Academic Expectations
Taos Day School is an academically focused school with high expectations
for our students. We believe that each student at Taos Day School
can and should be successful.
We believe that each parent or guardian
shares equally with the classroom teacher and student in the
responsibility to support all efforts to help all students to
do the very best they can.
Students are asked to come prepared with
books, pencils, paper, and any other materials requested by the
teacher throughout the school year.
Homework
Homework is an important part of the academic program at Taos
Day School. Students may expect to spend time each evening completing
homework. As part of every student's homework he or she is expected
to read 20 minutes every night. Please help provide books by
taking your child to a library.
Some homework assignments may be a long-range
project with the due date several weeks in the future. Students
should attend to these daily and not expect to satisfactorily
complete them at the last minute.
Students who have been absent for any reason
are responsible for completing and returning their assignments
to their teacher. Parents can help children succeed by checking
homework each night. Your signature in this Agenda on the appropriate
date will tell the teacher you have seen your child's work.
Pupil's Progress and Report Cards
Report cards are issued every twelve weeks. Parent-teacher conferences
are held at the end of the first and second twelve-week grading
period. Additional conferences may be arranged with your child's
teacher. While teachers are willing to arrange their schedules
to meet parent and student needs, please don't expect unscheduled
conferences while class is in session.
Student Records
Parents or legal guardians have the right to access any school
records relating to their own children. To review your child's
record, you must make arrangements with the office. Other individuals
or agencies wishing to review a student's record must have written
approval by the parent.
Promotion and Retention
The Taos Day School Board recognizes that the individual needs
of each student must be met. For this reason, the Board adheres
to the Promotion/Retention policies as stated in the New Mexico
State Statue 22- 2-8.6 and will work closely with the staff of
Taos Day School to insure that every student is given the opportunity
to succeed. New Mexico State Statue 22-2-8.6 states:
A. At the end of grades one through eight,
three options will be available, dependent on a student's attainment
of the required level of proficiency established by the content
standards:
1. The student has attained the level of
proficiency required by the content standards and shall enter
the next higher grade;
2. The student has not attained the required
level of proficiency and shall participate in the required level
of remediation. Upon certification by the school district that
the student has successfully overcome his areas of deficiency,
he/she shall enter the next higher grade; or
3. The student has not attained the level
of proficiency required by the content by standards upon completion
of the prescribed remediation program and upon the recommendation
of the certified school instructor and school principal shall
either be:
a. Retained in the same grade for no more
than one school year with an academic improvement plan developed
by the student assistance team in order to attain proficiency
of content standards, at which time the student shall enter the
next higher grade; or
b. Promoted to the next grade if the parent
or guardian refuses to allow his/her child to be retained. This
being the case, the parent or guardian shall sign a waiver indicating
his/her desire that the student be promoted to the next higher
grade with an academic improvement plan designed to address specific
academic deficiencies. Students failing to attain proficiency
of content standards at the end of that year shall then be retained
in the same grade for no more than one year in order to have
additional time to master the require content standards.
B. A parent or guardian shall be notified
no later than the end of the second grading period that his/her
child is failing to attain appropriate grade level proficiency
in content standards, and a conference consisting of the parent
or guardian and the teacher(s) shall be held to discuss possible
remediation programs available to assist the student in attaining
the required level of proficiency.
C. Promotion and retention decisions affecting
a student enrolled in special education shall be made in accordance
with the provisions of the Individual Educational Plan (IEP)
established for that student.
Absences
New Mexico Law and Taos Tribal Code dictates that students between
the ages of 6 and 18 years of age are mandated to attend public
school, private school,home school, or a state institution.
Daily attendance is necessary for students
to fully benefit from the instructional program. Taos Day School
recognizes, however, that there are situations that dictate a
student's absence, including doctor's appointment, diagnostic
testing, cultural commitments, religious commitments, family
emergency, extenuating circumstances, death in the family, educational
activities or illness.
Whenever the student is absent for any
reason, it is the parent/guardian's responsibility to notify
the school as soon as possible when the student is absent. The
Taos Day School telephone number is 758-3652. If the school has
not heard from a parent or guardian on the day of absence by
9:30 a.m., someone from the school will call or visit the child's
home to insure that the parent knows that the child is not at
school.
Students are required to make up all work
for all absences for any reason, and it is the responsibility
of the student to arrange with the teacher(s) for make-up work,
missed tests, etc. Failure to make up work will result in "no
credit" for missed assignments.
After seven (7) days of absences, a written
warning will be sent to the parents or guardians. After fourteen
(14) days of absences, the principal will request a parent/staff
conference. After twenty-one (21) days of absences, the student
may be recommended for
retention.
Tardy Procedure
Students are expected to arrive at school by 8:00 a.m. If a student
comes to school after 8:00, he/she must report to the office
for a Tardy Slip before being admitted to class.
Truancy
Truancy is a serious offense at Taos Day School and will be dealt
with accordingly. The school Truant Officers have been given
the authority to visit families if necessary, and/or to refer
parents to Social Services.
Saturday School
Students who are deficient in the areas of academics, attendance
or behavior are required to attend school on Saturday as required
and assigned. Saturday School is scheduled at the same hours
as regular school and is staffed by certified personnel.
Health Procedures and Policies
While regular school attendance is important to a quality education,
it is sometimes in the best interest of your child and the other
children if they remain at home. Please notify the school immediately
in case of a contagious disease in order that the school may
notify the parents of children who may have been exposed.
Student Medication
Since medical treatment is the responsibility of the parents
and the family doctor, medication may not be dispensed at school.
However, if a child needs to take medications during school hours,
arrangements must be made with your doctor and the school office.
A medication permission form giving school personnel authorization
to administer medication must be signed prior to dispensing the
medication. This form must be filed in student's school records
and with the teacher.
Student Dress Policy
The Taos Day School recognizes that, within certain limits, each
student's mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation of personal
style and individual preference. The school will not interfere
with the ability of students and their parents to make decisions
regarding their appearance except when their choices affect the
educational program of the school or the health and safety of
others. Taos Day School personnel have the responsibility of
protecting the health and safety of students and maintaining
proper and appropriate conditions conducive to learning. The
purpose of the Student Dress Code is to encourage students to
come to school properly prepared for participating in the education
process.
Taos Day School Board authorizes the principal/acting
principal to enforce regulations prohibiting student dress or
grooming practices that:
Present a hazard to the health and/or safety of the student
or to others in the school.
Materially interfere with schoolwork, create disorder, or disrupt
the educational program.
Cause excessive wear or damage to school property.
Prevent the student from achieving his/her educational objectives.
Obscene language or symbols, tobacco, alcohol, and other drug
symbols, or satanic symbols on clothing are expressly prohibited.
Parents and visitors are expected to follow this dress policy
as well.
Items Not Appropriate for School
Problems arise when students bring items to school that are hazardous
or interfere with school procedure. Items such as CD players,
pagers, toys, and computer games are not allowed and will be
confiscated if brought to school.
Valuables
Students, not the school, are responsible for their personal
property. Personal property should be brought to school or left
in the school overnight. Cash is not to be exchanged between
students in payment for personal property.
Weapons
Taos Day School Board recognizes that the presence of weapons
in school not only creates unacceptable risks of injury or death,
but also creates a climate that undermines the educational purpose
of the school.
Accordingly, it is the policy of Taos Day
School that no students shall bring a weapon onto school property,
nor carry or keep any weapon on school property or while attending
or participating in any school activity, including during transportation
to or from such an activity.
For purposes of this policy, a weapon is
defined as any firearm, knife, explosive, or other object, even
if manufactured for non-violent purpose, that has a potentially
violent use, or any "look-a-like" object that resembles
an object that has a potentially violent use, if, under the surrounding
circumstances, the purpose of keeping or carrying the object
is for use, or threat of use, as a weapon.
This policy shall be enforced according
to the Taos Day School Student Search and Seizure Policy.
Student Behavior
Unacceptable behavior is defined and the consequences of this
behavior have been outlined in this document. The list is not
all-inclusive; acts of misconduct not specified herein shall
also be subject to discretionary action by appropriate school
personnel.
The principal has the responsibility to
take discretionary action anytime the educational process is
threatened with disruption. Nothing in this handbook is intended
to prevent a staff member, teacher, or principal/acting principal
from using his/her best judgment with respect to a particular
situation.
The provisions of the Student Behavior
Policy are in force:
At all times on school premises
During transportation of students
At times and places where appropriate school
administrators and staff have jurisdiction
including, but not necessarily limited to, school-
sponsored events, field trips, athletic functions,
and other school-related activities
Additionally, the principal, any school
official, or designated chaperone is authorized to take administrative
action when a student's misconduct away from school during a
school activity has a detrimental effect on the other students,
staff, or on the orderly educational process.
Gang Activity
The Taos Day School works to create a safe and orderly learning
environment for all its student. Further, the School recognizes
that the harm done by the presence and activities of gangs in
the school exceeds the immediate consequences of such illegal
activities such as violence and destruction of property. Gang
activities also create the atmosphere of intimidation in the
entire school community. Both the immediate consequences of gang
activity and the secondary effects are disruptive and obstructive
of the education and school activities.
It is therefore the policy of Taos Day
School that gangs and gang activities are prohibited in the Taos
Day School.
For purposes of this policy a "gang"
is any group of two or more persons whose purposes include the
commission of an illegal act or acts in violation of disciplinary
rules of Taos Day School.
No students on or about school property
or at any school activity shall:
1. Wear, possess, use, distribute, display
or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem badges, symbol, sign, or
other item that evidences or reflects membership in, or affiliation
with any gang.
2. Engage in any act, either verbal, including gestures or handshakes,
showing membership or affiliation in any gang.
3. Engage in any act in furtherance of the interests of any gang
or gang activity, including but not limited to:
a. Soliciting membership in, or affiliation
with, any gang.
b. Soliciting any person to pay for "protection:"
or threatening any person, explicitly or implicitly, with violence
or with any other
illegal or prohibited act.
c. Painting, writing, or otherwise inscribing gang-related graffiti,
messages, symbols, or signs on school property.
d. Engaging in violence, extortion, or any other illegal act
or other violation of school policy.
e. Soliciting any person to engage in physicalviolence against
any other person.
In determining, as part of the application
and enforcement of this policy, whether acts, conduct, or activities
are gang-related, school staff are encouraged to exercise discretion
and judgment based upon current circumstances in their school,
neighborhood,and areas.
The removal of gang-related graffiti shall
be a priority in maintenance of school property. All such graffiti
on school property shall be removed or covered within 23 hours
of its first appearance to school staff, or as soon thereafter
as possible, unless additional time is needed to obtain replacements
for damaged items.
School staff should encourage private property
owners to promptly remove or cover gang-related graffiti on private
property in school neighborhoods.
School officials are strongly encouraged
to work closely with local law enforcement officials in controlling
gang-related activities. Local law enforcement can provide school
officials with information regarding gang activities in the area,
including names and characteristics of local gangs.
The principal/acting principal, in consultation
with the staff, should report instances of gang-related criminal
acts or acts of serious disruption to local law enforcement authorities
for further action.
Students who violate this policy shall
be subject to the full range of school disciplinary measures,
in addition to applicable criminal and civil penalties.
Example of Offenses
The following list of offenses are examples of some of the behaviors
which may result in the issuance of a pink slip, suspension and
or expulsion:
Academic dishonesty (cheating on test,
copying papers, forging signature of teacher or parent).
Disrespect to others.
Failure to follow directions.
Fighting.
Harassment (nuisance phone calls to students and/or staff members;
continued comments or passing unofficial notes to another individual
that he/she does not wish to receive).
Igniting matches (when not part of the instructional program)
Leaving school grounds without permission.
Refusing to cooperate with school rules and regulations.
Refusing to cooperate with school transportation regulations.
Refusing to serve detention or Saturday School
Truancy from school.
Unauthorized sale or distribution, not otherwise described (sale
of football pools, sale of items not related in any way to school).
Possession and/or use of tobacco and controlled substance on
campus.
Using foul or abusive language.
Verbal assault on student(s).
References to drugs or alcohol: verbal, written, or dramatized.
Arson
Assault/battery on a staff member.
Bomb threat
Robbery
Vandalism of school, staff, student property.
Any student found to be in violation of
these policies
shall be subject to discipline, including long-term
suspension and expulsion.
Student Rights
All students have the right to an educational school setting
that is orderly and educationally efficient, free from disruption
of normal teaching-learning functions. The following statement
is intended to be consistent with the Statement of Rights and
Responsibilities adopted in May 1981 by the State School Board.
In the event that any part of it is not consist with that Statement,
the State Board Statement prevails.
A. Educational Opportunity
Every student has the right to an education relevant to his/her
needs and ability and a corresponding responsibility not to deny
this right to any other student.
No individual shall be subjected to prejudicial treatment on
the basis of any of the following:
tribal affiliation, religion, color, gender, political belief,
mental or physical handicap, or for the exercise of his/her
rights within this policy.
B. Privacy
Custody. Except in the most extreme circumstances, custody of
students shall not be relinquished by school personnel to any
person without the approval of the parent/guardian. In case of
an arrest, the school authorities must attempt to notify the
student's parent/guardian. Questioning. If town or tribal police
authorities desire to question a student on school premises regarding
any illegal act or misconduct by the student, the school authorities
shall attempt to contact the parent/guardian and shall advise
the student of his/her legal rights. The parent/guardian shall
be permitted to be present. Student Records. Student records
kept by the Taos Day School will be open to review by parent/guardians
and/or students and will be treated in a confidential manner,
as prescribed by local board policy, New Mexico State Board of
Education regulation, and the Family Education Rights and Privacy
Act of 1974.
School Facilities. The school will, insofar as possible,
provide facilities for the storage of items needed during the
school day and will inform the students that these facilities
may be searched without their consent. However, facilities assigned
to students will not be opened by school personnel except for
general housekeeping purposes and instances, when, in the judgment
of the principal, the health, safety, or general welfare of the
student or school requires such action. A record of such searches
will be maintained in the principal's office, to be destroyed
at the end of two school year.
Search of Person.
Searches of a student's person on school property may be conducted
only if a certified school employee or school bus driver personally
notices or is suspicious of arrangement of a student's clothing,
possessions, or actions which give reasonable cause to believe
that a crime or breach of the disciplinary code is being committed
by the student.
Physical searches of a student's person
may be conducted only by an authorized person who is of the same
gender as the student, and except where circumstances render
it impossible, may be conducted only in the presence of another
authorized person of the same gender.
C. Controversial Issues
Students shall have the right to encounter diverse points of
view. They shall have opportunities to hear speakers and view
presentations representing a wide range of views in classes,
clubs, and assemblies under guidelines established by the school.
If it is established that a student and/or parent objects as
a matter of embarrassment to the student, the parent may request
that the student not participate in the particular activity.
The school has a commitment to objectivity and the presentation
of all sides of an issue.
Parent or Student Grievance Procedure
Parents, students, and community members should use the following
procedures and form to address concerns regarding the Taos Day
School and/or its staff.
1.Take your concern to the person closest
to the issue (perhaps the teacher); if the issue is not resolved
at this level, proceed to the next step. 2. Discuss your concern
with the principal. If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction,
proceed to the next step.
2. Appeal your concern to the School Board
in writing. The School Board will address the problem and will
work with the Principal to resolve the issue. If the problem
is still not resolved, proceed to the next step.
3. Take your concern to the Agency Superintendent
in writing. The superintendent should send a response back to
you, or will contact the school's Principal.
Transportation
Students use a variety of methods to get to school. Some students
are able to walk, while others are driven to school by a family
member. Please do not bring your child to school late. The first
part of the school day is critical to instruction. If you drive
your child to school, do not drop your child off prior to 7:30
a.m. Regardless of the kind of transportation, care should be
taken around school campus and all safety regulations must be
followed. Teachers, parents, and visitors must always use designated
parking and pick-up areas. Bus services are available for students
who live a considerable distance from school. Parents must provide
a written request directed and approved by the office in order
for a child to be dropped off at a location other than their
home. The bus drivers are responsible for providing safe and
efficient service. The students are responsible for maintaining
safe behavior on the bus and at bus stops so the driver can concentrate
on driving.
General Bus Rules
Bus transportation is available to all students. Please make
arrangements with our bus drivers and office for pick up and
drop off sites.
If there are any changes about where your
child is to be dropped off, you must call or send a note with
your child to school. The office will send a bus pass to the
teachers for your student. The staff will not accept a verbal
message from the child or non- related adult.
Taos Day School children will be returned
to the place that they were picked up. If there is to be a change
in pick up or delivery, written notice must be giving to the
driver.
Parents should notify Taos Day School a
week in advance of moving, extended vacations or traveling, so
that our driver is aware of all changes in the bus route.
Children should be dressed and ready for
the bus in the morning. Bus driver will wait 2 minutes. If your
child does miss the bus, it is the parent's responsibility to
take their child to school. If there is no one at home when the
bus drops off your child, the school is not responsible for children
at home alone. It is the responsibility of the parents to make
arrangements for their own child's care.
Taos Day School students, staff, bus drivers are allowed to ride
school bus.
Students must remain seated while bus is
in motion. Fighting is never allowed on the bus. Fighting will
result in automatic bus suspension.
Verbal abuse to other students will not
be tolerated.
There will be no vandalism on school buses.
Windows will remain closed unless the school bus driver gives
permission. Once permission is given, there will be no hanging
out windows, (head, arms, etc) shouting at people out the window,
or throwing trash out.
Every student will be responsible for taking
any trash to front of the bus.
Children are not to board bus until the bus driver arrives.
No food, drinks, or candy allowed on the
school bus.
There will be no radio played on the school
bus.
State and Federal Law dictates that there
be absolutely no distraction to our bus drivers. Safety of our
children is our number one concern.
School bus transportation is a privilege
that may be withdrawn for inappropriate behavior. Please cooperate
with our bus drivers.
Penalties for offenses:
1. Three (3) verbal warnings
2. Parent notification and meeting with Principal and Bus Drivers.
3. Five (5) to ten (10) days bus privileges suspended.
Chronic Offenders
1. Parent notification and parent must ride with student for
five (5) days.
2. Bus privileges suspended for remainder of the school year.
Vandalism will not be tolerated. Parents
will be notified immediately, and will be financially responsible
for any and all damages.
Parents are allowed on the bus for field
trips provided:
1. There is room on the bus
2. Names are on file in the office
3. No other siblings are allowed
4. Adults only (over 21)
5. Ratio of chaperones to children = 1.5
Parking Lot
It is extremely important that students stay on the school sidewalks
on the way to school or on the way home. Parents are asked to
be very cautious when driving on the school campus at all times.
There is a sign posted not to enter the gravel area of the campus,
which is for bus and maintenance use only. The parking lot can
become very congested after school. Please be patient and orderly.
Visitors
Parents are welcome to visit our school and are encouraged to
do so. All visitors must check in with the school office first.
We encourage all parents to visit with your child in the classroom
as often as possible. Parents are welcome to help in classes.
Check with your child's teacher to see what you can do to help.
Student Visitors
Students from others schools, or who are visiting with family
here, are not permitted to come to school with an enrolled student
of Taos Day School. Outside students often cause distractions
in the classroom, and provide liability issues for the school.
The exception to this rule is for students visiting from other
schools as part of an approved educational plan.
Telephones
Students are not allowed to use the telephones unless they need
to be picked up due to sudden illness. All other communication
must be written in their Agenda.
Drug Use Policy
The Taos Day School recognizes its responsibility to provide
an optimal environment so that our children can learn. Children
need to feel safe and secure with expectations clearly defined.
Therefore, the Taos Day School has adopted a drug free school
policy. No cigarettes, alcohol, inhalants, chewing tobacco,
or illegal drugs will be allowed on school grounds.
It is the responsibility of all school
personnel to report to the principal any student suspected of
using or being in possession of alcohol, cigarettes, chewing
tobacco, inhalants or illegal drugs.
It is also the duty of all school personnel
to notify the principal of any child enrolled in the Taos Day
School who is observed using any of the above substances away
from the school grounds so that a referral for appropriate services
can be made.
These policies will apply to any school
function whether on school grounds or a school sanctioned event
off school property (field trip, sports event, etc.)
A copy of these policies will be given
to every student at the beginning of the school year or upon
enrollment. A signature from the student and their parent or
legal guardian will be obtained within 14 school days.
These policies are subject to review and
revision on a yearly basis.
If a child is found in possession of cigarettes,
chewing tobacco, alcohol, inhalants, or illegal drugs, or under
the influence of such substances, the following procedure may
be implemented:
A referral will be made to the principal.
The principal or her designee will call the parents or legal
guardians, the tribal law enforcement, and a parent conference
will be set up. A home visit will be made if efforts to contact
the parents are unsuccessful. If parents fail to respond to
requests for a conference within 48 hours, the Taos Day School
Truant Officer, Taos Tribal Sheriff, or the Taos Pueblo Law Enforcement
will be contacted. As part of the parent conference, appropriate
consequences will be agreed upon and put in writing, which may
include suspension. A referral for a diagnostic assessment will
be made to the Taos Pueblo Recovery Program if alcohol, drugs
or inhalants are involved. If the child and his/her parents fail
to adhere to recommendations made as a result of diagnostic testing,
a referral will be made to Social Services (tribal or town depending
on residency and/or jurisdiction.)
If a child is found in possession of cigarettes,
chewing tobacco, alcohol, inhalants, or illegal drugs and it
is a second or third offense, the child will be suspended, referred
for inpatient treatment, and may face expulsion.
Parents are reminded that in recent substance
abuse incidents in the school, it has been found that the substance
had come from within the child's home. The ease of availability
from within the home appears to be very good, which greatly increases
the child's chances of bringing the substance onto the campus
of Taos Day School. When this takes place, the child as well
as the family are at risk for outside intervention by such agencies
as the Taos Tribal Police, Tribal Sheriff and The Child Protection
Team. The child also faces suspension or expulsion from Taos
Day School.
In addition, parents, responsible for the
welfare of children, could also be held responsible for the actions
of the child, as well as for allowing ease of access to substances
that children should not have. As a result of parental irresponsibility
to prevent the child's access and use of these substances, the
parents could be held accountable by the authorities. Once this
process is started, the family can face many difficulties during
this time, both emotional and financial. No one wants to see
this happen to anyone. It is therefore very important that parents
understand their responsibilities to provide a safe environment
for their children.
Teamwork between both home and school is
imperative to provide a safe learning environment for all Taos
Day School children.
Computer Acceptable Use Policy
Taos Day School is pleased to offer students access to many school
computers and the Internet. Students need to use appropriate
behavior when using the computers and the Internet. It is a privilege,
not a right, to use this equipment and the privilege will be
taken away if a student abuses it. If a student does not use
this equipment in a responsible, appropriate way, she/he will
lose the privilege of using computers or personal use.
Taos Day School Student agreement for using
computer equipment and the Internet:
I agree to follow the following six rules
when using the computers and Internet at Taos Day School. If
I do not follow these rules, I understand I will lose the privilege
of using school computers.
1. I will get permission from a Taos Day
School staff person to use any school computer equipment, printers,
and the Internet. I also must have permission to record my voice
on a computer.
2. I will not damage the computer or other equipment in any way,
including the keyboard, mouse, mouse pad, table top, or monitor.
I know if I damage computer equipment on purpose I will have
to pay to have it repaired or replaced.
3. I will not visit any Internet sites that are not appropriate.
I will also not use bad language when naming a file or icon.
I will never write, record, view, send, or look up materials
on the Internet which I would not want my teachers and parents
to see. If by accident I encounter bad language or something
that makes me feel uncomfortable, I will notify an adult immediately.
4. I will not open another person's computer work without their
permission and I will not use a computer to harm other people
or their work.
5. I will not use e-mail, chat rooms or messenger services during
school hours. If I want to use e-mail during the after-school
computer class, I have to turn in a special e-mail permission
form signed by my parents and ask permission from the teacher/supervisor
whenever I want to check my e-mail.
6. I will not give out personal information on the Internet such
as my name, address, or telephone number.
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