“Fight Song”. GO WARRIORS, GO OUT AND FIGHT! GO WARRIORS, GO OUT
AND WIN! You can Hear Socorro High. “RAH, RAH FOR VICTORY TONIGHT!”.
Student Handbook Socorro High School “HOME OF THE WARRIORS”
2013-‐2014
1
Table of Contents Administration Key Contacts Important Dates to Remember Bell Schedules School Calendar Fight Song & Warrior Behavior Vision & Mission Statements Academics Announcements Assemblies Attendance Plan Bulling Chain of Command Cheating Closed Campus Co Curricular Activities Confiscation of Items Directory Information Emergency School Closure Field Trips & Activity Trips Fines & Fees Fire Drills General Information Grade Classification Hall Passes Homework Insurance Library Lockers Lunch Make-‐Up Work Medications Nurse’s Office Parking Lots PIBA Recruiters at the High School Requirement Allowing Student to Carry Medication Renaissance Program Rights & Responsibilities (school & students) School Transportation Signing IN/OUT Student Activities Student Services School Dances Student & School Rights & Responsibilities Student Records Telephones Textbooks Titles VI & IX Transcripts Student Code of Conduct Special Education Discipline Discipline Matrix Student Concerns, Complaints & Grievances Technology Acceptable Use Policy Warrior Pride Withdrawal Procedures
3 4 5 & 6 7 & 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 20 2 23 23 24 25 25 26 26 26 27 27 28 29 29 30 30 30 31 31 32 35 35 35 36 36 37 37 38 38 38 39 39 40 41 41 41 41 42 43 49 50 51 53 60 60
2
Socorro High School “Home of the Warriors” Jennifer Molina Principal
Charlie Savedra Assistant Principal
Damien Ocampo Activities Director/Assist. Principal
3
1200 Michigan Ave. P.O. Box 1367 Socorro, NM 87801 Telephone (575) 835-0700 Fax (575) 835-0704 www.socorro.k12.nm.us This handbook belongs to: NAME______________________________________________ GRADE___________
STUDENT#____________________
2013-2014 Key Contacts Activities Director Damien Ocampo Counselor Peter Scherer Veronica Montero Other Contacts Rolinda E. Rosales…Principal’s Secretary Kathryn Lopez…Counselor’s Secretary Janet Lucero…Nurse Student Body President: Will Benson Vice President: Jared Lam & Julie Aster Treasure: Joseph Cutchall 4
Secretary: Eli Ware Historian: Sarah Frail Administration Mr. Randy Earwood …Superintendent Director of Bilingual/Special Education and Support Services Anton Salome…Associate Superintendent/Director of Federal Programs and Special Services Donald Monette…Executive Director of Finance Jeff Miller…Director of Technology Annabel Romero… Transportation Director Peggy Lopez…Food Service Director
Socorro Consolidated Schools 700 Franklin Street Socorro, NM 87801 575-835-0300
Important Dates to Remember 5
August
6 7 8 9 9 13/16 19 21 21 22 22 26 28
Senior Registration 8-3 Junior Registration 8-3 Sophomore Registration 8-3 Freshmen Orientation @ 6:00 pm Freshmen Registration 8-3 Teacher In-Service First Day of School 9th Grade Class Meeting @ 8:30 10th Grade Class Meeting @ 9:20 11th Grade Class Meeting @8:30 12 Grade Class Meeting @ 9:20 Picture Day Open House @ 5:30
September
2 11 18 20 26
Labor Day District ½ Day/Teacher In-Service Progress Reports (due by 3:30 pm) Progress Reports – Handout during 2nd Period Parent/Teacher Conference 3:30-5:30
October
4 5 9 22 24 30
Homecoming Game Homecoming Dance 8:00-11:30 District ½ Day End of 1st Nine Weeks 1st Nine Week Grades Due by 3:30 pm Report Cards – Handout During 2nd Period
November
13 26 27/29
District ½ Day/Teacher In-Service Progress Reports Due by 3:30 pm THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY – No School
December
2 17 18 19 20
Progress Reports – Handout During 2nd Period FINAL EXAMS – Periods 1 & 2 FINAL EXAMS – Periods 3 & 4 FINAL EXAMS – Periods 5 & 6 FINAL EXAMS – Periods 7 & Make-Ups End of 9 Weeks
23-Jan. 3
Winter Break Begins
6
January
7 10 20
2nd Nine Weeks Grades Due by 3:30 pm Report Cards – Handout 2nd Period Martin Luther King Day – NO SCHOOL
February
12 12 14 17
Progress Reports Due by 3:30 District ½ Day/Teacher In-Service Progress Reports – Handout During 2nd Period President’s Day – NO SCHOOL
March
10-14 25 27
Spring Break End of 3rd Nine weeks rd 3 Nine Weeks Grades Due by 3:30
April
2 18 23 25
Report Cards – Handout During 2nd Period Easter Break Progress Reports Due by 3:30 Progress Reports – Handout During 2nd Period
May
14 20 21 22 23 23 24 27 28 29 30 30
Awards Night Senior Exams – Periods 1-2 Senior Exams – Periods 3-4 Senior Exams – Periods 5-6 Senior Exams – Periods 7-Make Ups Graduation Practice @ Senior Graduation @ Final Exams – Periods 1-2 Final Exams – Periods 3-4 Final Exams – Periods 5-6 Final Exams – Periods 7- Make Ups End of 4th Nine Weeks
7
Socorro High School 2013-2014 REGULAR SCHEDULE (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th A Lunch B Lunch 6th 7th
8:15 – 9:07 9:11 – 10:05 10:09 – 11:01 11:05 – 11:57 12:31 – 1:23 12:01 – 12:53 1:27 – 2:19 2:23 – 3:15
5th 11:57 – 12:27 5th 12:53 – 1:23
Wednesday Bell Schedule 1st 2nd 3rd 4th A Lunch B Lunch 6th
8:15 – 9:03 9:07 – 9:55 9:59 – 10:47 10:51 – 11:21 11:21 – 11:51 12:13 – 12:43 12:47 – 1:35
5th 11:55 – 12:43 5th 11:25 – 12:13 8
7th
1:39 – 2:27
Socorro High School 2013-2014 ½ DAY BELL SCHEDULE
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th
8:15 am – 8:46 am 8:50 am – 9:21 am 9:25 am – 9:56 am 10:00 am – 10:30 am 10:34 am – 11:05 am 11:09 am – 11:40 am 11:44 am – 12:15 pm
2 Hour Delay Schedule 9
1st 2nd 3rd LUNCH 4th 5th 6th 7th
10:15 – 10:48 10:52 – 11:25 11:29 – 12:02 12:02 – 12:38 12:42 – 1:24 1:28 – 2:02 2:06 – 2:38 2:42 – 3:15
SOCORRO CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS 2013-2014 School Calendar July 2013 Su
August 2013
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6
28
1 8 15 22 29
Su
M
Tu
W
Th
F
6
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
27
7 14 21 28
Su
M
Tu
7 14 21
Su M
13
4
20
11
27
18 25
5 12 19 26
October 2013
13 20
Tu
W
Th
September 2013 F
1 2 6 7 8 9 13 14 15 16 20 21 22 23 27 28 29 30
Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa 3 10 17 24 31
November 2013 Sa
Su M
5 12
3
19
10
26
17 24
4 11 18 25
January 2014
Tu
W
Th
F
1 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 26 27 28 29
December 2013 Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa 2 9 16 23 30
February 2014
W
Th
F
Sa
1
2
3
4
Su M
Tu
W
Th
F
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 8
March 2014 Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1
1
10
26
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
Su
M
Tu
W
7 14 21 28
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
5 12 19
8 15 22 29
9 16 23 30
10 17 24 31
11
2
18
9
25
16
Th
F
Sa
3 10 17 24
4 11 18 25
5
23
3 10 17 24
4 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28
April 2014
6 13 20 27
8 15 22
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 2
May 2014 Su M
12
4
19
11
26
18 25
Tu
W
Th
June 2014 F
Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa
1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1
School Closed Elementary Early Release day
Day
District Early Release Day
EP Employee Planning (no school for students) First and Last Day of School *
Elementary School Parent conferences October 30, 2013 and April 2 , 2014 Socorro High School Graduation
“Fight Song” GO WARRIORS, GO OUT AND FIGHT! GO WARRIORS, GO OUT AND WIN! You can Hear Socorro High “RAH, RAH FOR VICTORY TONIGHT!” AND IF WE WIN THIS GAME TONIGHT, WE’LL CELEBRATE ‘TIL DAWN’S EARLY LIGHT, WARRIORS, WARRIORS, FALL IN LINE, AND FIGHT FOR THE BLUE AND WHITE, RAH, RAH, RAH! (repeat)
WARRIOR BEHAVIOR
11
At Socorro High School, we traditionally uphold a standard of excellence. A Socorro High School student acts in respectful manner at all times while on school campus. While on campus, please do not indulge in any display of affection that may be inappropriate. District policy prohibits smoking and the use of any tobacco products on campus. (Please do not bring on campus any valuable personal items to include but are not limited to: radios, walkmans, disc players, electronic games, televisions, I-Pods, MP3 players, ‘beepers’ (pagers), or cellular phones. Socorro High School will not be held liable for the replacement of (a) damaged, lost or stolen personal valuable items. Socorro High School follows the policies set forth within the Socorro Consolidated School’s Secondary Discipline Management Plan. All students are expected to follow the policies set forth in that plan.
VISION STATEMENT Our students will be prepared and motivated to enter the ever-changing world as socially responsible and productive global citizens. MISSION STATEMENT To create a positive learning climate that ensures the success of every student, it is our mission to: • provide rigorous and relevant curriculum delivered by highly qualified staff • promote and celebrate student diversity as a strength in our community • ensure clean, safe facilities • involve our community in the educational process • provide relevant co - & extra-curricular activities 12
• •
• • • •
Socorro High School Core Values Our core purpose is providing students with engaging, challenging, meaningful and fulfilling work which can be applied in real life situations. We believe that all our students , personnel & parents deserve a safe, healthy, inviting and respectful learning environment that promotes sense of community and pride We believe every child can learn and each child can learn more than he or she is now learning. We believe student effort, attention and commitment affect learning outcomes at least as much as does intellectual ability. We believe profound learning is facilitated by being responsive to the diversity of our students. We believe parental and community involvement and support will enhance the educational process of our students.
ACADEMICS REQUIREMENTS OF GRADUATION 1. 2. 3. 4.
Maintain an acceptable attendance and conduct record. Complete at least one semester of school in residence at SHS. A candidate will not be permitted to participate in the commencement program unless all requirements for graduation have been completed prior to the commencement program. Be cleared of all debts and “time owed”.
SPECIFIC GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Twelfth grade students must submit a minimum of 25 credits appropriately selected as illustrated below*. A minimum of 16 units must be based on credits in academic subjects (Band, Chorus, PE, and Drivers Education are not academic subjects). SBA Requirement Graduation requirements for the class of 2014 One of the above units must be honors, Advanced Placement, dual credit, or distance learning.
13
To graduate, a student must meet the cut score for high school graduation assessment on 11th grade SBA or pass an End of Year Competency Exam. Plus, and end of year Competency exam in History and Writing. English
4 Units
Math
4 Units
(of which 1 unit shall be equivalent to or higher than the level of Geometry) Social Science
3.5 Units
(.5 must be in NM History/Civics, 1 in World History, 1 in US History and 1 in Gov. / Economics) Science
3 Units
(2 shall be laboratory science) PE
1 Unit
Career Cluster
1 Unit
Workplace Readiness or Language, other than English Electives
7.5 Units Total
25 Units
Graduation requirements for the class of 2015. 2016, 2017 Class of 2015 & 2016- 7.5 elective units Total 25 Credits One of the above units must be honors, Advanced Placement, dual credit, or distant learning.
* If a medical doctor licensed to practice medicine in New Mexico certified that a student should not take PE for medical reasons, the student will not be required to take PE at any time during the student’s high school years, the student may then substitute equivalent credit in another subject. All Subjects submitted as a part of the graduation requirements must be taken in the normal sequences as determined by the high school staff and approved by the Superintendent of schools. All college credits must be approved by the administration and must adhere to board policy. Home school credits are not acceptable unless an accredited home school program approves them. CLEP (College Level Exam Program) CLEP (College Level Exam Program) is a course challenge. The district recommends that a student complete a course through the required time in class. In lieu of this recommendation, the CLEP Policy will grant students the opportunity to receive credit when they challenge and successfully pass an approved CLEP final examination. The form of the examination (written, oral, practical, combination, etc.) will be determined by the instructor and approved by department chairperson, the building administrator, and 14
the superintendent or superintendent’s designee and will be related to each individual course. (Please contact Socorro High School Counseling Department at 838-2744 for further requirements.)
ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements are read every morning over the intercom. If you wish to submit an announcement, forms are available in the office. Announcements must be initialed and approved by the club/class sponsor or by the Principal. Announcements must not run for more than one week.
ASSEMBLIES Assemblies are held throughout the year for various purposes. With a few exceptions, SHS assemblies are mandatory and are looked upon as part of the total school involvement. Needless to say, students are expected to behave properly at all assemblies. This means showing respect for the presenter, whether it is a student, teacher or visitor. The pride you have in yourself and your school becomes obvious at assemblies. Any student displaying disruptive or rude behavior will be removed from the audience and will face disciplinary action, and may lose further assembly privileges. Students should not leave the assembly until properly dismissed, then should leave in an orderly fashion.
ATTENDANCE PLAN Policy 7.3 COMPULSORY STUDENT ATTENDANCE I.
II.
PURPOSE To establish responsibility for recording and excusing student absences and to outline procedures for monitoring and improving attendance and for follow-up with students and parents in accordance with requirements set forth in 22-8-2 [NMSA 1978]. DEFINITIONS A. Attendance means students who are in class or in a school-approved activity. If a student is in attendance up to one half the total instructional time during a school day, the student will be counted as having attended one-half of a school day. If the student attends school for more than one-half of the total instructional time, the student will be counted as having attended for the full day (6-10-8-7 NMSA 1978) B. Hazardous weather conditions means weather conditions that would endanger the health or safety of the student when in transit to and from school, as defined and/or approved by the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee. C. Immediate family members are the child, spouse, father, mother, stepfather, stepmother, siblings, step-siblings, half-siblings, grandparents, mother-in-law, father-inlaw, foster parents, guardians, and others who reside in the same household with the student. D. Long-term illnesses are acute or chronic health-related problems that require a student to be out of school more than three consecutive days, as verified by a health-care professional’s written note to the student’s school.
15
E.
III.
IV.
Recurring illnesses are any medical or mental conditions that requires a student to see a health care professional on a recurring basis with standing appointments; and, that such appointments occur at least once per month. F. Short-term illnesses include any medical or mental conditions that keep a student out of school for three or fewer consecutive days, as verified by the parent. G. School-sponsored/school sanctioned activities are: 1. Events or activities sponsored or held by school clubs, athletics, extracurricular or curricular classes; 2. Visits to college/university campuses on officially designated visitation days or on alternate visits when the student has applied for admission to that particular college/university. H. Work is employment in a gainful trade or occupation or engagement in an alternative form of education to which the parent/guardian consents, and which is approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee. PROCEDURES: RECORDING ABSENCES A. All Schools B. The classroom teacher shall be responsible for taking daily student attendance. 1. Elementary Schools C. Each teacher is responsible for recording the attendance of students in his/her class each day. Teachers or the attendance secretary at each school shall enter the information into the Web-based Daily Attendance System. D. Middle School and High Schools 1. Each teacher is responsible for recording the attendance of students in his/her class. Teachers record attendance directly into the Web-based Period Attendance System. 2. Attendance documentation shall be retained in the school for the current school year. A back-up copy of all attendance records shall be maintained electronically by the Socorro Consolidated Schools for a period of three years. PROCESS AND CONTENT A. Student absences shall be considered excused if they fall within the following reasons: 1. Short-and long-term mental and physical illnesses 2. Recurring illnesses 3. Observance of religious holidays 4. Bereavement 5. As required by law, disciplinary actions or short-term suspensions 6. Required court proceedings 7. School-sponsored activities 8. Hazardous weather conditions 9. Work approved or sponsored by the school 10. When a student is not physically in the classroom but remains under the direct supervision of the school district, the absence(s) shall be documented as excused. Examples of school-approved activities include, but are not limited to: a. Standardized testing b. School sports participation c. Field trips and academic competitions d. Health center, nurse, guidance and administrative office visits e. In-school suspension 11. Bus suspensions – when a student has had his/her school bus riding privileges suspended and the student is unable to find alternative transportation to school. B. All excused absences shall be verified by a parent or other adult who is legally responsible for the care of a student, or the school authority responsible for the absence. Verification shall be provided to the school within three school days of the absence. If verification of the absence is not presented within three days, the absence shall be coded as unexcused. 1. Long-term illnesses shall be verified in writing by a community health-care professional (doctor, dentist, optometrist, mental health counselor, etc.) or school nurse. 2. Recurring illnesses shall be verified in writing by a community health-care professional (doctor, dentist, mental health counselor, etc.) that the absence is recurring and necessary. 3. Short-term illnesses shall be verified in writing by a parent, community healthcare professional (doctor, dentist, optometrist, mental health counselor, etc.) or school nurse. C. It shall be the responsibility of the student to make up any and all school work he/she missed due to absence, regardless of the reason for the absence.
16
1.
V.
When an absence is excused, the teacher shall provide the student with resources in order to learn the material missed during the absence. This may include the actual class work assigned during the student’s absence, or an alternate assignment to cover the same material. It shall be the student’s responsibility to learn the missed material, including completing alternate assignments deemed appropriate by the teacher. A short-term suspension is considered to be an excused absence. From the date of the student’s return to school, the student shall have one day for each day missed to make up the missed work. 2. When the absence is unexcused, the student shall still be responsible for making up the work so that continuing effective course participation is possible. Students shall have three school days from the date of their return to school to make up missed work. The missed work shall be graded and the final assignment grade shall be reduced by 25 percent. D. Any absence for any reason other than those specified in Item IV. A. above may be considered either excused or unexcused by the school principal or his/her designee. 1. Such absence shall be considered excused by the school principal only with his/her prior approval. 2. Normally, requests for family travel are not considered as excused absences. However, in cases of unusual family circumstances, a student's absence may be deemed excused at the discretion of the principal or his/her designee based upon the following considerations: a. Recommendations from the student's teacher(s) concerning the possible effect of an anticipated absence on the student's academic progress and the options available for make-up work. b. Number of excused or unexcused absences the student has accumulated to date during that grading period. c. Purpose, significance and duration of the travel. 3. Absences for participation in student-related (but not school-sponsored) events and activities, including, but not limited to 4H, rodeo, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, shall not be considered excused absences unless such absences have been pre-approved in writing by the principal or his/her designee. MONITORING ATTENDANCE A. Student absences shall be reported to the student’s parents/guardians on the student’s quarterly report card. Student absences will also be reported to parents via the Webbased period attendance system. B. Each school, in collaboration with other school district offices and outside agencies, shall develop and implement a continuum of interventions designed to support regular school attendance. 1. Elementary School (Including Kindergarten) a. At the beginning of each school year, each elementary school principal shall request that parents/guardians of students who attend that school notify the school when the student is to be absent for any reason on any given school day. b. Whenever possible, parents of elementary school children shall be contacted by noon of each first day of absence, if the parents have not previously notified the school of the absence. c. Elementary school students with excessive absences and/or tardies, both excused and unexcused, may be referred for appropriate intervention. At the discretion of the school principal or his/her designee, students who have been absent for 10 days by the end of the second quarter of a school year may be referred to appropriate school district staff and/or outside agencies for intensive interventions designed to increase regular attendance. d. An unexcused absence of two or more classes up to 50 percent of an instructional day shall be counted as one-half day absence, and the unexcused absence of more than 50 percent of an instructional day shall be counted as one full-day absence. e. If a student’s attendance rate drops below 90 percent in any class during any grading period, the student’s excused and unexcused absences shall be reviewed by a school attendance review committee to determine if interventions are necessary. 2. Middle Schools a. Middle school students with excessive absences and/or tardies, both excused and unexcused, may be referred for appropriate intervention. At the discretion of the principal/designee, students who have been absent 10 days by the end of the second quarter of a school year may
17
b.
c.
3.
High a. b.
c.
d.
be referred to appropriate staff and/or outside agencies for intensive interventions designed to increase regular attendance. An unexcused absence of two or more classes up to 50 percent of an instructional day shall be counted as one-half day absence, and the unexcused absence of more than 50 percent of an instructional day shall be counted as one full-day absence. If a student’s attendance rate drops below 90 percent in any class during any grading period, the student’s excused and unexcused absences shall be reviewed by a school attendance review committee to determine if interventions are necessary. Schools A student shall not be given credit for attending a class unless the student is in attendance for at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered excluding school sponsored activities. High school students with excessive absences and/or tardies, both excused and unexcused, may be referred for appropriate intervention. At the discretion of the school principal/designee, students who have been absent for 10 days by the end of the second quarter may be referred to appropriate school district staff and/or outside agencies for intensive interventions designed to increase regular attendance. A student and the student’s parent/guardian shall be provided written notice from the school district prior to and at such time as a student’s attendance in any class drops below 90 percent of the days the class is offered during any grading period. i. Prior notice shall consist of letter(s) from the school district to the parent/guardian upon the third, fifth and seventh absences during any grading period. ii. The written notification shall include a notice to the parent of the need to schedule a parent/teacher conference to discuss available interventions that address the student’s attendance patterns and academic progress. i. It shall be the responsibility of the parent/guardian to contact the school to schedule such a conference. Students who did not meet the 90 percent attendance requirement must submit appeal packets to the Assistant Principal in charge of attendance. i. Appeal packets are available in each high school office. (The minimum attendance requirement does not impact the acceptance of credit awarded through alternative means, such as online courses, etc.) ii. Appeal packets must be submitted to the Assistant Principal in charge of attendance no later than 10 school days following the date the school district mails report cards to students. (Parents/guardians are responsible to ensure that a current address is on file at the school.) The date that report cards are available is predetermined and posted on the school district’s web page and included on the published school district calendar each semester. Seniors are required to submit an appeal packet at least five school days prior to the date of graduation. iii. Once submitted, the appeal packet shall be considered complete and no changes will be accepted. iv. The appeal packet must include: a. A school district-approved credit appeal form with all requested information completed; b. An official school attendance report. c. An absence justification form with written explanation of all absences not justified on the school absence report, along with all available documentation. d. Students who do not submit an appeal packet within the guidelines enumerated above shall not be eligible to receive credit for any class for which their attendance is less than 90 percent during a semester.
18
v.
vi.
VI.
A three-member committee at each school shall review each student appeal packet. This committee shall include the principal/designee and two other members. . In making a determination on the awarding of credit, the committee shall determine if absences are justified. The committee may request the student and parent/guardian to appear before the committee if there are questions concerning the appeal packet. a. The committee’s finding for each class appealed shall be either: 1) the credit is awarded due to extenuating circumstances; or 2) the credit is not awarded. b. Students shall receive notification of the attendance review committee’s decision within three school days of the committee meeting. If a student is denied credit for a class by an attendance review committee, the student may file an appeal with the Superintendent. . Such appeal shall be filed within five school days of the receipt of the decision. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall hear the student’s appeal and shall either: 1) award credit based on the appeal; or 2) deny credit. The decision of the Superintendent or his/her designee shall be final. a. Any high school senior whose appeal for credit is denied by the attendance review committee must present his/her appeal packet to the Superintendent or his/her designee at least three school days before the date of the high school graduation of that student’s senior year.
VI. REPORTING (NMAC 6-10-8) A. The school shall maintain class attendance records by class period for every instruction day for each student in each school or school program in the school district or charter school in a manner verifiable by the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED). B. The Superintendent shall report absences with excused or unexcused identifiers through the student teacher accountability reporting system and certify that the information is being reported consistently at intervals and in a manner as specified by NMPED.
Legal Reference: 22-12-2 NMSA, 22-12-6 NMSA, 6-10-8-7 NMSA and 6-10-8-8 NMSA
The Board of Education, school, staff and community believe that a regular attendance is a vital contributor to success in school. Students who have good attendance generally make better grades, are more involved in activities, and enjoy school more. We further believe that punctuality and regular attendance are qualities that must be instilled in students in order for them to become responsible and productive citizens. It is important, therefore, that students make attendance a top priority. All attendance policies set forth within the Socorro Consolidated School’s Secondary Discipline Management Plan. All students are expected to follow the policies set forth in that plan. The purpose of this policy is to help create an environment, which promotes student learning and responsibility. Those students who maintain consistent and regular attendance habits will be rewarded at the end of each nine-week grading period through the Renaissance Program. The following policy shall be in effect at Socorro High School in accordance with the State of New Mexico Compulsory School Attendance Law, SBE Regulations No. 6NMA1.4 and New Mexico State Senate/Bill 106 22-12-7. 19
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES 1. To attend school for all days of the adopted school calendar. 2. To be in class on time, prepared for academic work. 3. To contact teachers immediately upon return from absences to receive make-up assignments and deadlines for completing them. 4. To follow the established school procedure when enrolling in or withdrawing from a class. 5. To have correct phone numbers and addresses on file with the school. PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES 1. To ensure that the student is attending school. 2. To maintain communication with his or her son or daughter regarding attendance. 3. To contact the school (using appropriate procedure) regarding absences and, in case of extended home confinement, request makeup assignments. 4. To know when to expect a mid-term progress report and report cards. 5. To contact the school in the event of address change, phone number change and emergency contact change. 6. To request a conference with the appropriate administrator if student’s attendance/progress is not satisfactory. 7. To understand that the school is dependent upon parental support in dealing with attendance concerns.
SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIES 1. To emphasize the value of regular attendance. 2. To provide counseling and support for students with attendance problems. 3. To inform parents, students and staff of district attendance regulations. 4. To supervise and administer the attendance policy and regulations. 5. To make appropriate contact with students and parents concerning attendance problems. 6. To take attendance daily and maintain accurate attendance records according to district policy. 7. To provide make-up assignments and deadlines for completing them. 8. To utilize instructional methodology which stimulates and motivates students to attend and achieve.
TARDIES Students have the responsibility to be in class on time. This means being in their assigned seats and ready to work when the tardy bell rings. After 10 minutes student will 20
be marked absent. Being late for class causes a number of problems for students and staff: 1. Disruption of classroom activity. 2. Possibilities of being marked absent. 3. Missing important instruction or assignments. 4. Development of poor vocational habits 5. Discipline referral for 5 + tardies. PROCEDURES FOR TARDIES Any student entering school grounds after school has begun must sign in the office. This student is expected to attend ALL remaining classes for the day. Any student failing to follow this procedure will be considered truant. 1st 4 times tardy: Warn & Parent Contract by teacher 5+ times tardy: 1-3 days PIBA
BULLYING
SOCORRO CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS ANTI-BULLYING POLICY When students are afraid to attend school/classes they cannot learn. Bullying prevention programs can help to provide a safe environment in which teachers can teach and students can learn. When a student is bullied his or her ability to participate in and benefit from the school’s educational programs or activities is adversely affected. The goal of this policy is to ensure that procedures are in place to prevent bullying, limit the prevalence of bullying and to make consequences salient to everyone involved. 21
Socorro Consolidated Schools believes that providing and educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers, and families, free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying supports a total learning experience that promotes personal growth, healthy interpersonal relationships, wellness, and freedom from discrimination and abuse. Therefore, harassment, intimidation or bullying are forms of dangerous and disrespectful behavior that will not be tolerated. 6.12.7.7 NMAC states that “Bullying” means any repeated and pervasive written, verbal or electronic expression, physical act or gesture, or a pattern thereof, that is intended to cause distress upon one or more students in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop, or at school activities or sanctioned events. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, hazing, harassment, intimidation or menacing acts of a student which may, but need not be based on the student’s race, color, sex, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation. In addition, 6.12.7.8 NMAC requires that each local school board and charter school develop a written anti-bullying policy. There are multiple forms of bullying, direct- in which there is physical violence or namecalling, and indirect- exclusion from an activity, rumor spreading, or cyber-bullying, are the most common versions. Bullies are more likely to:
Socorro High School believes it is important for a school to create a climate where bullies and bullying behavior are not tolerated.
Notice of prohibition against bullying and anti-bullying interventions 1. The prohibition against bullying, which includes but is not limited to cyber bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, disability harassment, racial harassment, and hazing, shall be publicized by including the following statement in the student handbook(s): Bullying behavior by any student in the Socorro Consolidated Schools is strictly prohibited and such conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion from school. The above definitions will also be included. Staff will be reminded at the beginning of each school year about the antibullying policy, as well as their responsibilities regarding bullying behavior. A copy of the policy will be disseminated annually. DEFINITIONS 1. Cyber bullying means the willful and repeated harm inflicted through the medium of electronic text: willful means that the behavior has to be intentional; repeated means the bullying reflects a pattern of behavior; harm means the target 22
must perceive that harm was inflicted and electronic text differentiates cyber bullying from traditional bullying. 2. Harassment means knowingly pursuing a pattern of conduct that is intended to annoy, alarm or terrorize another person. 3. Disability harassment is defined as intimidation or abusive behavior toward a student based on disability that creates a hostile environment by interfering with or denying a student’s participation in or receipt of benefits, services, or opportunities in the district. 4. Racial harassment consists of physical or verbal conduct relating to an individual’s race. 5. Sexual harassment means any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other inappropriate verbal, written or physical conduct of a sexual nature. 6. Hazing means committing an act against a student or coercing a student into committing an act that creates a risk of harm to a person in order for that student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization or for any other purpose. Reporting Intimidation, Harassment, or bullying behavior Any student who believes he/she has been the victim of bullying by anyone or any person or with knowledge of bullying should immediately report the alleged act. The report may be made to any staff who member who will assist the student in reporting to the principal or district personnel. Teachers and other staff who witness acts of bullying or receive reports from students of bullying are required to promptly notify designated. Reports should be done in writing using the Harassment, intimidation, bullying or hazing complaint form. The parents of victims of bullying should be notified, but confidentiality must be retained. Falsely charging someone of bullying will be regarded as a serious offense and may result in disciplinary action or other appropriate sanctions. Investigating Intimidation, Harassment, or bullying 23
The school principal or designee will appropriately and promptly investigate all reports of harassment, intimidation, bullying or hazing. Every effort will be made to inform the parents of the abused and the accused. The investigation will consist of personal interviews, video tapes, etc., and will be completed as quickly as possible. A written report shall be made to the Superintendent. Consequences for Bullying Verified acts of bullying shall result in intervention by the building Principal and his/her designee that is intended to ensure that the prohibition against bulling behavior is enforced.
Note: The complete SOCORRO CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS ANTIBULLYING POLICY can be found at http://www.socorro.k12.nm.us/ under SCHOOL BOARD section VII. Students 7.12
CHAIN OF COMMAND Parent complaints will be resolved at the building level first. • Protocol: o Address teacher first o Visit with an administrator o If unable to come to a conclusion, make an appointment with the Superintendant
CHEATING Cheating is considered a serious offense at SHS. Cheating is defined as using someone else’s work as your own, or knowingly permitting someone else to use your work. Any student caught cheating will receive a zero for that assignment or exam and a second offense will result in loss of credit for the class.
CLOSED CAMPUS AND VISITORS SHS is a Closed Campus. This means that once you have arrived on campus, you may not leave again until dismissal time unless you have been granted permission by the administration. In most cases, parental permission will also be required; however, parental permission alone is not sufficient. Only parents or designated emergency contacts will be allowed to take students from campus. Law officers will be granted permission to speak with students upon presentation of credentials. Law officers will not be allowed to remove students from campus without a court order or parental permission, unless an arrest is being made. Students who leave school without proper permission will be unexcused regardless of the reason, and subject to further disciplinary action. 24
The procedure for checking in and out of school requires notification and approval of high school administration, as well as parental sign-out, for student to leave campus and signing in and out on the check in/out log. The student must present the proper check out form from the office to the security guard at the front gate. Any student checking out must have his/her permit to leave the building. Closed campus also means that the campus is closed to outside visitors. This refers, of course to those people who have no school related business on campus. All visitors must report to the principal’s office for a visitor’s pass if they have any business on campus. No personal guests will be allowed on campus with SHS students at any time during school hours. OFF LIMIT AREAS A number of areas of the school have been determined to be off limits to students. These are places students tend to gravitate to for no useful purpose and where trouble usually has a way of starting. Some of these areas are: 1. The entire Northern and Northwestern portions of the building, excluding the patio area to the parking lot. 2. All parking areas, except prior to the beginning and after the end of the school day. 3. All athletic fields except with a supervised class. 4. The section East of the gym by the band room. 5. The entire rear area of the school, including north of the Ag/Shop building. 6. Both gyms unless in PE class or other similar scheduled event. 7. Hallways between main lobby and Seery auditorium, including stairway from Seery to main gym. 8. South (back) of the school.
CO CURRICULAR ACTIVITES Every student at SHS is provided an opportunity to participate in co-curricular activities ranging from art and drama to athletics. Co curricular activities are school sponsored activities which are not required by law or educational standards for New Mexico schools which require time either during or outside of the regular school day for practice meetings, events, performances or interscholastic competition. The functions of all school-related organizations are governed through the Student Council with the approval of the school administration. In order to represent SHS at public, school-sponsored functions, students must abide by the following eligibility requirements: 1. Be in school the day of the activity unless prior approval has been granted by the administration. 2. Maintain a 2.0 GPA (most recent grading or cumulative at semester end). 3. Each club advisor or coach may implement more rigid requirements. 4. All policies, regulations & eligibility set forth by the NMAA will be followed. 25
CLUB/ORGANIZATIONS AND ATHLETICS YEARBOOK STUDENT COUNCIL FFA CHINESE CLUB
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD MESA SPANISH CLUB NATIONAL HONOR SOCITEY
SOCCER (BOYS & GIRLS) VOLLEYBALL (V,JV,C) BASEBALL (V & JV) GOLF (BOYS & GIRLS – V,JV,C) DANCE CROSS COUNTRY
BAND CHORUS VARSITY CLUB
FOOTBALL (V,JV.C) BASKETBALL (BOYS & GIRLS – V,JV,C) TRACK (BOYS & GIRLS – V,JV,C) CHEERLEADING (V & JV) SOFTBALL SWIM (BOYS & GIRLS)
CONFISCATION OF ITEMS Throughout the school year, a number of items are prohibited. These range from felt-tip markers to drugs and alcohol. Teacher and other school employees are empowered to confiscate these items and turn them over to administration. Failure to respond to such a directive will be considered open defiance. When faced with this situation, the student should give the item to the teacher without a fuss. The matter can then be handled properly. Unless confiscated items are illegal (alcohol, tobacco of any form, drug etc.), they will be returned to the student, or if appropriate, the parent at the discretion of the principal.
DIRECTORY INFORMATION The Family Educational Right and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that Socorro Consolidated Schools (SCS), with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child's education records. However, SCS may disclose appropriately designated "directory information" without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Socorro Consolidated Schools to include this type of information from your child's education records in certain school publications. Examples include: • • • •
A playbill, showing your student's role in a drama production The annual yearbook Honor roll or other recognition lists; Graduation programs; and 26
•
Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members
Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent's prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, the No Child Left Behind Act requires Socorro High School to provide military recruiters and colleges, upon request, with names, addressed and telephone listings of secondary students unless parents have advised the school that they do not want their child's information disclosed. If you do not want SCS to disclose directory information from your child's education records, you must notify the principal at the school that your child attends in writing by the last Friday in August, or upon registration. Notifications received after this date will be processed as soon as possible and students' information will no longer be disclosed. Parents who have children participating in fall activities ( prior to the start of school) and who wish to have directory information removed from event brochures should notify principals no later than three days prior to the firs activity. SCS has designated the following information:
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Student's name Participation in officially recognized activities and sports Address Telephone listing Weight and height of members of athletic teams Electronic mail address Photograph Degrees, honors, and awards received Date and place of birth Major field of study Dates of attendance Grade level The most recent educational agency or institution attended.
This form needs to be completed and returned to the principal’s office only if you DO NOT want this information to be released. Student Name: ______________________________________Parent Signature: ____________________________ I do not want my child’s directory information disclosed to the: ___Military below)
___Colleges or Universities _____Any Other (Please describe
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSURE 27
In case of inclement weather conditions, please listen to KOB (Channel 4), KGGM (Channel 13), KOAT (Channel 7), KMXQ (92.9 FM) or visit our website at www.socorro.k12.nm.us for any closings or delayed openings of our schools. If schools are delayed due to inclement weather conditions, school will start at 10:15 A.M. All buses will run 2 hours later than their normal schedule.
FIELD TRIPS AND ACTIVITY TRIPS Any students going on SHS trips must go and return on the school bus. Deviation from this must be approved by SHS administration 24 hours in advance of departure. Any Student traveling with SHS must present an official SHS parental permission slip.
FINES AND FEES Students will be held responsible for all debt incurred by them. These include library fines, textbook replacements and/or repair costs, locker fees, cafeteria fees, etc. These obligations should be cleared before the end of the school year. Report cards will not be issued to those students owing fines.
A student should meet all financial obligations for the preceding year before picking up his/her class schedule. Schedules will be withheld until fines are paid. Students owing money to other schools should clear all debts with that school before registering at SHS.
FIRE DRILLS Fire drills are held periodically during the school year in accordance with state law. It is important that everyone cooperates during fire drills, obey directions and clear the building by prescribed routes as quickly as possible. After departing from the building, students should gather in a group with their teacher and remain there until a signal bell indicates that you may return. Fire drills are held at the least expected times and often cause some confusion. Regardless of where you are and what you are doing, you are expected to respond immediately to the fire drill and follow teacher instructions. Setting off a false alarm is a civil offense. Any student caught doing so faces immediate suspension and will be reported to the proper authorities. Students need to know that setting off a false alarm is punishable by a fine of $300, ninety days in jail, or both.
GENERAL INFORMATION 28
ENROLLMENT ELIGIBILITY A student must live in the Socorro School District to be eligible to register at Socorro High School and must have completed the eighth grade. Legal documentation must be established. All students under 18 must have a legal guardian residing in the Socorro School District on file at SHS, and those over 18 must show proof of residence. A student will not be enrolled without SHS having school records from the student’s previous school. Students expelled from or on long-term suspension from other schools will not be enrolled at SHS. Out of district students must petition for special permission to attend Socorro High School.
STUDENT NAME Many students wish to be called by their nicknames, abbreviated names or second names. This is fine for most purposes; however, we ask that you use your official name on all official correspondence, school records, registration, and grade-related records. BACKGROUND INFORMATION It is important that the school have an accurate record of background information available at all times. This includes parent/guardian names, place of employment, business and home phone numbers and mailing address. Should any of this information change during the school year, please notify the office immediately. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the office of any changes.
GRADE CLASSIFICATION Students are classified according to their year in school and number of credits earned. The classification of students is done at the beginning of the school year, not during the school year. Those students who have not earned at least 10 credits will remain as Juniors until they have earned appropriate credit. 29
In order to be a:
You must have earned:
Freshmen (9th)
You will start the year with 0 credits
Sophomore (10th)
You will start the year with at least 6 credits
Junior (11th)
You will start the year with at least 12 credits
Senior (12th)
You will start the year with at least 18 credits
*Entering Freshman must have met the essential competencies and must have a passing grade in language arts, math and social studies their 8th grade year, or attend summer school and sign a waiver. FIFTH YEAR STUDENTS All 5th year students and above will be limited to: a). Any discipline referral to the office resulting in suspension will be considered grounds for long term suspension until the end of the semester or longer. b). Fifth year students are not eligible to participate in extra circular activities or athletics. The above sanctions are to discourage the abuse of school facilities, classes and underclassmen, and to encourage underclassmen to work toward finishing their requirements within the traditional four-year time span.
GRADING PROCEDURES Report cards are distributed at the end of each quarter. They are given directly to the student unless they are being held back because of debts. It is the student’s responsibility to show the report cards to his/her parents. At the middle of each quarter, progress reports will be sent to the parents of those students who are failing, or in danger of failing, at the time. This will help make the parents aware of their child’s progress. Absence of a deficiency report does not guarantee that a student will pass the course. The grading system used at SHS is as follows: A
90-100
B
80-89
C
70-79
D
60-69
F
59 and below 30
Beginning with the Freshmen, Class of 2012-13 only AP Classes and Dual Credit Core Courses will be valued on a 5.0 GPA scale: all other courses will be valued on a 4.0 GPA scale. Students receiving a failing grade in an AP, Honors, or CP course will be transferred to a regular course.
HALL PASSES One of the primary responsibilities of every student is to be where they are supposed to be, when they are supposed to be there. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. During class time, students are supposed to be in their scheduled class. Any time a student is not in class, he/she must have a hall pass completed by their teacher. Regardless of the reason a student is in the hall, the hall pass is required. It is the student’s responsibility to have the teacher properly complete the hall pass. Students sent out of the class by a teacher are to go directly to the office unless specifically told by that teacher to go elsewhere. When you arrive at the office, you are to inform the secretary that a teacher sent you and remain in the office until the Principal or Assistant Principal has an opportunity to speak with you. Failure to do so may result in suspension.
HOMEWORK It is the policy of SHS to assign an appropriate amount of homework. Failure to do the assigned work can result in their performance below grade level. While many teachers will assign homework regularly, others will do so on a less regular basis. However, parents should question the child who never seems to have homework. Homework is assigned and your child, as a rule, should have some. Types of homework assignments: · Practice exercises to follow classroom instruction · Preview assignments to prepare for subsequent lessons · Extension assignments to transfer new skills or concepts to new situations · Creative activities to integrate many skills toward the production of a response or product
INSURANCE THE SCHOOL DOES NOT CARRY INSURANCE ON ANY STUDENT!
A student participating in athletics must provide his/her own coverage. Students will be provided with an opportunity to purchase athletic insurance at the beginning of the school year. If an athlete is covered under his parent’s policy, he does not 31
need to purchase additional insurance. The student on a voluntary basis may purchase an insurance plan. Information will be distributed concerning this program early in the school year.
LIBRARY The library is a place for study and research. Please have some study related activity to do when you go to the library and do it quietly. Students wishing to use the library during class hours must have a pass from their teacher. Specific rules and hours will be posted in the library.
LOCKERS Lockers are made available for a student to use in the main hallways and PE/athletic dressing room. These lockers are made available for student use at the school. The lockers are not to be used to store items which cause, or can reasonably be foreseen to cause, an interference with school purposes or educational functions, or which are forbidden by state law or school rules. The student’s use of the locker does not diminish SHS’s ownership or control of the locker. SHS retains the right to inspect the lockers and its contents with reasonable cause to insure that the locker is being used in accordance with its intended purpose, and to eliminate fire or other hazards, maintain sanitary conditions, attempt to locate lost or stolen material and to prevent use of a locker to store prohibited or dangerous material such as weapons, illegal drugs, or alcohol. Lockers will be emptied prior to the ending of the school year. Students are expected to have all books, etc. removed before the last day of school or risk the loss of personal items. There are student lockers assigned to students at SHS, students are allowed to carry backpacks.
The following rules apply to locker use: 1. Do not give your combination to anyone and be careful that someone is not looking over your shoulder when you use your combination. LOCK YOUR LOCKER… do not leave it unlocked so you can have quick and easy access, you are making it easy for someone else to have quick and easy access!! 2. Do not keep money or valuable items in your locker. If, for some reason, you must bring a large sum of money or valuable items to school, we will be glad To keep it in the safe for you. SHS is not responsible for the loss of such items. 3. Do not store any unauthorized substance in your locker. 4. Report any theft or damage immediately. If your locker does not work, report it immediately. 5. Lockers will have been cleaned and are expected to remain that way. While decorating the inside of your locker is acceptable, defacing it is not. Any stickers applied to the locker must be removed upon withdrawal from school or at the end of the school year. 32
6. There is a $5.00 dollar charge for a lost lock. 7. Do not share your locker. DO NOT SLAM THE LOCKER DOOR! You will only ruin the locker and be charged extra for its repairs.
LUNCH STUDENTS MUST REMAIN ON CAMPUS DURING LUNCH Students who bring lunch from home or eat snack foods should eat in the cafeteria, commons and concession areas. Eating in the halls is not allowed. SHS has been designated as a closed campus. Students are not to leave campus during lunch unless it is an emergency situation. Students are not allowed to have food items delivered to school, unless approved by administration. Students are not allowed to have glass bottles or ay outside foods. If students want to bring a drink it must have a screw on lid.
MAKE-UP WORK Students are responsible for requesting make-up work from their teachers; this must be done within 24 hours of returning to school from this absence. If this procedure is not followed, credit for make-up work may be withheld. Students on long-term illness status may request make-up work through the counselor’s office. The maximum days allowed to complete make-up work will be equal to the number of days absent. Any student that has been suspended for any amount of days, may request work from the teacher, but it is the teachers discretion to give allowable make-up work for the time the student has been suspended.
MEDICATIONS 5.25.10 STUDENT MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION POLICY I.
II.
Policy Statement: All student medication will be administered only by a Public Education Department (PED) school nurse, their designee, or self-administered by the student with proper authorization from both the student’s primary healthcare provider (MD, Nurse Practitioner, Dentist or Physician Assistant) and parent/guardian. School nurse-administered medications will be given only when absolutely necessary and when travel distances and scheduling are not prohibitive. Procedure Governing Administration of Prescription Medications at School (Prescription) A. In order for the PED licensed school nurse or designee to administer any type of medication at school, and for
33
III.
maximum protection to all involved, the school must have on file the following: a current Medication Administration Form. 1. This form must include: name of student, date of birth, name of drug, dosage, time of administration, whether the medication may be self-administered, phone numbers where both primary healthcare provider (PCP) and parents/guardians may be reached, signatures of the PCP and parent/guardian, and date signed. 2. This form will be reviewed by the PED licensed school nurse and filed with the student's medication log. 3. A Medication Authorization Form must be completed for each prescription medication, and must be filled out annually and/or when changes are made during the course of the school year. B. The container of medication must be pharmacy-labeled with the name of the medication, the strength and current dosage, schedule for administration, the name of the student, and the name of the PCP C. All medications, except for emergency medications, must be kept in the school health office in a locked cabinet or closet at all times. All controlled or narcotic medications must be kept in a double-locked cabinet or closet. When controlled substances are received in the health office the number of pills will be counted and documented by the PED licensed school nurse and the health assistant or other adult. D. In the absence of the PED licensed school nurse, a staff member, designated in advance by the school nurse, will supervise the administration of the student’s medication. See "Guidelines for Supervised SelfAdministration" which follows). E. All medication administration will be recorded on the nurse’s Medication log and will include the date and time of day given and will be initialed by the person who administers or supervises the self-administration of the medication. F. It is recognized that state laws, including the State of New Mexico Nursing Practice Act (NMNPA), govern the administration of medications and must be followed. G. On occasions, when unauthorized medication is found on the school premises, it will be confiscated and stored in the principal’s office. Parents will be notified regarding board policy and disposition of the medication. Additional Guidelines for Supervised Self-Administration of Medication: A. When a PED licensed school nurse or designee cannot administer a medication to a student, and no other alternative exists, student may be allowed to administer their own medications under the following conditions: (a) Self administration is recommended, in writing, by the prescribing PCP and the parent/guardian; (b) An assessment of the student’s ability to self-administer has been made by the PED licensed nurse; and (c) a designated, trained staff person supervises the student. B. The parent/guardian or physician PCP must instruct the student how to take the medicine. Children should be taught according to their level of understanding. C. The student should be able to identify his/her own medication by reading and verifying the name of the medication, dosage, and instructions for administration
34
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
shown on the label. The student should know why he/she is taking the medication and be aware of the side effects of taking the medications. Student education should be age-appropriate. D. The supervising staff person unlocks the medication cabinet and assists the student with the medication. The staff person supervises the student taking of medication at the specified time, and sees that the procedures are properly recorded on the daily medication log. The potential side effects of the medication will be located on the medication authorization form. Staff will be instructed on appropriate action to take in case of a medical emergency. E. Supervised self-administration of medication must comply with the current Socorro Schools "Student Medication Administration Policy." Exception to the above guidelines at the High School: Student may be allowed to assume responsibility for carrying their medication and to self-administer (except controlled substances). This practice must be approved by the PCP and parent, in writing. An assessment also needs to be made by the PED licensed nurse. The parent/guardian or PCP needs to instruct the student on how to take the medication is to be taken. It is recommended that the student carry only one day's supply of medication to school each day. Multiple doses must be stored in the nurse's office room in a locked medicine cabinet. Exceptions may be needed, based upon the student’s medical condition. Exception to the Guidelines as determined by agreement of Child's Ability: All students may be allowed to carry prescribed emergency medicines, such as inhalers, and/or insulin, and eppipens with them with written authorization of both parent/guardian and PCP. In some cases, a periodic assessment may be required to monitor the appropriateness of the situation. The student will be instructed in medication administration by the parent/guardian or PCP. Guidelines for Student Medication Administration on Field Trips: A. There are two (2) options for providing the student's medication for the field trip. The PED licensed nurse may place a dose in a med envelope and dispense to the class instructor to control administration. the student's original pharmacy-labeled bottle and retain the remaining medication in the locked medication cabinet until the bottle is returned. The envelope must contain the following information: a. Name of student b. Name of medication c. Dose of medication d. Time of medication delivery B. The designated staff person will carry the medication. C. Upon return to the school, the supervising staff person or the nurse will sign the medication log in the health office that verifies the student received his/her medication. Guidelines for Medication Administration during Extended Field Trips (begins before or extends beyond the duty day) A. The administration of medications on overnight or extended field trips will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian. B. The parent/guardian will be responsible for making arrangements for the safe administration of their child's medication during the entire field trip. C. The parent/guardian will provide all medication. Disposal of Medications at the End of the School Year
35
A.
IX.
Parent/guardian will be informed that it is their responsibility to retrieve any unused doses of medication if the student is withdrawn from the school or at the end of the school year. B. Any medications not picked up by the last day of the school year will be disposed of by the PED licensed school nurse in the presence of another school employee in a manner to prevent any possibility of further use of the medication. The school nurse and school employee will document the name of the medication and amount disposed of along with the name of the student for which it was prescribed. Both individuals will sign the documentation. C. Unused medications, other than metered dose inhalers, will not be released to the student at the elementary school level (Pre-K-6th grade). The parent/guardian must either pick up the medication or the medication will be destroyed. Medication Error/Incidence Report A. Any medication error must be documented and reported to parent/guardian. B. Medication error includes wrong medication, wrong student, wrong dose, wrong time, wrong route, and missed dose. C. Medication error reports are not part of the permanent student file.
Approved April 29, 2013
NURSE’S OFFICE The high school does have a full-time nurse assigned on a regular basis. Students who wish to see the nurse should sign up in the main office. The nurse will call them from class when she arrives. In the case of an emergency, a nurse will be called from one of the other schools and come to the high school immediately.
PARKING LOTS Students who drive to school must obey the following rules and regulations. Failure to do so will result in parking fines or suspension of parking and driving privileges on campus. Vehicle regulations include: 1. Registration of your vehicle by completing an official student parking vehicle registration form. There is a $ 20.00 parking fee for the school year. 2. Student must have a valid driver’s license to receive a permit. 3. No parking in the areas next to the building (including north of the band room, all students must park in the designated student area located in the east parking lot). 36
4. Students are to park their cars immediately upon arriving at school and leave the parking area. The parking lot is off limits at all times. Students are not to be in their cars or the parking lot at any time during the day unless permission has been given by the administration. 5. Students are not to go to the parking lot to pick up books, clothes, etc., during school hour. 6. VEHICLES MUST BE REGISTERED WITH THE OFFICE AND PROOF OF INSURANCE WILL BE REQUIRED. THE SCHOOL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE OR THEFT WHILE YOUR VEHICLE IS IN THE PARKING LOT! 7. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the office of any changes in vehicle information. 8. There are 4 handicapped parking spaces in the parking lot, any car parked there illegally, will be asked to move, or the car will be moved for them. 9. These regulations may be amended in the future, depending on the conduct of our student drivers. 10. Any student using their car to illegally transport students off school ground during school hours will lose parking privileges for thirty days. 11.
PIBA Positive Intervention for Behavior and Attendance Socorro High School
This program is specifically designed to address attendance and/or behavioral issues of students attending Socorro High School. Our philosophy is that every student has the right to learn in an environment that is safe, nurturing, and conducive to learning. The learning process is best facilitated when the key stakeholders in each child’s future serve as a team, namely the student, parents/guardians, and school staff. Through early intervention and assistance in overcoming problems inhibiting their success, students will acquire the skills necessary to make positive choices for a more positive future. The PIBA program is designed to work intensively with students for short periods of time and ultimately return them to their regular classroom as productive and contributing members of the class and school community. If you have any questions, please contact a school administrator at 835-0700
RECRUITERS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL Military, college and employment recruiters will have equal access to students at the high school by making arrangements with counseling services.
REQUIREMENT ALLOWING STUDENTS TO CARRY AND SELFADMINISTER CERTAIN MEDICATION Socorro Consolidated Schools shall allow students to carry and self-administer asthma medication and emergency anaphylaxis medication that has been legally 37
prescribed to the student by a licensed health care provider under the following conditions: 1. health care provider has instructed the student in the correct and responsible use of the medication, 2. student has demonstrated to the health care provider and the school nurse or other school official the skill level necessary to use the medication and any device that is necessary to administer the medication as prescribed, 3. health care provider formulates a written treatment plan for managing asthma or anaphylaxis episodes of the student and for medication use by the student during school hours or school-sponsored activities, including transit to or from school or school-sponsored activities, 4. student’s parent has completed and submitted to the school any written documentation required by the school /school district, including the treatment plan required in paragraph 3 and other documents related to liability. The school district, its employees or agents may confiscate a student’s medication if the student’s self-administration of the medication exceeds the student’s prescribed dosage or if the student endangers others with his/her medication. The parent of the student who is allowed to carry and self-administer asthma medication and emergency anaphylaxis medication may provide the school with back up medication that shall be kept in a location to which the student has immediate access in the event of an asthma or anaphylaxis emergency.
NM DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS IN NEW MEXICO SCHOOLS……………………..updated July 16,, 2008 1. Four DTaP or DT injections with the last one occurring at or after age 4. Tdap is required at age 11-12 years of age. 2. Four IPV(Polio) doses are required for school entry with the last dose occurring after age 4. 3. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is required after their first birthday, with a second dose required at age four. 4. A series of three Hepatitis B. *******Students may not be enrolled without proof of immunizations*******
RENAISSANCE PROGRAM 38
Socorro High School is proud to be a member of the National Renaissance Program. The National Renaissance program rewards students for excellence in academics and strives to make education more appealing. At SHS we are turning this program into a movement through more student and teacher involvement. To achieve this goal we have instituted a council of 12 students and 8 teachers who are members of the Socorro County Youth Coalition. We have also made higher requirements to obtain a Renaissance card. Besides having a high GPA, students must also have no discipline or attendance problems. There are four levels of Renaissance cards: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. In order to receive a Renaissance card, students must achieve the following GPA’s: PLATINUM 4.3 GOLD 4.0 TO 4.29 SILVER 3.26 TO 3.99 BRONZE 2.75 TO 3.25
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PUBLIC, SCHOOLS, AND STUDENTS The State of New Mexico has promulgated numerous laws and regulations regarding education in the state; specifically, an entire manual has been devoted to student and school responsibilities and rights: New Mexico Regulations 6 NMAC 1.4. SHS rules and regulations have been developed in accordance with prevailing laws of the state and the Student Handbook is a reflection of these efforts. While it would be impossible and impractical to list these statutes in total, copies are available in the Principal’s office for closer examination
SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION Students who ride a school bus to and from school should realize that this is a privilege and not a right. You are expected to follow all normal school regulations set by the bus driver. Students, who show that they are unable to behave properly on the bus, may have their bus privileges revoked. You are authorized to ride ONLY the bus to your home and should not expect to be permitted to ride another buss. In certain circumstances, when requested by your parents, permission for you to ride another bus may be granted by the administration.
SIGNING IN/OUT 39
Once a student arrives on campus, a parent/guardian must PERSONALLY sign him/her out in the main office with the front office secretary or the proper administrator before he/she can leave campus during the regular school day. Emergency checkouts must be approved by the principal. Students arriving at school after classes have begun must sign in with the attendance clerk, before going to class. 18-year-olds: Students who have reached their 18th birthday may check themselves out ONLY after their parent/guardian has presented a notarized request for this privilege. The principal or designee will review the request and approve or deny it. When the privilege is granted, students must follow ALL guidelines for documenting absences.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES STUDENT COUNCIL The Student Council is your government in action. It is composed of student representatives elected by fellow students who represent, speak for the student body in promoting the general welfare of the school and working together with the administration and faculty toward improvements. The Student Council serves in an advisory capacity to the administration. The Student Council must approve all extracurricular activities sponsored by student organizations before being forwarded to the administration for final approval. In order to run for or serve on Student Council or be a class officer, a student must maintain a 2.0 or better GPA as outlined in the NMAA handbook.
STUDENT SERVICES GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING Counselors are available for consultation involving help or information on school scheduling, curriculum, vocation and post-high school planning, and other personal or school matters. They provide information on credits required to graduate and career and job information. Students need to review with their counselors, subjects required for college entrance, tests to take for vocational schools and representatives, scholarship and financial aide for post-high school, and programs available through the Dual Credit program. A mental health counselor is located at the student based health center her at SHS, and is available one day a week. 40
During school hours, a student may sign up in the counseling office to be called from class. Counselors are always pleased to meet with students. Parents who wish to have a conference with a counselor are welcome to call 838-2740 to arrange an appointment. For crisis situations, no appointment is necessary. It is important that every student is acquainted with his/her counselor. New students to SHS are encouraged to meet with their counselor soon after their arrival on campus.
CLASS SCHEDULE CHANGES Students to Socorro High School are advised at the time of registration that their program for the coming year is a carefully planned one. This should eliminate, in most cases, the need for schedule changes. However, in cases where a bonfire reason for schedule change does exist, those changes will be made in the following manner: 1. No schedule changes are allowed after a week of class with the exception of failed pre-requisites. 2. In order to change a schedule, the student must secure the signatures of the following persons: the teacher whose class is being dropped, the teacher whose class the student expects to enter, their parents their counselor and Principal. 3. A schedule change after the initial two-week deadline has passed may be effected only by administrative action when such a change is deemed in the best interest of the student by the Principal. Withdrawal after the second week will result in a WF (Withdraw with an F) on student transcripts. 4. Students who do not attend the first ten days of class or who do not make prior arrangements with the office will be required to re-register.
SCHOOL DANCES School dances will be held throughout the year upon request of student organizations and as approved by the administration. SHS dances are for SHS students. Guests are allowed but must be in at least the ninth grade and under 21 years of age. No exceptions will be made. Student behavior at the dances is a major factor in the approval of subsequent dances. The following guidelines are applicable concerning school dances: 1. The sponsoring organization must submit an activity request to the Student Council two weeks prior to the requested date. 2. If approved by the Council, the request must be forwarded to the administration for final approval. 3. One (l) security guard must be provided by the organization. 4. At least six (6) chaperones, three of which must be teachers, must be presented to the administration before approval will be granted. 5. Students wishing to bring a non-student as a guest must obtain a permit from the office at least the day before the dance. The administration and sponsor must sign the permit before it is valid. Students are responsible for the behavior of their guests. A non-student guest will not be permitted without a guest pass. Guests must obey all rules of SHS. 6. The dance area must be sufficiently lighted. 41
7. Hours for dances shall not exceed 12:00 a.m. 8. Students will not be permitted to go in and out of the dance. Students, who leave the dance, will not be permitted back in. 9. Admission to dances will be permitted up to one hour after the announced starting time. After that, no one will be admitted. 10. All school rules are applicable during dances. 11. Cars may be searched for controlled substances upon entering school property and during the scheduled activity. 12. Students are not allowed to attend dances if they have had disciplinary actions.
STUDENT AND SCHOOL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Statement of Policy A primary responsibility of the Socorro Consolidated Schools and its professional staff shall be to instill in students an appreciation of our representative form of government, the rights and responsibilities of the individual, and the legal processes whereby necessary changes are brought about. The school is a community and the rules and regulation of a school are the laws of that community. All persons enjoying the rights of citizenship are subject to the laws of their community. Each right carries with it a corresponding obligation. The right to attend public school is not absolute. It is conditional on each student’s acceptance of the obligation to abide by the lawful rules of the school community until and unless the rules are changed through established processes. Teachers, administrators, and other school employees also have rights and duties. Teachers are required by law to maintain a suitable environment for learning in their classes and to assist in maintaining school order and discipline. Administrators are responsible for maintaining and facilitating the educational program by ensuring an orderly, safe environment in the public schools. In discharging their duties, all school employees have the right to be free from intimidation or abuse and to have their lawful requests and instructions followed by students. The School District has both the authority and responsibility to ensure that suitable rules of student conduct and appropriate disciplinary processes are established. Nothing in this regulation shall be held to affect the due process rights of employees or their use of any local School District complaint procedure. This regulation does not address employment disputes.
STUDENT RECORDS The school maintains a complete record of all student school activities. Reports from teachers, tests, attendance records, grades, discipline and other personal data are filed in the student’s folder. 42
TELEPHONES Students are not to use the office phones except in an emergency situation. (Students may not use the phone during class time). The office is a place of business and we are unable to conduct our business with students tying up the phones. Office personnel will not take messages for students over the school phones, except in case of emergency. Students should inform employers of this policy.
TEXTBOOKS Textbooks are the property of the State of New Mexico and are on loan to the district. The student is responsible for the texts checked out to him/her and will be held accountable for any damage or theft of these books while they are checked out to the student. When a student withdraws or transfers from SHS, all books must be turned in. Loss of a book will be assessed at the replacement cost of that book.
TITLES VI and IX: No employee or student of the School District shall on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity of the School District. The School District is committed to the philosophy of equal opportunity/equal access in all its employments, educational programs, activities and services. All students shall have the opportunity to participate in and receive benefits from all programs or activities including, but not limited to, course offerings, graduation requirements, athletics, and counseling, and employment assistance, extra-curricular and other school-related activities. Discrimination in education or employment because of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, age, physical or mental handicap, martial or parental status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or veteran status is prohibited The School District is committed to a positive and productive working and learning environment free of discrimination. Discrimination adversely affects morale and interferes with employee and student ability to word and learn. The School District prohibits sexual harassment of its employees or students, whether committed by a coworker, supervisor, subordinate, contractor, volunteer or student. Such behavior may constitute a basis for disciplinary action up to and including discharge or expulsion. Whereas sexual harassment substantially compromises the attainment of educational excellence, the School District will not tolerate such behavior between members of the same or opposite sex. The School District also prohibits retaliation against: (1)
Any employee or student for having made a report of alleged sexual harassment, and 43
(2) Against any employee or student who has testified, assisted or participated in the investigation of a report.
Retaliation is itself a violation of State and Federal regulations prohibiting discrimination and may constitute a basis for disciplinary action up to and including discharge or expulsion. This policy applies to individuals attending any events on the property of the School District, whether or not school-sponsored and to any school-sponsored events regardless of location. Any complaints of sexual harassment in violation of this policy should be reported within 20 calendar days of occurrence. A copy of the School District's Sexual Harassment Policy may be obtained at the building principal’s office. Nothing in this policy applying to Title IX is intended to alter the School District's Sexual Harassment policies. Mr. Randall Earwood, Associate Superintendent, is the district Title VI and IX coordinator. All written complaints alleging violations of Title VI or Title IX should be made to him. He will investigate these grievances or complaints and must provide an opportunity for a hearing with an opportunity to present evidence. Final appeals for all unresolved matters may be taken to the Board of Education. Mr. Earwood can be reached at Socorro Consolidated Schools, 700 Franklin, Socorro, NM 87801.
TRANSCRIPTS During the student’s senior year, he/she may decide to apply for admission to a college or a job. At this time, it is the student’s responsibility to request that a preliminary transcript (includes 7 Semesters) be sent. After he/she has been accepted and has decided which college, university of job he/she plans to accept, that student must request a final transcript. This will include the 8 semester grades, graduation date, rank and grade point average. Transcripts are not sent automatically. The student or parent must request them and be free of any debts.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT Personal Electronics Use: The use of personal electronics including, but not limited to, cell phones, pagers, walkmans, cd players, or any variation of an iPod etc. will only be allowed before school, during passing periods, at lunch, and after school. At no other times during the day will the use of these personal electronics be allowed unless the use of these electronic devices pertain directly to class work and if so, will be advised by the teacher at the time in which these electronic devices will be permitted. If the student does not follow this code of conduct for all listed electronic devices, the consequences will be as follows: 44
1st offense: Electronic device will be confiscated by a staff member and turned in to office the parent will be notified, and at the end of the school day, the student will be allowed to pick up their cell phone. 2nd offense: Electronic device will be confiscated by a staff member and turned in to office, the parent will be notified, only the parent will be permitted to pick up the item. 3rd offense: Electronic device will be confiscated by a staff member and turned in to office, the parent will be notified, only the parent will be permitted to pick up the item after 5 school days. ♦ Dress Code: The student and parent should determine the student’s personal dress and grooming standards, provided that the student’s dress and grooming; a. Are not inappropriate, indecent or suggestive. 1. Shoes must be worn at all times. Slippers (shopos) will not be allowed. 2. No overly revealing or skin-tight clothing will be allowed, including blouses which expose the midriff, backless or strapless blouses or shirts, fishnet or see-through shirts, razor back shirts or blouses, improperly buttoned clothing, loose-fitting tank tops which are not snug around the arms, tank tops with straps less than 2 inches wide, any tank jersey must not be worn without a t-shirt underneath, sleeveless undershirts, shorts, cut-offs and miniskirts more than 4 inches above the knee and any other outfits considered inappropriate by the administration. 3. Sunglasses may be worn outside the building only. 4. Indecent/inappropriate patches, writings, or drawings on clothing or body are prohibited. Clothing with inappropriate language or pictures will not be allowed. This includes clothing, which advertises tobacco, drugs or alcohol or clothing that depicts violent or overly sexual images, actions or messages. Torn clothing will not be allowed. 5. No head covering of any kind will be worn or carried in the school building, unless given permission by the principal. 6. Any clothing or colors determined to be gang related by administration will not be allowed on school grounds. This includes spiked jewelry, chains, tight-fitting pants (e.g., tights, bicycle pants, Spandex), belts with more than two inches excess, sagging (the wearing of pants below the waist and/or in a manner that allows underwear or bare skin to show), bagging (the wearing of excessively baggy pants with low hanging crotches), pants that are more than 5 inches too big in the waist, excessively oversized shirts (shirts longer than the fingertips must be tucked in), and any other items determined to be gang related. For example: Old English lettering, eight ball sign, smile now, cry later. 7. No hairnets. 8. No leather man tools. 9. No long trench coats or long dusters. 45
b. Do not lead school officials to believe that such dress or grooming could disrupt, interfere with, disturb or detract from school activities. c. Do not create a health or other hazard to the student’s safety or the safety of others. Dress Code Violations If the principal or assistant principal determines that a student’s grooming or clothing violates the dress code, the student shall be given an opportunity to correct the problem at school if the occurrence is the first offense during the school year. If not corrected, or if the violation is a second offense within the school year, the student shall be assigned to PIBA, suspension, or be subject to other appropriate discipline consequences as determined by the principal, for the remainder of the day or until the problem is corrected. Repeated dress code offenses may result in more serious disciplinary action, and may constitute a Level 2 or Level 3 offense. Appropriate discipline procedures shall be followed in all cases. Body Jewelry and Tattoos: Socorro High School believes that adoption and enforcement of a strict policy on student appearance and dress can be a factor in improving student attitudes towards school and that positive change in attitude can lead to improvements in school attendance, drop-out rates, and academic performance and avoid student conflict and confrontation. The schools further discourage wearing of certain items of dress or jewelry for the following reasons: i.
To create an atmosphere conducive to learning and to minimize disruptions attributable to personal appearance, conduct, grooming, hygiene and attire. ii. To foster an attitude of respect for authority and to prepare students to enter the work place, where rules regarding dress, conduct and appearance are frequently encountered. iii. To insure that the conduct and grooming of students who represent the district in school-sponsored, extra curricular and community activities create a favorable impression of the district and the community. iv. To counter disruptive effect and potential for interference with the educational mission of the school district, which may result when aspects of student appearance or articles of dress represent gang affiliation. v. to promote student safety
In consideration of the above concerns, and, as a result of the safety, health and hygiene concerns created by body piercing and obtaining of tattoos and the adverse and sometimes violent reactions which body piercing and tattoos may cause within the school community, it is the policy of the Socorro High School to discourage students from engaging that detract from the educational process. In furtherance of this policy, the schools hereby:
46
Students shall not attend school-sponsored activities with any visible tattoos that are or disruptive as discussed in the reasons listed above inappropriate language or pictures will not be allowed on school premises or school sponsored activities. Enforcement of this policy shall be in accordance with the student conduct code.
♦ Dress Policy for Vocational Students: Students enrolled in vocational courses such; as Industrial Arts must obey the dress regulations set to meet safety standards. Students enrolled in vocational courses will follow approved dress code of each program. Long hair and loose clothing is dangerous around power equipment. A teacher may prohibit a student from operating such equipment whenever a potential hazard exists. SPECIFIC CATEGORIES AND CONSEQUENCES OF OFFENSES There are four levels of offenses, as follows: ♦ Level 1: Misbehavior that can be successfully handled without administrative referral. ♦ Level 2: Misbehavior that results in a referral to the school administration. ♦ Level 3: Misbehavior that results in student being suspended or placed in an alternative program. ♦ Level 4: Misbehavior that results in a recommendation by a Discipline Committee as the result of a Disciplinary Hearing for a student’s long-term suspension or expulsion from school.
Guidelines for Assessing Penalties (Please see discipline matrix) 1. Penalties shall be administered when necessary to protect student, school employees’ property and to maintain order and good discipline. Students shall be treated fairly and equitably. Disciplinary action shall be based on careful assessment of the circumstances of each case. Factors to consider shall include: a. b. c. d. e.
Seriousness of the offense. Student’s age. Frequency of misconduct. Student’s attitude. Potential effect of the misconduct on the school environment.
A. Level 1: Non-Administrative Intervention 47
1.
Procedures: a. b. c. d.
2.
Intervention should be immediate and consistent and should be handled by the teacher, paraprofessional, clerk or administrator who observes the misbehavior. For classroom misbehavior the teacher shall maintain a record of offenses and disciplinary actions. Repeated violations shall result in a more severe response and/or referral to Level 2. The principal or designee may determine that a Level 2 action is required for the misconduct.
Discipline options include, but are not limited to: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i.
Verbal reprimands. “Time-out” in classroom. Change of seat assignment. Withdrawal of privileges. Conference with student. Telephone calls or note to parent. Parent conference. Classroom Detention. Counselor referral.
B. Level 2: Administrative Intervention Some infractions will result in referral to the principal or designee. The disciplinary action taken will depend on the offense, previous actions and the seriousness of the misbehavior. 1.
Procedures: a. b. c. d. e.
2.
A student Discipline Report must be completed for each infraction and may be initiated by any school employee. The principal or designee will investigate the infractions, and if necessary, confer with the person initiating the report. The principal or designee will give the student an opportunity to explain his/her version of the incident. The principal or designee will determine the disciplinary action to be taken, record the action taken on the Student Discipline Report and distribute copies. The principal or designee may determine that Level 3 action is required for the misconduct.
Discipline options include, but are not limited to: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i.
Conference with student. Restitution for damages. Counselor referral. Parent conference. Telephone calls or note to parent. Withdrawal of privileges. Detention. Assignment to In-School Suspension. (PIBA) Persistent and severe actions will cause student to reach Level III status.
C. Level 3: Suspension/Alternative Education Program
48
The principal may suspend a student in accordance with 6NMAC1.4 or remove the student to an alternative education program if the principal determines that: The student’s presence in the regular classroom program or at the home campus presents a danger of physical harm to the student or to other individuals; or, The student has engaged in serious or persistent misbehavior that violates the districts previously communicated Student Code of Conduct. 1.
Procedures: a. b. c.
d.
2.
The principal will review reports of the student’s behavior. If the principal finds the student’s behavior does not constitute a Level 3-behavior violation; the student may be disciplined using Level 2 options. If the principal concludes that the student’s behavior constitutes a Level 3 violation, he/she shall advise the student that the records indicate the student’s conduct meets the guidelines and that he/she is considering suspension or removal of the student to an alternative education program. Before suspending a student, the principal shall consider reasonable alternatives. The student must be afforded an opportunity to respond to the principal’s conclusion that the student’s conduct meets the guidelines for a Level 3 offense. If a suspension is indicated, procedures and regulations in accordance with 6NMAC1.4 will be followed. Copies of 6NMAC1.4 are available to interested persons at Central Office and at the middle and high schools.
Discipline options include, but are not limited to: a.
b.
Suspension: A student may be suspended for a period not to exceed a total of ten days. The student’s absence during the time he/she is suspended shall be considered an unexcused absence. Students may not get credit for classroom assignments missed during their suspension. Assignment to an alternative education program.
D. Level 4: Long-Term Suspension/Expulsion/Alternative High School 1.
Procedures: a.
2.
If a long-term suspension or expulsion is indicated, procedures and regulations in accordance with 6NMAC1.4 are available to interested persons at Central Office or the middle or high schools.
Discipline options available at the conclusion of the discipline hearing are: a. b. c.
Reinstatement in the regular program. Assignment of an alternative disciplinary program. Continued recommendation for long-term suspension/expulsion to the Board of Education.
ANY STUDENT WHO HAS BEEN EXPELLED OR SUSPENDED (OSS) IS NOT ELIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN OR ATTEND ANY CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. 49
Definitions: 1.
2.
3.
4.
5. 6.
7. 8.
Discipline Management Techniques: Any action which is intended to promote proper behavior and/or discourage misconduct other than suspension, expulsion, or removal to an alternative education program, including but not limited to, studentteacher conferences, suspension of extracurricular activities, detention, in-school suspension, etc. Drug Dog Search: Drug dog searches are conducted throughout the school year to insure the health and safety of our students and the enforcement of our drug policy. The drug dog and its handler should be certified through the State of New Mexico. They must have been found to be reliable and accurate. All drug dog searches will be done in accordance with 6NMAC1.4. Co-curricular Activities: The principal, in cooperation with the sponsor, coach or other person in charge of an co-curricular activity may reasonably regulate the dress and grooming of students who participate in the activity. Students participating in such activities shall be advised of such dress and grooming standards. The Secondary Discipline Management Plan is to be enforced during such activities. In-School Suspension: Student placed in an Alternative Educational Program or PIBA. An on campus assignment for students who commit disciplinary infractions. The purpose of this program is to provide a supervised educational program for the student and to modify the student’s behavior. Students will receive formal and informal counseling. Long-Term Suspension: Out of school suspension for more than 10 days. A Discipline Hearing Committee will recommend long-term suspension. Minimum Consequences: This is the minimum consequence that the Socorro Consolidated School staff will consider when dealing with a student that has violated the Student Code of Conduct. Depending on the circumstances of the incident or incidents Socorro Consolidated Schools staff may initiate more severe responses. Probationary Period: Individual-building principals may employ the use of sanctions on students who have committed violations against the Student Code of Conduct from attending particular extracurricular activities. School Property: Includes the public schools campuses or any grounds or buildings used by district schools for assemblies or other school-related activities. “Public property” includes any street, highway, alley, Public Park or sidewalk.
No student on school property or on public property within 500 feet of school property shall willfully disrupt, along or in concert with others, the conduct of classes or other school activities. 9. Searches: School property assigned to a student` and a student’s person or property while under the authority of the public schools are subject to search, and items found are subject to seizure, in accordance with the requirements below 6NMAC1.4 10. Use and Under the Influence: Student’s faculties are noticeably impaired, but the student need not be legally intoxicated. Use means a student has smoked, ingested, injected, imbibed, inhaled, drunk, or otherwise taken internally a prohibited substance recently enough that it is detectable by the student’s physical appearance, actions, breath or speech.
SPECIAL EDUCATION DISCIPLINE Disciplinary programs and procedures for special education students will be specified in each student’s IEP (Individual Education Program) in conformity with State Board of Education Regulations 6NMAC1.4, and other applicable laws. 50
SOCORRO HIGH SCHOOL DISCIPLINE MATRIX OFFENSES
1st Offense
2nd Offense
DISCIPLINARY OPTIONS 3rd Offence 4th Offense 5th Offense 2 Days OSS or….. Long Term OSS 3-5 Days PIBA Alt. Educ. Setting Parent Shadow
General Violations
Warning, Parent contact Lunch Detention
1-3 Days PIBA
Academic Dishonesty
No Credit For Assignment
No Credit For Course in which it occurred
Same as 2nd Offense
Bullying
Conference/Parent 1-3 Days PIBA
3-5 PIBA 3-5 Days OSS
3-5 Days OSS Level IV Hearing
Cell Phones Electronic Devices
Student Pick-up after school
Parents must pickup after school
Parent Pick-up after 5 days
3 Days OSS or….. Parent Shadow
Kept for semester
Disrespect of Staff
1-3 Days PIBA
3-5 Days PIBA
3 Days OSS Parent Shadow
5 Days OSS Alt. Educ. Setting
Level IV Hearing Long Term OSS Alt. Educ. Setting
51
Dress Code
Warning Parent Contact Change of Clothes Before Return to Class
1-3 Days PIBA
3-5 Days PIBA
Drug/Alcohol Use/Possession (Police Referral)
5 Days OSS or… Alt. Educ. Setting
10 Days OSS and Level-4 Hearing Alt. Educ. Setting
Long Term OSS, Level IV Expulsion
Excessive Absence
Parent Contact/ Conference
Referral to JPO
Referral to DA by JPO
Fighting (Police Referral)
5 Days OSS or… Alt. Educ. Setting
10 Days OSS Alt. Educ. Setting
Long Term OSS Expulsion
Gang Activity (Police Referral)
1-3 Days PIBA
3-5 Days PIBA
3 Days OSS
Tardies
(1-4) Warning Contact Parent
5th + 3 Days Lunch Det 1-3 days PIBA
5 Days LD 5 Days PIBA
Tobacco Use
1-3 Days PIBA
3-5 Days PIBA
Trespassing
Police Referral
Charges Filed
Truancy
1-3 PIBA
3-5 Days PIBA
5 Days OSS Charges Filed
Long Term OSS Level 4 Hearing Charges Filed Alt. Educ. Setting
5-10 Days OSS Police Referral Level IV Hearing
Long Term OSS Police Referral Expulsion
Verbal/Physical Intimidation Of A Staff Member (Police Referral)
Weapon On School Grounds (Police Referral)
MATRIX KEY
3 Days OSS or… Parent Shadow
Level IV Hearing Long Term OSS Alt. Educ. Setting
Long Term OSS Level-4 Hearing Alt. Educ. Setting
2 Days OSS Parent Shadow
Referral to J.P.O.
Referral to Alt. Educ. Setting
PIBA – Positive Long Term OSS Parent Shadow Alt. Educational Intervention for Behavior Parent/Guardian Setting and Attendance Out of School Attends Classes Placement of OSS – Out of Suspension for With Student student in an School Suspension Ten Days or More alternate setting NOTE: The disciplinary Options may be altered by the administration should circumstances warrant.
Expulsion Removal of the student from educational services.
STUDENT CONCERNS, COMPLAINTS, AND GRIEVANCES COMPLAINT FORM (To be filed with the school administrator or the administrator's supervisor, or with a professional staff member who will forward it to the school administrator or the administrator's supervisor) Additional pages may be attached if more space is needed.
Please print: Name ________________________________________ Date______________ Address_________________________________________________________ Telephone _____________ another # where you can be reached___________ 52
During the hours of________________________________________________ E-mail address____________________________________________________ I wish to complain against: Name of person, school (department), program, or activity ________________ ________________________________________________________________
Address__________________________________________________________ Specify your complaint by stating the problem as you see it. Describe the incident, the participants, the background to the incident, and any attempts you have made to solve the problem. Be sure to note relevant dates, times, and places.
________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________
Date of the action against which you are complaining ____________________ If there is anyone who could provide more information regarding this, please list name(s), address(es), and telephone number(s). Name Number
Address
Telephone #
________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________
The projected solution Indicate what you think can and should be done to solve the problem. Be as specific as possible.
________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ 53
________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________
I certify that this information is correct to the best of my knowledge. ___________________________________________ Signature of Complainant
_______________________ Date Signed
___________________________________________
_______________________
Administrator or professional staff member receiving initial complaint
Date initial complaint received
The investigating administrator shall give one (1) copy to the complainant and retain one (1) copy for the file.
TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR SCHOOL EMPLOYEES PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to provide procedures, rules, guidelines and codes of conduct for the use of the technology and information networks at Socorro Consolidated School District. Use of such technology is a necessary element of the School District educational mission but is furnished to staff and students as a privilege, not a right. The School District seeks to protect legitimate users of technology by establishing limits on such use and sanctions for those who abuse the privilege. Eliminating computer abuse provides more computing resources for users with legitimate needs. SUMMARY Public technologies such as desktop computers, servers, electronic mail, Internet access, voice systems and any other form of electronic communication are provided as a service by the Socorro Consolidated School District, (hereinafter referred to as “SCS”), to teachers, staff, and administrators (hereinafter referred to as employee) at their respective locations. Use is a privilege, not a right. Employees should be good technology citizens; they must refrain from activities that annoy others, disrupt the educational experiences of their peers, or can be considered as illegal, immoral and/or unprofessional conduct. The employee is ultimately responsible for his/her actions in accessing the above listed services. Failure to comply with the regulations (either stated below and/or in the SCS Board Policy Manual), may result in the loss of access privileges and/or appropriate disciplinary action. Severe violations may result in civil or criminal action under the New Mexico Revised Statutes or Federal Law. OWNERSHIP All hardware, software, voice-mail, electronic mail, and any other stored 54
documents or data on a retrievable medium including, but not limited to floppy disks, hard-drives, CD-ROMs, zip drives, etc. that are resident on district equipment, are, and shall remain, the property of SCS. The SCS administration reserves the right to confiscate, remove, search or otherwise investigate any of the above mentioned items at its discretion. COMPUTER USE Inappropriate use of any computer or computer workstation can be a severe offense. Please note that it is a violation of SCS policy to: 1. Duplicate copyrighted software provided by SCS. It is a criminal offense to copy ANY software that is protected by copyright, unless such copying is expressly provided for within the copyright agreement, and SCS will treat it as such. 2. Use licensed software in a manner inconsistent with the licensing agreement. Information on licenses is available through the Technology Department (hereinafter referred to as “TD”). 3. Copy, rename, alter, examine, install or delete the files or programs of another person or SCS except in the case of TD personnel or their agents who are troubleshooting or otherwise repairing a computer. 4. Use a computer to annoy others, including, but not limited to, sending offensive messages or intentionally causing a computer system or network to crash. 5. Use a computer for non-school-related activities, including but not limited to personal or private business with the limited exception of checking personal email during breaks (including lunch) or non-instructional time. However, use of personal email during working hours must meet the same standards as established throughout this document. 6. Create, disseminate, or run a self-replication program (virus, worm, or any other program that inhibits operation of a computer or network, (whether destructive or not), distributing large quantities of information that overwhelm the network including but not limited to chain letters, network games, mass copying of files for no specific reason, etc. 7. Fail to consult with TD before proceeding with any technology purchases, downloads or installations. It is a violation to use software or hardware on district equipment that has not been expressly approved by SCS through TD. Employees are not permitted to download executable software off of the Internet, install software updates to existing licensed programs resident on SCS computers, or install ANY other technology (including hardware and software). All purchases and downloads (including those with an official SCS purchase order) must be reviewed and approved by TD,. For all technology-related purchases, a copy of the license agreement must be 55
forwarded to TD and the building administrator for tracking and audit purposes. Only TD may authorize the installation of technology purchases and, in most cases, only TD personnel are permitted to install such technology purchases. 8. Install personally purchased software or peripherals (such as printers and scanners) on SCS computers. The Director of Technology may approve installation of personally-purchased software if approved by a building administrator AND it is determined to be compatible with SCS systems by TD. If permission is attained, then a copy of the license agreement and the installation media must be housed with the administrator of that building for audit purposes. 9. To access the SCS network and programs with personal computers unless such programs are made available by TD (such as the web-based email server or the web-based version of JMAC). Personal computers may not be tied into the SCS network, either through wireless connections or LAN connections EXCEPT with the express permission of the Superintendent or the TD, and with security devices installed by TD. Further, the use of that computer will be subject to the policies and procedures outlines in this document. 10. The use of portable storage devices (such as CD-RW, DVD-RW, flash drives and iPods) and other devices (such as a Blackberry or other PDA’s) on district software by employees is permissible provided that such devices are used in a professional manner and do not violate any rules, policies or procedures delineated in this document (including copyright laws). 11. Take or scan pictures of students without signed permission of the parents and permission from the building administrator. Additionally, no pictures of District property are to be taken without administrator approval. 12. To post any political, commercial, pornographic or otherwise questionable material to the District web site or any SCS hosted web site. Additionally, any postings must meet general District policy and be approved by TD, the Superintendent or an approved delegate. 13. Access or attempt to access a desktop, network, or host computer without having obtained the appropriate access log-in ID and password legitimately, and/or through use of log-in information belonging to another person. This is considered “hacking” and/or “trespass” and will be dealt with appropriately. 14. Share, distribute or otherwise provide a personal log-in and password with another individual other than TD. Employees sharing passwords with others, especially students, will be subject to disciplinary action. 56
15. Tamper with switch settings or hardware (including keyboards, monitors and mouse devices), or to move, reconfigure, and/or do anything that could damage SCS property (including but not limited to hardware such as terminals, computers, printers, and other peripherals. Any individual responsible for causing damage in any manner to any SCS property (including but not limited to hardware, software, computer systems, or computer labs) will be FINANCIALLY responsible for all repairs and/or replacements. This includes, but is not limited to unplugging cables, plugging cables into inappropriate locations, or other related activities that may cause the network or connection to the network to fail or to function improperly. INTERNET USE The Internet is an electronic network connecting millions of computers and individual subscribers worldwide. The purpose of the Internet is to support world-wide access to business and educational information by individuals, and the sharing of content created by a variety of users. The use of an assigned SCS account must be in the application and support of educational technology, and must be consistent with the educational objectives of SCS and the standards that have been established. 1. Internet access may be provided to employees for research activities relating to their duties. Employees may also have access to: A. Electronic mail B. Surf the World Wide Web C. Various discussion groups which include chat rooms D. Bulletin Boards E. Streaming Audio and Video content F. Web-based educational applications G. SCS Sites (web pages, blogs, training, etc.) 2. Network Etiquette You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include but are not limited to the following: A. Be polite. Do not be abusive in your messages to others. B. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate or suggestive language. Illegal activities are strictly forbidden. C. Do not reveal your personal address or phone number or that of other employees or students, except in your normal course of duties. D. Note that SCS-provided e-mail accounts are not guaranteed to be 57
private. People who operate the system have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the appropriate authorities. E. Do not disrupt the use of the network by other users. 3. Inappropriate use of an account. The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use will result in cancellation of privileges. The following are examples of inappropriate use. A. The use of (or an attempt to use) another person’s log-in and/or password. B. Copying, transferring, or duplicating software owned by or registered to SCS. C. Transmission of, or downloading any material in violation of any national, state, or district regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted documents, material that is threatening, and/or obscene/pornographic material. D. Using the network for commercial, political, personal, or private gain. E. Communication whose sole intent is not for the purpose of education or school-related research/activities. CONSEQUENCES FOR INAPPROPRIATE USE The system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use and may close an account at any time. The administration may request the system administrator to deny, revoke, or suspend specific employee accounts. If an employee has failed to comply with this policy, he/she may be: A. Removed from the system for a specific period of time or permanently, depending on the nature of the offense. B. Required to pay for damages with regard to technician time, computer resources, or other fees. C. Criminally charged under local, state, or federal laws. D. Subject to employee disciplinary action, up to and including termination or discharge in accordance with existing Board policies and applicable law.
58
SOCORRO CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT Technology Acceptable Use Contract for SCS Employees & Students As an employee of the Socorro Consolidated School District, hereinafter referred to as “SCS”, I, ______________________________, recognize and understand that the district’s email systems are to be used for conducting the district business only. I understand that use of this equipment for private purposes is strictly prohibited. Further, I agree not to access a file or retrieve any stored communication or data other than where authorized unless there has been prior clearance by an authorized SCS representative. I am aware SCS reserves the right to review, audit, intercept, access, and disclose all matters on the district’s e-mail systems and serves at any time, with or without employee notice or consent, and that such access may occur during or after working hours. I am aware that use of an SCS provided password or code does not restrict the district’s right to access electronic communications. I am aware that violations of this policy may subject me to disciplinary action, up to and including termination or discharge from employment. I acknowledge that I have read and that I understand the SCS Technology Acceptable Use Policy regarding e-mail, computer hardware usage, computer software usage, and Internet access. I acknowledge that I have read and that I understand this notice and that a copy of the entire policy has been provided to me. Refusing to sign does not negate my responsibility to abide by the policies and procedures as set forth above and in the policy as revised. Choosing not to adhere to the policies set forth above is cause for suspension of all computer and Internet privileges.
_________________________________ _____________________ Signature
Date
59
STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM Rights and responsibilities are part of the life of every high school. This student handbook describes very clearly what we expect from our students and staff. For all of us who are part of the Socorro High School community, there are certain guidelines that we must follow in our daily activities on this campus. Ideally, we would like all students to be involved in the life of this school, participating in a wide variety of programs and activities, and we expect all faculty members to contribute to the well being of our students. We have worked very hard to create a school in which all students can grow to their full potential, academically and personally, and you are encouraged to participate actively in the many programs and events that are sponsored by this school. However, we also know that it is necessary to set limits for students and to establish clear guidelines for student’s behavior and well-defined consequences for violations of these standards. These rules and standards outlined in this handbook have been developed to protect the rights of everyone, to insure that all students and staff are treated with respect, and to assure that our school operates in a safe and orderly manner. It is understood that it is impossible to have regulations for every possible circumstance. Administrators and activity leaders will use discretionary judgment in dealing with individual situations not covered by a specific written regulation. Please read this document carefully and note particularly the changes in policy from the past school year. Your signature at the bottom of this page acknowledges that you have read the Discipline Code of Socorro High School, understand your responsibilities as a student, and agree to follow all the guidelines listed within this handbook.
Student Name (please print)____________________________________________________ Student ID Number___________________________________________________________ Date of Receipt______________________________________________________________ 60
Student Signature____________________________________________________________ Parent Signature_____________________________________________________________
WARRIOR PRIDE SHS belongs to you and all members of the community. What you do here reflects upon how you care about yourself and your fellow students. Pride in yourself and your school is shown in many ways. Some of these are: 1. Keeping grounds, halls and classrooms clean and free of litter. 2. Maintaining appropriate conduct and behaving in a respectful manner. 3. Becoming involved in school activities and pulling your own weight. 4. Taking care of your books and other school items. 5. Treating others, including guests to the school, with courtesy and respect. 6. No screaming, running, throwing things, or generally goofing off in school. Remember, school is a place of business, not a circus. 7. Practice the 6 pillars of character; Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring & Citizenship
WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES The process for withdrawal as a student from SHS is as follows: • Secure authorization from the parent/guardian • Obtain appropriate forms from the office • Have the forms filled out by the teachers/staff, return all schoolbooks and property, and make sure all fees/fines are paid • Take completed forms to the principal’s office for the final clearance and appropriate signatures.
61
62
