Las Cruces High School 1750 El Paseo Road Las Cruces, NM 88001
Las Cruces High School 1750 El Paseo Road Las Cruces, NM 88001 Attendance Office: 575-527-9403 (Direct Dial) Guidance Office: 575-527-9402 (Direct Dial) General Office Number: 575-527-9400 Fax: 505-527-9767 Dear Studeents and Parents, On behalf of the Las Cruces Board of Education and the LCPS administration, it is my pleasure to welcome you to a new school year! I encourage you to read the content of this handbook, which was developed to support students and families. This handbook has answers to many student-related issues. Use it as a resource when you need guidance. You can also ask for help from a teacher, counselor or principal when you have questions or need clarification about any school matter. Aside from this handbook, additional district policies and regulations are posted on the LCPS website(www.lcps.k12. nm.us) or are available from each shcool principal. Let me also stress the importance of being at school, on time, each school day. A wellrounded education is available to support from parents/guardians, there are numerous individuals who care about each student’s individual academic career. Have a great school year! Sincerely, Stan Rounds Superintendent LCHS Bulldawgs Student Identification Name:_________________ Grade:________________ *I have read I understand the school policies listed in the LCHS Planner. ________________________ ______________________ Parent/ Guradian Signature Student Signature People You Should Know Principal: Jed Hendee - [email protected] Asst. Principals: Bobby Campos - [email protected] Anthony Chavez - [email protected] Lorraine Paz - [email protected] Gina Rivera - [email protected] Counselor: David Jaquez - [email protected] Barbara Mexal - [email protected] Cecilia Middagh - [email protected] Sally Walton - [email protected] Ellen Wildman - [email protected] Athletic Coordinator: Athletic Secretary: Sped. Dept. Head: Receptionist: Attendance Clerk: Attendance Liaison: Registrar: Assistant Registrar: Finance/Office Manager: Guidance Secretary: Bobby Campos - [email protected] Shirley Nall - [email protected] Dana Critchlow - [email protected] Nancy Perrault - [email protected] Debbie Rhinehart - [email protected] Tina Esslinger - [email protected] Laura Conelley - [email protected] Margaret Chip - [email protected] Jo Ann Black - [email protected] Paulina Burciaga - [email protected] Table of Contents Class / Bell Schedule LCPS 2012-2013 Calendar LCHS Activities/Clubs/Sports Student Planners/ID’s / Student Code of Conduct General Policies Enrollment/Transfers/Withdrawals Compulsory Attendance, Truancy, Tardiness Custodial Rights of Parents Academic Policies Graduation Requirements Credits and Retaking Courses Grading & Reporting, Schedule Changes Dropping a Class, Deadline for Dropping a Class Release of Students, Internet Use Library, Academic Interventions Guidance and Counseling Response to Intervention Athletic and Interscholastic Activities Policy Attendance of Athlete, Student Records Behavior Policies Attendance, Tardiness/Late Arrival, Cheating, Student Dress Violent, Gang and/or Gang-Like Activities Assault/Battery Notice of Prohibition Against Bullying Harassment Reporting Weapons, Drug/Alcohol Policy Predator Awareness/Grooming Student Interrogations, Search, Seizure, Arrests LCHS Discipline Plan Miscellaneous Policies Student Personal Items: Cell Phones / iPods Health Services Policies, Administering Medication to Students, Appointments, Immunization, Health Ed Lockers, Lunch Passes, Off Campus Authorization Megan’s Law, Emergency Situations, Student Parking, School Dances, School Advisory Council, Cafeteria, Supplies Skateboards, Telephone Messages, Transportation Visitor Policy, Volunteer Clearance 5 6-7 8-9 9-10 11-12 11 12 12 12-17 12 13 14 15 15-16 16 17 17 17 17 18-22 18-19 19 20 20 21 21 21-22 22 23 24 25-30 25 25-26 26-27 27-28 28-29 29 30 30 Las Cruces High School Bell Schedule 2012-2013 Monday and Wednesday Tuesday and Thursday Friday 1st Period 2nd Period 9:00 - 10:18 9:00 - 10:18 2nd Period 3rd Period 4th Period 10:30 - 11:08 10:25-11:43 10:25-11:43 4th Period Lunch Lunch 1st Period 9:00 - 9:42 9:47 - 10:25 3rd Period 11:13 - 11:51 Lunch 11:53-12:25 11:53-12:25 12:01 - 12:33 5th Period and Channel One 6th Period and Channel One, BDC on Thursday 5th Period 12:43 - 1:21 12:35-2:05 12:35-2:05 1:26 - 2:04 7th Period 8th Period 2:12-3:30 2:12-3:30 Focus Day Schedule 1st 2nd Lunch 3rd 9:00 - 10:18 10:25 - 11:43 11:53 - 12:25 12:35 - 1:38 FOCUS 1:45 - 2:15 4th 2:22 - 3:30 6th Period 7th Period 2:09 - 2:47 8th Period 2:52 - 3:30 Focus Day Extended Schedule 1st 2nd Lunch 3rd 9:00 - 10:18 10:25 -11:43 11:53 - 12:25 12:35 - 1:30 FOCUS 1:37 - 2:23 4th 2:30 - 3:30 REVISED 2012-13 CALENDAR ❖ LAS CRUCES PUBLIC SCHOOLS September ‘12 August ‘12 SUN MON TUE WED K-3+ dates: July 5-Aug. 8, 2012 THU FRI SAT SUN TUE WED THU FRI SAT Labor Day - no school Work Day; Registra9th grade tion, K-8 Orientation Staff Returns MON K Classes Elem/Mid Classes Begin Prof Dev; Begin R Kinder 9th-12th; No K-8 1st-8th Transition Elem/Mid classes Prof Dev; 6th Grade PreOrient K13 School PreSchool Transition Kinder Classes Begin R Parent Conf K-8; no K-8 classes Classes Begin 31 October ‘12 SUN MON TUE WED THU PSAT TEST 10th grade Oct. 17 November ‘12 FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Fall Break - All Grades b Election Day - no classes Fall Break [Columbus Holiday] Grade Pd. Ends K-12; PSAT Test b Elem Report Cards Mid-HS Report Cards mailed Thanksgiving Holiday 31 Fall 2012 Back-To-School Schedule December ‘12 SUN MON TUE WED THU Aug. 7: LCPS staff returns (earlier dates may apply for staff in specified programs) FRI SAT Elementary Schools: Aug. 10: Student Registration, Kindergarten-5th; 9:00-11:00 a.m. Aug. 15: 1st-8th grades Classes Begin R Aug. 15-16: Kindergarten Transition Days R Aug. 17 : Kindergarten Classes Begin Middle Schools: Aug 10: New Student Registration, 6th-8th; 9:00-11:00 a.m. K Aug. 13: 6th Grade/Parent Orientation, 6:00 p.m.; 6th graders pick up schedules Aug. 15: 6th-8th grade Classes Begin; Students 7th-8th pick up schedules onfirstdayofschool Sem Ends 1/2 day Winter Holiday Winter Holiday High Schools: New high school students (new to district) register in summer, Mondays through Thursdays at all high schools; Counselors available Wednesdays Aug 9: 9th Grade/Parent Orientation, 6:00 p.m.; Freshmen pick up schedules; OHS, LCHS, MHS, SAHS K Aug. 13: 9th-12th grades Classes Begin End of Semester Dec. 21: Half day of classes; End of semester; Staff works full day January ‘13 SUN MON TUE WED February ‘13 2nd Semester THU FRI SUN SAT MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Winter Holiday Staff Work Day, no classes K-12 PreSchool Classes Begin Elem/Mid Classes Prof Dev - Begin no classes; K-8 Classes Begin 9th-12th 8 3 10 Dr. King Holiday no school 17 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 18 19 25 26 Presidents’ Holidayno school 24 March ‘13 SUN MON TUE WED FRI SAT 10 17 4 11 5 12 SUN 1 9 15 16 14 13 19 8 9 14 Parent Conf K-5; no K-5 classes 15 16 20 21 22 23 27 28 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 2 9th-11th Next Steps; No 9th-12th classes 6th-8th Parent Conf & 6 8 7 Next Steps Assessments Elem and Middle HS Testing Assessments High School Make-Ups 18 2 Testing Make-Ups 3 April ‘13 THU March 8: Middle Schools - no classes 1 Elem Report Cards Grading Period Ends K-12 Testing Make-Ups School; Snow Day Elem Rpt Crds 22 21 20 d No Makeup 23 Spring Break (aligned with NMSU) 24 26 25 31 Mid-HS Rpt Cards Mailed 28 27 29 30 PARENT CONFERENCE / NEXT STEPS / PRE-REGISTRATION May ‘13 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Seniors’ Last Day Graduations Semester Ends; half day Memorial Holiday Feb. 15: Parent Conference Day for K-5 only; No K-5 classes March 7-8: Next Step Planning/Pre-Registration for 9th-11th graders; Check with school for times/appointments; No high school classes. March 8: Parent Conferences 6th-7th grades; Next Step Planning/ Pre-Registration for 8th grade; check with school for times/appointments; No middle school classes END OF SECOND SEMESTER Graduations: San Andres: Friday, May 17, 6:00 p.m., Doña Ana Community College, East Mesa campus LCHS: May18, 9:00 a.m., NMSU Pan Am Center OHS: May 18, 1:00 p.m., NMSU Pan Am Center MHS: May 18, 5:00 p.m., NMSU Pan Am Center May 24: Classes in morning only; Breakfast only; Early dismissal; Staff full day; Elem report cards issued. June 5: Mid/High Report Cards Mailed June 26: High School Summer Graduation at DACC, East Mesa, 6pm d In the event of inclement weather and school is cancelled, the Snow Day may be 31 used as a makeup instructional day, per direction of the Superintendent REVISED - 7.03.12 LCHS Activities Activity/Clubs that are classes (1 credit) Band – Mr. Garland / Room 91 Choir - Ms. Brink / Room 92 Horticulture - Ms. Corrie / Room V-17 Media Productions – Mr. Valencia / Room V-15 ROTC – Sgt. Maj. Locklear / Room P5 Activity/Clubs (no credit) Amnesty International - Mr. Wofford Asian Cultural Society – Mr. Wukelich FCCLA – Ms. Cummings, Ms. Campbell FEA - Ms. Cummings FFA - Mr. Beard French Club - Mrs. Cort Key Club – Greg Temple MESA – Ms. Jaramillo, Ms. Hamilton National Art Honor Society– Jorge Robles National French Honor Society – Mrs. Cort National Honor Society - Mrs. Gardner Theater - Mr. LeCocq Character Counts – Mrs. Torres Student Venture – TBA Gay Straight Alliance – TBA Sports Baseball: Basketball: Cheerleading: Cross Country: Football: Golf: Pom Pons: Soccer Softball: Swimming: Tennis: Track: Volleyball: Wrestling: Athletic Trainer: Coach Gil Padilla Boys - Coach William Benjamin Girls - Coach Matt Abney Coach Katie Strascina Coach Wendi Fornear Coach Jim Miller Coach Miguel Cruz Coach Seneca Reyna Boys - Coach Erik Tuchfarber Girls - Coach Mario Castillo Coach Will Garcia Coach Jason Day Coach Aadarsh Prasad Coach Kelly McKee Coach Keith Leupold Coach Kevin Marks Anita Reta Student Planners/Handbooks/ID’s Student Planners All students will be required to carry a student planner with them at all times. This student planner will serve many purposes, including serving as a hall pass. If students leave class anytime during the day, they must have a signature in the planner from the staff member releasing them. If students are in the hall after the tardy bell without a signed planner, they will be escorted to the office for a pass and may be assigned one day of lunch detention. Inside the planner students should carry a current copy of their schedule. Student I.D. Cards LCHS students must have a student ID card with them at all times. The first ID is free. Replacements for any reason cost $5. Students who need one replaced will get a new ID, but they will not receive a lunch pass until the end of that 9 week period. Any students caught lending their ID to an unauthorized person will lose their off campus lunch privilege for the remainder of the year. Work Habits Student Code of Conduct Students are expected to: •be prepared for and to participate in each class •have the necessary class materials •complete class work and homework •be on time •prepare for quizzes, tests and examinations. Respect for Self, Others and Property Students are expected to: •be honest •behave with dignity •treat others with respect and courtesy, not harassing others verbally and physically •come to school free from the influence/possession of tobacco products, alcohol or drugs •use appropriate language, actions and attire •exhibit appropriate behaviors •treat all property belonging to the school and to others with respect Behavior of the individual should not interfere with the rights of others. In addition, students are expected not to offend or distract others. Respect for Authority Students have the responsibility to: •comply with all school policies •obey all laws •respond in a respectful manner to all adults Safety Students are expected to contribute to a safe school environment free from fear. Acts of violence, weapons and contraband are never acceptable. To report safety concerns please contact school administration 527-9400 or [email protected]. You may also access the District’s website at http://lcps.k12.nm.us/Departments/Safety/index.shtml or call 527-6653. (LCPS Policies 185 & 450) Extra Curricular Activities Eligible students who choose to join athletic teams and/or extra curricular organizations will be expected to follow the tenets of “Pursuing Victory with Honor” and/or the “Athletic Code of Conduct”. For additional information, please reference the Athletic Handbook found at http://www.lcps.k12.nm.us/Departments/Athletics/index.shtml. Any violations of policies, regulations or statutes will be subject to school discipline and/or legal ramifications. General Policies Open Enrollment/Transfers LCPS secondary schools have an open enrollment policy. Students are required to attend the school within their residential boundaries unless approval of a transfer has been obtained. All open enrollment transfers must be submitted to and approved by LCPS Office of Instruction annually. Falsification of residence information will result in disenrollment. Requirements for Enrollment In order to enroll, students must be: •under the age of majority (18) or •transferring with uninterrupted educational services from another school or •qualify for special education services in order to enroll. Documents required for enrollment are: •Completed New Student Enrollment Information Form •Completed Nurse Emergency Authorization Form •Proof of student’s date of birth – birth certificate, physician’s records, passport/visa or previous school records •Up-to-date immunization records •Evidence of physical home address – utility, water, gas or electric bill •Proof of guardianship •Current documentation of grades and/or transcript Withdrawing from LCHS When students withdraw from LCHS, they must be accompanied by a parent. An administrator counselor will authorize the withdrawal process. Complete instructions will be given at that time. Students will need to turn in all textbooks, musical instruments, library books, and athletic equipment before their school records will be released. All fines must be paid before transcripts will be sent to the transferring school. Compulsory Attendance, Truancy and Tardiness All qualified students in the LCPS district, except those exempted by law, regulations or rules, must enroll in school and are required to attend school full time. Schools shall identify students who have attendance problems. Any parent of a student subject to the provisions of the Compulsory School Attendance Law is responsible for the school attendance of that student. In order for an absence to be considered excused, students must provide written documentation from a parent/guardian within three (3) school days after their return to school. Parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified when the school has concerns regarding students’ unexcused absences according to the Compulsory School Attendance Law. Excessive absences, truancies (defined as unexcused absences) and/or tardiness may result in disciplinary action, possibly including notification to the Juvenile Probation and Parole Office and the District Attorney’s Office. (JEA, JE, JHB, & JHB-RA). Custodial Rights of Parents Each parent or court-appointed guardian shall be assumed to have all legal rights pertaining to parenthood or guardianship. In those circumstances in which the student’s parents are legally separated, parents are responsible for providing the building administrator with a court order delineating the custodial rights of the parties involved. (JLIB) Academic Policies Graduation Requirements Freshmen (less than 7 credits) Entering Freshman will be under a new graduation plan. Graduation requirements will be explained in the FOCUS Advisory Class. Sophomores (7 to 13 credits) and Juniors (14 to 21 credits): Subject# of Credits Language Arts 4 Communication Skills 1 Mathematics 3 New Mexico History 0.5 US History 1 World History 1 Government/Economics 1 Science (one lab science) 3 Physical Education 1 Electives 13.5 Total Credits Required 29 Attendance Requirements for Credit A high school student may not be given course credit for a class unless the student is in attendance for at least 90% of the days the class is offered. A student attending fewer that 90% of the days the class is offered, regardless of whether the absence is excused or unexcused, will be required to complete an appeal’s packet in order to be considered for course credit. For more information, please contact your administrator or counselor. NM High School Competency Exam (NMHSCE) Students must pass all portions of the NMHSCE to graduate from LCHS. If a student fails to score 175 on any portion of the exam, they will need to take it again until they obtain that score. If after various attempts any portion of the exam is not passed, that student will not be allowed to graduate and must come back to school the following year to take the exam unless a waiver is granted. Graduation Commencement Requirements Students must meet LCPS graduation requirements before they are allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony at the end of the school year. This means they must have completed the 29 credits and have passed all parts of the New Mexico High School Competency Exam. (NMHSCE) Credits may be earned during the two semesters of the regular school year, summer school, correspondence, or some type of alternative program (depending on program availability). Any student who is long-term suspended during his/her senior year will not be allowed to participate with his/her class in the graduation ceremony. If they meet their graduation requirements in an alternate setting, they must participate with the high school they are attending. Credits and Retaking Courses Students need 29 credits to graduate unless they have attended another school outside the Las Cruces district. If a student has attended a school outside the district, an official transcript will be requested and then a determination will be made on the number of credits needed for graduation. It is the responsibility of the parent and student to keep up with credits earned and credits needed to graduate. The LCHS counselors are here to help with credit checks, information, recommendations, etc., but are not responsible for students who do not graduate because they did not meet graduation requirements. Students are expected to earn 8 credits per year, 4 credits each semester. Under special circumstances as approved by LCHS administrators/counselors, students may earn up to 12 credits per academic year, 6 credits per semester, with night school, correspondence courses, ISP, etc. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will students be allowed to accumulate more than 2 credits in the summer and more than a total of 12 credits in one academic year. (August to May) Retaking Courses A student wishing to retake a course in order to improve a grade in the course may do so. The original grade will stay on the transcript, but the higher of the two grades will be used to calculate the new grade point average. No additional credit will be awarded. Credit can only be awarded once for each course taken. If a student is registered for a course already taken for credit, a guidance counselor should be consulted immediately. Grading and Reporting Students and parents will be informed on grading criteria at the beginning of each course. Parent/ guardians of students who have a “D” or “F” will be notified by mail at the interim. Progress will be reported formally every nine weeks. Grading period intervals are indicated on the school board approved district calendar. Parents are encouraged to meet with the teacher during district-scheduled parent conference days or as soon as any concerns arise. Meeting as a team helps reinforce student expectations and increase communication between the school and the home. (IKAB) Students not receiving a credit due to a lack of 90% attendance will receive a grade of “NCA, NCB, NCC or NCD” in the class. Students may appeal for credit at the end of the semester. Schedule Changes - Changing a Class There will not be any schedule changes for students who prefer to have a different class, different teacher, or another elective not requested at the time of registration. A student may only change his/her schedule if one or more of the following conditions exists: •The student previously took the class •A scheduled course is out of sequence •The student does not meet the prerequisites of the class •The student has an incomplete schedule •The student has a course listed more than once •The student doesn’t have a course needed to graduate •There was an error made in the student’s schedule •A student wants to drop an “Off Campus” period to enroll in a class Dropping a Class Only LCHS administrators/counselors are authorized to drop a student from a class. Students are required to attend a course until they are officially dropped. Seniors are the only students eligible to drop a class, provided they will still be enrolled in 4 classes after the class is dropped. When a class is dropped, it is replaced by a “No Class Assigned” designation. Remember, all 12th grade students enrolled at LCHS must be enrolled in at least 4 classes, regardless of how many credits they need to graduate. All 9th 10th and 11th graders must be enrolled in 8 classes. Deadlines for dropping a class: 1st Semester: September 21st - Last day to drop a class with no penalty for the fall semester. October 19th - Last day to drop a class with a “Withdraw Pass” (WP) or “Withdraw Fail” (WF) for fall semester. (If the student is passing the class with a D or better, a WP will go on the transcript. If they are not passing the class, a WF will go on the transcript). Students dropping the class after this date will receive a grade of an “F” for the class. 2nd Semester February 10th - Last day to drop a class with no penalty for the spring semester. March 15th - The last day to drop a class with a “Withdraw Pass” (WP) or “Withdraw Fail” (WF) for the 2nd semester. (A student passing the class with a D or better will receive a WP on the transcript. A student not passing the class will receive a WF.) Students dropping the class after this date will receive a grade of an “F” for the class. Release of Students During the School Day For each student’s safety and protection a parent/guardian is required to report to the school office, present photo identification and officially the student out of school. To minimize the loss of instruction, verification of appointments may be requested by the school. Parents/guardians have the responsibility to furnish schools with accurate, up to date information. The school must receive notification or authorization before releasing the student to a non-custodial parent. Persons listed on a student’s medical card will be allowed to check that student out from the front office. Students shall not be released into the custody of any organization, institution, or individual without prior consent or communication with the parents/legal guardians. Possible exceptions include: Child abuse investigations, law enforcement and/or Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) or in emergency situations where immediate arrest or removal of a student for safety reasons is deemed necessary. Internet Use All LCPS students, employees, contractors, volunteers and other district officials who use or have access to technology must sign and abide by the district’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) indicating their knowledge of and agreement to terms and conditions of use of district technology resources. Failure to follow the acceptable use procedures will result in the loss of the privilege to use these tools and may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension, expulsion, and termination. All technology resources must be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner and in accordance with the LCPS Mission Statement, Priorities, and Goals. Library The fully automated LCHS Library is open 8:00 to 5:00 daily including lunch. The twenty thousand items available for check-out are easily located using the on-line public access catalog or OPAC, which also can be accessed remotely from the LCHS homepage or by going to http:// library.lcps.k12.nm.us. A maximum of four books may be checked out for a two-week period and may be renewed if needed for a longer period of time. Overdue notices are distributed periodically throughout the school year. Fines are five cents for each school day per overdue item with a maximum fine of $5.00 per item. Several on-line magazine and reference databases are available from the library homepage both in the library and remotely. To access these databases remotely, it is necessary to have the logins and passwords which can be obtained in the library. Twenty-six computers are available for internet and database research and for word processing. Academic Interventions Listed below are two district-wide interventions currently in place. In addition, each school provides a variety of interventions to support academic success and achievement. Parents may contact their home school for more information. Guidance and Counseling School counseling is integral to the mission of schools and to the total educational program. School counseling programs assist in removing barriers to learning and promote knowledge and skills necessary for academic achievement and personal growth of all students through prevention and intervention services. Social and emotional learning delivered through a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate school counseling program has a positive impact on student academic performance. Please contact your school’s administrative offices for more information. (JLD) Response to Intervention (RtI) RtI is a process that provides immediate intervention to struggling students at the first indication of failure to learn. Through screening of students, classroom teachers identify those who are not mastering critical skills. RtI is the process that all student assistance teams (SATs) in New Mexico must follow to ensure that schools meet students’ needs. Athletic and Interscholastic Activities Policy The Las Cruces High School athletic and interscholastic programs are open to all students on an equal basis. Students are encouraged to participate in one or more of the many activities at LCHS. To meet state and local eligibility requirements students must: •maintain at least a 2.0 GPA •be enrolled in more than half of the schools regular class schedule and in regular attendance during the current as well as the previous grading period. •fail no more than one class in the preceding grading period Attendance of Athlete A student athlete must attend the school within his or her attendance zone. If a studentathlete attends a school outside of his or her zone, he or she may lose athletic eligibility. An athlete who misses school, for one full period or more, on the day of competition or on the Friday before a Saturday competition, may not play in the competition unless it is a documented excused school absence. Student Records – FERPA The school maintains confidential student records for each student enrolled in the school. The school complies with the U.S. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to keep student records confidential and to provide procedures and establish responsibility for collecting, maintaining, and releasing information about students that is contained in student records. Parents may request from the school/district to have student records restricted. (JRA, JRA-E-1, JEA-RA) Behavior Policies School disciplinary action will focus on changing or managing inappropriate student behaviors and appropriate consequences. All available resources will be utilized, including preventive and responsive interventions to support students’ needs. Conduct that disrupts class work, involves disorder, or invades the rights of others will not be tolerated and may be cause for suspension and/or other disciplinary action. Attendance The Las Cruces Public Schools recognize that students must be in school in order to learn the content being taught in our classrooms. For that reason, students are expected to attend 90% of every class. Verified Absences Realizing that there may be the occasional circumstance when students will need to miss school, LCPS will allow students to make up missed assignments for all verified absences. The student will have a minimum of one class period for every class period that was missed to make up assignments, provided the absence is verified. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for, obtain and return assignments on time in order to receive credit for the work. A temporary grade of zero will be recorded until the assignment is made up. Failure to make up assigned work by the deadline will result in a permanent grade of zero. A verified absence is defined as long and short-term illness, doctor appointment with documentation, religious holidays, school-sponsored or sanctioned activities, college visits, court summons, funerals of immediate family members, hazardous weather and disciplinary actions including suspensions. These need to go through the attendance office. Unverified Absences It is the teacher’s discretion whether to provide make up work when an absence is not verified. A grade of zero will be recorded for any assignment recorded on the day of an unverified absence. The parent/guardian should furnish written documentation in the form of a note, doctor’s appointment slip, or an e-mail from the parent’s place of employment to the attendance office. E-mails should be sent to [email protected]. In order for an absence to be considered excused, students must provide written documentation from a parent/guardian within three (3) school days after their return to school. The note or e-mail should include student’s name, date of birth, parent contact phone number, date(s) of absence and the reason for the absence(s). The student will then bring the note, doctor slip or the parent copy of the e-mail, to the attendance office. The exception to this would be a school-sponsored event or if a school official has sent a student home. All other absences will be considered unverified and therefore unexcused. Tardiness/Late Arrival If students arrive at school late, they must report to the attendance secretary in the front office. If they have proper excuses from a physician, dentist, or a parent stating there was a problem, they will be given a pass to class. All others will be considered tardy with its consequences or as having an unverified absence if the student arrives more than 45 minutes into class. Unverified absences can be corrected at a later time with the correct documentation. Any student walking the halls after the tardy bell has rung, and without a planner signed by a staff member will be taken for a pass and may be assigned lunch detention or in-school-suspension for being truant. Cheating Cheating is prohibited at LCHS and will be dealt with according to the LCHS discipline plan. Cheating consists of the copying or illegal obtaining of answers. Cheating also includes Plagiarism, via internet sources or other printed materials. Students will be disciplined according to the LCHS discipline policy. Student Dress Student dress and personal appearance shall meet reasonable standards of cleanliness and safety and must show respect for others. Personal appearance and dress that violate reasonable standards, demean, slur or harass others through symbols, words or images, and/or disrupt the educational process shall not be tolerated and may be subject to disciplinary action. (JICA, JICARA) Replacement clothing may be provided. Students are expected to follow the district dress code, which includes, but is not limited to the following: 1.Student dress and personal appearance shall meet reasonable standards of cleanliness 2.Footwear must be worn at all times; however, bedroom slippers are prohibited. 3.Hats and sunglasses must not be worn in the building or on school facilities/grounds except during outdoor activities. 4.Any clothing, paraphernalia , grooming, jewelry, hair coloring accessories, face painting or body adornments that are or contain any words, symbols or pictures that: i.Refer to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, or any illegal substance; or ii.Are of a sexual nature; or iii.Are obscene, profane, vulgar, or lewd; or iv.By virtue of color, arrangement, trademark or other attributes denotes membership in gangs, or clubs which advocate drug use, violence or disruptive behavior; or v.Threatens the safety or welfare of any person (i.e. trench coat, chains, spiked jewelry, etc.); or vi.Promotes any activity prohibited by district policy or regulation. 5. Inappropriately sheer, tight, loose, or low-cut clothing that bares or exposes the stomach, back, breasts, or buttocks are not allowed. Clothing should fit and must not be extremely revealing. (For example: very short dress/skirts, garments made of fishnet, mesh or similar material, and midriffs, halter tops, backless clothing, tube tops, muscle tops, or spaghetti straps no less than 3 fingers width, etc.) 6. Clothing that exposes underwear or underwear as outerwear. Violent, Gang and/or Gang-like Activities The Board of Education recognizes that the presence of any violent, gang, and/or gang-like activities can cause a substantial disruption of or interference with the school educational process and/or activities. In addition, the Board of Education recognizes that the primary focus in providing gang and potential violence intervention is involving parents and the community in developing a proactive approach designed to offer assistance to students and families in dealing with the problems of a changing society. Gang related activity is prohibited, including, but not limited to: •Wearing, possessing, using, distributing, displaying or selling any clothing, jewelry, glasses, emblem, badge, symbol, sign or other item which is evidence of membership/affiliation in any gang •Soliciting others for membership in any gang. •Threatening/intimidating another person. •Inciting other students to act with physical violence upon another person. •Making particular hand gestures to signal gang affiliation or action. •“Stare downs” or “mad-dogging” to challenge or provoke fights. •Whistling to call other members. •Engaging in physical confrontations where one or more persons confront another individual or group •Unauthorized marking or writing on school property or on personal items (such as notebooks or backpacks) that may signify gang affiliation •Taking or carrying pictures of people with gang signs. All gang related activities may result in a gang letter/contract, short-term suspension, referral to the LCHS Resource Officer, and possible long-term suspension. Assault/Battery Students engaged in fighting will be suspended and reported to the LCHS Resource Officer. If, after an investigation, it is found that a student was seriously injured, a student refused to stop fighting when directed, a staff member was assaulted, or it was gang related, long term suspension of a student or students may result. Notice of Prohibition Against Bullying and Harassment Bullying behavior by any student in the Las Cruces Public Schools is strictly prohibited, and such conduct may result in disciplinary actions, including suspension and/or expulsion from school. “Bullying” and “Harassment” 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 designated bus stop, or at school activities or sanctioned events. Bullying and Harassment includes, but is not limited to, hazing, 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 that a reasonable person under the circumstances should know will have the effect of: •Placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm or damage to the student’s property; or •Physically harming a student or damaging a student’s property; or •Insulting or demeaning any student or group of students in such a way as to disrupt or interfere with the school’s educational mission or the education of any student. Students and parents may file verbal or written complaints concerning suspected bullying behavior to school personnel and administrators. Any report of suspected bullying behavior will be promptly reviewed. If acts of bullying are verified, prompt disciplinary actions may be taken against the perpetrator, up to and including suspension and/or expulsion. A safe and civil environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards. Harassment, intimidation, bullying, hazing-like and/or other disruptive or violent behaviors, is conduct that disrupts both a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students in a safe environment. LCPS believes that providing an educational environment for all students, volunteers, and families free from harassment (disability, racial, religious or sexual), 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, bullying and hazing are forms of dangerous and disrespectful behavior that will not be tolerated. Students participating in one or more of these activities are subject to school discipline and/or legal ramifications. (JICK, JICK-RA, ACA, ACA-RA) Harassment Reporting LCHS encourages students who feel they have been harassed by a school employee or another student to report such claims. A student who believes he/she has been harassed should report the incident to a LCHS staff member with whom he/she feels comfortable. Weapons Policy The Board of Education forbids the possession, care, use or distribution of all weapons by students or unauthorized persons in or around a school location or school zone as defined by LCPS guidelines. This policy is enacted to implement the requirements of the Federal Gun-Free Act of 1994, 33 U.S.C., Section 3351(a)(1), and Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990, 18 U.S.C., Sections 921-924, and it is the intention of the Board of Education that LCPS conform to provisions of those referenced laws. (JICF, JICF-RA) Local, State, and Federal laws prohibit the possession, custody, and use of weapons by unauthorized persons in or around school property. A weapon is considered any firearm, knife, explosive, or other object, even if manufactured for a nonviolent purpose, under the surrounding circumstances that the purpose of keeping or carrying the object is for use, or threat of use, as a weapon. Students are encouraged to report any incident of weapons on campus to a trusted adult. (See Policy and Regulation JICF-Violent, Gang, and /or Gang Like Activity and JICF-RA-Violent, Gang, and /or Gang Like Activity) Students found in possession of a weapon may be long-term suspended from school. Drug/Alcohol Policy Las Cruces Public Schools prohibits students from the use, possession, sale or transportation of alcohol and/or illegal drugs on school property, at school or at school-sponsored activities. The superintendent or his designee has the authority to long-term suspend a student who, after a notice and a hearing, has been found by a preponderance of the evidence to be guilty of an alcohol/drug related violation of the school rules or state laws. If a student is found in violation of this policy, the school will follow the process described in JICH-RA.III Discipline. Predator Awareness / Grooming Grooming is the process in which a predator (peers or adults) gains trust and affection from their victim(s) for the purpose of malice. Students should be aware of the following signs and individuals who: •Take exceptional interest in a student’s personal life •Go out of their way to offer sympathy and support to students who are experiencing conflict at home, school or work •Try to build a personal relationship with a student who lacks confidence, is shy, isolated (feels different) from their peers and/or spends time alone or unsupervised •Offer gifts, their time, attention, illegal substances in order to gain a student’s trust and build a relationship •Share personal information/problems/secrets with students to establish a bond •Threaten a student to remain silent about their conversations and/or relationship (keep secrets) •Physically invades a student’s personal space (this may include a progression of physical contact which may eventually become more personal and intimate - the predator’s ultimate goal) Persons aware of individuals experiencing any of the above situations or have suspicions of inappropriate behaviors should immediately contact any of the following resources: •Family members •School personnel or a trusted adult •Local law enforcement at 526-0795 (Central Dispatch) •Children Youth and Families Department (CYFD) at 1-800-797-3260 or 524-6400 •LCPS Safe Schools Tip Line at http://[email protected] Student Interrogations, Search and Arrests (Search and Seizure) The Board of Education recognizes the necessity of conducting interrogations, searches, seizures, and arrests of students periodically in order to enforce school policies, statutes and discipline. By Authorized School Personnel When reasonable suspicion exists, authorized school personnel have the right and responsibility to conduct student interviews, searches and seizures. School administrators are responsible for determining when it is appropriate to request assistance from law enforcement when investigating a possible crime. By Law Enforcement All students possess the constitutional right to be secure in their persons, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures. The principal or designee will be present during interviews unless otherwise requested by law enforcement. Every attempt should be made for parents to be notified by the school prior to interview or interrogation by law enforcement unless otherwise requested by law enforcement. (JIH-RA) Suspension The authority of the state and of boards of education to prescribe and enforce standards of conduct for public school students must be exercised consistently with constitutional safeguards of individual student rights. The right to a public education is not absolute; it may be taken away, temporarily or permanently for violations of district and/or school regulations. However, it is a property right which may only be denied when school authorities have adhered to procedural safeguards required affording the student due process of law. (JKD-RA) Miscellaneous Policies Student Personal Items Students are encouraged to leave items of value at home. Personal items that are lost, damaged, or stolen are not the responsibility of the Las Cruces High School staff. Students may file a police report with the School Resource Officer. Cell Phones/Headphones/iPods These items will be allowed in school, but may not be used during class without teacher permission. If these items are seen or heard, they may be confiscated and turned in to the student’s assistant principal. A parent may be required to retrieve the item. Health Services Policies The primary purpose of the school health services program is to promote optimal health for the school community to increase opportunities for learning. (JLC) LCHS has a fulltime nurse and a fulltime health assistant available for student/staff health needs. Please feel free to contact the Nurse’s office (Ext. 6704) for any questions or concerns. It is imperative that the signed medical referral card is given to school authorities. If there is an emergency and we are unable to reach a parent/guardian, it allows us to proceed with necessary emergency treatment. Persons listed as parents/guardians or otherwise listed as responsible for the student will be the only people contacted, if the student is injured or ill. Only those persons listed on a student’s medical card will be able to check that student out from the front office. Administering Medications to Students Secondary students may carry and administer their own medications under most circumstances. A parent may visit the school to dispense medication. Any students requiring supervision must deposit their medication with the school nurse or school administrator for safekeeping. Medications should be delivered to the school by the parent/guardian. Written physician orders and parent consent must be received regarding administration of all medications. If your child requires medication during the school day, please contact the school nurse. (JLCD-RA). Abuse of self administration of medication(s) and/or supplements will result in student discipline. Appointments with LCHS Staff For the protection of quality instruction, classroom interruptions will be held to a minimum. In order to achieve this, we are asking that parent/guardians schedule appointments with the teacher(s). This will reduce disturbance of instruction time and will give staff an opportunity to give their full attention to the matter at hand. Immunizations of Students Students shall not be enrolled at any school unless satisfactory evidence of completed immunizations, or proper exemption, can be presented. For any enrolled student without an immunization exemption, the administration can commence dis-enrollment proceedings if immunizations are not completed or as current as possible. It is unlawful for any parent to refuse or neglect to have his child immunized, as required by this section, unless the child is properly exempted. (JLCBRA) Health Education Parents may request their child be exempted from the parts of the health education curriculum/ services that address the sexuality education performance standards. Students whose parents request they be exempted from the curriculum that addresses these standards, will be provided with alternative lessons. (IHAM) Lockers Students wishing to use a locker will need to fill out a Locker Request Form found in the main office. Students will be assigned lockers on a first come, first served basis. School issued locks will be used on all school lockers. All other unauthorized locks will be removed. Also, remember lockers are school property and may be searched by school personnel at any time. Lunch Passes 9th Graders: Students classified as 9th graders must stay on campus during lunch. 10th and 11th Graders: Students classified as 10th and 11th graders are allowed to leave campus at lunch if they meet the following criteria: •Classified as a 10th or 11th grader. •Have a 3.0 or above grade point average the previous semester. Passes are NOT issued based on cumulative GPA. •Have a 90% or above attendance record during the previous semester •Have no significant discipline problems. •Have a signed parent consent form on file in the office. 12th Graders: Students who are classified as 12th graders are allowed to leave campus at lunch as long as they have a signed parent consent form on file in the front office. Students that are 18 years of age will be issued an off campus sticker. At the end of each semester, qualifying 10th, 11th and 12th grade students must get a new lunch pass sticker to leave campus for the upcoming semester. If students do not get the new sticker or are no longer eligible to get off campus, they will not be allowed to leave for lunch. Lunch Passes are a privilege and can be revoked at any time because of student misbehavior, skipping class, or other policy violations. Students must have their student ID cards every day with a current sticker to get off campus. No exceptions! Off Campus Period/Pass Students are not allowed to leave campus during the school day, unless they have the following: •school ID indicating off campus times •special permission cleared through the attendance office (authorization pass) Students must show both an ID to get off campus every period, every day. No Exceptions! Megan’s Law Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education supports the purposes of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (New Mexico’s version of “Megan’s Law”) Chapter 29, Article 11A NMSA 1978. Registered offenders are listed on the state website: http://www.nmsexoffender.dps. state.nm.us/ (JLIA) Emergency Situations School emergency information (such as a lockdown situation or bus accident) will be sent to local radio and TV stations so that parents will know where and how to pick up students. School closures or late starts due to inclement weather conditions will also be released to all media outlets. Limited bus routes may not be announced, since unexpected conditions may close roads without warning. No one, including parents will be allowed to enter the school during a lockdown situation. Therefore, parents are requested not to call or come to the school in these situations. Certain situations may require the early release/relocation or delay of students to and/or from school. The superintendent will authorize such actions only in times of extreme emergency. All possible attempts to notify parents will be made as soon as possible. If an emergency occurs and an early release/relocation is necessary, school safety procedures will be implemented. For the most current information in emergency situations, parents may access the LCPS website at http://www.lcps.k12.nm.us or call the hotline at 647-LCPS (5277). Student Parking There is limited student parking on the LCHS campus. Student parking on campus is a privilege and should be treated as such. Any violation of safe driving or the misuse of the vehicle to leave campus or to take someone off campus without authorization may result in the removal of this privilege. Students must park in the student parking lot north of the LCHS campus off Boutz Street. If a vehicle is found parked in staff parking, vocational parking, or the field house parking area, it will be issued a warning and the student may be subject to a discipline referral. A second infraction MAY result in the vehicle being towed at the owner’s expense. Vehicles parked in handicapped spaces without a state issued permit will be issued a ticket by our School Resource Officer. Place the parking sticker on the rear view mirror at all times. Vehicles without a parking sticker could be towed at the owner’s expense. If there is a special situation when a student does not have a parking sticker, they should report to the office after parking. Students are to complete a student registration form available in the Office. They must also provide a current driver’s license and proof of insurance. There is not any cost for a parking sticker. If a parking sticker is lost or stolen, another must be obtained. Parking stickers will be issued to seniors first, juniors next, and then sophomores. No spaces will be saved for someone who will get his/her driver’s license at a later time. Every reasonable effort is made to supervise the student parking lot, however, this is NOT a guarantee that acts of vandalism will not occur. Valuable items should not be left in an unlocked vehicle or in plain view. LCHS is NOT responsible for any acts of theft or vandalism. School Dances LCHS sponsored dances are a privilege and students must adhere to these guidelines: •Appropriate dress must be worn. If outfit is revealing or inappropriate, the student will not be allowed into the dance. •Students and guests must arrive at the dance by 10:00 PM, or they will not be allowed into the dance. •Students who come to the dance under the influence will be subject to school disciplinary actions including athletic and activity suspensions. •Students must show their student ID’s at the dance. •LCHS students taking a guest must fill out a guest form before the day of the dance. No Middle School students will be allowed, nor any non-students over 20 years of age. •Once a student leaves the dance, he/she may not re-enter. Any discipline problems will be treated according to the LCHS discipline plan. Students will be asked to leave the dance or parents will be contacted if any school policy is violated. School Advisory Council (SAC) The School Advisory Council consist of 6 parents, 6 teachers, 1 administrator, 1 community member and 2 to 3 students. Elections for membership will be conducted yearly in accordance with local school board rule. (Policy KCB) School Cafeteria Breakfast and lunch is offered daily to students. Students are not allowed to charge meals in the cafeteria. Free and reduced lunch applications are available from the school lunch cashier. Information regarding yearly menus, cost, instructions on payment, and dietary issues can be found by visiting http://www.lcps.k12.nm.us/Departments/FoodServices/index.asp . Contact your cafeteria manager to discuss specific food allergies or special needs. Students must apply each year to get free or reduced priced meals. An application must be completed and returned to the cafeteria cashier. Students are not eligible for free/reduced prices until parents receive notification of eligibility for the current school year. School Supplies The following school supplies are available for sale in the library before and after school, during lunch and between classes: Folders CD-R Highlighters Tagboard 24x36 Pens Mechanical Pencils $0.50 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $0.25 $0.50 Spiral Notebooks CD-RW Notecards/100 Dawg Pennant Report Covers $1.00 $2.00 $1.00 $5.00 $0.50 Skateboards We understand that students use skateboards for transportation to and from school. Students will be allowed to bring their skateboards as long as they place it in an office/class or in their locker first thing in the morning. Students are not allowed to use his/her skateboard during the school day. If a student is found using a skateboard during the school day, it will be confiscated and will not be returned until a parent conference is held. If there is a second incident, the skateboard will need to be picked up by the student’s parent. Telephone Messages Telephone messages will not be delivered to students unless it is an emergency and the caller is willing to state what the emergency is. Otherwise, parents are free to come to school to deliver the message in person. (Lunch money, rides after school, etc. will not be considered an emergency) Transportation Except for field trips, all students must register with the bus company in order to utilize school transportation. Students are expected to comply with school bus rules at all times. Student misconduct will be reported to the LCPS Department of Transportation, parents and school administration. Discipline procedures range from verbal/written warnings to indefinite suspensions. Visitor Policy For the safety of students and staff, all school visitors must report to the school’s main office upon arrival before proceeding to any part of the school or school grounds. Visitors are expected to abide by school rules while present on campus. (Instruction Section- 485) Students who are not enrolled at LCHS are not allowed on campus anytime during the school day without principal approval. Unless accompanied by parent(s)/guardian(s), school aged guests are not permitted on campus during the school day. This includes other students visiting from out of town during their school breaks, students’ younger siblings, nieces, nephews, etc. to school. LCHS parents are always welcome to visit the school and may do so by making prior arrangements. Volunteer Clearance The Las Cruces Public Schools welcomes and encourages all parents and citizens of Las Cruces to volunteer their time at Las Cruces High School. In order to protect students, volunteers must comply with Las Cruces Public Schools’ Board of Education policy. The policy requires volunteers to complete all forms contained in the Volunteer Packet, which can be found in the Las Cruces Public Schools Human Resource Department. LCHS Hall Pass Date Time In Time Out Destination Name______________________ Teacher Date Time In Time Destination Teacher Out
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