Board repeals standardized dress codes

Transcription

1 August 27 inside 2... Standardized dress codes repealed 3... District has new superintendent 4... Enrollment caps for Harlem, Walker Also Inside: Annual Report

2 2 GCCISD Back to School Schools are no-bullying zones Dear Goose Creek CISD students, parents, and community, On behalf of our Board of Trustees, administrators, teachers and support staff, welcome to the Academic School Year. Whether your son or daughter is a kindergarten student stepping on campus for the first time, or a senior returning for that final year before graduation, the first day of school always brings with it a sense of excitement. The Goose Creek CISD faculty and support staff have worked diligently to prepare for the new school year, and we are excited about the many possibilities and opportunities. On August 27, more than 21,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade will walk through the front doors of their schools to begin the school year. In doing so, they will be taking advantage of a multitude of wonderful educational opportunities provided by the taxpayers in our District. The beginning of each school year is exciting because of the energy our students, staff, parents, and community members bring to it and all the opportunities that working together provide. Our school district excels above many others because our parents, teachers, staff, and community do a remarkable job of supporting our students and setting high expectations. Goose Creek CISD s commitment to the community we serve is to do everything we can to ensure each student s success. We want our students to know how much it matters to us that they possess character, integrity, and purpose for their lives. We know that our students will someday graduate and leave our District. As they do so, we want to have confidence that we have prepared them to be college and career ready, along with being trustworthy, hard-working, wise and capable of honorable service to their family, community, and nation. Welcome back and have a great school year! Salvador Cavazos, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools It is the policy of Goose Creek CISD to maintain learning environments that are free from harassment or bullying based on an individual s real or perceived race, color, sex, religion, creed, political belief, age, national origin, linguistic or language differences, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, socioeconomic status, special education designation, parental status or physical, mental, or sensory disability. The protections offered by this policy (check it out at: FI(LOCAL).pdf) are not limited to the aforementioned categories, but are meant to be inclusive of all intentional actions that negatively impact a student s The Goose Creek CISD Board of Trustees voted last spring to remove standardized dress codes at 13 campuses for school year. The move gives all district parents the right to choose what students wear within the guidelines of the district s existing Dress and Grooming Standards. Previously, 10 of 14 elementary schools and three of five junior schools had standardized dress codes in which students must wear the same style of clothing, but not uniforms. The change will affect all campuses with standardized dress codes except POINT Alternative Center. The rationale behind the move was that the high Goose Creek CISD student mobility rate places a financial burden on parents who move across town to a new school and are faced with a different set of dress codes. In 2010, the Board of Trustees directed administrators to work toward a universal dress code for the district s elementary schools after hearing an elementary school parent s complaint about the dress code. While there will be no standardized dress codes at any school, all students must be dressed within the guidelines of the district s Dress and Grooming Standards. It is the philosophy of Goose Creek CISD that parents have the responsibility to send students to school neatly groomed and dressed appropriately. The District feels it is important for students to make a positive impression in the community, and dressing appropriately is important in that regard. Students who come to school in violation of the district dress code will have the option of correcting the violation or being placed in In-School Suspension for the remainder of the day on a first offense. The second and subsequent violations of the dress code will result in disciplinary action according to The Student Code of Conduct (Level II offense). In addition, parents may be asked to bring appropriate attire to school to assist in correcting the violation. As a reminder, here is a summary of the District Dress and Grooming Standards as described in the student handbook: Students are not to wear clothing that is tight, loose, revealing, sagging, baggy, or short. Students are prohibited from wearing clothing with visual, written, or implied messages that are likely to disrupt the school environment. An American flag or any state flag or facsimile educational experience or preclude them from taking full advantage of the educational and extracurricular opportunities offered by Goose Creek CISD. The Board prohibits any and all forms of harassment or bullying on School District property or at School District-sanctioned events. This policy also covers any actions that occur while a student is traveling to and from school, and any bullying activity that occurs through any electronic means even though it may not take place in a school setting. Goose Creek CISD wants you to know that we are committed to providing our children with a safe environment in which they may grow and learn. Board repeals standardized dress codes thereof may not be attached on a garment, jewelry, or any other item in a disrespectful manner. Display of the Confederate battle flag is not permitted. Students are prohibited from wearing any form of dress or accessory identifying him or her as a member of or promoting a gang, cult, or other unauthorized student group or symbolizing the beliefs of such a group; i.e., territorial designations (zip codes, area codes, hometowns), or five- or six-point crowns, or designs or symbols identified by local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies and/or GCCISD. Clothing must be worn in the manner for which designed; clothing shall not be worn inside out. Students must wear appropriate underclothing. Students may not wear pajama tops and/or bottoms, house shoes, or slippers. Students in grades 2 through 12 must wear belts with pants that have belt loops. Students in grades 2 through 8 must tuck in all shirts, except sweatshirts and sweaters with a banded waist, at all times. Shirts that are insufficient in length to tuck in may not be worn. Students participating in school-related activities, such as extracurricular or UIL activities, may have a different dress or grooming code imposed. The complete Dress and Grooming guidelines are included in the handbook and parents will continue to sign and acknowledge receipt of handbook. The entire Dress and Grooming Standards can be found on our website and on Page 12 in this newsletter.

3 GCCISD Back to School 3 Dr. Cavazos takes over as Goose Creek CISD superintendent Goose Creek CISD has a new superintendent to lead the district. The Board of Trustees unanimously hired Dr. Salvador Cavazos to take the reins on July 19. Dr. Cavazos becomes the 14th superintendent in Goose Creek CISD history, replacing Dr. Toby York who retired in July. Dr. Cavazos was superintendent of the 5,300-student Alice ISD in south Texas for three years before arriving in Baytown. I am very excited and honored to have been named Superintendent of this fine district. It is evident that GCCISD has a lot of support from parents and the community. I expect to work with the fine team in this district to ensure that every student graduates and is career ready, Dr. Cavazos said. Dr. Cavazos, 48, has more than 24 years of experience in Texas public schools and the non-profit corporate field. Dr. Salvador Cavazos Principals on the move Prior to his appointment in Alice, he served as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in Brownsville ISD. During his tenure there, the district received the Broad Prize in Education, designating Brownsville ISD as the highest academic performing urban district in the United States. Other positions he has held include Chief Development Officer for Southwest Key Programs, Inc. in Austin, principal of Johnston High School and Fulmore Middle School in Austin ISD, principal of Santa Maria High School in Santa Maria ISD, and assistant principal of McAllen Rowe High School and Lamar Middle School in McAllen ISD. He also served as a teacher at McAllen High School. Dr. Cavazos earned his bachelor s degree in Three schools in Goose Creek CISD will start the school year with new principals. Principals starting the school year at new schools are Michael Wahl, Goose Creek Memorial High School; Juan Castillo, Baytown Junior School; and Kami Hale, B.P. Hopper Primary School. WAHL Castillo HALE At Goose Creek Memorial High School, Michael Wahl replaces Al Richard who retired after 29 years of service in Goose Creek CISD. Wahl had served as the principal at Baytown Junior School since Previously, he served as principal at Harlem Elementary for six years, taught at Highlands Elementary for nine years, and also served as assistant principal at De Zavala Elementary for two years. Wahl was named Goose Creek CISD elementary principal of the year in Mr. Wahl holds a bachelor s degree in science and a master s degree in education, both earned at Stephen F. Austin State University. I am honored to have been chosen for this position. I look forward to getting to know the Patriot staff and working with them to get the new school year started, said Mr. Wahl. At Baytown Junior School, Juan Castillo replaces Michael Wahl, who is the new principal at Goose Creek Memorial. Before being named principal at Baytown Junior, Castillo was an assistant principal for four years in Goose Creek CISD. He holds a bachelor s degree in science from Texas State University and a master s degree in education from University of Houston Clear Lake. Prior to his arrival in Goose Creek CISD, he was an assistant principal for five years and a teacher for three years in Galena Park ISD. I am looking forward to getting to know the students and seeing how they grow during their years at Baytown Junior in my new role as principal, said Mr. Castillo. At Hopper Primary, Kami Hale replaces Brenda Gongora-Hastings who retired after 26 years of service in Goose Creek CISD. Mrs. Hale had served as the principal at Woods Elementary School in Tyler ISD. Prior to her arrival in Goose Creek, she has been an elementary school principal for three years in Tyler ISD. She served two years as an assistant principal and two years as a curriculum coordinator in Marshall ISD. She also worked as a teacher for 10 years, six years in Longview ISD, and four years in Desoto Parish, La. Mrs. Hale holds a bachelor s degree in science from the University of Texas at Tyler and a master s degree in educational leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University. What an honor it is to be selected as the principal of B.P. Hopper Primary School. I am absolutely thrilled and eager to serve our children, parents, and staff, said Mrs. Hale. As educators, we have the most important charge in front of us as we help shape, guide, and challenge our leaders and innovators of tomorrow. Political Science and English from the University of Texas-Pan American in 1986 and his master s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Texas-Pan American in He earned his doctorate degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Texas at Austin in He holds Texas Educator Certification for superintendent, mid management administrator, counselor, and secondary (grades 6-12) teacher for government and English. Under the three-year contract, Dr. Cavazos will earn $210,000 per year, plus benefits. Dr. Cavazos and his wife, Bertha, have four children. Twenty-year-old Edward is attending Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma while Christina, 18, will begin her studies at Baylor University in August. Clarissa, 9, will be a fourthgrader, and Catherine, 6, will enter first grade this year. Alternative campus renamed POINT At the request of the administrators and staff at the School Community Guidance Center, the Goose Creek Board of Trustees voted to change the name of the school to POINT Alternative Center. The campus, located at 401 Jones Rd. in Highlands, aims to be viewed as a positive intervention that works hard to support student success and improvement in academics, as well as behavior. The goal is to address the whole child while providing the necessary services to address the students individual needs. The POINT represents: Positive behavior Opportunities for success Individual improvements New beginnings Time for academic excellence In the spring, the SCGC staff held several meetings to brainstorm potential names that would reflect the district ideology and expectations for students assigned to our campus. The staff wanted a name to fully reflect the services offered for students and the goals and objectives of the program. POINT Alternative Center was chosen as the staff felt it best represented the program values and beliefs. The campus has embraced the concept that not only is the school a consequence for serious discipline infractions, but it is also an intervention to assist students in recovering from poor judgment and past mistakes.

4 4 GCCISD Back to School District restricting some enrollment at Harlem, Walker Citing concerns about overcrowding, the Goose Creek CISD Board of Trustees have decided to restrict some new student enrollment at Victoria Walker Elementary School and Harlem Elementary School, beginning with the school year and subsequent school years. The restrictions do not affect existing students, prekindergarten or kindergarten students in the current Walker and Harlem school zones. Furthermore, siblings of students enrolled at Walker and Harlem will be allowed to join their brothers and sisters at the school. The area north of Interstate 10 has seen explosive growth in home-building. Enrollments at Walker and Harlem elementary schools have exceeded projections. Furthermore, Goose Creek CISD administrators have determined that continuing to enroll students at Walker and Harlem for the next school year will cause safety concerns. Victoria Walker Elementary School Victoria Walker opened its doors for the school year. The functional capacity of the building is 903 students. Our current enrollment at Victoria Walker is 991 and the projection for the fall of 2012 is 1,013. Goose Creek CISD families are encouraged to visit our schools. Open Houses allow you to tour the school and meet with staff members. Goose Creek CISD hold annual open houses for its elementary, middle, high schools just after the start of the school year. Parents and guardians are invited to join their students at these open houses to meet teachers, visit classrooms and learn more about special programs. The dates and times are subject to change by the school, and updates will be provided at the District website, net. Junior School Open House is Sept. 6 at 6:30 p.m. for Baytown, Cedar Bayou, Gentry, Highlands, and Horace Mann junior schools. High School Open House is Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. for Goose Creek Memorial, IMPACT Early College High School at Lee College, Peter E. Hyland Center, Robert E. Lee, and Ross S. Sterling high schools. Elementary Open House dates/times will be available at a later date. Goose Creek CISD employees have completed an assessment of the facility and determined that the infrastructure will accommodate approximately 1,050 students which include the addition of five doublewide portable buildings. We have determined that continuing to enroll students for the school year may cause safety concerns. To help alleviate high enrollment at Victoria Walker Elementary, students enrolling after June 8, 2012, will attend one of the schools in the new attendance area (Highlands, Crockett or Alamo Elementary Schools) as determined by their home address. Exceptions: Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students and their siblings will attend Victoria Walker Elementary. Students who reside in the East Point Subdivision, because this area is identified as a walk-zone, will attend Victoria Walker Elementary. Principal Renee Meyers believes that this plan will accommodate her concerns for safety, security, and instruction. Harlem Elementary School The functional capacity of Harlem Elementary is 764 Smiles at School students. Our current enrollment at Harlem Elementary is 989, and the projection for the fall of 2012 is 1,005. Goose Creek CISD employees have completed an assessment of the facility and determined that the infrastructure will accommodate approximately 1,000 students which include the addition of three doublewide portable buildings. We have determined that continuing to enroll students for the school year may cause safety concerns. To help alleviate high enrollment at Harlem Elementary, students enrolling after June 8, 2012, will attend Travis Elementary. Exceptions: Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students and their siblings will attend Harlem Elementary. Students who reside in the Kings Colony Subdivision and Bay Village Apartments, because these areas are identified as walk-zones, will attend Harlem Elementary. Principal Matt Warford believes that this plan will accommodate his concerns for safety, security, and instruction. For additional information please call Dr. Patty Bing, Director of Student Services, at Night classes offered at the Hyland Center The district s Extended Day Program (formerly Night School/Dual Enrollment) classes will continue to be offered through the Peter E. Hyland Center located at 1906 Decker Drive. The Extended Day Program offers courses for credit recovery and original credit. APEX, Odyssey Lab, and district-developed packets will be implemented as tools for student self-paced advancement. Students who enroll in the Peter E. Hyland Center will have the flexibility to take classes in the Extended Day Program as part of their daily schedule. All district high school students are eligible to access the program through application and counselor approval. Students enrolled in campuses other than the Peter E. Hyland Center will pay a registration/book fee of $25 per half credit. Night school classes are held each Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 8 p.m. For additional information, contact a high school counselor or the Peter E. Hyland Center at CAMPUSVISITORS To ensure the safety of Goose Creek CISD students, parents, and other visitors to district campuses will be required to sign in and obtain visitors badges at the schools main offices. GCCISD makes use of the RaptorWare visitor tracking system, V-Soft, which incorporates a search of sex offender data bases. Visitors, volunteers, and contractors will be asked to present a valid state-issued ID.

5 GCCISD Back to School Board of Trustees Howard Sampson President District 1 Daniel Blackford Vice President District 7 Individuals who encounter problems or want to voice concerns about GCCISD are encouraged to talk with the appropriate person at the level closest to the situation. For example, if a student has a problem with a bus driver, teacher, or school staff member, parents are urged to first discuss the situation with that individual. If the problem is not resolved or if the concern is not addressed at that level, parents are advised to discuss the issue with individuals at the following levels until the situation has been handled properly: Step 1 Contact the school staff member involved. Because 95 percent of all problems can be resolved at this level, parents and students are encouraged to discuss the issue with the staff member at the level closest to the situation of concern. This is the most important step in the process. Step 2 Contact the principal or program supervisor. If the initial discussion with the staff member involved does not result in a solution to the problem, individuals should contact the administrator who is in charge of the campus or program. This individual is responsible for handling concerns regarding the school or service operation. Step 3 Contact the appropriate central office supervisor. Should the problem continue to be unresolved, parents and students should discuss the issue with the appropriate central office supervisor. General district concerns such as those related to curriculum, discipline, taxes, or business may also be addressed at this level. The names of these individuals, their titles, and phone numbers appear on the phone list on Page 15 of this newsletter. If you are unsure about whom to contact, call the GCCISD Administration Building at Jimmy Smith Secretary District 6 Agustin Loredo, III Asst. Secretary District 2 Carl Burg Board Member District 4 Step 4 Contact the Superintendent. Situations that continue to be unresolved after discussing the issue with the staff member, principal or program supervisor, and the appropriate central office supervisor should be brought to the attention of the superintendent. He will make every effort to resolve the situation at this level. Step 5 Contact the School Board. If the concern has not been resolved at any of the previous steps, parents and students may have the issue considered by the Board of Trustees by making a written request to the Superintendent. Depending upon the nature of the concern, appeals of a Board decision are made either to the Texas Education Agency or to a district court of law. Concerns may be placed on the formal Board agenda by notifying the superintendent and the president of the Board no later than noon on the day the agenda and notice are prepared. This is normally at least five days, or three business days, before the regular meeting. Board members will normally allow staff members time to investigate the issue before taking action on such issue at a Board meeting. At regular meetings, the Board allots 30 minutes to hear persons who desire to make comments to the Board. Persons who wish to participate in this portion of the meeting shall sign up with the presiding officer or designee before the meeting begins and shall indicate the topic about which they wish to speak. No presentation shall exceed five minutes. Delegations of more than five persons shall appoint one person to present their views before the Board. By state law, the Board is prohibited from taking action on any matter that is not on the agenda. For information on procedures, call the Superintendent s Office at Jenice Coffey Board Member District 5 Ken Martin Board Member District 3 Steps to take in addressing Goose Creek CISD concerns School board encourages input from community Communicating with the parents and patrons of Goose Creek CISD is very important to us as members of the GCCISD Board of Trustees. We are proud to serve our community in this role. We hope that you find the information in this newsletter helpful as you prepare for the start of the school year. We also invite you to visit the GCCISD web site at for more details on dress codes, school supply lists, parent orientation dates, and other subjects of interest to parents and students. We welcome your attendance at our Board meetings, which are held at the Administration Building, 4544 Interstate 10 East. Regular meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6:30 p.m., and agendas are posted on the GCCISD web site each Friday prior to the meeting. For more information about the Board or our meetings, please contact Noemi Garcia in the Superintendent s Office, Sales Tax Holiday is Aug In 2012, Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales taxes on Aug. 17, 18 and 19 the state s annual tax holiday. As in previous years, the law exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100 from sales and use taxes, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend. Retailers will not be required to collect state and local sales or use tax on most footwear and clothing that are sold for less than $100 during the holiday. The exemption applies to each eligible item that sells for less than $100, regardless of how many items are sold on the same invoice to a customer. For example, if a customer purchases two shirts for $80 each, then both items qualify for the exemption, even though the customer s total purchase price ($160) exceeds $ The exemption does not apply to the first $99.99 of an otherwise eligible item that sells for more than $ For example, if a customer purchases a pair of pants that costs $110, then sales tax is due on the entire $110. Backpacks under $100 and used by elementary and secondary students are exempt. The exemption during the sales tax holiday includes backpacks with wheels, provided they can also be worn on the back like a traditional backpack, and messenger bags. Texas families also get a sales tax break on most school supplies priced at less than $100 purchased for use by a student in an elementary or secondary school.

6 6 GCCISD Back to School STAAR is new state-mandated test in schools Students in third through ninth grades will take the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, which encompasses a variety of changes, compared to previous tests, including the level of rigor and the way the test is administered. STAAR testing replaces the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). The STAAR program at grades 3 8 will assess the same subjects and grades that were assessed on TAKS. At high school, however, grade-specific assessments will be replaced with 12 end-of-course (EOC) assessments: Algebra I, geometry, Algebra II, biology, chemistry, physics, English I, English II, English III, world geography, world Goose Creek CISD will continue to use the Immediate Response Information System (IRIS) to relay important information to parents and employees during the school year. Parent contact information (such as home and cell phone, address, etc.) will be acquired electronically from student files. In case of an emergency in which school would be closed, alerts would be sent to each one of the contact addresses to help ensure that parents receive word that classes are canceled. District employees also will receive emergency closing announcements and important reminders through IRIS. Pete Côté, Executive Director for Support Services and Special Projects, explained that the system would be particularly helpful if the area experienced another IRIS ALERT history, and U.S. history. According to the Texas Education Agency, this rigorous program will focus on academic growth and college readiness. The most significant changes in the move to STAAR are an increase of rigor of both the assessments and the performance standards for all grades, subjects, and courses in comparison to previous standardized testing. Elementary and middle school students will be tested in the same subjects they previously tested under the TAKS test. However, at the high school level, 12 end-of-course assessments will replace the standard grade-specific tests. In Grades 3-8, students will test in reading and mathematics each year. In Grades 4 and 7, students will test in writing. In Grades 5 and 8, students will test in science. Finally in Grade 8, students will test in social studies. Under the new STAAR tests, students will be subjected to a time limit of four hours unless the student is eligible for an accommodation. Campuses and districts will no longer be rated Exemplary, Recognized, Acceptable and Unacceptable. With the STAAR, all will be rated either Acceptable or Unacceptable. For more information about the STAAR test, please see the Goose Creek CISD website at IRIS to relay information mandatory evacuation, such as during Hurricane Ike in Because the system is programmed to call the parent s cell phone or alternate contact phone number, parents would receive important information about the status of school closings even while they are away from their homes. Principals also will have the opportunity to contact parents through IRIS with important reminders or information about activities at the campus. An IRIS message about an emergency weather closure, for example, would be sent to all of a parent s contact numbers, while a reminder about a campus open house might be sent only to the primary phone number. We would really appreciate the help of parents in making sure that they have correct phone numbers on file at their children s schools, Côté said. This will enable the IRIS system to reach them with important information, which is particularly helpful if we are facing an emergency situation. A test message will be sent to all parents and employees currently in the district s system at the start of school. For more information about IRIS, visit the web site at Tips from parents to parents helping students 10 tips to help kids do better in school: 1. Ask your students if they have homework, and don t believe them when they say no. 2. Make sure you give good phone numbers to the teachers. 3. Visit the school and meet your child s teacher(s). Get to know the teachers and staff, and they will be more likely to contact you if there is an issue. 4. Manage your child s television time and have him/her read to you at night. 5. Buy boys pants that fit. A lot of time is wasted telling them to pull them up. 6. Be respectful and honest in front of the teacher and at home, and your children are more likely to follow suit. 7. Don t try to give too much information to the teacher at Meet the Teacher night during the first week of school. Provide contact information in writing, and then schedule an appointment to discuss your child. 8. Monitor your child s cellphone use and explain the importance of having the phone turned off during school. Don t text or call your children during school hours because they will get in trouble. Call the office if you have an emergency. 9. Teach your children to use a planner. They often include a packing list for what to take home, a to-do list once a student gets home and a list of what should come back to school the next day. 10. Exchange addresses with your child s teachers, who can type quick notes to keep parents informed as issues arise. Parent Portal Goose Creek CISD s Parent Portal gives you, the parent, an ability to view your child s attendance and grades, teachers, create notifications, and more. The goal of the Parent Portal is to create a better partnership and dialogue between Goose Creek CISD parents and teachers. We hope that you will use it regularly and become a partner with us in your child s education. If you have problems accessing Parent Portal, contact the Campus Technology Specialist at the school where your child attends. Website a wealth of information The Goose Creek CISD website was designed with student, parent and community input. Within the site s pages is a wealth of information hopefully beneficial to district parents, residents, and potential newcomers to our schools. The District will continue to update and improve this website as it is another important tool in the district s overall communication. Also, be sure to sign up for Goose Creek CISD s electronic monthly newsletter, the Goose Creek Journal, for full coverage of all Goose Creek CISD news. To sign up, go to and look for the newsletter icon. Did You Know? There is a computer at each campus reserved for parents to use during school hours. Campus computers can be used for accessing the district and campus websites or for other school purposes only.

7 GCCISD Back to School 7 Elementary, secondary teachers of year talk importance of parental involvement Goose Creek CISD 2012 Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year express how important parental involvement is, both in the classroom and at home. Becoming involved in your child s education is an effective way of learning for both parent and child. The success and willingness of children to learn stems from their parents and the foundation they set for them to follow. Roseanna Henrichsen is the 2012 Elementary Teacher of the Year for Goose Creek CISD. Mrs. Henrichsen, who retired in June, taught kindergarten at Austin Elementary since She is a product of Baytown schools having attended Highlands Elementary, Highlands Junior School, and Sterling High School. She was a charter member of the Sterling Stars. Mrs. Henrichsen says that by spending quality time with your child you are investing in their future, creating an influential factor in your child s success. If I could give parents one piece of advice, it would be to spend some alone time with each of your children every day. With work, school, sports, dance lessons, and all the other daily activities, families often struggle to make a connection with one another. Just a few minutes of conversation at dinner or bedtime can give your child an opportunity to communicate his needs, problems, successes, and other pressing matters. One fun activity at dinner is to have everyone, including adults, tell one good thing and one bad thing that happened to them that day. Sometimes a teenager will talk to mom or dad while riding in the car because he may need to speak privately or he may not want to make eye contact. The important thing is listening with your ears and your heart. Don t ever let those lines of communication close down. Children need to be heard. Debbie Himsel was chosen as the 2012 Secondary Teacher of the Year for Goose Creek CISD. Mrs. Himsel is a health science technology teacher at Goose Creek Memorial High School. She has taught there since 2008 after spending a year teaching fourth grade at Victoria Walker Elementary School. She also taught elementary school at a pair of private school for nine years. As a parent of grown children who now enjoys the blessings of five grandchildren, Mrs. Himsel offers parents a Top Ten list. 10. Set standards of excellence, not perfection. Each child is unique with special gifts. It is our job as parents to discern those bents and provide the nurture and environment for them to blossom. We must Roseanna Henrichsen of Stephen F. Austin was named Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Debbie Himsel of Goose Creek Memorial High has been named secondary Teacher of the Year for Goose Creek CISD. also allow them the freedom to fail because mistakes provide opportunities to learn. If you re reading this with the help of electric lights, thank Thomas Edison for his many mistakes. And if you enjoy living in America, thank Christopher Columbus for accidentally bumping into here on his way to China. Many achievements and discoveries have been born through failure. 9. Read to your children; read with your children; and listen to your child read. Reading aloud should be routinely heard in your home. Set the example by choosing a book or magazine over television, and make sure interesting books and magazines are available to your children. Our school libraries and public library are wonderful resources. Not only is reading fundamental to education, it is the key to life. Just ask Dr. Ben Carson, Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He was called the dumbest kid in school with failing grades until the fifth grade when his mother sent him to the library and made him read and write two book reports a week because she knew he was capable. She also knew that was the only way her son was going to escape his confined inner city life and explore new worlds. She had no idea how far he would go, but she knew what the beginning should be. The rest is history. 8. Decrease your own time and your children s time in front of the television during the school week, and spend the time in other more productive ways, like playing board games together, working on a hobby, playing catch, or just chatting about the day s events. You d be surprised how your time together translates into motivation in the classroom. A bonus is that your home may become the one your kids friends want to hang out at because you as parents make time for them. 7. Listen to your child. Lecture less and listen more. Ask questions that require more than a yes or no answer. Find out what s going on in their heads. You just might find a wonderful new perspective and realize more than ever the wonderful gift you ve been given. 6. Teach your children manners. Please and thank you are always in style. The saying, Nice guys finish last, is not true. Nice guys are winners in life before they ever start. 5. Make it clear to your children what your rules and expectations are, and then be consistent. Children, even teenagers, really do want set boundaries because like it or not, they provide security. Just as rails on a bridge provide a secure feeling for the driver, boundaries send a clear message that the parent cares and wants his child to be safe and feel secure as they learn and explore their world. 4. Don t give your child everything he wants, or he will expect things without effort on his part. Certainly give presents for special occasions, but help your child learn the value of working for something he really wants. He ll be more appreciative and value it more in the long run, and he will learn to correlate this to grades in school and success in life. 3. Teach your children right from wrong, and then set the example. Mean what you say, and say what you mean. Keep your promises, and be willing to say I m sorry when warranted. 2. Teach your children that everyone is important and worthy of respect, no matter his or her race, religion, job, or status in life. Find out about other people, their customs and cultures, and learn to recognize our similarities and appreciate our differences. We can all gain much from each other. 1. Time is the most important thing you can spend on your children. Cherish it. Celebrate birthdays and holidays as well as small accomplishments. Parenthood is often exhausting, but the rewards are blessings that last forever. The days are long, but the years are short. Trace Adkins song will one day ring true, You re gonna miss this. You re gonna wish these days hadn t gone by so fast. These are some good times, so take a good look around. You may not know it now, but you re gonna miss this. Top teachers talk teamwork Goose Creek CISD s top teachers express the importance of parents taking an active interest in their children s education and school life. By becoming a part of their child s school well-being they become primary factors that contribute to student s success. Each year, campus Teachers of the Year are asked: If you could talk to all parents of school-age children, what would be your message? Their answers all correlate back to becoming highly involved in the education of your child. Stay Involved. Parents should be involved in their child s school, community, as well as their course work. Children that have a strong support system at home, in all three of the areas previously mentioned, will have the greatest chance for success. Matthew Barnett, Baytown Junior First, establish a good Parent/ Child relationship at home with your children. Know what s going on with your children at all times. Get involved and make your children understand that they need to be responsible for their actions and be accountable especially in their school work everyday. If you teach the basics at home, respect for themselves and others, hopefully they will absorb it and it will carry over in every aspect of their lives. Eva Bradford, Highlands Junior A message I would like all parents to receive is how much teachers appreciate the time spent with their children building relationships and encouraging success at school. Just as parents count on their children s teachers to do all they can to support their child s learning and development in all areas, teachers also count on parents to do the same. I would encourage all parents to spend time daily reviewing their child s school day with them, discussing what went well as well as what needs to be worked on or improved. A parent might begin by saying, Tell me two things that went great today! With families being so busy with work and many parents going to school themselves, it is important to remember to take the time to stay informed and to take advantage of the time we do have with our children and put them first. Joyce Kell, Lorenzo De Zavala

8 8 GCCISD Back to School Special education guidelines The Goose Creek CISD Department of Special Education complies with all state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the confidentiality of personally identifiable information contained in student records. Parents or adult students have the right to: Receive a list of the type and location of the student s educational records which are collected, maintained, or used by the school. Inspect and review all educational records kept about the student without unnecessary delay and before any meeting regarding an IEP or hearing and in no case more than 45 days after the request. Have copies of the student s educational records made. The school may charge a reasonable fee for copying the records but may not charge for locating or gathering records. Request that the school provide copies of educational records without charge if charging a fee would prevent them from exercising their right to review the educational records. Have school personnel explain or interpret any item in the student s educational records. See a list of those persons, other than parents or authorized school employees, who have the student s educational records and the purpose for access. Request a change in the student s educational records if a statement is wrong or misleading. If the school refuses to change the statement, the parent or adult student has a right to a hearing to determine whether the educational records should be changed. Be notified by the school when the student s educational records are no longer needed to provide educational services and, after receiving this notice, request the destruction of any personally identifiable information contained in those records. Parents and adult disabled students also have the right to file a complaint concerning a perceived failure by the district to comply with confidentiality regulations. The special education records of a student with a disability will be routinely destroyed if seven years have elapsed since the student received special education services, and there is no outstanding request to examine the records. A parent or adult student may want to request a copy of these records from the Special Education Department since these records may be useful for Social Security or other purposes. Services for disabled children offered Goose Creek CISD is mandated under federal law to locate, evaluate, identify, and provide services to all children who are between the ages of birth and 21 and may have a disability. A full continuum of services is offered for eligible students who reside within the school district boundaries or attend a school that is located within the GCCISD boundaries. Upon his or her third birthday, a child identified with a disability (as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) may begin receiving special education services based on educational need and as specified in an Individual Education Program. These may include such services as speech therapy or placement into a Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD). The PPCD program is a special education program that is designed to promote language development and communication skills, improve gross and fine motor skills, and develop socially appropriate behavior. PPCD is available to children with disabilities who are ages 3 through 5. Children who are hearing or visually impaired may begin receiving services through the public schools from birth. The GCCISD special education department will continue to provide parent support through various educational programs and classes. For more information, call the GCCISD Special Education Department at Dual enrollment opportunities The Partnership Lee College and GCCISD are committed to providing the best educational opportunities for students in the Baytown/Highlands area. Therefore, these two institutions have created a partnership which will give GCCISD students the opportunity to get ahead in college. This progressive approach will allow students to save time and money as they pursue their educational and career goals. What is Dual Enrollment? Dual Enrollment is a program that allows high school juniors and seniors to begin their college education prior to graduation. Eligible students are able to enroll into approved college courses, and upon completion, students will receive both college credit and fulfill high school graduation requirements. Why should I take advantage of this opportunity? Dual enrollment students are not only able to get a head start in their college education, but they are able to gain valuable experiences. Students will receive their initial glimpse into what college life is like. Students will also be able to take college courses at a fraction of the cost of most colleges and universities. Early College High School IMPACT Early College High School engages students in a rigorous and supportive academic program of study that blends high school and college work with the goal that students will graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree or 60 college credit hours toward a baccalaureate degree tuition free. This partnership with Lee College targets first-generation college goers, English language learners, students at risk of not graduating, and other young people underrepresented in higher education. IMPACT is an acronym for Intelligent Minds Participating in Acts of Courageous Talent. The school opened Student handbooks online In an effort to be more environmentally friendly and to save money, Goose Creek CISD has decided to put the student/parent handbook online. Instead of handing out handbooks to students on the first day of class, access to it will now be available on the Internet, in both English and Spanish. Printed copies of the handbook will still be available per request of the parent. Also, all campuses have a computer for parents to access the online student handbook. Students will receive copies of the consent forms to be sent home that require a parent or guardian signature. With the handbook being available online, it will offer a faster way to have access to the resource that provides basic information needed during the school year. Please return textbooks Goose Creek CISD parents are encouraged to return, to their child s school, any textbooks that were not turned in at the end of the school year. Textbooks may be taken to the campus office so that students receive credit for turning them in. GCCISD encourages parents and students to help make the district s dollars go further by returning all textbooks. Books that are not returned are considered missing by the state, and each campus must reimburse the state for missing textbooks, with the average cost of a textbook at $55. For more information, call Student random drug-testing program Goose Creek CISD has determined that the use of illegal drugs and alcohol is a concern with high school-age students within the Goose Creek community. As an integral part of the community, the district has taken a leadership role and has implemented a Board-approved Goose Creek CISD Random Drug-Testing Program. This program is for students in grades 9-12 as a condition for their participation in school-sponsored extracurricular activities and as a condition of obtaining and maintaining a permit to drive/park on a Goose Creek CISD campus. Both the parent and student must sign the consent form authorizing the student s participation in the district s drug-testing program. Information regarding details of the Goose Creek CISD s Student Random Drug Testing Program can be obtained through the principal s office.

9 GCCISD Back to School 9 School volunteers required to participate in background checks With the safety of all students a top priority, Goose Creek CISD requires all school volunteers to consent to criminal history checks annually. This procedure, which is also completed with all new employees, helps to ensure that the schools are safe environments for learning. Volunteers are a valuable part of our students educational success, and we ve asked that they join with us in this effort to protect our children, said Susan Moore-Fontenot, director of personnel. Security in our schools is a very real concern for educators, and this is just one more measure that we can take to make certain that our classrooms are safe. Information about the criminal history search and a consent form will be sent home with students during the first week of school for all parents who are interested in volunteering. The criminal history forms must be completed online at the District s website ( Each school site has a computer available to parents and citizens for completing the online criminal history form. For more information, call the Personnel Office at School clothing program helps district families in need The Goose Creek CISD School Clothing Program and the support of area organizations will once again make new school clothes a possibility for families in need. The School Clothing Program, funded by the United Way and contributions from area organizations and individuals and implemented by Baytown Resource and Assistance Center, offers vouchers for parents who need financial help to provide clothing for their elementary-age children. Parents must present proof of need, such as benefits from Medicaid or AFDC, and a picture ID. On Aug. 24, Goose Creek CISD counselors will be at each of the district s elementary campuses to distribute vouchers. This is the only day before school starts that these vouchers will be distributed. Those who have received help through the School Clothing Program have expressed their appreciation for the district s support as well as that of the United Way and contributors, such as the Service League of Baytown, Junior Forum, Baytown Olefins Plant, and community members. Because of the ongoing need, the program welcomes donations at any time. Donations can be made to Baytown Resource and Assistance Center at P.O. Box 425, Baytown, TX, or in person to BRAC at 5309 Decker Drive. For information, call your child s school counselor. BPD to rigorously enforce school zones With the beginning of a new school year, the Baytown Police Department is reminding drivers that children will soon head back to the classroom. That means more pedestrian and bicycle traffic, more school buses on the road, and reduced speed school zones in effect at all area schools. Drivers should just use common sense and be alert when driving in neighborhoods and around schools. Children sometimes become distracted and aren t paying attention to the traffic, especially when they are running to their parents cars or talking with friends. Most Baytown school zones have a posted speed of 20 mph, but the speed can vary in some zones. Drivers should pay attention to all posted speeds and follow any directives issued by police or crossing guards. Those who break the law can expect the fines to be steep. Both are Class C misdemeanors, with fines of up to $500. Cell phones & school zones A 2009 Texas law prohibits the use of cell phones by drivers navigating a school zone, unless the phone is used with a hands-free device or while the car is stopped. Bus drivers will also be prohibited from using their cell phones while driving minor passengers unless the bus is stopped. Violators will be subject to a fine of up to $200. Stopping for school buses The policies and laws regarding stopping for a school bus can often be confusing. At Goose Creek CISD, we want to make sure our children are safe at all times while at the same time making sure drivers are aware of what they should and should not be doing regarding stopping for a school bus. In Texas, the law states that a driver must stop for flashing red lights on a school bus, regardless of which direction you are headed. Once the bus has moved, the flashing lights stop flashing, or the bus driver signals it is okay to pass is when you can continue on. Violations can lead to a $1,000 fine. The only exception is when there is a physical median present; it is then not required by law to stop for the school bus on the opposite side of the road. However, left turn lanes do not count as medians. For example, in Baytown a driver would have to stop for a student being dropped off on either side of Garth Road because there is no physical median present to separate the traffic. School buses are a safe mode of transportation. The majority of injuries are caused because motorists do not use caution. Some safety tips for motorists include: obey the posted speed limit, keep an eye on children gathered at bus stops, and watch for children who might dart across the street to catch the bus. Also be aware that fines double in school zones. Drivers are held accountable and responsible to follow the law and use caution to avoid hitting children crossing the street of boarding and unloading school buses. District provides transportation Transportation is provided for Goose Creek CISD students who live two or more miles from the school they attend or for students who would encounter hazardous conditions on the way to school, as defined by the Texas Education Agency and District guidelines. Goose Creek CISD bus drivers are only permitted to stop at designated stops. Bus routes are created to enhance student safety while maximizing vehicle efficiency. When possible, stops are created that allow students to wait off the main roadway for the bus. Stops are also created to minimize students walking on highly traveled roadways for long distances without sidewalks. Stops are generally not placed on dead-end streets so to minimize bus accidents while backing up the bus. Stops are spread as far apart as criteria will allow decreasing the number of stops each bus will make on its route, thus minimizing the overall riding time for the students. Busing information for eligible riders will be mailed to students homes the week of August 13 through August 17. Parents who do not receive this information by August 21 should contact their child s school for details.

10 10 GCCISD Back to School ross s. sterling High School Day Date Opponent Site Stadium Time Friday Aug. 31 Robert E. Lee Home Stallworth 7:00 Friday Sept. 7 Clear Falls Away District 6:00 Stadium Friday Sept. 14 Clear Lake Home Stallworth 7:00 Friday Sept. 21 Clear Creek Home Stallworth 7:00 Friday Sept. 28 La Porte * Away Bulldog 7:00 Thursday Oct. 4 Deer Park * (PN) Home Stallworth 7:00 Friday Oct. 12 Channelview * Away Channelview 7:00 Thursday Oct. 18 North Shore * Home Stallworth 7:00 Friday Oct. 26 Port Arthur Memorial * Away Memorial 7:00 Friday Nov. 2 Open Friday Nov. 9 West Brook * (HC) Home Stallworth 7:00 Goose creek memorial High School Day Date Opponent Site Stadium Time Thursday Aug. 30 Lumberton Home Stallworth 7:00 Friday Sept. 7 Nederland Away Nederland 7:00 Friday Sept. 14 George Ranch Away Richmond 7:00 Friday Sept. 21 Open Friday Sept. 28 Texas City * Away Texas City 7:00 Friday Oct. 5 Robert E. Lee * Home Stallworth 7:00 Friday Oct. 12 Pearland Dawson * Home Stallworth 7:00 Friday Oct. 19 Friendswood * Away Friendswood 7:00 Friday Oct. 26 Galveston Ball * (HC) Home Stallworth 7:00 Friday Nov. 2 Galena Park * Away GPISD 7:00 Stadium Thursday Nov. 8 Santa Fe * (PN) Home Stallworth 7:00 Robert E. Lee High School Day Date Opponent Site Stadium Time Friday Aug. 31 Ross S. Sterling Away Stallworth 7:00 Friday Sept. 7 Sam Rayburn Home Stallworth 7:00 Saturday Sept. 15 Spring Woods Home Stallworth 7:00 Friday Sept. 21 Open Friday Sept. 28 Galveston Ball * (HC) Home Stallworth 7:00 Friday Oct. 5 Goose Creek Memorial * Away Stallworth 7:00 Thursday Oct. 11 Galena Park * Away GPISD 7:00 Stadium Friday Oct. 19 Pearland Dawson * Home Stallworth 7:00 Friday Oct. 26 Santa Fe * Away Santa Fe 7:00 Friday Nov. 2 Friendswood * (PN) Home Stallworth 7:00 Friday Nov. 9 Texas City * Away Texas City 7:00 *District game Home games in bold type (HC) Homecoming Football season kicks off Aug. 30; buy tickets now Season tickets for this year s Ross S. Sterling, Robert E. Lee, and Goose Creek Memorial home football games are on sale through August 16 at the Goose Creek CISD Athletic Office, located in the Goose Creek CISD Administration Building, at 4544 I-10 East. Owners of season tickets during the 2012 football season have until August 3 to renew their ticket order for Season tickets not renewed by the Aug. 3 deadline can be released for sale to the general public. The cost of season ticket booklets will vary by school according to the number of games played at Stallworth Stadium. The 2012 booklet prices are as follows: Ross S. Sterling - $30 per booklet (6 games) Robert E. Lee - $35 per booklet (7 games) Goose Creek Memorial - $25 per booklet (5 games) The six games included in the Sterling High School season ticket booklet will be against Robert E. Lee, Clear Lake, Clear Creek, Deer Park, North Shore, and West Brook. Home games included in the Robert E. Lee booklet will be against Sterling, Sam Rayburn, Spring Woods, Galveston Ball, Goose Creek Memorial, Pearland Dawson, and Friendswood. Goose Creek Memorial home games are against Lumberton, Robert E. Lee, Pearland Dawson, Galveston Ball, and Santa Fe. Individual game tickets for all three high schools will be available each week throughout the season. Individual game tickets are sold only for the games being played that week. Ticket outlets for individual home game tickets include the three Goose Creek CISD high schools and the Goose Creek CISD Athletic Office. Individual game tickets for games at Stallworth Stadium that are purchased during the week of the game will cost $6 for reserved seats, $6 for adult general admission, and $3 for student general admission (grades kindergarten through 12). All tickets sold at Stallworth Stadium will be $7. The senior citizen Gold Card may be used for complimentary general admission at any regular season home athletic event in Goose Creek CISD. Gold Cards are available at the Administration Building front desk to any Goose Creek CISD resident age 65 and over. Thursday and Friday games at Stallworth Stadium will begin at 7 p.m. Starting times for all Saturday games and other non-district contests are set by the host teams, and fans should note kick off times for these games may differ from Baytown start times. Dates and times are subject to change; check the Goose Creek CISD website for updated schedules. For more information regarding football tickets, please call the Athletic Office at

11 GCCISD Back to School 11 FAQ Frequently Asked Questions The cafeterias are ready to serve Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District offers healthy meals every school day. Goose Creek CISD s School Nutrition Services Department is preparing for the school year and is ready to offer nutritious meals throughout the district. The Management Team is at your service. Natalie Edwards is the School Nutrition Services Director. There are two Assistant School Nutrition Services Directors: Becky Campbell and David Moynihan, and three Supervisors: Dina McCartney, Suellen Lambert, and Daisy Garcia to ensure that student needs are met. Becky Campbell and Suellen Lambert can assist with menu and nutrition information. Meal prices are as follows: Breakfast Lunch Full Price $0.75 $1.80 Reduced Price $0.30 $0.40 Elementary Students Full Price $0.75 $1.60 Reduced Price $0.30 $0.40 Adults Regular $1.30 $2.75 Visitor $1.30 $2.75 Prepaid Accounts All school cafeterias use a computerized point of sale accounting system. Students are issued an identification card that is used when they make purchases in the cafeteria. Purchases may be made on a daily basis, or a prepaid account may be established for more efficient purchasing. Parents are encouraged to use the prepaid accounts for the following reasons: Increased efficiency gives students more time to eat their meals. Students do not have to worry about bringing money to school or losing it before they reach the cafeteria. Parents may deposit any amount into the child s account, and the system deducts purchases made by the student. Account balances from the previous school year automatically carry over to the next year. Parents may request a printout of their child s purchases at any time. Parents may make prepayments for all of their children with one check to one campus cafeteria, even if the children are enrolled at different Goose Creek CISD campuses. Parents have the opportunity to pay for their children s lunches online through the Lunch Money Now service on the GCCISD web site, In addition to depositing funds into their child s account, parents can review recent purchases and see details about their food service transactions from home or work. Emergency lunches are available for students who forget or lose their money, and the negative balance on their account will remain until payment is made. Students with outstanding balances exceeding three meals will lose the privilege of making food choices and be issued an alternate meal or sandwich until the debt is paid. The computerized system ensures student confidentiality. Students will not be identified as participating in the free or reduced-price meal program. Free and Reduced-Price Meals Some GCCISD students are eligible for free or reducedprice meals. Free or reduced price meals are provided to those children who qualify for such benefits according to specified family size and income standards. Students who were eligible for this program at the close of the school year will continue to be eligible until the new applications are processed or a maximum of 30 days. Families that participated in the program last year must re-apply for the school year. Parents of children enrolled in pre-kindergarten must complete an application prior to the first day of the school year. Students enrolling in Goose Creek CISD for the first time must also complete an application and receive approval prior to receiving benefits. The School Nutrition Services Department of Goose Creek CISD has implemented an online service for our district: MEAL APP NOW. MEAL APP NOW is a program that will permit parents to apply for free and reduced meals via the internet. The MEAL APP NOW site requires the creation of an account for electronic signature purposes. Depending on the circumstances of your household you may need your student s ID number and birth date, TANF/SNAP case number and household income. The site is secured with an extended validation secure sockets layer (ssl) certificate and all data is private and used only for the meal application process. Entering the application in MEAL APP NOW eliminates lost forms and provides the district immediate access to your completed application for prompt processing. You may gain access to MEAL APP NOW by going to the District web site ( to Departments, and then Food Services. Additional information and instructions on how to use the features of MEAL APP NOW are available by following the links on the web site. For more information, call your child s school or the Nutrition Services Department at Do I need to fill out an application for each child? No. Use one Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application for all students in your household. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. You may complete your application on-line or return the completed application to your school s front office or bring it to the following address: School Nutrition Services Department 2200 Market Street Baytown, Texas Who can get free meals? All children in households receiving benefits from Food Stamps and foster children can get free meals regardless of your income. Also, your children can get free meals if your household s gross income is within the free limits on the Federal Income Guidelines. Can homeless, runaway, and migrant children get free meals? If you haven t been told your children will get free meals, please call or the School Nutrition Services Office at (281) to see if they qualify. Who can get reduced price meals? Your children can get low cost meals if your household income is within the reduced price limits on the Federal Eligibility Income Chart. Should I fill out an application if I received a letter this school year saying my children are approved for free meals? Please read the letter you got carefully and follow the instructions. Call the School Nutrition Services Office at (281) if you have questions. My child s application was approved last year. Do I need to fill out another one? Yes. Your child s application is only good for that school year and for the first few days of this school year. You must send in a new application unless the school told you that your child is eligible for the new school year. I get WIC. Can my child(ren) get free meals? Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced price meals. Please fill out an application. Will the information I give be checked? Yes, and we may also ask you to send written proof. If I don t qualify now, may I apply later? Yes, you may apply at any time during the school year.

12 12 GCCISD Back to School dress and grooming standards Philosophy One of Goose Creek CISD s goals for ALL students is that they succeed both academically and socially and are prepared for the future upon graduation from high school. It is the philosophy of Goose Creek CISD that one s behavior, actions, and performance are affected by the way people dress. Appropriate student dress and grooming are important factors in the orderly operation of the schools. In the future, one certainly will have to follow rules, regulations, and dress codes of employers and some institutions of higher learning. Therefore, full cooperation between the home and school is expected. Violation of the dress code is a Level II offense, according to The Student Code of Conduct. Disciplinary action other than those listed in this policy and consistent with Level II disciplinary actions may be imposed for dress code violations. This dress code has been established to: Reflect the high standards of the community, adhering to good taste, modesty, and dignity; Create an atmosphere of respect for authority, safety, and good personal hygiene/grooming; Promote consistent standards of dress and grooming; and Reflect a sense of pride in self, one s academic achievements, one s school, and the District. The student and his/her parent(s) or guardian may determine the student s personal dress and grooming standards provided that the student s dress and grooming: Shall not lead school officials to reasonably believe that such dress or grooming will disrupt, interfere with, disturb, or detract from school activities; and Shall not create a health problem or safety hazard for the student or others. Using the following guidelines, school administrators, with the input and support of faculty members, have the final decision in determining and enforcing acceptable student dress and grooming standards. The guidelines will be reviewed periodically to ensure that they continue to address the standards of the community and District. General Guidelines Students are not to wear clothing that is tight, loose, revealing, sagging, baggy, or short. Examples of unacceptable clothing according to this guideline include biker shorts, miniskirts, tank tops, backless apparel, midriffs, see-through clothing, and/ or deliberately cut or torn garments. Students are prohibited from wearing clothing with visual, written, or implied messages that are likely to disrupt the school environment. Examples of such prohibited visual, written, or implied messages include, but are not limited to, the following: drugs, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, violence, vulgar or obscene language, and/or insults to race, religion, gender, or ethnicity. An American flag or any state flag or facsimile thereof may not be attached on a garment, jewelry, or any other item in a disrespectful manner. Display of the Confederate battle flag is not permitted. Students are prohibited from wearing any form of dress or accessory identifying him or her as a member of or promoting a gang, cult, or other unauthorized student group or symbolizing the beliefs of such a group; i.e., territorial designations (zip codes, area codes, hometowns), or five- or six-point crowns, or designs or symbols identified by local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies and/or GCCISD. Clothing must be worn in the manner for which designed; clothing shall not be worn inside-out. Students must wear appropriate underclothing. Students may not wear pajama tops and/ or bottoms, house shoes, or slippers. Students in grades 2 through 12 must wear belts with pants that have belt loops. Students in grades 2 through 8 must tuck in all shirts, except sweatshirts and sweaters with a banded waist, at all times. Shirts that are insufficient in length to tuck in may not be worn. Students participating in school-related activities, such as extracurricular or UIL activities, may have a different dress or grooming code imposed. Specific Guidelines Blouses/Shirts Tank tops, backless apparel, halter tops, midriffs, muscle shirts, tops with straps less than two inches or three fingers wide (whichever is greatest), sleeveless tops that are revealing (deep or low-cut), see-through blouses, tube tops, and deliberately cut-off or torn shirts are not acceptable. Blouses covering tube tops must be buttoned so as not to reveal torso or shoulders. All shirts must be worn so as not to expose the bare chest. The midriff must not be exposed when a student goes through the normal activities of a school day (bending, stretching, reaching, etc.). Students in grades 2 through 8 must tuck in all shirts, except sweatshirts and sweaters with a banded waist, at all times. Shirts that are insufficient in length to tuck in may not be worn. Shorts / Skirts / Skorts Students are permitted to wear shorts and other garments that are of an appropriate and modest length. The standard of minimum length is at the fingertips when arms are at the side. Shorts must have a finished hem; jogging shorts, cut-offs, nylon shorts, biker shorts, wind shorts, or boxer shorts are not acceptable. If it is deemed that there has been disregard of the dress code guidelines outlined above, the privilege of wearing shorts may be revoked. Any student who violates this rule twice when wearing shorts will lose the privilege of wearing shorts for the remainder of the school year. Skirts/skorts shall preserve modesty and the hem may not be shorter than fingertip length when the student is standing. Slits, flaps, or other openings in skirts/skorts shall not be above fingertip length. Dresses Dresses must follow the same rule for length as described for skirts. Slits, flaps, or other openings in dresses shall not be above fingertip length when the student is standing. Dresses with straps less than two inches or three fingers wide (whichever is greatest) may not be worn. Dresses with spaghetti straps may not be worn. Pants / Belts Students are prohibited from wearing pants that present a safety and/or modesty issue. Pants must be worn at waist level at all times. Sagging pants shall not be allowed. See-through pants are not allowed. Overalls and suspenders, if worn, must be worn over both shoulders and buckled as designed. Students in grades 2 through 12 must wear belts with pants that have belt loops. Exposed undergarments are prohibited. Shoes/Footwear Footwear must be worn at all times. Shoes must be appropriate for school. In grades PK-8, footwear traditionally worn around the home (i.e., house shoes, slippers) or to the beach (i.e., flip flop design, water shoes, athletic sandals, etc.) is not permitted. In grades 9-12, footwear traditionally worn around the home (house shoes, slippers) is not permitted. The campus principal will determine the appropriateness of footwear worn by students. School District personnel will respond to changes, fads, etc., in shoes as appropriate. Colored Glasses/Sunglasses/Contacts Students shall not wear colored glasses, sunshades, or distracting contacts in the building. Hair/Eyebrows The student s hairstyle/color must not distract from or interfere with the learning environment. Hair must be neat, clean, well groomed, and out of the eyes. A student s bangs may not extend below the eyebrows at any time. Shaved lines in eyebrows will not be permitted. Letters, symbols, and designs beyond a single straight line which draw attention to an individual shall not be permitted. Extreme hairstyles, which include hair that is dyed (either partially or completely) an unnatural color (i.e., green, orange, etc.) or glittered will not be permitted. The administrator/supervisor reserves the right to determine if a hairstyle is disruptive to the educational process. Head Coverings No type of head covering, cap, or hat is to be worn or brought to school with the exception of approved school uniforms (i.e., ROTC or other extenuating circumstances with administrative approval). All other types of headwear worn or brought into the building will be confiscated and disciplinary action will be taken. Coats, jackets, sweaters, and sweatshirts that have an attached hood are allowed but the hood may not be worn inside the building at any time. Special days for headwear may be permitted by the campus principal. Jewelry Jewelry/accessories that are deemed noisy, distracting or unsafe may not be worn. Male students are not permitted to wear earrings or any other objects in the ear. No student shall be permitted to wear objects in or on other exposed body parts (i.e., nose, eyebrows, lips, tongue, etc.). No student shall be allowed to wear grills or any other unnecessary type of orthodontic device. Mustaches/Beards Mustaches may be worn as long as they are neatly trimmed and do not extend past the corners of the mouth. Sideburns shall be neatly trimmed and not extend past the earlobe. No other facial hair will be allowed. Tattoos Tattoos and/or any other drawings on the skin must be covered/removed. Dress and Grooming Violations Students who come to school in violation of the District and/or campus dress code will have the option of correcting the violation or being placed in In-School Suspension (at campuses with ISS) for the remainder of the day on a first offense. The second and subsequent violation(s) of the dress code will result in disciplinary action according to The Student Code of Conduct (Level II offense). In addition, parents may be asked to bring appropriate attire to school to assist in correcting the violation(s). Additional Dress Standards Individual campuses may develop and enforce additional dress and grooming guidelines that meet the standards of the campus. These guidelines may be more restrictive than those published above; however, these additional guidelines should adhere to the general guidelines stated above and be developed with the advice of a campus committee. The guidelines will be communicated to the students and parents in a timely manner.

13 GCCISD Back to School 13 Goose Creek School CISD-Based Clinic At San Jacinto Elementary 2706 Kentucky Baytown, Texas To Schedule an Appointment, call Operating Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Closed 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. for Lunch Harris County Department of Health-Immunization Schedule Baytown Health Center 1000 Lee Drive Immunization Schedule Monday 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. FEES ARE INCOME-BASED ON A SLIDING SCALE

14 14 GCCISD Back to School H URS High Elementary Schools Schools GCM, REL, RSS 7:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. IMPACT ECHS, POINT Alternative Center, and Peter E. Hyland Center 8 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. Junior Schools 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. SCHOOL Alamo, Ashbel Smith, Bowie, Carver, Lamar, and Victoria Walker 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Austin, Crockett, De Zavala, Harlem, Highlands, Hopper, San Jacinto, and Travis 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. SCHOOL HOURS In the event of an emergency situation or dangerous weather conditions, parents of Goose Creek CISD students should look for the latest information on the Goose Creek CISD web site at www. gccisd.net. Parents may also tune in to the following radio or television stations for information on alternate school locations or school closings: Instructional Calendar KTRH Radio/740 AM KXYZ Radio/1320 AM (Spanish) KILT Radio/610 AM & FM KQQK Radio/106.5 FM (Spanish) KWWJ Radio/1360 AM (Baytown) KSHN Radio/99.9 FM KPRC Channel 2 KTRK Channel 13 KHOU Channel 11 KTMD Channel 48 (Spanish) KRIV Channel 26 KXLN Channel 45 (Spanish) First Semester August 27-October days October 9-November days November 26-January days First Semester Total days Second Semester January 23-March days March 4-April days April 22-June days Second Semester Total days Days of Instruction days Staff Development Days Staff Development Exchange Days. 2 Teacher Workdays... 3 Contract Days days

15 GCCISD Back to School 15 Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District P.O. Box 30 Baytown, Texas All Goose Creek CISD phone numbers begin with 281 area code. CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION 4544 I-10 East Salvador Cavazos, Ph.D Superintendent of Schools Fax Byron Terrier, Ed.D Deputy Superintendent of Administrative Services Diana Maldonado Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Suzanne Heinrich Executive Director of School Administration Pete Côté Executive Director of Support Services and Special Projects Pete Pape Chief Financial Officer Kathy Clausen Director of Communications Patricia Bing, Ed.D Director of Student Services Karen Coffey Director of Intervention Programs Tom Ed Gooden Director of Athletics Christi Leath Director of Professional Development and Advanced Academics Holli Malloy Director of Curriculum and Instruction Bernard J. Cannariato, Ed. D Director of Personnel Susan Moore-Fontenot Director of Personnel Norma Picacio-Jones Director of Bilingual/ESL and Migrant Education Program Tim Vaughn Director of Fine Arts Janci Alexander Alfaro Director of Guidance and Counseling SERVICE CENTERS Facilities Management N. Main Fax David Fluker, Executive Director Maintenance/Construction N. Main Fax Operations N. Main Fax Herb Minyard, Director Print Shop Market St Fax Jodie Dean, Lead Technician Stallworth Stadium E. Archer TMS W. Baker Fax Frankie Jackson, Chief Technology Officer Transportation Lee Drive Fax Rick Walterscheid, Senior Director SERVICE CENTERS Food Services/Warehouse Market St Fax Natalie Bradford Edwards, Director Grounds N. Main Fax Herb Minyard, Director Security N. Main Fax Lupe Garza, Chief OTHER CAMPUSES John M. Stuart Career Center YMCA Drive Fax Renea Dillon, Director of Career and Technical Education POINT Alternative Center Jones Road, Highlands Gary Allen, Principal Special Education Admin San Jacinto Mall, Fax Suites Thomas R. Kelchner, Ed.D., Director HIGH SCHOOLS Goose Creek Memorial E. Wallisville Fax Michael Wahl, Principal Peter E. Hyland Center Decker Dr Fax Michelle Verdun, Principal IMPACT Early College High School at Lee College Lee Drive Fax Karen Smithson, Principal Robert E. Lee Market Fax Bruce Davis, Principal Ross S. Sterling W. Baker Road Fax Don Beck, Ed.D., Principal JUNIOR SCHOOLS Baytown Junior Bayway Drive Fax Juan Castillo, Principal Cedar Bayou Junior Elvinta Fax Greg Lynd, Principal George H. Gentry Junior E. Archer Fax Dave Gillings, Principal JUNIOR SCHOOLS Highlands Junior E. Wallisville, Highlands Fax Kevin Foxworth, Principal Horace Mann Junior S. Hwy Fax Michael Coopersmith, Ed.D., Principal ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Alamo at Kilgore YMCA Dr Fax Ronald Wyatt, Ed.D., Principal Stephen F. Austin Massey-Tompkins Fax Laura Smith, Principal James Bowie Clayton St Fax Jaime Lannou, Principal G. W. Carver S. Pruett Fax Rachel de Leon, Principal David Crockett Barkaloo Fax Susan Griffin, Principal Harlem I Fax Matthew Warford, Ed.D., Principal Highlands E. Wallisville, Highlands Fax Ruth Perrin, Principal Lorenzo De Zavala Tri-City Beach Fax Precious Reimonenq, Ed.D., Principal Bonnie P. Hopper Primary E. Houston, Highlands Fax Kami Hale, Principal Mirabeau B. Lamar N. Pruett Fax Rachelle Ysquierdo, Principal San Jacinto Virginia Fax Becky Robins, Principal Ashbel Smith E. James Fax Patricia Musick, Principal William B. Travis Robin Road Fax Karen Thomas, Principal Victoria Walker Seabird Fax Renee Meyer, Principal

16 16 GCCISD Back to School San Jacinto Elementary School home to hospital district clinic The Harris County Hospital District opened the Goose Creek CISD School-Based Clinic at San Jacinto Elementary School in The 3,000 square-foot clinic has six exam rooms. The clinic s pediatric providers care for newborns to teenagers up to 18 years old. It is open to all students in Baytown and beyond. The San Jacinto Elementary schoolbased clinic is linked with a Harris County Hospital District health center and staffed with an advanced practice nurse, a licensed vocational nurse, and a clinical clerical specialist. Legal Notices The school district absorbs the cost of electricity, telephone lines, and clinic space. In return, the school-based clinics provide a wealth of services to children who otherwise wouldn t have convenient access to healthcare. These services include well child exams, family education, evaluation and treatment of minor acute and chronic health problems, referrals, pharmacy services, basic lab procedures, vision/hearing screening, and immunizations. Goose Creek School-Based Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. To make an appointment, call Goose Creek CISD has six six-week grading periods with report cards distributed approximately one week after the close of each period. Parents of students who are failing at the middle of the six-week grading period will be sent a progress report from the teacher to make them aware of the problem. Parents are encouraged to call their child s school to arrange a conference with the teacher and/or to enroll the student in free tutorial services available. Grading Period Distribute Week Of 1st Six Weeks October 8 October 12 2nd Six Weeks November 19 November 23 3rd Six Weeks January 21 January 25 4th Six Weeks March 4 March 8 5th Six Weeks April 22 April 26 6th Six Weeks June 10 June 14 Public Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technical Education Programs GCCISD offers career and technical education programs in all 15 of the 16 state career clusters. Admission to these programs is based on interest and aptitude, age appropriateness, and class space availability. It is the policy of GCCISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. It is the policy of GCCISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. GCCISD will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all 504 Child Find Notice Pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the District has a duty to identify, refer, evaluate and if eligible, provide a free, appropriate public education to disabled students. For additional information about the rights of parents of eligible children, or for answers to any questions you might have about identification, evaluation and placement into Section 504 programs, please contact the District s Section 504 Coordinator Karen Coffey at or by mail at 4544 I-10 East, Baytown, Texas Aviso Sobre La Identificación de Estudiantes Incapacitados bajo la Sección 504 educational and vocational programs. For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact Renea Dillon, Director CTE, at 300 YMCA Dr. Baytown, TX , and/or the Section 504 Coordinator, Karen Coffey, at P.O. Box 22 Baytown, TX Notificación Pública de No Discriminación en Programas de Educación Profesional y Técnica GCCISD ofrece programas de educación profesional y técnica en todos los 15 de los 16 grupos de carreras del estado. La admisión a estos programas se basa en el interés y la aptitud, la edad apropiada, y la disponibilidad de espacio de la clase. Es la política de GCCISD de no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo o discapacidad en sus programas vocacionales, servicios o actividades de acuerdo al Titulo VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda, el Título IX de Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District 4544 Interstate 10 East P.O. Box 30 Baytown, Texas las Enmiendas de Educación de 1972 y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmendada. Es la política de GCCISD de no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, discapacidad, o edad, en su empleo de acuerdo al Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda, Titulo IX de la Enmiendas de Educación de 1972, la Ley de Discriminación por Edad de 1975, según enmendada, y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmendada. GCCISD tomará medidas para asegurar que la falta de conocimientos del idioma Inglés no será una barrera para la admisión y participación en todos los programas educativos y de formación profesional. Para más información sobre sus derechos o los procedimientos de queja, póngase en contacto con Renea Dillon, Director CTE, en 300 YMCA Dr. Baytown, TX , y/o el Coordinador de la Sección 504, Karen Coffey, al P.O. Box 22 Baytown, TX PRSRT. STD U.S. Postage PAID Baytown, Texas Permit No. 163 Bajo la Sección 504 del Decreto de Rehabilitación de 1973, el Distrito Escolar esta obligado a identificar, referir, evaluar, y proporcionar servicios educativos apropiados y gratuitos a estudiantes incapacitados que califican para recibir servicios bajo esta ley. Si usted desea mas información sobre los derechos de padres de niños incapacitados, o si tiene preguntas sobre la identificación, evaluación, y colocación de niños en el programa de Sección 504, favor de ponerse in contacto con el Coordinador de 504 del Distrito Karen Coffey al numero, o por correo a la siguiente dirección: 4544 I-10 East, Baytown, Texas Back to School Newsletter is a community newsletter published by the Communications Department to inform citizens about the Goose Creek CISD schools.