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The MVISD elementary campus has an all-day kindergarten program. Research overwhelmingly shows that a full-day kindergarten program has a positive long-term impact on academic performance.
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| Athletic Programs |
In addition to physical education classes, MVISD offers a wide range of athletic programs for secondary students. Each high school campus has both a male and a female athletic coordinator. Programs vary by grade level but include football, baseball, softball, basketball, track and field, golf, and volleyball. For more information, call the Director of Boys' Athletics at (903) 537-3700, Ext. 5264, or the Director of Girls' Athletics at (903) 537-3700, Ext. 5268.
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| Attendance & School Hours |
Regular school attendance is essential for the student to make the most of his or her education--to benefit from teacher-led activities, to build each day's learning on that of the previous day, and to grow as an individual. Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student's mastery of the instructional materials; therefore, the student and parent should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences. Students are required to be in attendance for at least 90 percent of the days in a school year to receive credit. When a student must be absent from school, the student---upon returning to school---must bring a note, signed by the parent, that describes the reason for the absence. A note signed by the student, even with the parent's permission, will not be accepted unless the student is 18 or older. Make-up privileges for excused absences are outlined in the campus student handbooks. Failure to complete make-up assignments will result in no credit for the assignments.
School Start Time End Time
Pre-Kindergarten (A.M.) 8:00 A.M. 11:00 A.M.
Pre-Kindergarten (P.M.) 12:30 P.M. 3:20 P.M.
Kindergarten 8:00 A.M. 2:30 P.M.
First Grade 8:00 A.M. 3:20 P.M.
Second/Third Grade 8:00 A.M. 3:20 P.M.
Intermediate 8:00 A.M. 3:25 P.M.
Junior High 7:55 A.M. 3:20 P.M.
High School 7:55 A.M. 3:20 P.M.
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| Bacterial Meningitis | Senate Bill (SB) 31 was recently signed into law by Governor Perry and requires a school district to provide information relating to bacterial meningitis to its students and their parents each school year. We have posted the information below. If you would like a copy of SB 31, a copy may be obtained on-line at the following address: www.capitol.state.tx.us/.WHAT IS MENINGITIS?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is most common and the least serious. Bacterial meningitis is the most common form of serious bacterial infection with the potential for serious, long-term complications. It is an uncommon disease, but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop over one or two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms.
Children (over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have a severe headache, high temperature, vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness or joint pains, and drowsiness or confusion. In both children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots. These can occur anywhere on the body.
The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory results.
HOW SERIOUS IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS?
If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete recovery. In some cases it can be fatal or a person may be left with a permanent disability.
HOW IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS SPREAD?
Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body. They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing; sharing drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes).
The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of the germ for days, weeks, or even months. The bacteria rarely overcome the body’s immune system and cause meningitis or another serious illness.
HOW CAN BACTERIAL MENINGITIS BE PREVENTED?
Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Limit the number of persons you kiss.
While there are vaccines for some other strains of bacterial meningitis, they are used only in special circumstances. These include when there is a disease outbreak in a community or for people traveling to a country where there is a high risk of getting the disease. Also, a vaccine is recommended by some groups for college students, particularly freshmen living in dorms or residence halls. The vaccine is safe and effective (85–90 percent). It can cause mild side effects, such as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within seven to ten days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to five years.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU THINK YOU OR A FRIEND MIGHT HAVE BACTERIAL MENINGITIS?
You should seek prompt medical attention.
WHERE CAN YOU GET MORE INFORMATION?
Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional health department office are excellent sources for information on all communicable diseases. You may also call your local health department or Regional Texas Department of Health office to ask about meningococcal vaccine. Additional information may also be found at the web sites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov, and the Texas Department of Health, www.tdh.state.tx.us. |
| Basic Instructional Programs |
Mount Vernon Independent School District offers students a broad educational program stressing intellectual development, occupational and economic competence, citizenship, personal and social development, health, and physical fitness. Course content and teaching methods are designed to accommodate the needs of each student. Curriculum Director Carolyn Newsom facilitates curriculum development and the direction of district programs. The Curriculum Director regularly visits campuses to work with principals, assistant principals, teachers, and instructional resource aides in developing instructional strategies that will enhance the education of each student.
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| Child Nutrition Services |
The District participates in the National School Lunch Program and offers students nutritionally-balanced lunches daily. Free and reduced-price lunches are available based on financial need. Information about a student's participation is confidential. See a building principal to apply.
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| Counseling and Guidance |
School guidance and student counseling is available to all students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12. Counselors work as part of the educational team by helping students gain the most benefit possible from their school experience. Counselors serve as a resource in offering strategies for behavior and academic management. They play an important role in individual assessment and placement of students. MVISD counselors help students discover their strengths and needs, set realistic goals, and plan their education. Counselors also work with staff members in a "student services" approach to identify students and families dealing with issues that may become obstacles to success in school. MVISD counselors are able to link these families to a network of services available in the district and the community. Assistance is available through positive peer-group activities, as well as confidential referral for evaluation, care, and treatment of students and family members.
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| Elementary School |
Elementary and intermediate curriculum provide a well-balanced education focusing on language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and health. Students also learn to use new technology. Art, music, and physical education specialists work with classroom teachers to enhance the students' academic experience. A full-time librarian is on the elementary campus to assist students in learning library and research skills.
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| Employment Opportunities |
MVISD has many challenging and rewarding career opportunities in areas including teaching, substitute teaching, child nutrition, maintenance, transportation, and custodial services. For more information on current full-time and part-time positions available, call the Superintendent's Office at (903) 537-2546, Ext. 1212.
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| Enrollment Procedures |
The Mount Vernon Independent School District is open to all students residing within district boundaries who meet state eligibility requirements. Children must be five years old on or before September 1 of the current school year to enroll in kindergarten. To attend first grade, the student must be six years old on or before September 1 of the current school year or have been enrolled in the first grade or completed kindergarten in public school prior to transferring to the district. Parents should register in the principal's office of the appropriate campus. Proof of legal name, age, and documentation of compliance with state immunization requirements should be presented at the time of enrollment.
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| Graduation Requirements |
Requirements for a Diploma
To receive a high school diploma from the District, a student must successfully complete the required number of credits and pass a statewide exit-level exam.
The District introduced a new state test for graduation in the 2004–2005 school year. The new grade 11 exit-level test covers English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies and requires knowledge of Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, Integrated Chemistry and Physics, English III, and early American and United States History. [See Testing on page 14.]
Graduation Programs
The District offers the following graduation programs. The counselor can help you decide which program is best for you.
Number of Credits
· Minimum Twenty-two
· Recommended Twenty-four
· Distinguished Achievement Twenty-four
Beginning in the 2004–2005 school year, all ninth grade students are required to enroll in the Recommended or Advanced (Distinguished Achievement) Graduation Program. Permission to complete the Minimum Program would be granted only if an agreement were reached among:
· The student;
· The student’s parent or person standing in parental relation; and
· The counselor or appropriate administrator.
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| Immunization Requirements |
A student must be fully immunized against certain diseases or must present a certificate or statement that, for medical or religious reasons, the student will not be immunized. The immunizations required are: diphtheria, rubeola (measles), rubella, mumps, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type B, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and varicella (chicken pox). The school nurse can provide information on age-appropriate doses or on an acceptable physician-validated history of illness required by the Texas Department of Health. Proof of immunization may be personal records from a licensed physician or public health clinic with a signature or rubber-stamp validation.
If a student’s religious beliefs conflict with the requirement that the student be immunized, the student must present a statement signed by the student (or by the parent, if the student is a minor) stating that immunization conflicts with the beliefs and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination of which the student is an adherent or member. This statement must be renewed yearly.
If a student should not be immunized for medical reasons, the student or parent must present a certificate signed by a U.S. licensed physician stating that, in the doctor’s opinion, the immunization required would be harmful to the health and well-being of the student or any member of the student’s family or household. This certificate must be renewed yearly unless the physician specifies a life-long condition. [For further information, see policy FFAB.]
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| Inclement Weather |
In the event of inclement weather, the superintendent may close or delay the start of school. Parents and students should listen to local radio and television stations including KIMP 960 AM, KPXI 100.7 FM, KWNS 104.2 FM, KDXE 96 FM, or STAR COUNTRY 95.9 FM. Inclement weather makeup days are scheduled in the school calendar. Should instructional days be lost due to bad weather during the 2009-2010 school year, April 2 and May 7 have been designated as makeup days.
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| Pre-Kindergarten |
A state-mandated program to enrich language development is available for students who will be four years old on or before September 1 and who meet other specific criteria. Students must either be of limited English proficiency or must qualify for the free/reduced-price lunch program. Pre-kindergarten is taught on the elementary campus and is available to all students who qualify. Transportation is not provided. For more information, call (903) 537-2266, Ext. 2220.
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| Report Cards |
Written reports of your child’s grades or performance and absences in each class or subject are issued to you at least once every six weeks.
At the end of the first three weeks of a grading period, you will be given written notice if your child’s performance in any course in English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies is near or below 70, or is below the expected level of performance. If your child receives a grade lower than 70 in any class or subject during a grading period, you will be requested to schedule a conference with the teacher of that class or subject.
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| Secondary Schools |
MVISD secondary curriculum provides students access to numerous electives as they begin to explore options for their future. The MVISD junior high school follows a semester plan with eight class periods in a school day. Two 18-week semesters make up the school year, and credits are granted at the end of each semester. High school students are encouraged to fully explore their interests through a wide variety of electives, career and technology programs, and extracurricular activities. Students are able to concentrate on development in specific academic areas and to explore career paths while preparing for employment and/or higher education. MVISD high school follows a semester plan with seven class periods in a school day. Two 18-week semesters make up the school year with credits being granted at the end of each semester. This schedule allows ample time for students to earn required credits while taking full advantage of elective offerings.
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| Special Programs |
The District provides special programs for gifted and talented students, bilingual students, migrant students, students with limited English proficiency, dyslexic students, and students with disabilities. The coordinator of each program can answer questions about eligibility requirements, as well as programs and services offered in the District or by other organizations. A student or parent with questions about these programs should contact the building principal.
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| Student Discipline |
The Mount Vernon Independent School District believes that every student should have the opportunity to learn in a safe, orderly, and supportive school environment. At the beginning of the school year, a Student Code of Conduct booklet containing information regarding student discipline will be distributed to students, parents, teachers, and administrators.
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| Students New to MVISD |
State law requires students new to the district to provide proof of legal name and birth date. The original document, certified copy, or photocopy made and certified by the county clerk or other official of any of the following documents is acceptable: adoption records, birth certificate, church baptismal record, driver's license, hospital birth records, passport, records, report card, or any other legal document that establishes identity. Satisfactory evidence of compliance with state immunization requirements should also be presented at the time of enrollment. Parents should bring a report card and withdrawal form from the previously attended district. A release of information card must be signed upon enrollment in MVISD so the school may obtain the student's official transcript from the previously attended district.
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| Summer Programs |
A summer school program is offered for remediation in grades seven through 12. In addition, an elementary and intermediate extended year program is offered for qualified students.
PASS (Positive Alternative for SuccesS) is an alternative competency based education delivery system that has proven to be successful in dropout recovery and prevention. It is an open entry, open exit high school education program housed in the Academic Skills Center at Northeast Texas Community College in Mt. Pleasant. Students work at their own pace to earn credit toward their high school diploma. The program is correlated with the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) required for high school courses and focuses on the mastery of academic skills and competencies.
Students are guided and assisted through their individualized educational programs by certified instructors and college tutors. Attendance requirements are based on individual circumstances; however, minimum attendance standards are strictly enforced. To enroll in this program, a high school counselor or administrator must refer all persons. Tuition is assessed.
Mt. Vernon High School will not refer any student to the PASS program for a math or English class unless the student has passed all three sections of the Exit Level TAAS test.
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| Transportation |
The District makes school bus transportation available to all students living two or more miles from school. This service is provided at no cost to students. Bus routes and any subsequent changes are posted at the school. Further information may be obtained by calling Mr. David Rains at (903)537-2546 Ext. 5503.
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| Tutorials |
Tutorial programs are available according to state mandates to each student whose grade average is below 70 in one or more core subjects. Also, students who are in jeopardy of scoring below 70 in a subject for a six-weeks period are considered for the tutoring program.
The report card or unsatisfactory progress report will state whether tutorials are required for a student who receives a grade lower than 70 in a class or subject.
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