Attendance   Academic Counseling  Grading Policy  Grade Classification  Graduation Requirements  Dress & Grooming

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

A student between the ages of 6 and 18 must attend school and District-required tutorial sessions unless the student is otherwise legally exempted or excused. A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his of her eighteenth birthday is required to attend each school day; however, if a student 18 or older has more than five unexcused absences in a semester, the District may revoke the student’s enrollment. The student’s presence on school property is then unauthorized and may be considered trespass.  School employees must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. A student absent from school without permission, from any class, from required special programs, such as accelerated (additional special) instruction assigned by the grade placement committee and basic skills for ninth graders, or from required tutorials, will be considered in violation of the law and subject to disciplinary action. Non-attendance may also result in assessment of penalties by a court of law against the student and his or her parents.  A complaint against the parent may be filed in the appropriate court if the student:

• Is absent from school on ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year, or
• Is absent on three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period.

To receive credit in a class, a student must attend at least 90% of the days the class is offered. A student who attends fewer than 90% of the days the class is offered cannot receive credit for the class unless the Attendance Review Committee finds that the absences are their result of extenuating circumstances, such as:

• An extracurricular activity or public performance, approved by the Districts Board of Trustees.
• A District-approved mentorship designed to meet requirements for the Distinguished Achievement graduation program.
• Required screening, diagnosis, and treatment for Medicaid-eligible students.
• Observance of religious holy days, including travel for that purpose.
• A documented health care appointment-if the student begins classes or returns to school the same day as the appointment.
• A temporary absence resulting from any cause acceptable to the teacher, principal, or Superintendent, including personal illness or death in the immediate family.
• A juvenile court proceeding documented by a probation officer.
• An absence required by state or local welfare authorities.
• A family emergency or unforeseen or unavoidable instance requiring immediate attention.
• An approved visit to a college campus.

The actual number of days a student must attend in order to receive credit will depend on whether the class is for a full semester or for a full year.  If credit is lost, the attendance committee will decide how the student may regain credit. The student or parent may appeal the committee’s decision to the District’s Board of Trustees by filing request with the Superintendent.

When a student must be absent from school, the student-upon returning to school-must bring a note, signed by the parent, that describes the reason for the absence. A note signed by the student, even with the parent’s permission, will not be accepted unless the student is 18 or older.

A student absent for any reason should promptly make up specific assignments missed and/or complete additional in-depth study assigned by the teacher. A student who does not make up assigned work within the time allotted by the teacher will receive a failing grade for the assignment.

Class time is important. Doctor’s appointments should be scheduled, if possible, at times when the student will not miss instructional time.

A student who is unnecessarily tardy to class will be assigned to detention hall. Repeated instances of tardiness will result in more severe disciplinary action.

A parent wishing to withdraw a student from school must present a signed statement to the principal explaining the reason for the withdrawal and the effective date.

Students and parents are encouraged to talk with the school counselor, teachers, and administrators in order to learn about the curriculum, course offerings, graduation requirements, and differences between graduation requirements of various programs, and early graduation procedures. Each spring, students in grades 9 through 12 will be provided information on anticipated course offerings for the next year and other information that will help them make the most of academic and vocational opportunities.  Students who are interested in attending a college, university, or training school or pursuing some other type of advanced education should work closely with their counselor so that they take the high school courses that best prepare them. The counselor can also provide information about entrance examinations and deadlines for application, as well as information about automatic admission to state colleges and universities, financial aid, housing, and scholarships.

Students who have financial need according to federal criteria and who complete the Recommended High School Graduation Program may be eligible under the Texas Grant Program for tuition and fees to Texas public universities, community colleges, and technical schools, as well as to private institutions (policy EIC and FJ).

All students at Dawson Jr./Sr. High School shall earn 70 or above on a scale of 100 in order to earn credit in a course.  Student academic achievement shall be based on degree of mastery of the knowledge and skills for the grade level or course.  Demonstration of an acceptable mastery level of knowledge and skills sufficient for successful performance at the next level or subject is a prerequisite to a grade of 70 or above.

A six-week average shall be obtained by the following method:

• Fifty percent (50%) daily work, homework, special projects, or other work designated by the instructor. The percentage of each division may be designated by the instructor.  Class participation may also be included in this division to a maximum of 10%.
• Twenty-five percent (25%) from daily grades and unit tests and equivalent evaluations.
• Twenty-five percent (25%) from the six-week exam.

A minimum of one (1) grade per week of student work with more grades is recommended.  Grades should reflect mastery of state-mandated knowledge and skills. These grades should be reflective of daily and homework or other grades in the 50% category. Report cards and student assignments will not be awarded a minimum grade of 50. Report cards could reflect the student’s actual, final numerical average for the grading period in question. Individual assignment grades will reflect the actual percentage of correct answers and no more.

Semester Grades

Semester grades shall be calculated by averaging the three six-weeks grades and the final exam grade.

Courses Requiring a Term Project

The instructor may count up to a maximum of 20% of the term grade from a term project.

After the 9^th grade, students are classified according to the number of units earned toward graduation.  In order to be classified as a sophomore, a student must have at least five credits.  Juniors must have at least 10 credits while seniors must have at least 15 credits.
 

In order to graduate from high school in the District, students must successfully complete a certain number of units and pass an examination of basic skills.  The State of Texas requires all students to complete a certain series of courses.

Students must complete all state and local requirements for graduation before they are eligible to participate in graduation exercises.

All students will be required to take a minimum of five courses each semester.  All seniors will be required to take a minimum of five courses both semesters regardless of the number of credits they need for graduation.

For two years following graduation, students who are ranked in the top ten percent of their graduating class are eligible for automatic admission into four-year public universities and colleges in Texas.  Students and parents should see the counselor for further information about how to apply and the deadline for application.

There are three levels of graduation.  Listed below are the three levels and the requirements for each.

Minimum High School Program (22 credits)

·         English language arts (four credits) English I, II, III and IV; options for Speakers of Other Languages; a fourth credit may be satisfied by Research/Technical Writing, Creative/Imaginative Writing, Practical Writing Skills, Literary Genres, Business Communication, Journalism or concurrent enrollment in a college English course.

·         Mathematics (three credits), including Algebra I, Geometry and one additional math course.

·         Science (two credits) Biology and Integrated Physics and Chemistry.

·         Social Studies (two and one-half credits) World History Studies, World Geography Studies, U.S. History Studies Since Reconstruction, U.S. Government.

·         Economics with emphasis on the free enterprise system and its benefits (one-half credit).

·         Academic elective (one credit).

·         Physical education (one and one-half credits).

·         Health education (one-half credit).

·         Speech (one-half credit) Communication Applications.

·         Technology applications (one credit).

·         Elective courses (five and one-half credits) SBOE-approved courses for grades 9-12, relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), state-approved innovative courses, JROTC for one to four credits, driver education for one-half credit.

Recommended High School Program (24 credits)

·         English language arts (four credits) English I, II, III and IV; options for Speakers of Other Languages.

·         Mathematics (three credits) Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry.

·         Science (three credits) Integrated Physics and Chemistry, Biology, AP Biology or IB Biology, Chemistry, AP Chemistry or IB Chemistry, Physics, Principles of Technology I, AP Physics, IB Physics.

·         Social Studies (three and one-half credits) World History Studies, World Geography Studies, U.S. History Studies Since Reconstruction, U.S. Government.

·         Economics with emphasis on the free enterprise system and its benefits (one-half credit).

·         Languages Other Than English (two credits).

·         Physical education (one and one-half credits).

·         Health education (one-half credit) or health science technology (one credit).

·         Speech (one-half credit) Communication Applications.

·         Technology applications (one credit).

·         Fine Arts (one credit).

·         Elective courses (three and one-half credits) SBOE-approved courses for grades 9-12, relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), state-approved innovative courses, JROTC for one to four credits, driver education for one-half credit.

Distinguished Achievement High School Program (24 credits)

·         English language arts (four credits) English I, II, III and IV; options for Speakers of Other Languages.

·         Mathematics (three credits) Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry.

·         Science (three credits) Integrated Physics and Chemistry, Biology, AP Biology or IB Biology, Chemistry, AP Chemistry or IB Chemistry, Physics, Principles of Technology I, AP Physics, IB Physics.

·         Social Studies (three and one-half credits) World History Studies, World Geography Studies, U.S. History Studies Since Reconstruction, U.S. Government.

·         Economics with emphasis on the free enterprise system and its benefits (one-half credit).

·         Languages Other Than English (three credits).

·         Physical education (one and one-half credits).

·         Health education (one-half credit) or health science technology (one credit).

·         Speech (one-half credit) Communication Applications.

·         Technology applications (one credit).

·         Fine Arts (one credit).

·         Elective courses (two and one-half credits) SBOE-approved courses for grades 9-12, relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), state-approved innovative courses, JROTC for one to four credits, driver education for one-half credit.

·         Students must complete at least four advanced measures to receive the DAP. Advanced measures may include research projects, AP or IB passing scores or exams, or college courses with grades of 3.0 or better.
 

The District’s dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, instill discipline, prevent disruption, avoid safety hazards, and teach respect for authority.

Dress for students will be considered acceptable if it does not violate any of the following principles:

• Clothing worn is not to be suggestive or indecent;
• Clothing and general appearance is not to be of the type that would cause a disturbance or interfere with the instructional program;
• Clothing and general appearance is to be such as not to constitute a health or safety hazard.
• Hair must be kept clean and well groomed.
• Skirt length should be determined by what is appropriate for sitting and standing.
• See-through blouses, midriff blouses, hot-pants, short shorts, biking shorts, hats, or caps are not acceptable.          
• Shorts, split skirts, skirts, and dresses should be “finger tip” length; however, the principal may use his or her discretion in determining if “finger tip”  is the appropriate length in certain situations.
• Pants must be secured about the waist so that no “sagging” occurs.
• Advertisements or slogans that are offensive are not allowed.  Specifications:

*  no beer advertisements
*  nothing disrespectful to country or school
*  no profane or abusive language
*  no pornographic pictures
*  no suggestive pictures or language

• Shoes or footwear must be worn at all times as a safety precaution.  Shoes with taps or soles damaging to floors, hobnailed boots, house shoes, shower shoes, or aqua shoes are not to be worn.
• Males will not wear earrings or studs in the ears, etc. at school or at any school-sponsored function.
• Females will wear earrings or studs only in the ears while at school or at any school-sponsored activity.
• Do-rags, nylon stocking caps, caps, hats, sweatbands, bandanas, combs, rakes, curlers, or any other headgear is not to be worn in the classrooms, hallways, or any indoor school function.
• Sunglasses are not to be worn inside the school building unless prescribed by a doctor (statement must be on file in the office.)
• Hair must be kept clean and well groomed and in an acceptable style.
• Unnatural hair color will not be permitted for either male or female students.
• Hair length for males should not exceed the top of a standard dress shirt collar.
• No goatees or beards will be permitted.  Mustaches must be neatly trimmed and must not extend below the lip.  Sideburns must be straight and not extend below the earlobe.
• Students will not be allowed to have any type of knife in their possession.
• Clothing, especially shorts, may not display writing or illustrations that draw attention to the buttocks or other private parts of the body.
• Male students will wear shirts with sleeves. Female students’ tops, if sleeveless, must by snug fitting around the shoulders.

Cleanliness of body and clothes is expected of all students at all times.  No student shall be admitted to school or shall be allowed to continue in school that fails to conform to the proper standards of dress.

The principal, as educational leader, shall determine what constitutes violation or compliance with dress and grooming code.  While it is inevitable that there will be differences of opinion at times as to the appropriateness of dress and grooming, the final determination shall be the judgment of the campus principal.