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Canyon Hills Middle SchoolEstablished 1972STUDENT HANDBOOK 2020-2021Grades 6th- 8th1 P a g e Revised August 7, 2020
MISSION STATEMENTCanyon Hills Middle School will provide every student with a21st century quality education focused on the dedicated beliefthat all students can learn at high levels.Vision StatementThrough engaging lessons, extracurricular activities andcollaboration, students will grow socially, emotionally andacademically while gaining the skills needed for the 21stcentury.2021 Theme:Collective Responsibility to Strive for ExcellenceNot one person knows everything, but together we know a lot!The El Paso Independent School District does not discriminate in its educational programs or employment practices on thebasis of race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, citizenship, military status, disability, geneticinformation, gender stereotyping and perceived sexuality, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Inquiries concerning theapplication of Titles VI, VII, IX, and Section 504 may be referred to the District compliance officer, Patricia Cortez, at230-2033; Section 504 inquiries regarding students may be referred to Kelly Ball at 230-2856.El Distrito Escolar Independiente de El Paso no discrimina en los programas de educación o en prácticas de empleousando el criterio de raza, color, edad, sexo, religión, origen nacional, estado civil, ciudadanía, estado militar,discapacidad, información genética, estereotipo sexual o sexualidad percibida, u otra práctica prohibida por la ley.Preguntas acerca de la aplicación del título VI, VII o IX, y la Sección 504 pueden ser referidas al oficial del distrito,Patricia Cortez al 230-2033; preguntas sobre 504 tocante a estudiantes pueden ser referidas a Kelly Ball al 230-2856.2 P a g e Revised August 7, 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS . 3Academics. 5Grading/Academic Code of Honor . 5Progress Reports . 6Electronic Devices . 6Eligibility Statement . 6Attendance. 6Attendance Policy . 8Tardy Policy . 8Dress Code El Paso Independent School District . 8Violations. 13Expectations for Student Behavior and Integrity. 13Other Important Rules . 13Transportation . 14Distance/Virtual/Blended Learning . 15Student Behavior . 15Discipline . 15Alternative Program . 16In-School Suspension . 16Student Welfare Freedom from Harassment . 16Guidelines for Classroom Success . 17Gang – Graffiti Association . 17Grooming/Hygiene . 17Public Displaying of Affection (PDAs) . 17Tobacco . 17Skateboards . 18Electronic Devices . 18Destruction of Property . 18Student Behavior at School Activities . 18Breakfast/Lunch . 19Off-campus Organizations . 19Neighborhoods . 19Cafeteria . 193 P a g e Revised August 7, 2020
Counselors. 19Crime Stoppers . 19Library . 19Registrar’s Office . 20Student Spirit and Tradition . 20Textbooks and Laptops . 20Lockers . 21Visitors . 21Withdrawal from School . 21Canine Unit Visits to Campus . 21Nurse . 21Medication at School . 22Pass from Class . 22Student Personal Safety . 22Zero Tolerance . 22Community Partnerships . 22Acknowledgement . 25Canyon Hills Middle School Administration, Counselors and NursePrincipalCarlos A. GomezAssistant PrincipalsMichael CoppockCaley MoralesRose RiosCounselorsKelly MorganNatalia SchwarzNurseSandra Reza4 P a g e Revised August 7, 2020
AcademicsCanyon Hills Middle School will maintain an academic program that ischallenging and focused on continuous learning. Students are expected to arriveto class on time, be prepared to contribute, and perform at a high academic level.Students are expected to take responsibility for their learning, complete allassignments, and pass their course work. Students are responsible forcommunicating important information about their schoolwork to their parents,including progress reports and report cards.Canyon Hills Middle School has very high academic expectations for allstudents. Students who are failing or “falling behind” academically mustattend mandatory tutoring. “Falling behind” is defined as missing anyassignments that are overdue. There will be tutoring sessions before andafter school, but not during lunch. After teachers inform students ofscheduled tutoring, it is the responsibility of the students to know theirtutoring timetable. For those students who attend tutoring in the morning,they are responsible to provide their own transportation. School bustransportation is available in the afternoon after tutoring is completed. Anafterschool activities bus will be scheduled when after-school tutoringbegins. This school policy applies to all students, including those who aremembers of teams, clubs, and any other school activities. It is a necessaryservice that is available to help our students achieve academic success. Weask for our parents’ cooperation so that their child (ren) will have academicsuccess.Grading/Academic Code of HonorThe final nine-week grade shall be determined as follows:40% content summative assessment40% content formative assessment20% daily assignmentsStudents should monitor their grades which will be uploaded weekly intothe gradebook and shall include a minimum of 12 grades for the nineweek grading period as follows: Four grades reflect learning through summative assessments. Four grades shall reflect learning through formative assessments:and Four grades shall reflect learning through daily assignments.One must not perform any deliberate action to gain an unfair academicadvantage over any other student or tolerate those who do. Anyone notfollowing this basic code of honor is subject to consequences.5 P a g e Revised August 7, 2020
Progress ReportsProgress reports will be issued to ALL students at the third and sixth week ofeach nine weeks grading period. Students are responsible for delivering theprogress report to their parent/guardian. Parents are encouraged to use ParentPortal to monitor grades and attendance for their child (ren).Electronic DevicesNote: Electronic devices including, but not limited to, computers, cellphones, jp3 players, iPods, “smart” phones, tablets, calculators, smartwatches etc., cannot be used unless specifically authorized for anacademic task. Should any of these items appear during a presentation,quiz or test, the student in possession of the offending item will receive azero for the academic task and the item will be subject to confiscation anda fine of 15.00. (Refer to pg. 14 Electronic Devices)Eligibility StatementCanyon Hills Middle School follows the Texas UIL calendar that governseligibility dates for extracurricular activities. All Students in 7th/8th gradeare strongly encouraged to participate.Canyon Hills Middle School will check grades for all participants at theend of every third and sixth week for each nine-week grading period.Grades are also checked at the end of each nine-week grading period.Students who pass remain eligible until the end of the next grading period.A student who receives, at the end of any grading period (after the first sixweeks of the school year), a grade below 70 in any class (other than anidentified class eligible for exemption) or a student with disabilities whofails to meet the standards in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) may notparticipate in extracurricular activities for three school weeks. However,an ineligible student may practice or rehearse. He/she may not be withthe team during competition or contest (i.e. manager, statistician, corer,etc.) The student regains eligibility after the seven calendar day waitingperiod has ended following a grading period or the three school weekevaluation period when the principal and teachers determine that he orshe has earned a passing grade (70 or above) in all classes, other thanthose that are exempted.AttendanceStudents are not permitted to leave campus at any time during the school dayunless signed out by a parent/guardian in the attendance office.1. Students of any age must be signed out by parent/guardian or designeeindicated on the student’s demographic page on TEAMS in the attendanceoffice prior to 2:45 p.m.6 P a g e Revised August 7, 2020
2. Any absence must be excused within five school days.3. Doctor’s notes must be given to the attendance office within five schooldays of the actual absence.4. Tardies must be excused by a parent/guardian the same day as the tardy.5. Students may not leave campus if an illness occurs during schoolwithout clearance from the school nurse. Students who contactparents by cell phone without direction from the nurse may not get anexcused absence from the nursing office.How to Avoid Truancy Court: Don’t be absent! When it is necessary to miss school, follow the correct procedures to callin absences (See Canyon Hills Middle School Absence Reporting below) Report your absence before 12 noon each day. Bring documentation explaining why you were absent, such as a doctor’snote. Check on your attendance every week and the first day back from beingabsent. Refer to the Parent Portal on a weekly basis to ensure accuracy. Clear unexcused absences within five school days if they are codedincorrectly. Do not wait until later! They will not be excused! Unexcused absences are counted from the beginning of the year foraccounting/court purposes.If a student accumulates three or more unexcused absences within a fourweek period, a district generated Notice of Absences warning letter will besent to parent/guardian and a 45-day attendance plan will beimplemented.In accordance with Texas Education Code 25.093, you cannot accumulatemore than 10 unexcused days or parts of days within a six-month periodor you and your parents will be taken to the Justice of the Peace Courtwith fines imposed.*** Canyon Hills Middle School Absence Reporting ***To call in absences, dial 2366543Ms. Martinez - AttendanceclerkBe prepared to provide thefollowing:NameID NumberReason for AbsenceDate of AbsenceRelationship of the person calling in absence7 P a g e Revised August 7, 2020
Attendance PolicyThis local policy has been revised in accordance with the District’s innovation plan.The District has waived provisions in state law denying credit or a final grade to a studentin kindergarten–grade 12 who has not attended class 90 percent of the days the class isoffered.Assignments, tests, projects, classroom activities, other instructional activities, and otherfactors shall be used to determine student mastery and the awarding a grade.Innovation Plan: https://www.episd.org/Page/542Tardy PolicyWhen students arrive late to class, teachers will mark them tardy using TEAMS.Unexcused tardies will be documented (coded 5T). If a student receives more 3 ortardies within a calendar week, he/she will be assigned Friday academy. Repeatoffenders will receive a referral and progressive discipline will begin.Note: Students will be marked “absent” if they arrive more than 10minutes late to any class.Dress Code El Paso Independent School DistrictAs proper attire is important to maintain a proper classroom environmentthat maximizes learning, all students are expected to dress in accordancewith the standards described below:The district prohibits pictures, emblems, or writings on clothing or jewelry that: Are lewd, offensive, vulgar, satanic in nature or obsceneAdvertises or depicts tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any othersubstance prohibited by district policy Is evidence of membership or affiliation in any unauthorized club or organizationStudents shall be dressed and groomed in a manner that is clean and neatand that will not be a health hazard to themselves or others. The districtprohibits any clothing or grooming that, in the principal’s judgment, mayreasonably be expected to cause disruption of, or interference with, normalschool operations.8 P a g e Revised August 7, 2020
Canyon Hills Middle School Dress Code*** Due to the COVID pandemic, Canyon Hills has adjusted the dress for school year 20202021. School uniforms will return when 100% of students return to campus.Purpose: The goal at Canyon Hills Middle School is to maximize ourstudents’ learning so that they will become productive members of society.Our students and staff recognize that appropriate dress is one of thenecessary elements needed to nurture learning. This dress code has beencreated to ensure safety and good hygiene, promote self-respect and respectfor others, show school pride and maximize learning.1. Clothing/accessories/tattoos/hairstyles depicting gang affiliation, illegal drugs, alcohol,tobacco, or that are deemed lewd/vulgar or offensive are prohibited.2. Clothing must completely cover the area of the body from the shoulders to the middleof the thigh. All undergarments must be completely covered.3. Exposed piercings, other than in the ears, are prohibited.4. All hats/hoods/non‐religious head coverings and sunglasses must be removed incampus buildings.5. Shoes must always be closed toed and worn.6. Hair must be of natural color.7. Students must always wear a mask on campus.8. The administration reserves the right to address any issue that compromises studentlearning, safety, hygiene, or self‐respect.Examples of Masks RequiredStudents will always be required to wear a mask on campus. Masks must fully cover thestudent’s mouth and nose.Examples of Restricted ways to wear Masks9 P a g e Revised August 7, 2020
Examples of Allowed PantsStudents can wear Jeans, capris or Uniform type pants/shorts/skirts. If pants have holes/tears, thestudent must wear leggings or other clothing under their pant to keep skin from being visible.Examples of Restricted Pants-No Leggings, athletic pants or shorts, Jean shorts/skirts or other material short/skirts.-No undergarments or skin should be visible at any time.10 P a g e Revised August 7, 2020
Examples of Allowed Shirts/TopsStudents can wear any shirt that has sleeves, fully covers the student’s chest, shoulder and midriff.Examples of Restricted Shirts or Tops-No sleeveless shirts, inappropriate or profane material printed on the shirts, midriff visibleor low-cut shirts will be allowed.11 P a g e Revised August 7, 2020
Examples of Allowed ShoesStudents must wear closed toe shoes.Examples of Restricted Shoes-No sandals, high heels, flip flops, or slidesPurpose: The goal at Canyon Hills Middle School is to maximize ourstudents’ learning so that they will become productive members of society.Our students and staff recognize that appropriate dress is one of thenecessary elements needed to nurture learning. This dress code has beencreated to ensure safety and good hygiene, promote self-respect and respectfor others, show school pride and maximize learning.Students are always expected to be in the approved campusuniform.12 P a g e Revised August 7, 2020
The administration reserves the right to address any issue notspecifically identified in this code, which compromises studentlearning, safety, hygiene, or respect of self and others.ViolationsThe school administration, club sponsor, coach or other person in charge ofan extracurricular activity may monitor your dress and grooming if youparticipate in an activity. If you violate the personal dress and groomingstandards, you may be removed or excluded from the activity by the principalor sponsor and you may be subject to other disciplinary action.If administration at Canyon Hills Middle School determines that yourgrooming violates the dress code, you will be given an opportunity to correctthe problem at school. If not corrected, you will receive consequences(warning, detention or ISS until appropriate attire arrives) for the violation.Your parent or legal guardian may bring an acceptable change of clothing tothe school.Expectations for Student Behavior and IntegrityRefer to The PBIS matrices and Cobra Codes posted throughout thecampus.Every student is expected to behave in accordance withcharacteristics in mind:Be honest and show integrity through your actionsBe respectful toward all personsDo your best: academically, socially, athletically, personallyBelieve that you can accomplish great things!!followingOther Important RulesIdentification Badges will be given to students. Students should havetheir ID badge in their possession during school hours.***Moreinformation on ID badges will be provided upon return to campus***Electronic Devices may be used for instructional purposes only. Use forany other reasons, disciplinary action may occur. Any device confiscatedby a faculty or staff member may be retrieved from the office for a fee of 15.Prohibited items: Possession of any of these items WILL result in a DisciplineReferral Electronic cigarettes – on-campus AEP will be recommended13 P a g e Revised August 7, 2020
campuswillbe Skateboard/scooter/rollerblades etc Permanent markers/mega markers, grease pencils, and whiteout areprohibited for student use on school property. Illegal items will beconfiscated without return.Note: Any confiscated items must be picked up within five business daysbefore the end of a semester.TransportationStudents who qualify for district bus service must return the parent permissionform before a bus card will be issued. Information is available in the bookroomoffice. Misbehavior on the bus may result in suspension of riding privileges.In an effort to ensure a safe ride for our students, we will require that allbus riders read the bus safety guidelines listed below. Students areexpected to assist District staff in ensuring buses remain in good conditionand that transportation is provided safely. When riding in District vehicles,students are held to behavioral standards established in this contract andthe Student Code of Conduct.Students will sign a copy of the bus rules and a copy will be kept on file inthe bookroom.Students must:1. Show your bus card upon entering the bus.2. Always follow the driver's directions.3. The bus driver may assign seats.4. Be courteous.5. The use of profanity is strictly prohibited.6. As per bus driver preference, you may not be allowed to eat or drinkon the bus.7. Keep bus clean.8. Keep feet, books, instrument cases, and other objects out of the aisle.9. Do not deface the bus or its equipment.10. Do not put head, hands, arms, or legs out of the window, hold anyobjects out of the window, or throw objects within or out of the bus.11. Observe all usual classroom rules.12. Be seated while the bus is in motion.13. Enter and leave the bus in an orderly manner at the designated stop.14. Wait for the driver's signal upon leaving the bus before crossing infront of the vehicle.14 P a g e Revised August 7, 2020
It is our goal that all students continue behaving responsibly and enjoying theprivileges associated with good behavior. Thank you for assisting us in reinforcingthese expectations. Should a student behave in a manner that endangers otherstudents, or displays disrespectful behavior towards the driver or passengers, theymay be suspended from the bus for up to 45 school days. Please let us know ifyou have any questions or concerns.Distance/Virtual/Blended LearningT.E.A. has stated the following:“STAAR testing WILL happen this school year”In the event circumstances cause the campus to go to a full/partial distancelearning environment, the following expectations will apply:1.) All students will continue to follow the EPISD student code of Conduct.2.) Follow all rules and expectations associated with distance learning.3.) Students will be responsible for maintaining their device.4.) Students will notify teacher, counselor or administration the lack of internetservice immediately as to not miss any information being given.5.) Attend your scheduled classes on time6.) Participate during classes daily by asking/answering questions and gettinginvolved in group discussions7.) Turn in all assignments per teacher directions (Schoology, email, etc.)8.) When you are unable to attend an online class, you are responsible for anymake up assignments.Student Behavior No profanity is allowed anywhere or any time on campus or at any schoolrelated activity. Students will practice safety habits and are always expected to behaveaccordingly. Students will always be respectful and responsible. Students will be taught all campus and classroom expectations and arealways expected to follow them. Refer PBIS matrices posted throughout campusDisciplineThe EPISD Student Code of Conduct (SCOC) is available online at www.episd.organd on Canyon Hills homepage under STUDENTS. The SCOC describes thediscipline requirements and penalties set forth by EPISD. Parents requesting ahard copy can pick one up in the front office.It is the responsibility of all students to be aware of all rules, regulations, andstandards for student behaviors as stated in the Student Code of Conduct andbehave accordingly.15 P a g e Revised August 7, 2020
All students will adhere to the Standards of Conduct implemented by the District(available for review at www.episd.org).Students who tamper with or set off fire alarms will be recommended for offcampus AEP from school and reported to the Fire Marshall for fine determinationand/or possible arrest.Alternative ProgramOnly an administrator may recommend students to the Alternative EducationProgram (AEP). Students assigned to AEP will attend classes daily beginning at7:15 A.M. and dismissing at 2:15 P.M. There will be no interaction betweenstudents in AEP and regular education students. AEP assigned students will notbe allowed to attend any Canyon Hills Middle School or EPISD sponsored eventsonce the administrator recommends AEP. Any violation will be subject to atrespassing citation.In-School Suspension Students must report to ISS with their materials i.e. books, notebooks, andpen/pencil.Students will complete all assignments given in ISS. It is the responsibility ofthe student to return all assignments to his/her teacher upon returning toclass. Students must comply with all rules of ISS.suspension.Any infraction will result in Absences from class while in ISS are considered to be school-related. Testsmissed while in ISS will be made up upon return to class. Students mustmake arrangements with their teacher.Student Welfare Freedom from HarassmentThe Anonymous Alerts anti-bullying and safety app reporting system helpscombat bullying and other negative activity in schools by empowering studentsto speak up. Social and peer pressure are some of the hardest obstacles forstudents to overcome.Go to https://www.anonymousalerts.com/elpasoisd/ to report.Any student who assaults another student in a school building, at a schoolfunction, or on a school bus where assault is intentional and results in bodilyinjury to the victim shall be removed from the regular education program andrecommended for placement in an alternative education program (on/off campus).Incidents involving fighting will be reported to the police.Whenever a student knowingly brings a firearm, illegal knife, other prohibitedweapon, or a controlled substance to school, the police shall be summoned, andcharges will be filed. In all such cases, the student shall be recommended for16 P a g e Revised August 7, 2020
placement in an alternative education program and proper procedure followed aswith Senate Bill I – Chapter 37.The District will be using drug and weapon detection dogs. They will be used inthe parking lot, buildings, including classrooms, lockers, and student backpacksor purses. When a drug and weapon detection trained dog alerts on an item, thatitem will be searched by police officer and/or an administrator and the properdisciplinary/police action will be taken.Guidelines for Classroom SuccessStudents are expected to be seated at their desks on time and ready to begininstruction when the tardy bell rings. The student is expected to follow individualrules as set forth by the teacher. Students are expected to come to class preparedwith district assigned device or personal laptops, textbooks and materials requiredfor the class.Gang – Graffiti AssociationStudents may not have any affiliation with any type of gangs or tagging crews.Students may not be in possession of any gang/graffiti writings or symbols toinclude lockers, notebooks, book-covers, bags, clothing, papers, books, flyers, etc.Administration reserves the right to determine the affiliation of any article ofclothing as being related to a gang or crew.Grooming/HygieneCleanliness of body and clothing is always expected of all students. Please makesure that you pay close attention to your hygiene as middle school is a uniquetime in your development. As you notice changes to your hygiene needs, talk withyour parents about using deodorant, showering daily, and any other needs youhave.Public Displaying of Affection (PDAs)Embracing, hugging, kissing, or any affectionate touching is prohibited oncampus. Students engaging in this kind of activity while on campus or at campussponsored events will be warned and parents may be notified. If any additionalwarnings of inappropriate physical contact are noticed, you will face disciplinaryconsequences.TobaccoAccording to state law, the use of these products by anyone is always prohibited inthe building and on school grounds. It is against the law for any minor to possessor use tobacco products (including electronic cigarettes). Along with a disciplinereferral and consequences, penalties and fines may be assessed.17 P a g e
Canyon Hills Middle School Dress Code *** Due to the COVID pandemic, Canyon Hills has adjusted the dress for school year 2020-2021. School uniforms will return when 100% of students return to campus. Purpose: The goal at Canyon Hills Middle School is to maximize our students' learning so that they will become productive members of society.
