Policies & procedures: Rowlett High School

Attendance

RHS attendance personnel, student last names for which they are responsible, and their phone extensions are listed below. Lance Keating is the administrator over attendance.

Attendance Clerk	Alpha Assignment	Ext.	Other Responsibilities
Rita Oreamuno	A - L	62509	Field Trips
Anne Graves	M - Z	62511	VOE forms
Kami Birdsong	Lead	62510	Testing, Truancy, Attendance Issues
		62512	Vestibule, Late Arrivals & Early Departures

Attendance is imperative to ensure students’ academic success. Attendance is required to obtain and keep a parking permit, earn exemptions, qualify for senior release, and/or obtain or renew a driver’s license. Students who maintain perfect attendance are recognized each year. Seniors who have perfect attendance for all four years will receive a campus scholarship.

Tardies

Students are expected to be on time to school and class. Students have 5 minutes transition time between classes and 4 minutes during lunch. Failure to make it to class will result in an office referral and consequence. All tardies are considered unexcused unless the student has a pass from the office or clinic. Students that arrive later than 20 minutes to class will be marked absent. Please refer to section regarding Tardy Sweeps for more information.

Excused absences

When a student is absent for a class or for a day, one of the following is required: A note written and signed by the parents, verification provided by the doctor/dentist office, and/or a note from the agency visited or from the organization represented (court, religious holidays, university, etc.) Notes must be received by the Attendance Office within 3 days of the student returning to school. If it is not received within three days, the absence becomes an unexcused absence. Final discretion on excused or unexcused absences lies with the attendance administrator and/or principal. All other absences are unexcused.

Unexcused absences

Students who accrue 3 unexcused absences at any time during the school year will generate a warning letter which will be mailed home to the address on file. A phone call will be made the evening of which the warning letter was generated.

Students who accrue 10 or more unexcused absences will be subject to truancy court.

Any student who obtained an unexcused absence in any one class or more, will not qualify for exemptions at the end of the semester.

Any student, who arrives to school and is wanting to go home for illness after school has started, must be evaluated by a school nurse.

Loss of credit

The Loss of Credit (LOC) list shows any student who has accumulated 4 or more absences in a course and have fallen below the 90% state compulsory attendance law. Loss of credit means a student will not receive the ½ credit for the course due to too many absences. This could require the student to take the course again, even if they have a passing grade. Unfortunately, all absences (Excused, Unexcused) count toward loss of credit so, yes, 4 excused absences will cause a student to lose credit in a class.

Missing assignments due to absences

Students are responsible for obtaining and completing any assignments missed. Assignments may be requested by the parent upon the third consecutive day of absence and picked up in the counselor’s office on the following school day depending on the time of the request or you may contact teachers through the RHS web page.

Single period absences

If a student is flagged for a single period absence, the attendance office will contact the teacher to verify absence. If it has been determined that the student had an unexcused absence from that single period, the teacher will document the absence as “skipping” in an office referral.

Arrival & dismissal

If you don't arrive before 7:15 am, you may be tardy to first period. Please refer to the drop-off and pick-up procedures that are shown in the pictures below. Note that the procedures are different in the morning and afternoon. FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR STUDENTS, NO ONE IS EVER DROPPED OFF IN THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL OR IN THE STUDENT PARKING LOT!

Please be patient and kind during drop-off and pick-up, and study the images below to be prepared to follow the procedures. Please remember that Main Street between the round-about at Skyline Drive and the PGBT service road will allow eastbound traffic ONLY. This will remain in effect until the construction is complete.

Students should be dropped off in the back of the school. Students are not allowed to be dropped off or enter in the front. Students are expected to enter the building as soon as they arrive on campus. Students who plan to purchase breakfast should report to the cafeteria. All other students should report to the gym. Students must remain in these designated locations until the bell rings.

Students will not be allowed in hallways or classrooms before 7:25 a.m. without a note from a parent or teacher. Students may not loiter on the patio, around the portables, in the parking lot, or near the tennis courts before or after school. Students found in undesignated places may receive a disciplinary consequence. Students with parking passes are responsible for actions and activities near your vehicle. Consequences for inappropriate behavior could include removal of parking space.

All students must exit the building after school by 2:50 p.m. unless supervised by a faculty member in a tutoring session, practice, meeting, detention, etc. Students found in the building unsupervised after 2:50 p.m. will receive consequences. Students must be picked up in the back of the building by

3:10 p.m. each day.

Assemblies & presentations

Building security

Clinic

Chaperones & visitors

Persons interested in the opportunity to chaperone a field trip or school event, must complete the volunteer application and a criminal background check per district policy. This must be completed and checked before parents can chaperone and filed in the office by the deadline set by the district.

ALL visitors must enter through the front of the building and receive a visitor badge.

Deliveries

Discipline

Dress code

*Updated for the 2024-2025 School Year

To prepare students for a working environment with minimal distractions, students must comply with the dress and grooming code the moment they enter the campus.

See the RHS Student Dress Code (PDF) for examples of what is and is not appropriate.

Here are the expectations:

Tops	Tops must fully cover the stomach and back— No visible torso/midriff. No low-cut tops; no cleavage displayed. No spaghetti straps, halter tops, or racer-back shirts. Off-the-shoulder tops are NOT allowed. Tank tops must have a 2-inch-wide strap (the width of an ID) See-through tops are NOT allowed. If leggings/yoga pants/tights are worn, the shirt hem must fully cover the buttocks and front. No bodysuits may be worn. Sweatshirts, hoodies, jackets, coats, or other outer garments cannot cover inappropriate attire.
Bottoms	All bottoms may not be shorter than one ID length (3 inches) above the knee, in front and back. No rips or tears higher than one ID length (3 inches) above the knee, in front and back. Undergarments should NOT be visible. No bodysuits may be worn. See-through pants including but not limited to mesh/sheer/lace shorter than one ID length (3 inches) above the knee are not permitted. If leggings/yoga pants/tights are worn, the shirt hem must fully cover the buttocks and front.
Hats	Hats and caps are not permitted except on Fridays and announced spirit days. Hoodies are permitted as clothing, but hoods may NOT be worn on the head. Sunglasses are not allowed to be worn in the building.
Student ID	No student is allowed in the building at any time unless they are wearing an ID on a lanyard around their neck or clipped to their clothing. IDs must be visible at all times. (May NOT be attached to a backpack or bag) The first student ID will be provided at no charge Replacement IDs are $3.00, Lanyards are $2.00 If a student needs both, they will be charged $5.00. A $2.00-$5.00 charge will be entered into Skyward. They will be placed on the LOP (loss of privilege) list until it is paid. They can pay as soon as the next day in the Business Office.
Piercings/Jewelry/Hair	Please refer to the GISD Student Dress Code
General	Nighttime/bedtime attire or items, such as pajama tops or bottoms, robes, pillows, blankets, do-rags, bonnets, and house shoes will not be permitted. Apparel that advertises or depicts alcohol, drugs, nudity, tobacco products, any other substance prohibited under FNCF (Legal), violent or criminal themes, gang membership, obscene language, and obscene graphics, will not be permitted. Any disruptive or distractive mode of clothing or appearance that adversely impacts the educational process is prohibited. Jewelry that causes a distraction or that could be dangerous to the student or other individuals is prohibited (i.e. spiked/studded jewelry, chokers, dog collars, necklaces made out of safety pins or chain links, etc.)

Students can be referred at any time during the day if observed to violate the dress and grooming code policy. Students out of compliance will receive consequences according to the Student Code of Conduct and will be required to change clothes to comply with the dress code.

The final decision regarding appropriate dress and appearance shall rest with the administration. Failure to adhere to the dress and grooming code will result in disciplinary consequences. Excessive violations will be considered insubordination and result in an ISS placement.

Special Event Dress Code:

Homecoming

Homecoming Dress Code includes the Homecoming dance and special theme dress up days for the week.

Prom

Rowlett High School Prom Dress Code PDF

Headphones

Illegal substances & tobacco

Smoking, electronic cigarettes and/or possession of tobacco products are prohibited on campus at any time, including during extra-curricular activities. Prohibited tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, chewing tobacco including matches and/or lighters. It is against the law for minors to be in possession of tobacco products or smoking in a public place. Students in violation may be issued a ticket by the School Resource Officer for possession of tobacco and have school disciplinary consequences

Leaving campus

Students may only leave campus with an appropriate pass. Teacher passes are not acceptable. Students found returning to campus after leaving without permission from a campus administrator are subject to disciplinary consequences, including loss of parking permit, personal search, and vehicle search by a principal and SRO.

If students become ill at school, notification of parent and release from school must come from the clinic for the absence to be excused. If a student notifies parent and requests parent to pick student up from school, absence will be unexcused.

If a student must leave school during the school day, other than through the clinic, they must sign out at the Attendance office. The only excused reasons will be for court, doctor or dentist appointments. Proper documentation must follow.

Loss of credit

The Loss of Credit (LOC) list shows any student who has accumulated 5 or more absences in a course and have fallen below the 90% state compulsory attendance law. Loss of credit means a student will not receive the ½ credit for the course due to too many absences. This could require the student to take the course again, even if they have a passing grade. Unfortunately, all absences (Excused, Unexcused) count toward loss of credit so, yes, 5 excused absences will cause a student to lose credit in a class.

Loss of privilege

Lunch & cafeteria

Students must wear an ID and may only use their own account. Students are to remain seated, as well as, remain in the cafeteria during their designated lunch period. Students must remain in the school per district policy, RHS is a closed campus. Lunches may not be delivered to students. Non-students are not allowed on campus without prior approval. No fast food deliveries.

Staff in the cafeteria as a duty assignment are required to continuously move throughout the cafeteria, monitor student activity and are encouraged to engage with students.

For other questions related to lunch or school meals please refer to the district website.

Online Student Services requests

Parking Lot

ROWLETT HIGH SCHOOL - PARKING LOT EXPECTATIONS

Before you purchase a parking permit, know these expectations. Parking on campus is a privilege, not a right, and may be denied at the discretion of the Administration. By purchasing a parking permit ($25), you are stating your intention to attend school over 90% of the days, be on time on the days you attend school, to drive the vehicle you registered, and to follow the rules below. If your parking privileges are removed, NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN!

PARKING LOT VIOLATIONS: Violations may lead to loss of parking privileges/other disciplinary action:

1. Reckless driving. (Cutting across the lanes, excessive speed, cutting across the grass, riders on the outside of the vehicle). 2. Leaving campus, or attempting to leave campus, without permission from the office (vehicle will be searched). 3. Going to your car in the parking lot during the day without permission from the AP office (vehicle will be searched). 4. Parking in faculty parking or in the wrong space (see below).

5. Possession of tobacco/e-cig in the parking lot (even if 18 yrs old), or transporting someone in possession of tobacco/e-cig. 6. Fighting or encouraging others to fight in the parking lot, or loitering (not leaving in a reasonable time after school). 7. Disrespectful behavior toward the parking attendant or other school employees.

8. Failure to follow procedures when you drive a different car (see below).

9. Failure to have a parking permit permanently mounted on the window (inside the front windshield, the bottom of the passenger side).

10. Allowing others to use your space- - your privilege to park is non-transferable, not even to your siblings. 11. Failure to move your vehicle by 3:00 p.m., if your space is located on the marching band practice area. 12. Parking privileges may also be removed at the discretion of the principals, based on misconduct at school. 13. If you have an accident in the parking lot and don't have current insurance, your parking privilege will be withdrawn. 14. If you are an early graduate you must return your parking pass to the assistant principal’s office on your last day of class.

Two parking lot violations could result in loss of parking privileges in accordance with the student handbook.

CANINE SEARCHES

Random searches will be conducted by the canine unit. If a canine alerts on your vehicle, you will be called to the AP office and escorted to the parking lot. A trained canine officer will search your car for any prohibited substance. You will be held responsible for the contents of your vehicle!

WHAT IF I HAVE TO DRIVE A DIFFERENT CAR FROM THE ONE WITH THE PERMIT? (Rule # 8) If only temporarily, go to the AP office and fill out the “Temporary Parking” log sheet. You will print your name, ID number, and Parking Permit/Parking Space number on a list. This notifies them that the car in your space that day does belong there. If you have permanently changed cars, and need a new sticker, come to the Assistant Principal’s Office. You will need to bring the old sticker, or what you can of the old one, to get a replacement. If you are unable to bring in the old sticker you will need to purchase a new sticker. The charge is three dollars ($3.00).

IF SOMEONE HAS PARKED IN YOUR SPACE, do not simply take someone else’s space. Park in Row “M” (along the Main Street) and come immediately to the AP office. You will fill out the “Temporary Parking” log sheet and indicate that you are on row “M”. Parking Violators may have their vehicles towed or “booted.” The cost to have a “boot” removed is $20.00, and it is even more expensive to recover a vehicle that has been towed. The parking attendant will check a different section of the parking lot every day, to verify that each car has a permit and that the permit is on the correct, registered car.

ATTENDANCE EXPECTATIONS/ FINES AND PARKING PRIVILEGES

Parking privileges will be reviewed every nine weeks to make sure that those with parking privileges are attending school regularly and have no fines.

Loss of Credit (LOC)

The following policy will be in effect regarding Attendance and/or Loss of Credit (LOC).

1. If your name appears on the Loss of Credit (LOC) list at the end of a 9-week cycle and you do not show sufficient documentation of tutorial attendance on a “Principal’s Plan Tutorial Form” before the end of the first week of the following cycle, you will lose your parking privilege until such documentation is submitted to the Assistant Principal’s office.

__________Please initial to show you have read and agreed to the policies stated above:

Loss of Privilege (LOP); Fines List

The following policy will be in effect regarding Loss of Privilege (LOP) and/or Fines lists.

1. If your name appears on the LOP or Fines list at the end of a 9-week cycle and you do not clear this before the end of the first week of the following cycle, you will lose your parking privilege until your name has been cleared from the list.

__________Please initial to show you have read and agreed to the policies stated above:

TARDIES

The following policy will be in effect regarding tardies:

1. Three (3) A1/B5 (add both days together) tardies in a cycle will result in loss of parking privileges for the remainder of that cycle.

2. Five (5) A1/B5 tardies during a semester will result in loss of parking privileges for the remainder of that semester. 3. Seven (7) A1/B5 tardies during the school year will result in loss of parking privileges for the remainder of the school year.

4. Ten (10) A1/B5 tardies for the year will make you ineligible for parking privileges the following school year.

5. Any student who accumulates 10 or more total tardies, regardless of the class period(s), will lose parking privileges for the remainder of the school year. You MUST get to school/class on time to remain eligible to park on our campus!

WAITING LIST

You may only get your name on a waiting list if your attendance is in good standing. Students will be removed from the waiting list if they appear on the Loss of Credit or Fines List. Seniors on the waiting list will be given first priority. If you have been denied parking privileges, or lose them, you may only get your name on the waiting list if, at the end of a nine-week grading period, your name does not show up on a Loss of Credit or Fines List. Sign up in the Assistant Principals’ Office and this will be verified for you.

Passing periods

Students are to remain in the building during passing periods to travel from one class to another. Students may exit the building if they are scheduled to be at the field house, a portable classroom, leaving campus due to work or the GRCTC. Teacher presence is required in the hallways during passing periods to assist students. There should not be any loitering in the cafeteria, stairwells, hallways, etc.

Pep rallies

Personal Electronic Device Policy

revised 7-16-2024

PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY

Cell phones and other electronic devices play a major role in our daily lives, providing numerous conveniences. However, their presence in our classrooms negatively impacts students' ability to focus, complete assignments, and succeed academically. Studies show that constant cell phone distractions harm our brains, productivity, and relationships.

EXCELLENCE IN EVERYTHING: SHAPING FUTURE LEADERS

To prepare students for success in high school, college, and beyond, Rowlett High School will maintain a campus-wide personal electronic device policy. This policy aligns strictly with the GISD Personal Electronic Device Policy.

Students are not allowed to use or access their cell phones, personal electronic devices, earbuds, or headphones during class. Students will be permitted to wear only one earbud while in the hallways and common areas of the school.

Exceptions will be made for:

Earbuds/headphones needed for lesson plans
Students with 504, Special Education, and/or Dyslexia accommodations as documented in their IEP/IAP
Medically required orders by a doctor

Cell phones, personal electronic devices, and headphone usage for any other reason is prohibited. This policy aims to improve passing rates and overall student achievement.

Thank you for your support.

HOW WILL THIS BE IMPLEMENTED?

Upon entering every classroom on campus, students will retrieve their Chromebook, Chromebook charger, writing utensil/notebook, and any other instructional materials needed to be successful from their backpacks.
Then, they will place their backpack in a specified space determined by that classroom teacher. Students will have the choice to leave their cell phone, earbuds, and any other personal electronic device in the backpack OR put them in the locked “cell spa” that is attached to the wall of every classroom at RHS. Placing the backpack in the designated area, determined by the teacher is not optional. The cell phone/electronic device must be left inside the backpack that will be kept in a designated location in the classroom or locked in the “cell spa” for the entire class period.

NOTE:

Use of Electronic Devices such as electronic cigarettes and laser pointers is not permitted on campus. If a student is observed using one, a referral may be turned in to the office, and a consequence may be assigned. Laser pointers and electronic cigarettes are prohibited per the GISD student code of conduct.

NOTE: If a student is found to violate this policy and fails to follow the teacher’s initial attempt to redirect the behavior, a campus administrator will be notified immediately. The student’s device(s) will be confiscated according to the GISD Student Code of Conduct, and a parent will be notified.

The offense is not per class but cumulative. This means that the consequences or actions are based on the accumulation of offenses over time, rather than being evaluated on a per-class basis. (ie. Five offenses could occur in one day.)

Consequences and Fees will be as follows:

1st Offense:

Discipline Warning - The teacher documents the Classroom Incident in the Branching Minds Student Discipline System.
Students will be directed to place the electronic device in the appropriate location.
Refusal to follow the teacher’s directive will result in an administrator being contacted for disciplinary action.

2nd Offense:

Discipline Final Warning - The teacher documents the Classroom Incident in the Branching Minds Student Discipline System.
The device will be confiscated by the classroom teacher and placed in the Cell Spa for the remainder of the class or at the next class meeting if the incident occurs at the end of class.
Failure to relinquish the cell phone to the teacher will result in an administrator being contacted for disciplinary action.

3rd Offense:

Discipline Office Referral - The teacher writes an Office Referral and contacts administration.
The device is confiscated by an administrator and returned to the student at the end of the school day.
A parent will be notified of the final warning before the next steps of electronic device violation fees are assessed.

4th Offense:

Discipline Office Referral - The teacher writes an Office Referral and contacts administration.
$15 fee (may be paid immediately or added to the student’s Skyward account)
A parent or guardian must meet with a campus administrator to pick up the device.
Discipline Write-up, 1 day of In-School Suspension (Loss of 1 exam exemption in the Fall or Spring)

5th Offense:

Discipline Office Referral - The teacher writes an Office Referral and contacts administration.
$15 fee (may be paid immediately or added to the student’s Skyward account)
A parent or guardian must meet with a campus administrator to pick up the device.
Discipline Write-up, 3 days In-School Suspension (Loss of 3 exam exemptions in the Fall or Spring; Loss of Privilege)

Additional offenses will be considered an act of serious or persistent misbehavior and leveled-ISS sanctions will be meted out for an extended period. If a student refuses to comply with a request to surrender the device(s) to the campus administrator, rules governing serious or persistent misbehavior will apply as outlined on page 43 in the GISD Student Code of Conduct. We will continue to refer to and enforce GISD School Board Policy FNCE (Local) as described on pages 10 and 53 in the GISD Student Code of Conduct. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact a campus administrator at 972-463-1712 or email us at A009@garlandisd.net.

District Chromebooks- Students are responsible for school-issued Chromebooks and charging cords. Students must follow all acceptable use policies. Students are

responsible for any fees associated with the Chromebook. Technology devices are like any other school supply, being prepared for class means bringing the Chromebook to school each day and fully charged

Schedule changes

Schedule changes are made only after students have received permission from parents and the principal. Changes are permitted only in accordance with the stated student handbook policy. Moves from “AP/Pre-AP” classes to Regular classes will not be made. This policy was communicated early on as students and parents made ‘next year’ subject choices. Exceptions will only be made with Principal approval. Schedule changes will NOT be made the first two weeks of school, unless a student is missing a credit for graduation.

Searches

Random searches will be conducted periodically. The drug dog visits our campus randomly at least once a week. GISD and RHS officials will conduct random screenings, including using our portable metal detector. Lockers, backpacks, and cars parked within 300 feet of the campus are subject to search.

Students are responsible for any item found in the vehicle driven to school and will receive consequences regardless of whether the vehicle belongs to him/her.

Student IDs

For safety and security purposes, students must wear their ID around the neck during school hours. Students are not permitted to wear another students ID badge.

Students may obtain a replacement ID before and after school or during lunch.

Students without ID’s may not leave the classroom, unless called by the office.

Periodically, administration will conduct “sweeps” to ensure compliance with student ID policies. Students out of compliance will receive consequences according to the Student Code of Conduct. Excessive violations will be considered insubordination and result in an immediate ISS placement.

Special event dress code

Dress Code must be adhered to throughout the entire event. No jeans, sandals, flip flops, torn pants, shorts, or t-shirts. No facial piercings for males or females.

Males should dress in semi-formal wear: slacks, dress shirt, tie & nice shoes. Jackets and ties are encouraged, but not required.

Females should wear semi-formal attire or Sunday dress. Pantsuits and dress slacks are also acceptable.

Dresses must not be low cut in front or extremely low cut in back (opening in back must not fall below the waist).
Hemlines must fall to below the fingertips with shoulders at rest.
Skirts/dresses with multiple layers must have a solid layer that comes below the fingertips with shoulders at rest.
Slits in dresses must not be higher than below the fingertips with shoulders at rest.
Strapless and spaghetti straps will be permitted.
Extremely tight clothing and dresses/skirts that ride up to an inappropriate length when walking or dancing are not acceptable.
No see through attire, revealing cut-outs, or exposed midriffs.

*If you have questions about your dress for the dance, you need to get approval by an AP in the AP office.

RHS School Dress and Grooming Code applies to RHS students and their dates.

Tardies

Students are expected to be on time to school and class. Students have 5 minutes transition time between classes and 4 minutes during lunch. Failure to make it to class will result in an office referral and consequence. All tardies are considered unexcused unless the student has a pass from the office or clinic. Students that arrive later than 20 minutes to class will be marked absent.

Periodically, administration will conduct “sweeps” to ensure compliance with tardy policies. Students out of compliance will receive consequences according to the Student Code of Conduct. Excessive violations will be considered insubordination and result in an immediate ISS placement.

Policies & procedures

Campus Improvement Plan

Title I

District policies