Student Fees

Materials that are part of the basic educational program are provided with state and local funds at no charge to a student. Students are expected to provide their own consumable items, such pencils, paper, pens, erasers, and notebooks. Students may be required to pay certain fees or deposits, including:

• 1. A fee for materials for a class project that the student will keep, if the fee does not exceed the cost of materials.
• 2. Membership dues in voluntary student clubs or organizations and admission fees for extracurricular activities.
• 3. A security deposit for the return of materials, supplies, or equipment.
• 4. A fee for personal physical education and athletic equipment and apparel, although a student may provide his or her own equipment or apparel if it meets reasonable requirements and standards relating to health and safety.
• 5. A fee for voluntarily purchased items, such as student publications, class rings, pictures, yearbooks, and graduation announcements.
• 6. A fee for voluntary student health and accident benefit plan.
• 7. A reasonable fee, not to exceed the actual annual maintenance cost, for the use of musical instruments and uniforms owned or rented by the school.
• 8. A fee for items of personal apparel used in extracurricular activities that become the property of the student.
• 9. A parking fee or a fee for an identification card.
• 10. A fee for a driver training course, not to exceed the actual cost per student in the program for the current school year.
• 11. A fee for an optional course offered for credit that requires the use of facilities not available on campus or the employment of an educator who is not part of the school’s regular staff.
• 12. A fee for summer school courses that are offered tuition-free during the regular school year.
• 13. A reasonable fee for transportation of a student who lives within two miles of the campus.
• 14. A reasonable fee, not to exceed $50, for costs associated with an educational program offered outside of regular school hours through which a student who was absent from class receives instruction voluntarily for the purpose of making up the missed instruction and meeting the level of attendance required for class credit, so long as the fee would not create a financial hardship or discourage the student from attending the program.
• 15. A fee for lost, damaged, or overdue library books.
• 16. A fee specifically permitted by any other statute.

The school may waive any fee or deposit if the student and parent are unable to pay. A request for such a waiver must be made in writing to the Principal, and include evidence of the inability to pay. Details for the fee waiver are available in the Principal’s office.

Families are responsible for paying all fees associated with extracurricular programs, including clubs, parking, athletics, fine arts, University Interscholastic League academics, etc. prior to participation.

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Textbooks and Curriculum Materials

State-approved textbooks and additional curriculum materials are provided free of charge for each subject or class, except for dual credit courses. Materials must be used by the student as directed by the teacher.

A student who is issued damaged materials should report the damage to the teacher.

Students must return all textbooks and supplemental materials to the teacher at the end of the school year or when the student withdraws from school. Any student failing to return issued materials in an acceptable condition loses the right to free textbooks and educational materials until the damages are paid for by the student and/or parent. However, a student will be provided textbooks for use at school during the school day. The school may reduce or waive the payment requirement if the student is from a low-income family. The release of student records, including official transcripts, will be delayed pending payment for lost or severely damaged textbooks or supplemental materials.

Electronic textbooks shall be returned free of viruses or any other malicious software, and free of any plug-ins or software not specifically approved by the school. All components or applications that are a part of the electronic textbook when issued must be returned.

A parent is entitled to request that Harmony Public Schools allow a student to take home any instructional materials used by the student. The school will honor the request, subject to availability of the instructional materials. A student who takes home instructional materials must return the materials to school at the beginning of the next school day if requested to do so by the student’s teacher. Harmony Public Schools must provide the instructional materials to the student in printed format if the student does not have reliable access to technology at the student’s home. Harmony Public Schools also are not required to purchase printed copies of instructional materials that the school would otherwise not purchase; the school may provide the student with relevant electronic instructional materials.

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Student ID Cards

ID cards may be issued to each student with a reasonable fee. This fee may be waived under appropriate circumstances; details for the fee waiver are available in the Principal’s office of each campus. All students must wear a student ID as part of their uniform. Students may be asked to show their ID card in order to order breakfast or lunch. If a student loses an ID card, he or she should go to the main office before or after school to purchase a replacement. Students shall return their student ID cards upon withdrawal from the school.

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Lost and Found

Anyone who finds books, clothing or other personal items left unattended should bring these items to the front office. Students who have lost these items should check at the front office. Items will be kept in the lost and found for up to seven days. The hallways are inspected each evening and all unsecured items are placed in the front office. Students should label all books, uniforms and other personal belongings with their name to ensure the prompt return of an item that has been misplaced.

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Meals

Harmony Public Schools participates in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. Guidelines set by the Texas Department of Agriculture (“TDA”) and United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) are followed to meet the nutritional needs of all students. Menus may be viewed online on the school’s website. Each student has a meal account in which money may be deposited. Payments may be made online or at the school office.

State-Mandated Nutrition Guidelines

TDA establishes nutrition standards for all food and beverages sold during the school day. The school day is defined as midnight the day before to 30 minutes after the last dismissal bell. These “Smart Snack” standards apply to a la carte items sold by Child Nutrition as well as any sales conducted by other organizations. More detailed information may be obtained at the school office or online at www.squaremeals (opens in a new tab).org.

Free and Reduced-Cost Meals

The school distributes a Letter to Household with information regarding free and reduced-price meals to each student’s parent/guardian at the beginning of the school year. Eligibility applications are available online, or a paper copy may be obtained from the school office. The information requested includes all members of the household and income for each. A social security number is not required to apply for meal benefits. Should family income change, a new application may be submitted at any time during the school year.

Lunch Periods

All students will remain on-campus during the lunch period. Students may buy lunch at school or bring a packed lunch. During the lunch period, students are expected to display good manners and courtesy. Students may eat only in the lunch area, and must clear their place and dispose of all trash appropriately. The lunch area will be monitored by teachers.

The following guidelines apply to the cafeteria.

• Students must dispose of plates and utensils in garbage bins.
• Students must keep tables, seats, and floors clean.
• Students must talk in a normal voice. No shouting is allowed.
• Students must use appropriate language at all times.
• Students must keep cafeteria lines orderly; no pushing, running, horse playing or cutting in lines.
• Students may not loiter in the cafeteria and hallways during lunch.
• Students must remain seated unless otherwise instructed.
• Students must keep hands, feet, personal belongings and food to themselves.
• No backpacks or books are allowed in the lunch area.
• Students who deface school property will be fined an amount necessary to cover the cost of restoring the damaged property.
• Students may not order food from outside.

Students who do not follow these guidelines may be subject to disciplinary action.

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Public Areas

Hallways, stairways, the cafeteria, and restrooms are used by all students and school employees. The following rules of conduct apply to all students:

• Students may not loiter in hallways, stairways, the cafeteria, or restrooms.
• Students may not eat in these areas except in the cafeteria.
• Students may not run in these areas.
• Students may not use any profane or vulgar language while in these areas.
• Students may not yell, scream, hit lockers or otherwise make excessive noise while in these areas.
• Students may not draw graffiti, post fliers or write on walls, bulletin boards, doors, desks, books or any other school property.
• Students must keep these areas clean and safe.
• Students may not leave belongings on the floor, outside of, or on top of lockers.
• Students must clean up after themselves and properly dispose of all trash.
• Students must immediately report any leaks, spills or other problems in the restroom to a teacher or the office.
• Students may not roughhouse, wrestle with, or trip others in these areas.

Students are not permitted in the halls during class periods or during the lunch hour unless they are accompanied by a teacher or have a hall pass from an authorized staff member. Students who are found in the halls without passes or who violate the guidelines listed above will be subject to disciplinary action.

Additionally, teachers have the authority to submit referrals to

• Use of a classroom without teacher permission.
• Using or removing any item from a teacher’s desk.
• Using laboratories when no teacher is present.
• Using the playground without permission.
• Presence in construction areas or any other area deemed “off limits” by the Principal or Dean of Student Cultures.
• Use of the school phone during the day without permission from authorized school personnel.

Use by Students Before and After School

Certain areas of the school will be accessible to students before and after school for specific purposes. Students are required to remain in the area where their activity is scheduled to take place. Unless the teacher or sponsor overseeing the activity gives permission, a student will not be permitted to go to another area of the building or campus. After dismissal from school in the afternoon, and unless involved in an activity under the supervision of a teacher, students must leave campus immediately.

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Closed Campus

The school operates a closed campus. Students are not allowed to leave for any reason during the school day without properly checking out in accordance with campus rules and procedures.

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Library

The library is a resource center used by all students for class assignments and for leisure-time reading of appropriate materials. The resources of the library are available to support and enhance student learning and understanding and to encourage students to become independent, lifelong learners. Students may use the library before and after school and during study hall. Books, magazines and reserve materials may be checked out for varying times. Desks and carrels are available for studying. Students may perform group work for class if they work quietly. School policy does not allow students to bring food or drink into the library. The total number of students who may use the library at any one time will be limited.

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Phone Messages

During school hours, parents should not try to reach a student’s cell phone. Parents should call the main office in emergency situations. The school will then notify the student of any emergency.

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Distribution of Published Materials

School Materials

Publications prepared by and for the school may be posted or distributed with prior approval by the Principal and teacher. Such items may include school posters, brochures, murals, etc.

Non-School Materials

Students must obtain express prior approval of the Principal before distributing, posting, selling, or circulating written materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes, posters, or other visual or auditory materials on campus.

Non-school literature shall not be distributed by students on school property if:

• The materials are obscene, vulgar, or otherwise inappropriate for the age and maturity of the audience.
• The materials endorse actions endangering the health or safety of students.
• The materials promote illegal use of drugs, alcohol, or other controlled substances.
• The distribution of such materials would violate the intellectual property rights, privacy rights, or other rights of another person.
• The materials contain defamatory statements about public figures or others.
• The materials advocate imminent lawless or disruptive action and are likely to incite or produce such action.
• The materials are hating literature or similar publications that scurrilously attack ethnic, religious, or racial groups or contain content aimed at creating hostility and violence, and the materials would materially and substantially interfere with school activities or the rights of others.
• There is reasonable cause to believe that distribution of the non-school literature would result in material and substantial interference with school activities or the rights of others.

Any student who posts material without prior approval will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Materials displayed without approval will be removed.

Fundraising

No person may solicit contributions or collect funds for any purpose from students or school personnel on school property, at school-sponsored events, or on school transportation unless he or she has the written permission of the Principal or Superintendent.

Sales

Advertising may be permitted for approved school-related activities. This may include school newspapers, yearbooks, and other fundraising projects. Advertising material that promotes the use of alcohol and/or tobacco is strictly prohibited. No person may display, solicit, or sell any item or service to students or school personnel while on school property, at school-sponsored events, or on school transportation without the written permission of the Principal.

Demonstrations or Meetings on School Premises (Non-School Sponsored)

Any student who wishes to promote, organize or participate in a non-school sponsored demonstration or meeting on school premises must obtain prior written approval from the Principal at least three days prior to the requested activity. This three-day period does not include the day of the request or the day of the activity. The school may prohibit demonstrations or meetings that materially and substantially interfere with school activities or the rights of other students or teachers; are vulgar or profane; might reasonably be perceived to advocate drug or alcohol use, irresponsible sex, or conduct otherwise inconsistent with the shared values of a civilized order; inappropriate for the maturity level of the audience; associates the school with a non-neutral position on matters of political controversy; and/or the school demonstrates reasonable cause to believe that the expression would create material and substantial interference with its educational program.

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Bulletin Boards

Students must obtain permission from teachers to post materials on classroom bulletin boards and from the Principal to post materials on hallway bulletin boards. Materials should not be taped to glass surfaces, and students should not damage any surface by using tacks or pins to post materials.

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Deliveries

Flowers, balloons, food items etc. should not be delivered to the school for students. These will not be delivered to the classroom. Students may not receive any form of delivery (balloons, food, flowers etc.) except by any parent in person and as necessary for the school day. Food items, including but not limited to, fast food, pizza, cakes, etc. will not be accepted for delivery to the students. However, parents are welcome to join students for a cafeteria lunch in our school cafeteria.

Parents who want to organize activities in school such as birthday parties, pizza parties etc., must receive prior approval from the Principal or his/her designee. All food items must be store-bought; homemade items will not be allowed.

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School Activities

The school offers a wide range of activities to enrich student learning during and after school. Students participating in such activities are subject to the provisions of this Handbook and the Student Code of Conduct whenever the students are under the direct supervision of a school employee.

Field Trips

Field trips offer exciting ways to learn. Students will have the opportunity to go on field trips at various times during the school year. The following rules apply to all field trips:

• Students must return a Field Trip Permission Slip signed by his or her parent(s) by the specified date. Phone calls will not be accepted as permission.
• Students must wear their school uniforms, unless otherwise specified.
• Students will abide by the Student Code of Conduct while on the field trip.
• Students will be responsible to make up any missed assignments.
• The group will leave within five minutes of the scheduled departure time. After a group returns from a field trip, the school is not responsible for students who are not picked up at the designated time.

After-School Activities

There is no better way for students to enrich their education than by taking part in clubs and after-school activities, or working with a teacher. Students who stay for after-school activities are expected to follow these rules:

• Students must be with a teacher or other staff member at all times.
• Students must arrange for their own transportation; the student’s ride should arrive promptly at the end of the activity.
• Students must abide by the Student Code of Conduct while participating in the activity.
• Students may not stay after school to wait for another student.

Science Fair

The school organizes a school-wide science fair every year. Due to the school’s high expectations in math, science and technology, each student is required to complete an individual or group research project in one of these areas.

The science fair handbook will be provided to each student by the science fair committee. Students are required to follow the guidelines cited in the science fair handbook.

Arts and Activity Groups

Students participating in arts and activity groups will be evaluated on both practice and performance. Students and parents should be aware of possible conflicts with other activities, within and out of the school system. Students participating in performing arts and activity groups are subject to the following guidelines:

• Participating students must adhere to all organizational rules and policies.
• Students are expected to attend rehearsals and performances. Participation will be a determining factor of the student’s grade.
• A student may have his or her semester grade lowered one letter grade for any unexcused absences from scheduled rehearsals or performances. Additionally, the student may lose his or her position in the group and become an alternate performer.

The following conditions constitute reason for an excused absence for a required rehearsal or performance:

• Scheduled family trip or vacation, provided the student provides five days’ written notice obtains prior approval from the director.
• Family emergencies.
• Illness. The student should notify the activity director of the illness as soon as possible.
• Conflicting school activities that have been cleared with the activity director and the Principal.

The Principal may review a request to miss a required rehearsal or performance if the director denies the request. The Principal will meet with the concerned student and the director. The decision of the Principal is final.

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Transportation

Students who participate in school-sponsored trips may be required to ride a school vehicle to and from the event. The Principal, however, may make an exception if the parent personally requests that the student be permitted to ride with the parent, or if the parent presents a written request that the student be permitted to ride with an adult designated by the parent, so long as the written request is presented before the scheduled trip.

Riding a school vehicle is a privilege. School vehicle drivers have the authority to maintain discipline and require seating charts. Students are expected to assist school staff in ensuring that school vehicles remain in good condition. When riding a school vehicle, students are held to behavioral standards established in this Handbook and the Student Code of Conduct. Students must:

• 1. Follow the driver’s directions at all times.
• 2. Enter and leave the vehicle in an orderly manner.
• 3. Keep feet, books, instrument cases, and other objects out of the aisle.
• 4. Not deface the vehicle or its equipment.
• 5. Not put head, hands, arms, legs, or any object out of any window, or throw objects within or out of the vehicle.
• 6. Not possess or use any form of tobacco on school buses.
• 7. Observe all usual classroom rules.
• 8. Be seated while the vehicle is moving.
• 9. Fasten seat belts, if available.
• 10. Wait for the driver’s signal in order to leave or cross in front of the vehicle.

Only designated students are allowed to ride in school vehicles. Students may neither ride the vehicle to a different location nor have friends ride the vehicle to participate in after-school activities. Misconduct will be punished in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, and the student’s bus-riding privileges may be suspended.

If bus transportation is required as a result of an Individual Education Plan (“IEP”), the Admissions Review and Dismissal (“ARD”) Committee will have discretion in determining appropriate disciplinary consequences for improper behavior in a school vehicle.

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Student Parking

Students shall acquire administration permission before parking a vehicle on school property. In order to park on campus, students must hold a valid driver’s license and have proof of insurance. Unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense. Students driving on school property must follow all posted speed limits and comply with traffic laws. Unsafe operation of a vehicle on campus (speeding, improper parking, etc.) may result in disciplinary action and/or removal of parking privileges.

Students are instructed to leave their vehicles immediately after parking. Under no circumstances will students be allowed to sit in their vehicles.

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Recitation of the Declaration of Independence

State law requires students in social studies classes in grades 3–12 to recite a portion of the text of the Declaration of Independence during “Celebrate Freedom Week.” A student will be exempted from this requirement if a parent provides a written statement requesting that the student be excused, the school determines that the student has a conscientious objection to the recitation, or the parent is a representative of a State law requires students in social studies classes in grades 3–12 to recite a portion of the text of the Declaration of Independence during “Celebrate Freedom Week.” A student will be exempted from this requirement if a parent provides a written statement requesting that the student be excused, the school determines that the student has a conscientious objection to the recitation, or the parent is a representative of a foreign government to whom the United States government extends diplomatic immunity.

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Pledges of Allegiance and Moment of Silence

Each school day, students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. Parents may submit a written request to the Campus Director to excuse their child from reciting a pledge.

State law requires that one minute of silence follow recitation of the pledges. Each student may choose to reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in any other silent activity during that minute so long as the silent activity does not interfere with or distract others. In addition, state law requires that each campus provide for the observance of one minute of silence at the beginning of the first-class period when September 11 falls on a regular school day in remembrance of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

State law does not allow your child to be excused from participating in the required minute of silence or silent activity that follows.

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Prayer and Meditation

Students have a right to individually, silently, and voluntarily pray or meditate in school in a manner that does not disrupt instructional or other school activities. The school will not require, encourage, or coerce a student to engage in or refrain from such prayer or meditation during any school activity.

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School Facilities

Damage to School Property

To ensure that school facilities can serve those for whom they are intended. Students shall not vandalize or otherwise damage or deface any property belonging to or used by the school, including furniture and other equipment, textbooks, and library books. To ensure that school facilities can serve those for whom they are intended both this year and in coming years – littering, defacing, or damaging school property will not be tolerated. In addition to disciplinary sanctions under the Student Code of Conduct, parents of students who are guilty of damaging school property shall be financially responsible for damages in accordance with state law.

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