2015-2016
COOPER
HIGH
SCHOOL
Parent
Handbook
Cougar Nation is a family that encourages social,
emotional and academic excellence by teaching mutual
respect, responsibility and accountability, to build present
and future leaders.
I am Cougar Nation!
You are Cougar Nation!
We are Cougar Nation!
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Welcome to Cooper High School! We are so excited that you are here this
year and look forward to working with you to strengthen Cooper’s tradition
of excellence and achievement. We want the students to excel in both their
extracurricular activities and their academics.
This handbook will cover some of the main policies and procedures
followed at Cooper. If you would like to review our full Cooper Handbook,
you may find it at www. abileneisd.org. Once you arrive at this page, look
at the drop down menu at the top of the page titled “select a school.”
From here you can choose Cooper High School from the drop-down menu.
This is an exciting year and we want you to be a part. Our faculty and staff
are eager to help your child achieve their goals. We are striving to create
a family community at Cooper and we want you to be part of that family.
We are a Cougar Nation dedicated to providing the best educational
experience possible for the students.
We look forward to working with you to make it the best school year ever!
Go Coogs!
Dr. Karen Munoz
CHS Principal
1
Hey Coogs!
As we’re starting this new school year, I want to encourage everyone to
get involved as much as possible! Be at every sports event, pep rally,
concert, play, whatever it is. And don’t just be there, GET INVOLVED!
This means not just going but investing yourself. You’d be surprised at
what getting involved can do for you. Stand up at pep rallies and games,
stay and tell your friends how awesome they did after concerts and
plays, and go to club meetings. This school year is going to be so
awesome and it can be even better if everyone would give a little extra
effort! Also remember to respect your teachers and turn your
assignments in on time! Remember that your time is what you make it.
I’m looking forward to making this school year awesome and hope you
are too!
Carlee Freeman
Student Body President
2
MISSION: Cougar Nation is a family that encourages social, emotional and
academic excellence by teaching mutual respect, responsibility and accountability, to
build present and future leaders.
MOTTO:
“Cougar Nation…Rise Up!
Respectful and responsible Individuals Supporting Each other
CHS School Song
CHS Fight Song
To Thee! C.H.S.
Go Cougars, Fight Cougars, Win!
To Thee! C.H.S Comrades Hail!
We Back Those Cougar Boys, They Go To
Our finest tribute we will not fail!
Cooper High. They’ll Never Let Us Down.
In honor and pride, we’re side by side.
We’ll fight With Might
Tho’ great the vict’ries, these shall prevail
The Red & Blue Tonight.
Grand Cooper High! Dearest and best!
They’ll Bring Us Victories.
Champion forever!
They Will Keep Us Tops
Thy faithful abound and swell this sound,
We’ve Got the Coach, the Team, the Pep,
Honor and pride,
and the Steam.
WE WILL NOT FAIL!
So Cougars Fight, Fight, Fight.
I Say Cougars Fight, Fight, Fight
School Colors
School Mascot
Scarlet and Air Force Blue
Cougar
3
PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW
Administrative Staff
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
PRINCIPAL
Dr. David Young
Dr. Karen Munoz
ADMINISTRATOR OF INSTRUCTION
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPALS
Amelia Siburt
Jay Ashby
9th GRADE ACADEMIC SPECIALIST
Andrew Prince
Stevanie Jackson
Glenn Bennett
ATHLETIC COORDINATOR
Stacy Evans
Todd Moebes
Tyler Edwards
NURSES
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
Melinda Willis
James Walker
Rebecca King
COUNSELORS
Linda Arrington
Tim Danley
STUDENT ASSISTANCE SERVICES
Ginger Held
Kerri Kirby
Jennifer Seekins
AEF “COOL” COUNSELOR
Melissa Lopez
LaQuiera Gantt
AT RISK COORDINATOR
SPECIAL EDUCATION COUNSELOR
Charles Casey
Becky Trainham
TRUANT OFFICERS
Wil Barbee
Annette Royal
Angel Seca
4
STUDENT BODY LEADERS
STUDENT COUNCIL
VARSITY CHEERLEADERS
Carlee Freeman, President
Brandon Miller, Vice-President
Seth Long, Treasurer
Aaron Jonas, Recording Secretary
Jamie Pogue, Corresponding Secretary
Yasmine Cooke
Kanon Finch
Erin Hale
Maddie Keefer
Talia Mitchell
Alejandra Rodriguez
Anissa Vasquez
COUGAR’S PRIDE SQUAD CAPTAINS
Grace Downey
Jenna Foster
Orianna James
Kyle Mangrum
Brittany Phelps
Kaitlyn Shaw
SIREN SQUAD
Allyson Dempsey
Ariel Martinez
Max Garza
Garrett Tucker
MASCOTS
COUGARETTE OFFICERS
Hanna Bynum
Jo Beth Walls
Kelsey Little
Tori Staggs
Gabrielle Leal
Kelsey Sanders
5
Cutter McCartney
Leonza Veasley
Captain
Co Captain
Lieutenant
Lieutenant
MEGA LUNCH SCHEDULE
8:30-9:17
1st Period
9:22-10:14
2nd Period
10:19-11:06 3rd Period
11:11-11:58 4th Period
12:00-1:00 Mega Lunch
1:04-1:51
5th Period
1:56-2:43
6th Period
2:48-3:35
7th Period
Schedule A
8:30-9:17
9:22-10:14
10:19-11:06
11:11-11:44
11:49-1:00
1:04-1:51
1:56-2:43
2:48-3:35
ALTERNATE SCHEDULE
Schedule B
1st Period
2nd Period
3rd Period
LUNCH
4th Period
5th Period
6th Period
7th Period
1st Period
2nd Period
3rd Period
4th Period
LUNCH
4th Period
5th Period
6th Period
7th Period
8:30-9:17
9:22-10:14
10:19-11:06
11:11-11:44
11:49-12:21
12:26-1:00
1:04-1:51
1:56-2:43
2:48-3:35
**Mega Lunch will
begin after Labor Day.
6
Schedule C
8:30-9:17
9:22-10:14
10:19-11:06
11:11-12:21
12:26-1:00
1:04-1:51
1:56-2:43
2:48-3:35
1st Period
2nd Period
3rd Period
4th Period
LUNCH
5th Period
6th Period
7th Period
EARLY RELEASE SCHEDULE
Schedule A
Zero Period
7:30-8:25
Period 1
8:30-9:03
Period 2
9:08-9:44
Period 3
9:45-10:21
Lunch
10:21-10:46
Period 4
10:52-11:36
Period 5
11:41-12:14
Period 6
12:19-12:52
Period 7
12:57-1:30
Schedule B
Zero Period
7:30-8:25
Period 1
8:30-9:03
Period 2
9:08-9:44
Period 3
9:45-10:21
Period 4
10:26-10:46
Lunch
10:46-11:11
Period 4
11:16-11:36
Period 5
11:41-12:14
Period 6
12:19-12:52
Period 7
12:57-1:30
Schedule C
Zero Period
7:30-8:25
Period 1
8:30-9:03
Period 2
9:08-9:44
Period 3
9:45-10:21
Period 4
10:26-11:11
Lunch
11:11-11:36
Period 5
11:41-12:14
Period 6
12:19-12:52
Period 7
12:57-1:30
LATE START SCHEDULE
Schedule A
Schedule B
Schedule C
Period 0
10:00-10:25
Period 0
10:00-10:25
Period 0
10:00-10:25
Period 1
10:30-11:00
Period 1
10:30-11:00
Period 1
10:30-11:00
Period 2
11:05-11:35
Period 2
11:05-11:30
Period 2
11:05-11:30
Period 3
11:40-12:10
Period 3
11:35-12:00
Period 3
11:35-12:00
LUNCH
12:15-12:45
Period 4
12:15-12:45
Period 4
12:15-1:10
Period 4
12:50-1:45
LUNCH
12:45-1:15
C LUNCH
1:15-1:45
Period 5
2:25-3:00
Period 4
1:20-1:45
Period 5
2:25-3:00
Period 6
3:05-3:35
Period 5
2:25-3:00
Period 6
3:05-3:35
Period 7
3:10-3:35
Period 6
3:05-3:35
Period 7
3:10-3:35
Period 7
3:10-3:35
7
ATTENDANCE
Regular school attendance is essential for the student to make the most of his or her education---to
benefit from teacher-led and school activities, to build each day’s learning on the previous day’s
and to grow as an individual.
State law requires that a student between the ages of 6 and 18 attend school, as well as any
applicable accelerated instructions programs, extended year programs, or tutorial session, unless
the student is otherwise legally exempt or excused. A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls
after his or her eighteenth birthday is required to attend each school day. If a student 18 or older
has more than five unexcused absences in a semester the district may revoke the student’s
enrollment. The student’s presence on school property thereafter would be unauthorized and
may be considered trespassing.
A court of law may impose penalties against both the student and his or her parents if a schoolaged student is deliberately not attending school. A complaint against the parent may be filed in
court if the student:


Is absent from school on ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the
same school year, or
Is absent on three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period.
To receive credit in a class, a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered.
If a student must be absent from school, upon returning to school, they must bring a note, signed
by the parent that describes the reason for the absence. This must be turned in to the attendance
office. (A note signed by the student, even with parent’s permission, will not be accepted.) In
order to make up these absences, a student may be assigned Saturday School.
TARDIES
Promptness is a vital life skill. In addition, being late to class creates a class disruption and causes
the late student to miss critical information.
Once the bell for the beginning of class rings, classroom doors need to be shut and locked. If a
student or students are tardy, they are not allowed in class without a tardy slip. Tardy Slips can be
acquired at the attendance offices. Student IDs must be presented when asking for the tardy slip. If
a student has an excessive number of tardies, consequences will be assigned by their principal.
Excessive will be defined as follows:
6th Tardy
Lunch Detention
th
7 Tardy
2 days of Lunch Detention and parent contact by principal
8th Tardy
Saturday School and parent contact by principal
th
9 Tardy
Week of Lunch Detention and parent contact by principal
10th Tardy
Conference between student, parent, associate principal, and
attendance officer to discuss the effects of tardiness, possible strategies,
*see note below
and deterrent methods
th
11 + Tardy
Further consequences will be based on the assessment of improvement
by the associate principal
8
*Note: This conference may be utilized prior to the 10th tardy depending on the time and
frequency of the accumulation of tardies.
Tardies are cumulative throughout the semester, which means that a student can receive multiple
tardies in a single day. Tardies will be cleared from a student’s record at the end of each semester.
A student who is more than 15 minutes late to class will be recorded as absent and will need to
obtain a permit to enter class from the attendance office.
The expectation is that responsible students will find a way to be on time to all classes.
I.D. CARDS
The safety of your child is important to us. One way we ensure this safety is by having all students
wear their current picture ID’s. It is extremely important that all students wear their student IDs at
all times when on the Cooper campus. If a student is participating in an activity which an ID could
present a safety hazard (welding, PE, shop, etc.) then the ID does not have to be worn during that
activity only.
If your child has lost or misplaced their IDs, they may purchase a complete new one.

The first ID is issued free to the student on the first day of school

All IDs thereafter are $3.00

Lanyards will cost $1.00

Students who lose or deface their ID will be required to purchase a new permanent ID. If
a student cannot pay for the ID, they will face possible discipline consequences.

Any student who fails to identify themselves or is not wearing a current ID may receive
disciplinary consequences.

A new ID may be purchased at the ID station before school begins.
9
VISITORS TO CAMPUS
To ensure the safety of our campus, we ask that all parents and visitors report to the administration
building and present a valid driver’s license, then a visitor’s pass will be issued through the V-Soft
security system.
Visits to individual classrooms during instructional time are permitted only with approval of the
principal and teacher and only as long as their duration or frequency does not interfere with the
delivery of instruction or disrupt the normal school environment.
TEXAS SCHOOL NUTRITION POLICY
Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value (FMNV) are NOT ALLOWED to be provided to students at
any time anywhere on school premises by anyone (including guest speakers) until after the end of
the last scheduled class. (FMNVs include but not limited to any carbonated beverage, chewing
gum and candy.) Competitive foods (all foods and beverages that are not provided by school food
service) are NOT ALLOWED during periods where reimbursable meals are served such as the
school cafeteria. A parent may only bring their child competitive foods during the lunch periods;
the food CANNOT be shared with any other students.
SCHEDULE CHANGES
Schedule changes will be granted only under unusual circumstances, so course selections should
be made carefully. Teachers are hired and the schedule is designed to match the course selections
students make. No schedule changes will be made after the first week of each semester. Students
who need schedule changes must complete a Schedule Change Request Form. These forms are
available in the Counseling Office.
Schedule changes will be made for academic reasons only. Movement to another classroom
because of not getting along with the teacher or friends are in another classroom will only be
allowed once in the four years they attend Cooper High School.
GRADE CLASSIFICATION
After the ninth grade, students are classified according to the number of credits earned toward
graduation.
Credits Earned
Classification
6
Grade 10 (Sophomore)
12
Grade 11 (Junior)
18
Grade 12 (Senior)
**A student must attend at least 90% of the days the class is offered to receive credit for the class.
10
GRADUATION PROGRAMS
Requirements for a Diploma for a Student Enrolled in High School Prior to the 2014–15 School
Year
To receive a high school diploma from the district, a student who was enrolled in high school prior
to the 2014–15 school year must successfully:
 Complete the required number of credits established by the state and any additional credits
required by the district;

Complete any locally required courses in addition to the courses mandated by the state;
and

Achieve passing scores on certain end-of-course (EOC) assessments or approved substitute
assessments, unless specifically waived as permitted by state law.
Requirements for a Diploma Beginning with the 2014–15 School Year
Beginning with students who entered grade 9 in the 2014–15 school year, as well as any currently
enrolled high school student who decides to graduate under the foundation graduation program, a
student must meet the following requirements to receive a high school diploma from the district:
 Complete the required number of credits established by the state and any additional credits
required by the district;

Complete any locally required courses in addition to the courses mandated by the state;

Achieve passing scores on certain end-of-course (EOC) assessments or approved substitute
assessments, unless specifically waived as permitted by state law; and

Demonstrate proficiency, as determined by the district, in the specific communication skills
required by the State Board of Education.
TEXTBOOKS
State-approved textbooks are provided to students free of charge for each subject or class. Books
must be covered by the student, as directed by the teacher, and treated with care. A student who is
issued a damaged book should report the damage to the teacher. Any student failing to return a
book issued by the school loses the right to free textbooks and a hold will be placed until the book
is returned or paid {check with the registrar’s office for the cost of textbooks} for by the parent;
however, the students will be provided textbooks for use at school during the school day. Student
must return all textbooks to issuing teachers.
SCHOOL ISSUED MATERIALS
Many classes and activities will require that students use school-owned supplies, equipment or
uniforms. Students are responsible for returning school-issued materials in good order. Failure to
do so will result in the student paying for loss or damage. If the student does not take care of the
loss or damage of the school issued materials; a hold will be placed on that student’s name.
11
LUNCH
Cooper High School is a closed campus. This means that students may not leave the campus for
lunch for any reason. Students that leave campus for dual credit courses have plenty of time to
have lunch on campus and drive to the universities where their class occurs.
If a parent brings a student lunch during their lunch time, it may only be for that student. Parents
or guardians may not bring food for other students during lunch as this is in violation of the Food
of Minimal Nutrition. (See Texas School Nutrition Policy on page 10).
Only individuals who are listed on the student’s emergency contact information will be allowed to
have lunch with their student. These names are put into the computer at the beginning of the
school year. No additional names will be added after the first six weeks of school. When coming
to have lunch, you must obtain a visitor’s pass in our administration building. (See Visitors to
Campus on page 10).
Youth ministers are allowed to have lunch after filling out an informational page which can be
obtained in our administration building.
BULLYING
Bullying may occur when a student or group of students engages in written or verbal expression,
expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that occurs on school property, at a
school-sponsored or school-related activity, or in a vehicle operated by the district and a school
district’s board of trustees or the board’s designee determines that the behavior:
1. Has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s
property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or of
damage to the student’s property; or
2. Is sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an
intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student.
This conduct is considered bullying if it:
1. Exploits an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator who is engaging in
bullying and the student victim through written or verbal expression or physical
conduct; and
2. Interferes with a student’s education or substantially disrupts the operation of a school.
A student or parent who has a complaint alleging bullying should immediately report the
complaint to a campus administrator, teacher or counselor for investigation. During this initial
complaint, a bullying report form will be completed.
12
DRESS CODE
The District’s dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, prevent disruption, and
minimize safety hazards.
A student’s dress and grooming should be clean, neat and in good taste at all times. A student’s
appearance shall not create a distraction from nor interfere with the normal orderly process of the
instructional program or of the management of any school program.
The District prohibits any clothing or grooming that in the principal’s judgment may reasonably be
expected to cause disruption of or interference with normal school operations. The District
prohibits pictures, emblems, or writings on clothing that are lewd, offensive, vulgar, or obscene or
that advertise or depict tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other prohibited
substance.
The following specific guidelines must be adhered to in the matter of dress in all schools:
1. Appropriate and modest attire is required. Some examples of items not to wear include but are
not limited to: off-the-shoulder apparel, tank tops, spaghetti straps, muscle shirts, mesh tops, halter
tops, see-through clothing, exposed midriff or backs, bicycle shorts, sunshades in the buildings.
2. All apparel, accessories and visible body markings must be free of references to race, alcohol
products, tobacco products, drugs, sex, vulgarity, profanity, death, suicide or violence, either
explicitly or by innuendo. Body markings on any part of the body must be reasonably covered in
an unobtrusive manner if they are gang related or violate any provision of the dress code.
3. Clothing must be appropriately sized and worn at the waistline. No shorts, skirts, or dresses may
be shorter than five inches above the top of the knee. Clothing that is altered, slit, or frayed and
exposes skin that otherwise would not be permitted, is not allowed. Leggings/tights are not allowed
unless covered by an outer garment that is no shorter than mid-thigh.
4. Clothing must adequately cover the student’s body so as not to consistently expose any portion
of underwear, cleavage, midriff or buttocks when standing or sitting with normal posture. Outer
garments must cover undergarments (athletic shorts, pajamas etc.) at waist level.
5. Shoes appropriate for school must be worn at all times. See campus handbook as applicable.
No house shoes. No shoes with wheels.
6. Hats, caps, hoods or any other head coverings are not to be worn in the building.
7. Hair should be clean and appropriately groomed and cut or styled in such a way that it does not
cover the eyes. Students will not be allowed to spray paint or dye their hair green, blue, purple,
pink, or other unnatural tints. The District also prohibits hairstyles and treatments that are
unconventional, gang related and/or create a potential disturbance/distraction. Designs in hair and
Mohawks are prohibited for elementary and middle school students. See campus handbook for
high school.
8. Visible body piercing or clipping jewelry is limited to the ears in elementary and middle school.
In high school, facial piercings should be limited to clear or small studs. Body piercings should
remain concealed at all times.
9. Any apparel, accessory or visible body marking that denotes gang-related association is
prohibited (i.e. rags, bandannas, chains, spiked or studded items, or other physical alterations as
identified by local law enforcement).
13
Prior to being disciplined for a violation of the District’s dress code, the student will be warned that
his/her dress is unacceptable and given an opportunity to make necessary changes. If appropriate
corrections are not made in the student’s appearance, the student shall be subject to discipline
(such as ISS) after being afforded appropriate due process. Repeated offenses may result in
additional disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
Judgments as to what is neat, clean, modest, immodest, appropriate, or inappropriate will be made
by the principal and the decision of the building principal in these matters is final.
CELL PHONES/TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES AND OTHER
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Students are not permitted to possess electronic devices such as tablets, handheld games, viewing or
listening devices (iPods, DVD/CD players, radios, camcorders, cameras, etc.) or pagers unless prior
permission has been obtained from the principal or teacher or pursuant to the district’s Bring Your
Own Device (BYOD) policy. (See Bring Your Own Device policy) Without such permission, teachers
will collect the items and turn them in to the principal’s office. Students may carry cell phones and may
use them during passing periods, but upon entering the classroom all phones must be out of sight and
turned off or completely silenced.
Cell phone use is permissible in the cafeterias and immediate patio areas around the cafeterias only
during the student’s designated lunch time.
If a faculty or staff member sees or hears the use of a student’s cell phone in the classroom or in any
instructional building during non-passing periods, the phone will be taken up. The parent, legal
guardian, or student may come to the office after school and retrieve the phone on the first offense
for a $15 cash fee. On the second offense, there will be at $15 cash fee charged, and a parent or
legal guardian must be the one who picks up the phone after school. On the third and subsequent
offense(s), the parent or legal guardian must retrieve the phone after school, there will be a $15 cash
fee charged and additional consequences may be given. This policy is in place Monday through
Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 3:35 p.m.
If at any time, including permitted cell phone use in the hallways or cafeteria, a faculty member or
administrator has reasonable suspicion of conduct violations or illegal activity using the cell phone
or other electronic device, the device is subject to confiscation and a school administrator will be
allowed access to the device, SIM card, memory card, battery, and all components for the device.
If any evidence of illegal activity is found, the device and/or evidence may be turned over to law
enforcement authorities, charges will be filed and legal action may be taken.
If a phone or device is confiscated and held by school administration, it will be placed in an
envelope with the student’s name on it and held in the principal’s office in a secure location. The
district is not responsible for confiscated items that are misplaced, stolen, or damaged.
14
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
CURRICULUM MASTERY
Promotion and course credit shall be based on mastery of the curriculum.* Assignments, tests,
projects, classroom activities, and other instructional activities shall be designed so that the
student’s performance indicates the level of mastery of the designated District objectives.
The student’s mastery level shall be a major factor in determining the grade for a subject or course.
[EIA (LOCAL)]
*The curriculum is the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) plus district curriculum,
including the TEKS Resource System, Year-At-A-Glance, Vertical Alignment Documents and
Instructional Focus Documents. Additionally, Advanced Placement courses follow the collegeboard approved syllabi and content. (SBOE TAC 74.1)
STANDARDS FOR MASTERY
Mastery shall be determined as follows:
1. Course assignments and unit evaluation shall be given to determine student grades in a
subject. An average of 70 or higher shall be considered a passing grade. [EIE
(LOCAL)]
2. Mastery of the skills (TEKS) necessary for success at the next level shall be validated
by assessments that may either be incorporated into unit or final exams, or may be
administered separately. Mastery of at least 70 percent of the objectives shall be
required. [EIE (LOCAL)]
All grades should be based on mastery of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Grades reflect
mastery of course TEKS that teachers have taught. [For example: Accelerated Reader is an
independent reading program not based on TEKS and not for direct instruction. It should be used
as a motivational reading program, not for grades.]
Noncompliance with established classroom procedures shall be reflected in a student’s ‘work
habits’ grade. (For example: Improper or incomplete headings should not result in grade penalties
or point deductions. This is a ‘work habits or failure to follow directions’ issue, not an academic
issue.)
ATTENDANCE
Unless credit is awarded by the attendance committee or regained in accordance with District
policy, a student may not be given credit for a class unless the student is in attendance for at least
90 percent of the days the class is offered. [See FEC (LEGAL)]
GUIDELINES FOR GRADING
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that each campus or instructional level develops
guidelines for teachers to follow in determining grades for students. These guidelines shall ensure
that grading reflects a student’s relative mastery of an assignment and that a sufficient number of
grades are taken to support the average grade assigned. Guidelines for grading shall be clearly
communicated to students and parents. [EIA (LOCAL)]
15
DATABASE FOR GRADES
Grades recorded in FrontRunner shall serve as the official basis for determining grades for each
of the three six-weeks reporting periods of the two semester reporting periods.
A minimum of one grade per week for each six-weeks reporting period shall be recorded in
FrontRunner. The teacher shall provide appropriate documentation as required by the
administration for grades recorded. Grades recorded in FrontRunner and appropriate
documentation shall be used in conferring with students and parents. If a teacher records a grade
lower than 70 on the report card, documentation of parent contacts and the interventions
provided for a student must be available.
COMPUTING AVERAGES FOR SIX-WEEK GRADES
High School Grades 9-12:
Six-week grades shall be determined by averaging grades in two categories for all subject areas in
FrontRunner. A minimum of two (2) graded assignments in each category per grading period
must be entered into FrontRunner. Each assignment is only one (1) graded assignment in a
category and can be weighted no more than three (3) times in the calculation of the six weeks
average.
Categories and Percentages
 Regular and Pre-AP Classes
 60% Classwork (labs/quizzes/homework/classwork)
 40% Assessments (tests/essays/presentations/projects/research)

Advanced Placement Classes
 50% (labs/quizzes/homework/classwork)
 50% Assessments (tests/essays/presentations/projects/research)
SEMESTER (FINAL) EXAMS
Semester exams will be given in all high school credit courses. Expectations will be communicated
about what constitutes a semester examination. 70% of the semester exam will be consistent
content across the district and 30% will be consistent content across the campus/department, with
review and prior approval by campus administration. Semester examinations will count as 10% of
the semester grade for the course. Advanced Placement and STAAR End-of-Course assessment
tested courses (Algebra 1, Biology, U. S. History, English I and English II) will not take a semester
examination in the spring, but will test in the fall. Seniors may be exempt from semester
examinations in the spring, only, based on eligibility criteria.
SEMESTER GRADES 6-12
A semester grade in grades 6 – 8 shall be determined by adding the three six-week averages and
dividing by three. High school credit course semester grades (including those offered in middle
school) will be determined by adding the three six-weeks average and dividing by three, then
multiplying the average times 90% and the semester examination by 10%.
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GRADE COMPUTATION FOR STUDENTS WHO WITHDRAW
Semester grades for students enrolled for fewer than 15 days shall be computed by accepting the
withdrawal grade(s) from the school that the student last attended, with the option of increasing,
but not decreasing, the grade if the teacher determines that the student has made progress.
If the student is enrolled 15 days or more, the withdrawal grade shall be averaged with those grades
accumulated in the District to determine final grade averages.
WRITTEN NOTICE TO PARENTS
Teachers shall send out written notice to parents every sixth week of a student’s performance in
each class or subject. [EIA (LOCAL)] Exception: prekindergarten and kindergarten for first sixweeks grading period as detailed under Grade Reports to Parents.
Grades 6-12:
The District shall report all grades to parents as numerical grades.
GRADE REPORTS TO PARENTS
1. Grades 1 through 12 – A computer generated report card will be mailed to the home of
each student at the conclusion of each six-weeks grading period.
THREE WEEK REPORTS
The District will continue the distribution of electronically generated progress reports for grades
1-12. These are to be sent home to the parents of students who are borderline passing (70-74)
and/or failing (below 70). Progress reports shall reflect actual numeric averages. Reports will be
sent by the Wednesday following the first three weeks of each six-weeks grading period. (Abilene
ISD Administration Policy)
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Students found to have engaged in academic dishonesty shall be subject to disciplinary penalties
and grade penalties on assignments or tests. Academic dishonesty includes cheating or copying
the work of another student, plagiarism, and unauthorized communication between students during
an examination. The determination that a student has engaged in academic dishonesty shall be
based on the judgment of the classroom teacher or other supervising professional employee, taking
into consideration written materials, observation, or information from students. [EIA (LOCAL)]
RE-DO AND MAKE-UP WORK
Students shall be expected to make up assignments and tests after absences. Students shall receive
a zero for any assignment or test not made up within the allotted time.
The District shall not impose a grade penalty for make-up work after an unexcused absence or an
absence due to suspension.
In accordance with grading guidelines, a student shall be permitted a reasonable opportunity to
redo an assignment or retake a test for which the student received a failing grade. [EIA (LEGAL)]

Time allowed to make up work after an absence
Students shall have at least two days to make up for one day absent.
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
Points to be deducted for late work
An assignment is considered late if it is turned in after the due date. Late assignments will
receive a maximum grade of 70 and will be accepted up to three (3) days late.
Extenuating circumstances will be addressed by each individual teacher.
Clarification: A student turns in an assignment late and scores an 80; the grade to be
recorded is a 70. If the student makes a 60, then a 60 is recorded.

Policy for retaking or redoing failed assignments (classwork or assessments)
Students who fail classwork or assessments will be given one opportunity to redo the
work with a maximum grade of 70 allowed. Long term projects such as research papers
are exempt from this requirement. The student will have five (5) school days after
receiving the failing grade to complete the retake of the assignment or test. Extenuating
circumstances will be addressed by each individual teacher. Pre-AP and Advanced
Placement students will only have three (3) days to re-do work due to the “weighted”
grade for the course and being a college readiness class.
Clarification: If a student makes 50 on an assignment and is re-assessed and makes an
80, the student will receive a 70. If a student fails the reassessment the student will
receive the higher of the two grades made.
NOTE: A student may be given a replacement assignment when retaking or redoing
failed assignments/ tests at the discretion of the individual teachers.
PROMOTIONS AND AWARD OF CREDIT
A student may be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated
proficiency of the subject matter of the course or grade level. [TEC 28.021 (a)]
The award of credit for a course affirms that a student has satisfactorily met all state and local
requirements. Course credit shall be awarded according to this policy. [19 TAC 74.26 (a)]
A course may be considered completed and credit may be awarded if the student has demonstrated
achievement by meeting standard requirements of the course, including demonstrated proficiency
in the subject matter, regardless of the time the student has received instruction in the course or
the grade level at which proficiency is attained. [19 TAC 74.26]
Grades 9-12: Mastery of at least 70 percent of the objectives in a course shall be required for
credit. Grade level advancement for students in grades 9 -12 shall be earned by course credits for
non-EOC and EOC courses.
In courses without an end of course assessment, students shall earn a full year of credit if the yearly
average of the two semesters equals 70 on a scale of 100. A student who earns a passing grade for
one semester but fails the other shall only earn credit for the passing semester if the average of the
two semesters is less than 70.
The final course grade for non-EOC courses will be calculated as below:
1st Semester
50%
+
2nd Semester =
50%
=
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Final Course Grade
100%
Credit earned toward state graduation requirements by a student in an accredited school district
shall be transferable and accepted by any other school district in the state. [19 TAC 74.26 (a) (1)
(c)]
STAAR END OF COURSE ASSESSMENTS
Students taking high school credit courses must take the STAAR End of Course (EOC)
Assessments for the courses in which they are enrolled (i.e. Biology, Algebra I, English I, English
II and U.S. History). In addition, these students must pass the required number of courses for
high school graduation. Middle school students taking courses credit will also be required to take
the appropriate EOC Assessment. Students are expected to be enrolled in the appropriate
courses at each grade level in order to be successful on the required EOC Assessments.
The District shall provide accelerated instruction to an enrolled student who has taken an endof-course assessment instrument and has not performed satisfactorily or who is at risk of
dropping out of school. Education Code 29.081(b), 39.025(b-1) [EHBC (LEGAL)]
GPA AND CLASS RANK
STAAR EOC scores will not be used in calculations of GPA and Class Rank. Grades received
for the 1st Semester and the 2nd Semester of each course will be used in GPA and Class Rank.
EOC RETESTING
HB 5 established clear regulations for the retest opportunities offered by the state. Students may
take any EOC Assessment as many times as the tests are offered, until the student passes the
examination.
STUDENTS TAKING HIGH SCHOOL COURSES WHILE IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Students who take high school core courses while enrolled in middle school will be required to
take the End of Course Assessments required for those courses.
STUDENTS TRANSFERRING FROM HOME SCHOOLS OR OTHER DISTRICTS
Students transferring into the Abilene Independent School District from home schools, out of
district schools, out of state or other national school systems must take the EOC Assessments
for the courses in which they are enrolled and meet all graduation requirements required by the
State of Texas.
STUDENTS ENROLLED IN NON-TRADITIONAL COURSES
Students enrolled in courses like Dual Credit courses, Summer School courses, On-line courses,
Distance Learning, etc., are still required to pass the EOC Assessments that are required for the
core courses under HB 5.
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STUDENTS ENROLLED IN CREDIT RECOVERY
Students earning credit for graduation through credit recovery must also pass the appropriate
EOC Assessments.
STUDENTS RECEIVING CREDIT THROUGH CREDIT BY EXAM
Students earning credit for graduation by taking credit by examination are not required to take
an EOC Assessment in order to accrue credit. The district will award a student credit on the basis
of a successful score on an examination and enter the examination score on the student’s
transcript. Texas Education Agency STAAR Q&A
ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT SCORES THAT REPLACE END OF COURSE
ASSESSMENTS
Abilene ISD will follow the TEA recommendations for the replacement of EOC Assessments
with identified scores on the SAT, ACT or Advanced Placement exams when determined by
TEA.
ONLINE COURSES IN PLATO





Students who complete grade recovery for a six week period(s) in Plato with a passing
grade of 70 or above will receive a 70 on the report card for the six week period(s).
Plato students must pass all mastery, post and semester tests with a minimum grade of
70 to receive credit for an entire course.
Students who complete credit recovery courses in Plato with a passing grade of 70 or
above will receive the grade of 70 on the transcript and credit for the course.
Students who complete Plato course(s) for acceleration will be assigned the grade earned,
but will receive Pass/Fail on the transcript and the course grade will not be included in
GPA calculations.
Students who recover courses for graduation through credit recovery in Plato must also
pass the appropriate EOC Assessments.
SPECIAL POPULATIONS
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Promotion standards and appropriate and acceleration options, as established by the individual
education program (IEP), or grade-level classification of students eligible for special education
shall be determined by the ARD committee. [EIE (LOCAL)] Also, the ARD committee shall
determine the type of assessment to be administered and how the score on an EOC assessment
shall be used for graduation requirements. [EIA (LOCAL)]
DYSLEXIA
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In measuring the academic achievement or proficiency of a student who is dyslexic, the student’s
potential for achievement or proficiency in the area must be considered. [TEC 28.021 (b) [See
policies EIE (LEGAL) and EHB, EKB, and FB]
LIMITED ENGLISH
In assessing students of limited English proficiency for mastery of the TEKS, the District shall be
flexible in determining methods to allow the students to demonstrate knowledge or competency
independent of their English skills in the following ways: [EIE (LEGAL)]
1. Assessment in the primary language
2. Assessment using ESL methodologies
3. Assessment with multiple varied instruments
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