District policies & procedures

General eligibility

The board or its designee shall admit into the free public schools of the District all persons who are at least five and under 21 years of age on September 1 of any school year in which admission is sought if any of the following conditions exist:

1. The person and either parent reside in the District.
2. The person does not reside in the District, but one of the parents resides in the District and that parent is a joint managing conservator or the sole managing conservator or possessory conservator of the person.
3. The person and his or her guardian or other person having lawful control under an order of a court resides in the District.
4. The person is under the age of 18 and has established a separate residence in the District apart from his or her parent, guardian, or other person having lawful control under an order of a court and has established that the person’s presence in the District is not for the primary purpose of participation in extracurricular activities. The board is not required to admit such person, however, if the person has:
   1. Engaged in conduct that resulted in removal to an alternative education program or expulsion within the preceding year;
   2. Engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision and is on probation or other conditional release for that conduct; or
   3. Been convicted of a criminal offense and is on probation or other conditional release.
5. When admission is sought for a child who has established a separate residence in the District from his parent, guardian, or other person having lawful control under an order of a court, the board of trustees or its designee shall determine whether an applicant qualifies as a resident of the Northside School District.
6. In order to be in compliance with the Family Education and Rights to Privacy Act (FERPA), the District requires documentation to consult with adults responsible for minor students. One or more of the following types of documentation will be acceptable for purposes of consultation concerning educational programming, discipline, special education, emergency medical treatment, access to student records, and other matters relating to the student’s educational process:
   1. Power of Attorney;
   2. Notarized letter or sworn affidavit from parent, guardian, or the adult responsible for the minor child;
   3. Assignment letter from the Department of Human Services;
   4. Juvenile Probation, or other agencies;
   5. Death certificate of natural parent(s);
   6. Proof of receipt of federal assistance; or
   7. Other documentation deemed appropriate by the superintendent or superintendent’s designee.
7. The person is a homeless child [See also FDC]
   1. A child is “homeless,” under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act, if the child lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes:
      1. Children who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement;
      2. Children who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; Children who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and Migratory children living in circumstances described above. “Migratory child” means a child who is, or whose parent, spouse, or guardian is, a migratory agricultural worker, including a migratory dairy worker, or a migratory fisher, and who, in the preceding 36 months, in order to obtain, or accompany such parent, spouse, or guardian in order to obtain, temporary or seasonal employment in agricultural or fishing work:
         1. Has moved from one school district to another; or
         2. Resides in a school district of more than 15,000 square miles, and migrates a distance of 20 miles or more to a temporary residence to engage in a fishing activity.
   2. b. A child is homeless, under the state law, regardless of the residence of the child, either parent, or the child’s guardian or other person having lawful control, if:
      1. The child lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence; or
      2. The child has a primary nighttime residence in a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations (including welfare hotels, congregate shelters, and transitional housing for the mentally ill), an institution providing temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized, or a public or private place not designated for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
8. The person is a foreign exchange student placed with a host family that resides in the District by a foreign exchange program affiliated with CSIET.
   1. The District will accept foreign exchange students at each of our regular comprehensive high schools.
   2. Both official transcripts and translated transcripts must be submitted with the application, and again prior campus registration.Students who have graduated or otherwise completed a high school equivalency from another school system will not be considered for enrollment. All paperwork for foreign exchange students is processed through the Office of Student Advocacy and School Choice.
   3. If a student needs to change their host family assignment, the foreign exchange agency will secure new placement and notify the SASC department. If the new host family is in a different NISD school, the new family can apply for continued enrollment.
9. The person resides at a residential facility, as defined in Texas Education Code 5.001, located in the District. For purposes of enrollment, a person who resides in a residential facility is considered a resident of the district in which the facility is located.
10. The person resides in the District and is 18 or older or the person’s disabilities of minority have been removed.
11. The person does not reside in the school District but the grandparent of the person.
    1. resides in the school District; and
    2. provides a substantial amount of after-school care for the person as determined by the Office of Student Advocacy and School Choice serving as the board’s designee.

Minor living apart

An adult resident of the District wishing to enroll a minor student who is living separate and apart from a parent/legal guardian shall be required to present a Northside Power of Attorney, processed through the Office of Student Advocacy and School Choice, stating that the parent/guardian has given the resident care, custody, and control of the student extending responsibility for the student in all school-related matters.

Enrollment is subject to the conditions listed under Admission Requirements and General Eligibility.

Proof of admission eligibility

The District requires evidence that a person is eligible to attend the public free schools of the District at the time it considers an application for admission of the person. The board or its designee shall establish minimum proof of residency acceptable to the District. When admission is sought under item 4 above, the board shall determine whether an applicant qualifies as a resident of the District and may adopt reasonable guidelines for making that determination as necessary to protect the best interest of the students.

Acceptable documents for proof of residency include active current or prior month utility bill, cable bill, landline phone bill, sales/lease/rental contracts, or other documents approved by the Board’s designee.

On occasions where a family cannot meet District requirements for proof of residency (i.e., when a family has recently moved in with another family), the resident must show proof of residence and the parent/guardian and resident must complete an Affidavit of Residence at the school.

Withdrawal – minor students

Minor students may withdraw from school by presenting a request signed by the student’s parent or guardian and stating the reason for the withdrawal. Students 18 or older may request withdrawal without a parent’s or guardian’s signature.

Withdrawn for non-residence

The District may withdraw any student who ceases to be a resident.

High school equivalency certificate

A student who has received a high school equivalency certificate is entitled to enroll in a public school in the same manner as any other student who has not received a high school diploma.

Substitute for parent or guardian

The board may allow a person showing evidence of legal responsibility for a child other than an order of a court to substitute for a guardian or other person having lawful control of the child under court order.

Students in foster care

A student placed in foster care by an agency of the state or a political subdivision, and whose foster parents reside in this District, shall be permitted to attend District schools free of any charge to the foster parents or to the agency. No durational residency requirement shall be used to prohibit such a student from fully participating in all activities sponsored by the District.

A student enrolled in high school in grade 9, 10, 11, or 12 who is placed in temporary foster care by the Department of Human Resources at a residence outside the attendance area for the school or outside the District is entitled to complete high school at the school in which the student was enrolled at the time of placement without payment of tuition.

Texas youth commission

A school-age child of an employee of the Texas Youth Commission residing in an adjacent district may attend school in the District free of charge to his or her parents or guardian. Any tuition required by the District shall be paid by the district of the residence out of any funds appropriated to the facility by the legislature.

Military dependents

The District may not charge tuition for the attendance of a student who is domiciled in another state and resides in military housing that is located in the District but is exempt from taxation by the District.

Court-ordered student

A court may not order an expelled student to attend a regular classroom, a regular campus, or a school District alternative education program as a condition of probation unless the juvenile board for the county in which the District’s central administrative office is located has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the board concerning the supervision of and other support services for students in alternative education programs.

If a court orders a student to attend an alternative education program as a condition of probation once during a school year and the student is referred to juvenile court again during that school year, the juvenile court may not order the student to attend an alternative education program in the District without the District’s consent until the student has completed successfully any sentencing requirements.

Students enrolling with discipline alternative education placements

In accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC) 37.022, if a school district or charter school takes disciplinary action against a student and the student subsequently enrolls in another district before the expiration of the period of disciplinary action, the district in which the student enrolls may continue the disciplinary action under the terms of the order or may allow the student to attend regular classes without completing  the period of disciplinary action. Disciplinary action includes suspension, expulsion, placement in alternative education program or other limitation in enrollment eligibility of a student by a district.

Enrollment

A child must be enrolled by the child’s parent, guardian, or other person with legal control under a court order. The District shall record the name, address and date of birth of the person enrolling a child.

Legal surname

A student must be identified by the student’s legal surname as it appears on the student’s birth certificate or other legal document suitable as proof of the student’s identity, or in a court order changing the student’s name.

Required documentation

At the time of enrollment the person authorized to enroll the child shall immediately furnish a record showing that the child has the immunizations required by Texas Education Code Section 38.001, or proof that the child is not required to be immunized, or proof that the child is entitled to provisional admission.

Not later than the thirtieth day after the date a parent or other person with legal control of a child enrolls the child in a District school, the parent or other person, or the school district in which the child most recently attended school shall furnish to the District all of the following:

1. The child’s birth certificate or another document suitable as proof of the child’s identity as defined by the commissioner of education in the Student Attendance Accounting Handbook.
2. A copy of the child’s records from the school the child most recently attended if he or she was previously enrolled in a school in Texas or in another state.

Students shall not be denied enrollment or be removed solely because they fail to provide the required documentation in items 1 and 2, above.

Child in DPRS possession

The District shall enroll a child without the required documentation if the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (DPRS) has taken possession of the child. DPRS shall ensure that the required documentation in furnished to the District not later than the 30th day after the date the child is enrolled.

Inconsistent documentation

If a child is enrolled under a name other than the name that appears in the identifying documents or records, the District shall notify the missing children and missing persons information clearinghouse of the child’s name as shown on the identifying records and the name under which child is enrolled.

Missing documentation

If the required documents and other records are not furnished to the campus or district within 30 days after enrollment, the campus or district shall notify the police department of the city or the sheriff’s department of the county in which the district is located and request a determination of whether the child has been reported as missing.

Students under age eleven

On enrollment of a child under eleven years of age in a school for the first time at the school, the school shall:

1. Request from the person enrolling the child the name of each previous school attended by the child;
2. Request from each school identified in Item #1 the school records for the child and, if the person enrolling the child provides copies of previous school records, request verification from the school of the child’s name, address, date, grades, and dates attended; and
3. Notify the person enrolling the student that not later than the thirtieth day after enrollment, or the ninetieth day if the child was not born in the United States, the person must provide:
   1. A certified copy of the child’s birth certificate; or
   2. Other reliable proof of the child’s identity and age and a signed statement explaining the person’s inability to produce a copy of the child’s birth certificate.

If a person enrolls a child under 11 years of age in school and does not provide the valid prior school information or documentation required, the school shall notify the appropriate law enforcement agency before the 31st day after the person fails to comply.

False information

When accepting a child for enrollment, the District shall inform the parent or other person enrolling the child that presenting false information or false records for identification is a criminal offense under Texas Penal Code - Section 37.10 and that enrolling the child under false documents makes the person liable for tuition or other costs as provided below.

A person who knowingly falsifies information on a form required for a student’s enrollment in the District may be liable to the District if the student is not eligible for enrollment, but is enrolled on the basis of false information. For the period during which the ineligible student is enrolled, the person is liable for the maximum tuition fee the District may charge or the amount the District has budgeted per student as maintenance and operating expense, whichever is greater.

Exceptions to age and residency requirements

In general, students are enrolled in District schools and programs only if they meet the age and residence requirements as defined by state law. However the following exceptions are allowed, subject to tuition, in some situations, at the established daily rate:

1. Students who move out of the District during the school year and who are permitted to remain in their former school under continuing enrollment guidelines, except that a student may be granted permission to complete the current grading period without tuition.
2. Students who will be eligible to graduate in the school year following their move out of the District and who are approved for continued enrollment for their senior year.
3. Students whose families are in the process of moving into the District. For students admitted under the anticipated move provision, tuition shall be waived for a grace period of thirty (30) school days.
4. Students admitted to one of the District’s magnet schools, unless tuition is waived for such students under a general agreement or by specific board action.

Residency review for extracurricular activities

The superintendent or designee shall determine whether a minor student residing in the District separate and apart from a parent, guardian, or other person having lawful control under order of a court is present in the District for the primary purpose of participating in extracurricular activities. This determination may be appealed to the board under the Complaint Resolution Procedure, beginning at Level III, by making a written request to the superintendent within 15 days of the decision.

Grievance procedure

Grievances regarding student eligibility and admissions may be appealed to the Superintendent or designee beginning at Level III of the Complaint Resolution Procedure.

Compulsory attendance law

In accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC), Section 25.085, a child who is required to attend school under this section shall attend school each school day for the entire period the program of instruction is provided, to include students who are at least six years of age, or who is younger than six years of age and has been previously enrolled in first grade and who have not yet reached their 19th birthday, unless exempted as indicated below, additionally, upon voluntary enrollment in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten, a child shall attend school for the entire period of instruction.

Notice to parent & student: If a student accumulates unexcused absences on 10 or more days or parts of days within a six month period in the same school year:

1. the student’s parent is subject to prosecution in accordance with Section 25.093;  and
2.  the student is subject to referral to a truancy court for truant conduct under Section 65.003(a), Family Code.

Attendance warning notice

In accordance with TEC 25.095, a school district shall notify a student’s parent if the student has been absent from school, without excuse under Section 25.087, on three days or parts of days within a four-week period. The notice must:

1. inform the parent that:
   1. it is the parent’s duty to monitor the student’s school attendance and require the student to attend school; and
   2. the student is subject to truancy prevention measures under Section 25.0915; and
2. request a conference between school officials and the parent to discuss the absences.

Truancy prevention/ intervention measures

In accordance with TEC 25.0915, the District has adopted and implemented truancy measures designed to address the issues that have proven causal to the student’s non-attendance or truancy conduct. In collaboration with the campus attendance administrator/designee and relevant campus staff, students and parents are active participants in the development of the student’s individualized attendance plan or behavior improvement plan aimed at addressing the conduct related to truancy in the school setting. Truancy Prevention/Intervention Measures are determined based on the specific set of circumstances that have resulted in the student’s truancy or non-attendance conduct, and may include, but not limited to, the following: educate the student and parent in the compulsory attendance law; register for access to on-line resources in order to monitor attendance records; arrange for the parent to ‘shadow’ the student during the course of the school day; encourage the viewing of the District’s ‘Attendance Matters’ video; discuss credit retrieval or attendance recovery classes; convene an special education ARD or 504 meeting; refer parent or student to school-based and out-of-school services, including communities in school (CIS), juvenile case managers, counseling, parenting classes, among other services.

In accordance with TEC 25.093, if a warning notice is issued, the parent with criminal negligence fails to require the child to attend school as required by law, and the child has absences for the amount of time specified under Section 65.003(a), Family Code, the parent commits an offense. Upon student enrollment and acknowledgement of Student-Parent Handbook, which explains the Compulsory Attendance Law of the State of Texas, parents are subject to prosecution if their child has failed to attend school for the amount of time required by law. “Parent” includes a person standing in parental relation.

Student failure to attend school

In accordance with TEC 25.094, a student who is required to attend school under the compulsory attendance law and fails to attend school for the amount of time specified without excuse may be referred to truancy court for truant conduct under Section 65.003(a), Family Code, if age appropriate.

Enforcement of attendance policies

Excessive absences from school shall be investigated by school officials, or if necessary, a truancy specialist. The school district will issue a Warning Notice and develop an Individualized Attendance Plan when a student accumulates unexcused absences as specified in Section 25.095b. With the accumulation of unexcused absences, the Office of Student Advocacy and School Choice Coordinator or Truancy Specialist shall refer a complaint against the parent(s) and/or student in the appropriate court. It is not a defense to prosecution that the student has engaged in attendance recovery, credit retrieval, or that the parent has not received the notice of unexcused absences (Section 25.095-c).

19 year old students who voluntarily attend school

In accordance with TEC 25.085, a person who voluntarily enrolls in school or voluntarily attends school after the person’s 19th birthday shall attend school each school day for the entire period the program of instruction is offered. After the third unexcused absence of a person described herein, the District shall institute applicable truancy prevention/intervention measures and issue a warning notice to the person that states the person’s enrollment may be revoked for the remainder of the school year if the person has more than five unexcused absences in a semester. The District may revoke for the remainder of the school year the enrollment of a person who has more than five unexcused absences in a semester, except a school district may not revoke the enrollment of a person under this subsection on a day on which the person is physically present at school. A person whose enrollment is revoked for exceeding this limit may be considered an unauthorized person on school grounds.

Accelerated/compensatory programs

A student must also attend:

1. an extended-year program, if the student has been identified as likely not to be promoted as provided by Texas Education Code Section 29.084;
2. tutorials the student is required to attend under Texas Education Code Section 29.084;
3. an accelerated reading instruction program to which the student has been assigned under Texas Education Code Section 28.006(g);
4. an accelerated instruction program to which the student is assigned under Texas Education Code Section 28.0211; or
5. a basic skills program to which the student is assigned under Texas Education Code Section 29.086.

Exemptions to compulsory attendance

As provided by law or State Board rules, a student not actually on campus at the time attendance is taken shall be considered in attendance and shall not be penalized for the absence if:

1. misses school for the purpose of serving as a student early voting clerk, if your school district has a policy allowing for this type of excused absence, or an election clerk or student election clerk. Your school district may excuse a student’s absence for this purpose for a maximum of two days in a school year. To serve as a student election clerk or student early voting clerk, a student must: be eligible to serve as an election clerk under the Texas Election Code, §32.051(c);  be at least 16 years of age;  have the consent of the principal of the school the student attends; be a US citizen; and have completed any training course required by the entity holding the election.
2. misses school for the purpose of appearing at a governmental office to complete paperwork required in connection with the student’s application for US citizenship, including traveling for that purpose. Travel days for which the student is considered in attendance are limited to not more than one day for travel to and one day for travel from the site of the governmental office. Your school district may elect to excuse additional travel days; however, the student would be considered absent for the additional travel days for attendance accounting purposes.
3. misses school for the purpose of taking part in the student’s own US naturalization oath ceremony, including traveling for that purpose. Travel days for which the student is considered in attendance are limited to not more than one day for travel to and one day for travel from the site of the ceremony. Your school district may elect to excuse additional travel days; however, the student would be considered absent for the additional travel days for attendance accounting purposes.
4. Is 17 years of age or older and pursuing enlistment in a branch of the US uniformed services or the Texas Army National Guard. Your district must not excuse the student for this purpose for more than four days of school during the period the student is enrolled in high school and must adopt a policy stating when an absence will be excused for this purpose and a procedure for verifying the student’s activities related to pursuing enlistment in a branch of the US uniformed services or the Texas Army National Guard.
5. misses school for the purpose of visiting a driver’s license office to obtain a driver’s license or learner permit. The student must be enrolled in high school and 15 years of age or older. Your district may not excuse the student for more than one day of school during the period the student is enrolled in high school for each purpose (obtaining a driver’s license and obtaining a learner license). Your district must verify the student’s visit to the driver’s license office in accordance with the procedures adopted by your district.
6. the student is participating in a board-approved extracurricular activity or public performance, which is under the direction of a member of the District’s professional staff or an adjunct staff member.
7. the student’s parent or legal guardian is being deployed or is  returning from military deployment of four months or more, meeting the following conditions:
   1. the District may not excuse more than 5 days absences of this type in a school year;
   2. absences may not occur earlier than the 60th day before the date of deployment;
   3. absences may not occur later than the 30th day after the date of deployment.
   4. if the student satisfactorily completes the school work, the day(s) of absence shall be counted as day(s) of compulsory attendance.
8. the student is participating in a mentorship approved by District personnel to serve as one or more of the advanced measures needed to complete the Distinguished Achievement Program.
9. the student is observing holy days, including days of travel to or from a site where the student will observe holy days. Excused days for travel shall be limited to not more than one day for travel to and one day for travel from the site where the student will observe the religious holy days.
10. is temporarily absent because of a documented appointment for the student or the student's child that is with a health care professional licensed, certified, or registered to practice in the United States. A documented appointment with a health care professional includes an appointment of a student diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder with a health care practitioner to receive a generally recognized service for persons with that disorder. To be considered temporarily absent, the student must begin classes or return to class on the same day of the appointment. The appointment must be supported by a document, such as a note, from the health care professional. A consultation over the phone or via video (telemedicine) is considered an appointment with a health care professional. An appointment with a school nurse will not count for FSP funding as an appointment with a health care professional.
11. the student is in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services, attending a mental health or therapy appointment or family visitation as ordered by a court.
12. College Visits: In NISD, one of the goals of our secondary schools is to create a college going culture. To this end, NISD high schools allow students in their junior and senior years to go on college visits.  As long as these visits are given prior approval, documented and do not exceed two (2) school days per school year, college visits are considered excused absences.  Any days missed for college visits in excess of two (2) per school year will not be excused.
13. A school district may excuse a student in grades 6-12 for the purpose of sounding “Taps” at a military honors funeral held in this state for a deceased veteran.
14. A student who has been referred to a juvenile court for delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision shall be excused when:
    1. the assigned juvenile judge or probation officer has detained the student or required the student to participate in activities related to the student’s referral;
    2. detention or participation in such activities resulted in absence from class;
    3. the probation officer communicates the cause of the absence in writing to District personnel; and
    4. the student successfully completes all missed assignments.
15. A student who has been referred to the Texas Department of Human Services or a county or local welfare unit on the basis that he or she has been abused or is neglected shall be excused when:
    1. the student’s caseworker has required the student to participate in activities related to the student’s referral;
    2. participation in such activities resulted in the student’s absence from class;
    3. the caseworker communicates the reason for the absence to the District personnel; and
    4. the student successfully completes all missed assignments.
16. the student is absent as a result of a serious or life-threatening illness or related treatment that makes the student's attendance infeasible.  This may include a student with a mental health or substance abuse condition who is being treated for a serious illness in an outpatient day treatment program or partial hospitalization program, under the care of a healthcare professional licensed, certified, or registered to practice in Texas.

Excused absences

A student may be excused for temporary absences resulting from any cause acceptable to the teacher, principal, or superintendent. Examples of acceptable reasons include:

1. personal illness,
2. death in the family,
3. family emergency, or
4. any unusual or extenuating circumstance acceptable to the principal or his/her designee.

Documentation related to an absence

Upon a student’s return to school, a parent shall provide a personal note or a note from a health care professional that describes the reason for the absence.  The note shall be signed by the student’s parent or guardian. The school district is under no obligation to excuse an absence if documentation is submitted more than 3 days after a student returns to school from any absence. If the student is 18 or older or has been declared by a court to be an emancipated minor, the student may sign in place of a parent or guardian.

Permission to leave school

When students board a school bus or arrive on campus they are considered to be “in school” and must check out through the attendance office, even if the first bell has not rung.  Students who find it necessary to leave school during the school day for any reason must obtain an early dismissal slip from the attendance office in accordance with school procedure and provide appropriate documentation upon return.  Students who fail to follow the above procedures may be considered truant.

Tardiness/early pick-ups

If a student misses instruction due to an unexcused late arrival to or early removal from campus, it may be considered a partial day absence and a violation of the compulsory attendance law.

Effects of absenteeism

Absence from class unavoidably affects the quality of a student’s work, interferes with normal instructional procedures in the classroom, and places additional demands on the teacher to provide remedial assistance. Therefore, regular attendance and punctuality are required of every student for each scheduled class.

In case of a long period of absences due to extended illness or injury, the student’s counselor and the attendance office should be contacted immediately by the parent of the student in order that arrangements may be made for continuance of academic work. If families are aware that their children must be absent for an extended period, parents or students are encouraged to ask their teacher(s) for academic assignments prior to the absence in order to minimize curriculum loss.

Withdrawal for non-attendance

The District may initiate withdrawal of a student under the age of 19 for non-attendance under the following conditions:

1. The student has been absent 10 consecutive school days, AND
2. Repeated efforts by the truancy specialist and/or principal to locate the student have been unsuccessful. 

A student shall be given credit for a class only if the student has been in attendance 90 percent of the days the class is offered, unless an attendance committee appointed by the board gives the student credit because there were extenuating circumstances for the absences. The board shall establish guidelines for determining what constitutes extenuating circumstances and shall adopt policies that establish alternative ways for students to make up work or regain credit lost because of absences for extenuating circumstances. The board may establish alternative ways for students with unexcused absences to make up work or regain credit. The alternative ways must include at least one option that does not require a student to pay a fee, but the option must be substantially the same as the availability of the educational program for which the District may charge a fee. This policy does not affect a student’s right to excused absence to observe religious holy days.

A student and the student’s parent or guardian shall be given written notice prior to and at such time when a student’s attendance in any class drops 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 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 the date designated by the principal. The date designated by the principal shall be prior to the last day of classes. Any exceptions to this time line shall require the approval of the principal.

The 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.

Attendance committees

The board shall establish an attendance committee or as many committees as necessary for efficient implementation of Texas Education Code Section 25.092.

The superintendent or designee shall make the specific appointments in accordance with legal requirements.

Attendance committee hearing

Classroom teachers shall comprise a majority of the attendance committee. The attendance committee shall hear each case in which a student’s attendance falls below the 90 percent threshold and a petition by the student or his or her parent or legal guardian has been filed. The committee may give class credit to a student because of extenuating circumstances according to policies adopted by the board that establish ways for a student to make up work or regain credit lost because of absences.

Personal illness

In accordance with FEC(local), when a student’s absence for personal illness exceeds three consecutive days, the student shall present a statement from a physician or health clinic verifying the illness or other condition that requires the student’s extended absence from school. If the student has established a questionable pattern of absences, the attendance committee may also require a physician’s or clinic’s statement of illness after a single day’s absence as a condition of classifying the absence as one for which there are extenuating circumstances.

Unexcused absences

The board has chosen to allow students who have lost credit because of unexcused absences and who have a passing grade in the course to regain credit by fulfilling the requirements established by the campus attendance committee. The committee may set more stringent requirements for regaining credit when absences are unexcused than in other circumstances.

Extenuating circumstances

The board has established the following as extenuating circumstances:

1. Board-approved extracurricular activity or public performance subject to limitations.
2. Required screening, diagnosis, and treatment for Medicaid-eligible students.
3. Documented health care appointment for the student or the student’s child, if the student begins classes or returns to school on the same day as the appointment.
4. Temporary absence resulting from any cause acceptable to the teacher, principal, or superintendent.
5. Juvenile court proceeding documented by a probation officer.
6. Absence required by state or local welfare authorities.
7. Family emergency or unforeseen or unavoidable instance requiring immediate attention.
8. Service as a student early voting clerk in an election.  The District may not excuse more than 2 days absences of this type in a school year.

Absences for which the student has shown extenuating circumstances and completed routine make-up work shall be considered days of attendance for computing the required percentage of days of attendance.

Regaining credit

The attendance committee may use any of the following options as ways in which students may regain credit:

1. Complete additional assignments, as specified by the committee.
2. Satisfy time-on-task requirements before and/or after school.
3. Attend tutorial sessions as scheduled.
4. Perform community services or campus duties.
5. Maintain the attendance standards for the rest of the semester.
6. Attend an alternative education program.
7. Attend evening high school.
8. Take an examination to earn credit.
9. Attend Saturday school.

In all cases, the student must also earn a passing grade in order to receive credit.

Grades

A student with a grade of 70 or higher who is awarded credit through the review process shall be assigned the grade earned. A student with a grade of 70 or higher who is denied credit by the review committee shall be assigned a grade of 69. A student with a grade below 70 is not eligible to obtain credit through the review process; the grade shall stand as earned.

Appeal of attendance committee’s decision

The attendance committee’s decision may be appealed to the board by submitting a written request to the superintendent. Appeals shall be handled as provided by the District grievance procedure, which is stated in the Student-Parent Handbook.

All students who attend Northside Independent School District schools must reside within the boundaries of the District unless the Superintendent of Schools has approved a transfer.

Students are eligible to enroll in a school only if they reside in the attendance zone for that school, or if they have an approved written exception from the Northside Administrative Office (5900 Evers Road). New students must show proof of residence. Students who enroll improperly by misrepresenting their address, or that of their parent(s) or guardian(s), will be subject to tuition as ineligible students.

General provisions

In accordance with the Texas Education Code (TEC) 25.033 a parent or person standing in parental relation to any student may by petition in writing either:

1. request the assignment or transfer of the student to a designated school or to a school to be designated by board, or
2. file objections to the assignment of the student to the school to which the student has been assigned.

Because each type of intra-district transfer services a specific audience, parents are asked to review the information below in order to determine the most appropriate transfer type given your circumstances. In accordance with NISD Board Policy FDB(LOCAL), except as otherwise provided by state law, District policy, or board action, the transportation for a transfer student is the responsibility of the student and family. A transfer approved for an individual student does not in any way create an agreement to transfer siblings of the student.

Administrative transfer

A transfer may be initiated administratively to assign a student to a different school for reasons including, but not limited to concerns related to discipline, safety, sexual assault, bullying, or extraordinary conditions affecting the family or the school. It must be initiated by the home campus principal or Assistant Superintendent or Executive Director for Elementary or Secondary Administration only if one or more of the conditions described above exist. If parent/guardian deems that an administrative transfer is warranted, they should visit the home campus principal. Unless otherwise noted, an Administrative Transfer is valid only for the current school year. Parents inquiring about Administrative Transfer should visit with their home campus principal or the principals’ supervisor. The processing of Administrative Transfers is done by the Administration Department.

Child of employee transfer

Requests for Child of Employee Transfers should be submitted electronically by the employee. Link can be found on our department’s website. For those who do not have access to a computer at their workplace, you may complete a hard-copy CET form and visit the Office of Student Advocacy and School Choice to submit electronically. Please bring birth certificate and acceptable proof of residency documents.

A campus or non-campus-based full-time NISD employee can submit an electronic Child of Employee Transfer (CET) request for his/her biological child (or legal guardian through a court of law). The employee need not be a NISD resident, meaning the employee may or may not reside within NISD boundaries. Pursuant FDA(Local) and FDB(Local), a student approved for a CET is not subject to tuition. Available campus options will be grouped and will be published on the Office of Student Advocacy and School Choice's Employee Connection website. Based on their campus (address of employment) campus-based full-time employees will be able to select from within the group of schools assigned to their campus: however, the child must attend the campus at which the employee works for that level. Non-campus-based employees will be assigned to a group of schools according to the address of the department where he/she works. According to FDB(Local), a request may be denied by the campus Principal on the basis of the student’s record (e.g. excessive absences or tardies, poor conduct), or lack of space. Pursuant FDA(Local) and FDB(Local), a student who fails to maintain an acceptable record may be subject to revocation of the transfer by the campus principal. The CET is valid only for the school year for which it is approved. Because employment circumstances may change, a CET must be renewed annually. If the employee transfers to another NISD location, it may result in the CET cancellation; however, the employee may elect to submit another CET selecting from within the school grouping based on the new address. Only once the employee receives the CET approval notification, he/she may contact the campus to begin the registration process.

In accordance with NISD Board Policy FDB(LOCAL), except as otherwise provided by state law, district policy, or board action, the transportation for a transfer student is the responsibility of the student and family.

Program transfer (career & technology)

Program Transfers, available at the high school level for upcoming 9th graders only, involve Career and Technology Education concentrated sequence of courses with four or more credits that provide job-specific training and may lead to licensure or certification. A program transfer request for the upcoming school year for a program not offered at the 9th grader’s home campus may be submitted in the spring until the Friday before school starts. Applications received will be ordered sequentially by date/time received by the Office of Student Advocacy and School Choice. Program transfers are approved by the requested Campus Principal after a review of the student’s discipline & attendance records and pending availability within the program. Transfers are dependent upon the student being admitted to the specific program and require continuous enrollment to remain in effect. Additionally, the Dual Language Program, as a form of bilingual education, is offered at select elementary and middle schools. Questions specific to the program type should be directed to the school counselor, administration, and/or program sponsor.

Parental choice transfer

Northside parents/guardians may submit a parental choice transfer request for their child(ren) for the upcoming school year to the Office of Student Advocacy and School Choice beginning in the spring and before the first day of the subsequent school year. Because parent/guardian can request this type of transfer for any reason, a rationale for the transfer request is not required on the form. Requests received prior to Spring Break, shall receive priority consideration and shall be ordered by lottery.

The approval of parental choice transfer requests is dependent on a number of factors:

1. Available space at the requested campus and at the requested grade level if elementary
2. Projected enrollment numbers at the requested campus
3. Special circumstances to include above target enrollment, Cluster cam us or cap reliever, to preclude future overcrowding
4. Principal’s review of the student’s discipline and attendance records
5. NISD Board Policy (See FC(LOCAL) summarized below.)

In accordance with Board Policy FC(LOCAL), due to space constraints, elementary. Parental choice transfer requests to remain at the same school the child was attending at the time of boundary change shall not be accepted for one school year following the boundary change. Further, if an elementary, middle, or high school has a boundary change or cap to reduce enrollment, the school shall be closed for one year following the boundary change. If requests are denied due to lack of space, requests submitted shall be placed on a waiting list ordered by date and time received and will be considered if space becomes available after the beginning of the school year.

A listing of schools open to accepting parental choice transfers and those closed to parental choice transfers will be made available. Furthermore, all parental choice transfers must be approved by the requested Campus Principal after a review of the student’s discipline and attendance records. If the student is new to Northside ISD, the parent/guardian should obtain the student records from last school attended and submit them to the Office of Student Advocacy and School Choice with the intra-district transfer form. If the student fails to maintain an acceptable discipline and/or attendance record, the Principal may revoke the parental choice transfer.

Parental Choice Transfers do not need to be renewed annually, since once approved they are approved for that level of schooling (i.e elementary, middle, or high school level). Transportation for a parental choice transfer student is the responsibility of the family.   

Because of growing enrollment, state-mandated class size requirements, and not enough classrooms, some schools lack space. When the maximum number of students per grade level is reached and if the campus has a vacant classroom, a new teacher may be added. However, because of the disruption of classes, the decision may be made to close a campus and not add classes for the remainder of the year. When this decision is made, newly enrolling students will be transferred to a nearby Cluster School, Northside provides student transportation to Cluster schools. It is therefore important that currently enrolled students re-register for the following year by the deadline determined by the school. Transfers usually affect only new students not returning students unless the returning students do not return pre-registration materials by the April deadline or unless the returning students do not attend the first day of school of the new fall term. As enrollment stabilizes during the first week of school and vacancies occur, transferred students have the option to return to their home campus. Transfer date determines priority for return.

The purpose of the Northside ISD Anticipated Move procedure is to avoid multiple changes of a student’s school assignment during a school year. An Anticipated Move Contract permits a family to enroll a child at the school (or the cluster campus, if applicable) in the attendance area in which the family will be moving during the course of the school year. Please note that the actual move-in date must be during the course of the school year. While an Anticipated Move Contract may be obtained at any time during the summer months when school is not in session, at the elementary level, the child’s name shall be placed on a waiting list until a week before the beginning of the school year. On that date or throughout the year, if space is available, the student shall be permitted to enroll. If space is not available, the student shall be assigned to a cluster school. The student may be ineligible for participation in UIL activities until residency has been established.

Anticipated Move transfer requests must be submitted to the Office of Student Advocacy and School Choice for processing. A valid sales or lease contract, signed by all parties, and a document showing a closing or occupancy date on or after the first day of school must be included at the time the request is submitted. A student who lives outside Northside boundaries may enroll, tuition-free, for 30 school days provided that a Tuition Agreement for payment of tuition beyond the 30 school day tuition-free grace period has been approved and processed.

May an Anticipated Move Contract be used during the summer months to enroll a child before the beginning of the school year?

No. Children who live in a school’s attendance area before the beginning of the school year receive enrollment priority over students who are moving into the attendance area after the beginning of the school year. At the secondary level, if space is available, the child shall be enrolled. At the elementary level, the child’s name will be placed on a list in the order that the Anticipated Move form is received by the school. If space is available the week before the beginning of school, the child’s registration will be processed and the child will be placed on a class list. If space is not available, the child may be referred for enrollment at the Cluster campus.

If a move from one attendance area to another is made over the summer, does a family need an Anticipated Move Contract?

No. If a family had moved into a school’s attendance area over the summer, the family need only show that proof of residence to the school at or before the beginning of the school year in order to enroll the child.

May a family obtain an Anticipated Move Contract during this current school year in order to secure a slot for a child for a subsequent school year?

No. The purpose of the Anticipated Move Contract is to avoid multiple changes of a student’s school assignment during a school year, not to secure a slot for the student for the subsequent school year.

Does an Anticipated Move Contract guarantee that a child will attend the child’s regular campus?

No. Since elementary school class enrollments are limited by law, the child may be required to attend a nearby Cluster school until such time that space becomes available at the child’s regular school. Should this situation occur, transportation to the Cluster school will be provided by the District.

If during the school year, students move out of the school attendance zone, the parent(s) may apply to the principal for continued enrollment prior to the move. Applications made within ten (10) school days following a move will also be considered.

Conditions

Requests for continued enrollment may be denied on the basis of the student’s record (e.g., excessive absences or tardies, poor conduct), for lack of timeliness in filing the request, for falsifying an address or failing to report a change of address, or because of lack of space. Approval may be revoked if the student fails to maintain an acceptable record. When a request for continued enrollment is denied or revoked at the discretion of the principal the student may be allowed to complete the current grading period.

Limited term

In general, continued enrollment may be granted for the remainder of the current school year only. Continued enrollment for the subsequent year shall not be approved except for seniors who will graduate in the school year following the change of residence.

Transportation

If continued enrollment is approved, transportation shall be the responsibility of the family.

Out of district move

Students who move out of the District during the school year and ask for continued enrollment at the campus they’ve been attending are permitted to remain, subject to the conditions described without tuition for the remainder of the grading period. To maintain enrollment for the remainder of the school year, the family must arrange tuition payment through the Office of Student Advocacy and School Choice.

Tuition shall be due in advance and may be scheduled in monthly payments or other payment schedules approved by the superintendent or designee.

Students whose tuition payments are delinquent shall be subject to withdrawal from the school, course, or program in which they are enrolled.

Students who change their residence, mailing address, or telephone number after enrollment should report the change promptly to the administrative offices so that the records may be corrected in case of an emergency at the school or at home. A new proof of address is required to change a student's address and should be submitted to the attendance secretary or a campus administrator within 10 days of a student changing addresses. Business phone numbers of parents should also be recorded in the administrative offices.

Research has indicated that student behavior is influenced by student dress and grooming. Therefore, student grooming shall be monitored by school administrators and teachers. In order to help promote acceptable student behavior, it is necessary to establish certain guidelines to aid parents and students in selecting the proper attire for school wear.

School staff recognizes that parents bear the primary responsibility for setting standards for their children’s dress and grooming. However, because of health and safety factors, because of the influence of dress and grooming on students’ attitude and behavior, and because of the need to prevent disruptive influences and preserve the academic environment of the school, student dress and grooming are appropriate concerns of teachers and administrators.

Regulations shall be established concerning the grooming of students for those classes where safety due to the use of power machinery and sanitary conditions in food preparation is mandatory. Students enrolled in these classes shall be informed of those regulations and are expected to conform while in these classes. The campus administration, after consulting with the School Advisory Team and considering school/community needs, may have additional dress or grooming regulations that are campus specific.

To aid students and their parents in making decisions about appropriate dress and grooming for schools, the following guidelines are established.

Final determination of acceptable dress and grooming rests with the principal or his/her designee

1. Shorts of mid-thigh length may be worn at all school levels.  Suggestive and/or indecent shorts will be prohibited..
2. Mid-thigh length skirts, skorts, and dresses may be worn at all levels. There should not be a cut or slit in the clothing that  extends above the mid-thigh. Suggestive and/or indecent styles will be prohibited.  These requirements also apply to  school uniforms.
3. Appropriate footwear must be worn; footwear which has toes reinforced with steel, hard plastics or similar materials are  specifically prohibited.
4. Hair must be neat and clean. Unconventional hair styles that distract from teaching and learning will be prohibited.
5. Any clothes that are suggestive or indecent or which cause a distraction will be prohibited. Specifically, oversized clothing,  tank tops, muscle shirts, halter/crop tops, spaghetti straps, exposed backs or midriffs, and see-through garments are prohibited.
6. Indecent/inappropriate patches, writings, or drawings on clothing are prohibited. Undergarments must not be visible.
7. All pants are to be worn at the waist (no “sagging”) Tight fitting pants (e.g. tights, spandex, bicycle pants, etc.) are also  prohibited.  Frays or holes above the knees are prohibited.
8. Body piercing jewelry is prohibited except for rings, studs or other traditional jewelry. Any piercing that distracts the  teaching and learning environment will be prohibited.

Because fads in dress and grooming are subject to sudden, and sometimes radical change, a basic rule to remember is that student dress and grooming should not be suggestive or indecent, or so bizarre and unusual as to detract from the classroom environment.

If the board determines that requiring school uniforms would improve the learning environment at a school in the District, the board may adopt rules that require students at that school to wear school uniforms. Students shall wear uniforms beginning on the 90th day after the date on which the board adopts the rules.  For the current school year, mandatory uniforms are to be worn on the Adams Hill, Cable, Esparza, John Glenn, Passmore, Valley Hi, Anson Jones, Pat Neff, Sam Rayburn, Sul Ross and Rudder   campuses. Information regarding these uniforms can be found in Section A of this handbook.  Parents may contact the administration offices at these schools for specific information on standardized dress requirements.

The rules adopted by the board must designate a source of funding to be used to provide uniforms for economically disadvantaged students.

A parent or guardian of a student assigned to a school where uniforms are required may choose for the student to be exempted from the uniform requirement or for the student to be transferred to a school where uniforms are not required and at which space is available. In order to exercise one of these options, the parent or guardian must provide a written statement that states a religious or philosophical objection to the uniform requirement that the board determines is bona fide. Students who attend campuses requiring uniforms should follow their specific campus standardized dress code.

NOTE: Refer to page C-6 on “Gang Prohibitions” for further prohibitions regarding dress.

District schools shall allow grade 12 students, with the approval of their principal, to leave campus during lunch hour.

Students in grade 12 may go home during the lunch period if they have on file at the principal’s office a signed parental request that they be released for lunch, or if they are picked up at the school by the parent or guardian.

A parent or guardian who wishes to pick up a student for the lunch period shall first secure the principal’s approval. Students who abuse off-campus lunch privileges or leave campus at any other time without the principal’s approval shall be subject to disciplinary action.

To request that your child be excused from participation in the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag, the request must be in writing. State law does not allow your child to be excused from participation in the required moment of silence or silent activity that follows.

Serving 100K meals daily is no easy task! Over 1,000 Child Nutrition employees work hard each day to ensure NISD students are getting their nutritional needs met. 2023-2024 more menu variety with exceptional service is coming your way! Come join us for breakfast and lunch and see our new dining experience at the Northside Eats Café!

For instructions regarding special dietary needs or further information, please visit our website. You may also contact us at (210) 397-4501 or via email at childnutrition@nisd.net.

Please note that applications for meal benefits will resume for the 2023-2024 School Year. If you think that your child may qualify for benefits, we encourage you to fill out an application for meal benefits.

Free and Reduced Priced Meals

Non-CEP school sites only

Free & Reduced Meal benefits are available to families that qualify. Applications must be completed and approved annually for meal benefits at NON-CEP Schools. Free or Reduced Priced meals are available to students who qualify based on federal guidelines. Meal Deals must meet guidelines or à la carte prices will be charged.

Households interested in the program must apply EVERY school year. Beginning July 1st, applications are available for parent or guardian pickup at the Free & Reduced Office at 7520 Mainland Drive, San Antonio, TX  78250.  Hours of operation are 7 AM to 3:30 PM (Monday – Friday).  Applications may be turned in at the Free & Reduced Office, left in the courtesy drop box or mailed to the address above.  Applications will be available at Non-CEP campuses in August. Free and Reduced-Price Meal applications will be available online beginning August 14, 2023.

The completed application will be reviewed within ten working days from the date received in the Child Nutrition Department and the parent/guardian will then be notified by email that is on file at the campus. If an email is not on file, then a letter will be mailed out. If you do not receive notification by mail or email, you should call the office immediately at 210-397-4517.

Prior year student-eligibility status will end after Oct. 10, 2023. Students will be charged FULL PRICE if a new approved application is not on file by Oct. 10, 2023.

NON-CEP School Sites: High Schools: Brandeis, Brennan, Clark, Harlan, Health Careers, O’Connor, Sotomayor, Taft, Warren. Middle Schools: Bernal, Briscoe, Folks, Garcia, Jefferson, Luna, Rawlinson, Stinson, Straus. Elementary Schools: Aue, Beard, Blattman, Boldt, Carson, Cole, Ellison, Franklin, Helotes, Henderson, Hoffman, Kallison, Krueger, Keuntz, Langley, Leon Springs, Lieck, Los Reyes, McAndrew, Mireles, Nichols, Reed, Scarborough, Stuebing, Tomlinson, Wernli.

Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools

Certain campuses are eligible to participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). The CEP is a federally funded option that allows all students to eat breakfast and lunch during the school day for free. Meal Deals must meet guidelines or à la carte prices will be charged.

CEP School Sites: High Schools: DAEP at Holmgreen Center, Holmgreen Center, Holmes, Jay, Marshall, Northside Alternative, and Stevens. Middle Schools: Connally, Hobby, Jones, Jordan, NAMS - North, Neff, Pease, Rayburn, Ross, Rudder, Stevenson, Vale, and Zachry. Elementary Schools: Adams Hill, Allen, Behlau, Boone, Brauchle, Braun Station, Burke, Cable, Carlos Coon, Carnahan, Cody, Colonies North, Driggers, Elrod, Esparza, Evers, Fernandez, Fields, Fisher, Forester, Galm, Glass, Glenn, Glenoaks, Hatchett, Howsman, Knowlton, Leon Valley, Lewis, Linton, Lockehill, Martin, Mary Hull, McDermott, Mead, Meadow Village, Michael, Monroe May, Mora, Murnin, Myers, Northwest Crossing, Oak Hills Terrace, Ott, Passmore, Powell, Raba, Rhodes, Scobee, Thornton, Timberwilde, Valley Hi, Villarreal, Wanke, Ward and Westwood Terrace. Free and Reduced Meal Applications are not required at CEP schools.

For further information, please visit our website. You may contact the Child Nutrition Free & Reduced office at (210) 397-4517 or free-reduced@nisd.net.

NISD charge policy

When a meal account becomes negative, cafeteria staff and/or NISD Notification System will notify the household. For payment arrangements, please contact your cafeteria manager. Students will be allowed a maximum of $5.00 (five dollars) in meal charges. After a student account has accrued this limit, a Meal Deal at breakfast and lunch will be offered at no charge with a designated menu entrée, side items and choice of milk. Students will continue to receive Meal Deals until all cafeteria charges are paid. A la carte items may not be charged at any time.

Administration Regulation CAF-01 gives guidance on foods “given” or “sold” to students and is in compliance with the District’s Wellness Policy.

NOTE: A school may adopt a more restrictive rule as local policy.

CAF-01:

School day definition: The period from midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the official school day.

Safety and sanitation of food items: It is recommended that food items given or sold to students be prepackaged.

I. Foods items given away during the school day:

PARENTS: Parents may choose the types of foods they send to school for their own child’s consumption.

Campus celebrations:

Foods may be given to students at two (2) approved school campus parties as well as one (1) additional campus event selected by the principal. The campus will retain records for these approved events for local compliance.

Student birthday or other celebrations:

Foods may be given to students at these types of celebrations at the discretion of the school principal. These events may not be held in the cafeteria during serving times unless the food is purchased from the cafeteria.

Food items for instructional purposes:

Foods may be used for instructional purposes; however, teachers must avoid the use of peanuts in classroom and lab activities. (TX Science Safety Standards) Foods used in lab activities should not be eaten following science experiments. Teachers should be aware of all students’ allergies and follow procedures outlined in the food allergies plan of care. (Reg HSV-07)

II. Food items sold during the school day:

Elementary School Campuses are NOT allowed to sell any types of food items to students during the school day. Food items sold by the cafeteria are the only food sales allowable at Elementary campuses.

Middle School Campuses may sell food items under the following conditions:

• No Chewing Gum will be sold.
• No Soft Drinks will be sold.
• Must be in compliance with Local, State and Federal “Smart Snacks” criteria.
• MUST be a food item allowable for sale according to the “Smart Snack Product Calculator” (or approved method). Refer to the Child Nutrition website – “Food Items at School” for the calculator and current information.
• Verify, print and save calculator results for your records to ensure compliance.
• Middle Schools may NOT sell 30 minutes before or after meal periods anywhere on campus.

High School Campuses may sell food items under the following conditions:

• No Chewing Gum will be sold.
• No Soft Drinks will be sold.
• Must be in compliance with Local, State and Federal “Smart Snacks” criteria.
• MUST be a food item allowable for sale according to the “Smart Snack Product Calculator” (or approved method). Refer to the Child Nutrition website – “Smart Snacks” for the calculator and current information.
• Verify, print and save calculator results for your records to ensure compliance.
• High Schools may NOT sell during meal periods in areas where reimbursable meals are served and/or consumed.

High School Campuses are allowed to have up to (6) Exempt Days during the school year: Exempt days are defined as days that the “Smart Snack Criteria” is not in effect.

• Campus Administration must keep documentation on file for approved dates to ensure compliance.
• Campus Administration must communicate exempted days to the Child Nutrition Manager.
• High Schools may NOT sell during meal periods in areas where reimbursable meals are served and/or consumed on exempt days.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

School Nurse

A school nurse (RN or LVN) is assigned on a full time basis to each school in NISD. The nurse’s primary goal is to help students reach their maximum potential by keeping them healthy and ready to learn. The school nurse does not diagnose illnesses but observes symptoms and informs the parent/guardian of her findings. If a child becomes ill or injured at school, they will receive first aid and the parent/guardian will be notified if necessary.

Illness/Communicable Disease

Children should stay home when ill and must be fever-free (temperature below 100.0°F) and not contagious to return to school. According to the Texas Administrative Code, students must be excluded from school until they are fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications. Fever is defined by the Texas Department of State Health Services as a temperature of 100.0°F or higher.

Parents/Guardians are required to pick their child up from school as soon as possible if they are exhibiting signs or symptoms of a communicable condition and are to be excluded until proper treatment has been administered and the condition has improved. The judgment of the nurse will prevail in these circumstances. A note from a medical provider may be required before the child may return to school.

Medication

Parents are encouraged to schedule the administration of a student’s medication in such a manner that medication required at school is kept to a minimum. 

1. Long-term medication may be administered at school with a signed physician’s order and written parent/guardian authorization. 
   1. Prescription medication must be brought to school in the original prescription labeled bottle. 
   2. Over-the-counter medication may be administered long term at school with a signed physician’s order and written parent/guardian authorization, and must be brought to school in an unopened, original manufacturer’s package.
       
2. Short-term prescription medication medication may be administered at school with a signed physician’s order and written parent/guardian authorization.
   1. Prescription medication (such as antibiotics, etc) must be brought to school in the original prescription labeled bottle. 
   2. Over-the-counter medication may be administered short term at school with a signed physician’s order and written parent/guardian authorization, and must be brought to school in an unopened, original manufacturer’s package.
       
3. All medication must be delivered to the clinic or school office by an adult. If sent with the child, the parent/guardian is responsible for the medication until it reaches a school district employee.
    
4. All medications will be stored in the school health clinic, except for students with physician orders for asthma, diabetes, or severe allergies who are permitted to carry and administer their own medication.
    

*NISD General medication forms may be obtained in the school clinic and on the NISD District webpage.*
 

Immunization Requirements

Families are encouraged to check their immunizations records to be prepared for the school year. Please contact your campus nurse for any questions.

DTaP/DTP/DT/Td/Tdap: 

• K – 6th grade: 5 doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine are required; 1 dose must have been received on or after the 4th birthday. However, 4 doses meet the requirement if the 4th dose was received on or after the 4th birthday.  Doses are also required for students entering Pre-K – school nurses will evaluate. 
• 7th grade: 1 dose of Tdap is required if at least 5 years have passed since the last dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine.
• 8th – 12th grade: 1 dose of Tdap is required when 10 years have passed since the last dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine.
   

Polio:

K – 12th grade: 4 doses of polio are required; 1 dose must be received on or after the 4th birthday. However, 3 doses meet the requirement if the 3rd dose was received on or after the 4th birthday.  Doses are also required for students entering Pre-K – school nurses will evaluate. Not required of 18 yr old students.
 

Measles/Mumps/Rubella:

K – 12th grade: 2 doses are required, with the 1st dose received on or after the 1st birthday.  Students vaccinated prior to 2009 with 2 doses of measles and one dose each of rubella and mumps satisfy this requirement.  One dose is required for Pre-K.
 

HIB (Haemophilus Influenzae):

Mandated for students 3 and 4 years of age. The school nurse will evaluate the number of doses needed or if the student is complete to enter Pre-K.
 

Hepatitis A: 

K – 12th grade: 2 doses are required, with the 1st dose received on or after the 1st birthday. Two doses are required for Pre-K. The second dose of Hep A is administered six months after the first dose.
 

Hepatitis B: 

K – 12th grade: 3 doses are required. Three doses are required for Pre-K.
 

Varicella (Chicken Pox): 

K – 12th grade: 2 doses are required, with the 1st dose received on or after the 1st birthday. If a student has had the chickenpox illness, please request a form from the school nurse. One dose required for Pre-K.
 

PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine): 

Mandated for students 3 and 4 years of age. The school nurse will evaluate the number of doses needed or if the student is complete to enter Pre-K.
 

Menactra (Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine): 

7th – 12th grade: 1 dose of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine is required on or after the student’s 11th birthday.  If a student received the vaccine at 10 years of age, this will satisfy the requirement.
 

For more information, please access the Department of State Health Services Website: 

• Immunization Requirements:
  Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Students Grades K - 12 
• Immunization Exemptions:
  DSHS Exemption Information – School Immunization
   

Exemptions

Texas law allows (a) physicians to write medical exemption statements which clearly state a medical reason exists that the person cannot receive specific vaccines, and (b) parents/guardians to choose an exemption from immunization requirements for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief.

The law does not allow parents/guardians to elect an exemption simply because of inconvenience (for example, a record is lost or incomplete and it is too much trouble to go to a physician or clinic to correct the problem).

Schools should maintain an up-to-date list of students with exemptions, so they may be excluded in times of emergency or epidemic declared by the commissioner of public health.

Instructions for requesting the official exemption affidavit that must be signed by parents/guardians choosing the exemption for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, can be found at www.dshs.texas.gov/immunize/school/exemptions.aspx . The original Exemption Affidavit must be completed and submitted to the school.

For children claiming medical exemptions, a written statement by the physician must be submitted to the school. Unless it is written in the statement that a lifelong condition exists, the exemption statement is valid for only one year from the date signed by the physician.
 

Provisional Enrollment 

Provisional enrollment allows a student to enroll in school for 30 days without proof of a complete immunization record under the following situations: 

• Transfer students - from one Texas public or private school to another Texas school
• Homeless students (McKinney-Vento Act)
• Active Duty Dependents
• Children in Foster Care
• Students In-Progress 
   

School Health Screening Programs

The state of Texas currently mandates school districts to conduct health screenings for students each school year. In compliance with the state guidance, Northside ISD will be conducting the following screenings:

Vision and Hearing Screening-Pre-K, Kinder, 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grade. 

Students in all grades, who are new to the district, will also be screened. Pre-K and Kinder will be screened in the first semester of the school year. For students in 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th, the screening will take place anytime within the school year. If a student does not pass the initial vision or hearing screening, a second screening will take place in approximately 2-4 weeks. If a student does not pass the second screening, a referral letter will be sent home by the school nurse. 

Texas Risk Assessment for Type 2 Diabetes (visual screening of the neck)-1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th graders. 

Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin marker (usually seen on the back of neck) associated with high insulin levels and is considered a risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes. Students found to have the skin marker will be individually assessed for height, weight, and blood pressure and a written referral with the results of the assessment will be sent home by the school nurse. 

Spinal Screening (visual screening of the back)

School nurses will check the students for signs of spinal problems such as Scoliosis. This screening usually occurs during the first semester of the school year. Girls are screened at age 10 or during the fall semester of 5th grade and again at age 12 or during the fall semester of 7th grade. Boys are screened at age 13 or 14 or during the fall semester of 8th grade.  Catching a spinal problem early can make the treatment much easier and may prevent serious health issues. The screener will look at the student’s back while he/she stands and bends forward. If a student does not pass the screening, a referral form will be sent home by the school nurse.

In lieu of the screening(s) provided by the school:

1. Parents or guardians may provide a recent screening record signed by a licensed professional.
2. The Texas Department of State Health Services allows parents or guardians to provide a signed statement that the vision, hearing or spinal screening conflicts with the tenets and practices of a church or religious denomination of which the affiant is an adherent or member.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact your campus nurse.

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is most common and the least serious. Meningitis caused by bacteria is the most likely form of the disease to cause serious, long-term complications. It is an uncommon disease but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death. 

What are the symptoms?

Someone with bacterial 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, and drowsiness or confusion. In both children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots. These can occur anywhere on the body. The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory results. 

How serious is bacterial meningitis?

If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, most people make a complete recovery. If left untreated or treatment is delayed, bacterial meningitis can be fatal, or a person may be left with permanent disability. 

How is bacterial meningitis spread?

Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by 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) or when people cough or sneeze without covering their mouth and nose.

The bacteria do not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of the bacteria for days, weeks or even months. The bacteria rarely overcome the body’s immune system and cause meningitis or another serious illness. 

How can bacterial meningitis be prevented?

Vaccination-Bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria Meningitidis may be prevented through vaccination. The vaccine which protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae is called pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or PCV. This vaccine is recommended by the Advisory Council on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for children in the first year of life. Neisseria Meningitidis is prevented through two types of vaccines. The first is a meningococcal conjugate vaccine which protects against four serogroups A, C, W, and Y and is referred to as MCV4. The second is a vaccine against Neisseria Meningitidis serogroup B and is referred to as MenB.

The ACIP recommends MCV4 for children at age 11-12 years, with a booster dose at 16-18 years. In Texas, one dose of MCV4 given at or after age 11 years is required for children in 7th-12th grades. One dose of MCV4 received in the previous five years is required in Texas for those under the age of 22 years and enrolling in college. Teens and young adults (16-23 years of age) may be vaccinated with MenB. This vaccine is not required for school or college enrollment in Texas.

Vaccines to protect against bacterial meningitis are safe and effective. Common side effects include redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops about 1-2 weeks after the vaccines are given and lasts for five years to life depending on the vaccine.

Healthy Habits

• Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, e-cigarettes, or cigarettes. 
• Wash your hands. 
• Limit the number of persons you kiss. 
• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. 
• Get plenty of rest.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
   

What should you do if you think you or a friend might have bacterial meningitis?

You should seek medical attention immediately.

For more information about bacterial meningitis:

Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional Texas Department of State Health Services offices are excellent sources for information on all communicable diseases and vaccines. 

Additional  information can be found from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention at: https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html or 

Texas Department of State Health Services at: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/meningitis/bacterial-meningitis-unspecified

As required by Environmental Protection Agency regulation 40 CFR Part 763 Subpart E, Northside 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 all Northside schools and facilities. Periodic inspections of all identified asbestos containing materials are made at least every six months. Certified re-inspections are conducted every three years.

In accordance with the Texas Structural Pest Control Act, Article 135b-6, Northside Independent School District hereby notifies parents, guardians, and managing conservators of students, that pesticides are periodically applied at District facilities. The District has adopted an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan and will integrate IPM procedures for the control of structural and landscape pests.

Students, as building occupants, should be concerned about the safety and effectiveness of the pest control methods used. The most important responsibility of students is sanitation. Much of the prevention and reduction of pest infestation at the school site depends on a clean environment. This requires cleaning up food leftovers, removing food from lockers, removing gum from under desks and cleaning up paper clutter. Students should immediately report any evidence of pest activity to school teachers or administrators.

Parent’s first responsibility in school pest management is to learn about IPM practices and to follow them at home so that pests are not carried to school in notebooks, lunch boxes, clothing or children’s hair. Second, parents should be aware of the current pest management practices conducted in their children’s school. Visible interest and concern on the part of the parents is a valuable resource in the successful implementation of the IPM program. Additional information is available through your school principal, who can refer parents to the District IPM Coordinator as required.

The Northside ISD is immune from bodily injuries and property damage sustained by students and visitors to our facilities (except for limited liability for negligent operation and use of a motorized vehicle and certain issues involving federally protected classes of students).   A portion of this immunity is provided in the Texas Tort Claims Act, Civil Practice and Remedies Code §101.021 and §101.051.

The District does not assume financial responsibility for injuries sustained in any school-sponsored activity, athletic event or practice, except as noted above. The District does not carry insurance on students. Before participating in school-sponsored athletics or any other school-related activity, parents/legal guardians are encouraged to purchase the Student Accident Insurance made available at the beginning of each school year and throughout the school year.  If a parent/legal guardian does not have other insurance and does not purchase the Student Accident Insurance, they assume the risk of the injury and associated cost.  If a parent/legal guardian does have other insurance, the Student Accident Insurance may supplement the cost of any expense not recoverable from any other plan.

Enrollment forms and information are available at each campus, online at the Risk Management website or through the Risk Management office in the Human Resources Department.

For those parents who desire a supplemental accident insurance policy, the Northside School District makes available a voluntary group accident coverage that can be purchased at a nominal fee by all students. Coverage is available for the normal school day or can be extended to 24-hour protection. A brochure-application will be sent home at the beginning of the school year so that all parents who so desire may purchase this supplemental protection. Parents should read the brochure carefully to avoid misunderstanding the coverage period. An application to purchase the insurance is also available on the Risk Management website. 

To apply for Coverage, please enroll on-line with a credit card. Cash or Check will not be accepted. You can assess the website at http://www.sas-mn.com/

Click on: find my school, Texas, Northside ISD

Enrichment of student life at Northside schools is offered in a variety of ways. Clubs and organizations covering a great many interests are offered for the purpose of making the student’s life more enjoyable and meaningful. Students should find some club or clubs in which to share their particular interest with others.

Membership in these clubs, subject to scholastic qualifications, is open to all students. State law prohibits secret or semi-secret clubs (fraternities). A public school fraternity, sorority, or secret society is hereby defined as: any organization which seeks to perpetuate itself by taking in additional members from the pupils enrolled in such school on the basis of the decision of its membership, rather than upon the free choice of any student in the school who is qualified by the rules of the school to fill the special aims of the organization.

The board may adopt a policy establishing the number of times a student who is otherwise eligible to participate in an extracurricular activity may be absent from class to participate in an extracurricular activity sponsored or sanctioned by the District, UIL, or an organization sanctioned by board resolution.  Such a policy must permit a student to be absent from class at least ten times during the school year, and the policy prevails over any conflicting policy.

Students in leadership positions and students who participate in extracurricular activities, on or off campus, are subject at all times to school district policy and University Interscholastic League rules regarding participation. The student’s privilege of participation in these activities may be revoked, suspended, or otherwise adversely affected at any time when:

1. the instructor/sponsor of an extracurricular activity or a campus administrator determines that the student’s conduct has an incidental negative effect on the morale or discipline of other participants in the extracurricular activity; and/or
2. the instructor/sponsor of an extracurricular activity or a campus administrator determines that the student’s conduct has an incidental negative impact on the reputation of the student’s team, school, or school district; and/or
3. the instructor/sponsor of the extracurricular activity or a campus administrator determines that the student’s conduct warrants the revocation or suspension of the student’s extracurricular activities as a disciplinary measure.

Athletics - Secondary

The Northside School District offers an excellent program for both men and women. Northside high schools participate in Texas Interscholastic League contests and all sports activities are governed by the rules and regulations established by these organizations.

The athletic program is comprehensive and includes activities sponsored by the U.I.L. Students who are interested in trying out for a sport should contact the head coach for that sport.  Eligible students who wish to participate in athletics must first secure their parent(s)’ permission and doctor’s approval. Blank forms for these permissions and approvals may be obtained from the coach. After the proper signatures are recorded, they are properly executed forms are to be returned to the coach.

On occasion, a serious medical problem such as heart arrhythmia may go undetected with catastrophic consequences for a student athlete. Parents and students may wish to discuss with their family physician the advisability of arranging an ECG or other tests not included as a part of the routine preseason athletic physical exam.

Extra-Curricular - Secondary

Eligibility for beginning of school year

In order to be eligible, a student must be enrolled in the equivalent of two and one-half credits per semester. These credits can be a combination of both state approved and local courses; however, a student must have accrued the designated number of credits in state approved courses in order to be eligible the first six weeks of the school year.

Students in grades 7-12 may participate in extra-curricular activities on or off campus at the beginning of the school year only if the student has earned the cumulative number of credits in state approved courses:

1. If a student is beginning the seventh grade year, she/he must have passed from the sixth grade to the seventh.
2. If a student is beginning the eighth grade year, she/he must have passed all but one of the courses required for the seventh grade year.
3. If a student is beginning the ninth grade year, she/he must have completed all courses required for the seventh grade year and have passed all but one of the courses required for the eighth grade year.
4. If a student is beginning his/her second year of high school (grades 9-12), she/he must have earned 5 credits.
5. If a student is beginning his/her third year of high school, she/he must have earned 10 credits, or during the preceding twelve months she/he must have earned 5 credits.
6. If a student is beginning his/her fourth year of high school, she/he must have earned 15 credits to be eligible, or during the preceding twelve months she/he must have earned 5 credits.

Eligibility during the year

1. A student who is enrolled in a school district in this state or who participates in a University Interscholastic League competition shall be suspended from participation in any extracurricular activity sponsored or sanctioned by the school district or the University Interscholastic League after a grade evaluation period in which the student received a grade lower than the equivalent of 70 on a scale of 100 in any academic class other than an identified honors or advanced class. A suspension continues for at least three weeks and is not removed during the school year until the conditions of Section 2 are met. A suspension does not last beyond the end of a school year. For purposes of this section, “grade evaluation period” means:
   1. the six-week grade reporting period; or
   2. the first six weeks of a semester and each grade reporting period thereafter, in the case of a school with a grade reporting period longer than six weeks.
2. Until the suspension is removed or the school year ends, a school district shall review the grades of a student suspended at the end of each three-week period following the date on which the suspension began. At the time of a review, the suspension is removed if the student’s grade in each class, other than an identified honors or advanced class, is equal to or greater than the equivalent of 70 on a scale of 100. The principal and each of the student’s teachers shall make the determination concerning the student’s grades.
3. A student suspended under this section may practice or rehearse with other students for an extracurricular activity but may not participate in a competition or other public performance.
4. Suspension from participation in extracurricular competition or other public performance becomes effective seven days after the last day of the six weeks or grading period during which the grade lower than 70 was earned. The seven day interim period begins with the close of school on the last day of the six weeks or grading period and ends seven days later. For example, if the six weeks ends at 3:45 p.m. on April 23, the suspension would take effect at 3:45 p.m. on April 30.
5. Students should not drop a course in order to retain or regain eligibility.

Magnet schools

Students who attend a NISD Magnet School will represent only their respective magnet campus in school extracurricular activities.

Eligibility questions

Will changing a student’s grade earned the preceding grading period from failing to passing allow the student to regain eligibility for participation in extracurricular activities?

Answer: The only occasions which would permit a student to regain eligibility after receiving a failing grade would be if an error were made in computing the grade average or if an error were made in marking the report card.

Students who have not completed required work prior to the end of the grading period due to an excused absence for illness or other acceptable reason should not be given an F. Instead, they should receive an “incomplete” and be allowed a reasonable time to complete the work.

When does a student with an incomplete become ineligible?

Answer: Seven days after the end of the previous grading period if the “I” is still on the record.

When does a student with an incomplete become eligible?

Answer: Students with an incomplete in a course regain their eligibility when the “I” is replaced with a passing grade. Local district policy dictates the amount of time students have to make up work after a grading period has ended.

Can a student’s eligibility be regained if the teacher accepts late work from the previous grading period and averages the student’s grade and finds it to be passing?

Answer: The student remains ineligible. The grade earned at the end of the grading period determines a student’s eligibility. However, while a student must remain ineligible for a three week period, that does not necessarily preclude the changed grade from being appropriately averaged with other grades used in determining the semester average.

If a student decides to return to a home attendance area school or go to another magnet school after enrolling in a magnet school, is she/he eligible for UIL varsity athletic participation?

No, the student would not be eligible for varsity athletic competition for at least one calendar year.

Any student who intends to be a participant or spectator at an event for which the school provides transportation will be expected to follow the guidelines listed below:

1. Conduct, language and attitude on the bus and at the site of event will reflect the courtesy and proper conduct in keeping with the type of event.
2. School songs and cheers are welcome when the occasion is appropriate.
3. Students will be assigned to buses. A student who rides to an event on a school bus will ride the same bus back to school.
4. Dress on the bus will be the same, as that required at school unless the principal should direct otherwise.

Students who are absent from school the day of the event will not be allowed to participate. The principal must approve exceptions. Sponsors will provide students and parents with a written agenda of the trip which shall include: (1) place, date, and time of departure and return; (2) method of transportation; (3) name, address, and phone number of overnight accommodation if the event involves more than one day; (4) list of items which will be needed by the student while on the trip; (5) schedule of events students will attend or participate in while on the trip. Sponsors shall verify that each student has submitted a permission form signed by the parent or guardian prior to leaving on the trip. If the parent refuses to give permission, the student does not participate. Sponsors and chaperons shall support and enforce the rules and regulations as outlined in the student handbook.

Any student who is a participant or spectator in any competition or who performs a program as a representative of a Northside school or the District (including practice, competition, travel to and from the event, or other related activities) who displays conduct which is disruptive or detrimental to the program including but not limited to being in possession of or under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, hallucinogenic drugs or other prohibited substances of any kind, or attempting to sell, to distribute, or use said prohibited items while at school, at a school facility, at a school-sponsored activity, or on the school bus will be subject to immediate withdrawal from the program for the remainder of the school year and removal to an alternative education program or expulsion from school (Northside Board Policies FNCF (Local), FNC (Local) and EFD (Local)).

The Northside School District constantly strives to provide a quality educational program to all students by preparing individuals to develop their fullest potential for living in our society.

Instructional programs are provided to help meet the physical, intellectual, and emotional needs of students, and to provide opportunities that will give students a mastery of the basic skill of learning, thinking, and problem solving. All students’ needs shall be met without discrimination on the basis of sex.

Students, parents, or any person who believes that a violation of Title IX prohibitions against discrimination and/or harassment on the basis of sex may have occurred will report such allegations to the principal for resolution. Complaints not resolved at the school level may be appealed to the Title IX Coordinator Monica Perez (Monica-1.Perez@nisd.net).

No qualified disabled student shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any District service, program, or activity. 42 U.S.C. 12132;29 U.S.C. 794;34 CFR 104.4(a)

The District designates the following employee to coordinate its efforts to comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, regarding student matters:

Name: Jocelyn Dudney

Position: Coordinator

Address: 5651 Grissom Road, San Antonio, TX 78238

Office Telephone: (210) 397-8741

THE DISTRICT HAS A SYSTEM OF PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS THAT INCLUDE NOTICE, AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE STUDENTS’ PARENT(S) OR GUARDIAN(S) TO EXAMINE RELEVANT RECORDS, AN IMPARTIAL HEARING WITH THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTICIPATION BY THE PARENT(S) OR GUARDIAN(S) AND REPRESENTATION BY COUNSEL, AND A REVIEW PROCEDURE.

NISD in compliance with Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act will provide qualified sign language interpreters for all Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals who require these services in connection with District activities. Contact your local campus.

All social events scheduled in the Northside schools shall be approved by the school principal. These functions must have adults in attendance. Students who fail to conduct themselves properly at any social function will be asked to leave and will be subject to disciplinary action by the principal. All extracurricular activities (sponsored by or held in the school) are considered to be learning experiences and must be controlled by school personnel.

Parents of seniors should be aware that NISD does not approve, support, or publicize any post-graduation activities. Parents are urged to use caution and to carefully investigate advertised graduation trips or cruises sponsored by various companies or organizations.

Fire drills are conducted for two purposes: (1) to train students to leave the building in an orderly manner and quickly in case of an emergency alarm; and (2) to teach self-control in times of emergency in later life. These aims can be accomplished with student cooperation. When an alarm is sounded, all students should immediately leave the room as directed by the teacher and proceed to the designated exit. They should walk in an orderly manner without talking or pushing. When the students reach the safety zone, they should turn and face the building while remaining in line.

In case of an obstructed fire drill in which an exit is blocked, the students should then proceed to an alternate exit. In doing so, care should be taken to stay in line.

Students will be instructed at their campus as to what signals indicate a fire alarm.

1. Most tornadoes in Texas occur in the months of April, May and June.
2. Most tornadoes occur from 12 noon through midnight, and 85% of them occur between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
3. Approaching tornadoes sound like a continuous rumbling of thunder.
4. Strict discipline will be enforced.
5. During drills, students are to go to designated areas away from windows and doors. Specifically, they should avoid portable buildings with large span beams such as gymnasiums and cafeterias. Students who are outside should go to designated areas.
6. The proper position for students after reaching the designated areas is as follows: kneel on the floor, lean forward and touch the forehead to the floor, then clasp the hands together behind the back of head.

Lock-down drills may be conducted to prepare schools for emergency situations when students and staff may be in imminent danger of serious bodily injury.  Each campus has a lock-down procedure specific to that campus. This procedure is communicated to appropriate personnel at each campus.

High school students may be permitted to drive vehicles to school and to park on campus subject to guidelines and regulations published by the school. This privilege may be suspended or terminated by the school administration if it is abused.

Racing cars, go-carts, and motor bikes or similar vehicles are prohibited and may not be driven on District property at any time.

General:  The Northside Independent School District, as permitted by the State Board of Education, provides transportation for the normal school day to eligible students. Regular students are qualified for bus transportation who live more than two (2) miles away from their school, or for which there is a certified hazardous situation noted in compliance with Texas Education Code (TEC) Section 42.155(d). Transportation for students requiring special needs transportation is authorized in accordance with Title 34 CFR 300.16.

In order to provide adequate, equitable services to eligible students based on the above guidelines, certain criteria have been established to determine where authorized bus stops will be located on regular routes within the District boundaries. Regular bus stops are designed to ensure optimum route efficiency and resource utilization based on District-wide driver and bus availability. Basic bus stop criteria apply as follows:

1. Regular Routes: The typical walk-to-bus distances are for Pre-Kinder/Elementary is .1 mile and Middle/High School(s) is .2 mile.
2. Special Needs Routes: The Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) committee in conjunction with parental/guardian input will determine special needs transportation requirements based on the respective student’s needs.

Route management:  Certain criteria are used to determine the use of various locations for bus stops within District boundaries. These stops must be synchronized to ensure optimum route efficiency for all eligible students and resource utilization (driver crew/vehicle availability), district wide. Therefore, each route has its unique composition and certain walk-to-bus distances as provided below are used to facilitate a timely and an effective route system.

Category - walk-to-bus stop distance

Pre-Kinder/Elementary - .35 mile

Middle/High School - .5 mile

Students walking to bus stops:  Parents must assume the responsibility for their students traveling back and forth from home to the bus stop.  Additionally, students should be at the designated bus stop for the AM run (pick-up) at least five (5) minutes before the designated pick-up time.

Video camera on bus:  Northside ISD installs video cameras on buses (assigned/rotational basis) to enhance student safety, pursuant to Texas Education Code 26.009(b), which permits schools to videotape students without parent permission for purposes of maintaining order and discipline.  The videos assist drivers, station managers, and school administrators in monitoring student activity.  Student awareness of this program provides an incentive to exhibit appropriate behavior, which in turn, results in a much safer environment while traveling on the bus.

However, under FERPA, the parent may only view the video if his or her child is the only student in the video.  Typically, the video would reveal the behavior of other students who cannot be viewed by any parent.

The Texas Attorney General has addressed this issue and determined that videotapes made on school buses, on which the driver addresses some students by name and which “show the faces, bodies, and behavior of students of the District” are education records under FERPA and are exempted from disclosure (Texas Attorney General ORD 95-821 (1975).

Bus Rules and Regulations

Student behavioral management:  Students who ride buses to and from school will be expected to conduct themselves in a courteous/proper manner.  Any student who cannot abide by the transportation rules of conduct and the Student Code of Conduct in Section C of this handbook will be subject to disciplinary action that could result in loss of bus riding privileges.

The following rules (non-inclusive) are provided to ensure a safe trip for all riders on the bus.

1. Cooperate with the transportation staff at all times.
2. Be on time at the bus stop, since the bus cannot wait for those who are tardy. Students should be present at their stop at least five (5) minutes prior to the designated pick-up time.
3. Wait a sufficient distance from the pavement to allow the bus to pull off the road onto the shoulder. Never stand in the roadway while waiting for the bus.
4. Wait in orderly line before boarding the bus.
5. Board and leave the bus carefully and courteously with no shoving or pushing.
6. Cooperate if assigned a seat on the bus.
7. Remain seated in a safe manner at all times while the bus is in motion.
8. Keep arms, head, and/or other parts of the body out of the bus windows. Clothing or other articles should not be extended through the bus windows.
9. Get on and off the bus at the designated bus stop nearest your residence.
10. Bring a signed note from the parent/guardian for permission to get off the bus at a stop other than that previously designated as the regular stop. A school official must authorize this note with a signature, initial, etc. The note must be presented for authorization on the morning of the requested day to allow sufficient time for parent verification.
11. Ride the route to which assigned. In genuine hardship (emergency) situations, i.e., hospitalization of a single parent, the school administrator may approve a temporary assignment of an eligible student to a different route until the family can make other arrangements. Such assignments may not exceed five (5) school days.
12. Do not throw, pitch, or shoot articles within the bus, out of the bus windows, or at any other vehicle.
13. Do not carry harmful or dangerous articles. Explosives, fireworks, knives, weapons, mace, tear gas, etc., are prohibited.
14. Refrain from making excessive noise such as loud talking, screaming, whistling, etc.
15. Do not possess or consume intoxicating beverages, or illegal drugs aboard a bus. This includes, but is not limited to, marijuana and the hallucinatory drugs.
16. Do not use tobacco products on the bus.
17. Do not fight on the bus or at the bus stop.
18. Do not eat, drink, or chew gum on the bus.
19. Do not bring animals on the bus unless authorized by the transportation department.
20. Do not board or leave the bus through the emergency door unless there is an emergency.
21. Do not take or handle any emergency equipment inside the bus.
22. Do not write upon, disfigure or destroy any part of the inside or outside of the bus. (Students who damage school district property will be charged for such damage and disciplinary action(s) that may include loss of bus privileges.
23. Do not use unacceptable language, gestures, or actions.
24. Do not play radios, tape players, or other similar equipment on the bus.
25. Do not behave in any manner that may jeopardize the safe operation of the bus.
26. Band instruments should not be placed in the aisles, in front of the bus or blocking emergency exits. Due to limited space, instruments should be placed on the students’ laps, unless there is a vacant seat available.

Consequences for violation of school bus rules and regulations

First offense: (verbal warning)

The bus driver/assistant will warn the student(s) verbally for the first incident of misconduct. (Exception: See Major Offense, below.)

Second offense: (1st written offense)

The bus driver/assistant will submit a Bus Safety Report (written report) to the school principal or designee. The document signifies the second warning of misconduct. The administrator will take appropriate action, which may include removal of bus privileges. Copies of the Bus Safety Report will be sent to parents and the Transportation Department to provide information for imposed corrective action.

Subsequent offenses:

Subsequent Offenses may result in extended or permanent removal of transportation privileges.

Major offense:

Regardless of sequence, any offense considered major will result in a written report (Bus Safety Report) by the driver and/or immediate removal of bus privileges by the school administrator at his/her discretion as well as discipline sanctions.

Removal of transportation privileges

Students removed from bus service for any offense shall not be allowed to ride another school bus for transportation to and from school during the removal period. The student may also be denied transportation on special trips during this time.

For the safety of all, animals of any kind, including family pets, are not allowed on school grounds at any time. With the exception of service animals (as identified in the Americans with Disabilities Act-Title II and the Texas Human Resources Code-Title 8 Chapter 121), only animals approved by the campus administrator can be allowed on campus for curriculum purposes.  Safety for students and staff will be the primary factor in the approval and process.  Schools administrators have the right to exclude animals from campus if they determine the animals could disrupt the educational environment.

The selling of items within the school is restricted to clubs or by special permission from the principal. Specifically, the selling of craft items produced at home is prohibited.

Students are responsible for the care and custody of personal items. The District will try to provide safe repositories for students’ belongings while at school. However, it cannot assume responsibility for lost or stolen items. The District recommends that valuable items such as cameras, jewelry, money, expensive clothing, etc., be left at home.

The purpose of this policy is to provide parents with an orderly process for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints. The Board intends that, whenever feasible, complaints be resolved at the lowest possible administrative level. Complaints and appeals under this policy shall be submitted in writing on a form provided by the District.

Copies of any documents that support the complaint should be attached to the complaint form. If the student or parent does not have copies of these documents, copies may be presented at the Level One conference. After the Level One conference, no new documents may be submitted by the student or parent unless the student or parent did not know the documents existed before the Level One conference.

LEVEL I – CAMPUS LEVEL: Complaint forms must be filed:

1. Within 15 District business days of the date the student or parent first knew, or with reasonable diligence should have known, of the decision or action giving rise to the complaint or grievance; and
2. With the lowest level administrator who has the authority to remedy the alleged problem.

In most circumstances, students and parents shall file Level One complaints with the campus principal. The appropriate administrator shall investigate as necessary and schedule a conference with the student or parent after receipt of the written complaint. The administrator may set reasonable time limits for the conference.

The administrator shall provide the student or parent a written response within ten District business days following the conference.

LEVEL II – DISTRICT HEARING OFFICER: If the student or parent did not receive the relief requested at Level One or if the time for a response has expired, the student or parent may appeal the decision to the District hearing officer.

The appeal notice must be filed in writing, on a form provided by the District, within five District business days of the date of the written Level One response or, if no response was received, within five District business days of the Level One response deadline.

The District hearing officer shall schedule a conference after the appeal notice is filed. The conference shall be limited to the issues and documents considered at Level One. The District hearing officer may set reasonable time limits for the conference. The District hearing officer shall provide the student or parent a written response within ten District business days following the conference.

LEVEL III - SENIOR STAFF LEVEL: If the student or parent did not receive the relief requested at Level Two or if the time for a response has expired, the student or parent may appeal the decision to the Superintendent.

The Superintendent may either hear the complaint directly or appoint a three-member administrative panel to hear the complaint and recommend a response.

The appeal notice must be filed in writing, on a form provided by the District, within five District business days of the date of the written Level Two response or, if no response was received, within five District business days of the Level Two response deadline.

The Superintendent or appointed three-member administrative panel shall provide the student or parent a written response within ten District business days following the conference.

LEVEL IV - BOARD LEVEL: If the student or parent did not receive the relief requested at Level Three or if the time for a response has expired, the student or parent may appeal the decision to the Board.

The appeal notice must be filed in writing, on a form provided by the District, within five District business days of the date of the written Level Three response or, if no response was received, within five District business days of the Level Three response deadline.

The appeal shall be limited to the issues and documents considered at Level Three, except that if at the Level Four hearing the administration intends to rely on evidence not included in the Level Three record, the administration shall provide the student or parent notice of the nature of the evidence at least three District business days before the hearing.

The District shall determine whether the complaint will be presented in open or closed meeting in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act and other applicable law. [See BE] The Board shall then consider the complaint. It may give notice of its decision orally or in writing at any time up to and including the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. If the Board does not make a decision regarding the complaint by the end of the next regularly scheduled meeting, the lack of a response by the Board upholds the administrative decision at Level Three.

For a full copy of Board Policy FNG, please visit pol.tasb.org/Policy/Code/184?filter=FNG, or request a copy from campus administration. In the event of conflict between Board Policy FNG and this handbook, Board Policy controls.

A complaint pertaining to an extracurricular or extra-academic activity that does not arise from student or parental rights under Chapter 26 of the Education Code shall follow the following process.

The District strives to ensure that there is a fair and equitable means to hear and address student and parent complaints dealing with extracurricular and extra-academic activities. The District is committed to ensuring that just and careful procedures for resolving these complaints are established and followed.

Complaint forms must be filed:

1. Within 15 District business days of the date the student or parent first knew, or with reasonable diligence should have known, of the decision or action giving rise to the complaint or grievance; and
2. With the lowest level administrator who has the authority to remedy the alleged problem.

In most circumstances, students and parents shall file Level One complaints with the campus principal.

The appropriate administrator shall investigate the complaint as necessary and schedule a conference with the student or parent after receipt of the written complaint. The administrator may set reasonable time limits for the conference.

The administrator shall provide the student or parent a written response within ten District business days following the conference. The written response shall set forth the basis of the decision. The administrator may consider information provided at the Level One conference and any other relevant documents or information the administrator believes will help resolve the complaint.

If the student or parent does not receive the relief requested at Level One or if the time for a response has expired, the student or parent may request a conference with an Extracurricular Activity Committee at Level Two. The Extracurricular Activity Committee will be appointed by the Superintendent or designee.

The appeal notice must be filed in writing, on a form provided by the District, within five District business days of the date of the written Level One response or, if no response was received, within five District business days of the Level One response deadline.

The Extracurricular Activity Committee shall schedule a conference after the appeal notice is filed. The conference shall be limited to the issues and documents considered at Level One. The rules involving recording Level One conferences set out above are applicable to the Level Two conference.

The Extracurricular Activity Committee shall provide the student or parent a written response within ten District business days following the conference. The written response shall set forth the basis of the decision. The Extracurricular Activity Committee may consider the Level One record, information provided at the Level Two conference, and any other relevant documents or information the Extracurricular Activity Committee believes will help resolve the complaint or explain the basis for the decision.

The decision of the Extracurricular Activity Committee is final and may not be appealed.

The following individuals/programs are available in the District to assist you and your child. You may call the appropriate telephone number for assistance in each area of concern.

Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Administration 397-8640
Problems relating to the elementary school operations and administration

Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Administration 397-8639
Problems relating to the secondary school operations and administration

Bilingual/ESL 397-8173
Questions regarding difficulties in language other than English that may be spoken

Excel Academy 397-8120
Programs for overage students who are unable to meet the graduation
requirements of their home school

Community Education 397-8100
Questions relating to continuing education, GED programs, adult education

Compensatory Programs 397-8555
Programs to assist students at risk of not achieving

Connections 397-0530
Questions regarding families that are homeless

Director of Guidance and Counseling 397-1257
Counseling services

Director of the Office of Student Advocacy and School Choice  397-8695

Information and Questions regarding student discipline, admissions,
and attendance.

The Office of Student Advocacy and School Choice  397-8180

Questions on student non-attendance/truancy
and address investigations.

Director of Transportation 397-0900
Information regarding bus transportation

Drug Abuse Specialist 397-1265
Chemical dependency problems or concerns

Executive Director of Elementary Administration 397-8906

Executive Director of Secondary Administration 397-8819

Executive Director for Elementary Instruction 397-8644
Problems related to elementary curriculum and instruction issues

Executive Director for Secondary Instruction 397-8637
Problems related to secondary curriculum and instruction issues

Director of Special Education 397-8742

Problems/programs relating to emotionally or physically disabled students and homebound services

Health Services 397-3551
Questions regarding immunizations, medications, and other health concerns

Northside Independent School District Police 397-5600
Security, safety, criminal mischief, or vandalism information or concerns

Section 504 Coordinator 397-8741
Problems/programs relating to disabled students under Section 504

Teen Parenting 397-8111
Program to assist pregnant and parenting students