Detroit Independent School District
2007–2008 Student Handbook
Parents and Guardians,
Please review the 2007-2008 DISD Student Handbook with your child so that you are familiar with its contents and expectations of the district. Sign and date the required forms located in the front of the handbook and return to your child’s campus.
DISD
DETROIT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Morris Lyon, Superintendent
110 East Garner
Detroit, Texas 75436
(903) 674-6131
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Joyce Hagler President
Mr. Dale Miller Vice-President
Mrs. Barbara Golden Secretary
Mr. Boyd Harmening Member
Mr. Daniel Hart Member
Mr. DeWayne Nance Member
Ms. Susan Yarbrough Member
CENTRAL OFFICE
Anita Whitley – Executive Secretary
Greg Jones – Business Manager
Sue Cross – PEIMS Coordinator
Sandy Galley – Food Service Directory
Kenny Horne – Technology Director
Jackie Barber – Maintenance & Transportation Director
Ken Smith – Maintenance
DETROIT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DOSTRICT STAFF
Elementary Staff Middle School and High School Staff
Jim Withycombe - Principal Misty Looney – Principal / District Curriculum Director
Colleen Trammell – Secretary Steve Drummond – Assistant Principal
Marcelle Somerville Kim Maynard – High School Secretary
Marilyn Gatlin Linda Melton – Middle School Secretary
Linda Pitcock Dee Evans
Deanna Wood Shirley Henderson
Shelli Greer Christie Henson
Beverly Killough Rick Jordan
Lessa Mankins Wilma Vickers
Judith Procter Lisa McCarthy
Jeania McFadden Mary Hart
Neita Denison Sarena Owens
Stacy Glass Tammy Gutierrez
Judy Minter Annette Welch
Tempie Johnson Jeff Allensworth
Kelly Peek Vicki Banister
Nancy Redus Mike Barley – Athletic Director
Bill Townsend Charlotte Caffey
Tiffany Phillips Michael Flatt
Brenda Burchinal Pete Gutierrez
Gail Chesser Jenn Jones
Geraldine Sprools Cheryl Marquez
Kindra Smith Albert McCoin
Amber Ervin Peggy Mitchell
Betty Barber Haleigh Morgan
Marie Serres Kevin Rhodes
Angala Mitchell Marsha Romines
Donna Posey Kyle Shovan
Pat Parker David Williams
Melissa Norris Benitann Shupp
Rose Menefee Nina Beck
Peggy Smith
Jeanie Tucker
Jeanie Burchinal
Tina Smith
Vicki Harris
Freda Bolton
Sara Whittle
Diana Horn
Ruby Trammell
DETROIT SCHOOL SONG
NESTED FONDLY IN EAST TEXAS
UNDER SKIES OF BLUE
STANDS OUR NOBLE ALMA MATER
GLORIOUS TO VIEW
DETROIT HAIL OUR ALMA MATER
LOUD YOUR PRAISES BE
WE THE FAITHFUL SONS AND DAUGHTERS
PLEDGE OUR LOYALTY
DETROIT FIGHT SONG
HEY FIGHTING EAGLES-FIGHT ALL THE WAY
HEY FIGHTING EAGLES-WIN THIS GAME TODAY
YOU'VE GOT THE KNOW HOW,
YOU'RE DOING FINE.
HOLD ON TO THE BALL AS YOU HIT THE WALL
RUN UP THE SCORE
MAKE ALL THE COACHES STAND RIGHT UP AND ROAR
GIVE IT ALL THAT YOU'VE GOT;
AS YOU FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT,
AND WIN THIS GAME TONIGHT.

School Colors Team Motto
Blue and White “Champions”
“DISD – Soaring to Greater Heights of Excellence”
My child and I have received a copy of the Detroit ISD Student Handbook for 2007–2008. I understand that the handbook contains information that my child and I may need during the school year and that all students will be held accountable for their behavior and will be subject to the disciplinary consequences outlined in the Code.
Printed name of student:
Signature of student:
Signature of parent:
Date:
“Please sign and date this page, remove it from the handbook, and return it to the student’s school.”
I understand and accept to the responsibilities outlined in the District's Student Code of Conduct and the Student Handbook.
I also understand and agree that my child shall be held accountable for the behavior and consequences outlined in both books at school and at school-sponsored and school-related activities, including school-sponsored travel, and for any school-related misconduct, regardless of time or location.
I understand that any student who violates the Student Code of Conduct and the Student Handbook shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including referral for criminal prosecution for violations of the law.
I understand that the Student Handbook contains information that my child and I may need during the school year.
I, the undersigned, do hereby authorize officials of the Detroit I.S.D. to contact directly the persons named on my child's emergency contact form and do authorize the named physician (if given) to render such treatment as may be deemed necessary in an emergency, for the health of my child. In the event the physician, other person’s names, or the parents cannot be contacted, the school officials are hereby authorized to take whatever action is necessary in their judgment, for the health of my child. I will not hold the school district financially responsible for emergency care and/or transportation for my child.
I understand that corporal punishment is an option that my child may be administered during the school year. Please fill out the option you would like for Detroit ISD to use concerning corporal punishment.
I do agree to give consent for corporal punishment.
I do not agree to give consent for corporal punishment.
____________________________________ __________________
Signature of Parent or Guardian Date
____________________________________ __________________
Signature of Student Date
State law requires the district to give you the following information:
Certain information about district students is considered directory information and will be released to anyone who follows the procedures for requesting the information unless the parent or guardian objects to the release of the directory information about the student. If you do not want Detroit ISD to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the district in writing within ten school days of child’s first day of instruction for this school year.
This means that the district must give certain personal information (called “directory information”) about your child to any person who requests it, unless you have told the district in writing not to do so. In addition, you have the right to tell the district that it may, or may not; use certain personal information about your child for specific school-sponsored purposes. The district is providing you this form so you can communicate your wishes about these issues. [See Directory Information on page 8 for more information.]
For the following school-sponsored purposes:
School programs, athletic events, honor roll, student awards, student of the month and class activity reports. Detroit ISD has designated the following information as directory information:
■ Student’s name
■ Address
■ Telephone listing
■ E-mail address
■ Photograph
■ Date and place of birth
■ Major field of study
■ Degrees, honors, and awards received
■ Dates of attendance
■ Grade level
■ Most recent school previously attended
■ Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
■ Weight and height, if a member of an athletic team
■ Enrollment status
Directory information identified only for limited school-sponsored purposes remains otherwise confidential and will not be released to the public without the consent of the parent or eligible student.
Parent: Please circle one of the choices below:
I, parent of ______________________________ (student’s name), (do give) (do not give) the district permission to use the information in the above list for the specified school-sponsored purposes.
Parent signature Date
For all other purposes, Detroit ISD has designated the following information as directory information:
■ Student’s name
■ Address
■ Telephone listing
■ E-mail address
■ Photograph
■ Date and place of birth
■ Major field of study
■ Degrees, honors, and awards received
■ Dates of attendance
■ Grade level
■ Most recent school previously attended
■ Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
■ Weight and height, if a member of an athletic team
■ Enrollment status
Parent: Please circle one of the choices below:
I, parent of ______________________________ (student’s name), (do give) (do not give) the district permission to release the information in this list in response to a request unrelated to school-sponsored purposes.
Parent signature Date
Federal law requires that the district release to military recruiters and institutions of higher education, upon request, the name, address, and phone number of secondary school students enrolled in the district, unless the parent or eligible student directs the district not to release information to these types of requestors without prior written consent. [See Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education on page 9 for more information.]
Parent: Please complete the following only if you do not want your child’s information released to a military recruiter or an institution of higher education without your prior consent.
I, parent of ______________________________ (student’s name), request that the district not release my child’s name, address, and telephone number to a military recruiter or institutions of higher education upon their request without my prior written consent.
Parent signature Date
DETROIT ISD COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE POLICY
The use of networked computers is an integral part of the curriculum and instruction in the Detroit Independent School District. The DISD’s computer network has been established for educational purposes. The term educational purpose includes, but is not limited to, access to libraries and databases, news and current events, information management, classroom activities, media center projects, research, career development, and credit recovery software. However, despite its enormous educational opportunities, the Internet also contains the potential for abuse. It is the opinion of DISD that the educational opportunities and benefits far out weigh the negatives of the Internet. Detroit ISD is not responsible for ensuring the accuracy or usability of any information found on external networks. For safety purposes, Detroit ISD employs both an Internet filter and firewall. Detroit ISD maintains compliance with CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act).
Detroit ISD administration and Board of Trustees expects all employees and students to abide with the on-line Acceptable Use Procedures. Failure to follow guidelines may result in disciplinary action. Parent(s)/ guardian(s) will be given the opportunity to determine their child’s access to the Internet at the beginning of each school year. The Detroit ISD will not be responsible for any and all claims arising out of or related to the usage of this interconnected computer system.
Responsibilities of Students
The use of the computers and networks is a privilege and not a right,
inappropriate use will result in the cancellation of those privileges and/or
disciplinary action by school officials. A student's activities, while using
the computers and networks, including the Internet, in school, must be in
support of education and research consistent with the educational objectives
of Detroit ISD. In addition, a student accessing the Internet from a school
site is responsible for all on-line activities which take place through the
use of his or her account. When using any Internet site, students must comply
with rules appropriate for that site.
Responsibilities of Educators
Educators will be responsible for explaining the Acceptable Use and
Internet Safety Policy for Computers and Networks, for monitoring student
activity while using computers and networks, including the Internet, and for
taking reasonable precautions to prevent students from accessing inappropriate
sites. In addition, the school system will utilize software filtering programs
to reduce the likelihood that students will access inappropriate material. In
order to increase the protection of all users and to provide for network
security, educators will keep any passwords or list of passwords secure.
Responsibilities of Parents
Parents and guardians are responsible for reading and discussing with their children the acceptable/appropriate and unacceptable/inappropriate uses of the computers and networks, including the Internet and Internet safety, as described in this document.
The policies, procedures and rules for acceptable/appropriate use of computers and networks are contained in the Student Handbook and the Student Code of Conduct. They are intended to make the computers and networks safe, reliable, and educationally appropriate for users. They are also intended to minimize the burden of administrating the networks, so that more time can be spent enhancing services.
Use of the computers and networks is a privilege and not a right. Violation of the policies, procedures, and rules of Detroit ISD concerning the use of computers and networks may result in loss of computer privileges and Internet access, disciplinary actions under the Code of Conduct, and/or appropriate legal action. Detroit ISD reserves the right to determine whether specific uses of the computers and networks, including the Internet are acceptable or inappropriate. The principals or designees will review information and facts to determine in their professional judgment the severity of the violation and will follow district policy and guidelines to administer consequences.
Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If a user identifies or has knowledge of a security problem on the network/Internet, the user must notify a system administrator as soon as possible. The security problem should not be shown or demonstrated to other users. Attempts to log on to the network system as another user or a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges and disciplinary action. Detroit ISD reserves the right to deny access to any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems. All Detroit ISD student usage of the Internet and networks is subject to monitoring by Detroit ISD personnel for inappropriate use.
Detroit ISD makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing and is not responsible for any damages suffered by users. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its negligence or user errors or omissions. Detroit ISD is not responsible for phone/credit card bills or any other charges incurred by users. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user’s own risk. Detroit ISD specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.
All terms and conditions as stated in this document are
applicable to the Detroit Independent School District. The terms and
conditions reflect the entire agreement of the parties and supersede all prior
oral or written agreements and understandings of the
parties. Terms and conditions shall be governed and interpreted in accordance
with the laws of the State of Texas and the United States of America.
The following terms and conditions apply to all computer
and network usage, including the Internet.
1. Users shall not erase, rename, or make unusable anyone else's computer
files,
programs, or disks.
2. Users shall not intentionally damage the system, damage information
belonging to
others, misuse system resources, or allow others to misuse system
resources.
3. Users shall not tamper with computers, networks,
printers or other associated
equipment except as directed by the teacher or librarian.
4. Users shall not write, produce, generate, copy,
propagate, or attempt to introduce
any computer code designed to self- replicate, damage, or otherwise
hinder the
performance of any computer's memory, file system, or software. Such
software is
often called a bug, virus, worm, Trojan Horse, or similar name.
5. Users shall not copy, change or transfer any software
or documentation provided by
Detroit ISD, teachers, or another student without permission from
authorized staff
members.
6. Users shall not use a computer or network for unlawful purposes, such as
the
illegal copying or installation of software or transmission or reception
of any
material in violation of federal or state regulations. This includes
but is not limited
to copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or protected
trade secrets.
7. Users shall not use Detroit ISD computers or networks for any
non-instructional
or non-administrative purpose (e.g. inappropriate games or activities
for personal
profit).
8. Users shall not take home technology equipment
(hardware or software) without
written permission of a school administrator.
9. Users shall not let other persons use their name, logon, password or files
for any
reason (except for authorized staff members).
10. Users shall not use or try to discover another user's
password.
11. No student is to use the Internet without the supervision of a teacher or
librarian.
12. Users shall not download files from the Internet without prior approval and supervision of a librarian or teacher.
13. Users shall not deliberately use the computer to
annoy or harass others with
language, images, or threats. Users shall not deliberately access or
create any
obscene or objectionable information, language, or images.
14.
Students shall promptly disclose to a teacher or school administrator any
message
that the student feels is inappropriate or that makes the student feel
uncomfortable.
15. Do not communicate any credit card number, bank
account, or any other financial
information.
16. For
student protection, personal information regarding users must not be provided
across the Internet (e. g., last names, pictures, addresses, telephone
numbers, or
social security numbers) unless authorized by the students’ parents and the
administration.
17. It is unacceptable to send chain letters or pyramid
schemes to lists or individuals
and any other type of use which would cause congestion of the
Internet/network
or otherwise interfere with the work of others.
18. Users should not expect that files stored on computer servers will always be private.
19. Note that electronic mail (email) is not guaranteed
to be private. People who
operate the system do have access to mail. Messages relating to or in
support
of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
20. A fee may be charged for printed materials.
21. All users must have a signed Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policy for Computers and Networks on file with Detroit ISD before use of computer and network facilities is allowed.
Inappropriate Language
1. Restrictions against inappropriate language apply to public messages, private
messages, and material posted on Web pages.
2. Students and employees shall not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude,
inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language.
3. Students and employees shall not post information that could cause damage
or a danger of disruption.
4. Students and employees shall not engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks, based on a person's race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or disability, or engage in any other harassment or discrimination prohibited by school district policy or by law.
5. Students and employees shall not harass another person. Harassment is persistently acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person. If students or staff are told by a person to stop sending them messages, they must stop.
6. Students and employees shall not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization.
Internet Safety Policies
Introduction
It is the policy of Detroit ISD to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful
online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].
Definitions
Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.*
Access to Inappropriate Material
To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information.
Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet
Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material
deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to
minors.
Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled
or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other
lawful purposes.
Inappropriate Network Usage
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote
the safety and security of users of the Detroit ISD online computer network
when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of
direct electronic communications.
Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act,
prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access,
including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b)
unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification
information regarding minors.
Supervision and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Detroit ISD staff to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Children’s Internet protection Act.
Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Technology Coordinator with the consent of the campus principal or designated representatives.
* CIPA definitions of terms:
TECHNOLOGY PROTECTION MEASURE. The term ``technology
protection measure'' means a specific technology that blocks or filters
Internet access to visual depictions that are:
1. OBSCENE, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title
18, United States Code;
2. CHILD PORNOGRAPHY, as that term is defined in section 2256
of title 18, United States Code; or Harmful to minors.
HARMFUL TO MINORS. The term ``harmful
to minors'' means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual
depiction that:
1. Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest
in nudity, sex, or excretion;
2. Depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect
to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual
contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd
exhibition of the genitals; and
3. Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or
scientific value as to minors.
SEXUAL ACT; SEXUAL CONTACT. The terms ``sexual act'' and ``sexual contact'' have the meanings given such terms in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code.
Parental Information and Authorization
District Network and Internet Resources
The Detroit Independent School District provides opportunities for students to have access through the Internet to electronic mail, databases, libraries, museums, and other information sources as part of its overall instruction program and for the purposes specified in the attached Network and Internet Use Policy.
I have read the Network and Internet Use Policy attached to this agreement and understand the conditions for use of the network and internet resources provided by the Detroit Independent School District for the purpose of promoting education excellence and supporting instructional goals.
By my signature below, I consent to my child having access to the internet through the Detroit ISD Network and release the school district from any responsibility for information my child may obtain in the course of using the Internet.
Further I agree that any use of the network and Internet under my child's user ID or account must be consistent with that policy. I understand that District employees have the authority to monitor Network usage, including electronic messages sent and received to ensure compliance with the policy, and by this Agreement consent to that access.
I understand that my child is responsible for any transactions that occur under his or her user ID or account, that any violation of that policy will be considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, and that my child may be denied access to the District's electronic resources in addition to any other disciplinary action.
Parent's Signature: _____________________________ Date: ______________________
Parent's Name Printed: __________________________ Campus: ___________________
Student User Agreement - District Network and Internet Resources
I have read the Network and Internet Use Policy attached to this agreement and understand the conditions for use of the Network and Internet resources provided by the Detroit Independent School District for the purpose of promoting educational excellence and supporting instructional goals.
By my signature below, I agree that any use of the Network and Internet under my user ID of account will be consistent with that policy. I understand that district employees have the authority to and will monitor network usage, including electronic messages sent and received to ensure compliance with this policy, and by this agreement consent to that access. Furthermore, I understand that I am responsible for any transactions that occur under my user ID or account and that any violation of that policy shall be considered a violation of the student Code of Conduct, and that I may be denied access to the District's electronic resources in addition to any other disciplinary action.
Student's Signature: ________________________________ Date: _______________________
Student's Name Printed: _____________________________ Campus: ____________________
PARENT'S AGREEMENT
_____ I give permission for my child to participate in the District’s
electronic communications system and certify that the information contained on
this form is correct.
_____ I do not give permission for my child to participate in the District’s
electronic communications system. I release the District from
providing state mandated curriculum and course requirements necessary for
graduation available through the Internet. I acknowledge this may interfere
with my child’s ability to graduate from Detroit ISD.
_____ I do give permission for photographs of my child to be placed on the various web sites authorized and maintained by Detroit ISD and further more, I give permission for these photographs to be transmitted across the internet, published in the Detroit Yearbook and various newspapers. This also may include school produced videos that include images of my child.
_____ I do not give permission for photographs of my child to be placed on the various web sites authorized and maintained by Detroit ISD and further more, I do not give permission for these photographs to be transmitted across the internet, published in the Detroit Yearbook and various newspapers. This also may include school produced videos that include images of my child.
As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read
Detroit ISD’s Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policy for Computers and
Networks. I understand that this free access is designed for educational
purposes. However, I also recognize that it is impossible to restrict access
to all controversial materials and I will not hold Detroit ISD nor any of its
employees nor any of the institutions or networks providing access to networks
responsible for the performance of the system or the content of any material
accessed through it, as long as the district is following CIPA and COPPA
guidelines. I further understand that any violation of the regulations is
unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should the student commit
any violation, access privileges may be revoked; school disciplinary action
may be taken; and/or appropriate legal action initiated.
I understand that this agreement will be binding as long
as my child is a student in Detroit ISD.
I also understand that this agreement may be changed by me
through my child’s principal, in writing only.
Parent or Guardian’s Name (please print)
____________________________________
Signature _____________________________ Date ____________________________
*This form will be retained on file by authorized faculty designee for duration of applicable computer/network/Internet use.
ACCEPTABLE USE AND INTERNET SAFETY POLICY FOR COMPUTERS AND NETWORKS
Table of Contents
REQUIRED FORMS
Detroit ISD Computer Network and Internet Use Policy…………………………………………………………………………….
SECTION I: REQUIRED NOTICES AND INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION
Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights
“Opting Out” of Surveys and Activities
Limiting the Display of a Student’s Artwork and Projects
Requesting Professional Qualifications of Teachers and Staff
Reviewing Instructional Materials
Granting Permission to Video or Audio Record a Student
Removing a Student Temporarily from the Classroom
Excusing a Student from Reciting the Pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags
Excusing a Student from Reciting a Portion of the Declaration of Independence
Requesting Notices of Certain Student Misconduct
Requesting Transfers for Your Child
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Parents of Students with Disabilities
Services for Title I Participants
Directory Information for School-Sponsored Purposes
Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education
SECTION II: INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS
Parent’s Note After An Absence
Doctor’s Note After An Absence for Illness
Driver License Attendance Verification
CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS
CLASS RANK / TOP TEN PERCENT / HIGHEST RANKING STUDENT
Radios, CD Players, Other Electronic Devices and Games, and Cell Phones
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES / CONDITIONS
Psychological Exams, Tests, or Treatment