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MAGDALENA MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

2017-2018 Elementary Student Handbook

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2017-2018

MAGDALENA MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

201 Duggins, Box 24

Magdalena, NM 87825

Telephone: 575.854.2241

Fax: 575.854.2531

www.magdalena.k12.nm.us

Name:____________________________

Address: _________________________

City:________________Zip:________

Telephone: ______________________

THIS STUDENT HANDBOOK BELONGS TO:

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Contents DIRECTORY .................................................................................................................................................... 5

WELCOME ....................................................................................................................................................... 5

TO .................................................................................................................................................................... 5

2017-2018 Calendar ........................................................................................................................................ 6

GENERAL INFORMATION .............................................................................................................................. 7

ACCESS TO RECORDS ................................................................................................................................. 7

ADMISSION ..................................................................................................................................................... 7

ATTENDANCE - COMPULSORY LAW ........................................................................................................... 7

ATTENDANCE BELIEFS ................................................................................................................................. 7

BOARD OF EDUCATION MISSION ................................................................................................................ 7

BOARD OF EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT ................................................................................. 8

BOARD OF EDUCATION PURPOSE ............................................................................................................. 8

CAFETERIA ..................................................................................................................................................... 8

DISCIPLINE BELIEFS ..................................................................................................................................... 8

DRESS ............................................................................................................................................................. 8

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT CONDUCT ................................................................................................ 9

EMERGENCIES/ACCIDENTS ......................................................................................................................... 9

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLANS ...................................................................................................... 9

GRADING SYSTEM ......................................................................................................................................... 9

IMMUNIZATION RECORDS .......................................................................................................................... 10

JURISDICTION OVER STUDENTS .............................................................................................................. 10

NAME/ADDRESS/TELEPHONE ................................................................................................................... 10

REGISTRATION INFORMATION .................................................................................................................. 10

SCHOOL ........................................................................................................................................................ 11

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................................................................... 11

STUDENT RIGHTS ........................................................................................................................................ 12

ATTENDANCE POLICIES ............................................................................................................................. 12

ATTENDANCE ............................................................................................................................................... 12

ABSENCES .................................................................................................................................................... 12

EXCUSED ABSENCES ................................................................................................................................. 13

SCHOOL AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES ........................................................................................................... 13

MAKE UP WORK ........................................................................................................................................... 13

OR .................................................................................................................................................................. 13

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES/TRUANCY ......................................................................................................... 13

PARENT/GUARDIAN NOTIFICATION .......................................................................................................... 14

ABSENCES .................................................................................................................................................... 14

TARDINESS ................................................................................................................................................... 14

INCENTIVES .................................................................................................................................................. 15

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APPEAL ......................................................................................................................................................... 15

GENERAL POLICIES .................................................................................................................................... 15

ANIMALS........................................................................................................................................................ 15

AREAS OFF LIMITS ...................................................................................................................................... 15

BAD WEATHER SCHEDULE OR SCHOOL CLOSING ................................................................................ 16

CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS ........................................................................ 16

CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT ............................................................................................................................. 16

DRESS ........................................................................................................................................................... 16

DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE SCHOOL ....................................................................................................... 17

ELECTRONIC ................................................................................................................................................ 17

FIELD TRIPS ................................................................................................................................................. 17

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 17

HABITUALLY DISRUPTIVE STUDENTS ...................................................................................................... 18

LATE ENROLLMENT ..................................................................................................................................... 18

LIBRARY ........................................................................................................................................................ 18

LOST, DAMAGED or STOLEN ITEMS .......................................................................................................... 19

OUTDOOR PLAY AREA ................................................................................................................................ 19

PARTIES ........................................................................................................................................................ 19

PARENT- TEACHER CONFERENCE DATES .............................................................................................. 19

PARENT SCHOOL CONNECTIONS ............................................................................................................. 19

PROGRESS REPORTS ................................................................................................................................ 20

RETENTION OF STUDENTS ........................................................................................................................ 20

PROMOTION STANDARDS .......................................................................................................................... 21

REPORT CARDS ........................................................................................................................................... 21

SCHOOL BUS REGULATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 21

BUS RIDING RULES ..................................................................................................................................... 21

STUDENT DEBTS ......................................................................................................................................... 23

ELECTRONICS POLICY/CELL PHONE USE ............................................................................................. 23

SCHOOL PICTURES ..................................................................................................................................... 24

STUDENT RECORDS ................................................................................................................................... 24

TEXTBOOKS AND SUPPLIES ...................................................................................................................... 24

TRUANCY ...................................................................................................................................................... 24

VISITORS....................................................................................................................................................... 24

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL ................................................................................................................... 25

BEHAVIOR and DISCIPLINE......................................................................................................................... 25

Information ..................................................................................................................................................... 25

LIST OF CONSEQUENCES: ......................................................................................................................... 25

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES .................................................................................................................... 26

STUDENT/PARENT GRIEVANCES .............................................................................................................. 28

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GRIEVANCE FORM ...................................................................................................................................... 30

MAGDALENA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ....................................................................................................... 31

ACKNOWLEDGMENT ................................................................................................................................... 33

APPENDIX A .................................................................................................................................................. 34

APPENDIX B .................................................................................................................................................. 35

Discipline Matrix ............................................................................................................................................. 35

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WELCOME TO

MAGDALENA MUNICIPAL SCHOOL

DISTRICT

The Magdalena Municipal School District is a Pre-K

through 12th grade school, which is housed on a single

campus. MMSD has a multicultural student population of

357. The ethnic structure of the district is approximately

47% Navajo, 29% Hispanic, and 24% Anglo or other.

Additionally, in 1988 the district implemented a four-day

week schedule to help address and accommodate students

who are bussed significant distances. Over half of all

MMSD students are bussed, with an average bus ride being

26 miles one way. The longest distance any one student has

to travel is 70 miles one way.

The Village of Magdalena is located on the edge of the

Cibola National Forest, at the base of the Magdalena

Mountains in central New Mexico. The nearest city is

Socorro located 26 miles to the east, Albuquerque, New

Mexico’s largest city, 100 miles to the northeast.

Magdalena’s population is approximately 1,100 and reflects

the community’s unique history as a mining town and as one

of the largest cattle shipping centers west of Kansas City. Its

nickname, “Trail’s End,” is an enduring reminder that for

nearly 70 years (1890s-1960s) Magdalena was the end of

the trail for cattle drives originating from Arizona to

southern Colorado.

Today the community’s principal industries consists of

education; the federal government in the form of the

National Forest Service; the National Radio and Astronomy

Observatory, which operates the Very Large Array (the

world’s largest radio telescope) located on the San

Augustine plains 25 miles west of Magdalena; the Bureau

of Indian Affairs which operates a charter school and Indian

Health Services clinic on the Alamo Navajo Indian

reservation; and, finally ranching. The public school district

is the largest employer.

The Alamo Navajo reservation is located 29 miles north of

Magdalena, and is a vital part of the community at large.

Although Alamo is a Chapter of the Navajo Nation, it is

located approximately 200 miles southeast of the largest

reservation in Arizona. Because of their isolation, the

Alamo people have maintained a unique traditional and

linguistic heritage. The Alamo band is the only living Native

American group who is a blend of Navajo and Apache

tribes. The Alamo dialect (Navajo) is predominate in the

homes and in all tribal government, religious, social, and

cultural interactions.

DIRECTORY Magdalena Municipal School District K-12

Telephone: (575) 854-2241

Fax: (575) 854-2531

Superintendent/Elementary Principal/504

Coordinator/Activity Director

Dr. Glenn Haven ext. 8013

Superintendent/Board Secretary/District Receptionist

Ms. Evanna Cheromiah ext. 8001

Curriculum/SAT Coordinator/Fed State Programs

Ms. Keri James ext. 8009

Middle & High School Principal

Mrs. Leslie Clark ext. 8014

Business Manager

Mrs. Dorothy Zamora ext. 8007

Athletic Director

Mr. Jory Mirabal ext. 8185

Special Education Coordinator

Mrs. Jennifer Armstrong ext. 8010

Information Technology Specialist

Mr. Jacob Mow ext. 8005

Elementary Secretary (K-5)

Mrs. Kim Milligan ext. 8006

Maintenance/Custodial/Security Supervisor

George Montoya ext. 8032

Middle & High School Secretary

Ms. Antonette Romero ext. 8011

Registrar

Mrs. Renee Baca ext. 8004

School Nurse

ext. 8030

Student Advocate

Mrs. Brittany Martinez ext. 8041

SPED Secretary

Mrs. Kim Milligan ext. 8006

Student Director/Guidance Counselor

Mrs. Rebecca Apachito ext. 8002

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2017-2018 Calendar

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GENERAL INFORMATION

ACCESS TO RECORDS In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents/guardians

are guaranteed the right to see and control access to their student’s school records. Contact the

school’s counseling office or administration.

ADMISSION The school, unless otherwise provided by the Magdalena Municipal School, shall admit children

between the ages of five (5) and twenty-one (21) years of age and children (K-12) who reside in

the Magdalena attendance area who meet the requirements for enrollment in one of the grades or

programs offered by the school. Magdalena Elementary School shall admit children for grades

Kindergarten through the fifth (K-5th) grade. To be counted as a kindergarten student, a child must

be at least five (5) years old by December 31st.

ATTENDANCE - COMPULSORY LAW Every guardian of a school age child shall enroll the child in school for the entire school year, and

shall be responsible for the child’s attendance at all required class sessions unless the child has an

excused absence. (WMAEC, Chapt.2, Sec. 2.1). Every school age child is required to attend all

scheduled class sessions at the school in which the child is enrolled unless the child has an excused

absence. (WMAEC, Chapt.2, Sect 2.2) Truancy (unexcused absence) from the school and/or

individual classes will be reported to the District Attorney’s Office. Magdalena Municipal School

policy states that any student having (ten) 10 consecutive unexcused absences will be withdrawn

from Magdalena Elementary School. Reinstatement thereafter will only occur with the approval of

the Superintendent.

ATTENDANCE BELIEFS Continuity in the learning process and social adaptation are disrupted by excessive absences. In

most situations the work missed cannot be made up adequately. Students who have good

attendance generally achieve higher grades, enjoy school more and are more employable after

leaving school.

BOARD OF EDUCATION MISSION For everyone, a way to learn, grow, and succeed. The mission of Magdalena Elementary School is

to prepare and motivate students to discover their abilities and become self-directed, responsible,

thinking, contributing members in a modern multi-cultural society.

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BOARD OF EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT We endeavor to create an environment, which meets the needs of each student. We will encourage

and challenge the capabilities of students to achieve success in social, emotional, and intellectual

growth.

BOARD OF EDUCATION PURPOSE The purpose of Magdalena Municipal School is to develop graduates, confident and capable of

pursuing their dreams wherever they may go. To produce graduates who are able to use their

minds, are filled with hope, and have a belief in themselves. The Elementary School

Administration believe: (1) All students can learn and succeed, (2) success breeds success, (3)

schools control the conditions for success, (4) and the role of the school, along with the

parents/guardians and community, is to establish a commitment of excellence in education for our

children.

CAFETERIA Breakfast and lunches are provided to students in the cafeteria. Breakfast is served from 7:30 to

7:55 a.m. Elementary School lunch is served from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. daily. The cost of a

school lunch for a non-student/visitor is $3.00. Students may bring their own lunch from home and

keep it in their classroom until lunchtime. Students may not leave campus for lunch unless

properly signed out by a parent or guardian.

All parents are requested to complete a free lunch application for their children.

DISCIPLINE BELIEFS It is our belief that in order for students to succeed in school, they must be provided with a safe

environment that promotes learning. A positive, pro-active approach to discipline promotes

success for students and heads off many problems before they start. At Magdalena Elementary

School we have high expectations of students, not only academically but also in the area of

behavior. An important part of our job is to help students develop self-discipline. Therefore, within

this handbook, rules have been kept to a minimum and expectations and consequences have been

clearly outlined. Discipline is the responsibility of EVERYONE in our school. Good discipline

and good teaching are synonymous, and students are encouraged to become self-disciplined and

behave with regard to both personal goals and concern for others.

DRESS CODE

The Magdalena Elementary School and the Administration feel that student dress is directly related

to success and safety in the schools. The dress code is an effort to provide the most conducive

learning atmosphere to further the educational process. It is our hope that parents/guardians will

join us in our efforts and assist us by ensuring that their student is properly dressed for success.

Please review the dress code guidelines under the general policies section.

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EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT CONDUCT Students and teachers at Magdalena Elementary School will be expected to exhibit conduct that is

acceptable to our community and to behave in a way that shows respect for all others in our school.

We strongly expect courteous, respectful behavior.

In all instances, students shall be expected to conduct themselves in keeping with the expected

level of maturity for an elementary school student, acting with due regard for the supervisory

authority given by the Magdalena Municipal School to all employees. All employees are given the

authority and are expected to share in the responsibility for supervising the behavior for students,

and for seeing that they follow the established rules of conduct.

EMERGENCIES/ACCIDENTS In the event of an emergency every attempt will be made to contact the parent/guardian if a student

requires immediate medical attention. Please complete the registration forms completely. In the

event of an emergency, it is important that we have a way to contact you. If we are unable to reach

you, your child will be discharged to an individual named on your emergency card, or in extreme

instances, the Marshal’s Office and EMS will be notified and your child will be transported to the

nearest hospital for treatment. (See Name/Address/Telephone)

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLANS Magdalena Elementary School has developed an emergency preparedness plan that will be

executed in a manner according to the type of emergency. The emergency plan deals with

emergency situations that may arise at school or in the Magdalena Community. Staff and

administration have been assigned specific responsibilities for the purpose of maintaining the

safety of all students. Students will be trained on the procedures and drills will take place during

the school year.

GRADING SYSTEM Currently, all students receive letter grades for their course work each quarter. The following

grading system represents the way grades are earned and what the grades mean:

KINDERGARTEN THROUGH SECOND (2nd) GRADE:

E – Excellent 90% - 100%

G – Good 80% - 89%

S – Satisfactory 70% - 79%

N – Needs Improvement 0% - 69%

THIRD (3rd) THROUGH FIFTH (5th) GRADE:

A – Outstanding/Excellent 90% - 100%

B – Above Average 80% - 89%

C – Minimum Competency Met 70% - 79%

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D – Below Average Work 60% - 69%

F – Competencies Not Met 0% - 59%

I – Incomplete Work Incomplete

IMMUNIZATION RECORDS Students transferring to or from another school district MUST have a copy of their updated

immunization record in order to enroll. Providing written verification of immunization to school

officials prior to enrolling is included in the Code of Federal Regulations, and no exceptions are

permissible. Students will not be enrolled without these records. Updated immunization records

are to be placed into the student files.

JURISDICTION OVER STUDENTS All officials, employees, and authorized agents of the school with responsibilities including the

supervision of students, shall stand “in loco parentis” (in place of the parent/guardian) with regard

to students. School employees are required to supervise students at all times when the

responsibility of supervision exists. This authority applies whenever students are lawfully subject

to the school’s control, regardless of location. During such periods, students shall have the

responsibility of submitting to the school’s authority.

NAME/ADDRESS/TELEPHONE Students must use their legal name for all school records. Nicknames or assumed names may not

be used. Students with hyphenated last names MUST use all parts of the hyphenated name. For

any name changes, a legal document indicating the name must be presented to the administration

office. Valid mailing address, street address and phone numbers must be current and on file with

the school administration office. Names and phone numbers for an Emergency contact person(s)

must also be current and on file with the school. (See Emergencies/Accidents)

REGISTRATION INFORMATION Pre-Registration: During the last two (2) weeks in April, the school shall send home with

students, pre-registration information and announce to the general community that parents or

guardians may pre-register their children for the new school year. Pre-registration is completed so

that the school may have an idea of the number of students that may be available per grade level

and to help administration prepare for the upcoming school year.

Parents/guardians of a NEW student shall be given a standard registration packet to complete

which shall be returned two (2) weeks prior to the first day of school. Parents/guardians of

CONTINUING students shall be given a form which would indicate if their children are returning

to school the next year.

Registration: Registration of all new students shall occur when a complete registration packet is

turned into the Magdalena Elementary School Office and has been approved by the building

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administrator for enrollment. In addition, they are required to come to school to register their child

or children. At the time of enrollment, all new students must provide the following information

before they can be accepted into the school.

1) Application for Enrollment: All parents/guardians must have an application completed for each

child that is enrolled.

2) Certificate of Indian Blood: All students must have a CIB from their home BIA agency before

final registration is accepted.

3) Social Security Card: All students must possess a Social Security Number.

4) Current Immunization Records: All students must possess current required immunization

documents unless the child is exempt from immunization. In such cases, the school must

receive a letter from a physician stating reasons for exemption before the child is accepted in

school.

5) Birth Certificate or Baptismal Record: A certified or original birth certificate or baptismal

record must be presented for verification of a child's birth date and legal name.

6) Withdrawal from the previous school: Required if the student previously attended another

school.

7) Legal Guardianship Documents: Required for foster or adopted children placed through the

state/county or tribal system.

8) Documents of Name Change: Required to show proof of a legal name change.

Incomplete registration packets will result in your child not being officially enrolled at Magdalena

Elementary School

SCHOOL DAY

The cafeteria opens at 7:30 a.m. for students to enter the building. Designated staff is on breakfast

duty beginning at 7:30 a.m. To ensure the safety of students, students should not be on school

grounds before 7:30 a.m. Classes are in session each day Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, &

Thursday according to the following schedule:

Pre K Pre K

Morning 8:00am-11:30 Afternoon 1:00pm-4:00pm

K-5th (check school website by grade for more details)

7:30-4:00

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES In order to promote maximum student learning performance and to minimize disruptions during

class time, students must come to class prepared to learn and to participate in the day’s lessons

and/or activities. Being prepared is defined as:

1) Arrive to school and classes on time.

2) Bring books, notebooks, and materials needed for class.

3) Complete and bring homework to class.

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4) Participate in classroom lessons and activities.

STUDENT RIGHTS The Magdalena Elementary School believe that individual students have, and shall be afforded the

following rights:

1) The right to an education.

2) The right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure of their person and property, to a

reasonable degree of privacy, and a safe and secure environment.

3) The right to make his or her own decisions, where applicable.

4) The right to freedom of religion and culture.

5) The right to freedom of speech and expression so long as the symbolic expression does not

unreasonably and in fact disrupt the educational process or endanger the health and safety of

the student or others.

6) The right to freedom of the press, except where material in student publications is libelous or

obscene.

7) The right to peaceably assemble and to petition the redress of grievances.

8) The right to freedom from discrimination.

9) The right to due process.

ATTENDANCE POLICIES

ATTENDANCE Magdalena Elementary School recognizes that regular school attendance greatly enhances the

opportunity for students to profit from the educational programs provided by school and their

teachers. Frequent absences from the day to day classroom experience disrupt the instructional

process for students. The benefits of instruction, once lost, cannot entirely be regained. The entire

process of education requires continuity of instruction, class participation, learning experience and

study. If a student is absent for a total of twenty (20) school days within the school year and does

not make up the school work, it may result in consideration for retention.

ABSENCES Definition - An absence is defined as when a student is not physically in the classroom that the

student is assigned to. In addition to them physically being in the classroom, a student must be

present until 1:00 p.m. in order for that student to be counted as being present for the complete

day. If a student is checked out before 1:00 p.m., it will count as either a full day absence or a half-

day absence.

A tardy is from 8am-10am, a Half Day is from 10am-2pm and a Check Out is from 2pm-4pm.

8AM 10AM 2PM 4PM

Tardy Half Day Checkout

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EXCUSED ABSENCES In the case of an absence, student(s) must bring a note from their parent/guardian explaining the

absence to the Elementary Office within three (3) school days of their return, or the

parent/guardian must call the school to explain the absence. It is important for parents to contact

the school regarding absences so reasons can be documented in the computer system. Absences

will be excused for:

1) Medical appointment,

2) Illness or injury,

3) Death in the family,

4) Court appearances,

5) Participation in an education program organized and sponsored by a recognized institution of

learning, for which prior approval has been obtained (i.e., college visits),

6) An emergency deemed legitimate by the principal,

7) Cultural events,

8) Family Trips (If a student is absent due to a family trip, a daily journal will be kept by the

student must be turned into the school upon return),

9) Suspension from school.

SCHOOL AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES Students are not considered absent if they are participating in an authorized school activity such as:

1) A scheduled appointment with the Academic Counselor and/or Principal,

2) Extra-curricular activity such as student council related activity, etc.,

3) School sponsored athletic activities,

4) School sponsored activities such as assemblies, fieldtrips, etc.

MAKE UP WORK Teachers will provide opportunities for academic make-up work when students have an official

designated excused absence. However, the responsibility for making use of this opportunity rests

with the student.

If a student does not request make up work by the next class period after his/her return;

OR

If a student does not complete the makeup work within one week after returning back to

school;

Then he/she will receive F’s or zeros (0’s) for any missed assignments.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES/TRUANCY Any absences not meeting the above requirements for being an excused absence will be considered

unexcused and the student will be considered truant. F’s or 0’s will be given for any work due, or

any worked missed, on the day of the truancy.

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If a student accumulates more than ten (10) unexcused absences during a school year in any class,

the grade for that class will be “I” until the student has completed the required restitution. If

restitution is not met, the student may receive an “F” for that grading period and may impact their

promotion at the end of the school year.

If a student accumulates ten (10) consecutive absences the student is automatically dropped as a

student. Readmission to school will have to be approved by the Superintendent.

Students that accumulate five (5) unexcused absences may be referred to the District Attorney’s

office for “truancy.” Students that accumulate nine (9) absences (including excused) in a semester,

or eighteen (18) absences in a school year, may be referred to the District Attorney’s office for

“excessive absences.”

It is the intention of Magdalena Elementary School to increase student attendance whenever

possible. Magdalena Elementary School will work with the District Attorney’s office to reduce

student absences with a program called “teen court.” Students who are “truant” or have “excessive

absences” may have a hearing on the campus of Magdalena Elementary School with the District

Attorney’s office. The intention of these hearings is to inform students and parents of their

responsibility to attend school, reduce absences, and let students and parents know what

consequences could be for further attendance problems.

PARENT/GUARDIAN NOTIFICATION

Parents/guardians will be notified by the school’s attendance secretary for absences as follows:

ABSENCES

3 absences: Written notification to the parent/guardian.

5 absences: Meeting with administration. Written notification to the parent/guardian.

7 absences: Meeting with administration. Written notification to the parent/guardian.

10 absences: Meeting with administration. Written notification to the parent/guardian.

The school shall send a written notification to the parent/guardian that their student has

accumulated three (3) unexcused absences, five (5), seven (7) and ten (10) absences in a semester.

If a student has accumulated the aforementioned absences, parents are required to attend a

conference with the student, principal and teacher to remind the family of the attendance policy

beginning at five (5) absences. Steps can be made to create a student improvement plan to insure

that the student has been given the opportunity to pass their classes. Every unexcused absence

thereafter will be shared with parents/guardians through written notification, and the District

Attorney’s office may be contacted. Please see form letter “Notification of Excessive Absences”

in Appendix A.

TARDINESS

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3 Tardies: Parent/guardians are given written notification.

5 Tardies: Parents/guardians are given written notification. These tardies are unexcused and

parents/guardians are informed that their child will participate in lunch detention to make up

missed school assignments.

Tardy Control

Kindergarten- 2nd Grade

3 Unexcused= Call home to parent/ guardian

6 Unexcused= Parent Conference

9 Unexcused= Parent Conference with Superintendent

3rd-5th Grade

3 Unexcused= Lunch Detention and Parent Call

6 Unexcused= Lunch Detention, Parent Conference and Sign Attendance Contract

9 Unexcused= Lunch Detention and Parent Conference

INCENTIVES 1) Hold special events honoring students who have achieved a minimum of 97% attendance rate.

2) Establish class individual goals and incentives for attendance.

3) Awards, certificates, and assemblies.

4) Post honor roll of attendance for each quarter.

APPEAL PROCESS

1) Students, who have received an “I” and feel there were mitigating circumstances which should

be considered, are invited to notify school administration and request that the grade(s) be

restored.

2) If all absences are excused, grades may be restored.

3) If one or more absences are not excused an appeal must be completed and presented to the

school principal, who will determine the amount of restitution required for restoration of the

grade.

4) Dissatisfaction with the decision of the principal can be appealed to the Magdalena Elementary

School Board through the Superintendent.

GENERAL POLICIES

ANIMALS Animals are not allowed at school. An administrator may approve exceptions for special projects.

AREAS OFF LIMITS Students may not be in the cafeteria before 7:30 a.m. Students are asked to leave the campus by

4:10 p.m. unless involved in sports or other after school activities. No students are allowed into the

classroom areas after 4:00 pm unless being supervised by a faculty or staff member. No student

should be on the school campus without adult supervision after 5:30 p.m.

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BAD WEATHER SCHEDULE OR SCHOOL CLOSING Sometimes bad weather or power outages may force the school to close down. If it is determined

that it would be in the best interest of the students to close down the school for the day,

announcements will be made on the local radio stations KABR radio station and KOAT, KRQE,

and KOB. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL! Simply tune to the stations for

announcements.

If there are no announcements on school closure, school will run as usual.

CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES FOR

STUDENTS Students are to remain on campus unless checked out through the office. Students may be released

to the parents, guardians or to a named representative in the student file before the end of the school

day. Such individuals must be 18 years of age or older. Parents, legal guardians, or emergency

contact individuals must PERSONALLY SIGN THE STUDENT OUT OF SCHOOL. The check-out

form is located in the main office.

Appointments with a doctor, dentist, etc. should be made before or after school, or on Friday’s,

whenever possible.

Any student who is off campus during the school day without being properly checked out will be

considered truant, and will be reported to the administration. If the student cannot be located, the

office will notify the parents/guardians. If the parents/guardians cannot be contacted, the

administration will notify the police.

CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT All staff is required by law to report any suspected child neglect or abuse to CYFD (Children,

Youth and Family Division) and Police Department.

DRESS CODE EXPECTATIONS

Students shall be clean and dressed in a manner that will be appropriate and not disruptive to the

educational program of the school. The following dress will NOT be acceptable during the school

day:

1) Loose fitting tank tops.

2) Clothing which exposes the midriff.

3) Clothing with lettering and/or pictures depicting drugs, alcohol, sex, nudity, profanity,

vulgarity, gang association or gang activity.

4) Crop tops.

5) No hats, hoods of any type shall be worn anywhere in the school building/classroom.

6) Colored bandanas are not allowed on campus or at any school functions. However, in an effort

to support Apache culture, an approval may be granted for boys with long hair, to wear a

bandana. The bandana must be one of the traditional Apache colors and must be worn Apache

style. A request for a student to wear a bandana must originate from the Parent /Guardian. The

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Parent/Guardian must be raising their son in the appropriate Apache traditions. The approval

process includes a meeting with the Principal and the Director of Apache Language & Culture

program.

7) Pants and shorts shall be worn with the waistband at the waist. Clothing items will not be

allowed below the waist with the stomach being visible.

8) Anything else deemed inappropriate by the Principal.

The primary reason for a dress code is for safety reasons. Also, we wish to minimize any

disruptions to the educational process.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE SCHOOL Magdalena Elementary School is a drug and alcohol free school. For the student’s safety, anyone

under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, and/or non-prescription drugs while on school

grounds or at any school-sponsored activity will be asked to leave the premises. Any incidents

involving alcohol or using illegal or non-prescription drugs will be reported to the Magdalena

Marshal’s office.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Electronic devices that are disruptive to the educational environment are NOT allowed. Electronic

devices can be used in all other areas of the school building EXCEPT in the classrooms. This

includes, but is not limited to: MP3 players, iPods, IPADs, pagers, cell phones, electronic games,

CD/cassette players and radios. If an electronic devise is confiscated from a student the following

disciplinary action may occur:

First Offense Item may be picked up in the main office by the parent/guardian

only.

Second Offense Item will be returned to parent/guardian at the end of the school year.

Refusing to give electronic devices upon request to a staff member will be considered as non-

compliant and the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

Magdalena Elementary School is not responsible for confiscated personal property.

FIELD TRIPS Teachers must submit field trip proposals to the principal no less than two weeks in advance

outlining the purpose of the trip, transportation needs, cost, etc. Parent permission slips must be

signed and returned to the appropriate school personnel before the trip.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS 1) Weather permitting students shall remain outside until 8:00 a.m.

2) No electronic devices are allowed on school campus, i.e. IPods, radios, scanner, and cell

phones.

3) Weapons (real or toy) will not be allowed at school.

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A weapon is any object, which is used to harm, threaten, or intimidate another person and is

readily capable of causing injury or death. This includes anything designed to represent or

imitate an object of substance perceived by a reasonable person to be capable of causing

injury or death, given the manner in which it is possessed, controlled or used. Violation of the

school’s policy on weapons in the schools may result in a recommendation for expulsion.

4) Respect for others, both students and adults, is most important.

5) Behavior is expected to fit the guidelines given above in expectation of student conduct.

6) No skateboards or roller shoes are allowed on campus during regular school hours.

HABITUALLY DISRUPTIVE STUDENTS A habitually disruptive student means a child who causes multiple disruptions in the classroom, on

school grounds, in school vehicles or at school activities or events. Habitually disruptive means

that the student has incurred three (3) minor infractions, two (2) major infractions or one (1)

extreme infraction during the school year because of behavior which was initiated, willfully and

overtly on the part of the child. The behavior required the attention of school personnel in dealing

with the behavior disruption. If the student continues to be habitually disruptive, the student will be

placed on a Behavior Plan. Please refer to Appendix A, Discipline Procedures.

LATE ENROLLMENT The school operates year round and normally begins its school year in August. Students enrolling

after the beginning of the school year must provide documentation of grades and prior attendance

at their previous school. This information will be used to determine class placement and

performance levels of students.

When the student registers at the school, it will be necessary to have a parent/guardian in

attendance, so that the counselor and/or Principal can review the expectations that the school has

of its students.

If a student enrolls in school after twenty (20) or more school days after the first day of the school

year, and has not attended another school, the student may be required attend intersession(s) and/or

the after school academic programs for the rest of the year.

LIBRARY The library is provided for students of Magdalena Elementary School only. All community users

must first get approval from the Principal and obtain a visitor’s pass from the main office. All

students in the library during class time must have permission from the teacher.

Students must abide by the school code of conduct. No food or drink is allowed in the library.

Keep conversations to a minimum and avoid loud talking. Standard library book check out is

requested. Renewals are allowed if no other request for that book has been made.

Students who do not abide by the library use policies may lose their library privileges.

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LOST, DAMAGED or STOLEN ITEMS Magdalena Elementary School is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen property. This

includes personal property as well as books or materials assigned to or checked out to the

student.

Found items will be kept in the main office area. If a student loses something, please check in the

office. Unclaimed items will be kept no longer than three (3) months before they are discarded.

OUTDOOR PLAY AREA All students are expected to follow the established Magdalena Elementary School behavior

policies when on the playground. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action for behavior.

PARTIES All classroom parties are to be held on campus during the school day. The principal must be

notified at least three (3) days before the party is to be held. Parties are to be planned for the end of

the school day no earlier than 1:30 p.m. Parents/guardians may assist the teacher in planning and

supervising the classroom parties.

PARENT- TEACHER CONFERENCE DATES A Parent-Teacher or Student-led Conference is the bridge of communication between teachers and

parents/guardians. It is extremely important we have this component to ensure the success of the

student. Magdalena Elementary School has three (2) Parent/Teacher Conferences per year.

Notification to the parent/guardian is made well in advance so that parents/guardians are aware of

dates and times.

PARENT SCHOOL CONNECTIONS Please take the time to ask your child if they have any school work to complete at home or any

messages from the teacher that requires your response. Perhaps your child has had a special

experience at school that they would like to share with you. The support and positive

reinforcement that you provide can truly make all the difference in their success in school.

Opportunities are provided at the end of each grading quarter for parent-teacher conferences. We

encourage parent/guardians to make an appointment to talk with teachers at this time. However, if

you have concerns any other time, please feel free to call the main office at (575) 854-2241 to

schedule a meeting with a staff member or principal.

When it becomes necessary for parents/guardians to leave their child in the care of a relative or

friend, the parent/guardian must inform the principal in writing of the individual situation, the

length of the absence, and designated guardians. The school cannot be held responsible if it has not

been notified of the parent/guardian absence.

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PROGRESS REPORTS Four weeks into each quarter, teachers will distribute progress reports to all students. Progress

reports simply show the status of a student at any given time throughout the school year. At the

discretion of the teacher, these weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly reports are hand delivered by

students, or mailed home. Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact teachers regularly about

their student’s academic progress. Students are responsible for taking their progress report home to

their parents/guardians and having the bottom portion signed and returned to the teacher. Progress

reports may be sent more frequently by the teacher when requested by parents/guardians.

RETENTION OF STUDENTS Retention is an extreme measure which must be handled with the utmost care. Prior to retention

there should be a thorough understanding of the individual student’s circumstances. Student

retention shall be recommended based on the following circumstances:

1) Academic Deficiencies

2) Absenteeism

3) Illness

4) Social/Emotional Deficiencies (Grades K-2)

5) Truancy

Recommended student retention shall be supported by objective documentation as outlined in the

Policy Handbook. Documentation may include but is not limited to:

1) Attendance reports

2) Behavioral incident reports

3) Grade reports

4) Student data performance

5) SAT (Student Assistance Team)

By the beginning of the third (3rd) quarter, the teaching staff will notify parents/guardians

and the building principal of students who are under consideration for retention. Parental

notification shall be conducted by letter or administrative conference. During the conference,

parents will be provided a description of the student’s deficiencies, supporting documentation, and

a written explanation of adaptations and modifications which will be made in the classroom to help

the student succeed.

Parents shall be notified of their student’s progress bi-quarterly. By the third (3rd) week in the

fourth quarter, a conference between the Principal, parents/guardians and teacher shall be held to

finalize student retention. At the conference parents/guardians shall be presented a letter stating the

recommendation for student retention. Parents/guardians will be provided the opportunity to accept

or refuse the recommendation presented. All parties involved shall sign the document.

Documentation of all parent/guardian contact shall be maintained utilizing the Retention

Documentation Log. After finalization of retention, all documents supporting the retention

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recommendation and the final retention letter must be forwarded to the school attendance clerk to

be filed in the student’s cumulative file.

PROMOTION STANDARDS To be considered for promotion to the succeeding grade, students must meet the minimum

attendance and academic standards set for the grade level. Promotion of Special Education

students will be considered on an individual basis. Students who do not meet the above

requirements may be recommended for promotion. This may be due to the age of the student,

social-emotional issues, or other reasons. In each case a meeting will be held to regarding the

individual student, and a recommendation will be made to promote or retain. If a recommendation

is made for promotion, the superintendent will be notified and promotion will require the

superintendent’s approval. If retention is recommended, then the guidelines for retention will be

followed.

REPORT CARDS Report cards will be recorded for each student at the end of each nine (9) week grading period. At

the end of the nine (9) week grading period, parent/guardian/teacher conferences will be scheduled

for the following week. Report cards will be distributed during this time. If parent/guardians are

unable to attend the regularly scheduled parent teacher conferences, their child’s report card will

be mailed to the student’s home address no later than two weeks after the end of that particular

nine (9) week grading period.

SCHOOL BUS REGULATIONS Magdalena Municipal Schools provides daily transportation for children to and from school.

Providing transportation for your children is a privilege and not a requirement of the school. The

school has established basic BUS RIDING RULES that are necessary to ensure the safety of your

children. If these rules are violated by your children then your children may have these

transportation privileges suspended. The bus driver is a school official and has absolute authority.

A student who persists in disobeying regulations and/or endangers the health and safety of the

passengers may lose their bus riding privileges.

BUS RIDING RULES All students are expected to:

Follow the Bus Driver’s Instructions.

Keep Head, Hands, Feet and Objects to self and inside the bus.

Unless otherwise instructed, all students shall sit with their backs against the seat backs, their legs

facing towards the front of the bus, all parts of their bodies clear if all aisles whenever the school bus

is in motion.

No vulgar or profane language, gestures or harassment.

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No eating or drinking on the bus, and no objects should be in the mouth while on the bus.

Behave in a safe and orderly manner at the bus stop.

Students will be assigned seating by the bus driver or bus monitor.

All students shall sit with their backs against the seat backs, their legs facing towards the

front of the bus, all parts of their bodies clear if all aisles whenever the school bus is in

motion.

Students shall not place any part of their body out of the bus window or door, except when

exiting the school bus.

Students are required to get off at regular drop-offs, unless they have written permission from

their parent/guardian or principal.

All students, when listening to personal music, shall use earphones.

Students shall help the bus driver clean the bus after all school activity trips, i.e., athletics,

field-trips, afterschool, etc.

The Transportation Department shall not be responsible for taking a sick student home; this

shall be the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

Only students that live outside Magdalena District shall be allowed to ride the Magdalena

bus, except as allowed by school policy (see below).

Magdalena Bus Route

No student shall be allowed to ride the Magdalena Bus Route who is not a resident of the

Magdalena District communitie and is a regular daily passenger on the bus. Only under special

circumstances, as determined by the School Superintendent, shall a student who is not a regular

passenger on the Magdalena Bus Route be allowed to ride the bus.

The policy for any infraction listed above will result in the following:

1st Infraction:

BUS INCIDENT REPORT will be issued by the bus driver or bus monitor and

parents/guardians will be notified.

2nd Infraction:

SUSPENDED PRIVILEGES for three (3) days and parents/guardians will be notified and

will be responsible for their child’s transportation.

3rd Infraction:

LOSS OF PRIVILEGES for the remainder of the school year and parents/guardians will be

notified and will be responsible for their child’s transportation.

No student is to depart from the bus until it reaches school in the morning, or arrives at their

designated drop-off point in the afternoon. Students will not be dropped off at any other bus stop

without advanced prior written parental/guardian permission. If a parent wants their student to be

dropped off at another bus stop, please submit written permission to the office at least one (1) hour

before the buses leave the school grounds. In case of EMERGENCIES, telephone requests will be

accepted.

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The school will not be responsible for transporting any student for any reason, other than

to and from school, in any vehicle other than a school bus or school vehicle, unless

otherwise approved by the Principal. Any employee driving students without approval of

the principal and the facilities manager shall become personally liable and reprimanded

accordingly.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO STOP THE SCHOOL BUS AT

ANYTIME WHILE IN OPERATION TO REMOVE THEIR STUDENT.

STUDENT DEBTS At the end of each quarter or at the end of the school year, the parents/guardians of a student shall

be required to settle all debts owed to the school. Debts that may be owed shall include, but not be

limited to damaged or lost books, materials, equipment, school property, broken windows or lost

items belonging to the school.

Report cards shall not be issued if any outstanding debts owed the school are not paid. At the end

of the school year a letter to the parents/guardians shall be sent to explain the debts owed to the

school and the action that may be taken if the debts are not paid.

ELECTRONICS POLICY/CELL PHONE USE

The policy is:

❒ Cell phones/electronic devices can be used before the morning bell rings, breakfast, lunch, and

after school….Monday through Thursday.

❒ Cell phones/electronic devices must be turned OFF before you enter any classroom, office,

library, or locker room.

❒ Once inside any of the above named locations, cell phones and devices must not be visible

under any circumstances - even though they are OFF.

❒ If a cell phones/ electronic device rings, vibrates, is used for any reason or is visible anytime

during class time or you are caught using it during class time while walking around on campus,

you will be asked to surrender it.

❒ Refusal to surrender your phone when asked is defiance. Defiance can result in suspension and

your parent will be contacted.

❒ First Offense ~ the device will be held in the elementary school office until the end of the day.

The school secretary will release the phone to the student.

❒ Second Offense ~ the device will remain in the elementary school office until a parent/guardian

picks up the phone.

❒ Third Offense ~ the device will remain in the elementary school office until the end of the

school year and will only be released to parent/guardian.

The staff of Magdalena School asks for your FULL cooperation with our policy. Students will not

respect this policy if they believe their parents will bail them out of the consequence.

You can contact your child via their cell phone during breakfast and lunch. In the event of an

immediate emergency, please call the main school line at 575-854-8011.

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SCHOOL PICTURES All students are photographed in the fall of the current school year. These photos are used for the

school’s yearbook. Parents are given the opportunity to order a photo package (payment to be

made in advance) at that time. Student re-takes and other photo opportunities are provided

throughout the year.

STUDENT RECORDS Each student enrolled at Magdalena Elementary School has a cumulative folder of records

established and maintained, so that the school is able to track the student’s educational history.

Therefore, it is very important that any student who transfers from another school has a folder

established, in addition to receiving the records from the student’s previously attended school(s).

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents/guardians

have a right to access their child’s records. All student records will be handled in a confidential

manner and will be maintained safe from fire and/or theft in the administrative office.

Special Education records and reports will be maintained in accordance with the requirements of

the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and FERPA.

TEXTBOOKS AND SUPPLIES All basic textbooks and equipment are checked out to students for their use during the school year.

All books should be kept clean and handled carefully. Students will be required to pay for lost or

damaged books and equipment. If the lost or damaged book and/or equipment are not paid for at

the end of the school year, report cards will not be issued. School Board Policy provides that

educational records may be withheld until textbook fines have been collected. The student will not

be allowed to enroll or attend school the following year until the debt is paid in full.

TRUANCY Truancy is defined as a deliberate absence from school or class on the part of the student without

the knowledge and prior consent of the parent/guardian. Upon any case of truancy, the parent will

be informed of the truancy incident. The Principal or Attendance Clerk will determine for all

absences whether or not the absence is excused or is truancy. (Habitual student truancy will be

reported to the District Attorney’s office.)

VISITORS Students from other schools or students who are not enrolled CANNOT be accommodated without

at least one (1) full day prior notification. Student visitors MUST bring a written and signed

permission slip from their parent/guardian. All guests of students must register at the principal’s

office before they are allowed to accompany the student to their classes.

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Parents/guardians who wish to visit the school are encouraged to do so at any time, but must

register in the main office and receive a visitor’s pass upon entering the building.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL Parents/guardians who are planning to withdraw their child from school shall notify the school’s

administrative office, so that an official withdrawal can be issued. Failure to officially withdraw a

student will prevent student records from being transferred to the new school. Should a student

withdraw from school, student records, transcripts, and/or report cards shall not be issued to the

student, parent/guardians, or a new school until all debts owed to the school are paid in full.

BEHAVIOR and DISCIPLINE

Information The Administration at Magdalena Elementary School is committed in providing all students the

opportunity to learn in a safe and caring environment. Any student who violates any policy, rules,

regulations or procedures of the school is subject to one or more of the following consequences

depending on the severity of the infraction and the student's disciplinary history (see discipline

matrix in Appendix B). While many infractions carry mandatory responses, the Administration has

the authority and reserves the right to alter and enforce appropriate disciplinary action to fit a

specific incident and to cooperate with Tribal or Federal law enforcement agencies on a need be

basis.

LIST OF CONSEQUENCES:

1) TEACHER’S CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT:

Teachers may impose consequences for students as needed, such as loss of recess, time out,

seating in a study corral, loss of privileges, et cetera…

The student may be referred for consequences by the teacher as a result of a classroom

violation.

2) CONFERENCE WITH THE PRINCIPAL:

A student may be referred by a staff member that results in a meeting with the Principal.

The Principal may determine if a verbal warning may suffice. Warning will be recorded in

the student’s behavioral records for future reference.

3) PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTACT:

The parents /guardians will be contacted and informed of their student's misbehavior at school. 4) LUNCH DETENTION:

The student will be retained in a classroom environment during a regularly scheduled lunch period. 5) CLASSROOM DETENTION:

If a teacher determines that a student disruption interferes with classroom instruction, the

student will be removed. The student will be referred to the Disciplinary Coach and/or

Principal for disciplinary action. Teacher may keep the student in the classroom for an

indefinite period of time.

6) IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION:

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The student will remain in supervised classroom for an entire school day or as determined by the

Principal and/or Discipline Coach. 7) POLICE INVOLVEMENT:

The Principal or their designee will notify the appropriate Law Enforcement authorities on an

alleged violation of Tribal or Federal Law. 8) OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (SHORT-TERM):

The student may not attend school or school-sponsored events/activities for 1 to 9 days.

Alternative school placement may occur.

Parent Conference for reinstatement to school from suspension is required. 9) ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL PLACEMENT:

At the Principal’s discretion, a student may be placed into the Alternative School in place

of or to serve a partial suspension phase.

The objective is to provide the appropriate educational services for suspended students

without repercussions to their grades or attendance records.

10) LONG-TERM SUSPENSION:

A student may not attend school or school-sponsored events/activities from 10 to 45 days.

An alternative school placement recommendation may occur. 11) INDEFINITE SUSPENSION:

A student is not allowed to attend school or any school sponsored events/activities until the student

meets specific conditions. The Principal shall notify and inform the parents/guardians about the

conditions that the student must be met prior to the indefinite suspension and before returning to

school. 12) EXPULSION:

Expulsion is the permanent removal of a student from Magdalena Elementary Schools.

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

MAGDALENA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELING SERVICES Our school counselors are here to help students have a successful, positive experience at Magdalena

Elementary School. School counselors see individuals and groups for help with problems that may be

interfering with school progress. Students may be referred to the counseling office by parents, teachers,

administrators, or by the students themselves.

MAGDALENA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES All students entering the elementary school must have the Hepatitis B Series, and a second Measles,

Mumps, Rubella (MMR), and Varicella (or proof of having had Chicken Pox) immunization before starting

school in the fall. Hepatitis B is a series of three vaccinations spread out over a four to six month period.

Students who have exemptions from immunizations for personal, medical or religious reasons are exempt.

If there is an outbreak of any of these diseases, exempt students will be excluded from school. Enrolling

students must provide a copy of their immunization records at the time they are enrolling. Students who do

not have a copy of health records my not attend school until a copy is provided to the school.

The school nurse divides her time between the elementary, junior high, and high school. She is in the

building to help when children become sick or injured at school. It is not her job to take the place of local

doctors or the health facility.

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If a child has a known severe allergy or possible life threatening condition, the parents are responsible for

informing the school. A physician’s instructions on the care of the student in an emergency situation will be

given to the school personnel. A copy of the instructions will be kept on file at the nurse’s office.

If the school is not made aware of chronic conditions, the school cannot be held responsible for injuries or

illness that may occur as a result of existing medical conditions.

Vision and hearing screenings will be done on students as required by the state of New Mexico and any

student referred by teachers and/or parents.

COMMON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES The school shall notify parents/guardians when illnesses that may represent a threat to children are

occurring in the school. These may include chicken pox, measles, whooping cough, meningitis, influenza,

tuberculosis, or other serious communicable diseases.

PARENTAL GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN WITH ILLNESS The following guidelines will help you determine when to keep your child home from school. Our goal is

to prevent the spread of infection to other students and staff. In addition, some illnesses prevent children

from concentrating and doing well on school work.

If your child comes to school with any of the following symptoms, our policy will be to send the child

home immediately. Please do not send your child to school if he/she has any of the following.

1. Fever of 100 degrees or higher. If you child has had a fever of 100 degrees or higher they are still

contagious. Please keep them home until they are free of fever (without Tylenol) for 24 hours.

2. Severe Cold. If the cold is severe with coughing or congestion, and mucus please see the clinic

and keep your child home.

3. Vomiting or Diarrhea. Children should not come to school unless they have been not had diarrhea

for at least 24 hours.

4. Sore throat. Please take them to the clinic for evaluation especially if they have a fever. If they

have strep, the must be on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to school.

5. Earache. Please have your child evaluated at the clinic, earache may be a sign of ear infection, and

if left untreated can lead to hearing loss.

6. Rashes and sores on skin. Please contact the clinic, provide a doctor’s note stating that the child is

not contagious and can return to school.

7. Pink Eye (conjunctivitis). If your child’s eye has yellow or greenish discharge, or is bright red,

please take them to the clinic for evaluation. If they have pink eye, they must be on antibiotics for

24 hours before they can return to school.

8. Lice. Do not send children to school with lice. Please treat the hair before returning to school.

The following are minor occurrences, and while your child may be uncomfortable and mildly contagious

they may still be in school. Please remind him/her to wash hands frequently, as that will help stop the

spread of germs. If any of these symptoms worsens, please take the child to the clinic for evaluation.

Remember our goal is to keep all children healthy.

1. Toothaches. Please make sure there is no infection and see a dentist as soon as possible. They will

be sent home from school if they are unable to concentrate or do classwork.

2. Mild Colds. It is okay to send a child to school as long as there is no fever, coughing and deep

chest hacking.

3. Headache. If there are no other symptoms, and your child is able to continue to work it is okay for

them to be at school.

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If you medicate your child for any reason, please send a note to let the nurse know.

PROCEDURES FOR SENDING AN ILL CHILD HOME If a child has any of the above symptoms which warrant a child being sent home the following steps will be

taken in the following order.

1. The nurse will call parents to pick up the child at school.

2. If no phone contact is made to parents, guardians or others on the school contact list, the Parent

Liaison (or other available employee with driving privileges) will be called to take the child home.

3. If the Parent Liaison finds no adult home, the Parent Liaison will try to find someone else on the

sign-out list to bring the child to.

4. If no adult can be located to drop off the student with, the Parent Liaison will return the child to

school. The child will remain in the nurse’s office until an adult can be located.

5. If no adult can be located by the end of the school day, CYFD and/or the Police may be contacted

to place the child.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the nurse at (575) 854-2241. Thank you for your support.

MEDICATIONS

Students are encouraged to take medications, over-the-counter and prescription, at home. If

circumstances arise that a medication must be given at school, the following must be in place

before medications may be given:

1) A permission slip signed by the physician and the parent must be turned into the nurse. These may be

obtained from the school nurse.

2) Medicine must be in the original prescription bottle, labeled with the student’s name, date, name of

medication, dosage and time it is to be given.

3) The nurse will maintain a record of all medications dispensed to students.

4) It will be the student’s responsibility to come to the office to take medications. Acetaminophen

(TYLENOL), Motrin, Blistex, Visine eye drops, Caladryl, and antibacterial ointment are available for

students during school hours. Students must have a current permission slip signed by the parent on file

before they may take any medication. These medications will not be given if situations exist that are

determined to be contraindicated by the school nurse. REMEMBER: No medication may be given at

school without a permission slip that has been signed by the parent and the doctor. This includes both

prescription and over-the-counter medications. When medications are ordered for “three times a day”,

we encourage these to be given in the morning before school, at home right after school, and before the

student goes to bed.

STUDENT/PARENT GRIEVANCES Magdalena Municipal Schools does have a grievance procedure in place in the event that students

and/or parents/guardians feel that their concerns have not been addressed. A complaint/grievance

may be raised regarding one (1) or more of the following:

Violation of the student’s constitutional rights.

Denial of an equal opportunity to participate in any program or activity for which the

student qualifies that is not related to the student’s individual capabilities.

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Discriminatory treatment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or

disability.

Harassment of the student which means knowingly pursuing a pattern of conduct that is

intended to annoy, alarm or terrorize another person.

Intimidation by another student.

Bullying by another student which 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 (1) 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 sexually orientation.

Concern for the student’s personal safety.

The accusation must be made within thirty (30) calendar days of the time the student knew or

should have known that there were grounds for complaint/grievance. The complaint/grievance

shall be made only to an administrator or other professional staff member. That person shall elicit

from the student the particulars determined by the Superintendent to be necessary to complaint/

grievance to be investigated.

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GRIEVANCE FORM (To be filed with the school administrator or the administrator’s supervisor, or with a professional

staff member who will forward it to the school administrator or the administrator’s supervisor)

Additional pages may be attached if more space is needed.

Please Print:

Name_________________________________________Date____________________________

Address______________________________________________________________________

Telephone ______________Another phone where you can be reached _____________________

During the hours of _____________________________________________________________

E-mail address ________________________________________________________________

I wish to complain against:

Name of person, school (department), program, or activity _____________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________

Specify your complaint by stating the problem as you see it. Describe the incident, the

participants, the background to the incident, and any attempts you have made to solve the problem.

Be sure to note relevant dates, times, and places.

Date of action against which you are complaining _______________________________________

If there is anyone who could provide more information regarding this, please list name (s), address

(es), and telephone number (s)

Name_______________Address______________________Telephone Number______________

The projected solution

Indicate what you think can and should be done to solve the problem. Be as specific as possible.

I certify that this information is correct to the best of my knowledge.

__________________________________________________________________

Signature of Complainant Date Signed

________________________________________________________________________ Administrator or professional staff member receiving initial complaint Date initial complaint received

31

MAGDALENA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The School, Families and Students all have different shared responsibilities at the Magdalena

Municipal School. The School, Family and Student will agree to the following shared

responsibilities in the compact. After signing, please return this form to your child’s teacher.

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY FOR STUDENT LEARNING AND HIGH ACHIEVEMENT

As a School, we will: As a Family, we will: As a Student, I will:

Set High Standards and Expectations Expect students not only

learn the basics but also to

provide more rigorous class-

work in order to reach their

individual potential.

Work with the school and our

child to plan a rigorous

academic program.

Discuss with our child the

importance of working hard

to get the most out of our

school.

Recognize and do the hard

work it takes to be successful

in school.

Provide and Support Sound Instruction Assign meaningful home

work with clear directions

and return it promptly with

comments.

Offer special assistance and

appropriate time to students

who progress at a different

rate.

Monitor our child's progress

and supervise completion of

homework.

Read at home together or

encourage our child to read at

least 30 minutes a day.

Attend school regularly, ready

to learn with homework

completed.

Use my free time wisely by

reading for pleasure and by

engaging in other learning

activities.

Make School Safe and Drug Free Set firm and fair safety,

discipline, and drug

enforcement policies.

Utilize BEST BEHAVIOR

and CHARACTER

COUNTS

Talk with our child about the

dangers of alcohol, drugs, and

weapons.

Familiarize ourselves with

life skills curricula and

incorporate strategies for

healthy families.

Serve as a role model to my

peers by honoring the school

discipline codes.

Attend healthy life skills

classes and practice healthy

life skills.

Apply Modern Technology Make the use of computers

and the Internet a routine

part of instructions,

reinforcing lessons and skill

while enabling students to

become technologically

literate.

Find ways to give our

children access to technology

in schools to gain the

necessary skills to succeed in

school and in the work place.

Learn to use computers and

the Internet to help me do well

in school.

Share my knowledge of

computers and the Internet

with my peers and my family.

32

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY FOR COMMUNICATION

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BUILDING CAPACITY THROUGH VOLUNTEERING AND

TRAINING

As a School, we will: As a Family, we will: As a Student, I will: Communicate with families

frequently at convenient

times and locations.

Inform students, families and

the community about the

high academic standards at

our school and how they can

help students learn to meet

these standards.

Make Magdalena

Elementary School a friendly

place for parents to meet and

talk.

Give families timely reports

on student progress and on

the school's overall

performance.

Attend parent meetings and

parent/teacher conferences.

Ask questions about

standards and other areas of

concern at the school, so that

we can support the school's

mission.

Be champions of the school,

expressing our public support

and working for school

modernization, the use of

technology, and the ongoing

professional development of

parents and teachers.

Secure the schools help in

preparing our child for

success in school.

Talk to my family or a trusted

adult about what I am learning

and doing in school, my

interests and my plans for the

future.

Seek assistance from my

teacher when I have problems

with my school work.

Inform my parents when I

have problems in school or my

homework.

Seek assistance from my

teacher or another staff

member when I have problems

at school.

As a School, we will: As a Family, we will: As a Student, I will: Support Title I requirements

to get families involved in

school decisions.

Create opportunities for all

families to volunteer in the

classroom, after school

activities, and in other

capacities.

Provide assistance to parents

on helping their children

with homework and on

learning at home.

Give staff and teachers the

training to work effectively

in partnership with families.

Volunteer for at least one

event each semester, whether

it is student monitoring,

tutoring, or support for

special activities, sporting

events, or field trips.

Participate in school meetings

and by serving on advisory

councils (PACs).

Volunteer to share my talents

by tutoring or mentoring other

students (for example, serving

as a reading partner for a

younger student.

Get involved in service

projects that benefit my school

and my community.

33

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Student's Name Please Print

Parent's/Guardian’s Name Please Print

I have received the Magdalena Elementary School Student Policy Handbook, including the

Family-School-Community Partnership. I have read, understand, know and will abide by the

policies as outlined in this handbook.

Signature of Student Date

Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

After signing, please return this form to your child’s teacher.

34

APPENDIX A Notification of Excessive Absences Grades Kindergarten through 5th Grade

To the Parents of: ____________________________________ Date: _______________

In reviewing your child’s attendance records, the item(s) marked with an (X) is/are a concern to us.

Our records show your child has 3 unexcused absences. Further unexcused absences may require a

hearing with the White Mountain Apache Tribe Juvenile Prosecution unit for “truancy.” As

parents/guardians you are required to attend a conference with your child, the Classroom Teacher, the

Parent Liaison and the Principal. Your conference is schedule for _____________________________.

Your child has accumulated 9 absences (excused and/or unexcused). Further absences may require a

hearing with the White Mountain Apache Tribe Juvenile Prosecution unit for “excessive absences.” As

parents/guardians you are required to attend a conference with your child, the Classroom Teacher, the

Parent Liaison and the Principal. Your conference is schedule for _____________________________.

Our records show your child has been absent from school for ten (10) consecutive days. As per

policy, you child was dropped from Dishchii’bikoh Community School on ____________________.

Our records show your child has been absent for 20 or more school days. According to policy your

child will be considered for retention.

Per State, Federal and Tribal Policy, if a child is not attending school consistently with little or no

cooperation from the parents, the school is required to file a report with Social Services, CPS and/or

the Police Department.

We are concerned that the excessive absences are depriving your child of the educational opportunities we

provide at the school. The benefits of instruction when a child is out cannot entirely be regained. Please

read the Attendance Policy in the Parent and Student Handbook.

If you have any questions, please contact the Principal, Discipline Coach and/or Parent Liaison, 928-332-

2444.

We thank you for your cooperation.

Parent Signature: ___________________________________________________________

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes:

35

APPENDIX B

Discipline Matrix

Discipline Procedure for K-1

Minor Infractions 1st offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense 4th Offense

Inappropriate language Parent contact by

teacher; teacher

imposed

consequences

(time out, lunch

detention, loss of

recess time, et

cetera…).

Parent contact by

teacher; advanced

teacher imposed

consequences (time

out, multiple day

lunch detention,

multiple day loss of

recess time, et

cetera…), office

referral

documented.

Parent conference

with teacher; more

serious teacher

imposed

consequences (time

out with discipline

coach, week long

lunch detention,

week long loss of

recess time, et

cetera…), office

referral documented,

possible suspension

1-2 days

Parent conference

with teacher,

discipline coach

and principal;

behavior plan

implemented

Disruption of class/other

students

Dress Code Violation

Property Misuse

Electronic Devices Same as above

and confiscation

of device; device

can be picked up

by a parent from

Discipline

Coach.

Same as above and

confiscation of

device; device can

be picked up by a

parent at the end of

the school year

from Discipline

Coach.

Same as above and

confiscation of

device; device can be

picked up by a parent

at the end of the

school year from

Discipline Coach.

Same as above

and confiscation

of device; device

can be picked up

by a parent at the

end of the school

year from

Discipline Coach.

Major Infractions 1st offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense 4th Offense

Defiance/Disrespect/Non-

Compliance

Parent contact by

teacher; office

referral

documented;

lunchtime

detention with

discipline coach.

Parent conference

with teacher; office

referral

documented;

lunchtime

detention with

discipline coach

and/or 1-2 day in-

school suspension.

Parent conference

with teacher,

discipline coach and

principal; office

referral documented;

lunchtime detention

with discipline coach

and/or 1-2 day out-

of-school suspension;

possible behavior

plan implemented.

Parent conference

with teacher,

discipline coach

and principal;

office referral

documented; 1-5

day out-of-school

suspension;

behavior plan

implemented.

Forgery/Theft

Physical Contact

Vandalism

Property Damage

Truancy

Lying/Cheating

Fighting/Physical Assault

36

Major Infractions

(continued) 1st offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense 4th Offense

Harassment/Bullying Parent contact by

teacher; office

referral

documented; lunch

time detention with

discipline coach.

Parents provided

with literature and

video about

bullying.

Parent conference

with teacher,

discipline coach and

principal; office

referral documented;

1-2 day in-school

suspension; referral to

counselor; parents

must come to school

to view video about

bullying.

Parent conference with

teacher, discipline

coach and principal;

office referral

documented; 1-2 day

out-of-school

suspension; referral to

Behavioral Health and

Resource Officer; TAT

will meet to determine

possible placement in

Alternative Program.

Committee

reviews for

possible

expulsion.

Extreme Infractions 1st offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense

Battery Parent conference

with teacher; office

referral

documented;

possible referral to

Police Department;

referral to

counselor; 1-9 day

out-of-school

supsension.

Parent conference

with teacher; office

referral documented;

referral to Police

Department; referral

to counselor; 1-9 day

out-of-school

supsension; TAT will

meet to determine

possible placement in

Alternative Program.

Committee reviews for

possible expulsion.

Combustibles

False Alarm

Alcohol

Drugs or other illegal

substances

Tobacco

Weapons/Dangerous

Instruments/Weapon

Look-a-likes

Continued or Extreme

Harassment/Bullying

Same as above and

referral to

Behavioral Health

and Police

Department; TAT

will meet to

determine possible

placement in

Alternative

Program.

Committee reviews

for possible expulsion.

37

Discipline Procedure for 2-6

Minor

Infractions 1st offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense 4th Offense

5th

Offense

6th

Offense

Inappropriate

language

Parent contact

by teacher;

teacher

imposed

consequences

(time out,

lunch

detention, loss

of recess time,

et cetera…).

Parent contact

by teacher;

advanced

teacher

imposed

consequences

(time out,

multiple day

lunch

detention,

multiple day

loss of recess

time, et

cetera…),

office referral

documented.

Parent conference

with teacher;

more serious

teacher imposed

consequences

(time out with

discipline coach,

week long lunch

detention, week

long loss of recess

time, et cetera…),

office referral

documented,

possible

suspension 1-5

days. Possible

behavioral plan

implemented.

Parent

conference

with teacher,

discipline

coach and

principal;

possible

suspension 1-

9 days;

behavior plan

implemented;

TAT will

meet to

determine

possible

placement

into

Alternative

Program.

Suspens

ion 1-9

Days

Commit

tee

reviews

for

possible

expulsio

n.

Disruption of

class/other

students

Dress Code

Violation

Property Misuse

Electronic Devices Same as

above and

confiscation

of device;

device can be

picked up by a

parent from

Discipline

Coach.

Same as above

and

confiscation of

device; device

can be picked

up by a parent

at the end of

the school year

from Discipline

Coach.

Same as above

and confiscation

of device; device

can be picked up

by a parent at the

end of the school

year from

Discipline Coach.

Same as

above and

confiscation

of device;

device can be

picked up by

a parent at

the end of the

school year

from

Discipline

Coach.

Same as

above

and

confisca

tion of

device;

device

can be

picked

up by a

parent at

the end

of the

school

year

from

Discipli

ne

Coach.

Same as

above

and

confisca

tion of

device;

device

can be

picked

up by a

parent at

the end

of the

school

year

from

Discipli

ne

Coach.

Major

Infractions 1st offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense 4th Offense Defiance/Disrespe

ct/Non-

Compliance

Parent

conference

with teacher,

discipline

coach and

principal;

office referral

documented;

Parent

conference

with teacher,

discipline

coach and

principal;

office referral

documented; 1-

Parent conference

with teacher,

discipline coach

and principal;

suspension 1-9

days; behavior

plan

implemented;

Committee

reviews for

possible

expulsion.

Forgery/Theft Physical Contact Vandalism Property Damage Truancy

38

Lying/Cheating 2 Day in-

school

suspension

with

discipline

coach.

5 Day out-of-

school

suspension.

TAT will meet to

determine

possible

placement into

Alternative

Program.

Fighting/Physical

Assault

1st offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense 4th Offense Harassment/

Bullying

Parent

conference

with teacher,

discipline

coach and

principal;

office referral

documented;

2 day in-

school

suspension

with

discipline

coach; referral

to counselor;

parents must

come to

school to view

video about

bullying.

Parent

conference

with teacher,

discipline

coach and

principal;

office referral

documented;

referral to

Behavioral

Health and

Police

Department;

TAT will meet

to determine

possible

placement in

Alternative

Program.

Committee

reviews for

possible

expulsion.

Extreme

Infractions 1st offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense Battery Parent

conference

with teacher;

office referral

documented;

referral to

Police

Department;

referral to

counselor; 1-9

day out-of-

school

suspension.

Parent

conference

with teacher;

office referral

documented;

referral to

Police

Department;

referral to

counselor; 1-9

day out-of-

school

suspension;

TAT will meet

to determine

possible

placement in

Alternative

Program.

Committee

reviews for

possible

expulsion.

Combustibles

False Alarm

Alcohol Drugs or other

illegal substances

Tobacco Weapons/Dangero

us

Instruments/Weap

on Look-a-likes

39

Continued or

Extreme

Harassment/

Bullying

Same as above and

referral to Behavioral

Health and Police

Department; TAT will

meet to determine

possible placement in

Alternative Program.

Committee

reviews for

possible

expulsion.

Parents must come with the student to meet with the principal and teacher on the first day

back to school after suspension. If a parent does not come with the student, the student will not be allowed

in school.

.