2022-2023 Student Handbook

Montwood High School

12000 Montwood Drive, El Paso, TX 79936

Phone: (915) 937-2400 / Fax: (915) 937-2661

Montwood Rams,

As we set out to begin our 2022-2023 school year, we are prepared to continue working together to serve as a constant positive force for our Montwood community. Our theme for our school year will be Stronger Together. I truly believe that the theme exemplifies what it means to be a Ram. Safety will continue to be a number one priority as we transition into the new school year by providing the support and appropriate protocols for our students to have a safe and successful school year.

This handbook will be a guide to help you throughout the school year. The information contained here is important for both students and parents. Please read it carefully and understand the expectations for the school year. We are providing you with as much information as possible to help create the optimum learning environment.

Montwood High School will continue with its tradition of excellence and quality instruction for all students ensuring that Montwood High School continues to be among the best high schools in the state of Texas.

Respectfully,

Carlos Guerra

Principal, Montwood High School

Mission Statement:

Montwood High School is dedicated to instilling excellence into our community of learners through programs that inspire integrity and success in all academic, athletic, and artistic realms.

Administration:

Principal Extension

CARLOS GUERRA III 72410

Assistant Principals Discipline Assignments

Miguel Rivera 72407 A to Alvidrez and Synergi A - Z
Casey Rangel 72405 Amable - Flores

Mauro Guerrero                                                                                                  72408 Forsythe – Martinez, A.
Angelica Romo                                                                                                     72406 Martinez, B. - Reza
Yolanda Solis                                                                                                        72403                                     Ribota - Z
Lourdes Coria                                                                                                       72710                                     REC A – Z

Dean of Instruction

Cassandra Hernandez 72404

Counselors Alpha Assignment

Rebecca Montoya                                                                                               72447                                     A - Coronado
Priscilla Torres                                                                                                      72444                                     Corral - Guajardo
J.P. Garcia                                                                                                              72464                                     Guereca – Martinez, J.
Olga Flores                                                                                                            72445                                     Martinez, K. - Ponce
Olivia Wright                                                                                                        72449                                     Porras - Silva
Annette Monsivais (Lead Counselor) 72443                                     Skues - Z

Alma Alvarez 72448 Synergi4 A-Z
Liz Revelez 72711 Rams Early College A - Z

Students Activities Director

Ana Player 72728

Athletic Coordinator

Ariel Famaligi 72634

Library Media Specialists

Dr. Don Kirk Macon 72453
Jennifer Marquez 72454

Police Services

SISD Police – Sgt. Carlos Azcarate 74357

Student Resource Officer – Raul Ramos 72437

Campus Security

Head Security – Sgt. Shawne McCullough 72435
Security Officer – Priscilla Escobar 72435

Security Officer – Quinten Lustila 72435

Academic Dishonesty:

Academic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of the rules and regulations of this institution, and therefore subject to administrative review. This shall include, but not be limited to: Cheating, Plagiarism, and/or Collusion.

Cheating:

Copying another student’s work whether it is homework, class work or test answers is unacceptable. This applies if the copying is done with or without the other student’s knowledge. Cheating also includes the use of “cheat sheets”, electronic messaging and or hidden answers on clothing, skin, etc.

Collusion:

Unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for the fulfillment of course requirements.

Plagerism:

Plagiarism is the use of another person’s work or original idea without giving credit to that person. Plagiarism is defined as the unauthorized use of another person’s work. Examples of plagiarism include but are not limited to: a) copying word for word out of a book, magazine, the Internet, etc. without giving credit to the original source; b) turning in another person’s work with your name on it; c) paraphrasing too closely which means changing only a few words in a sentence or paragraph written by someone else; d) having another person do the work for you.

Consequences for Plagerism & Cheating:

These consequences apply to all assignments, including research papers. A referral will be sent to the assistant principal’s office for documentation of each offense. Disciplinary action will consist of the following:

Teacher will contact parent and hold a Level 1 Conference, documented through Behavior Management Step Form.
Student will receive a zero on the assignment/test (It is teacher’s discretion to allow student to redo an alternate assignment and/or retake the test for credit).

NOTE: Any student who is caught cheating in any way while enrolled in Pre-Advanced Placement or Advanced Placement classes will be required to meet with the administration and their continuation in the class will be reviewed. Dual Credit courses will adhere to EPCC guidelines.

Activities & Organization:

There are several clubs and organizations on the Montwood campus, to include service clubs, academic organizations, athletics, performing groups, and special interest clubs. New clubs wishing to form must meet certain guidelines set forth by the district and must be approved by the principal and/or SIT committee. Clubs must have an adult sponsor present at all meeting or activities. Parents’ organizations must coordinate through a school-designated sponsor and must adhere to adhere to all the Socorro Independent School District Guidelines for boosters and volunteer organizations. Student clubs and performing groups such as the band, choir, cheerleading, and athletic teams may establish rules of conduct and consequences for misbehavior that are stricter than those for students in general. A violation of these additional policies and procedures is also a violation of school rules, the consequences specified by the school shall apply in addition to any consequences specified by the organization. Each student member of a group imposing stricter standards shall be notified in writing of the standards of behavior and of specific consequences of violating the standards.

Assembly Manners & Procedures:

Assemblies include pep rallies, paid assemblies, performances by local cultural groups, political and educational programs, and performances by our musical groups, political and educational programs, and performances by our musical organizations and performing groups. Students are expected to behave in a respectful manner and treat the performers with utmost courtesy. Those students who are not able to behave in the expected manner will be removed from the performance and banned from assemblies from that point on and no monies will be refunded if it is a paid event. Students will be disciplined in accordance to the Socorro Independent School District Code of Conduct. Students are expected to pass quickly to the assembly area, get seated and remain in that area during the entire assembly. At the completion of the program, quick orderly departure is expected as students go directly back to their class area. Any student who is dismissed for an assembly and does not attend that assembly is considered truant. Booing or other derogatory acts will not be tolerated.

Alternative School Setting:

If a student breaks any rule in either the Student Code of Conduct or the MHS Student Handbook, he/she will face several consequences. These consequences are designed to help correct the problem(s) that interfere with his/her progress in school. These may include, but are not limited to:

1. Detention: This may take place before school, after school, during lunch or on Saturday.

2. Community Service: Date, Time, and Place will be assigned by administration

3. Special Assignment Class (SAC): A student may be assigned to the SAC program for violations of school rules or for a major offense.

4. Suspension: a student may be suspended from school for 1-3 days

5. Expulsion: a student may be expelled from school. As a result, the student may be placed in the alternative school, KEYS Academy.

6. KEYS Academy: KEYS Academy is a long-term alternative academic setting on another campus that allows a student to continue schoolwork while being closely supervised. Placement will be based on student disciplinary infractions.

Attendance Policy:

Absences are controlled by state law. Students between the ages of 6 and 19 must attend School, as well as any applicable accelerated instruction program, extended year program or tutorial session, unless the student is otherwise excused from attendance or legally exempt. Students are required by law to complete the school year in which they turn eighteen years of age. If a student is absent more than three days in a row, a doctor’s note from a U.S. Licensed Physician is required upon return to school. Texas State Attendance Laws require school aged children to attend classes daily and must be in attendance 90% of the days the classes are offered in person per semester in order to receive credit. You and your son/daughter may be summoned to Truancy Court if excessive unexcused absences occur. In order for the absences to be excused, the parent or guardian must submit a note for the number of days that the student has been absent, include the date that the note was written, and the student's name and ID. They must be submitted to the Attendance Office within 48 hours of the absence.

Attendance Specialists: Student Alpha: Phone Number:

Laura Napier A - I. Gonzalez (915) 937- 2420

Andrea Moran J. Gonzalez - Parnell (915) 937- 2418

Lilly Gonzalez Parra - Z (915) 937 2416

Tanya Durbin All Alpha - LOC Specialist (915) 937 - 2417

It is a parent’s responsibility to report a student absence. All absence excuses and Dr’s notes must be submitted through email to attendance to attendancemontwoodhs@sisd.net .

Excused Absences:

An excused absence is one resulting from:

Personal illness, doctor’s appointment, severe family emergency, death in the family, weather which makes travel dangerous, SAC, suspension or approved school sponsored activities.
Religious holidays when a parent submits a written request in advance (only some religious holidays are acceptable).
Other excused absences may be approved by Administration, in advance of the absence.

Students whose parents have submitted a note to Montwood High School’s Attendance Office to report an absence are to report directly to class upon returning to school. Montwood Attendance staff can take parent notes with the Student’s Name, ID, Date of Absence, Reason for Absence, and Parent Signature within 48 hours of the student’s absence. Two days for make-up work will be given for each day of an excused absence.

Unexcused absences/truancies:

Each of the following is considered an unexcused absence and will be noted as such:

Truancy is defined as student absence from school without permission of parent or guardian, or the administration/faculty;
Cutting any class;
Absences from school even if ill, and the parent is not aware of the absence;
Leaving campus during the day without prior permission from administration one day before the absence (if 18 years or older);
Leaving campus during the day without parent or guardian signing student out at the Attendance Office;
Absences due to problems with transportation or babysitting.

Any absence which is not considered an excused absence is an unexcused absence. Work must be made up but a “zero” may be given in classes missed for unexcused absences. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken for unexcused absences, including but not limited to:

Detention;
Community Service;
Mandatory Tutoring;
Saturday School;
In-School Suspension (SAC); and/or
Out-of-School Suspension.

Excessive unexcused absences (more than 3) may also lead to loss of privileges on campus, including but not limited to:

Parking on campus;
Leaving campus for lunch;
Attending school time events including pep rallies, guest speakers, etc.;
Attending after school events including dances (homecoming/prom), academic competitions, and/or athletic competitions;
Attending out-of-town events;
Attending extracurricular activities including sports, academic clubs or organizations, fine arts, etc;
A change in lunch period and/or schedule.

Parents will be contacted by e-mail (which should be verified by the parent/legal guardian at the beginning of every school year), letter, telephone call, and/or conference with regards to their child’s accumulation of unexcused absences. “A student with an unexcused absence shall not be given an opportunity to make up missed work and a zero shall be recorded for assignments and examinations missed.” Policy EIAB (LOCAL)

Loss of Credit:

8 or more excused or unexcused absences will result in Loss of Credit (LOC).

Students who have LOC due to unexcused absences may face loss of privileges on campus, including but not limited to:

Parking on campus;
Leaving campus for lunch;
Attending school time events including pep rallies, guest speakers, etc.;
Attending after school events including dances (homecoming/prom), academic competitions, and/or athletic competitions;
Attending out-of-town events;
Attending extracurricular activities including sports, academic clubs or organizations, fine arts, etc.

2022-2023 MHS Bell Schedule:

9^th / 10^th Grade			11^th / 12^th Grade
Tutoring	8:00 – 8:40		Tutoring	8:00 – 8:40
1^st	8:45 - 9:30		1^st	8:45 - 9:30
2^nd	9:35 – 10:20		2^nd	9:35 – 10:20
3^rd	10:25 – 11:10		3^rd	10:25 – 11:10
4^th	11:15 – 12:00		4^th	11:15 – 12:00
Announcements	12:00 – 12:05		Announcements	12:00 – 12:05
5^th – A Lunch	12:05 – 12:40	35 min.	5^th	12:10 – 12:55
5^th	12:45 - 1:30		5^th – B Lunch	12:55 - 1:30	35 min.
6th	1:35 – 2:20		6^th	1:35 – 2:20
7^th	2:25 – 3:10		7^th	2:25 – 3:10
8^th	3:15 – 4:00		8^th	3:15 – 4:00

***Lunch A– Closed Campus for 9^th and 10^th grade

Booting and Towing:

Vehicles that do not display the Montwood High School parking permit, which costs $20.00, or are illegally parked will be:

1^st violation: Immobilized with a wheel boot. The boot may be removed by paying a $35.00 fine in the Business Office.

2^nd violation: Immobilized with a wheel boot. The boot may be removed by paying a $35.00 fine in the Business Office.

3^rd violation: Vehicle will be towed.

Students must park properly and only in areas assigned for student parking. Students are not allowed to loiter in the parking lots. All traffic laws must be obeyed on and off campus.

Students will be held responsible for any prohibited objects or substances, such as alcohol, tobacco products, vaping products, drugs and weapons found in their cars. The courts have held that searches of vehicles, as a general search of school property, may be conducted anytime there is a reasonable suspicion as judged by school administration. Security officers will conduct the search with administrator’s presence, with or without the presence of the student. Violation of vehicle and parking regulations may result in the car being towed away at the owner’s expense and parking privileges revoked.

Breakfast/Lunch Operations:

Due to safety and cleanliness, students must sit at a table in the commons to eat. Students may also choose to eat outside if they wish. Students are not allowed to loiter or eat in stairwells, hallways, at railings or in classrooms (unless they are attending tutoring). Students are expected to clean up after themselves.

Building Evacuation:

The evacuation area for Montwood High School will be at the Student Activities Complex or an announced nearby feeder school.

Campus Activities/News:

Campus activities will be posted on the school website and school marquee.

Class/School Activities:

The district has disciplinary authority over a student:

During the regular school day and while the student is going to and from school on district transportation;
During lunch periods in which a student is allowed to leave campus;
While the student is in attendance at any school related activity, regardless of time or location;
For any school-related misconduct, regardless of time or location;
When retaliation against a school employee or volunteer occurs or is threatened, regardless of time or location;
When criminal mischief is committed on or off school property or at a school-related event;
For certain offenses committed within 300 feet of school property as measured from any point on the school’s real property boundary line;
For certain offenses committed while on school property or while attending a school-related activity of another district in Texas;
When the student commits a felony, as provided by Education Code 37.006 or 37.0081; and
When the student is required to register as a sex offender.

Closed Campus:

All ninth grade and tenth students are required to remain on campus during their lunch period. Any ninth-grade or tenth grade student found off-campus during lunch time will be given Lunch Detention or SAC. Parents will be notified of the offense.

11^th and 12^th grade students have the option of leaving off campus for lunch or eating at the cafeteria.

Food and drinks are not allowed in the classroom and students who are caught bringing food in will be asked to leave it in the AP office for pick up after school. Drinks will need to be thrown away if they are not in a closed container.

College Preparation:

Students in grades 9-12 and their parents are reminded that the following courses are required for graduation by the State of Texas and the SISD:

English 4 credits
Math 4 credits
Science 4 credits
Social Studies 4 credits
Fine Arts 1 credit
Foreign Language 2 credits
Health ½ credit
Speech ½ credit
Physical Education 1 credits
Electives 4.5+ credits (HB5 Endorsement)
Financial Literacy 1/2 credit

Students must also pass all parts of the EOC tests in order to receive a diploma and to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Communities in School:

To help those Montwood students requiring additional community resources stay in school, successfully learn and prepare for life, CIS is the largest dropout prevention and intervention program in the nation. For additional information, contact the Program Coordinator at (915) 937- 2485.

Counseling:

A fulltime counseling staff is available for students from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In most cases, students should stop by the counseling center on their own time, which is before school, during lunch time, or after school. Students may also sign up for an appointment with his/her counselor. Students will be called to the counselor’s office at the counselor’s earliest opportunity.

All students are encouraged to come by the counselors’ office and discuss concerns they might have. Your counselor is available to help you with course scheduling, study habits, personal and home concerns, health problems, social questions, career plans and decision making.

Please refer to page 4, for counselor contact information.

Credit Averaging:

In accordance with SISD policy (EI Local), if a student fails one semester of a two-semester course but earns a passing grade in one of the semesters that is high enough that when averaged with the other semester is a grade of 70 or above, the student shall earn credit for the course. Credit shall be granted in the following circumstances if the student has met the compulsory attendance laws:

Regular courses may be averaged with Pre-AP/Pre-IB courses.
A regular course may be averaged with an AP/IB course if there is a corresponding course.
Courses may be averaged from one year to another year.
Regular courses may be averaged with summer school courses.
Approved computer-based instruction taken in the District may be averaged with regular, Pre-AP, Pre-IB, AP, or IB courses.
Courses taken in middle school that qualify for high school credit may be credit averaged.

Credit shall not be granted in the following circumstances:

Courses taken in the District may not be averaged with courses taken in other districts.
Courses taken in other districts may not be credit averaged by the District.

Credit:

Unless credit is awarded by the Attendance Committee or through the Principal’s Plan, a student shall not be given credit for a class if the student is not in attendance for 90% of the time that class is offered. Once a student has exceeded the number of absences to comply with the 90% rule, he/she will meet with an administrator. At the time, through the Principal’s Plan, a decision will be made as to what needs to be completed to regain credit.

Discipline:

Students, who violate the District’s Student Code of Conduct, shall be subject to disciplinary action. The district’s disciplinary options include using one of the following discipline management techniques: detentions, assignment for an alternative education program, removal, and/or expulsion. Disciplinary measures are applied depending on the nature and severity of the offense. A Code of Conduct clearly outlining each of these plans and the consequences suffered by students for violations of the disciplinary code has been provided by the Socorro Independent School District for each secondary student. Students have been assigned an assistant principal by alpha.

Refer to page 4, for information on your child’s assigned Administrator.

Dress Code

It is the philosophy of the Socorro Independent School District and Montwood High School that all students should maintain high standards of dress, grooming and appearance. The following are specific additions to the Socorro District’s standards of acceptable attire for Montwood High School.

IDs must be worn at all times during school hours. If lost, a replacement must be purchased from the business office for $5.00. If ID is temporarily misplaced, the student must purchase a temporary ID from the business office for $1.00.
MHS prohibits any clothing or grooming that in the administration’s judgment may reasonably be expected to cause disruption of or interference with normal school operations during school or school-related activities.
MHS prohibits pictures, emblems, or writing on clothing that 1) are lewd, offensive, vulgar, or obscene; or 2) advertise or depict tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other prohibited substance during school or school-related activities.
Nothing may be worn to school or school activities or be in students’ possession which represents 1) membership in group or gang affiliation (bandanas, like color clothing, etc.), 2) satanic depictions, 3) items profane or sexually inappropriate in content or intent. In addition, no apparel, jewelry, accessories, or manner of grooming is permitted which indicates membership in a group that advocates drug use or exhibits behaviors that interfere with the normal operations of school.
Only Blouses or tank tops with at least 3-inch wide straps at the shoulder are allowed. Off the shoulder blouses are not permitted.
Spaghetti straps, low cut blouses, undershirts, fish net, muscle shirts, tube tops, halter tops, bare midriffs, racerback tops, spandex shorts/pants, or tops with revealing necklines in the front or back are not to be worn even if covered by an over blouse, jacket, cardigan, or sweater. Mid torso cannot be visible at any time.
Male students must wear shirts at all times during all school sponsored activities. Male students are not allowed to wear tank tops or muscle shirts.
Caps, hats, bandanas, do-rags or scarves will not be worn inside the building. 1^st offense: Warning and pick-up at end of day; 2^nd offense: Pick up at end of week; 3^rd offense: Referral to SAC
Weapon-like accessories (i.e., spiked jewelry, chains, etc.) are not allowed.Footwear must be worn at all times. Enclosed shoes are preferred for the personal safety of the student.
No slippers, house shoes or pajamas are allowed.
Skirts, skorts, and shorts must be longer than a hand in vertical position above the knee. Shorts of other lengths may be worn so long as opaque leggings are also worn underneath.
Spikes and chains as facial piercings are not allowed.
Pants must be worn at or above the waist and must stay above the waist without a belt. All oversized clothing to include “bagging” or “sagging” pants are not permitted.
Pants with tears will be allowed so long as the tears are not excessive and below four inches above the knee or opaque leggings are worn underneath the pants.
The administration reserves the right to extend the dress code to include attire not listed specifically above, but which is deemed to be inappropriate. It is imperative and vital to maintain an environment which provides for the safety and academic success of all our students.

Students violating dress code will be brought to the AP office for a change of clothes. The personal item that is a dress code violation will be kept in the office until the end of the day or until the loaner item has been returned clean. It is the students’ responsibility to come to AP office to return loaner clothes and pick up their personal item no later than 1 week after offense. Students who refuse to change will receive a referral and be placed in SAC. Loaner items are issued to minimize loss of instruction and the student can work toward completing classroom expectations. If the office does not have any clothes to loan, the student will be sent to SAC for the rest of the day.

1^st offense – Warning 2^nd offense – Lunch detention 3^rd offense – In School suspension

Drug-Free School Notice To Students and Parents

The Socorro Independent School District has established a code of conduct that prohibits the use, sale, possession and distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by students on school premises, or as part of any school activity, regardless of its location. Compliance with this code is mandatory and students will be disciplined if they are found to have violated the code of conduct. This District’s policies and its Discipline Management Plan provided a range of disciplinary sanctions for alcohol and drug related offenses. Students may be expelled for a full semester or more. In addition, they will be referred to appropriate law enforcement officials for criminal prosecution. Depending on the nature and severity of a drug or alcohol related offense; a student may be required to complete an appropriate rehabilitation program, in lieu of or in addition to other school discipline. The principal or your counselor can provide you with information about rehabilitation and re-entry programs that are available in our community or without reasonable access of your community.

Early Release:

Only senior students are eligible. Students must get an early release contract from their designated counselor and meet all criteria as noted on contract. Students must provide written documentation when turning in contract request to Mr. Guerra, Principal. The student will be interviewed, and parent contacted prior to final approval.

Electronic Cigarettes & VAPE Pens:

All students are prohibited from possessing or using any electronic cigarettes, vape pens, or any other paraphernalia of this nature on school premises or while under the school’s jurisdiction or within the drug free zone. The school district and its designees reserve the right to confiscate any of these products. Students found to be in violation of this will be issued an administrative referral.

Elevator Keys:

Students with a disability or injury may request an elevator key to use while needed. A doctor’s note is required that states about how long use of the elevator will be needed. Student’s will sign out for the key and must return it when released by their doctor. Keys must also be turned in at the end of the school year if the injury goes past that date. Failure to turn in assigned elevator keys will result in a $25 fine to replace the key.

Emergency Management Plan:

The Socorro Independent School District has an Emergency Management Plan in place for all schools. Our campuses run emergency drills on a regular basis. These drills include but are not limited to: fire drills; lock downs; shelter in place; school evacuations. Please work with your children and instruct them to take these drills seriously and to remain calm at all times. In the case of a real emergency, parents are asked to tune in to local radio stations. Parents are asked to refrain from calling the campuses. Doing so will only bog down school personnel with calls and keep them from providing their students with the necessary assistance. Also, please try to refrain from going to the school to pick up your children unless you are asked to do so by school officials via a phone call or radio announcement. Having parents report to a campus when not necessary will also add to existing confusion and will keep school personnel from focusing their attention on the students.

Fighting On Campus:

Students in conflict with another student on or off campus are encouraged to seek mediation with a school official. There are no circumstances under which fighting is acceptable on the Montwood High School campus or at a school sponsored activity. Any student who engages in a fight may be removed for up to two days for safety purposes. Returning to campus will require a parent conference at which time the student will receive three days of SAC. Students who engage in a fight anywhere on campus or at a school functions are considered a disruption of school activity by state law and will not be tolerated by Montwood High School and the Socorro Independent School District. A citation may be issued to all students involved in fights. An investigation could determine that further disciplinary action is required and could lead to expulsion, or a permanent removal of a student’s home campus.

Fire and Emergency Drills:

Fire escape plans are posted in each room. Headphones must be removed during all drills. Once outside proceed to the outside perimeter of the school. When evacuations are necessary, the following signals are used for fire drills:

Emergency Signal: Leave the Building in accordance to fire escape route posted in classroom.
One bell and Announcement will indicate return to building.

Gang Activity:

Absolutely no semblance of gang-related activity will be tolerated on the Montwood campus or at school-sponsored events, on or off campus. Violation of any of the following policies may result in expulsion, assignment to an alternative educational setting, or placement in the special assignment classroom:

Gang-related clothing or paraphernalia of any type is expressly forbidden.
Solicitation of gang membership is prohibited.
Extortion is an expellable offense.
Any activity which is determined to be gang-related by the administration or local law enforcement agencies will be dealt with severely.

Gift Deliveries to Students:

No gift deliveries will be accepted for students. Big balloon bouquets, stuffed animals, flowers, etc. that are brought on campus by students will be confiscated and placed in the front office until the end of the school day. School related items that are dropped off by parents will be available for students to pick up during lunch or afterschool only. Money will not be accepted. Students will not be interrupted during class time.

Grading Policy:

Grades for each reporting period shall be determined by a combination of daily grades, major exams and/or projects and/or other performance activities relating to TEKS. Guidelines for grading shall be clearly communicated to students and parents at the beginning of the academic year. The policy will adhere to the following guidelines for grades 6-12:

Grading Plan – (To include Pre AP/AP Classes)

Grades for each reporting period will adhere to the following guidelines:

Daily grades (15 grades minimum) 50% of nine weeks grade
Major Grades (unit tests, common assessments and projects) 30% of nine weeks grade
Nine weeks test – (Comprehensive and shall include a campus
And/or grade level benchmark/common assessment) 20% of nine weeks grade
All three categories must add up to: 100%

A major exam to include a campus and or grade level benchmark/common assessment shall be administered at the end of each grading period in each core subject area.

A written copy of the grading policy will be posted on the Montwood High School website.

The teacher will assign a grade that reflects the student’s relative mastery of an assignment.
A student will not be exempt from taking a major exam in any subject in which any other student is required to take an exam.
A student must be enrolled at least 25 school days of the grading period in order to be eligible for a grade.
“A student in any grade level from kindergarten through grade 12 may not be given credit or a final grade for a class unless the student is in attendance for at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered.” (Texas Education Code
Section 25.092 Minimum Attendance for Class Credit of Final Grade)
Student grades will be based only on mastery of TEKS. Student grades shall not be penalized for unsatisfactory conduct. Such matters must be addressed through the conduct grade only.
It shall be the student’s responsibility to seek the opportunity to redo an assignment or test for which he/she received a failing grade within five school days upon which he/she received notification of a failing grade.
The grade earned when redoing an assignment or test shall be averaged with the grade earned on the first attempt, and the averaged grade shall replace the failing grade.
Students shall be given one opportunity to redo a failed assignment or test.

Students will have a minimum of two days for each day absent to make up work missed.

Parents are to be informed as soon as evidence exists that a student is not making sufficient progress for promotion to the next grade. They are to be given every opportunity to assist the school in a timely manner to ensure the student’s successful completion of the assigned grade.

Excused and unexcused absences shall be recorded on the report card.

Student grades will be based only on academic factors to include the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and other curriculum factors. Non-instructional factors cannot be used to determine a student’s grade. Non-instructional factors include, but are not limited to, misbehavior and failure to participate in fundraising activities.

Grades shall not be reduced for non-instructional reasons except in the case of academic dishonesty or late assignments. Academic assignments are not to be used as discipline measures.

Socorro Independent School District

Administrative Services

2022-23 Grade Reports

Harassment:

Basis of Race, Color, Religion, National Origin, Gender, or Disability Students must not engage in harassment behaviors motivated by race, color, religion, national origin, or disability directed toward another student. Students are expected to treat other students and district employees with courtesy and respect; to avoid any behaviors known to be offensive; and to stop these behaviors when asked or told to stop.
Sexual Harassment/Sexual Abuse. - Students must not engage in unwanted and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed toward another student or a district employee. This prohibition applies whether the conduct is by word, gesture, or any other sexual conduct, including requests for sexual favors. Students are expected to treat other students and district employees with courtesy and respect; to avoid behaviors known or perceived to be offensive; and to stop these behaviors when asked or told to stop. Students must not engage in harassing behavior motivated by another’s sexual orientation.
David’s Law- SB 179 makes it clear that bullying does not have to involve a pattern of repeated behavior. “A single significant act” might be sufficient to meet the definition of “bullying.” That effect could by physical harm, or the threat of it; or damage to property; or an “intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment.” The new law adds to this, by stating that it is “bullying” if the behavior “materially and substantially disrupts the educational process or the orderly operation of a classroom or school; or infringes on the rights of the victim at school.” Cyberbullying off campus is expressly included in the definition of bullying.

Health Services:

Nursing services are provided for the care of all students. If a student becomes ill during class, the teacher will send the student to the nurse’s office with an appropriate pass. All prescription medication must be administered by the school nurse.

Information guidelines for protecting the privacy of student records/background information:

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, also known as the Buckley Amendment, helps protect the privacy of student records. This Act provides for the right to inspect and review education records. The Act applies to all institutions that are the recipients of federal funding. FERPA’s legal stature citation can be found in the U.S. Code (20 USC 1232g), which incorporates all amendments to FERPA. FERPA regulations are found in the Federal Register (34 CFR Part 99). FERPA’s 1994 amendments are found in Public Law (P.L.) 103-382. FERPA applies to public schools and stare or local education agencies that receive Federal education funds, and it protects both paper and computerized records. In addition to the Federal laws that restrict disclosures and information from student records, most states also have privacy protection laws that reinforce FERPA. State laws can supplement FERPA, but compliance with FERPA is mandatory if schools are to maintain their eligibility to receive Federal education funds.

Leaving Campus During the Day:

All students must be checked out with the attendance office by a parent or legal guardian before leaving campus for any reason. Leaving school without proper permission is considered an unexcused absence or truancy. Programs which require students to leave campus, such as Work Based Learning (Co-Op, Work Study, etc.) are not included. NOTE: For students 18 years or older you must have prior approval from administration in order to sign yourself out.

Library:

Library hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Food and drinks are not allowed in the library. A student is required to have a student ID and a teacher pass in order to visit the library during class hours. In order to check out library resources, the student’s school picture ID is required, and the student should not have any library fines or overdue materials. The loan period for various items is as follows: fiction and nonfiction books two weeks, audio books one week, magazines overnight, and reference books overnight, unless labeled “For Library Use Only.” Computers are available to students during library hours for research and other educational purposes. A student ID is required for computer usage unless the student is visiting the library with his/her scheduled class. All terms and policies detailed in the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) regarding computer access are enforced.

Limits on Parental Rights:

No state or federal law requires parental consent before administering discipline that complies with the SISD Student Code of Conduct.
No state or federal law requires notice of a teacher’s or administrator’s conference with a student.
State law rests in the District-not in the parents-the authority to determine the appropriate consequences of student behavior.
There is no legal “right” on the part of a parent to be present when children are in conversation with or being questioned by school officials concerning school related behaviors or concerns.
State law that applies to law enforcement officers in interrogating juveniles (or criminals) does not apply to public schools in their disciplinary enforcement. Federal “Miranda Warnings” do not apply to school disciplinary proceedings.
Administration is allowed to do searches based on reasonable suspicion not probable cause.

Personal Telecommunication Devices to include cellphones:

For safety purposes, the district permits students to possess personal mobile telephones; however, these devices must remain turned off during the instructional day, especially during all testing, unless they are being used for approved instructional purposes. Campus administration may allow other telecommunication devices on school property, for use before school, lunchtime, and/or after school provided the devices are turned off during the instructional day and do not disrupt any school-sponsored activity.

These electronic devices may not be used to invade personal privacy or engage in any illegal activity. The use of mobile telephones or any device capable of capturing images is strictly prohibited in locker rooms or restroom areas while at school or at a school-related or school-sponsored event.

Students who violate this policy shall be subject to established disciplinary measures. District employees shall confiscate any electronic devices found on school property or found at school-sponsored or school-related activities on or off school property not being used in compliance with the Student Code of Conduct.

If a student uses a telecommunications device without authorization during the school day, the device will be confiscated. Parents shall be notified within two school days after the telecommunications device is confiscated. Each time that a telecommunications device is confiscated from a student, the parent may pick up the confiscated telecommunications device for a fee of $15.00 from the Assistant Principal’s office. (SISD Student Handbook and Code of Conduct, p.29) The offense will be addressed administratively.

Confiscated telecommunications devices shall be held by the district /campus administration for a period of 30 days after notification has been made. After the 30-day period has expired, the district shall dispose of the telecommunications device.

Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. The district and the school will not be responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen telecommunications/electronic devices. Any incident of a loss or stolen electronic device will not be investigated. Students are encouraged to file a report with the Socorro Independent School District Police Services Department.

Public Display of Affection:

Public Display of Affection will not be tolerated at any time on campus. School Administration reserves the right to discipline students for public displays of affection.

RAMS Student Expectations:

Respect your peers, teachers/staff, and yourself.

Attend school daily, be on time to class, and have your school ID at all times.

Master your school curriculum and apply yourself in all classes.

Set high expectations so you will be proud of who you are.

School Property:

Students shall not vandalize, damage, or deface any property, including furniture and other equipment, belonging to, or used by the district Students and parents or guardians of students guilty of damaging school property shall be liable for damages in accordance with the law.

Should a student need to check out any instructional materials that are available for check out (i.e., textbooks), the student, or the student's parent or guardian is responsible for the materials not returned by the student. A student who fails to return all textbooks forfeits the right to check out additional textbooks and/or other instructional materials available for check out until each textbook previously issued but not returned is paid for or returned by the student, parent, or guardian. As provided by Policy FP (LOCAL) of the Board of Trustees, the district may waive or reduce the payment requirement if the student is from a low-income family. The school shall allow the student to use textbooks at school during each school day. If a textbook is not returned or paid for, the school may withhold the student’s records. A school may not prevent a student from graduating, participating in a graduation ceremony, or receiving a diploma. (TEC 31.104 (d)

Search of Property and Students:

Students are entitled to the guarantees of the Fourth Amendment, and they are subject to searches and seizures based on reasonable suspicion. Students have the responsibility not to carry on their own person or to have on school property or at a school-sponsored events such as drugs, weapons, alcohol, or other electronic communication devices and/or other contraband materials in violation of school policy or state law.

School officials are empowered to conduct searches of students and school property when there is reasonable suspicion to believe that students may be in possession of drugs, weapons, alcohol, and other materials (“contraband”) in violation of school policy and state law.

Students who bring contraband onto school grounds may be searched in order to secure the school environment so learning can take place and to protect other students from any potentially harmful effects stemming from the contraband. School property such as lockers and desks shall remain under the control of school officials and shall be subjects to search. Students do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy in the use of school lockers or school desks. The administration may utilize dogs and metal detectors as provided by district policies and applicable laws. Metal detectors and trained dogs may be used at random locations and times by the district personnel as determined by school administrators and law enforcement personnel.

Skateboards, Scooters, and Bikes:

Skateboards, scooters and bikes are allowed as a mode of transportation to the campus. However, Students may not ride/use the skateboards, scooters, or bikes on any part of the campus. Bikes must be secured on one of the three bike racks available. Skateboards must be turned in to the AP office before school and picked up afterschool only.

Student Identification Card:

In an attempt to address safety student ID cards must be worn at all times during school hours. No exceptions! The first ID card will be provided during registration for $5.00 per student. In addition, there will be a $5.00 replacement fee if the card is lost or damaged. Students who lose their ID will purchase their School Identification Card at the School Business Office and proceed to room A227 to get Student ID during student lunch. If the student misplaces or forget the ID, student will be asked to purchase a temporary ID for 1.00 at the business office.

Student Insurance:

The school does not carry insurance on students. However, parents may buy accident insurance for their children through the athletic department. Information will be sent home at the beginning of the school year.

Student Laptops:

All students are expected to check out a school laptop in the beginning of the school year. Parents/Guardians are responsible to pay the fees linked to the use, care and maintenance of the laptop. There is a $25 annual usage fee. In order to receive the laptop, payments should be made in full unless arrangements for installment payments are made with administration. The usage fee is non-refundable.

There is a repair fee of $40 for any damages to laptops not covered under warranty. All damages must be reported to teachers and administrators. Students will receive a loaner device while repairs are completed once the fee is paid. If a device is lost or stolen, students must file a report with SISD Security and/or Police Services and pay a replacement fee of $100.

Laptop Fees

Yearly Usage (High School Only) $25.00 per year
Repair Fee $40.00
Lost/Theft Fee $100.00
Replacement Charger/Sleeve/Case Fee $25.00
Transfer fee (Graduating Seniors only) $20.00

Tardy Policy:

When arriving tardy, students will report directly to their class where the Teacher will document student tardy through the Tyler Student Information System.

Note: Lockouts will be conducted randomly throughout the week. Students caught in a lockout will follow the disciplinary procedures.

Textbooks:

Each teacher will have a classroom set of textbooks to use as needed throughout class time instruction.
Textbooks will be available for check-out to students
1. Copies of each current in adoption textbook will be part of the library inventory and readily available for check-out.
2. Bookroom Schedule will be posted so that students can check out books from the Campus Bookroom for a period of 1 to 10 school days. Students will only be issued textbooks based on student need(s).
3. A list of current adoption textbooks that are available to teachers and students online will be posted on school website.

Senate Bill 6 allows accessibility of instructional materials for student use during the instructional day. Additionally, the student’s home campus may allow the student to take home any instructional materials used by the student. Subject to the availability of the instructional materials, the district or school shall honor the request. A student who takes home instructional materials must return the instructional materials to school at the beginning of the next school day if requested to do so by the student’s teacher.

Through the Textbook Inventory Program (TIP) a barcode is generated with an accession number and placed on the inside of the back cover. This number is kept on the school's computer system, TIPWeb, as the master record. The barcode number should be recorded by the parent to assist in identifying any textbook misplaced by the student. All textbooks are to be covered by the student and are to be kept covered while in the student's possession. Covers will be removed when books are returned to the designated person at each campus. Marking or writing in textbooks or otherwise damaging or mutilating them is forbidden. Students will be penalized and fined for such abuse. A student who damages a textbook so that it can no longer be used shall be charged the full price of the textbook. Any student failing to return a book issued by the school loses the right to free textbooks until the book is returned or paid for by the parent; however, the student will be provided textbooks for use at school during the school day. These rules do not apply to those books issued as expendable/consumable.

Due to the increased use of innovative technologies, rigorous standards-based instruction, scientifically based instructional programs and research-based teaching and learning strategies, the need for every student to be issued a physical textbook is no longer a necessity. Student classrooms will be equipped with class sets of textbooks and other instructional materials that will be available for use when necessary. Additionally, campus libraries and book rooms will have student copies of textbooks available to check out in accordance with Senate Bill 6.

Tobacco Use:

All students are prohibited from possessing or using tobacco products (including, but not limited to: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, on school premises or while under the school’s jurisdiction or within the drug free zone. The school district reserves the right to confiscate all tobacco products. Students found to be in violation of the Texas law that prohibits underage possession of tobacco will be issued a citation for the violation and/or administrative referral.

Time for Dropping Courses or Changing Schedules without Penalty:

Students may drop a course or make a schedule change with no consequences only during the first four days of the semester. Requests for course changes must be submitted in writing to the counselor. Dual Credit courses will follow the EPCC drop guidelines.

An administrator, counselor, or teacher shall inform students of deadlines and requirements for dropping courses or changing schedules as well as the ramifications of such a decision. Drops or changes occurring during the semester’s four-day grace period will not be shown on the student’s record.

Transportation:

All students who reside two or more miles from school qualify for bus transportation. Students are expected to show identification cards prior to boarding the bus. Riding the school bus is a privilege. Improper conduct on the buses will result in the privilege being denied, and discipline problems will be referred to the appropriate assistant principal. In-District Transfer students must provide themselves with their own transportation since it was explained when they signed the application.

Education Code Section 4.34- Disruption of Transportation states that any person who intentionally disrupts, prevents or interferes with the lawful transportation of children to and from school activities sponsored by a school to a vehicle owned and/or operated by a country or independent school district, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00.

To locate your bus route, go to www.sisd.net, then click on Departments ⇒Transportation ⇒ Bus Routes (located on the left-hand side) ⇒ Montwood High School. You can also call 915-937-0600.

Vehicles and Parking Functions:

All vehicles on campus must have a Montwood High School parking permit. The EASTSIDE parking lot is assigned for student usage. All other parking areas are only for Administration, Staff, Teachers and Visitors. These permits will be available from the Security Department for a $20.00 fee which must be paid in the Business Office. In order to obtain a parking permit, a student must complete and sign an application and provide the following:

Have a valid TEXAS operator’s license.
The vehicle must be registered in Texas to the student or a member of the family.
The vehicle must be insured in accordance with the state law.
The student must be listed on the proof of insurance.
The student must not have any loss of credit.

Montwood High School and the Socorro Independent School District are not responsible for losses incurred from vandalism, theft, fire or natural disasters.

Visitors:

A visitor is defined as one who is not a member of the student body of Montwood High School, nor a faculty or staff member of Montwood High School. No student guests are allowed. Students are not to bring their children, siblings or friends to school with them during school hours. All visitors to Montwood High School must present a photo ID, such as a valid driver's license, official state photo ID from any state and most countries, or a military ID, and check in through the reception desk and pick-up a visitor’s badge. After official business is completed, the visitor must return the visitor badge to the reception area.

Closing Note:

In no way are we able to address each and every issue that we may be confronted with throughout the school year. Administration reserves the right to handle each situation as presented in relationship to the impact it may have on the general operation of the school environment.

If you have any questions regarding the student handbook, please feel free to see any campus administrator.

***Amended August 8, 2022

2022-23 MHS Student Handbook

For Students