2008-2009




Vision Statement

Palestine High School envisions the success of all students. We strive to provide a safe, secure and disciplined environment where academic excellence is expected and diversity is recognized as a strength. These efforts will prepare all students to become successful lifelong learners and participants in the global, multicultural society of the 21st century.


Mission Statement
In partnership with parents and the community, our mission at Palestine High School is to develop responsible, productive, creative, ethical citizens who respect themselves and others, value cultural differences, set goals with a positive attitude, and think critically to solve problems in an ever-changing society.



Palestine Fight Song
Give a cheer, give a call,
For the boys who tote the ball,
For those Wildcats of old PHS.
They are strong, they are stout,
Come on Everybody Shout,
For those Wildcats of old PHS.
For its Hi, Hi, He, and we're off to victory,
Shout out your colors loud and strong,
Maroon and White!
For where 'ere you go, You will always know
That those Wildcats keep fighting along.
Keep on fighting!
That those Wildcats keep fighting along.



Palestine School Song
Our Palestine, to love and cherish,
ever loyal be. Maroon and White our colors
we will always honor thee!
For friendships made in every grade,
thy memory will never fade!
Our pledge to thee, our Alma Mater:
Loyal we will ever be.

School Mascot
Wildcat

School Colors
Maroon and White




General information-



Principal Shon Joseph 903/731-8007
Assistant Principal L-Z Winston McCowan 903/731-8084
Dean of Students A-K Travis Waddell 903/731-8084
Assistant Principal AEP Edwina Miller 903/727-2626
Athletic Director Booker Bowie 903/731-8012
Instructional Facilitator Amy Pack 903/731-8005
Fine Arts Coordinator Eric Cates 903/727-2607
Counselor- L-Z Lisa Sylvester 903/731-8085
Counselor- A-K Roxanne Webb 903/731-8085
Registrar Danette Hinson 903/731-8075
Attendance Megan Moore 903/731-8005
CTE Supervisor/ Campus Administrator Peggy Herrington 903/731-8068
PEP Director Sarah Jane Freeman 903/731-2007
504/ Dyslexia/ Attendance Lolita Shead 903/727-2605












2008-2009 Bell Schedule

Period Start End
0* 7:10 7:55
1 8:05 8:57
2 9:02 9:54
3 9:59 10:51
4 10:56 12:41
Announcements will take place during this time PMS A Lunch :30
PMS A Class 1:10 10:56 – 11:26
11:31 – 12:41
PHS A Class :27
PHS A Lunch :25
PHS A Class :45 10:56 – 11:23
11:26 – 11:51
11:56 – 12:41
PMS B Class :47
PMS B Lunch :25
PMS B Class :25 10:56 – 11:43
11:46 – 12:11
12:16 – 12:41
PHS B Class 1:12
PHS B Lunch :30 10:56 – 12:08
12:11 – 12:41
5 12:46 1:38
6 1:43 2:35
7 2:40 3:30
8* 3:45 4:35

*These periods are optional. The regular school begins at 8:05am and concludes at 3:30 pm.













2008-2009 Activity Bell Schedule

Period Start End
0* 7:10 7:55
1 8:05 8:57
2 9:02 9:54
3 9:59 10:51
4 10:56 12:41
Announcements will take place during this time PMS A Lunch :30
PMS A Class 1:10 10:56 – 11:26
11:31 – 12:41
PHS A Class :27
PHS A Lunch :25
PHS A Class :45 10:56 – 11:23
11:26 – 11:51
11:56 – 12:41
PMS B Class :47
PMS B Lunch :25
PMS B Class :25 10:56 – 11:43
11:46 – 12:11
12:16 – 12:41
PHS B Class 1:12
PHS B Lunch :30 10:56 – 12:08
12:11 – 12:41
5 12:46 1:30
6 1:35 2:15
7 2:20 3:00
Activity 3:05 3:30
8* 3:45 4:35

*These periods are optional. The regular school begins at 8:05am and concludes at 3:30 pm.









2008-2009 Advisory Bell Schedule

Period Start End
0* 7:10 7:55
1 8:05 8:57
2 9:02 9:54
3 9:59 10:51
4 10:56 12:41
HS Advisory 10:56 11:23
Announcements will take place during this time PMS A Lunch :30
PMS A Class 1:10 10:56 – 11:26
11:31 – 12:41
PHS A Lunch :25
PHS A Class :45 11:26 – 11:51
11:56 – 12:41
PMS B Class :20
PMS B Lunch :25
PMS B Class :25 11:26 – 11:46
11:46 – 12:11
12:16 – 12:41
PHS B Class 1:12
PHS B Lunch :30 10:56 – 12:08
12:11 – 12:41
5 12:46 1:38
6 1:43 2:35
7 2:40 3:30
8* 3:45 4:35

*These periods are optional. The regular school begins at 8:05am and concludes at 3:30 pm.















The Wildcat Way

Advisory Program
Palestine High School personnel believe that each student should have a personal advocate to assist them during their high school years. Therefore, each student enrolled at PHS will be assigned a teacher (advisor) who will contact parents regularly regarding grades, attendance, behavior, or anything that needs to be communicated to parents/guardians. In addition, the advisor will assist the student with academic and social guidance when needed. If, as a parent/guardian, you are not contacted by your child’s advisor, please contact the administration.

Bus Transportation
The Palestine I.S.D. provides transportation to and from the schools as well as for most extra-curricular competitions. The bus driver and any other employees of the District who may be on a bus from time to time shall have the same authority as that of a teacher on a campus with regard to control of activity on a bus. In the event any occupant of school provided transportation or any person while in route to or from a school related function or event shall violate any part of the Student Code of Conduct or other district policy shall be reported to the appropriate assistant principal. Misconduct on a school bus will be reported to an assistant principal on a discipline referral form. Parents will be notified. Students may be suspended from the bus for disciplinary reasons. Persistent misconduct may result in suspension from the bus for the school year.

Palestine High School Bus Rules and Expectations
1. Students are expected to follow all directions and requests made by the bus driver.
2. Students must be seated and facing forward any time the bus is in motion.
3. Eating, drinking and littering on the bus are prohibited.
4. Students are to respect others on the bus, including the driver.
5. Yelling, throwing items, and other such behavior which could distract the bus driver, are prohibited.
6. Follow all policies listed in the Student Code of Conduct.

Non Bus Students: All students must be dropped off and picked up in the drop-off loop. Students who drive vehicles must park in the south (rear) parking lot and must have a valid parking permit in view. For safety reasons, students must enter or exit school from assigned entrances/exits.

Tutorial Bus
A tutorial bus is provided for all students attending tutorial sessions on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoons. The tutorial bus will leave the front parking lot at the conclusion of the tutorial sessions. Students are required to present a tutorial bus pass, signed by their tutorial teacher, to the bus driver in order to ride the tutorial bus. Students that are not attending tutorials with a teacher will not be permitted to ride the tutorial bus and will be expected to leave the campus.

Cafeteria
The school cafeteria is operated for the convenience and health of students and staff and not for the purpose of making a profit. Menus are planned by a dietician to meet the needs of growing individuals. All students are required to eat in the cafeteria whether they buy their lunches or bring them from home. A student must present his/her student identification card to access the lunch credit system or pay cash. The district participates in the National School Lunch Program and offers free and reduced price lunches to eligible students. Application forms are available in the main office of Palestine High School.



Palestine High School Cafeteria Expectations
1. Students will sit in their assigned cafeteria level.
2. Students will use appropriate manners while eating.
3. Students will dispose of all trash at their table.
4. Students will remain seated in the cafeteria until the end of their lunch time.
5. Students will ONLY use the restrooms adjacent to the cafeteria.

Food and drink are to be consumed in the cafeteria and ARE NOT to be taken into any other part of the campus. All guests/visitors must be approved at least 24 hours in advance by the principal. Availability of cafeteria seating will be used to determine the number of guests that can be accommodated. The class location of a student’s 4th period class determines his/her lunch period. Palestine High School operates two lunch periods each full day of instruction. BRINGING IN FOOD FROM OUTSIDE IS NOT PERMITTED FOR ANYONE OTHER THAN YOUR STUDENT.

Care of School Property
Students are held responsible for and may be asked to pay for any school property that is damaged. Students are expected to take pride in their campus.

Cheating/Plagiarism
Cheating shall be defined as receiving or giving unauthorized information or assistance on tests, examinations, homework, projects, or other assignments intended for individual completion. According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, plagiarism means: ~to steal and pass off (the ideas and words of another) as your own ~to use (another’s production) without crediting the source ~to commit literary theft ~to present as new and original an idea or project derived from an existing source. Plagiarism is an act of fraud. The penalty for cheating and/or plagiarism will be a grade of zero on the work involved for all parties involved. This grade will be recorded in the grade book; the situation will be documented; and a referral will be made to the appropriate assistant principal. Teacher notification of the student’s parents is required.

Closed Campus
The school officials have supervisory responsibility of all students who furnish their own transportation from the time they arrive on school property until they are dismissed for the day. Bus students are under the supervisory responsibility of school officials from the time they board a school bus until they leave the bus in the afternoon. Because of this responsibility, it is necessary that all students remain on campus all day, with the exception of certain circumstances that are listed below. Should an emergency arise requiring the student to leave the campus, he/she must have a pass from an authorized administrator or the Attendance Office.
1. In the event that a parent needs to take his/her child off-campus, the parent must sign the student out through the front office.
2. Students leaving school during school hours must have a written excuse from their parents. The students must obtain permission to leave from the front office and a record of their leaving must be recorded in that office.
3. Students who leave campus without school permission will face disciplinary action and possible suspension of parking privileges for a specified time.
4. All visitors are required to report to the main office and obtain a visitor’s pass. No one without authorized business will be allowed to remain in the building or on the school campus.

Clubs/Organizations
Student clubs and performing groups, such as the band, choir, and drill and athletic teams, may establish rules of conduct, and consequences for misbehavior, that are more stringent than those for students in general. If a violation is also a violation of school rules, the consequences specified by the school shall apply in addition to any consequences specified by the organization. Each student member of a group imposing more stringent standards shall be notified of the standards of behavior and of the specific consequences of violating the standards.

Club and Organization Regulations
A. All clubs must operate under the constitution and a set of by-laws, and copies of each constitution and by-laws must be on file in the Principal’s Office.

B. All activities of the club must be under the supervision of the sponsor at all times.

C. Any student who would like to belong to a club or school organization and would like more information needs to contact the sponsor of that club.
D. By authority of the Texas Education Agency no social (formal or informal) clubs will be permitted.

Club Officers & Students in Positions of Honor
In order to obtain the best possible student leadership and to prevent interference with scholastic achievement, all students must have the approval of the faculty members before consideration by the students for election or appointment to a student office. Each candidate is expected to be an above average student citizen. The areas suggested to the teachers for consideration and approvals are scholarship, citizenship, dependability, and cooperation.
Causes for Disqualification
Class officers, student council officers, club officers, members of the band, cheerleaders, members of the drill team, National Honor Society (N.H.S.), athletes, or any student taking part in extra-curricular activities, may be disqualified from seeking, or removed from holding office or membership for the following reasons:
A. Suspension from school.
B. Failure to comply with rules and regulations of the school.
C. Lack of interest in fulfilling duties of the office.
D. Lack of cooperation with sponsors.
E. Violation of the existing club/activity guidelines.

Removal from office will be subject to administrative review.
Communicating with Teachers
Parents wishing to contact teachers personally are asked to leave a telephone number so those teachers may return the call during non-instructional times. Teachers have email. Parents may ask the school receptionist for the teacher’s email address. Parent conferences are encouraged and should be scheduled with the teacher directly. Parents should arrange to meet with the teacher during non-instructional times only (before school, after school, or during conference periods).

All teacher information including email addresses is available through the PISD website www.palestineschools.org , under “Parent Resources”.

Computer/Technology/Internet Usage
Students will abide by the Palestine Independent School District’s “Acceptable Use Policies for District Computers, Networks, and Internet.” A copy of the document is included in the appendix of the student handbook.
• Students must have a completed “Student Agreement for Participation in an Electronic Communication System” form on file before being allowed access to the Palestine ISD computer network.

• Students who violate the Acceptable Use Policies and/or campus administrative regulations may have their user privileges suspended and/or revoked, and will be subject to disciplinary action.

Conduct and Behavior
Each student is expected at all times to keep in mind that his/her conduct should not interfere with the rights of others; rather, it should be an example to others. It should also be remembered that the teacher is in charge of the classroom and has the responsibility of creating an environment within the class for all students to learn. Students failing to adhere to directives of any school personnel in the classroom, on the campus, or at any school-sponsored or related activities will be subject to disciplinary action. Please refer to the Palestine Independent School District Student Code of Conduct for a full explanation regarding unacceptable behaviors and their consequences.

A. Disturbance and/or Misconduct in the Classroom or School
Misconduct in the classroom is a violation of the rights of other students and teachers. Teachers will handle all disturbances in accordance with the PHS Campus Discipline Management system and the PISD Student Code of Conduct.

B. Vulgar, Profane, or Abusive Language
Vulgar, profane, or abusive language by students will not be tolerated. Students using abusive language will be referred immediately to an administrator. Verbal and/or written threats will not be tolerated. A citation may be issued by a School Resource Officer and additional school consequences will be applied.

C. Fighting
Fighting is strictly prohibited. Any student who is referred to an administrator for fighting will be suspended from his/her normal learning environment, the student’s parents will be contacted, and the police will also be notified.

D. Gang Activity/Behavior:
Any activity perceived by school administration to be gang related will not be tolerated on campus or extracurricular events. Please refer to the Student Code Of Conduct.

E. Alcohol and Drugs
Any student who uses, possesses, transfers, or is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any controlled substance while on the school campus, before, during or after school hours, or at any school activity, whether on or off the school campus will (1) have the police notified, (2) have the parent(s) contacted, and (3) shall be placed in DAEP. Students will be expelled for the 2nd infraction occurring in the same school year.

F. Tobacco
State Law and PISD Board Policy prohibit smoking, possession, or use of any type of tobacco anywhere on campus or at any school-sponsored activity. Police will be notified in any situation involving possession of tobacco on school grounds.

G. Theft
Students involved in an act of theft will be subject to disciplinary action and prosecution under the law.

H. Destruction or Damage of Property
Willful vandalism on the part of the students who damage or destroy buildings, grounds, vehicles, and equipment owned or contracted for by the district is strictly prohibited. Violations will be investigated. If students are found guilty of such vandalism, the students and their parents will be held financially accountable. Students found guilty of an act of vandalism will be subject to disciplinary action and prosecution under the law.

I. Public Displays of Affection (PDA)
Public display of affection on school grounds or in the building is considered inappropriate. Excessive or repeated displays of affection/personal contact will result in disciplinary action.

J. Fireworks
Any student, who has in his/her possession, ignites or discharges fireworks of any kind, on or around the school campus will be subject to disciplinary action.


K. Skateboards, Skates, or Scooters
Students are prohibited from having skateboards, skates, or scooters on campus.


Discipline Management Plan
The 2008-2009 PISD Student Code of Conduct, which specifies in detail expectations and consequences for student behavior, is available on-line www.palestineschools.org for every student and his/her parents/guardian to access. Parents and students are to read the Student Code of Conduct and sign and return the accompanying verification of receipt and understanding. The Student Code of Conduct is district policy. It is a portion of the Palestine Independent School District’s Disciplinary Management Plan, full copies of which may be found in the Principal’s office, the school library, and the PISD Administration Office. Hard copies are available on request from the PISD Administration Offices and the PHS Main Office.


Disciplinary Progression
1. Teacher Consequences
• Teacher Warning (Verbal and/or Written)
• Teacher Assigned Detention (30 Minutes) and Parent Contact
• Office Referral

2. Administrator Consequences

Morning and Afternoon Detentions

Morning detentions (7:15-8:00 a.m.) and afternoon detentions (3:40-4:25 p.m.) may be assigned at the discretion of an administrator as a disciplinary consequence. Students will be notified in advance of the exact date, time and location of the detention. Students assigned a morning or afternoon detentions are required to provide their own transportation to or from school.

Friday Night School

Friday Night School hours are 3:35-8:35 p.m. Assignments are made in increments of three and five hours. Students assigned for 3 hours will be released at 6:35 p.m. Students assigned for 5 hours will be released at 8:35 p.m. All school rules will apply. (i.e. dress code, cell phone, ID Badge, etc.) The student should bring sufficient materials to work on during the time assigned. Students assigned for 5 hours should bring a sack supper. Students not in attendance, asked to leave, or choose to leave early, must serve the originally assigned Friday Night School in it’s entirety on a future date, as well as being assigned additional consequences. Students who skip assigned Friday Night School WILL NOT be allowed to participate in, nor attend, extracurricular activities that same evening. Students assigned Friday Night School are expected to serve on the scheduled date and time assigned. Friday Night School may only be rescheduled in the case of an emergency and only through a parent contact with an administrator.

In-School Suspension (ISS)

In-School Suspension hours are the same as the regular school day. Students assigned to ISS are to report promptly to the ISS room when they enter the building, with all necessary books and supplies. Failure to report to ISS after having been notified to do so may result in additional ISS time. Teachers will send class work to be completed in ISS. All assignments must be completed in ISS prior to the student being allowed to resume regular classes. Students assigned to In-School Suspension will eat lunch in the ISS Room.

Out of School Suspension (OSS)


In certain situations, as deemed appropriate by an administrator, students may be suspended from school for up to three consecutive days. During any out of school suspension students are prohibited from being on any PISD property and attending PISD activities or events.

Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP)

Based on state and local policy, students may be removed from the regular learning environment and placed in a disciplinary alternative educational program. Students placed in the DAEP are prohibited from being on PISD school property (other than at DAEP) and attending PISD functions/events. If a student is found on PISD property, in violation of this policy, police notification will be made, and trespassing citations may be issued.

Dress Code Policy Enforcement
Students who are NOT in compliance with the PISD Student Dress Code Policy WILL NOT be permitted to attend class.

Dress Code Violations Students will comply with the standard dress guidelines as established by PISD. If an administrator determines that a student has violated the standard dress code, the student shall be given an opportunity to correct the problem at school, for the first offense. If not corrected, the student may be assigned to in-school suspension for the remainder of the day or until the problem is corrected. After the first violation, any further standard dress code offenses may result disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. [See FO series]

Students who are on campus and not in compliance with the PISD Student Dress Code Policy will be referred to an administrator and subject to the following disciplinary consequences:
1) On the first dress code violation, per semester, a student will be given the opportunity to get into compliance and given a warning.
If the violation is corrected, the student will be allowed to return to class.
If the student fails to correct the violation, the student will be placed in ISS for the remainder of the day.

2) On subsequent dress code violations, a student will be given the opportunity to get into compliance and be assigned a three hour Friday Night School.
If the violation is corrected, the student will be allowed to return to class.
If the student fails to correct the violation, the student will be placed in ISS for the remainder of the day.

3) Persistent violations of the dress code may result in more serious disciplinary actions, which may include, but not be limited to, assignment in the district’s disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP).

Dress at Social Activities
Dress at Social Activities such as dances, award ceremonies, and prom, students shall wear appropriate attire. It is not permissible for girls to wear attire which exposes the breasts, bras and undergarments, the midriff area, and the girl’s back below the waist. Guidelines stated in the student dress code for body-piercing objects will be followed so that the only body-piercings that are visible are girls’ earrings. Also, male students must be clean-shaven and no undergarments are to be exposed. Any student deemed to be wearing inappropriate attire by an administrator WILL NOT be permitted to attend the particular event.

Exemptions Policy for Semester Exams
All students are required to take a semester exam in each course in which they are enrolled for the year. All students who are classified as seniors may be exempt from the exam in a course if he/she meets the requirements listed below. Junior students who meet the same requirements will be eligible for exam exemptions during the spring semester only. In order for a student to be exempt from taking his/her exam, the student must complete an exemption application that adheres to the following:
1. The student must not have been assigned to ISS or Friday Night School for disciplinary reasons for more than one day. This is defined as more than one assignment to ISS or Friday Night School, or more than 1 day in an assignment.

The above criteria must be met before teachers consider your individual class average, attendance, and other criteria listed below.
The student must have no more than two absences with an 80-89 average or no more than three absences with a 90 or above average per semester. School sponsored absences are within the UIL 15-day limit and do not count against exemptions.
Exemptions will be determined on an individual class basis. There will be no opportunities to make up absences for exemption purposes.
Court appearances will be classified as excused absences and count against exemptions. Exceptions may be made due to extenuating circumstances through an administrator’s discretion.
Temporary placement in ISS pending a disciplinary hearing will not count against eligibility for exemptions.

Extra-Curricular Eligibility
The following standards are used for Extra-Curricular participation.
1. A student cannot be absent for extra-curricular participation from class in any course more than fifteen times during the school year.
2. A student may participate in extra-curricular activities on or off campus at the beginning of the school year only if the student has earned the cumulative number of credits in state approved courses. The following are minimum requirements for extra-curricular participation:

Grade 9 - Promoted from previous grade Grade 10 - Five accumulated credits Grade 11 - Ten accumulated credits, or five credits during the previous twelve months Grade 12 - Fifteen accumulated credits or five credits during the previous twelve months

3. Any student who receives a grade of less than 70 in a regular class or less than a 65 in an Advanced Placement or core subject area(English, Math, Science, Social Studies, or Languages Other Than English) Pre-Advanced Placement class is ineligible to participate in any UIL/extra-curricular activity.


4. Students may NOT practice with the UIL/extra-curricular group; however, participation in any contest, game, etc. is prohibited. A student may lose eligibility at the end of each six-week period and be able to regain eligibility following the eligibility calendar. If at the end of three weeks following the receipt of a failing grade for the six weeks period, a student is passing all courses, that student may regain his or her eligibility until the end of the current six weeks.

Additional Grading
A minimum of 3 major assessments and 7 minor assessments are required for each six week grading period. When letter grades are used, the following conversion table shall be in effect: 90-100 = A, 80-89 = B, 70-79 = C, 50-69 = F. The district shall record a 50 for any average numerical grade earned lower than a 50. (19 TAC 75.191)

Hall Manners
• Running in the halls is not permitted.
• Public Display of Affection (PDA) is not permitted in the hall at any time.
Students involved will be sent to the office to see one of the assistant principals.
• The hallways are for traveling between destinations, not lingering.
• No food or drinks are allowed in the halls or classrooms with the exception of water.
• Excessive noise in the halls will not be tolerated.
• Students are expected to exit the building at the end of their school day in a timely manner.
• Students are expected to cooperate fully with any faculty/staff member who questions a student’s destination.

Hall Passes
No student should leave a classroom during instructional time without a hall pass showing destination, purpose, date and time, and bearing the signature of the sending teacher. If applicable, receiving teachers/staff members should indicate arrival and departure times, and sign the pass. Passes should be written for one student and one destination only. Any pass should be returned to the teacher who issued it.


Identification Badges
Students are required to wear ID badges at all times on campus. School photos from the previous year will be used to make student ID badges which will display the student’s name, grade, photo and other pertinent information. Students may choose to wear any school appropriate lanyard.
Student ID badges are used for security reasons, identifying students and non-students, library privileges, purchasing athletic and activity tickets at reduced student prices, accessing lunch accounts, and for many other valid purposes.
Students may not deface, decorate, or alter in any way their school issued student ID badges. Students may be required to purchase a replacement badge as deemed appropriate by school personnel.
Student ID badges MUST be worn above the waist and in plain sight at ALL times while the student is on campus.
Replacement ID badges may be purchased through student services. There is a charge of $3.00 for each replacement badge and $1 for each replacement lanyard. Payment must be received before the badge will be created and issued. Students must wear a temporary badge while waiting to receive their new badge.
Only I.D. badges issued by Palestine High School will be allowed. Wearing another student’s I.D. badge or giving your badge to another student will result in disciplinary action for all students involved.
Students may purchase a replacement ID Badge from 7:15-7:55 a.m., in order to avoid disciplinary consequences. Once the school day begins students will be issued disciplinary consequences for not having their ID Badge on campus.
Students will receive three warnings per semester. On the fourth and subsequent violation, students will be assigned to morning or afternoon detention.
Persistent violations may result in more serious disciplinary actions.


Parking/Traffic Regulations
Driving a car to Palestine High School is a privilege that our school extends to each student. This privilege may be denied if the student does not adhere to parking and driving guidelines. Each student is responsible to read and adhere to the following directions and regulations:
Each individual who drives a vehicle (car, motorbike, etc.) to school must register the vehicle and purchase a parking permit each school year. Students must provide proof of insurance, a valid driver’s license, and vehicle registration information to purchase a permit
The cost of a student vehicle parking permit is $15 for the year, or $8.00 if purchased during the second semester. The amount is not pro-rated.
Speeding is the most dangerous driving habit that can be exhibited. The speed limit on campus is 10 M.P.H. This speed limit will be enforced daily.
Digging out, burning off, spinning tires, or any similar activity will be considered speeding.

All yellow marked parking areas are reserved. Students are not to park in reserved areas. Student parking is located in the back parking lot of the school close to the girls’ gym.
Vehicles must be parked between the two white lines. Any vehicle parked in the reserved areas or improperly parked may be TOWED AWAY. Should a vehicle require towing, it will be done at the expense of the vehicle owner. Absolutely no parking in the fire lanes will be permitted.
All of the spaces in the front parking area are reserved for visitors, teachers and office personnel. Student vehicles parked in the front parking lot will be towed.
All directional signs such as one way turn, speed limit, stop, etc., must be observed at all times.
Students are expected to practice safe and courteous driving habits and to conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen in their vehicle.
No cruising will be permitted on the campus. Vehicles must be parked immediately after being driven on campus.
Vehicles are private property. Only the owner of a vehicle should remove any items from the vehicle. Unless the owner of the vehicle is present, no one should be in that vehicle. Students should not sit on other students’ vehicles, or loiter near others’ vehicles.
State Law prohibits the possession of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs in any form, opened or unopened containers, on a school campus.
All vehicles must remain locked while unattended. Vehicles operated on school property are not the responsibility of the school, and the school is not liable for damage or theft to/of vehicles.
Students are to operate their vehicle only on paved portions of the campus.
Vehicles parked on school property are under the jurisdiction of the school. The school reserves the right to search any vehicle if there is reasonable suspicion.

Students who choose not to adhere to the PHS parking/traffic regulations may lose their parking privileges for a specified time.
Pep Rallies
The key to a successful pep rally is student participation. With regard to attending pep rallies at Palestine High School, students should observe the following:

• Students are to move to the location as quickly as possible and sit in assigned areas.
• All students will stand at attention for the Star Spangled Banner and the school song to show respect for the United States and Palestine High School at the Pep Rally.
• Students should be quiet and attentive when instructions are given, coaches and cheerleaders are making a point, introducing players, etc.
• Remember that we want to show our Wildcat teams, their coaches, the drill team, the cheerleaders, and the PHS Band that we are behind them 100%.

Students choosing to not attend pep rallies will have a study hall in the library/cafeteria during the time of the pep rally. Students who have early release may return to pep rallies if dressed according to Palestine High School dress code and wearing their student I.D.

Prom
Outside guests must be pre-approved to attend prom. Guest approval forms must be obtained through the Office of Student Services and submitted to an administrator no later than 10 school days prior to the prom. Student ID’s/photo ID’s are required for admittance to the prom. Students may not have reached their 21st birthday in order to be approved. Students must arrive within 90 minutes from the start of a prom. Proper prom attire is required and is at the discretion of the administrator.

Removal by Police
Students who are being disruptive and/or refusing to follow the directions of a teacher or an administrator may be removed from the campus by the District School Resource officer.

Safe and Drug-Free Schools
In an effort to ensure a safe and drug-free school environment, the district shall use specially trained dogs to sniff out and alert officials to the presence of concealed prohibited items, illicit substances, and alcohol. Such visits will be unannounced. The student’s parent or guardian will be notified if any prohibited articles or materials are found in the student’s locker, in a student’s vehicle parked on school property, or on the student’s person, as a result of a search conducted in accordance with PISD Policy FNF (Local).

School Functions
All provisions of the Student Code of Conduct will be applicable at school related events held outside the regular school day. Guests are expected to observe the same rules as PHS students attending the event, and the person inviting the guest will share responsibility for his/her conduct. Students may be asked to sign out when leaving an event early and no one leaving early will be readmitted. School Resource Officer (SRO) A School Resource Officer is available at the Palestine High School campus. The primary role of the SRO is to assist in providing a safe learning environment. The SRO is also available to assist students and parents with problems or concerns regarding the school campus and activities.

School Trips
Many school-sponsored trips are made each year for the various activities in which PISD students participate. The following regulations govern trips:

1. Students must travel to and from school-sponsored activities only on transportation provided by the school (Written requests for exceptions must be submitted by parent/guardian before the trip to the activity sponsor, who may approve or disapprove.)
2. Students on school-sponsored trips are not considered absent from classes, but are responsible for work missed. Arrangements should be made to complete make-up work immediately upon returning to school after a trip.
3. Students are subject to all provisions of the Student Code of Conduct during the entire duration of the school related trip.
4. Students must observe all rules of safety during school-sponsored travel.
5. Students must be accompanied and supervised by designated school personnel or designees at all times.
6. Students making any kind of school-sponsored trip are required to obtain waivers signed by a parent/guardian. Sponsors will provide the forms.


Social Activities/Dances
Organizations desiring to schedule social activities must have sponsor and administrative approval. All dates must be scheduled on the official school calendar. Student IDs are required for admission. Dances held on the PHS campus are for PHS students only. Please see the dress code requirements for school dances and student recognition ceremonies.

Solicitation
There shall be no solicitation except for approved activities, sanctioned by the Superintendent and the Board of Trustees. Each solicitor must report to the building Principal before seeing a teacher or sponsor.

Student Council
The purpose of the Student Council is to promote better cooperation in extracurricular activities; to establish higher standards of character, leadership, scholarship, and school spirit; to create a more harmonious relationship between students, faculty and administration; and to provide an outlet for student opinion. The Council meets weekly. Student Council representatives serve as the voice for PHS students.