Clarifications have been added to topics such as library resources and technology in the Friendswood Independent School District’s 2024-25 student handbook after the board approved an updated version at its July 15 meeting.
overview
The 2024-25 FISD Student Handbook clarifies that parents have the primary decision-making authority regarding their students’ access to library materials. This is the first year that clarification has been added, as the previous handbook only stated that libraries were available for students’ independent use and that fees could be incurred if students lost, damaged or did not return library books on time, according to district documents.
FISD follows the Texas State Library and Archives Commission’s standards for developing school library collections, according to district documents.
Parents who wish to access their school library or available online catalogues can submit a request to their campus principal.
According to the new policy, all student and parent feedback regarding library materials and services will be communicated to campus librarians. School district officials and parents can contact campus principals and request a review of library materials.
what else?
The 2024-25 FISD Student Handbook also includes new policies regarding student safety regarding technology and respective data.
The handbook includes the following policies that the district will implement in accordance with state and federal law:
Install filters that block and prohibit pornographic or obscene material and applications, including unwanted pop-ups, installations and downloads, before giving electronic devices to students for educational purposes. Block or filter student internet access to obscene images, images containing child pornography, or images determined to be harmful to minors, in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Require direct parental consent and information if students use any software other than software exempted by law from consent requirements. Require direct parental consent and information if students use software that conducts mental health evaluations or other evaluations unrelated to the educational curriculum that are intended to collect information about students. What they say.
Board members voted for the change, but some also wanted stricter enforcement of FISD’s cell phone policy, which allows students to have personal cell phones for safety reasons, but requires them to be turned off during class time, including during testing, unless authorized for class purposes.
This has been the district’s cell phone policy for several years, but board member Tony Hopkins said he doesn’t think the policy is adequately enforced and may need to be changed.
“The policies in place in most places are… [no cellphones] “I try not to give in to temptation from the time the first bell rings until the last bell rings,” Hopkins said. “My two kids, one a senior in high school and one an eighth grader. [in FISD]”I could text them at any time of the day and receive a response within five minutes. That’s when I found out policies were ignored. This is unacceptable.”
FISD Superintendent Thad Loher said he will consider launching a survey of parents, teachers and community members to pave the way for a new policy that could allude to the bell-to-bell policy recommended by Hopkins.
Points to note
There were no changes to FISD’s code of conduct this year because there was no legislative session, according to district documents.
