School Policies

Attendance

Students are required to participate in a minimum of four (4) hours of core academic instruction weekly. Instruction may take place in whole group, small group, 1:1, and/or bedside settings. School attendance will be scheduled during published school hours and will accommodate all medically related appointments.

Discipline

Students are required to demonstrate behaviors that are academically focused and socially appropriate for all patients, caregivers and staff members. Inappropriate behaviors and actions will be handled according to the following plan:

•  First Incident Verbal Warning
•  Second Incident Written Warning
•  Third Incident Parent Conference
•  Fourth Incident Program Dismissal

Grading

Student grades will be assigned based on the following scale:

Dress Code

Students are required to wear clothing appropriate for current medical status, excluding pajamas, to all classroom and creative arts activities.

Drugs and Weapons

There is a zero tolerance policy for all drug and weapon related activity. Any related activity will result in an immediate report to The University of Texas Police Department and dismissal from all future classroom and creative arts activities.

Safety, Evacuation and Emergency Procedures

Students are required to be signed in and out of classroom and creative arts activities by an adult caregiver each day. Policies and guidelines established by the institution will be followed in all emergency situations.

Fieldtrips and Off-site Activities

Students are required to have written clearance and permission forms signed by the appropriate physician for participation in any and all offsite activities. Program staff along with a minimum of one medical professional (physician, nurse practitioner or nurse) will accompany group to all offsite events. An emergency equipment kit will be reviewed prior to departure and will remain in the possession of the assigned medical personnel for the duration of the offsite activity. For media related events, caregivers will complete HIPPA forms to release photographs and other media.

Infection Control

Students, caregivers and staff are required to comply with institutional policies related to infection control. Infection control and cleaning policies are posted in all common areas.

Health Emergencies in the Classroom

In the event of a medical emergency during school operating hours, the following steps will be taken:

Step 1: School staff will contact inpatient nurses station by phone, call button, or in person
Step 2: Inpatient nurse will take vital signs and take appropriate next steps If student is stable, then inpatient nurse will accompany patient and teacher or child life staff to clinic (teacher or child life staff will contact outpatient clinic to notify of patient arrival) If necessary, inpatient nurse will contact available physician for care If necessary, inpatient nurse will call a “Code Blue” for care.

Technology

Students are required to comply with all institutional policies related to Internet and technology resource use. Students are permitted to check-out laptop computers, iPads and e-readers for academic use. All equipment must be signed out before use and signed in upon return.

Library

Students, caregivers and siblings are permitted to use the inpatient library during school hours. All books checked out from the library should be returned in a timely manner. Students are permitted to use the mobile book carts during school hours. All books taken from the book cart may be kept by the student.

Volunteers

Volunteers are placed in the program after screening and approval by the institutional Volunteer Services department. Volunteers are available to assist with library needs, book carts, classroom help, bedside reading, bedside activities, etc.

Communication

Students and caregivers are permitted to communicate directly with school program staff as needed via phone, email and/or in person. Contact information for appropriate staff members is readily available to all students and caregivers.