2023-2024 Back to School Guide

Welcome to CCISD!

A new school year begins Wednesday, August 9, and I am #CCISDproud of the educational experiences awaiting Corpus Christi students.

It is with great anticipation that I welcome your family to a new school year. The beginning of each school year is always an exciting time; we educators are as excited as the kids! We are prepared to help all students grow, challenge themselves, and enjoy their learning journey.

As you may know, we were recently honored as the Best Large School District in Texas by the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program. H-E-B is a wonderful supporter of public education, and we are honored that they recognized Corpus Christi ISD at this level. Our incredible staff, students and families help us shine every day.

We will open two new school buildings this year and break ground on two more. On the first day of school, we will welcome students and staff to Cullen Place Elementary School, and Weldon Gibson Elementary School. Meanwhile, renovations are nearing completion at Moses Menger Elementary

CCISD Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees consists of seven volunteers who reside within the district’s boundaries and are elected by voters to serve four-year terms. The board votes on matters including the approval of school policy, curriculum, expenditures and building programs.

Trustees hold meetings in the Board Room of the Administration Building (801 Leopard Street). Learn more about CCISD’s Board of Trustees and watch live or archived meetings at www.ccisd.us/AboutUs/Board

CCISD Board of Trustees (front row, from left): Dolly Gonzales Trolley, Secretary, District 4; S. Jaime Arredondo, Vice President, District 2; Don Clark, President, At-Large; Alice Upshaw Hawkins, Assistant Secretary, At-Large; (back row, from left) Eric Villarreal, PE, Trustee, District 1; Jane D. Bell, Trustee, At-Large; Dr. Roland Hernandez, CCISD Superintendent of Schools; Marty Bell, Trustee, District 3.

School, Roy Miller High School and W.B. Ray High School. This fall, we will break ground on a new campus for Carl O. Hamlin Middle School as well as a new middle school campus on the southeast side of the city.

Our principals, teachers and support staff across our 52 schools are delighted to welcome students to a new year of education and extracurricular activities. Our highly trained educators are ready to help all students progress academically while meeting the unique needs of each student.

We know that strong relationships promote a safe environment. Equally important, they make working and learning more fun! This is why we are continuing our status as a Capturing Kids’ Hearts district. We will share monthly themes and tips in our newsletters. Your kids may come home talking about their classroom’s social contract to promote a positive learning environment and about starting the day by sharing “good things.” We encourage you to continue these enriching conversations at home!

Our teachers and staff are excited for the

year ahead. I want to reassure you that the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain the district’s top priority. As we begin the new school year, we will continue to follow the latest guidelines and take all necessary precautions to maximize safety at all schools and district properties. We encourage families to discuss concerns at the school level, as well as to use our Speak Up system to report safety issues. When we work together, we create the welcoming, neighborly public school district we all want and deserve.

We can’t wait to meet our new families and to see our returning ones! Please take time to get to know the great people at your child’s school. Districtwide, we’re just a click away with the “Contact us” button at www.ccisd.us or by texting us at (361) 600-3691.

See you soon!

Corpus Christi Independent School District

2023-2024 SCHOOL SUPPLIES LIST

Schools require students to bring basic supplies (paper, pencils, scissors, etc.) to class. Students may also be asked to purchase additional supplies for individual classes. Contact your child's school for a complete list of supplies for each grade level and campus. See below for the 2023-2024 CCISD elementary school, middle school and high school supply list. School supply lists are also available at www.ccisd.us.

Scan the QR code to learn more about the clear backpack requirements.

MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL

Check with individual teachers for additional supplies

• Clear backpack

• Highlighters

• Package of sticky notes

• 1 Package #2 pencils

• Map pencils

• Notebook paper white regular ruled

• 1 Three ring binder or folder with brads

• 1 Composition notebook

• Glue stick

• 1 Hand sanitizer (at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol)

1:1 Device Program

CCISD is excited to continue its 1:1 student device program for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. The program provides students with the tools to access, create, share, and collaborate as digital citizens.

CCISD will also offer a device accidental protection program to provide students with security in the event something happens to the device. It will give the students a sense of responsibility and accountability for the devices they check out.

Bring Your Own Device

The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program provides students the optional opportunity to use a technology device they prefer, to supplement the device from the district, or to meet other needs and preferences. BYOD is supported across all campuses.

For more information on the 1:1 Device program and the BYOD program, please visit www.ccisd.us/ StudentTechnology

Transportation

CCISD offers school bus transportation for students who live 2 miles or more from their assigned school. Students residing within 2 miles of their assigned school may have transportation available if their neighborhood qualifies as hazardous. The district uses the hazardous transportation rating system per state and local policy.

Bus route, bus stop eligibility and assignments are based on the student’s physical address on file in the CCISD student database. Please contact the registrar at your student’s campus to make address changes.

For more information on transportation eligibility and bus routes, contact the Office of Transportation at (361) 695-7610 or visit www.ccisd.us/Departments/Transportation

School Boundaries

CCISD assigns each student to a specific elementary, middle or high school campus based on a student’s home address. To determine which school your child should attend, go to the district’s website, www.ccisd.us, and click on “School Boundaries” to look up specific addresses that determine your attendance zone. If your neighborhood was affected by the recent attendance boundary changes, and you have a question about your new zone, please contact the Office of Student Support Services at (361) 695-7242. For more information on school boundaries and attendance zones, please contact the Office of Assessment and Accountability at (361) 844-0396.

Breakfast and Lunch

All CCISD campus cafeterias participate in the Community Eligibility Provision program allowing all students to receive a free breakfast and a free lunch every school day. No loans will be given for second meals or a la carte purchases because each student receives complimentary meals.

To help the district continue to receive money for grants and programs, parents and guardians should complete a district income survey as part of the online registration process.

My School Bucks

Paying for second school meals or a la carte food is convenient and fast with our no-fee online service. Parents and school staff have the opportunity to prepay online through www.myschoolbucks.com. By creating a secure online account, parents can easily manage their student’s cafeteria account. Cash or checks will also continue to be accepted at the school cafeterias.

To learn more about CCISD Food Services and see school menus, visit www.ccisd.us/Departments/FoodServices.

Connect With Us!

CCISD believes in a strong partnership between home and school, a partnership that thrives on communication. CCISD offers a variety of ways for parents and guardians to stay connected to what is happening at schools and across the district.

Ways to stay informed:

• CCISD’s Facebook page

• CCISD’s Twitter account

• Visit www.ccisd.us/Schools to find your campus’ web address.

• Receive district text messages by texting “Y” or “Yes” to 67587, the district’s telephone, text and email emergency notification system.

• Get answers to your questions via our Let’s Talk! customer service platform.

• Keep your child’s school informed about your contact information so you receive telephone, text and email messages with important information, including emergency updates.

School closures due to bad weather or emergencies (flooding, power failures, hurricane, etc.) are determined by the Superintendent of Schools. CCISD announces closures via automated messages to staff and families, on

official district social media accounts, and by sharing information with local media outlets. To ensure you receive district communications, tell your child’s school about any changes in your contact information.

CCISD’s goal is for all students and staff to be treated with dignity and respect. To resolve a problem or bring a concern to the district’s attention, follow the chart below.

How to Get Help

Attendance Tips

Attending school every day and arriving on time is crucial to a student’s academic success. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to succeed academically and to graduate from high school.

Showing up matters for R.E.A.L. It is an opportunity to:

• Build Routines

• Increase Engagement

• Provide Access to resources

• Support Learning

Frequently Asked Questions: What if I need to miss school?

• If a student is absent, the parent or guardian must call or email the school that day to report the reason for the absence.

• Students must also submit a written note from the parent describing the reason for the absence.

Can my child lose credit if they have less than 90% attendance for the year?

• State law requires that students attend class 90% of the school year to receive credit.

• Ten or more unexcused absences in a six-month period may result in truancy court hearings. CCISD is committed to assisting families with attendance barriers. Always reach out to campus staff for support. For more information on attendance requirements, contact the Office of Admission, Attendance and Student Support Services at (361) 6957242.

Parental Consent to Leave Campus

All campus sign-out procedures must be followed, and proof of identity must be presented to the front office before a student may leave campus during the school day. For more information on sign-out policies, contact your student’s school.

Capturing Kids’ Hearts

CCISD is committed to creating a school environment that is safe, loving and supportive. The district has implemented Capturing Kids’ Hearts strategies at all elementary, middle and high schools and district departments. These strategies help build meaningful relationships between students, families and their campuses. To learn more about this program, visit iheartckh.com.

Student Conduct and Dress Code

All students and parents may learn about student conduct and dress code requirements in the Student and Parent Handbook and the Student Code of Conduct. The handbook is available at www.ccisd.us, and printed copies are

Health Services

available at your student’s school.

Special Education Services

CCISD employs an educational process that links students to various support options, including but not limited to a referral for a special education evaluation. If a student is experiencing learning difficulties in a general education classroom, parents and guardians may contact the school principal to learn about the district’s support services.

Parents or guardians of students currently receiving special education services and needing assistance resolving concerns should contact:

• The school principal

• The district’s Senior Director for Special Education

• Or the Region 2 Education Service Center

Parents and guardians may also contact the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to request voluntary mediation, file a complaint, or file a request for a due process hearing before an impartial hearing officer. Before filing a request for a hearing, a confidential mediation may be scheduled at no cost to you.

For more information on student options, call the Office of Special Education at (361) 878-2684 or visit the TEA Legal Services, Special Education Dispute Resolution website at www.tea.state.tx.us

For more information on student conduct, contact the Office of Admissions, Attendance and Student Support Services at (361) 695-7242. ccisd.us

School nurses are available at every CCISD campus and are equipped to provide students immediate care in the event of an injury or illness. We encourage parents and guardians to ensure current contact information is on file with the school so that the school may reach you in the event of an emergency. To update contact information, call your campus for assistance.

IMMUNIZATIONS

All students must be immunized according to Texas school immunization requirements. The school nurse can provide guidance on age-appropriate immunization schedules. Acceptable proof of immunization includes a physician-validated history of illness or personal immunization records from a licensed physician or public health clinic. For more information regarding immunization requirements, call the Office of Student Health Services at (361) 878-2680, ext. 44926. Scan the QR codes below to learn more about Texas immunization requirements and exemptions:

MEDICATIONS

All prescription medications given at school require written permission signed by the physician and parent/guardian. Contact your student’s school nurse or the Office of Student Health Services at (361) 878-2680, ext. 44926

Grading and Report Cards

CCISD’s Grading and Reporting Procedures are available on the CCISD website at www.ccisd.us/StudentsParents. The district issues report cards and progress reports through electronic delivery at the end of each grading period to notify parents and guardians about how their student is performing academically in school. Parents/guardians must electronically sign student’s report card after each grading periods.

The electronic report card and progress report are available in the Canvas Backpack. Both students and parents have access to these records in Canvas Backpack. Instructional Technology shared parent informational videos (see QR codes) about accessing their Canvas account. At any time, a parent may request a printed copy of the report card from the campus.

Reporting Bullying Incidents

Bullying is not tolerated in CCISD. The district prohibits bullying on school property, at schoolsponsored or school-related activities, or in any vehicle operated by the district. Bullying may include verbal or written expression, expression through electronic means or physical conduct.

Anyone who believes a student has experienced or engaged in bullying should report the incident immediately via the following options:

• Orally or in writing to a teacher, school counselor, principal or district employee.

• Submitted anonymously via the “Speak Up for Safety” system. Concerns can be reported by calling or texting (361) 631-1011 or by emailing speakup@ccisd.us.

No Pass/No Play

Under the state’s “no pass/no play” law, a student must pass all courses for the previous reporting period to be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities. Students who do not meet this requirement may still attend practices or rehearsals but will not be allowed to participate in performances or competitions. Contact your student’s campus for more information on grading and report cards.

Graduation Requirements

Students meet their graduation requirements by completing the required number of credits and passing five statewide end-of-course exams in the areas of English I (reading and writing), English II (reading and writing), Algebra I, Biology, and U.S. History.

Incoming 9th graders will have an option of selecting an endorsement to help them meet the requirements of the Foundation + Endorsement Graduation Plan. Courses within each endorsement are designed to prepare students for college and career opportunities in their program(s) of interest. They can also select a distinguished level of achievement option. Students must achieve at least 26 credits in respective

coursework. Additional information about credit requirements for graduation, visit our district website to view the 2023 – 2024 course catalog.

In addition to meeting the testing and credit requirements, the State of Texas also requires students to complete a FAFSA, TASFA, or opt-out form to be eligible for graduation. This can be done beginning in October of a student’s senior year. Students can connect with their college and career counselor for assistance.

Please consult your high school counselor for additional information and details about particular course credits, graduation plans, or endorsements.

ENGLISH

SPANISH

Athletics

Athletics are an integral part of the district’s curriculum, and participation in a variety of team and individual sports is part of many students’ education.

To participate in athletics, students in grades 7-12 must have a current physical and completed medical history on file at their school. The Office of Athletics provides a CCISD Student and Parent

Livestream Games

Can’t attend the football games in person? Check out the Athletic Office’s YouTube channel to see the games of your choice brought to you live on the district’s new Hudl cameras for games at Cabaniss Sports Complex or

Athletic Handbook at the beginning of each school year. The handbook includes eligibility guidelines, UIL policies, TEA and district policies.

Additional forms and requirements, along with the CCISD Student and Parent Athletic Handbook, can be found at www.corpuschristiisd.rankonesport.com

Buy Football Tickets Online

The Office of Athletics is offering online varsity football tickets and reserved parking passes for games played at Cabaniss Multipurpose Stadium and Buccaneer Stadium. Middle school football games at various district stadium sites will also be offered online and at the gate on game day. Student tickets are also available online. High school students may also purchase their tickets at their campus the week of the game.

To purchase online tickets and parking passes for the 2023-2024 season, visit https://corpuschristiisd. hometownticketing.com/embed/all

CCISD Clear Bag Requirement

The district implemented a clear bag requirement to improve safety and security for students, staff and visitors. The clear bag policy is required at all athletic high school and middle school events held at Cabaniss Sports Complex and Buccaneer Stadium.

Buccaneer Stadium. Sporting events in the main and auxillary gyms of each high school campus can also be viewed on the high school’s YouTube channel. Visit www.ccisdsportsnetwork.com/

Reserved parking passes purchased online may be picked up at the Office of Athletics located at 2805 Oso Dr.

For more information, call the Office of Athletics at (361) 695-7650.

Volunteering in Our Schools

Parents, guardians and community members interested in volunteering on CCISD campuses or at schoolbased functions must complete the online volunteer application form annually.

For more information on the volunteer process and to access the application form, visit www.ccisd.us/HumanResources/CCISDVolunteers

Canvas and Home Access Center

Canvas, a learning management system used by the district, allows parents and guardians to view their student’s assignment due dates and course calendar.

To access Canvas, follow the steps below:

• Visit your school’s website.

• Click on the Canvas button located on the homepage.

• Add @ccisd.us to your Home Access Center username to log in to Canvas.

• Use your Home Access Center password to log in.

How to Use Home Access Center -

Login to HAC Type in your User Name (g-username) Type in your Password.

How to Use Home Access Center - HAC

The Corpus Christi Education Foundation serves and supports the Corpus Christi Independent School District by awarding classroom grants, student and teacher scholarships and funding innovative programs districtwide.

1. Login to HAC Type in your User Name (g-username) Type in your Password.

The Home Access Center is a portal that houses student information online. The district will send an activation code and instructions to the email provided during registration.

For more information on Canvas and the Home Access Center, visit www.Tinyurl.com/ CCISDParent

2. Home Screen - Once you login you will see the Home Screen:

Emergencies and Drills

2. Home Screen - Once you login you will see the Home Screen:

The foundation is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. For more information on the Corpus Christi Education Foundation, including ways to donate, visit www.ccef-ccisd.org or call (361) 695-7412.

CCISD is committed to the safety and security of students, faculty, staff and visitors on its campuses. CCISD will continue to follow the Standard Response Protocol and its emergency actions of Lockout, Lockdown, Evacuate and Shelter-in-Place.

DISTRICT SECURITY EMERGENCY PLAN TERMS

3. Configure Alerts and Your Account. On the Home Screen, click on the parent’s name

A. Click My Alerts to configure Alerts.

EVACUATION – Requires all staff and students to leave the building. Evacuation can be highly effective if it can be completed before the arrival of the hazard; can involve fires, bomb threats and gas leaks.

3. Configure Alerts and Your Account. On the Home Screen, click on the parent’s name

HOLD – Requires students to remain in their current room or area and is the protocol used when hallways need to be kept clear of occupants.

A. Click My Alerts to configure Alerts

LOCKDOWN – All exterior doors and classroom doors are locked and students and staff remain in their classrooms; can involve bomb threats, severe weather conditions, terrorist threats, death and/or suicide at school and civil disruption.

SHELTER-IN-PLACE – Students and staff remain in the building, windows and doors are sealed and all ventilation systems are shut off. Limited movement is allowed. Shelter-in-place is most effective during emergencies involving hazardous materials, which produce toxic vapors outside of the facility. Taking shelter inside a sealed building is highly effective in keeping students and staff safe.

B. My Account allows you to view your account information, change change challenge questions.

SECURE – Bring everyone indoors, keep perimeter doors locked, increase situational awareness, continue normal school business, take attendance.

B. My Account allows you to view your account information, change password, and change challenge questions.