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ATC Handbook

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It is the official policy of ATC that no person shall be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, disability, religion, national origin, or age, nor be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment. Inquiries or complaints regarding compliance with state or federal regulations may be directed to Ruth LeBlanc at (505) 473-4282.

Parents are encouraged to visit the school. All parents and other visitors must report to the school office to receive a visitor’s pass and to record their presence on campus. Visitors may visit with teachers during the teacher’s planning time if appointments are made in advance. Students will not be allowed to have visitors during the school day with out prior approval by the Principal.

Checkouts should be kept to a minimum. If a student needs to check out, the office staff must talk with a parent/guardian. ONLY A PARENT/GUARDIAN CAN GIVE STUDENT PERMISSION TO CHECK OUT OF SCHOOL. Students must sign the checkout book before leaving school. Students may not check out of school and remain on the school campus. If a parent/guardian plans to go out of town, the parent/guardian should notify the school principal or secretary concerning who will have permission to check the student out of school during this time.

Several times during the school year we must acquire information from parents and/or students by means of forms provided by the federal government, the state education department, the ATC governing council, or the school administration. Sufficient time is allowed for each student to take the forms home, share with parents, and return the forms to school. Failure to return any required form by the announced deadline may result in disciplinary action.

It is recommended that the parent/guardian and student contact the guidance counselor in advance of the last day the student plans to attend.

All lost textbooks, library books, library materials, fees, fines, monies collected from fund-raising, etc. should be returned or paid for before final exams. State regulations provide for holding report cards, transcripts, or grades if not paid in a timely manner. Report cards will be held in the principal’s office until all outstanding fines or charges are paid. In the case of senior students, all past debts must be paid prior to participation in graduation exercises. If monies are not paid, the senior will not be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies. A minimum $20 fine will be assessed for damage or abuse of textbooks, equipment, or other classroom materials. In severe situations, total restitution may be required of the student or parent.

Checks may be made to ATC. Parents will be notified if a check is returned for insufficient funds. Payment must then be made in cash. There is a $20 fee for each returned check. If two checks are returned for insufficient funds from any family, no additional checks will be accepted during the school year.

ATC will work to develop a cooperative relationship with local newspapers and area television stations. During the year we receive requests to photograph or video students at school for use in media coverage. If you do not wish the media to use photographs or video of your child, please notify the school office. In order to publish information or photographs of students on the Internet, a “Permission to Publish” form must be signed by both the student and a parent or legal guardian of that student.

The name, address, and telephone number of enrolled students is considered public record. If you do not want this information released, the guidance office must be notified by letter during the first two weeks of school.

All interrogations shall be conducted in private with an official school representative (principal or designated representative) present. Every reasonable effort shall be made to have a parent or guardian present. In those instances where a parent cannot be present within a reasonable period of time, school officials must allow interviews by law enforcement officials to proceed in the absence of a parent or guardian. Other non-school persons shall not interview students without administrative approval.

All students must have a Certificate of Immunization before enrollment in school. It shall be the responsibility of school personnel to notify the parents immediately when a student becomes ill or is injured. Other than giving emergency first aid when it is required, school personnel shall not give any medication, including aspirin or other “Over-the-Counter” medications.

Students in grades 7-12 may bring medications, with the exception of controlled medications (such as Ritalin), to the school office along with a completed medication release form signed by a parent/guardian.

Controlled medications, such as Ritalin, should be brought into the school office by an adult for all students. Office personnel will inventory the controlled medication.

All medications, prescription and nonprescription, must have a medication release form completed and on file in the office prior to the medication being administered by school personnel. A parent or guardian must sign the form.

A new medication release for must be completed anytime there is a medication change. To assist in this matter, information may be faxed to and from the doctor’s office and the school.

Prior to the administration of prescription medication, a physician must sign a medication release form.

All prescription medication must be in the original pharmacy-labeled container. The information on the bottle must have the same information as the medication release form. Most pharmacists will give an extra bottle if asked.

All nonprescription mediation must be in the original pharmacy-labeled container with the student’s name written on the outside of the container.

A parent/guardian should pick up al unused medication. Medication that has not been picked up will be disposed of by school personnel the day after school ends for summer break.

Students with potential life threatening illness/conditions (i.e.: asthma, seizures, severe allergic reactions, hemophilia, diabetes, cardiac conditions, or any other condition the doctor recognizes as life threatening) should have an emergency plan on file at the school. A parent should notify the school administration if an emergency plan is needed. The school nurse will be involved in the development of the emergency plan.

Note: A student may not carry prescription or over-the-counter medications without the approval of an administrator. Any student who violates this policy shall be subject to expulsion.

Lunch is left up to each individual. Microwave ovens are provided for student use in the cafeteria. If available, students may purchase food from outside vendors.

Announcements will be made during a designated class time when necessary. If you or the club or organization that you represent needs an announcement made, you should obtain an Announcement Request Form, complete it, and have a teacher or sponsor sign it, and return it to the office.

Ringing of the fire alarm system will signal fire drills. Teachers and students will stop all work, leave books and materials behind, and go to the exit assigned to that classroom. The administration will indicate an “All Clear.”

Students are encouraged to report serious threats to an appropriate school official. Students or parents may report concerns to school officials at 473-4282.

ATC offers access to computer technology and the Internet as a resource, and for the delivery of instruction. The primary purpose for Internet use is to provide access to materials that complement the instructional program. Unfortunately, there are ways to access inappropriate materials. The parent/guardian and the student will be required to sign a written form on appropriate Internet use.

A staff member will supervise Internet use and will review communications to maintain system integrity and to determine that students are using the system responsibly. However, students are responsible for appropriate behavior while using the Internet. Any material viewed or downloaded cannot be obscene or contain profane or abusive language. Vandalism of equipment or programs will result in punishment as defined in school policy.

An adult must be notified if material that violates the Code of Conduct or school handbook are encountered.

The Internet cannot be used to hurt, harass, attack, or harm other people at their work.

The performance of the network cannot be degraded through the posting of electronic chain-letters or other useless information.

The Internet must not be used for illegal activities (i.e. threats, instructions on how to perform and illegal act, child pornography, drug dealing, purchase of alcohol, gang activities, etc.)

Software must not be installed and unauthorized files, games, programs, or other electronic media must not be downloaded.

Obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, disrespectful, threatening, or inflammatory language, messages, or pictures must not be displayed or sent.

Violation of this policy will result in loss of Internet access at school, use of school computers, and other disciplinary action.

The ATC governing council believes that the fundamental right to attend public schools places upon students the accompanying responsibility to be faithful in attendance. Regular attendance is assumed to be essential for a student’s successful academic progress.

Only the following absences shall be considered excused absences, provided that, in each instance, parental confirmation has been received stating the reason(s) for the absence(s):

Inclement weather which would be dangerous to the life or health of the pupil if he/she attended school.

Permission of the principal and consent of the parent/guardian. (This permission must be granted PRIOR to the student’s absence.)

When a student returns to school after being absent, he/she shall bring a written statement from his/her parent or guardian with an explanation of the reason for the absence and the date of the absence. This note should be presented by the student to the principal of her/his designee in the school office. If this written explanation for each respective absence is not brought within three (3) school days after a student returns to school, the absence(s) is/are marked unexcused. All written notes from parents will be kept on file in the principal’s office. The note should include the student’s first and last name, grade, date of absence, reason for absence, and parent signature.

When a student has been absent three days without making contact with the school, a letter will be sent to their home. When a student misses five days of school, a letter will be sent to the parents, and the Youth and Family Services Office. A student who misses ten days of school will be referred to the Youth and Family Services Office, the District Attorney and other state offices for investigation. Parent/Guardians may be prosecuted for the truancy of school age students.

If parents or guardians must take students out of school for any type of trip, (business, vacation, college visits, etc.); a written request should be made to the principal prior to the student’s absence. If emergencies should occur in a family making it necessary to keep a student out of school, the parent should call the school and notify the principal.

Students who are away from school due to participation in school-sponsored activities shall be marked present and will be expected to make-up schoolwork missed. (The same rule for making-up work applies here as to those who have been absent due to illness.)

Unexcused absences include, but are not necessarily limited to: work, truancy, and parental neglect.

Truancy is the habitual and unlawful absence from school. In accordance with the New Mexico School law, the parent(s) and/or legal guardian is responsible for requiring any student under his/her control or charge to attend school regularly. If a student under the age of 16 years becomes truant, the parent or legal guardian of said student may be guilty of misdemeanor and subject to legal action.

Students may not leave school between classes or during any class without permission from the office. A student will be considered truant/unexcused if he/she leaves school without permission, comes to school but does not attend classes, leaves campus without the permission of a school official, or obtains permission to go to a certain place but does not report to that place. Students who are found in violation of these rules will suffer the loss of certain privileges and may be subject to suspension or court action.

Students who participate in organized “Skip Days” will be considered unexcused. The school does not sanction such events.

Each teacher will outline the make-up policy for each class in classroom standards and issue a copy of those standards to each student.

Students are expected to make up missed work regardless of whether the absence is excused or unexcused. It will be the responsibility of the student to contact each of their teachers to arrange for the make-up work. If a student fails to comply with the policy, the student will receive a zero on all work missed. All make-up work should be scheduled at the convenience of the teacher.

A student is tardy when they enter the classroom after the class has started. If a student is more than 10 minutes late to class, they will be assigned an absence for that class. The following rules apply for tardiness:

The students are required to make up all time missed, due to unexcused absences, on a Time-for-Time basis.

Each student who takes part in a field trip must complete a permission slip, have it signed by a parent or guardian, and return it prior to the trip. This written permission must be in hand prior to departure. Verbal permission will not be acceptable. All school rules apply while on field trips. Assignments missed due to field trips are to be made up in accordance with the make-up policy for that class. Permission to go on school field trips will be based upon a student’s grades and/or attendance. Students who are academically or behaviorally at risk may be excluded from school-related activities.

Students must be counted present for the day in order to participate in any school sponsored extra-curricular activity which may occur after school hours.

An incomplete may be given if in the judgment of the instructor, the reason for incomplete work warrants an extension of time. Any incomplete must be removed before the close of the next nine weeks grading period or the grade becomes an “F.” The final average will be calculated as specified in the course syllabus.

Students who work in the office at ATC will receive one elective credit for diploma requirements. A grade will not be given for the credit. The counselor will enter an S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory) on the final transcript. If the student is to receive a U, the student and parent will be notified when such a decision is made by the administration.

Rank is determined by taking the numerical final average for each unit attempted and dividing by the number of units attempted. The GPA is determined by awarding points for each final average letter grade. Total points are then divided by the number of class credits attempted by the student. Points are:

Promotion to Twelfth Grade – Students must have accumulated 19 credits including three credits in English, Math and Science, and three credits in Social Studies.

Students will receive a report card twice per semester. The end of each grading period and the dates that report cards will be distributed are as follows:

A final grade of 100 is considered as perfect at ATC. No higher grade will be awarded on the final transcript. Transferring students with final averages more than 100 in any subject will have the transferred grade on the permanent record. However, in determining rank, any grade greater than 100 will be averaged as 100.

A progress report is completed by each teacher for each student in every class. Parents are encouraged to keep in contact with teachers about student progress. The dates that progress reports are distributed are as follows: Oct 4, Dec 6, Feb 28, May 7.

Guidance services are available for every student in school. These services include assistance with educational and career planning, help with academic or social concerns, or any questions or problems the student may wish to discuss.

All student scheduling and schedule changes must be handled through the Dean of Students. Schedule change requests made by either the student or teacher will be reviewed and considered. If the request is made because of conflict between the student and teacher, mediation will be suggested, prior to honoring the request.

There is a two week window after the beginning of the fall semester for schedule changes to be requested by students. Schedule changes will be approved only after evaluating the reason for the request, completing a student credit check and with department/teacher approval.

Students are required to follow their assigned schedule beginning on the first day of school. If a schedule change is requested, the student must fill out a Schedule Change Request Form, to include the reason for the request. If the reason is valid, the Dean of Students will meet with the student during the first two weeks of the semester and explore scheduling options.

Valid reasons for schedule changes DO NOT include the student not liking the teacher, other classmates, or the class.

Valid reasons for schedule changes DO include he student having mistakenly been assigned to the wrong class, conflict with a required class, change in graduation requirements based on the student audit, and school initialed changes that are necessary due to class size, etc.

It is the responsibility of the student and parent to be aware of graduation requirements and the individual’s status. The guidance office can be contacted for the student’s current standing. The counselor(s) work with each student each ear in planning classes and checking credits.

High school students at ATC are required to earn the following 26 credits to graduate:

*During the 2005 legislative session, legislation was signed requiring all incoming 9 th graders beginning in the 2005/2006 school year to take New Mexico History.

Requests for student records and transcripts must be made directly to the Dean of Students. Please note that processing and preparation of student records and transcripts may take one to two weeks, depending on the time of year. Please do not ask for immediate response to your request.

If the transcript is to be sent to a specific school or program, an official and sealed transcript will be sent directly to the recipient from the ATC Administrative Office.

Final transcripts will be available three weeks after graduation for all seniors. Final transcripts will be sent directly to the colleges and universities that the student has requested. An official transcript will be placed in the student’s cumulative file for future student requests. After graduation, the cost of sending official transcripts is as follows: two transcripts are sent at no charge; a fee of $2.00 is charged fro additional requests.

Please be aware that there is a difference between Dual Enrollment and Concurrent Enrollment at SFCC. The included information sheet from SFCC describes the differences. Taking Dual Enrollment and Concurrent Enrollment course work is a wonderful way to enrich student education opportunities, and to complete required course credit. These courses not only fulfill high school graduation requirements, but many are also counted as college credit, and are transferable to other colleges and universities.

In essence, ATC pays for Dual Enrollment classes that are REQUIRED for graduation. These classes cannot duplicate any classes offered at ATC. Please note that as per Academy for Technology & the Classics policy, ATC pays only for REQUIRED Credit Dual Enrollment classes for the Fall and Spring semesters at SFCC, and for all required books for these classes.

Any student with a 2.5 GPA or above can independently enroll for Concurrent Enrollment classes at SFCC, with approval from ATC. The student is required to pay independently for the Concurrent Enrollment class(es) and for the course materials. Students often enroll in Concurrent Enrollment classes for extra elective credit or to enrich their high school curriculum.

If a student withdraws from a Dual Enrollment class with a “W” grade, after the reimbursement period, or if a student receives a grade lower than a “C” (D or F), they are required to reimburse ATC for the full cost of the class. The average class costs approximately $180.00. student grades, records, and transcripts will not be released until the reimbursement is made to ATC.

Text books are assigned to the students at the beginning of each semester, and must be returned upon withdrawal from, or completion of the class. If books are not returned, or are returned damaged, and not in reusable or “buy-back” condition, the student is responsible for the full cost of the book(s).

Parents, I will send home with the students their SFCC Dual Enrollment Contract(s). Please review the contract(s) with the students and sign them. SFCC requires signatures from both, the student and a parent/guardian. It is important that these contracts be signed and returned to the Dean of Students Office within 48 hours. If the contracts are not completed and returned to SFCC by the Dean of Students office by the 2nd week of classes at SFCC, the student will automatically be dropped from his/her Dual Enrollment class(es).

Bstudents who are taking Enrichment &/or Elective credits at the SFCC, please note that many classes at SFCC require a Course Placement Evaluation Examination (DPE) prior to completion of enrollment. If the class or classes the student has registered for require a CPE, it is the student’s responsibility to take the examination prior to the beginning of classes at SFCC.

If a student is registered for a class that requires a Math or English CPE, the test can be taken on-line or by gong to the Santa Fe Community College campus. Currently, CPE’s are offered Monday thru Thursday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, and on Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and are administered at the Testing Center at SFCC in room 607. you do not have to make an appointment. The CPE takes approximately one hour to complete per subject. You can call the SFCC Testing Center at (505) 428-1625 for more information and/or directions.

Students must provide their “A” number for CPE testing. An “A” number is provided to the student at the time of their initial on-line registration at SFCC. The “A” number is the student’s registration number, and will not change from semester to semester.

The greatest opportunity for students to learn self-esteem, self-discipline, and respect for others occurs in the classroom under the direction of the classroom teacher. Teachers shall plan and implement effective, personal and instructional strategies that are designed to encourage self-respect and respect for others and to prevent and/or manage student misbehavior.

When a student evidences a lack of respect for established rules, teachers shall assist the student in recognition of the inappropriate action, help the student identify the rule he/she is breaking, and help in the development of a plan for making appropriate choices in behavior. This is an effort to address the problem before it becomes a situation warranting punitive measures.

Teachers shall apply logical, appropriate consequences for student misbehavior, including, but not limited to, immediate intervention, student conferences, parent conferences, and teacher’s detention. Student misconduct which is intense or frequent enough to cause significant disruption in the instructional program shall be referred to an administrator for appropriate disciplinary action. Documentation of previous interventions will be required before sending a student to the assistant principal for disciplinary action.

Students must courteously and respectfully comply with the reasonable request of any teacher, staff member, or administrator in or out of the classroom. Students are expected to give their names if asked of them by any staff member.

Each teacher has the authority to designate additional rules for his/her class. A copy of these classroom standards will be given to the student during the first week of class.

No student is excused to leave the campus for lunch or any other purpose without written permission of the principal or his/her designee.

Students are not to go to the parking area or cars unless special permission has been granted. Students are not to loiter in or around parked cars before or after school or during lunch.

Students are expected to go from one class to another in an orderly manner. Students are to walk in the building at all times.

Radios, headphones*, CD players, Walkmans, Game Boys, pagers, recorders*, or any other kind of electronic devices are not to be brought to school. If found, these devices will be confiscated and turned into the office. The parent will be notified that the device has been confiscated and can be retrieved by the parent at the end of the school year.

*Headphones or recorders may only be used in a classroom with the permission of the teacher and if the use of these items is a part of the curriculum or instructional strategy for a particular student or students.

Students are not to ride bicycles, motorcycles, or drive cars on campus during school hours without permission. All students must be properly licensed and insured to drive. Any student who drives his/her car to school must abide by all traffic regulations. (See Student Parking & Motor Vehicle Registration.)

Students should be out of the school buildings by 4:15 p.m. School buildings will normally be opened at 8:15 a.m.

Student congregations in the school or on school property in such a way that may appear threatening or aggressive toward others will not be allowed.

The phone in the office may be used between classes and after school with the permission of the school administration.

Any student who is out of his/her assigned class for any reason must have a hall pass. It is the responsibility of the student to see that he/she has the hall pass with the prior approval of the teacher.

Pets are not to be brought to school. Pets are not to be kept on the school campus, in vehicles, or in the school buildings.

Office personnel will not accept deliveries of candy, flowers, balloons, birthday gifts, etc. Please inform your parents and friends of this policy.

Skateboards are not to be ridden while on the school campus. If a student brings a skateboard to school, he/she must store the skateboard in Room #4 when they arrive on campus. The student can then retrieve their skateboard at the end of 7th period.

Students who engage in acts of cheating, forgery, plagiarism and/or othe forms of dishonesty that involve any aspect of school, school records, or school assignments will be disciplined.

Any other conduct that is potentially wrongful or disruptive to the learning environment is prohibited.

The ATC governing council is concerned about dress and appearance of students in school. It is felt that to some degree, dress and grooming have a bearing on behavior and the learning environment of the school. It is hoped that parents and students will assume the basic responsibility of adhering to good taste in the student dress and appearance. All students are expected to be neat, well groomed and suitably dressed at school and school activities. The primary concern of the faculty and administration is that a student’s appearance not interfere with the educational process of the student or his/her classmates.

Students will not be allowed to attend classes if their attire includes the following:

Clothing displaying vulgar writing, gang symbols, offensive or suggestive symbols or words, advertisements or references to alcohol, tobacco or other controlled substances.

Clothing which is excessively revealing (shorts or skirts must be longer than one inch below a student’s longest finger when arms are relaxed by his/her side, straps on shirts/dresses must be at least one and three quarters inches wide). See through shirts, blouses, or other apparel is unacceptable for school wear.

Halter-tops, mesh shirts, or shirts that expose the midriff are not appropriate for school wear.

Pants that are sagged below the designed waist level. (i.e. pants worn below the waist, or in a manner that allows the underwear or bare skin to show, or which are excessively baggy with low–hanging crotches.

Clothing that is not worn as it is designed to be worn. (i.e.: clothing worn backward or inside out, undone suspenders…)

Headgear of any kind such as hats, caps, bandannas, hairnets, sunglasses, and other head coverings (such as sweatshirt hoods) worn in any ATC building or facility with the following exceptions:

Jewelry, body piercing jewelry, or hair styles that disrupt the education process or endanger students including, but not limited to, wallet chains, dog collars or spike collars, rings, bracelets, anklets.

The administration reserves the right to address individual instances of inappropriate dress that are not covered by these guidelines. Any classes missed due to a dress code violation will be unexcused. A record will be kept of students who violate the dress code and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

ATC provides a cafeteria where students may eat during the lunch period. Students are asked to leave tables clean and conduct themselves in a orderly manner. All trash should be placed in the trash containers.

Riding the bus is a privilege that our students enjoy because we make special provisions for this service. Bus transportation includes a great deal of responsibility because of the potential for accidents and mechanical problems. For this reason students must obey all of the commands of the bus driver and comply with requests for help or assistance. The Santa Fe Public Schools allows us to use their busses for transportation and any severe or continued inappropriate behavior could result in the loss of bus privileges for all students.

Students may not do anything, including making loud noises, that distract the bus driver from his or her driving responsibilities.

Students must remain seated while the bus is moving and must not have anything outside of the window.

If students have any questions about proper behavior on the bus they should ask the bus driver.

The speed limit on school grounds is set at 5 miles per hour. Violators may be prohibited from driving cars to school.

Motor vehicles must be parked in the school parking lot and may not be attended at any time after parking until school is dismissed. Unauthorized returning to vehicles may result in the loss of driving to school privileges.

The ATC governing council and administration do not assume any responsibility for individual vehicles, including contents of the vehicle. Any risk or loss is solely born by the owner and/or driver of the vehicle.

Students who drive vehicles to school must register them with the office and provide proof of driver’s license and insurance.

The governing board shall not tolerate demonstrations and disorderly activities on the part of any student, or group of students at any time on school grounds. All students shall be notified that their participation in any such demonstrations or activities, no matter how well intentioned, may bring about an immediate suspension and possible expulsion from the school.

Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Such conduct will not be tolerated in this school. Any person who feels they have been victimized should report it to an administrator immediately.

Harassment, threat, or intimidation of another student or employee, which includes verbal insults, unfair criticism, name calling, spreading rumors, mocking, teasing, threatening or obscene gestures, menacing stares, hitting, throwing, using a weapon, taking someone’s belongings, forming coalitions against someone, persuading others to do any of these behaviors will not be tolerated at ATC. Any student who feels he/she has been bullied, threatened, or harassed should report it to an administrator immediately. Allegations will be investigated and evidence collected for determination of action.

Consequences for bullying, threatening, or harassing another student/individual are as follows:

First offense. Meeting by Assistant Principal with student and parent(s); possible detention.

Second offense. Meeting by Assistant Principal with student and parent(s) and one-to-two days in school suspension.

Third and subsequent offense. To be determined by principal and assistant principal. Possibility of long term suspension, alternative placement, and/or recommendation for expulsion.

The possession of dangerous weapons on school premises is prohibited. A dangerous weapon is defined as a knife, club, gun, chain, or any other object deemed dangerous by the principal. This policy pertains to the possession of a weapon at school, on school grounds, on school bus, and/or at any school sponsored event before, during, or after regular school hours. Any student who violates this policy shall be subject to expulsion. The local police will be notified.

First Offense. Meeting by Assistant Principal with student and call to Parent(s)

Second Offense. Meeting by Assistant Principal with student and Parent(s), 1-2-days In School Suspension

Disrespectful language directed at/to a teacher, a staff member of the principal.

First Offense. Meeting by Assistant Principal with student and call to Parent(s)

Second Offense. Meeting by Assistant Principal with student and Parent(s), 1-2-days In School Suspension

First Offense. Meeting by Assistant Principal with student and call to Parent(s)

Second Offense. Meeting by Assistant Principal with student and Parent(s), 1-2-days In School Suspension

ATC is a no-profanity zone. Therefore, if students are heard using profanity in the classroom or on the school campus, they will be given a warning and asked to apologize. If use of profanity by a student becomes a routine and/or repeated offense, more serious consequences will be imposed.

ATC recognizes the need and value of cell phones in our fast-paced society. However, cell phones can be extremely disruptive in the learning environment and their use will not be tolerated. Cell phones must be turned off and cannot be used in any fashion during the school day; that is either as a clock, for text messaging or voice.

Cell phones are allowed on campus as long as the phone is not seen, heard, or used in any way. Students can only use cell phones at the end of the school day after the end of 7 th period.

If a student is caught using a cell phone or if the phone is seen or heard at any other time, the following consequences will apply.

First Offense: Phone is confiscated by teacher, staff member, or principal and turned into office. The parent(s) will be called. Parent can retrieve the phone at the end of the week.

Second Offense: Phone is confiscated by teacher, staff member, or principal and turned into the office. The parent(s) will be called. Parent can retrieve the phone at the end of one month.

Third Offense: Phone is confiscated by teacher, staff member, or principal and turned into office. A meeting will be held with the parent and the student. Parent can retrieve the phone at the end of the school year.

If, when a request is made for a student to give up his/her phone, that student refuses to do so, or is disrespectful, or directs profanity to the teacher, staff member, or principal, consequences for such language or behavior will also apply.

Students, staff and visitors are prohibited from using tobacco or any other addictive substance on school property, in view of the school property (across the street from the school or across the north fence bordering the school), in school vehicles or at school-sponsored events.

Students shall not possess, distribute, or use alcohol and other drugs or drug paraphernalia on school property. Use of alcohol or drugs is defined as the act of using, or being under the influence of, as evidenced by the actions, odor, or other signs regardless of the quantity consumed. Possession is defined as storing in one’s locker or on school property including vehicles in the parking lot or on one’s person.

And who possess, distribute, sell, use or give evidence of consumption of alcoholic beverages, inhalants, drugs, or narcotics not prescribed by their physicians shall be subject to intervention, discipline, suspension, expulsion, and/ or other appropriate alternatives agreed upon by school administration and parents. Law enforcement may also be notified.

Matches, lighters, tobacco products and any other similar products and paraphernalia are not allowed on campus. If found, students will face disciplinary action.

In the event that an illegal substance is involved the proper law enforcement authorities will be notified.

Consequences for use and/or possession of tobacco products and alcohol and drug-related activities can be immediate removal, short term suspension, long term suspension or expulsion depending upon the severity of the incident.

Students are not allowed behind the north buildings before or after school or during lunch.

Students are not to go to the parking area or cars unless special permission has been granted. Students are not to loiter in or around parked cars before or after school or during lunch.

Before or after school students are not to congregate across the street from the school.

Students committing the following acts will be subject to suspension and/or possible expulsion if warranted by the severity of the following acts:

The act of using obscene or profane language in verbal or written form or in pictures, caricatures, or obscene gestures on any school property.

The act of extortion or borrowing or attempting to borrow any money or things of value from a person in the school, unless both parties enter into the agreement freely and without the presence of either an implied or expressed threat.

The act of physically assaulting or attempting to do bodily harm to any person on school property or going to and from school including any activity under school sponsorship.

The act of initiating a false fire alarm or false report of fire or an impending bombing or other catastrophe without just cause. (This is a felony.)

Theft, the act of destroying or defacing private or school property. (The student and/or parents will also be responsible for financial restitution.)

Intentionally falsifying information to a teacher, administrator, or other personnel.

The only way to avoid the penalties listed above is to not retaliate, walk away from the situation, and advise a teacher or administrator so that action can be taken against the perpetrator.

Desks, lockers, and other equipment at any school belong to the school district and, although assigned to particular students for use, may be entered and searched by school officials whenever said school officials have reasonable belief that some substance or other material is contained therein which is illegal, harmful to the safety of the student or to the student body as a whole, or significantly disruptive or dangerous to the overall discipline of the school.

Any items specifically prohibited by law, by the Governing Board, education policy, or by fair and reasonable local school requirements may be impounded by school officials. Such prohibited items shall include, but are not limited to:

Any other object, controlled substance, or material which would be a violation or evidence of a violation of Federal or State law, or by Board policy, or of the local school’s fair and reasonable regulations.

Consequences have been established and must be expected for any violations. Students will not be allowed to be a participant in or attend any extra-curricular activities while placed on disciplinary action. Each consequence will depend on the violation and whether the violation is a first offense or repeated acts. The initial process to attempt to resolve problems informally will follow the action described. The following disciplinary actions will be administered at the teacher’s and/or principal’s discretion:

Staff parent/student contact – Staff member will conference with student and/or parent.

Administrator/parent/student conference – Administrator, student and parent will be involved in a discussion at school

Before school detention – Student will be supervised in the administrative office upon arrival on campus until the first period begins. Assigned by administration only.

Lunch detention – Student will eat their lunch and/or do school work in the assigning teacher’s classroom. Assigned by teachers.

After School detention – Student will be assigned to after- school detention only if arrangements have been made with a parent/guardian. Assigned by administrator.

Saturday detention from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Student will be assigned to attend on Saturday. Schoolwork, campus clean up and/or behavioral intervention strategies will be the activities on Saturday. Assigned by administrator.

Out-of-school suspension – Students are not allowed on campus and may not attend classes until their parents and school administration agree on the positive behaviors that must be demonstrated by the student prior to readmission. An out-of-school suspension can range from one to ten days. Students may not attend any school-sponsored activities during the time of suspension.

Long-term suspension – To protect the majority of the student population, it is necessary to disenroll students whose presence may interfere with the atmosphere of calm and order. Students may be re-enrolled after they agree in writing to conform to appropriate behaviors. A long-term suspension is eleven or more days. Procedures as outlined in SBE Reg. 81.3 will be used for long-term suspensions. Special Education students require alternate due process procedures as described in this regulation. These procedures that are designed to protect disabled children will be followed precisely.

Expulsion – When the unacceptable behavior is severe, the principal will recommend to the Governing Board that a student be expelled from school. New Mexico State Board of Education Regulation 81.3 will be followed in cases requiring long-term suspensions and expulsions.

Referral for legal action – When the unacceptable behavior is a direct violation of state and federal laws, the case will be referred to law enforcement officials.

Suspension of school bus privileges - When a student has jeopardized the safe operation of a school bus, the privilege of riding a school bus will be denied. School administration will meet with parent/guardian to discuss the issue. School officials will determine the length of the suspension.

Restitution – Restitution will be sought for damage or for the theft of personal or school property. This includes damage to the school facilities, textbooks, materials and supplies for which the student and parent are responsible.

Community service – Students may be assigned to assist community service organizations on Saturday. Parent/guardians must be notified before this arrangement can be assigned.

Contractual agreements – In any of the discipline situations, contracts may be used to clarify and define the guidelines and consequences as needed on an individual basis.

Principal’s Detention is assigned at the discretion of the Principal and/or Assistant Principal. An unexcused absence from the principal’s detention will result in other more severe consequences. Principal detention assignments are made as deemed appropriate by the principal. Detention hall will be held in the office or another designated classroom at 7:30 a.m. or at 4:00 p.m. When a student arrives for detention, he/she will be expected to do school work or an assigned social skills development activity or help prepare the campus for the school day.

If a student is late, or fails to show up, or does not bring proper materials, or if there is a lack of cooperation in any way, more severe consequences may apply.

Students can only be suspended with the approval of the principal or the principal’s designee. Parents or guardians are to be informed of the suspension and the reason. In most cases a minimum suspension of three days will be administered; however, suspension may be for a longer time. Suspended students are prohibited from being on school premises. Every effort will be made to contact the parent prior to suspension. Students who are suspended out-of-school may not participate in any school-related activity.

A student who is expelled becomes no longer registered at ATC. A student may be expelled only upon the recommendation of the governing board of ATC and the school principal. The governing board and principal of ATC decide the length of time that a student can be expelled.

When a student (or group of students) has any type of grievance, they can seek recourse in one of two ways, depending upon the nature of the grievance. Either a verbal course of action can be taken expressed to a teacher or administrator.

Grievances concerning the general school operation can be expressed to the Student Government.

Grievances must be filed within seven (7) calendar days after the alleged cause of the grievance has occurred.

Grievances filed at a later time are not considered timely and will not be addressed.

If there is no satisfactory solution at this level, the grievance shall be communicated to the principal in writing.

The failure of a satisfactory solution at the principal’s level will justify submission of the grievance to the governing board.

The ATC governing board defines the procedures for appealing administrative decisions. The staff of the school shall comply with provisions of the appeals procedure. To initiate an appeal, the student and/or parents must confer, within seven calendar days, with the school principal concerning the initial decision. This appeal may be in writing or can be scheduled by conference with the principal. The principal’s decision can appealed to the governing board if the decision is perceived to be unduly harsh or unfair.

The following steps shall be used when appealing a principal’s decision: (1) The appeal must be in writing; (2) be received within the established time frame of either the student or parent being informed; and (3) be delivered to the administrator involved in each step.

The appeal to the governing board must be in writing and received within seven calendar days after notification of the principal’s decision. The governing board may modify or overrule the decision based on the written report.

90 – 100 = A	80 – 89 = B	70 – 79 = C
60 – 69 = D	0 – 59 = F	I or Incomplete

A = 4 points	B = 3 points	C = 2 points
D = 1 point	F = 0 points

October 25	End of first grading period
November 7	Report cards will be mailed
January 18	End of second grading period
January 31	Report cards will be mailed
March 20	End of third grading period
April 9	Report cards will be mailed
May 25	End of fourth grading period
May 31	Report cards will be mailed

Course	Credits	Explanation
English	4	English I,II,III,IV
Math	4	Any four math classes. College-bound students are advised to take Algebra II
Science	4	2 must be lab science
Social Studies	4	New Mexico, New Mexico History, Geography, World History, United States History, Government/Economics
Modern Language	3	German, French, Latin, Italian, Japanese, Spanish. Students must take a second year of one language
Communications	1	Emphasis on writing and speaking
Physical Education	1	A variety of courses will satisfy
Health	1
Electives	4