Student Handbook

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY FOR ACTIVITIES:

Los Lunas Schools have aligned their eligibility standards with New Mexico Activities Association, which is the governing body for all competitive athletics. Please refer to the NMAA rules for more information

NOTE: The New Mexico Activities Association requires that all student athletes be properly insured before they may participate in athletics. A physical examination is required of all students participating in athletics during the year. This procedure must be complete prior to practice or play in any athletic event. A permission slip signed by a parent/guardian is also required to participate in activities. A permission to travel slip will be issued to every participant and must be signed by a parent or guardian.

ACTIVITIES:

Extra-curricular and co-curricular activities are positive experiences for students. Participation in extra/co-curricular activities is a privilege, not a right. Students who represent LLMS/VMS are expected to exemplify good character and behavior at all times. Sports teams are under the direct supervision of the coach, and any questions/concerns should be directed to that coach for him/her to address first. If the issue is not resolved at that level, the Athletic Coordinator should be contacted in order to assist in resolving the issue. The next level of intervention is to speak to administration. It is expected that any concerns will be discussed with the coach at an appropriate time and place. Coaches will not address parent concerns before, during, or after a game. Parents must make arrangements to discuss their concerns with coaches at a mutually agreed upon time. Please refer to the LL Schools Athletic Handbook for further guidelines regarding athletics in the LL School District, and NMAA guidelines.

ALL LEARNER DAYS:

The Los Lunas School District has established several days to be used for staff development during the school year. Students will not attend school on these days. Instead of school, students will be working on a year-long project. Staff development days enable staff to participate in professional growth activities designed to improve the quality of instruction to students.

ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL TIME:

Arrival time on the Middle School campus is no earlier than 7:10 a.m. Breakfast is free for all students, so please encourage your child to eat breakfast daily. The first bell rings at 7:21 a.m., classes begin at 7:25 a.m. Students arriving after 7:25am must be signed into the office by a parent/guardian.

Dismissal time is 2:25 p.m. LLMS students who walk should leave campus by 2:25 p.m., unless they are involved in after school activities. VMS students must be transported to and from school by bus or parent/guardian. Parents or guardians must pick up students no later than 2:35 p.m. Students who ride the bus should go directly to the bus loading area upon dismissal.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Please visit the Los Lunas Schools Truancy for school truancy information.
 
NOTE: If you are faced with long-term illness or disability, contact the office as soon as possible for assistance.

MAKE-UP WORK FOR ABSENCES:
It is the student’s responsibility to request make-up assignments prior to or upon return to school from an absence. Parents and students are encouraged to email teachers to obtain make-up work. The student will have the opportunity to complete the work in a period of time equal to the number of days absent.

Bell Schedule:

BUS TRANSPORTATION:

All information and regulations regarding buses may be found in the bus transportation handbook. The Los Lunas Transportation Department can be contacted at 505-866-2147 or go to the website. Any transportation concerns or questions need to be directed to the Transportation Department.

CAFETERIA SERVICES:

The Los Lunas School District is a participant in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Students are encouraged to eat breakfast and/or lunch at school each day. No food or drink will be permitted outside of designated areas. Students may purchase beverages from the school’s vending machine or bring bottled water.

DELIVERIES:

The only deliveries that will be accepted are those deemed essential such as educational materials and medications. The school reserves the right to turn away any deliveries that are not educational in nature such as: balloons, gifts, Door Dash, Uber Eats, etc.

DISCIPLINE:

Refer to the Los Lunas Schools Discipline Handbook.

MIDDLE SCHOOL DISCIPLINE:
Student Conference:
A school official (teacher, counselor, or administrator) will talk to the student and attempt to resolve the problem. If the problem is minor and can be settled between the student and school official, parents are not always notified. A written record of this conference is kept on file.

Parent Notification:
When deemed appropriate by the school official, a discipline referral notice, telephone call, personal contact, or letter will notify the parents or guardians of the issue. If needed, a conference will be scheduled with the parent, student, and appropriate school official. A written record of this conference will be kept on file.

Lunch Detention:
A student may be placed in lunch detention at the discretion of the administration as a consequence for minor behavior infractions.

Referral To Drug Court:

Students who violate the Los Lunas Schools’ policy regarding drugs, including cannabis, will receive consequences according to the Los Lunas School Discipline Matrix and will be referred to drug court.

EMERGENCIES:

Special drill activities related to fire safety and other emergencies will be planned and implemented by each principal in association with Central Office and emergency services personnel (law enforcement, fire, etc.), to ensure orderly movement of students to the safest available space. In the event of an actual emergency, the school will retain students and faculty at the school building or elsewhere should the need arise. In conjunction with the School's Emergency Response Plan, all students may be released to a parent guardian. Parents must have an ID and follow proper protocol.

OTHER:
In the event there is an emergency, the safety of all on campus comes first. Please DO NOT attempt to contact your student, the school, or come to the school, unless you are directed to do so. It is imperative that telephone lines are kept open and the campus and perimeter are kept clear for immediate access by law enforcement, emergency vehicles, etc. Additionally, student will be instructed NOT to text, call, or send out any message via cell phone or any other electronic device, in order to avoid the communication of misinformation which could create panic and/or confusion. The proper authorities will disseminate information to parent and/or the general public at the appropriate time, once the situation has been resolved.

Expectations of Students:
All students are required to the following expectations:
• BE ON TIME TO CLASS: You must attend class daily.
• BE PREPARED: Bring all necessary materials for all classes. Ensure that iPad is charged.
• BE RESPECTFUL
• Participate in class
• Follow the LLMS/VMS Behavior Matrix
• Follow the dress code
• Keep the campus clean

Procedures for all students
• Students who are tardy to class must obtain a tardy slip from the front office.
• Students will follow all behavior rules as outlined in the Los Lunas Schools Student Behavior Handbook, as well as all classroom and school expectations.
• Students will not be permitted to eat in the classrooms.
• Students will follow all behavior rules as outlined in the Los Lunas Schools Student Behavior Handbook.
• Upon arrival to school, students may eat breakfast in the cafeteria or may be out in the courtyards prior to the bell. No students should be in the pods prior to school.
• No students are permitted to be in the pods during lunch.
• No more than two students in the bathroom at one time.
• No students will be out of class during the first and last ten minutes of class unless requested by the office.

Visitors/Parents/Guardians will:
• Act as role models for all students by conducting themselves in a calm and dignified manner.
• Call and schedule an appointment if they wish to meet with administration at least 24 hours in advance.
• Contact a student’s teacher first when there is a concern or question in regard to grades, behavior, etc.
• Comply with school staff directives when on campus or attending extracurricular events.

*Behaviors and/or language that intimidate, threaten, or are deemed inappropriate will result in a criminal trespass order being filed.

Equal Opportunity:

The Los Lunas Schools does not discriminate per Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975.

Anyone who believes he/she have been discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, citizenship status, or Vietnam era or special disabled veteran status may contact the Los Lunas Schools’ Equity Officer:

Brian Baca
Deputy Superintendent
District Equity Officer
Phone: (505) 865-9636
Fax: (505) 866-2459

FIELD TRIPS:

Students must provide a written permission form signed by a parent or legal guardian to the teacher prior to leaving on any field trip. Failure to return a signed permission form prior to the trip will prohibit the student's participation in the activity. Students are to demonstrate exemplary behavior in order to maximize learning experiences. Students must abide by all school rules during the field trip. In the event a student leaves a field trip with a parent, the appropriate form must be filled out prior to student’s release.

IMMUNIZATIONS:

New Mexico State Law requires all students to have on file an updated immunization record, in order to be enrolled in a public or private school, indicating that they have been properly inoculated. Failure to provide up to date records requires dis-enrollment from school. TDAP and Varicella Vaccine are required for all entering 7th graders or new 8th graders if it has been five (5) or more years since their last TD/DPT.

Medication/Medical Procedures/Treatments:
For health services to administer/supervise medications, do medical procedures, or treatments, the parent/guardian needs to obtain the physician’s orders (with physician signature) and the parent authorization form (parent signature). These forms are available from the school nurse. Medication orders are needed for prescription and over the counter medications such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Medications found on children at school without proper authorization are prohibited. Medications/Inhalers/Solutions need to be in properly labeled containers from the pharmacy or in the original containers they were purchased in.

INCLEMENT WEATHER:

In the event of inclement weather, schools will operate on an abbreviated day. The school day will begin two hours later than usual; dismissal time will remain the same. Abbreviated schedules are announced on television. Example: If the bus normally picks you up at 6:10 a.m., you will be picked up at 8:10 a.m. See the following information listed below for information:

KOB, Channel 4
KOAT, Channel 7
KRQE, Channel 13
Los Lunas Schools District website

LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER:

You may use the school library to study, do research, checkout materials, and use the computer lab for course work or pleasure reading. The computer lab in the library is used for educational purposes only. The Library Media Center is open from 7:15 to 2:45 every school day. Library books may be checked out for two weeks. Magazines and some reference books may be checked out overnight. Students are responsible for the replacement cost of all lost or damaged books or materials.

LOST AND FOUND:

Los Lunas and Valencia Middle School are not responsible for the loss of articles. All personal items should be labeled with the owner's name. Found articles should be returned to the Lost and Found box or the office where they may be retrieved. Backpacks should not be left unattended anywhere on campus.

PARENT PORTAL:

PowerSchool is the District's web-based student management system where we collect and store student information. The Parent Portal is the “gateway" into our system giving parents access to information about their children. To access the Parent Portal, parents/guardians sign in from the Los Lunas Schools PowerSchool Parent Portal login screen. No special software is needed. All you need is a computer or mobile device with internet access and user, information. Your username and password will be provided to you by the School District’s Accountability Department once you have signed the Parent Portal contract at the school site. Parents are only required to sign the Parent Portal contract once. Your access will follow your student from Middle School to High School without signing another contract.

WHY VISIT THE PARENT PORTAL?
The PowerSchool Parent Portal gives parents access to real-time information including attendance, grades, and detailed assignment descriptions and teacher comments. Everyone stays connected. Parents can help their students stay on top of assignments, are able to participate in their student's progress, and teachers can share information with parents.

USING THE PARENT PORTAL:
You will need to have access to the internet and you will need to use the CONFIDENTIAL UserName and Password provided in the letter you received. You may access the PowerSchool Parent Portal through the District website at https://www.llschools.net. When you access the district website, you will find the Parent Portal link on the Quick Links drop down menu. After clicking on the link, you will be directed to the Parent Portal Information Page. Click on the blue text “Parent Portal Login” and you will be directed to the login screen. If you have an active account simply scroll all the way down until you see the preferences tab, click on the add + button. Enter the information you received in your welcome letter.

Note: Be sure to distinguish between the number 1 and the capital I, and the number 0 and the capital O.

WHAT IF I LOSE/FORGET LOGIN INFORMATION?
If you lose or forget your username and/or password, please email Data Support. You will receive your replacement information via email. Please keep your passwords confidential so only you can access your student's information.

PDA

PDA (Personal Display of Affection) is not allowed. Infractions with will be dealt with as necessary.

PERSONAL POSSESSIONS:

LLMS/VMS does not assume responsibility for lost or stolen personal items or valuables.

CELLULAR PHONES:
Cellular phones brought to school MUST remain out of sight and turned off during class time. Inappropriate use of cell phones will result in confiscation and possible disciplinary action as determined by administration.

Consequences:
First Occurrence: Phone is confiscated, held in the office, and the student may pick up the phone at the end of the school day.

Every Following Occurrence: Phone is confiscated, held in the office, and the parent must pick up the phone.

REPORT CARDS:

Report cards are indicators of a student's progress. All report cards are computerized and distributed to the students in a timely manner after each grading period ends. If you have questions regarding information on the report card, please call the Counselor's Office to schedule an appointment with the teacher of the class. Report cards will be held if your child owes money, books, or an athletic uniform to LLMS/VMS.

SAFETY DRILLS:

Lockdown Drill:
Simulation drills on lock downs are conducted at school throughout the year. A lockdown drill is called over the public address system to alert staff and students of a possible imminent threat to the safety of students and staff. Students are to follow staff directives during a lockdown drill. The entire campus is locked down until the signal “all clear” is announced. Students should not be on cell phones during any lockdown.

Fire Drill:
Fire drills are conducted periodically at the school and they must be regarded as vitally important to the safety of all individuals. Fire drills are a serious safety measure and must not be taken lightly or considered simply as time away from the classrooms. When a fire alarm is set, students must respond promptly. Horseplay and unauthorized stops at water fountains and restrooms are not to be allowed.

The building must be cleared immediately, and the prompt, serious response of students and faculty will ensure the safety of all individuals. Students must remain clear of the building and at a safe distance until the signal to return to class is sounded. Students then return to class, as a group, with their teacher.

Weather Drill:
This depends on weather conditions and situations. Specific instructions will be given.

Other Information:
In the event there is an emergency, the safety of all on campus comes first. Please DO NOT attempt to contact your student, the school, or come to the school, unless you are directed to do so. It is imperative that telephone lines are kept open and the campus and perimeter are kept clear for immediate access by law enforcement, emergency vehicles, etc.

Additionally, students will be instructed NOT to text, call, or send out any messages via cell phone or any other electronic device, in order to avoid the communication of misinformation which could create panic and/or confusion. The proper authorities will disseminate information to parents and/or the general public at the appropriate time, once the situation has been resolved.

Remind Messaging App:
The Los Lunas School District, individual schools, and teachers utilize the Remind App to communicate with parents/guardians Parent/guardians should keep their Powerschool contact information up-to-date, so that they receive important communications.

SELLING ON CAMPUS:

Sales of any kind by staff or students on campus shall have the prior approval by the administration. Sales for personal gain are not permitted and items will be confiscated.

THE STUDENT ASSISTANCE TEAM:

The Student Assistance Team (SAT) includes school staff, parents and the student (when appropriate). SAT is a general education process that uses a systematic, positive, problem-solving approach to clarify problems and concerns in order to meet the educational needs of students. Students in SAT will not automatically be tested for services in Special Education.

STUDENT INSURANCE:

School officials have made arrangements to provide student accident insurance at a nominal cost. Accident insurance packets will be available to all students at the beginning of the school year. Students who are involved in athletics must be properly insured before they may participate in any sport.

STUDENT PICKUP:

Students should be picked up no later than 2:45 p.m. on a regular school day. Students who stay for after school activities, such as a game or dance, need to be picked up within fifteen (15) minutes of the ending of the activity. If students are left longer than this allotted time, they will not be allowed to attend future after school activities.

TELEPHONE USAGE:

The phones in the office are to be used for official purposes only. Students will not be called out of class for phone calls except in case of an emergency.

Students may request to use the phone in the office at the discretion of office staff.

TESTING:

State mandated tests will be given in the second semester. Students should take these tests seriously and are encouraged to utilize testing strategies provided by teachers prior to testing days. As well as be sure to attend school on these days.

A comprehensive final examination will be given at the end of each semester in all classes.

VISITORS:

Visitations to the school by friends or relatives will NOT be allowed. Violators are guilty of trespassing. Students cannot bring brothers, sisters, or pets to school. Parents/Guardians are able to observe classes with prior permission from administration. Any classroom visitation request will require at least 24-hour notice. Any dialogue regarding grades and/or behavior is of a confidential nature and will not be discussed at the time of the observation.