to in-school suspension or another setting, other than a DAEP, will have an opportunity to complete before the beginning of the next school year each course the student was enrolled in at the time of removal from the regular classroom. The School may provide the opportunity by any method available, including a correspondence course, distance learning, or summer school.
Students and their parents are encouraged to discuss the options with the teacher or counselor to ensure the student completes all work required for the course or grade level.
Public interactions between students should reflect a respect for others' body space. However, when both students agree, examples of appropriate displays of affection in public may be holding hands and walking or sitting with arms around shoulders. Student’s head may not rest on other person. (Public areas are school buildings, campus grounds, fieldtrips into the community, etc.) Examples of appropriate displays of affection in private may be hugs or kisses that are not prolonged or excessive. (Private areas of campus are inside of the Recreation Building, inside of main living areas in residential buildings, and front porches of dormitories.) "Making out," sitting on another student's lap, or any other close physical contact that appears sexually suggestive will not be permitted. Sexual contact, touching of any sexual private body parts, of other students is not allowed.
Publications prepared by and for the school may be posted or distributed, with prior approval by the Principal, sponsor, or teacher. Such items may include school posters, brochures, murals, etc.
All school publications are under the supervision of a teacher, sponsor, and the Principal.
Students must obtain specific prior approval from the Principal before, circulating or distributing written materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes, posters, or other visual or auditory materials that were not developed under the oversight of the school. To be considered, any nonschool material must include the name of the sponsoring person or organization.
The student may appeal the Principal’s decision in accordance with policy Board Policy FNG. Any student who posts material without prior approval will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Materials displayed without this approval will be removed.
Written or printed materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, films, tapes, or other visual or auditory materials not sponsored by the School or by a School-affiliated school-support organization will not be sold, circulated, distributed, or posted on any School premises by any School employee or by persons or groups not associated with the School, except as permitted by policy GKDA. To be considered, any nonschool material must meet the limitations on content established in the policy, include the name of the sponsoring person or organization and be submitted to the Principal for prior review. The Principal will approve or reject the materials within two school days of the time the materials are received. The requestor may appeal a rejection in accordance with the appropriate School complaint policy.
Prior review will not be required for:
The School's dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, instill discipline, prevent disruption, avoid safety hazards, and teach respect for oneself.
Modesty should be the guiding influence in all student dress. Staff will assist students who have questions regarding what clothing choices are appropriate and inappropriate. Individuality in clothing selection will be respected, assuming that the clothing is clean, maintained, not in poor taste, or inappropriate. Students may be excused to the dormitory to change clothing deemed inappropriate.
Only students who have permission from the Assistant Principal or Principal may ride the elevator.
Participation in school activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships with other students; participation, however, is a privilege, not a right.
Eligibility for participation in many of these activities is governed by state law and the rules of the University Interscholastic League (UIL)—a statewide association overseeing interdistrict competition. The following requirements apply to all extracurricular activities:
Please note: Sponsors of student clubs and performing groups such as the choir, the drama club and athletic teams may establish standards of behavior—including consequences for misbehavior—that are stricter than those for students in general. If a violation is also a violation of school rules, the consequences specified by the Student Code of Conduct or TSBVI policy will apply in addition to any consequences specified by the organization’s standards of behavior.
No food or drinks should be purchased or brought into the school building without permission. Students may not access vending machines during school hours without teacher permission.
Student clubs or classes and/or parent groups may be permitted to conduct fund-raising drives. An application for permission must be made to the Principal at least 7 days before the event.
After the ninth grade, students are classified according to the number of units earned toward graduation.
| Grade Placement |
|
|---|---|
5 |
10 (sophomore) |
10 |
11 (junior) |
15 |
12 (senior) |
Graduation Plans, Requirements for Graduation and Participation in Graduation Ceremony
TSBVI has two types of graduation plans; a student completing either plan may participate in the graduation ceremony and will receive the TSBVI graduation diploma:
Graduation under the Individualized Education Program
A student may graduate under the provisions of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) when the student’s admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee has determined that:
Graduation under the State Board of Education Rules
A student may graduate under the State Board of Education Rules when the student successfully completes the number of credits required by the State Board of Education and passes a statewide exit-level examination.
Units |
|
English Language Arts English I, II, III, [for recent immigrants English as a Second Language (ESL) I and II may substitute for English I and II]. The fourth credit may be English IV, English IV (Academic), Research/Technical Writing, Creative/Imaginative Writing, Practical Writing Skills, Literary Genres, Business Communication, Journalism, concurrent enrollment in college English course, College Board Advanced Placement Literature and Composition or International Baccalaureate English IV. A maximum of 2 of the 4 credits of English required for graduation may be English as a second language (ESL). All credit earned in ESL that is not counted toward the graduation requirement in English may be counted as electives in meeting state graduation requirements. |
4 |
Mathematics Must include Algebra I |
3 |
Science Must include one credit from Biology I, Chemistry I, or Physics I |
2 |
Social Studies World History Studies or World Geography Studies (1 credit), United States History (1 credit), and United States Government (.5 credit) |
2.5 |
Academic Elective World History Studies, World Geography Studies, or any science course approved by the State Board of Education |
1 |
Economics with emphasis on free enterprise system and its benefits |
.5 |
*Physical Education Must include Foundations of Personal Fitness (.5 credit) Students may earn no more than 2 credits toward state graduation requirements in physical education. |
1.5 |
Health Education |
.5 |
Speech Introduction to Speech Communication, Public Speaking, Debate, or Oral Interpretation. |
.5 |
Technology Applications Business Computer Applications I or II, Business Computer Programming I or II, Computer Applications, Computer Science I or II, Microcomputer Applications, Business Information Processing, Computer Mathematics, or Industrial Technology Computer Applications. |
1 |
Electives (Total) A maximum of three credits of Reading I, II, and III, may be offered by local policy to identified students and applied to the required credits of electives. The TSBVI Board of Trustees requires that 1.5 units of elective credits include 1 unit of Personal and Family Development and l5 units of an appropriate career education course as determined by the ARD committee. |
5.5 22.0 |
See the counselor for more information regarding the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program or for other information about graduation. (See Policy EIF)
A student’s IEP will be used as the student’s personal graduation plan and will identify the student’s educational goals and include consideration of the parent’s educational expectations for the student.
The ARD Committee of students in grade 11 will determine whether a student will be required to take the exit-level test in English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies and requires knowledge of Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, Integrated Chemistry and Physics, English III, Early American and United States History, World History, and World Geography. A student who is required to take, but does not pass, the exit-level assessment will have additional opportunities to take the test.
All ninth grade students will be required to enroll in the Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Program. Permission to complete the Minimum Program will be granted only if an agreement is reached among: the student, student's parent, and counselor or appropriate administrator (ARD Committee).
Beginning with the 2007-2008 school year, a student entering the ninth grade will be affected by new state graduation requirements for the Recommended Program and the Distinguished Achievement (Advanced) Program. To graduate under either of these programs, an incoming ninth grade student will have to earn an additional credit in math and an additional credit in science. Permission to complete the Minimum Program will be granted only if an agreement is reached among: the student, student's parent, and counselor or appropriate administrator (ARD Committee).
The School believes that all students learn best in an environment free from harassment and that their welfare is best served when they can work free from discrimination. Students are expected to treat other students and School employees with courtesy and respect; to avoid any behaviors known to be offensive; and to stop those behaviors when asked or told to stop. School employees are expected to treat students with courtesy and respect.
The Board has established policies and procedures to prohibit and promptly respond to inappropriate and offensive behaviors that are based on a person’s race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, age, or disability. [See policy FFH] Prohibited harassment, in general terms, is conduct so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment; or substantially interferes with the student’s academic performance. A copy of the School’s policy is available in the Principal’s office and in the Superintendent’s office.
Examples of prohibited discrimination may include, but are not limited to, offensive or derogatory language directed at a person’s religious beliefs or practices, accent, skin color, or need for accommodation; threatening or intimidating conduct; offensive jokes, name-calling, slurs, or rumors; physical aggression or assault; graffiti or printed material promoting racial, ethnic, or other negative stereotypes; or other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property. Examples of prohibited sexual harassment may include touching private body parts or coercing physical contact that is sexual in nature; sexual advances; jokes or conversations of a sexual nature; and other sexually motivated conduct, communications, or contact.
Sexual harassment of a student by an employee or volunteer does not include necessary or permissible physical contact not reasonably construed as sexual in nature. However, romantic and other inappropriate social relationships, as well as all sexual relationships, between students and School employees are prohibited, even if consensual. (See Notice of Parent and Student Rights Relating to Sexual Harassment/Sexual Abuse, below.)
Any student who believes that he or she has experienced prohibited harassment should immediately report the problem to a teacher, counselor, Principal, or other School employee. The report may be made by the student’s parent.
To the extent possible, the School will respect the privacy of the student; however, limited disclosures may be necessary to conduct a thorough investigation and to comply with law. Allegations will be promptly investigated. The School will notify the parents of any student alleged to have experienced prohibited harassment by an adult associated with the School.
In the event alleged harassment involves another student, the School will notify the parents of the student alleged to have experienced the prohibited harassment when the allegations, if proven, would constitute “sexual harassment” or “other prohibited harassment” as defined by policy.
If the School’s investigation indicates that prohibited harassment occurred, appropriate disciplinary or corrective action will be taken to address the harassment. The School may take disciplinary action even if the conduct that is the subject of the complaint did not rise to the level of harassment prohibited by law or policy.
Retaliation against a person who makes a good faith report of prohibited harassment is prohibited. A person who makes a false claim or offers false statements or refuses to cooperate with a district investigation, however, may be subject to appropriate discipline.
A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation may appeal in accordance with policy FNG.
In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination, the School makes the following statements:
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, 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 Educational Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
The following staff members have been designated to coordinate compliance with these requirements:
The School will ensure that students in elementary school engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day or 135 minutes per week. The School offers physical education instruction to students in grades 7 and 8 as required by the student’s individualized education program. For additional information on the School’s requirements and programs regarding elementary and middle school student physical activity requirements, please see the Principal.
Information regarding the School’s Health Advisory Council and vending machines in School facilities and student access to the machines is available from the Principal.
The School and its staff strictly enforce prohibitions against the use of tobacco products by students and others on school property or at school-sponsored or school-related activities.
Homework is assigned by individual teachers based on subject requirements, student level, and needs.
Students should not play in a rough way that may cause injury to others.
A student must be fully immunized against certain diseases or must present a certificate or statement that, for medical reasons or reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, the student will not be immunized. For exemptions based on reasons of conscience, only official forms issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Immunization Branch, can be honored by the School. The immunizations required are: diphtheria, rubeola (measles), rubella (German measles), mumps, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and varicella (chicken pox). The school nurse can provide information on age-appropriate doses or on an acceptable physician-validated history of illness required by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Proof of immunization may be established by personal records from a licensed physician or public health clinic with a signature or rubber-stamp validation.
If a student should not be immunized for medical reasons, the student or parent must present a certificate signed by a U.S. licensed physician stating that, in the doctor's opinion, the immunization required poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of the student or member of the student's family or household. This certificate must be renewed yearly unless the physician specifies a life-long condition. [For further information, see policy FFAB and the Texas Department of State Health Services Web site: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/default.shtm.
When law enforcement officers or other lawful authorities wish to question or interview a student at school, the Principal will cooperate fully regarding the conditions of the interview, if the questioning or interview is part of a child abuse investigation. In other circumstances:
State law requires the School to permit a student to be taken into legal custody:
Before a student is released to a law enforcement officer or other legally authorized person, the Principal will verify the officer's identity and, to the best of his or her ability, will verify the official's authority to take custody of the student.
The Principal will immediately notify the Superintendent and will ordinarily attempt to notify the parent unless the officer or other authorized person raises what the Principal considers to be a valid objection to notifying the parents. Because the Principal does not have the authority to prevent or delay a student’s release to a law enforcement agency officer, any notification will most likely be after the fact.
The School is required by state law to notify:
All instructional and support personnel who have responsibility for supervising a student who has been arrested or referred to the juvenile court for any felony offense or for certain misdemeanors.
If students lose or find an item, they should contact the school or residential office. The official "lost and found" is the residential office and all found items will be sent there.
For any class missed, the teacher may assign the student makeup 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 or course requirements.
A student will be responsible for obtaining the completing the makeup work in a satisfactory manner and within the time specified by the teacher.
A student who does not makeup assigned work within the time allotted by the teacher will receive a grade of zero for the assignment.
A student will be permitted to makeup tests and to turn in projects due in any class missed because of absence. Teachers may assign a late penalty to any long-term project in accordance with timelines approved by the Principal.If your child is not a MEDICAID recipient, please disregard this information.
In an effort to provide the best services possible, the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired has been approved as a provider for School Health and Related Services (SHARS) for participation in the Texas Medicaid program. If your child is currently covered under the Medicaid program, TSBVI will be able to obtain funding from Texas Medicaid Assistance Program (Medicaid) for providing your child with any of the following services as determined to be needed by the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee and stated in your child's individual education plan:
If your child is covered by other health insurance, it is important that we know that. We cannot request Medicaid funds if any of these services are covered by other insurance. However, please be assured that the School will not take any action which will cost you anything.
As a parent, you have the right to choose a provider other than the school; however, the provider you choose must be an approved SHARS provider. An approved provider may be TSBVI, another agency, person, or organization chosen by the parent who is qualified to provide the services. Any approved provider chosen by the parent must agree to:
However, TSBVI will not be able to transport your child to one of these other service providers if you choose to obtain services from them instead of the staff of TSBVI.
We expect that you will want TSBVI to continue to provide such services as educational assessment, occupational and physical therapy, and any other of the related services contained in your child's IEP. This means that there would be no change for your child. The only thing different would be that TSBVI would be able to receive some Medicaid money directly from Medicaid - not from any Social Security funds which you might be receiving - in return for providing these services. If you accept TSBVI as the service provider, it means no change or cost to you, and your child's present school obtains some Medicaid money.
This information is intended to notify you that TSBVI will be seeking Medicaid funds for services provided to your child. If you wish for TSBVI to continue to provide the services which it is already providing to your child, you need to do nothing. You only need to tell us if you wish to seek another provider of these services. This only applies to the related services on your child's IEP. It does not change any Medicaid services when you take your child to a doctor or obtain medicine.
You only need to inform us if your child becomes eligible for Medicaid benefits, or if your child is removed from them. Also please advise us if your child who is eligible for Medicaid, also becomes covered under another health insurance policy.
If you have any questions concerning this information, please call Mr. Ken Miller, 512-206-9185.
Students may not keep prescription or over-the-counter medicines in the dormitories, on their person, in their lockers, or any place on or off campus. All medications must be in properly labeled containers and dispensed through the Health Center. This includes aspirin, vitamins, all cough and cold medications, diet pills, and stomach and digestive medicines. Students should report to the Health Center promptly for medications at assigned times. Students will receive instruction in self administration of medication as outlined in their IEPs.
In accordance with a student’s individual health plan for management of diabetes, a student with diabetes will be permitted to possess and use monitoring and treatment supplies and equipment while at school or at a school-related activity. See the school nurse or Principal for information.
A psychotropic drug is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication. It is intended to have an altering effect on perception, emotion, or behavior and is commonly described as a mood- or behavior-altering substance.
Teachers and other School employees may discuss a student’s academic progress or behavior with the student’s parents or another employee as appropriate; however, they are not permitted to recommend use of psychotropic drugs. In addition, a TSBVI registered nurse or psychologist or the TSBVI consulting physician can recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner, if appropriate.
Orientation & Mobility Instructors will recommend that student receive the privilege of obtaining a mobility card when the student has demonstrated the skills to travel safely off campus. These off campus privileges fall into the following categories:
Steps to obtaining mobility cards:
Students attending TSBVI may participate in various on and off campus activities such as: swimming, team sports, Special Olympics (requires an application), amusement parks, skating, camping, restaurant, shopping, and community-based instruction. Team sports may require out of State travel. These activities are school sponsored and may be considered a part of a student's activity program. TSBVI is not financially responsible for medical treatment of injuries to students sustained while participating in such activities.
A child's education succeeds best when there is good communication and a strong partnership between home and school.
The School will:
Your involvement in this partnership may include:
The School accepts Title I federal grant funds for improving basic programs to enable all students to meet Texas academic achievement standards according to the expectations set by each student’s Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee. The funds, authorized by Public Law 107-110, support the school in implementing a school-wide program of services that are included in TSBVI’s annual School Improvement Plan and may be consolidated with funds from other federal, state and local sources. All parents will be mailed a copy of the School’s Annual Report and will be invited by mail to the annual meeting of the Instructional Planning Council when School Improvement Plan progress is reviewed and plans for improvement are made.
The Parent Involvement Coordinator, who works with parents of students participating in Title I programs is Miles Fain, Principal, 512-206-9251.
Your child will not be required to participate without parental consent in any survey, analysis, or evaluation—funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education—that concerns:
You will be able to inspect the survey or other instrument and any instructional materials used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation.
As a parent, you have a right to receive notice and opt your child out of participating in:
Parents also have a right: