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ESTANCIA HIGH SCHOOL

FAMILY HANDBOOKFAMILY HANDBOOKFAMILY HANDBOOKFAMILY HANDBOOK 2013-2014

EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAYEVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAYEVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAYEVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY

ESTANCIA SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF EDUCATION VISION STATEMENT

The Estancia Municipal School District believes in educating ALL students

to become productive and successful citizens. Instructional programs must challenge all students to

reach their potential. All other purposes are in support of this.

MISSION The Estancia School District will provide all students a quality education.

GOALS

•••• Preparation of students to be responsible citizens.

•••• Preparation of students for post-secondary education.

•••• Preparation of students for gainful employment.

Estancia High School Positive Behavior Supports Every Estancia High School student is expected to demonstrate “Bear Pride” by being respectful, responsible, and courageous, while demonstrating citizenship and integrity. These traits are the foundation for the Positive Behavior Supports modeled and taught by the Estancia High School staff.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Estancia Municipal Schools is an equal opportunity educational entity that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion or any other legally protected classification in compliance with

federal and state law.

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August 2013

Dear EHS Family:

Welcome to the 2013-2014 school year! The Estancia High School Staff continues our

commitment to “EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY”. We strive each day to provide a safe,

engaging, relevant, rigorous and supported academic environment for each student. In return, we

expect all EHS students to model our “Bear Traits” of, respect, responsibility, courageous,

citizenship, and integrity at all times and in all situations. In support of this expectation, the EHS

staff commits to modeling these “Bear Traits” for students at all times and in all situations.

I encourage you to read and review this handbook as a family and to discuss its contents with one

another. This handbook is an essential school document. It is as important as an enrollment

form, schedule, immunization record, birth certificate and transcript to individual success at

EHS, so keep it handy for easy reference. There is new information regarding Saturday School,

E2020/Edgenuity Courses, Alternative Courses, and our Lunch Intervention Program. However,

you may have questions this school year that are not addressed in the handbook, so please never

hesitate to ask questions regarding district policy or school procedure.

I look forward to the coming school year. The EHS Faculty and Staff look forward to working

with you to ensure your child’s success. With Student, Parent, and Faculty support and

involvement we will do great things both individually, and as a school community!

Respectfully,

Martha Ward

Estancia High School Principal

ESTANCIA HIGH SCHOOL

SCHOOL

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TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION /TOPIC PAGE#

PROGRAMS OF STUDY 4 - 9 COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE 10-12 ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES 13 - 14 ACADEMIC INFORMATION 14 - 16 STUDENT RECOGNITION PROGRAMS 16 SUPPORT INFORMATION 16 – 17 GRADUATION 18 FAMILY INFORMATION 18 ESTANCIA SCHOOL BOARD POLICY 702 – ANTI-BULLYING 19 - 22 CYBERBULLYING 22

DISCIPLINE MATRIX 23 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT 25

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PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Comprehensive High School

Estancia High School offers a four-year curriculum designed to prepare students for entry into a

college, university, or other post secondary educational training program, including vocational

school and military service.

Exceptional Programs

Estancia High School provides education and related services for students found eligible under

the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004). Individual Education Plans

(IEP’s) are developed for qualifying students to address specific academic needs according to the

support/enrichment identified for the student by the IEP team and written into the IEP.

Honors/Advanced Courses Program

Estancia High School offers Honors/Advanced courses in core* content areas.

Honors/Advanced courses carry an additional weight when grade point average is calculated

with the following weight applied on a 4.0 scale.

A = 5.0

B = 4.0

C = 3.0

D = 2.0

*Core classes are those carrying Math, Science, Language Arts, or Social Science units of

credit. One unit of credit in Physical Education is counted as a core requirement.

Estancia School Board Policy 412.1.4 identifies the following EHS courses as

Honors/Advanced

• Concurrent Enrollment English

• AP Courses (Advanced Placement)

• Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus

• Honors Chemistry

• Calculus I

• Calculus II

• Physics

• Advanced World History

• Advanced US History

• Advanced Biology

• Honors English III

• Honors English IV

These courses are offered as recommended through content area department and administrative

collaboration.

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Admission To enroll in Estancia High School a student must meet the following requirements:

• Be a resident of the Estancia School District

• Provide documentation to show that all immunizations are current

• Provide a copy of birth certificate

• Be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian when registering

• Provide proof of formal withdrawal from the last school attended.

Grade Level Classifications

Estancia High School students are classified by grade according to the following minimum credit

requirements

• A Sophomore must have at least 6.5 units of credit earned, with a minimum of 3.0 units

of credit earned in core* classes.

• A Junior must have at least 12.0 units of credit earned, with a minimum of 6.0 units of

credit earned in core* classes.

• A Senior must have at least 19.0 units of credit earned, with a minimum of 9.0 units of

credit earned in core* classes.

*Core classes are defined as any course carrying Math, Science, Language Arts, or Social

Sciences units of credit. One unit of credit in Physical Education is counted as a core credit

requirement.

Transcripts

A list of courses taken, grades earned, and units of credit assigned is maintained while a student

is enrolled in high school. This record tracks graduation requirements, grade point average and

finally records graduation information including final grade point average, class rank and

graduation date.

Units of Credit

One half (.5) unit of credit is assigned to each course where a passing grade of 60 percent (60%)

has been earned for each semester. Typically, each course meets for one period daily-Monday

through Friday-for 18 weeks for each .5 unit of credit.

Transfer Transcripts

Private Schools – Students transferring from private (accredited and non-accredited) schools

must supply sufficient information for the Administration to request a course description from

the former school. This information is evaluated to determine EHS course placement or earned

credit allowed. If this information is not available, students are tested for proper placement.

Home Schooling – Transfer of students from Home Schooling for grade placement will be on a

case-by-case basis. Achievement tests and/or other relevant tests may be required to determine

the appropriate grade level placement.

Summer School/Night School/Correspondence Courses/Estancia Valley Learning Center

Credits/College Course Credit

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All additional/supplemental course work is accepted from accredited institutions upon approval

by EHS Administration. Therefore, students and their families are required to meet with the

EHS Principal prior to enrollment in any additional/supplemental program. An Official

Transcript must be received in the EHS Guidance Office before documented credit can be

assigned. All additional/supplemental credit must:

• Be a part of an IEP

• Be equivalent or higher than EHS offered courses.

• Have prior written approval of the EHS Administration.

Dual Credit Program

Dual Credit provides high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who attend a public high

school half-time or more and qualify for New Mexico in-state tuition status, the opportunity to

take college courses for which they will simultaneously earn both college credit and high school

credit.

Estancia High School currently partners with CNM, and Eastern New Mexico University in

Portales to offer Dual Credit enrollment courses.

Distance/ E2020/Edgenuity Education

E2020/Edgenuity Courses:

Estancia High School is utilizing E2020/Edgenuity through the Central Regional Educational

Cooperative to provide fully accredited high school courses. This is to enable Estancia High

students the opportunity to take high school courses to satisfy graduation requirements, for credit

recovery and for enrichment. Each semester course equals .5 credit at EHS. The semester

beginning and end dates for E2020/Edgenuity courses are not the same as those of traditional

EHS face-to-face classes. Students may access their E2020/Edgenuity online courses from a

computer with internet connection from school, home or elsewhere. Students may be enrolled in

E2020/Edgenuity courses after consulting with the Counselor and the Site Coordinator.

E2020/Edgenuity course grades are recorded on student transcripts and figured into student grade

point averages. EHS teachers may also use E2020/Edgenuity coursework for enrichment or as a

part of their classroom instruction and final grades.

CNM College and Career Bound Program

College and Career Bound provides high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who attend a

private school or a public high school, or are currently home-schooled students and at least 16

years of age, the opportunity to earn college credit.

• College and Career Bound students are often able to complete a college certificate

or degree more quickly and with less expense because they start college while in

high school or home school.

• College and Career Bound students must pay all tuition and fees.

• College and Career Bound students may only enroll in courses numbered 0900

and above.

• College and Career Bound students may enroll in a maximum of 18 credits per

term.

• College and Career Bound admission and registration can be processed online and

at any CNM campus.

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GRADING POLICY

ESTANCIA MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS GRADING POLICY

412.1 In compliance with New Mexico Administrative Code 6.29.1, Estancia Municipal Schools

will have a standardized grading system. All grading and reporting practices will support the

learning process and encourage student success. It is the policy of the Board of Education to

support its professional staff in this professional duty. District wide grading and reporting

practices will include the following components:

a. a written report to parents regarding the performance of their children tested with the

New Mexico standards-based assessments;

b. for grades 2 – 12, a standardized alphabetic grading system, based on the 4.0 scale;

c. alignment of all district and school curriculum to the New Mexico content standards

with benchmarks and performance standards; and

d. all school report card grades shall reflect standards-based academic performance.

There are four levels of student achievement relating to the New Mexico content standards:

Advanced = superior achievement

Proficient = full mastery of the standards for a particular grade

Nearing Proficiency = partial mastery of the standards

Beginning Step = minimal mastery of the standards

The district’s grading system is based upon equal intervals as follows:

A or 4 = 90% - 100%

B or 3 = 80% - 89%

C or 2 = 70% - 79%

D or 1 = 60% - 69%

F or No Credit = 50% - 59%

1. Lesson and Practice Activities = 40% (e.g. classwork, homework, group activities, reviews,

etc.) Assigned homework needs to be relevant, attainable, age appropriate, and structured around

content with which students have a high degree of familiarity.

2. Unit and Course/Grade Level Understanding and Performance = 60% (e.g. formative and

summative assessments, major performance tasks such as essays, presentations, lab experiences,

projects, etc.)

Semester Grades

The following percentages determine semester grades

• 9 weeks grade = 40%

• 9 weeks grade = 40%

• Semester Exam= 20%

At the end of each semester these grades are averaged using the above percentages and a

semester grade is determined.

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Grade Point Average Points The points awarded for calculating the grade point average are as follows

Grade Final % Range Grade Points Honor/Advanced Grade Points

A 90-100 4.0 5.0

B 80-89 3.0 4.0

C 70-79 2.0 3.0

D 60-69 1.0 2.0

F 0-59 0 0

Progress Reports

At the 4.5 week of each nine (9) weeks, a Progress Report is mailed to each student’s family.

These Progress Reports reflect the student’s academic grade/progress in each class through the

mid-point of the grading period and are for family information.

Nine Weeks Report Cards One week after the end of each nine-week grading period, a COMPUTERIZED REPORT

CARD is mailed to the home of each student.

Report Card Grades of Incomplete (I)

A student has two weeks after the end of the grading period to make up any “I” on the report

card because of incomplete work. If at the end of this two week period (10 school days), the “I”

grade remains, it becomes an “F”.

Academic Eligibility for Athletics/Extra-Curricular Activities To ensure academic eligibility for athletic/extra-curricular activities, a student must maintain a

minimum 2.0 grade point average with no grade of “F” during each of the 1st and 3

rd nine weeks

grading periods. At the end of each semester, the student must maintain a minimum 2.0 grade

point average with no grade of “F” for the semester.

Schedule Changes/Alternative Courses Valid reasons for schedule changes are as follow:

• Conflicts in schedule

• Changes needed to satisfy graduation requirements

• Failure in a prerequisite course

• Changes needed for the health of a student (Doctor’s documentation required)

• Successful completion of the course in summer school/correspondence course

• Inappropriate academic placement as determined by the teacher/counselor consultation

• Alternative Courses/Credit Recovery courses taken during the school year through EVLC

or E2020/Edgenuity must be started within 7 days of either progress reports or report

cards. They must be completed by the end of the grading period.

Parents may appeal a denial for schedule change to the EHS Principal.

Administration may be required to make schedule changes to balance class sizes and correct

student misplacement in courses.

Administrators may make changes to a student’s schedule at any time based on discipline issues.

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AFTER THE 10TH

DAY OF CLASSES IN ANY SEMESTER, SCHEDULE CHANGES MAY

ONLY BE MADE AT ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATION.

ANNUAL PRE-REGISTRATION PROCESS During Pre-Registration in the spring of each year, each EHS family meets with the Guidance

Office Staff. During this meeting, each family reviews the student’s current NEXT STEP PLAN

and determines the NEXT STEP PLAN for the coming school year or the student’s EXIT NEXT

STEP PLAN from high school. At this meeting, each family receives a pre-registration form and

information to request course first choices and alternative choices should the first course choice

not be available. If families do not attend these pre-registration meetings and the pre-registration

paperwork is not completed, the EHS Guidance Office must proceed with developing a schedule

for the student based on teacher recommendation and elective availability. Placement in core

courses is based on successful completion of prerequisites and teacher recommendation. In

addition, pre-placement testing is required for some math classes. NOTE: Elective courses are

offered only when pre-registration interest indicates a need for the course. Consequently, not

all classes described in the current Pre-Registration Guide are offered. Every attempt is made

to give each student a first choice in electives. If the class does not make due to low numbers

or if the elective class of choice is full, elective alternatives are utilized. Therefore, it is

imperative that each student list elective class alternatives on the pre-registration forms. If no

alternatives are cited on the form, the Guidance Office reserves the right to select electives for

the student.

WITHDRAWAL OF A STUDENT FROM SCHOOL – Withdrawal of a student from EHS is processed

through the High School Office. Parents/Guardians are requested to contact the school office one week

prior to withdrawal date. To complete the withdrawal process, a student must return all books and school

property, pay fines and fees, and obtain grades from all teachers. Students have two weeks to enroll in

another school following withdrawal from EHS. If confirmation of student enrollment in another high

school is not received in the Estancia High School Office after two weeks, the school may make referral

to CYFD to help find the student’s location and ensure enrollment.

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COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Administrative Procedures

Class attendance will be taken and maintained by class period for every instructional day for

each student in each class in each school or school program.

Schools will report unexcused absences of two or more classes up to fifty percent of an

instructional day as one-half day absence, and the unexcused absence of more than fifty percent

of an instructional day will be counted as one full-day absence.

Students will be withdrawn as provided in Section 22-8-2 NMSA 1978 only after exhausting

intervention efforts to keep students in educational settings.

Definitions:

1. Unexcused Absence: an absence for which no appropriate excuse has been

provided by the student's parent or legal guardian within the time limits provided

by this policy. Special family situations may be considered appropriate for

excused absence when prior approval is received from the principal or his/her

designee.

2. Excused absence: an absence for which an appropriate excuse has been provided

by the student’s parent or legal guardian within the time limits provided by this

policy. Acceptable explanations include illness or personal injury, death in the

immediate family, medical appointments that cannot be scheduled apart from

school, family emergencies (with administrative discretion), educational

experience (previously approved by administration), religious holidays, when the

school bus cannot make its run, activity absences (school related absences).

3. A Student in Need of Early Intervention: A student who has accumulated five

unexcused absences within a school year.

4. Habitual Truant: a student who has accumulated ten or more unexcused absences

within a school year.

5. Activity Absence: An absence that is the result of a student’s participation in co-

curricular or extra-curricular activities.

Attendance Requirements

1. Parent Notification of Absence: parent or guardian shall notify the school each

day his or her child will be absent from any class and the reason for the absence; or shall provide

a written and signed verification of the reason for the student’s absence, to be presented upon the

first day a student returns to school from any absence. If a student has been absent for 3 or more

consecutive days due to illness, the principal or his/her designee may require written verification

from the student’s professional health-care provider.

2. Prolonged Illnesses: In cases of chronic or prolonged illnesses expected to last 10

days or more, during which the student is able to do school work, the student’s parent or

guardian shall present written verification by the student’s professional health care provider of

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the expected length of the illness and of the student’s ability to do school work at home, and the

student shall be placed on home-bound study until he or she can return to school.

3. Make Up of Work Missed; Grades: Following an excused absence, a student

shall be given a reasonable time by his or her teacher within which to make up the work the

student missed during the absence. A student may or may not be provided the opportunity to

make up the work missed during an unexcused absence (administrative discretion).

At applicable grade levels, if an absence is unexcused, or if the student fails to

make up the work missed during an excused absence within the time permitted, any work for

which a grade was taken may or may not be counted as a zero for such student in the teacher's

grade book, and averaged into the student's grades for the relevant grading period (administrative

discretion).

4. Discipline: In addition to the other measures to be imposed according to this

policy, students may receive detention, in-school suspension, a referral to the Truancy Response

Team, be referred for in home community services or other discipline designed to keep the

student in school and progressing academically, for each unexcused absence, at the discretion of

the Principal or his/her designee. Out-of-school suspension and expulsion will not be used as

punishment for truancy or unexcused absences.

5. Notice to Parents of Unexcused Absence: If a student is absent from school

without a parent notification of absence, as required by paragraph 1 above, the principal or

his/her designee will, as soon as practicable, contact the parents or legal guardians by

telephone or to give notice of the student’s absence and to ascertain and document the reason

for the absence.

6. Third Unexcused Absence--Parent Conference Recommended: Upon a student’s

accrual of a third unexcused absence, the school will provide written notice to the student’s

parent or legal guardian recommending that the parent/guardian meet with the Principal or

his/her designee for the purpose of identifying the cause(s) of the unexcused absences

7. Seventh Unexcused Absence--Parent Conference Required: Upon the student’s

accrual of a seventh unexcused absence during the school year, the school shall notify the

student’s parent/guardian that he or she is required to attend a conference to establish a plan to

prevent future unexcused absences. The plan will be confirmed in writing and signed by the

principal and the parent or legal guardian during the conference. The notification to the

student’s parent(s)/guardians(s) and the meeting with the parent(s) /guardians(s) must be

respectful and in a language and manner that is understandable to the student and the

parent(s)/guardian(s). Notice of the these unexcused absences will also be sent to the Tri-

County Juvenile Justice Board Truancy Response Team for the judicial district in which the

student resides for appropriate action, which may include investigation under the Children’s

Code.

8. Eleventh Unexcused Absences: Following notification of parents of a student’s

seventh unexcused absence, the school will refer elementary students to the Children Youth and

Family Department Statewide Central Intake (FAX # 505.841.6691 or email

scisup1.scisup1@state.nm.us) and secondary students to the Probation Services Office (FAX #

505.382.1827) for the judicial district in which the student resides for appropriate action and/or

investigation as to whether the student shall be considered to be a neglected child or a child in a

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family in need of services because of habitual truancy and thus subject to the provisions of the

Children’s Code. Copies of all letters (3 unexcused, 7 unexcused, and 11 unexcused absences)

and a copy of the student’s attendance records shall be included with each referral. Within 5

work days, the school shall receive notification of receipt. School staff will cooperate with both

agencies and the District Attorney in enforcement actions.

9. Parent Failure to Meet: If a parent/guardian fails to arrange, or to appear for, a

conference regarding unexcused absences within 10 days of notice from the school, the school

will provide written notice to the Children Youth and Family Department and Probation Services

Office (phone # 505.384.2780) of such failure. School staff will cooperate with the Juvenile

Probation Office or the District Attorney in enforcement actions.

10. Notice and Reports of Habitual Truancy: If the student is a habitual truant, the

local school authorized representative shall, in addition, give written notice of the habitual truant

by mail to or by personal service on the student’s parent/guardian. The notice shall include a

date, time and place for the parent to meet with the local district to develop intervention

strategies that focus on keeping the student in an educational setting. If a student continues to

accrue unexcused absences after written notice of habitual truancy has occurred, the student shall

be reported, within 7 days, to the Probation Services Office of the judicial district where the

student resides for an investigation as to whether the student shall be considered to be a

neglected child or a child in a family in need of services because of habitual truancy and thus

subject to the provisions of the Children’s Code.

11. Excessive and Pattern Absences: Habitual student absences shall be monitored for

patterns (i.e., every Monday or Friday), and reported as required herein.

12. Distribution of Policy; Acknowledgment of Receipt: A copy of this policy and an

acknowledgment form will be issued to each student on the first day of school. The student shall

return the acknowledgment form, signed by his or her parent/guardian no later than the fifth day

of school. A student who fails to return a signed form within that time may be subject to the

disciplinary actions prescribed herein.

Note: It should be noted that students that are the age of majority or emancipated must continue

to comply with all rules, regulations, and procedures of the High School or be subject to

disciplinary action.

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ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

STUDENT ATTENDANCE, ABSENCE AND EXCUSE PROCEDURE – In accordance with state law, all children over the age of five (5) and students under the age of eighteen (18) years who have not graduated from high school are required to attend scheduled classes unless officially excused. Compliance with this state law is the responsibility of each parent/guardian. EHS does, however, recognize that some absence from school may be necessary. For this reason, parents/guardians are required in the event of a necessary absence, to call the District Attendance Office (384-2009) no later than 9:30 a.m the day of the absence OR to submit a written excuse for the absence to the EHS Office Manager upon the student’s return to school. Absences are excused for the following reasons:

• doctor’s appointment,

• illness,

• death in the family,

• family emergency,

• religious commitments,

• diagnostic testing,

• and extenuating circumstances as approved by the administration. Students are responsible for obtaining and making up all work missed during an excused absence. ATHLETIC/ACTIVITY ABSENCES – New Mexico Administrative Code allows each student fifteen (15) absences from any one class for school sponsored activites per semester. Any student who exceeds fifteen (15) absences from any one class per semester may not attend any further school activites during the class/classes in which the fifteen absences occurred. Estancia School Board Policy 306.1.4 REQUIRES

• EHS students attend all classes the day of an athletic activity, trip or contest with unusual circumstances handled on an individual basis by the coach/sponsor for the contest and administration.

• For participation in any “all day” event that EHS students attend all classes the school day prior to the event with unusual circumstances handled on an individual basis by the coach/sponsor and administration.

TRUANCY - Truancy is unacceptable in any form. Truancy occurs when any student is somewhere other than where he/she is supposed to be during the school day, and can result in required attendance at Saturday School. Examples include

• skipping class,

• unexcused absence,

• leaving campus without permission,

• going to a class other than the one scheduled,

• excessive tardiness, The Juvenile Probation Office may cite parents/guardians for educational neglect when a student is habitually truant. New Mexico state laws allow the Juvenile Probation Office to suspend the driver’s license of any habitually truant student. CLOSED CAMPUS – The Estancia High School campus is a CLOSED CAMPUS. Students must remain on campus and in designated areas at all times, including during lunch. All students must report to the cafeteria during the lunch period. During school hours, students may only leave the campus with a parent or guardian after the approved checkout procedures are followed.

Each student must be signed out by a parent or guardian in the Front Office unless prior arrangements have been made with the Principal. In case of emergency, and upon authorization of the Principal, a student may be released to a duly authorized person on the student’s emergency contact list.

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No student may leave the EHS campus during lunch unless the parent or guardian personally signs out and transports the student. Presentation of identification may be required before a student is released in order to ensure the safety of all students. Any student leaving the EHS campus at any time during the school day without signing out is truant. TARDY POLICY – School begins at 8:05am. Each student is expected to be in the assigned classroom and ready for class when the tardy bell rings. Tardiness may result in disciplinary action such as required Saturday School attendance. Chronic tardiness may result in a truancy referral to the Juvenile Probation Office.

ILLNESS –Any student who becomes ill during the school day must report to the classroom teacher or to the Office Manager. The School Nurse is always contacted when a student reports illness. When arrangements cannot be made for a parent to transport the ill student home, the student is referred to the nurse until administration can contact a parent or emergency designee. It is important that updated home phone numbers, home addresses and emergency contacts are provided to the school each school year. VISITORS – Parents/Guardians are encouraged to become involved in their child’s education; however, for student safety, all non-school personnel must check in at the school office and obtain a visitor’s pass before entering the school hallways. The school administration reserves the right to cancel visitation passes as safety or organizational needs warrant. Visitors may not be allowed to interrupt the educational process. STUDENTS MAY NOT BRING GUESTS TO SCHOOL. SNOW DAYS – Local radio and television stations will announce school closure or delayed start. If there is a delay, classes begin at 10:00a.m. TELEPHONE USE – Students may use the office phone in the case of an emergency or as requested by a teacher. The Office Manager determines emergencies. The High School Office phone is the only school phone available for student use. Students should make prior arrangements to be picked-up after games or activities and not expect to use school phones.

CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE USAGE – Student cell phone and electronic device (ex. IPod, MP3 players, etc) use is prohibited during the school day. Phones and devices used during the school day are confiscated and held in the office until the end of the day. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen phones or electronic devices.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

HONOR ROLL – The Honor Roll is announced at the end of each semester at Estancia High School. Honor Roll status is based upon a student’s semester GPA.

Gold Honor Roll - 4.0 or Higher GPA Silver Honor Roll: 3.0 to 3.99 with no C’s except in weighted classes

REQUEST TO REVIEW STUDENT RECORDS – Parents/Guardians have the right to review a student’s cumulative folder and transcript through request to the school counselor or principal. If a student is 18 years old, a parent must have the student’s written permission to view records. (See Notification of Rights Under Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act – FERPA) STUDENT ASSISTANCE TEAM (SAT) – When a parent/guardian, administrator, or teacher suspects a student’s educational needs are not being met, the student may be referred to SAT; a team that includes faculty, parents, staff, and the student. SAT reviews the current educational needs of the student, studies the student’s academic progress and behavior, and plans specific interventions for the student. SAT referrals can be made for (but are not limited to) academic concerns, inconsistent attendance, behavior concerns, remediation planning, and social concerns. The Counselor/Principal leads the SAT/Student support process.

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING SERVICES – EHS has a Personal Counselor and a Registrar available to assist students during the high school years. This School Office is a link among the student, teachers, and parents. Students wishing a meeting with the Personal Counselor or Registrar may stop by the School Office between classes to set up an

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appointment. Services include, but are not limited to, individual/group crisis intervention/counseling, career planning, academic advising (credits and requirements), higher education entrance assistance, scholarship assistance, higher education testing information, and class scheduling. MAKE UP WORK FOR SUSPENDED STUDENTS – Any student suspended from school is also suspended from the entire school campus and all school events for the duration of the suspension. Students suspended long-term (more than 9 days) have no rights to daily work or credit for daily work. Students under short-term suspension (9 days or less) are allowed to turn in daily assignments and take tests, although work may be provided under alternative time schedules and in controlled environments other than the classroom. HOMEWORK/Lunch Intervention Program – Homework is a valuable learning tool. The purposes of homework are to practice newly acquired skills and apply knowledge. Students are responsible for keeping track of all homework due dates. Any student with an excused absence has 1 day for every day absent to make up homework; however, any teacher has the authority to grant extensions to this procedure in extenuating circumstances. Students are encouraged to inform teachers ahead of time when they know they will be absent so if teachers wish, work may be provided before the planned excused absence. Teachers do not have to provide work to any student whose absence is unexcused. Students may be assigned by teachers to the Lunch Intervention Program if they have missing assignments/homework. The program will be held in the cafeteria and students will be provided time to eat and a licensed instructor to assist them. Data regarding the Lunch Intervention program will be kept and multiple referrals to the Lunch Intervention Program will result in a SAT referral to determine how to best assist that student.

CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETICS AND SCHOOL SPONSORED ACTIVITIES – Athletics and activities are integral parts of the educational process, providing students with opportunities to develop their unique characteristics and values: respect, fairness, trustworthiness, citizenship, caring, and responsibility. Extra-curricular participation is a privilege offered to students.

Administrators, teachers, coaches, sponsors, parents, and students participating in activities and athletics must model positive character values at all times, as they are representatives of the school and community of Estancia. Failure to comply may result in suspension from activities and athletics. ELIGIBILITY FOR ATHLETICS/EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND CODE OF CONDUCT – Eligibility of students for extra-curricular activities is monitored using New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) guidelines and Estancia School Board Policy Failure to maintain eligibility results in a student’s disqualification from the event/activity. All school-sponsored activities and events are inclusive of these requirements.

Basic Requirements: 1. All participants in athletics must have a completed physical turned in to the Athletic Coordinator. 2. Students must maintain a 2.0 G.P.A. with no F’s at 1

st nine weeks, 3

rd nine weeks and each semester.

3. Students must remain in good behavioral standing. 4. Students who are ineligible at the end of a grading period or at each semester are ineligible the following

nine-week grading period. (This carries over to the succeeding school year if a student is ineligible at the end of the school year, except for students entering 9

th grade for the first time.) One Summer School

Course may be used to determine eligibility. 5. Students are required to attend the entire school day, or have an excused absence other than an illness,

to participate in athletic practice or in an activity occurring that day. Students must attend the entire day on Friday, or have an excused absence other than illness, prior to a weekend event. Students checked out by parents for lunch must arrive at school on time for 5

th period in order to practice that day, unless

otherwise pre-approved by school administration. Students must submit (to the office) an appropriate doctor/dentist notice upon return from an appointment if he/she plans to attend an after-school practice that day.

6. Any student with fines or who has not turned in books or equipment is ineligible for participation in extra-curricular activities.

Further information about NMAA, guidelines/rules may be viewed on the internet at www.nmact.org.

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Other Eligibility Guidelines:

• It is the responsibility of all EHS students and their families to understand the general regulations of Estancia High School set forth in this handbook and the Estancia Municipal School Board Policy Manual (available at www.estancia.k12.nm.us.)

• All students, by participating in the activities or athletic program, agree to abide by and be subject to the regulations of the NMAA.

• Good sportsmanship is a major objective during practice or contests. Administrators, teachers, coaches, sponsors, parents, and students shall treat opponents with respect; show self-discipline at all times; follow other specific rules set up by the coach/sponsor; and shall not use profane language.

• Verbally or physically accosting any administrator, teacher, coach, sponsor, parent, or student will result in immediate suspension for the remainder of the school year from all activities and athletic events.

• It is impossible to have a rule or regulation for every possible circumstance. Coaches, sponsors, and administrators shall use discretionary judgment in dealing with individual situations not covered by a specific written regulate.

TEXTBOOKS – Textbooks are issued by title and number. All students are responsible for the care of their books. Textbook covers are strongly suggested. If a student’s books show excessive damage when they are returned to the teacher, the student is assessed a damage or replacement fee. Fees for lost/destroyed textbooks are assessed to students at full replacement cost. It is highly encouraged that families inspect all student textbooks at the beginning of the year. If the condition is questionable, please bring the book to the HS Office for condition clarification. PARENT COMMUNICATION – Parents/Guardians concerned about grades or behavior are encouraged to contact teachers through a phone call, e-mail or by setting up an appointment through the High School Office Manager. Teacher e-mails may be accessed through the school web site: www.estancia.k12.nm.us .

STUDENT RECOGNITION PROGRAMS

EHS ACTIVITY LETTER PROGRAMS – All Estancia High School students are encouraged to participate in extra curricular activities. School organizations are non-discriminatory and enrollment is open to ALL students.. NMAA governs eligibility for extra-curricular participation in activity organizations. Each activity organization sets guidelines for “lettering” in the program. EHS ACADEMIC LETTER PROGRAM – Any student earning a 3.5 GPA or higher for each of the first 3 quarters and the 4

th quarter Progress Report is eligible for an academic letter. (The academic letter is awarded one time

during the high school career. Students who maintain the qualifying GPA after the letter is earned, receive gold pins to attach to the letter signifying sustained academic excellence.) EHS ATHLETIC LETTER PROGRAM – The Athletic Coordinator and coaches determine requirements for earning an athletic letter.

SUPPORT INFORMATION

LOCKERS –,Hall and gym lockers are provided as a courtesy to EHS students. Each student is responsible for keeping the assigned locker secure for personal use only. Each student is also responsible for the contents of the assigned locker. Lost or stolen items are not replaced by the school. The EHS Principal reserves the right to remove a locker privilege if there is damage or misuse of the locker, if unauthorized items are stored in a locker, if any locker is shared by two or more students or if a locker is used by an unassigned student. Because the school provides students with lockers, backpacks are only allowed in the hallways to transport materials to and from school. No backpacks are allowed in classrooms, so all backpacks must be stored in assigned lockers during the school day. Each EHS student must supply the EHS Office Manager the combination for or key to the personal lock for the assigned locker before a locker is assigned.

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COMPUTER USE – Annually all students must sign and submit a TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY prior to using computers on campus. Any student violating this agreement or instructor computer use rules forfeits computer privilege.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE – By law, the EHS Principal may conduct a search of a student’s person or school property assigned to that student if there is reasonable cause to believe that a search is necessary to maintain school discipline or safety. Student searches are conducted in accordance with school board policy. General searches of school property, including lockers and school buses, may be conducted at any time with or without the presence of the student. Metal detectors may be used to identify suspected weapons. Dogs trained to find drugs may also conduct searches. Reasonable efforts will be made to contact parents prior to, or immediately following, the search of a student suspected of drug or weapon possession.

ESTANCIA HIGH SCHOOL DRESS CODE – Dress that may disrupt the educational process is not allowed at EHS. The school staff reserves the right and has the responsibility to intervene anytime they feel that the appearance of a student does not conform to these standards. Students violating these standards are required to change into appropriate clothing. With administrative approval, sponsors and coaches may require students to adhere to a different dress code more appropriate for the sport or special event.

1. Skirts, dresses, and shorts must fall below fingertip level when standing with shoulders relaxed, arms at the student’s sides and fingers extended. Spandex style clothing is acceptable only when worn under shorts of proper length.

2. Hats, caps, sunglasses, and other types of headgear must be removed upon entering any of the school. Hairnets and bandannas are not worn or displayed on school property.

3. Half-shirts, see-through clothing, or shirts with partial sides or revealing armholes are not allowed. Students may wear sleeveless tops as long as the shoulder strap is at least two inches (2”) wide. Undergarments are not to be exposed. Shirts that reveal cleavage or the mid-section are not allowed. Loose belts, any hanging straps or any type of chain are not allowed.

4. Clothing exhibiting symbols, pictures, and/or printing that references drugs, alcohol, tobacco of any type, or obscenities/inappropriate words/pictures are not allowed.

5. Clothing/Dress/Make-up styles identified by school staff as indicators of gang-like behavior and/or affiliation are prohibited.

6. Tattoos and body piercings that are distracting to the educational environment are not allowed. All situations cannot be covered in a single document. Therefore, the administration reserves the right to make

additions or deletions to the dress code. PROHIBITED ITEMS/FOOD – There is no food allowed in any classroom except with medical requirement or teacher’s permission. Only water is allowed in classrooms. There is NO food, drink, or gum allowed in the computer labs. The school IS NOT responsible for lost or stolen personal property. These items include CD players, MP3 players, iPods, ear phones, or other electronic devices. Electronic Cigarettes or “Vaporizers” are not permitted on the EHS will be considered as paraphernalia.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION – Students may not bring any over the counter or prescribed medications to school. Estancia School Board Policy 305.3 states, “Medicine may be administered…under the direction of the School Nurse, ONLY if a written order from a physician or parent for the specific child is on record. This includes aspirin, salt tablets and/or any related substances…”

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR – The staff of Estancia High School strive to uphold the level of positive behavior expressed in the Discipline Matrix. We also accept no less from our students. The Discipline Matrix describes the expected behaviors of students at Estancia High School. It also illustrates possible consequences for lapses in behavioral expectations. The goal is that all members of the EHS community exhibit respect for one another in all aspects of the life at EHS including behavior, dress, and communication.

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GRADUATION

SENIOR COMMENCEMENT – The Graduation Ceremony is hosted by the Board of Education. The Class Sponsors, EHS Principal, and Superintendent collaborate in planning and organizing the annual Graduation Ceremony. Seniors are required to attend graduation practice/set-up and the Estancia High School Recognition and Awards Reception in order to participate in the Graduation Ceremony. Before graduation and after all finals are complete, each Senior must check out through the EHS Guidance Office. During this final check out all books and equipment must be returned and all fines must be paid. Students may not participate in the Graduation Ceremony, and a final transcript is not provided until all equipment/books are turned in and fines paid. There is NO school sponsored overnight Senior trip. Estancia Board of Education Policy 303.4.8 states, “The Board of Education does not permit the issuance of blank diplomas to Seniors nor shall any student be permitted to walk through the graduation exercises unless they will be receiving a diploma or certificate of completion.”

FAMILY INFORMATION SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL – The Estancia High School Advisory Council is established by the EHS Principal each school year. The council is made up of parents, community members EHS staff and administration. It meets regularly to review policy, discuss community concerns, and make site-based decisions/recommendations. Parents interested in serving on the School Advisory Council are encouraged to notify the Principal of their interest at the beginning of each year.

PARKING PRIVILEGE –Parking on the Estancia High School campus is a privilege open to students. To meet school liability requirements, each student who wishes to park a vehicle on school grounds must present to the EHS Office Manager a driver license and proof of insurance for each vehicle the student may park on the campus. Students must drive appropriately on campus and follow other closed campus rules to maintain on campus parking privilege. Administration reserves the right to revoke parking privilege for any violation of the EHS Discipline Matrix.

TITLE I – Our school district receives Title I funds from the Federal Government to assist in the education of our students. It is the District’s responsibility to notify you, as parents and legal guardians, that you may request information regarding the professional qualifications of teachers and any paraprofessionals working with students. If you have any questions or comments, Contact the Superintendent at 505-384-2001. (Nuestro distrito escolar recibe el Título I fondos del Gobierno Federal para ayudar en la educación de los estudiantes. Nuestra responsabilidad es notificar a los padres o guardianes legales, que pueden solicitar información sobre las cualificaciones profesionales del maestro, del salon de clases o cualquier paraprofesional que tenga contacto con el estudiante. Gracias por su apoyo. Si usted tiene alguna pregunta o comentarios, puede llamarme a la escuela, Leslie Chavez, Coordinador de Programas Federales 384-2043

All policies/procedures are subject to approval by the Estancia Municipal Schools’ Board of Education. A detailed description of additional policies can be found in the Estancia Municipal Schools’ Board of Education Policy Manual available on the school website WWW.ESTANCIA.K12.NM.US.

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702 Anti-Bullying Policy

The Estancia Municipal Schools Board of Education believes that providing an 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.

702.1 Definitions

702.1.1 “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.

702.1.2 “Harassment” means knowingly pursuing a pattern of conduct that is intended to annoy, alarm, or terrorize another person.

702.1.3 “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.

Harassment and Disability Harassment include but are not limited to:

702.1.3.1 Verbal acts, teasing, use of sarcasm, jokes;

702.1.3.2 Name-calling, belittling;

702.1.3.3 Nonverbal behavior such as graphic or written statements;

702.1.3.4 Conduct that is physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating; or

702.1.3.5 Inappropriate physical restraint by adults.

702.1.4 “Racial Harassment” consists of physical or verbal conduct relating to an individual’s race when the conduct:

702.1.4.1 Has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive academic environment;

702.1.4.2 Has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic performance;

or

702.1.4.3 Otherwise adversely affects an individual’s academic opportunities.

702.1.5 “Sexual Harassment” means any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other inappropriate verbal,

written, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment may take place under any of the following circumstances:

702.1.5.1 When submission to such conduct is made, explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of obtaining an education;

or

702.1.5.2 Submission to or rejection of that conduct or communication by an individual is used to factor in decisions

affecting that individual’s education; or 702.1.5.3 That conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an

individual’s education, or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment.

702.1.6 “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.

Hazing includes but is not limited to:

702.1.6.1 Any type of physical brutality such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, shocking, or placing a harmful

substance on the body.

702.1.6.2 Any type of physical activity such as sleep deprivation, exposure to weather, confinement in a restricted area,

calisthenics or other activity that subject the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or

physical health or safety of the student.

702.1.6.3 Any activity involving the consumption of any alcoholic beverage, drug, tobacco product or any other food, liquid,

or substance that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health

or safety of the student.

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702.1.6.4 Any activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism, that subjects the student to extreme mental

stress, embarrassment, shame, or humiliation, that adversely affects the mental health or dignity of the student or discourages

the student from remaining in school.

702.1.6.5 Any activity that causes or requires the student to perform a task that involves a violation of state or federal law, or

district policies.

702.2 Notice of Prohibition Against Bullying and Anti-Bullying Interventions

702.2.1 The prohibition against bullying shall be publicized by including the following statement in the student handbook(s):

“Bullying behavior by any student in the Estancia Municipal Schools is strictly prohibited, and such conduct may result in

disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion from school. “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 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 action may be taken against the perpetrator, up to and including suspension and/or expulsion.”

702.2.2 Staff will be reminded at the beginning of each school year about the Anti-Bullying Policy, as well as their

responsibilities regarding bullying behavior. A copy of the policy will be disseminated annually.

702.2.3 The Anti-Bullying Policy will be available on the Estancia Municipal Schools’ website and in all staff handbooks.

702.3 Reporting Intimidation, Harassment, or Bullying Behavior

702.3.1 Any student who believes he/she has been the victim of harassment, intimidation, bullying, or hazing by a student

or school personnel, or any person with knowledge or belief of such conduct that may constitute harassment, intimidation,

bullying, or hazing toward a student should immediately report the alleged acts.

702.3.2 The report may be made to any staff member. The staff member will assist the student in reporting to the principal.

702.3.3 Teachers and other school staff who witness acts of bullying or receive student reports of bullying will promptly

notify building Principal or school Counselor.

702.3.4 Reports should be done in writing using the Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying, or Hazing Complaint Form (See

Sample Form).

702.3.5 School principal or designee will accept and investigate all reports of suspected intimidation, harassment or

bullying.

702.3.6 School principal or designee will notify the parent or guardian of a student who commits a verified act of

intimidation, harassment, or bullying of the response of the school staff and consequences that may result from acts of

bullying.

702.3.7 Nothing in this policy shall prevent any person from reporting directly to the office of the Superintendent.

702.3.8 Retaliation against an individual who either orally reports or files a written complaint regarding harassment,

intimidation, bullying, or hazing or who participates in or cooperates with an investigation is prohibited.

702.3.9 The right to confidentiality, both of the complainant and the accused, shall be preserved consistent with applicable

laws.

702.3.10 If harassment or bullying continues, the perpetrator will be immediately suspended and removed from the school,

pending a long-term hearing.

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702.3.11 To the extent permitted under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, (FERPA) school staff will notify the

parent or guardian of a student who is a target of bullying of the action taken to prevent any further acts of bullying.

702.4 Investigating Intimidation, Harassment, or Bullying Behavior The Principal, or their designee will appropriately and

promptly investigate all reports of harassment, intimidation, bullying, or hazing. In determining whether the alleged conduct

constitutes bullying, the totality of the circumstances, the nature of the conduct, the student’s history, and the context in which the

alleged conduct occurred will be investigated.

702.4.1 The administrator will make every effort to inform the parents/guardians of the victim and the accused of any report

of harassment, intimidation, bullying, or hazing prior to the formal investigation taking place. 702.4.2 The investigation shall consist of personal interviews with the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the

complaint was filed, and others who may have knowledge of the alleged incident(s) or circumstances giving rise to the

complaint. The investigation may also consist of other methods or documents deemed relevant by the investigator.

702.4.3 The district may take immediate steps to protect the complainant, students, teachers, administrators, or other school

personnel pending the completion of an investigation.

702.4.4 The investigation shall be completed as soon as possible. The principal (or investigator) shall make a written report

to the Superintendent upon completion of the investigation. If the complaint involves the Superintendent, the report shall be

filed directly with the New Mexico Public Education Department, Educator Ethics Bureau. The report shall include a

determination of whether the allegations have been substantiated as factual and whether they appear to be violations of this

policy. A copy of the completed report will be maintained by the district Safe Schools Coordinator.

702.5 Consequences for Bullying

702.5.1 Verified acts of bullying shall result in intervention by the building Principal or his/her designee that is intended to

ensure that the prohibition against bullying behavior is enforced.

702.5.2 Bullying behavior can take many forms and can vary dramatically in how serious it is, and what impact it has on the

targeted individual and other students. Accordingly, there is no one response to bullying. While conduct that rises to the level

of “bullying” as defined above will generally warrant disciplinary action against the perpetrator of such bullying, whether and

to what extent to impose disciplinary action (detention, in and out-of-school suspension, or expulsion) is a matter for the

professional discretion of the building Principal.

702.6 Consequences for Knowingly Making False Reports

702.6.1 False charges shall also be regarded as a serious offense and will result in disciplinary action or other appropriate

sanctions.

702.7 Anti-Bullying included in Health Education Curriculum “Health Education” is the instructional program that provides the opportunity to motivate and assist all students to maintain and

improve their health, prevent disease, and reduce health related risk behaviors. It allows students to develop and demonstrate

increasingly sophisticated health-related knowledge, attitudes, skills, and practices. It meets the content standards with benchmarks

and performance standards as set forth in 6.30.2.19 NMAC.

Bullying behavior is mentioned specifically in many areas of the Health Education performance standards, in all grade levels. All

students need to be aware of bullying behavior beginning in Kindergarten and continuing throughout their school years. It is

imperative that students are comfortable with understanding, describing, and recognizing bullying behaviors, and then in the later

grades being able to analyze those behaviors and role play refusal skills.

Our curriculum recognizes the importance of bully prevention skills in all grade levels.

702.8 Threats of Violence

702.8.1 Threats of violence toward other students, school staff, or facilities are prohibited and may result in suspension or

expulsion, regardless of whether the student has previously engaged in such conduct.

702.8.2 All employees and students are required to report evidence of threats of violence to their principal. Such reports

shall be investigated by the principal or designee. All such reports shall be documented by the principal.

702.8.3 In cases of threats that may constitute a violation of criminal law, the principal, superintendent or designee shall

notify law enforcement authorities.

702.8.4 Students who are charged with violation of this policy shall be placed on short-term suspension pending

investigation of the charge(s). Those found, through a due-process hearing, to have violated this regulation shall be subject to

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discipline, including long-term suspension or expulsion. For Special Education students administrators will consult with the

Director of Special Education regarding the appropriate process.

Board Adoption: 8-14-07

Cyberbullying Prevention

The District prohibits all forms of bullying, harassment, hazing, and intimidation, and specifically prohibits

cyberbullying.

Definitions

For purposes of this policy “cyberbullying” means electronic communication that:

(1) Targets a specific student;

(2) Is published with the intention that the communication be seen or disclosed to the

targeted student;

(3) Is in fact seen by or disclosed to the targeted student; and

(4) Creates or is certain to create a hostile environment on the school campus that is so

severe or pervasive as to substantially interfere with the targeted student’s educational

benefits, opportunities, or performance.

Reporting

Any school employee who has information, or a reasonable suspicion, that a student is being cyberbullied shall

report the matter immediately to the campus principal, the superintendent, or both. Reports shall be reduced to

writing on the district’s Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying or Hazing Report Form. If the reporting school

employee does not complete the report, the receiving administrator is responsible for completing the form.

Investigation

Upon receipt of a report of cyberbullying, the campus administrator or designee shall take immediate steps to

promptly investigate the report, and to document the findings from that investigation. All reports of

cyberbullying shall be investigated and documented within 20 school days. If more time is needed for an

effective investigation, the responsible administrator shall notify the relevant parties.

Disciplinary Action

Appropriate disciplinary action shall be taken in response to the findings from a cyberbullying investigation,

including but not limited to confirmed instances of cyberbullying. Consistent with state law, where

cyberbullying is found, disciplinary action will be by the least restrictive means necessary to address a hostile

environment on the school campus and may include, but is not limited to, counseling, mediation, and

appropriate disciplinary action consistent District policy.

Training

All instructional and licensed school personnel shall be provided with annual training on recognition and

prevention of cyberbullying.

Legal Reference:

NMSA 1978 § 22-2-21 (2013).

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Estancia Middle/High School Discipline Matrix

• Bullying & Harassment

• Fighting

• Threat/ Intimidation

1. 3 days OSS 2. 5 days OSS

3. 7 days OSS

• Bus misconduct 1. Warning and probation, community service

2. 1 day bus suspension

3. 3 days bus suspension

4. 5 days bus suspension

5. 5-9 days suspension or removal for remainder of year

• Defacing school property

• Fight Instigation

• Forgery, Cheating, Lying

1. 3 day ISS

2. 5 days ISS

3. 5-9 days OSS

(clean/repair/compensation when appropriate)

• Breaking classroom rules

• Defiance

• Disrespectful speech/action

• Disruptive behavior

• Profanity

1. 1 day community service 4. 1 day OSS

2. 1 day ISS 5. 3 days OSS

3. 3 days ISS 6. 5 days OSS

• Drugs, and alcohol - possession, use,

sale of

1. 9 days OSS suspension; law enforcement notified; expulsion may be

recommended.

• Electronic telephone pagers/

Cellular telephones use of

electronics during instructional

activities

• Items not appropriate at school

1. Confiscation & warning student may pick up the device

2. Confiscation & parent must pick up the device

3. Confiscation & parent may pick up the device at the end of the semester

On the second offense the parent must come to school to pick up

confiscated item. Item will not be returned to student.

• Computer Misuse

• Horseplay, pushing, running

• Public display of affection

1. 1 day community service 5. 5 days OSS

2. 1 day ISS 6. 7 days OSS

3. 3 days ISS

4. 3 days OSS

(loss of computer privileges)

• Inappropriate dress, wearing symbols

not adhering to dress code

1. Warning, change clothes

2. 3 days community service, change clothes

3. 1 day ISS, change clothes

4. 3 days OSS, change clothes

• Possession and/or use of tobacco

products or paraphernalia

1. 5 days ISS

2. 7 days OSS

3. 9 days OSS suspension; law enforcement notified; expulsion may be

recommended.

• Sexual harassment

• Stealing

1. 3 days ISS

2. 5 days OSS

3. 9 days OSS with recommendation for expulsion

• Sexual Offenses 1. 9 days suspension with recommendation for expulsion

• Skipping class(es), school, and/or

leaving class without permission

• Truancy

1. 1 day ISS

2. 3 days ISS

3. 5 days ISS

• Weapons - Possession

• Arson

• Assault

• Threats

• Vandalism

• Unauthorized entry into/use of school

facilities

9 days OSS, law enforcement notified w/ recommended expulsion for one

year

Possession of Knives, etc.

1. 5 days OSS w/ mandatory parent conference before student returns to

class

2. 10 days suspension w/ mandatory parent conference before student

returns to class and law enforcement notified

3. 5-10 days suspension w/ recommended expulsion

*Saturday School may be assigned as determined by administration.

B

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2013-2014 FAMILY HANDBOOK

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT

My signature indicates that I have received and read the rules and regulations of Estancia High School. I realize

the importance of rules and consequences for the sake of creating a safe, inviting, and comfortable learning

environment for my child and all students at school. I understand that violation of school rules and policies may

result in disciplinary action, suspension and/or expulsion.

__________Programs of Study

__________Attendance Procedures and Academic Information

__________Homework/Lunch Intervention Program Information

__________Student Recognition, Support Information, Graduation, and Family Information

__________Anti-Bullying, Cyber bullying Policy, and Discipline Matrix

STUDENT NAME PRINTED:_______________________________________________________

_________________________________________ _________________________________

PARENT SIGNATURE DATE

_________________________________________ ________________________________

STUDENT SIGNATURE DATE

_________________________________________ ________________________________

PRINCIPAL SIGNATURE DATE