FOWARD 

This handbook is provided to assist with the orderly operation of the school. Students are expected to read the handbook and keep it for future reference.  Obviously, every situation cannot be listed, but an attempt is made to consolidate regulations and provide needed information.  It is in no way intended to replace policies or procedures of TISD.  If there are questions concerning the content, please call the PACE office at 903-262-3040.

 TITLE IX 

Tyler ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or handicap in providing educational services.  The Director of Secondary Education has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title IX and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.  The purpose of the Act and procedures is to prohibit discrimination and to assure that disabled students have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided for non-disabled students. 

GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

The major goal of PACE is to improve the academic, occupational, and personal  skills of potential high school dropouts to a degree that will permit them to stay in school and  graduate with the skills for employment and/or post secondary education.  Students who participate in the program will demonstrate personal responsibility and develop a positive attitude as they accomplish the following objectives:

Demonstrate gains in communication skills, reading, language arts, social studies, math, and science;

• Maintain a 90% attendance rate;

• Earn at least 3 credits during each 18 weeks of enrollment;

• Develop and/or improve employability skills;

• Reduce discipline-related referrals;

• Take PSAT and SAT and/or ACT as a step toward enrollment in post secondary education.

EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY

 All students can achieve educational excellence in a positive, challenging educational environment which stimulates interest, channels energies, and develops abilities.  We believe each student should be treated with respect and dignity.  It is our goal to provide students with opportunities for cognitive and affective development so s/he achieves self-confidence, self-worth, self-discipline and self-acceptance while attaining academic success.

 PROGRAM COMPONENTS 

PACE students study on an independent basis as they work toward achieving mastery in their courses. PACE is a school without failure.  If a student earns less than 80% mastery on any written assignment or computer assignment, s/he will repeat the assignment until mastery level is achieved.  When a student has accumulated 4 absences while working on a study packet, s/he will be required to start the packet again.  Students entering the class more than 5 minutes after the bell rings will be considered tardy.  Three (3) tardies will be counted as one absence on the packet. 

The student is responsible for his/her own learning.  PACE is competency-based; therefore, all time requirements are waived.  There are no six weeks or semester grading periods.  When a student earns credit for a course, s/he enrolls immediately in a new course.

 A parent/community/school partnership has been developed for the benefit of the students.  Speakers from the community assist the students in career decisions.  Community social agency representative visits are coordinated for the benefit of the students.

CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

 NINTH GRADERS IN 1998-99 THROUGH 2000-01: To receive a high school diploma, a student entering grade 9 in the 1998-99, 1999-2000, or 2000-01 school years must pass the exit-level TAAS Test and complete the requirements for graduation in the Minimum High School Program (22 credits), the Recommended High School Program (24 credits), or the Distinguished Achievement Program (24 credits).

 NINTH GRADERS IN 2001-02: To receive a high school diploma, a student entering grade 9 in the 2001-02 school year or thereafter must pass the exit-level TAKS Test and complete the requirements for graduation, in the Minimum High School Program (24 credits), the Recommended High School Program (24 credits), or the Distinguished Achievement Program (24 credits).

 NINTH GRADERS IN 2002-03 THROUGH 2006-2007: To receive a high school diploma, a student entering grade 9 in the 2002-03 school year or thereafter must pass the exit-level TAKS Test and complete the requirements for graduation, in the recommended High School Program (24 credits) or the Distinguished Achievement Program (24 credits).

NINTH GRADERS IN 2007 -2008: To receive a high school diploma, a student entering grade 9 in the 2007-08 school year or thereafter must pass the exit-level TAKS Test and complete the requirements for graduation, in the recommended High School Program (26 credits) or the Distinguished Achievement Program (26 credits).

COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

A student may participate in home campus graduation exercises if s/he has successfully completed all course requirements as stipulated by the Texas Education Agency, the policies of Tyler ISD, and passed all sections of the appropriate exit level test.  No student is allowed to “walk” across the stage until these requirements have been met. 

EXPECTATIONS 

PACE is an alternative school of choice and expectations are high.  Students who choose not to meet these expectations will be withdrawn from PACE and other campus arrangements will be made.

 In general, PACE students are expected to assume responsibility for their learning by committing to five basic rules:

• Attend school every day.

• Be on time.

• Do assigned work.

• Show academic progress.

• Exhibit good behavior.

Students are expected to show respect and consideration for faculty, staff and fellow students.  Students are expected to make measurable academic improvement and progress.  Failure to earn three (3) credits during each 18 week period of enrollment may be cause for dismissal from the PACE program.

DRESS CODE

 All student dress must comply with the PACE standardized dress code: 

• Blue, black, or khaki ankle length slacks or jeans must be worn.

• Jeans and slacks must properly fit the waist and have no holes.

• Mid-knee or longer skirts may be worn.

• A solid navy blue polo style (log or short sleeved) shirts with a logo no larger than a quarter must be worn.

• House shoes are not to be worn.

• Hats, caps and other head apparel, including bandannas, may not be worn.

• No visible body piercing (earrings are acceptable) may be worn.

ATTENDANCE 

Students are assigned to either the morning session or the afternoon session.  Students are to attend only the session to which they are assigned.  Students are expected to have 90% attendance and to be punctual. Excessive absenteeism to school may result in dismissal from PACE. 

All absences are considered unexcused unless the PACE office is contacted (903 262-3040).  Parents or guardians have the responsibility of submitting a signed note giving the reason of each absence incurred by their student.  Excuses for absences must contain the following information: 

• Student’s full name

• Date(s) absent

• Reason for absence on each date

• Signature of the parent or guardian

A student who has been absent due to a doctor’s appointment must bring a note from the doctor confirming the appointment.  A student must never sign a parent’s name.  Such a signature will be considered forgery and will result in disciplinary action.

Excessive tardiness to school may result in dismissal from PACE because of the waste of valuable class time.  Tardiness disrupts the learning process.  Students who are tardy more than 15 minutes to a study period will be considered absent for the period.

Students who leave school early must obtain permission from PACE personnel.  The parent/guardian will be contacted before permission will be given if the student is 17 or younger (at the parent’s request, parental contact will be required regardless of age.).

Students leaving the premises for any reason without permission from the office will be removed from PACE.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

 The following guidelines will be used as consequences for inappropriate student behavior: 

• Physical Aggression will result in dismissal from the program.

• Leaving the premises without permission will result in dismissal from program.

• Disrespectful language towards a staff member will result in dismissal from program.

 Students whose behavior results in placement in the district Alternative Education Program (DAEP) or mandatory placement in the DAEP will not be allowed to return to the PACE Program after their DAEP placement.  Students who have committed expellable offenses will also not be able to return to the PACE Program.

 If there is a question about any policy not addressed in this handbook, reference should be made to Tyler ISD’s Student Behavior Code of Conduct and Attendance Policy Handbook.

APPEALS PROCESS

A student wishing to appeal dismissal from PACE and/or loss of credits may request an appearance before the appeals committee, composed of the Director of Alternative Instructional Programs and one or more teachers.  The committee will review the appeals request and all documentation before determining whether the student should be eligible for credit and/or continuation in PACE.  The committee will also decide if and how the student may make up time.  Attendance makeup must be completed within a specified amount of time as designated by the committee.  If a student is denied credit or continuation by the committee, the student may appeal to the Director of Secondary Education.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER

 The student must immediately notify PACE staff of a change in the following: 

• home address

• home phone number

• business phone number

 Up-to-date information is essential for the school to successfully handle emergencies.

 EMERGENCY PROCEDURE CARDS 

Each student is given an emergency card that must be completed, signed and returned.  The information on this form provides the staff directions for proper care of the student in case of injury, illness or other emergencies.  Accurate completion of this card is an enrollment requirement of the district.

COUNSELING 

A counselor is available to assist students. 

MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL 

Whenever possible, medications should be given before and after school hours.  If the student needs to take medication during school hours, the following procedures must be followed: 

• All medication must be in the original container, properly labeled, and kept in the PACE office to be administered by a designated person.

• If the medication is to be administered, the school must receive written permission from both the parent/guardian and physician.

PARKING 

Students who plan to drive a car to PACE must complete the registration form: 

• Name

• License plate number

• State of license plate

• Year, make, and style of car

• Address (including city and zip code)

• Telephone number

Any student who operates a vehicle in an unsafe or disruptive manner shall be subject to disciplinary action and may be denied the privilege of future vehicle operation on school property.

VISION STATEMENT FOR THE PACE PROGRAM

 The vision of PACE High School is to graduate all students with the skills necessary to be successful in life. 

MISSION STATEMENT FOR THE PACE PROGRAM

The mission of  the Pace Program is to stress the relevance of subject matter, to utilize technology to its fullest, to emphasize skills in higher order thinking and communication, and to implement alternative methods of instruction and assessment. PACE will foster open communication with students, parents, and the community in order to achieve strong support.  Students will graduate with the ability to demonstrate personal civic responsibility by making good decisions and enabling them to function productively in a rapidly changing society.

Bell Schedule

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