Student Handbook - rgccisd

38IMMUNIZATIONA student must be fully immunized against certain diseases or must present a certificate orstatement that, for medical or religious reasons, the student will not be immunized. Theimmunizations required are: diphtheria, rubella (measles), mumps, tetanus, Haemophilusinfluenzae type B, pertussis, poliomyelitis (polio), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and varicella (chickenpox). The school nurse can provide information on age-appropriate doses or on an acceptablephysician-validated history of illness required by the Texas Department of Health. Proof ofimmunization may be personal records from a licensed physician or public health clinic with asignature or rubber-stamp validation.If a student’s religious beliefs conflict with the requirement that the student be immunized, thestudent 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 orreligious denomination of which the student is an adherent or member. This statement must berenewed yearly.If a student should not be immunized for medical reasons, the student or parent must present acertificate signed by a U.S. licensed physician stating that, in the doctor’s opinion, theimmunization required would be harmful to the health and well-being of the student or anymember of the student’s family or household. This certificate must be renewed yearly unless thephysician specifies a life-long condition. [For further information, see policy FFAB.]PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS / HEALTH SCREENINGSScreenings on students to update medical shots will be done by school nurse or referred to anapproved outside agency. For medical information please contact nurse at 488-0252.PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND A MINUTE OF SILENCEEach school day, students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and thePledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. Parents may submit a written request to the principal toexcuse their child from reciting a pledge.One minute of silence will follow recitation of the pledges. Each student may choose to reflect,pray, meditate, or engage in any other silent activity during that minute so long as the silentactivity does not interfere with or distract others. [See policy EC(LEGAL) for more information.PRAYEREach student has a right to individually, voluntarily, and silently pray or meditate in school in amanner that does not disrupt instructional or other activities of the school. The school will notrequire, encourage, or coerce a student to engage in or to refrain from such prayer or meditationduring any school activity.