Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome back to another exciting school year at Veterans Memorial High School!

As we embark on this new academic journey, we are thrilled to reconnect with our students and families. The beginning of a school year always brings a sense of renewal and enthusiasm, and we are committed to making this year a successful and memorable one for all our students.

Our dedicated staff has been working diligently over the summer to prepare engaging and challenging learning experiences. We are focused on not only academic excellence but also on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

We encourage you to stay involved in your child's education and school activities. Your partnership is crucial to their success, and we value your input and support. Throughout the year, we will provide various opportunities for you to engage with our school community, including parent-teacher conferences, school events, and volunteer opportunities.

Please take a moment to review the important information and updates included in this letter, such as key dates, school policies, and contact information for your child’s teachers and counselors. Staying informed and connected will help ensure a smooth and productive school year.

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our campus phone number is 323-3000. Our goal is to work together to provide the best possible educational experience for your child.

Thank you for your continued support and trust in Veterans Memorial High School. We look forward to a fantastic year ahead!

Warm regards,

Fidel Garza Jr., M.A. Ed

Prinicpal, VMHS

• Clear or mesh backpack - REQUIRED
• No checkouts after 3:30pm.
• No drop offs (includes lunches, homework, clothing, etc.).
• Buying or selling of food is strictly prohibited as per the MCISD Student Handbook
• Pick up procedures
• Anyone checking out a student must present a valid ID (driver's license/state ID) Parents/Guardians will remain in the vestibule of the front office and present their IDs to staff for verification and will wait for their child in the vestibule of the front office.
• Any student returning to campus after being checked out, must provide an excuse for re-entry to campus (for documentary purposes).
• Students will be allowed to be checked out, by a person on their approved contact list, for appointments only.
• Forgotten athletic/club/classroom items must be brought to the student after school. Our coaches/sponsors/teachers have communicated this to our students.

• Do plan for heavy traffic in the mornings (especially the first week)
• Do be patient as all parents get into the routine of drop off and traffic control
• Do drop off in designated areas ONLY
• Do drop off your child beginning at 7:30am
• Do pick up your child by 4:45pm
• Don't drop off near bus loading area as this is a safety hazard for your child
• Don't forget to make sure your child has everything they need for the day
• Don't enter staff or student parking lots for drop off/pick up

1. Front of School is the drop off/pick up location.

2. Patriot Drive can be used as a drop off, but only until 7:30am.

3. School Bus area is NOT a drop off point.

4. Do NOT enter the Student Parking lot to drop off. Only student drivers can enter this area.

5. Students who walk home will exit either the front of campus or the east side of campus near the student parking area. Student walkers will NOT be allowed to exit campus on the west side near the bus area.

• Students arriving before school will wait in the courtyard until the first bell
• First bell rings at 8:05am
• Instruction begins at 8:15am
• Enrichment begins at 9:00am when Breakfast is served
• Announcements air at 9:10am
• Passing periods are 5 minutes each

Please be advised that student schedules can now be viewed on the FOCUS Parent Portal as well as the FOCUS Student Portal through our Mission CISD Website.

Students may click on the following link to log into their portal:
https://launchpad.classlink.com/mcisd

Parents/Families may click on the following link to log into their portal:
https://mcisd.focusschoolsoftware.com/focus

Please keep in mind that there may be some last minute changes to schedules. Students should ALWAYS look at the live version of their schedule and not a screenshot to make sure they are following the correct schedule.

Also, there will be no schedule changes the first 2 weeks. If your child has a correction that must be made such as they are MISSING a class or DO NOT have a lunch, they need to report to the library for a correction. Only corrections will be made; changes will be done after an announcement is made to all students.

Any student who CANNOT view their schedule online will be directed to the front office in the morning to have their schedule printed for them.

Parents - Access the Focus parent portal using the button below.

• Click on the button that will take you to the portal (see picture below)
• If you have any pending forms, you must complete them before you can see your child's information.

Students - Access the Focus student portal using the button below.

• Username is a combination some letters of your last name, and first and middle initial, and last 4 digits of your ID
• Password is 22 + ID number (unless you changed it).
• You will enter your information on the sso page linked below, then you will click on "Focus Student" (see picture below)
• If you cannot access your account, we will print your schedule for you the morning of Wednesday, Aug 14
• Important! - Make sure you check your LIVE schedule before you go to 1st period. DO NOT take a screenshot and follow that as your schedule MAY have changed!
• Students should only come to the counseling department if they have a hole in their schedule or are in a class for the second time. All other changes will be addressed after August 21st, where students can request schedule change form from the counseling department.

Students may pick up a plate prepared by our nutrition staff (free of charge) or bring their lunches from home (microwaves are available for use). Due to safety concerns, lunches/items will not be dropped off, nor will students be allowed to be picked up for lunch.

It is imperative that students be on time to class. Late students miss valuable instruction that is given at the beginning of the lesson. They are also a distraction to other students as their tardiness disrupts the learning environment.

• Attendance is taken every single period at VMHS. This includes tardies. Teachers are to mark a student tardy, present, or absent each day for each period.
• Students are afforded 2 warnings by the teacher before they are issued detention
• Detention is 45 min (afterschool or during lunch) and will be served each time a student is tardy beginning with the 3rd tardy

At VMHS our administrators and counselors are assigned to specific students by their last name. See below to locate your child's administrator and counselor.

Links are to 24-25 handbook

The MCISD dress code is enforced at all campuses including VMHS. Students are expected to follow all dress code policies beginning on August 14, 2024.

As per the student handbook (p. 39), a student whose clothing violates the dress code shall be assigned to in-school suspension either for the remainder of the day or until a parent or designee brings an acceptable change of clothing to the school. Repeated offenses may result in more serious disciplinary action.

Violations of dress code can lead to students missing instruction. Please familiarize yourself with the dress code and be certain of what is and is not allowed. We thank you in advance for your assistance with ensuring compliance before children arrive at school.

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Attendance is taken 8 times a day. One time EACH period.

Excuses are REQUIRED when a student misses ANY part of the day (examples: official doctor's note, official court documentation, or a note written and signed by the parent). Parents can submit excuses to attendance the day the student returns to school.

Texas Compulsory Attendance The Texas Education Code contains a section on compulsory attendance law.

1. The law requires that children attend school every day it is in session. The law amends student compulsory age from 6 to 19 years of age. The school attendance law also applies to voluntary enrollment of your child in prekindergarten or kindergarten before age 6 and any student 19 years. (§ 25.085)
2. The law states that it is the parent’s duty to monitor the student’s school attendance and require the student to attend school. If the parent fails to require the child to attend school as required by law, and the child has absences for the amount of time specified under Family Code 65.003(a); the parent commits an offense, punishable by fine. (§ 25.093)
3. If a student is absent without excuse for ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year, the school shall refer the student to a truant court for truant conduct. (Family Code 65.003(a))
4. Accumulation of excessive absences in any high school course will delay your child in obtaining a Texas Driver’s License or participating in a Driver’s Education course until your child completes a semester with 90% attendance. (HB 5)
5. A student may not be given credit for a subject unless they have attended 90% of the classes for that year. (§ 25.092)

For more information, please contact the Campus Attendance Administrator at (956) 323-3025.

It is the policy of the Mission CISD not to discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, religion, national origin or age.

New Law:

The recent passing of Texas House Bill 114 (HB 114) brings a significant change in our approach towards vaping within our school district. We are dedicated to ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all students, and this legislation further reinforces our commitment to their health and safety.

About Texas HB 114:

The new legislation, Texas HB 114, addresses the issue of vaping among minors in a more comprehensive manner. Vaping, especially among young people, has become a growing concern due to its potential health risks and impact on academic performance. HB 114 emphasizes a zero-tolerance stance on vaping within schools and extends the regulations to encompass all tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes.

*If your child possesses a vape on district property or at a district event, by law, they must be placed in a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) for 30 days.

Action Steps:

We kindly request that you take the time to have an open and honest conversation with your children about vaping. This is an opportunity to provide them with accurate information about the risks involved, both physically and academically. By having these conversations, you empower them to make responsible choices and understand the potential consequences of their actions.

Key Discussion Points:

Health Risks: Explain the health risks associated with vaping, such as lung damage, nicotine addiction, and the potential long-term effects on their overall well-being.

Legal Consequences: Make them aware of the legal consequences of vaping under Texas HB 114, not just within the school environment, but also outside of it.

Academic Impact: Discuss how vaping can impact their academic performance, including cognitive impairment and reduced focus in the classroom.

Peer Pressure: Equip them with strategies to resist peer pressure and make choices aligned with their personal values.

Thank you for your dedication to the welfare of our students. Let's work together to ensure a healthier and safer environment for all. For more information and parent guidance please visit the links below:

Calling all freshmen and students new to VMHS! Please come by for an informational session before school starts. Make sure you know the layout of the campus and get all your questions about high school answered!

MCISD will provide some supplies to students. Join us for our back to school bash on Tuesday, July 30th. and please look over the suggested supply list for your child(ren) also included below.

Parents,

Thank you for allowing us the honor to serve you and your child(ren). We are very excited for all the great things that this year will bring and are very much looking forward to a great 24-25 school year. As always, if you have questions, please contact us at 323-3000.