Yoakum Junior High Handbook

Section I: Introduction

YJH Home	Contents	Section I	Section II	Section III
Section IV	Section V	Section VI	Section VII	Exceptions

Principal's Welcome
Contact Information
Non-Discrimination Policy
District Mission Statement
District Slogan
Yoakum Junior High Mission Statement
School Slogan
District Administrative Personnel
District Board of Trustees
Pledge of Allegiance
Alma Mater, School Colors, Mascot
Bell Schedule
Test Schedule
Teach for Texas and TEXAS Grant Program
Recommended High School Program
Distinguished High School Program
Title IX Complaints
Pest Control
Highly Qualified Staff
Emergency Situations
Protection of Student Rights
Asbestos Reinspections

Principal's Welcome

This year at Yoakum Junior High School should be a most exciting and successful one for you. On behalf of the faculty and staff, I welcome you. I am very excited about starting the new school year, and I will work extra hard to meet the needs of the whole learning community. We, at Yoakum Junior High, will go the extra mile to praise students and acknowledge their good deeds.

This student handbook has been prepared to provide assistance toward your becoming familiar with the rules and regulations that govern student life at this school. Please read it carefully and keep it among your daily school materials. The handbook will serve as your guide as you strive to obtain the best possible education for yourself.

Yoakum Junior High will continue its tradition of excellence and will strive to build even higher standards of academic performance. The students of Yoakum Junior High are expected to behave appropriately, achieve academically as well as athletically, and bring honor and respect to our school.

Gabe Adamek
Principal

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Contact Information

Non-Discrimination Policy

It is the policy of Yoakum Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of sex, handicap, race, color, and/or national origin in its educational and vocational programs, activities, or employment as required by title IX Section 502 and Title VI. Yoakum Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of disability by denying access to the benefits of District services, programs, or activities.

District Mission Statement

The Yoakum Independent School District has high expectations of its students and dedicates it efforts and resources to assure that EVERY student will learn. This district occupies a position of public trust and it shares with the parents and the community the responsibility for training students in becoming useful, self-supporting and productive citizens. The district will provide an educational environment conducive to the maximum intellectual, physical, and social and emotional growth of all students.

District Slogan

“Excellence in Education”

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Yoakum Junior High Mission Statement

In order to support, guide and encourage each student to develop as a productive and responsible individual, Y.J.H. will provide an educational program promoting the academic, physical, social and emotional growth necessary for success in an ever changing community. Yoakum Junior High is dedicated to helping all students master academic standards in math, writing, reading, science, and social studies.

School Slogan

"Personal Responsibility in Daily Effort"

District Administrative Personnel

District Board of Trustees

Board Members:

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Pledge of Allegiance

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands; one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Alma Mater

All hail to dear old Yoakum,
The school we love so true,
We're loyal to our Bullpups,
And our colors, white and blue
Our pledge to dear old Yoakum,
To keep until we die,
We'll always keep your honor bright,
Our dear old Junior High.

School Colors

Blue and White

Mascot

Bullpups

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Bell Schedule

Regular Schedule

Assembly Schedule

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Test Schedule for Yoakum Junior High 2007-2008

1st Six Weeks
Tuesday-October 9 - English and Science
Wednesday - October 10- Reading and Social Studies
Thursday - October 11- Math, P.E., and Electives
Friday - October 12 - Makeup Test Day

2nd Six Weeks
Thursday - November 15 - Math, P.E., and Electives
Friday– November 16 - English and Science
Moncay– November 19 - Reading and Social Studies
Tuesday - November 20- Makeup Test Day

3th Six Weeks
Tuesday - January 15- Reading and Social Studies
Wednesday - January 16- Math, P.E., and Electives
Thursday - January 17- English and Science
Friday - January 18- Makeup Test Day

4th Six Weeks
Tuesday - February 26- English and Science
Wednesday - February 27- Reading and Social Studies
Thursday - February 28- Math, P.E., and Electives
Friday - February 29- Makeup Test Day

5th Six Weeks
Tuesday– April 8 – Math, P.E., and Electives
Wednesday– April 9 – English and Science
Thursday– April 10 - Reading and Social Studies
Friday– April 11 - Makeup Test Day

6th Six Weeks
Friday - May 23- Reading and Social Studies
Tuesday - May 27 - Math, P.E., and Electives
Wednesday - May 28 - English and Science
Thursday– May 29 – Makeup Test Day

Progress Reports will be sent home with the student on these dates:
Tuesday September 18
Tuesday November 6
Tuesday December 18
Tuesday February 12
Tuesday April 1
Tuesday May 6

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Teach for Texas and TEXAS Grant Program

The following information may help your determine your academic path in high school and college and help the students and parents make the correct choice in regards to the academic courses they take in junior high school. For questions concerning these programs contact Lezlie Price, Junior High Counselor, telephone 293-3111 or Brenda Westmoreland, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, telephone 293-3162.

TEXAS Grant program
This program will help pay your tuition and fees at a public college or university in Texas. If you attend a private, non-profit institution, your award will be based on tuition and fees costs at public universities. To be eligible for this TEXAS Grant, you must complete the Recommended High School program or the Distinguished Achievement program. Visit www.collegefortexans.com for more TEXAS Grant information and other aid options or call the Texas Financial Aid Information Center 1-877-782-7322 (toll-free).

Teach for Texas Conditional Grant Program
This program is to encourage students to become certified teachers in a field having a critical shortage. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Special Accounts Servicing office. You may also visit the web site at www.collegefortexans.com

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Recommended High School Program
(For Student Graduating 2011 and Beyond)

English, Language Arts, and Reading—4 credits
English, I, II, III, IV
English I and II for Speakers of Other Languages (SOL)

Mathematics—4 credits from the courses below.
Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Math Models, & College Algebra

Science—4 credits from the four areas— No more than one credit from each area,
with one credit required from any of the Biology courses below
Biology, AP Biology or IB Biology
Integrated Physics and Chemistry
Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry
Physics, Principles of Technology I, AP Physics or IB Physics

Social Studies—3 1⁄2 credits
World History Studies (one credit)
World Geography Studies (one credit)
U.S. History Studies Since Reconstruction (one credit)
U.S. Government (one-half credit)

Economics—1/2 credit
Physical Education—1 1⁄2 credits
Health Education— 1⁄2 credit
Fine Arts—1 credit

Languages other than English— 2 credits (Must consist of Level I and Level II in the same language)
Speech— 1⁄2 credit
Communication Applications, Speech Communication, Public Speaking, Debate, or Oral Interpretation

Technology Applications— 1 credit
Electives— 3 1⁄2 credits

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Distinguished High School Program
(For Student Graduating 2011 and Beyond)

English, Language Arts, and Reading— 4 credits
English, I, II, III, IV
English, I and II for Speakers of Other Languages (SOL)

Mathematics— 4 credits from the courses below.
Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Math Models, & College Algebra

Science— 4 credits from the four areas—No more than one credit from each area,
with one credit required from any of the Biology courses below.
Biology, AP Biology or IB Biology
Integrated Physics and Chemistry
Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry
Physics, Principles of Technology I, AP Physics or IB Physics

Social Studies—3 1⁄2 credits
World History Studies (one credit)
World Geography Studies (one credit)
U.S. History Studies Since Reconstruction (one credit)
U.S. Government (one-half credit)

Economics—1/2 credit
Physical Education—1 1⁄2 credits
Health Education— 1⁄2 credit
Fine Arts—1 credit
Languages other than English— 3 credits (Must consist of Level I, Level II, and Level III in the same language)
Speech— 1⁄2 credit
Communication Applications, Speech Communication, Public Speaking, Debate, or Oral Interpretation

Technology Applications— 1 credit
Electives— 2 1⁄2 credits

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Title IX Complaints

Complaints should first be presented orally to the student’s teacher or principal within fifteen days of the time the student first knew of the situation occasioning the complaint. The teacher or principal and the student shall attempt to resolve the matter informally.
If the student is not satisfied with the action taken, the student shall within seven days after the first action taken, file a complaint in writing with the principal. If the student is not satisfied with the written decision rendered by the principal, the student shall within seven days file in writing with the Superintendent a notice of appeal.
If the student is not satisfied with the written decision rendered by the Superintendent, the student shall within seven days file in writing with the Superintendent a notice of appeal to the Board. The student will be notified in writing of the date and time of a hearing before the Board.
The written complaint submitted in writing to the Principal and Superintendent shall form the basis of the appeal before the Board. The failure of the student to attend in person the hearing before the Board shall be deemed as an acceptance by the student of the written decision rendered by the Superintendent. The Board will render a decision in writing to the student within fourteen days after the hearing.

Pest Control

As part of our commitment to provide your child with a safe, pest-free learning environment, the Yoakum Independent School District may periodically apply pesticides to help manage insects, weeds, or pathogens. Pesticide applications are part of our integrated pest management (IPM) program, which relies largely on non-chemical forms of pest control. Pesticide applications on Yoakum Independent School District property are made only by trained and licensed technicians. Should you have questions about the district’s pest management program or wish to be notified in advance of pesticide applications, you may contact our IPM coordinator: Chris Kvinta at
293-3535.

Highly qualified Staff–No Child Left Behind Act

Information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s teachers is available upon request. This includes the teacher’s state qualifications, license status, degree major, and certification of undergraduate and graduate degrees. Qualifications of paraprofessionals are also available upon request.

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Emergency Situations

Dear Parents:

Should an emergency or disaster ever arise in our area while school is in session, we want you to be aware that the schools have made preparations to respond effectively to crisis conditions.
Should we have a major disaster during school hours, your student(s) will be cared for at his/her campus. Yoakum ISD has a detailed emergency operations plan which has been formulated to respond to a wide range of emergencies and disasters.

Your cooperation in necessary in any catastrophic emergency situation.

1. Do not telephone the school. Telephone lines may be needed for emergency communication.
2. In the event of an emergency, students will be kept at their schools until they are picked up by their parent or an identified, responsible adult who has been identified on the student’s YISD Emergency Card which is required to be filled out by parents at the beginning of every school year. Please be sure to authorize an adult who could be available during the school day.
3. Turn on your radio to KYKM 92.5 FM, 1520 AM, or KIXS 107.9 FM. In addition local channel 3 or the district website, www.yoakumisd.net may also display emergency announcements.
4. Impress upon your children the need for them to follow the directions of any school personnel in times of an emergency.

Students will be released only to parents and persons identified on the School District Emergency Card. During an extreme emergency, students will be released to parents at designated emergency staging areas located on each campus, as described below. We ask parents, or their designees, to be patient and understanding with the student release/reunification process. Please instruct your child to remain at school until they are picked up according to proper procedures. Following these procedures will facilitate student safety.

Please discuss these matters with your immediate family. Planning ahead will help alleviate concern during emergencies.

Sincerely,Tom Kelley
Yoakum ISD Superintendent of Schools

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Protection of Student Rights

Notification Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)

PPRA affords parents and students who are 18 or emancipated minors ("eligible students") certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collections and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. Yoakum Independent School District adopted procedures to protect student privacy in the administration of protected surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. Yoakum Independent School District will notify parents and eligible students of any substantive changes and provide an opportunity to opt a student out of participating in:
• Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution
• Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or part by the United States Department of Education.
• Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law

Parents/eligible students who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U. S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D. C.20202-4605

PROTECTION OF STUDENT RIGHTS
Parents may request information on the professional qualifications of their child's teacher. In addition, the school will notify parents of the right to inspect all instructional materials to be used in connection with a survey, analysis, or evaluation as part of a federally funded program. Notice will be sent home before such a survey, analysis, or evaluation is administered, and parent consent will be requested if information regarding any of the following is part of the survey, analysis, or evaluation:

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student's parent;
2. Mental and psychological problems of the student or student's family;
3. Sex behavior and attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, and demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as lawyers, physicians, and ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program.

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Asbestos Reinspections

Notification of Asbestos Reinspections

TO: PARENTS AND STAFF OF YOAKUM INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

FROM: TOM KELLEY, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

In compliance with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), school districts performed inspections of their buildings for asbestos-containing building materials in the Fall of 1988. The inspection findings and asbestos management plans have been on file in each school administrative office since that time.

The EPA requires school districts to perform reinspections of the asbestos materials every three years. During the month of June, 2007, accredited asbestos inspectors performed these reinspections. An accredited management planner reviewed the results of the reinspections and recommended that due to the fact all asbestos material in the Yoakum schools is in good condition, the school district should continue to manage it in place.

The results of the reinspection are on file in the management plan in the school's administrative office at 102 McKinnon Street. The public is welcome to view these results during normal school hours (M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). The Asbestos Program Manager, Tom Kelley, is available to answer any questions one may have about asbestos in school buildings.

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