Student Norms
All students must come to school every day with their laptops, chargers, writing utensils, and any supplies required by their teachers for their specific classes.
School hours for students: 8:00 am to 3:40 pm
With limited staff, our greatest strength lies in cultivating a culture where students follow expectations not because they fear consequences, but because they believe in doing what’s right. This starts with us—as educators, not just disciplinarians—modeling and reinforcing shared values. Every adult on campus plays a vital role in holding the line and ensuring our students feel supported, guided, and accountable. Together, we create the environment our kids deserve.
In Loco Parentis
At Fraga Middle College High School, all staff operate under the legal principle of in loco parentis, a Latin term meaning “in place of the parent.” This concept grants school personnel the legal authority and responsibility to act in the best interests of students during school hours and at school-sponsored events.
What this means in practice:
- Staff members are empowered to enforce rules, maintain discipline, and ensure safety, just as a reasonable parent would.
- Administrators and teachers may intervene in conflicts, conduct searches (with reasonable suspicion), and make decisions that support student well-being.
- This principle supports both the right and duty of staff to protect students from harm, guide them toward responsible behavior, and uphold campus expectations.
Why it matters: In loco parentis helps create a structured and supportive environment where students can focus on learning, knowing they are safe and cared for by trusted adults.
Fraga’s staff members are not merely rule enforcers—we are caretakers, mentors, and role models, dedicated to our students’ success and development.
School Dress Code
All students attending Middle College High School at HCC Fraga must dress for college success. Teachers are expected to enforce the dress code, and for questionable attire, send the students to the office with a note describing the dress code violation. The student will either return in dress code or will have a note explaining the office decision.
Tops: Undershirts are optional. Student’s clothes should have no holes and should not be altered (i.e. decorative tearing, cutting, beading, knotting or any other alteration)
Hoodies and hats are strictly prohibited. No exceptions.
Pants: Pants with rips are not acceptable and the school should not be altered i.e. decorative tearing, cutting, beading, knotting, or any other alteration that represents a distraction to the educational process.
Skirts, spandex, leggings, sports shorts, sweatpants, and decorative stitching are not allowed. Dress code must not be excessively tight, loose, or baggy and must be worn at the natural waist.
Shoes: Closed-toe shoes are required. House shoes such as bedroom slippers, flip-flops, and athletic slides are not allowed.
Jewelry, Eyewear, and Head Gear - Jewelry (including body jewelry) must not contain spikes. Jewelry should not be heavy, harmful or distracting. Sunglasses are not to be worn in the building. Only prescription contacts are permitted. No head covering of any kind. Hats, scarves, bandanas or headgear are not allowed.
Religious, Racial, Gender-Specific or Ethic Attire:
Nothing in this policy is intended to abridge rights at law relating to non-discrimination or hinder the advancement of diversity at the institution. Significant flexibility in freedom of choice will be shown in relation to religious or ethnic attire. Head covers, skirts or/and dresses that are required for religious purposes or to honor cultural tradition are allowed.
MCHS at HCC Fraga will not tolerate gang-related behavior and/or the wearing of gang-identified articles of clothing and/or other gang symbols. Any articles of clothing, symbols, or emblems thought to signify gang membership will be banned. Apparel with inappropriate writing, inappropriate drawings, or inappropriate advertisements, including but not limited to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence, prison activities, gang activities, sexual innuendoes, cultural divisiveness, and racial intolerance may not be worn.
HCC Fraga faculty and administration will uniformly enforce the dress code. They will also determine the appropriateness of attire for school occasions and activities. All students have the responsibility to wear clothing that contributes both to their own health and safety as well as that of others. The student dress code applies to students on campus, whether during the school day or after hours, including those serving detention or Saturday School.
Students who disagree with the requirements of the MCHS at HCC Fraga dress code are encouraged to work within the system to request changes. Use your representatives on the SDMC and on the Student Council to express your opinions. There are many interests for the school to consider in deciding policy, but please know that student concerns are given serious consideration whenever policy is developed. As a general rule, the MCHS at HCC Fraga dress code will not be revised more frequently than once a year. Also, courts at both the state and federal levels have recognized the rights of school officials to regulate standards of student dress and grooming.
Students not complying with the standardized dress code will be subject to disciplinary action. The administration of MCHS at HCC Fraga will be the final authority of any rules subject to interpretation. When in doubt, do not wear items until they have been cleared by an administrator.
Cell Phone/Headphones Use
The use of cell phones or other electronic devices, including headphones, is strictly prohibited during instructional time.
Devices may only be used during lunch or designated times with teacher permission.
Beginning Sept 1, 2025, all Texas public schools must enforce a cell phone ban during the school day:
Students should store cell phones and personal devices out of sight—locked in lockers, backpacks, or pouches. Exceptions are allowed for medical needs or special education accommodations, and for devices provided by the school.
This policy is designed to minimize distractions, support mental well‑being, foster classroom engagement, and reduce cyberbullying—aligning with our mission of preparing students for post‑secondary success.
Restroom Use
To maintain instructional time and campus safety, students are not allowed to leave for the restroom during the first or last 15 minutes of class.
Additionally, unless there are exceptional circumstances, students should not be out of the classroom for more than 10 minutes. Extended or repeated absences may result in disciplinary action.
Teachers are expected to monitor restroom usage and document any patterns of concern.
Prohibited Substances and Searches
Possession of prohibited substances—including marijuana, vapes, or any form of drug paraphernalia—is strictly not tolerated on campus. These violations will be documented using the following codes:
DR21 – Drug Paraphernalia
VP21 – Vape
If there is reasonable suspicion that a student is in possession of a prohibited or illegal item, Mr. Gallardo or Ms. Juarez are authorized to conduct a search.
Any student who refuses or obstructs a search will be coded as CMRD – Failure to Comply with a Reasonable Directive, which may result in out-of-school suspension.
Repeated offenses or chronic non-compliance may lead to placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP).
Legal Authority: Texas Statute
Texas Education Code § 37.001 “Student Code of Conduct”
Requires every district’s Student Code of Conduct to outline when and how students may be disciplined, including circumstances under which searches may occur
Searches in Texas schools, like under federal law, must be reasonable in inception and scope—meaning:
Reasonable suspicion that a student possesses evidence of a code violation or contraband, and
The search method must be appropriately limited in relation to the suspected infraction .
What can be searched?
A student’s person, belongings, lockers, and vehicles (when on school property), provided the search is reasonable in both justification and scope
Elevator use
To prevent congestion and ensure efficient access to the 3rd floor, HCC Fraga students are generally prohibited from using the elevator. Exceptions will be made for students with medical conditions or injuries that significantly impede their ability to use the stairs. This policy helps maintain smooth traffic flow and ensures the elevator remains available for those who genuinely need it. Students who require elevator access due to a medical condition or injury must provide appropriate documentation to the administration office. This documentation will be reviewed, and if approved, the student will receive an elevator pass.
Cafeteria
Students are expected to maintain a respectful and orderly environment in the cafeteria located in the STEM building. This includes lining up in an orderly manner to receive food, cleaning up after themselves, and disposing of trash in the appropriate receptacles. Students should use respectful language and behavior at all times, respecting both their peers and cafeteria staff. During lunch, cell phones may be used, but students should remain mindful of their volume to ensure a pleasant atmosphere for everyone. Students must respect our facilities, pick up after themselves and under no circumstances write on the walls or draw graffiti.
Student ID Policy
As part of our ongoing commitment to school safety and accountability, all students at Fraga Middle College High School are now required to wear their official school ID badge at all times while on campus. If a student forgets their ID at home, they will be issued a temporary sticker ID for the day and charged $1. If a student loses their ID, they must pay $5 for a replacement.
Why this matters: Wearing an ID ensures that everyone on campus is identifiable, which helps us maintain a safe and secure learning environment. It also allows staff to easily confirm access to Fraga and HCC facilities and services.
Student Council
The Student Council at HCC Fraga High School is open to all grade levels. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to develop leadership skills, represent your peers, and make a positive impact on our school community. To become a member, you must be recommended by a teacher, maintain good academic standing, have no disciplinary issues, and demonstrate good attendance. The positions of president and vice president will be filled through an election, allowing you to campaign and share your vision with your fellow students. We encourage all interested students to take part in this rewarding experience and help shape the future of HCC Fraga.
Closed Campus Policy
Middle College HS at HCC Fraga has a closed campus policy. This means that once a student arrives at school, he/she is not allowed to leave the campus.
Permission must be cleared through the main office with a written note & picture ID from the parent. Students MAY NOT leave campus once they have arrived at school in the morning.
When a student must leave school during school hours for any reason the student and parent/guardian must:
1) All parents/guardians must present a governmental ID when checking in the front office and when wanting to sign the student out of school.
2) the student must be “signed out” in the main office by the parent/guardian.
3) If another adult is to pick up the student, the authorized adult must be listed on file at school as an emergency contact, listed in chancery and must have written permission from the parent granting leave.
By law, students may be released only if this procedure is followed. For prearranged medical or dental appointments, students must bring a note on the day of the appointment stating the reason and time of dismissal at which time they will obtain a dismiss pass. An authorized adult must always be present.
These norms will be clearly communicated by the principal and teachers during homeroom assemblies held each semester. Students will also receive a one-page summary outlining the expectations and will be required to sign the Fraga Code of Honor as a commitment to uphold our shared values.