This handbook is intended to help the students of Quemado High School understand policies and procedures with which their school is operated.  It should help you plan a sound and well-rounded program.

Pride

Quemado High School students are proud of their school.  Because of this intense pride, we work hard to maintain our school property.  We have great respect for ourselves and our schools and encourage proper respect from others.  We’re proud to be “Eagles”!

Academic Program

QHS includes grades 7-12, although grades 7-8 are sometimes considered the “junior high.”  The school is operated on a four-day week, with seven periods per day.  The school year is 146 days long.  Credits toward promotion and graduation are earned by passing semester courses.  Each semester is divided into two grading periods.

The four-day week is a special privilege allowed by the New Mexico Department of Education and it can only be continued if student achievement remains high.  Consequently, all students have a responsibility to take academic matters seriously.

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Admission

A student may enter QHS by promotion from elementary school or by transfer from an appropriate program.  Students entering for the first time should report to the Principal’s Office.  Paperwork required for admission include birth certificate, immunization record, and social security card (or number).  Immunization requirements of the State Health Department must be met before a student can be admitted to school.  (See policy on Open Enrollment, Appendix A.)

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Attendance

Regular attendance at school is required of all students.  A letter will be sent if a student is absent for three consecutive days.  Those days missed might include illness, death in the family, personal or family problems, or other reasons deemed necessary by administration.  Each absence must be accounted for with a note or phone call from the parents detailing the nature of the absence.

Parents will be notified when a student has reached a five-day and an eight-day absence.  Any student missing more than 10 days in a semester will not receive credit for that semester.  Extenuating circumstances, i.e., extended medical illness, will be determined by a meeting between the parents and the administration and presented to the Board for review.

Students who have been absent eight days must meet with the administration to determine extenuating circumstances.  If a meeting is not attended or no justification is found, the student will be placed on academic probation and will not be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities.

Students will be allowed the number of days they missed plus one to make up work.  Any make-up work after that period will be at the discretion of each teacher.  It is understood that students who do not make up work on time will not receive full credit, if any at all.

Effort should be made to obtain make-up work from the teacher before the absence.  Any student who misses for disciplinary reasons will receive zeros for any assignments graded during the time missed and those days will count toward the total absences.

Classes missed by students for school-sponsored extra-curricular activities cannot be in excess of ten days per semester.  In cases of participation in state or national competitions, it may be necessary to obtain from the state superintendent a waiver relating to the number of absences.

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Tardies

Teachers will determine if tardies to class are excused or unexcused.  Three unexcused tardies equal one absence.  An unexcused tardy of more than five minutes to a class will be considered an absence.  Teachers will notify students when absences are assigned for these reasons.  An abnormal number of absences will normally result in lower grading period/semester grades.

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Check-in and Check-out

Students who arrive late must first report to the school office to sign in.  Students who leave early must go to the school office to sign out.

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Introduction

Pride

Academic Program

Admission

Attendance

Tardies

Check-In and Check-Out

Bell Schedules

Notification of Delayed Schedule

Junior High Program

High School Program

Credits Earned

Class Status

Special Credits

Early Graduation

Alternative Programs

Exam(s) Necessary for High School

Grading Scale

Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Report Cards

Honor Roll

Academic Letters

Guidance Program

Choosing and Dropping Classes

Married or Pregnant Students

Student Records

Daily Bulletin

Activities

Eligibility

Student Government

Class Officers

Student Council

Class and Club Meetings

Vocational Clubs

Athletics

Interscholastic Sports

Athletic Policies

Athletic

Cheerleaders

Activity Sponsors

Financial Responsibility

Sales and Fundraisers

Special Events

Discipline

Discipline Policy

Immediate Removal

Disciplinary Options

Short-term Suspension

Long-term Suspension or Expulsion

Search and Seizure

Use of Dogs in Search Procedures

Rights and Responsibilities

Regulated Behavior

Weapons or Dangerous Chemicals

Alcoholic Beverages and Narcotics

Tobacco

Disruptions and Demonstrations

Fights

Assault, Menace, or Intimidation

Release of Students from School

Police Questioning and Arrest of Students

Disrespect Toward Employees

Profanity

Loitering

Care of Campus Buildings and Grounds

Vandalism and Destruction of Property

Dress Code

Policy on Body Jewelry and Tattoos

Theft or Larceny

Lunch Program

Fire Drills

Textbooks

Student Vehicles

Lost and Found

Closed Campus

Dances

Bus Regulations

Visitors

Telephones

Lockers and Locks

Cheating

Halls

Assemblies

Services

Library

Computer Lab and Classroom Technology

Nurse

School Insurance

Student Grievance Procedure

Other Provisions for Grievance

QHS Fundraising Procedure

Bell Schedules

REGULAR BELL SCHEDULE

LATE START SCHEDULE        

EARLY DISMISSAL SCHEDULE

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Notification of Delayed Schedule

On days of inclement weather students will be contacted by teachers or staff as to school status.  There is a “phone tree” system and each student should make sure his/her correct phone number is on file in the office.  If a phone is not available to the student, then the student should listen to KOB radio where school status will be announced.

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Junior High Program

The Junior High program (grades 7-8) consists of the following courses:

A seventh or eighth grade student must pass all required subjects and master seventy percent of the essential competencies of those subjects to gain promotion to the next grade.  The required subjects are English, math, science, social studies and physical education.  A passing grade will be an average of the two semester grades and must be a 60 or above.

If the student has not mastered 70% of the essential competencies or failed any required subjects in spite of remediation opportunities, and upon the recommendation of the instructional staff, the student shall be retained in the same grade for no more than one additional year in order to have another opportunity to master the competencies.

1. A parent or guardian shall be notified no later than the end of the second grading period that his child is failing to attain appropriate grade level proficiency in content standards, and a conference consisting of the parent or guardian and the teacher shall be held to discuss possible remediation programs available to assist the student in attaining the required level of proficiency established by the content standards.  Specific academic deficiencies and remediation strategies shall be explained to the student’s parent or guardian and a written plan developed containing timelines, academic expectations and the measurements to be used to verify that a student has overcome his academic deficiencies.  Remediation programs and academic improvement programs include tutoring, extended day or week programs, summer programs and other research-based models for student improvement.

2. At the end of grades one through seven, three options are 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 shall enter the next higher grade; or

3. The student  has not attained the level of proficiency required by the content 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 child to be retained pursuant to Subparagraph (a) of this paragraph. 

In this case, the parent or guardian shall sign a waiver indicating this desire that the student be promoted to the next higher grade with an academic improvement plan designed to address specific academic deficiencies.  The academic improvement plan shall be developed by the student assistance team outlining timelines and monitoring activities to ensure progress toward overcoming those 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 required content standards.

3. At the end of the eighth grade, a student who fails to attain proficiency of content standards shall be retained in the eighth grade for no more than one school year in order to attain proficiency of content standards or if the student assistance team determines that retention of the student in the eighth grade will not assist the student to attain the appropriate level of academic achievement and proficiency of standards, the team shall design a high school graduation plan to meet the student’s needs for entry into the workforce or a post-secondary educational institution.  If a student is retained in the eighth grade, the student assistance team shall develop a specific academic improvement plan to clearly delineate the student’s academic deficiencies and prescribe a specific remediation plan to address those academic deficiencies.

4. A student who fails to attain proficiency of content standards for two successive school years shall be referred to the student assistance team for placement in an alternative program designed by the school district.  Alternative program plans shall be filed with the Department of Education.

5. Promotion and retention decisions affecting a student enrolled in special education shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the individual educational plan established for that student.

1. For the purposes of this section:

a. “academic improvement plan” means a written document developed by the student assistance team that describes the specific content standards required for a certain grade level that a student has not achieved and that prescribes specific remediation programs such as summer school, extended day or week school and tutoring;

b. “alternative school-district-determined assessment results” means the results obtained from student assessments developed by a local school board and conducted at an elementary grade level or middle school level;

c. “educational plan for student success” means a student-centered tool developed to define the role of the academic improvement plan within the district that addresses methods to improve a student’s learning and success in school and that identifies specific measures of a student’s progress;

d. “statewide assessment results” means the results obtained from the New Mexico achievement assessment that is administered annually to grades three through nine pursuant to state board rule; and

e. “student assistance team” means a group consisting of a student’s:

1. teacher;

2. school counselor;

3. school administrator; and

4, parent or legal guardian.

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High School Program

Requirements for graduation from Quemado High School are 24 credits in grades nine through twelve.  The 24 credits must be earned as follows:

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Credits Earned

Credit for all work is earned on a semester basis.  One-half unit is awarded for each semester course passed.  One full credit is awarded for passing any course meeting daily for the entire year.  If one semester is failed, you may earn half credit for passing the other semester.  Under certain circumstances, one-quarter credit(s) may be granted with administrative approval.

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Class Status

Students are classified according to the following plan:

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Special Credits

Credits earned in any way other than the regular school program must meet with state regulations.  This applies to any correspondence or home study courses.  All such courses and credits must be approved by the administration.

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Early Graduation

Early graduation of students may be accomplished only if it is the result of an approved program that takes into consideration the student’s academic capabilities, maturity, motives, and faculty recommendations.  These considerations are made after a student has completed 17 credits and their junior year of high school.

Early graduation by means of excessive term loads, summer session credits, correspondence courses, and the like will not be allowed unless planned with the counselor and approved in advance by the administration.

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Alternative Programs

Senior options, including independent study, study in another institution, and work or volunteer service on a regular basis will be permitted with administrative approval.  Eligible students must be seniors who are in the process of earning the credits needed for graduation and who have additional school periods not needed to accumulate credits.

A written description of the proposed activity must be prepared by the counselor and presented to the administration.  Verification of continued participation in the approved activity will be required at least quarterly.  Lack of verification or misuse of this privilege will result in reinstatement in the regular program.  Students must meet NMAA standards to maintain eligibility for activities.

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Exam(s) Necessary for High School Diplomas

All students graduating from a public high school in New Mexico must take the State High School Competency Examination, which measures student acquisition of essential competencies.  Successful completion of this exam is required to receive a high school diploma.  The exam is given during the second semester of the sophomore year.  Re-testing is available for those students who do not pass the exam.  The exam consists of an objective test and a writing assessment.

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Grading Scale

Grades are reported to students and parents by the following system:

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Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Each senior class will have identified a valedictorian (highest grade point average for the first seven semesters of high school) and salutatorian (second highest grade point average for the first seven semesters of high school).  In the case of a tie for highest G.P.A., there will be co-valedictorians and no salutatorian; in the case of a tie for salutatorian, there will be co-salutatorians.  To be eligible for these honors, a student must have been enrolled in QHS for at least two semesters of his/her first seven semesters of high school and have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0.  Classes which award only Pass/Fail credits do not count toward these honors.

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Report Cards

Report cards are issued four times a year.  Parents should expect reports on the following dates:  October 29, 2003, January 7, 2004, March 17, 2004, and June 2, 2004.  Parents are not required to sign or return report cards, but they are encouraged to contact the school anytime they have questions regarding grades.  Parent/teacher conferences are encouraged.

Because the time between reports is lengthy, progress/deficiency reports are issued every 4 ½ weeks, or more often if the teacher deems necessary.

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Honor Roll

A student must be enrolled in at least six classes to be named to the Honor Roll.  A student qualifies for the Superior Honor Roll when he/she earns a 3.75 GPA or higher.  A student qualifies for the Regular Honor Roll if he/she earns between a 3.25 to a 3.74 GPA.

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Academic Letters

Students may earn academic letters by maintaining the following cumulative G.P.A.s:

Academic letters are not awarded to freshmen until after final grades are recorded for the freshman year.

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Guidance Program

The school provides a guidance program with a qualified counselor to assist students with academic or other problems.  The purpose of the guidance program is to help each individual student achieve his highest growth mentally, emotionally and socially.  We try to do this in several ways:

1. Helping the new student feel at home in our school with new teachers, friends, and setting;

2. Individual conferences whenever a student, teacher, or the counselor deems it necessary;

3. A testing program designed to help the student learn as much as possible about his capabilities;

4. The counselor welcomes the opportunity to talk things over with any student, parent, or teacher.

Information on grades, course credits, and graduation requirements is available from the counselor.  The counselor also helps students make realistic career plans for their lives after high school.  It is recommended that you make an appointment to see the counselor unless an emergency exists.  All students are encouraged to confer with the counselor.

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Choosing and Dropping Classes

At the start of each semester, a student is given a choice of classes to be taken.  If a change of schedule is necessary, contact the counselor for consideration.  The counselor will complete a drop/add slip and have it signed by the teacher whose class you wish to drop and the teacher whose class you wish to add.  No changes will be made after four days of school in a given semester.  All class changes must be approved by the administration.

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Married or Pregnant Students

Married students and/or pregnant girls, married or unmarried, who elect to remain in the regular school program shall not be involuntarily excluded from any part of the regular school program if reasonable safeguards are provided both for the school and student’s best interest.  Marriage or pregnancy does not automatically entitle students to special arrangements.  All cases will be handled confidentially and on an individual basis.  Consideration is to be shown so the best possible arrangements can be made regarding credits and graduation.  No special or unusual arrangements may be made unless determined necessary by the staff and administration.  Pregnant students are required to have written permission from their parent(s)/guardian(s) to participate in contact sports.  There will be no exceptions to this requirement.

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Student Records

Accurate cumulative records are maintained for every student enrolled in the school.  Only authorized school personnel, parents, students, or legal guardians may view these records without a subpoena or the written permission of the student or his or her parents, per the Buckley Amendment.

Written parental objection to the accuracy or authenticity of data recorded in the cumulative record shall become part of the record upon request by the parents.

School officials will forward transcripts from the cumulative records upon the request of parents, legal guardians, students, ex-students and accredited educational institutions.  Before this can be done, however, the student must have officially checked out of school, paid all money due, turned in all books, and have his or her parents complete a “record release” form.

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Daily Bulletin

A daily bulletin will be distributed to each class during the first part of the day.  Teachers should read the bulletin to the class and then post it in their room.  The office will also post copies on the bulletin boards in the hallway.  Students are encouraged to listen as the bulletin is read, and to refer to the posted copies if they have questions.

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Activities

Students benefit in many ways from their experiences in activities outside the regular classroom.  Consequently, we hope you take an active part in the clubs, organizations and sports that contribute so much to the life of the school and to your overall development as a person.

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Eligibility

You must establish and maintain “eligibility” in order to represent QHS in vocational organizations, sports, as an elected member of student government, as a nominee for special honors, i.e., Homecoming Queen, or as a holder of a class office.

New Mexico Activities Association eligibility:  A student shall have passed a minimum of four classes, not failed more than one, and had a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better for the immediate previous grading period, or cumulatively, beginning with and including the second semester of grade eight.  The cumulative provision may only be applied at the beginning of a semester and only semester grades are to be used.

During the current semester, the student must pass a minimum of four classes, not fail more than one class, and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better per grading period during the semester.  (GPA is based upon a 4.0 scale.)

Seniors participating in an alternative program are required to attend a minimum of four classes per day and must have a passing average in all their classes.

QHS reserves the right to invoke a weekly eligibility requirement during any or all sports seasons.

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Student Government

QHS has an elected and representative student government (Student Council) which shares in the formation of general school policies and deals with other matters of student concern.

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Class Officers

Each class may elect four officers—President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer—and one Student Council Representative.  Elections will take place at the beginning of the school year.  All candidates must be academically eligible at the time of election.  Votes may be taken by a show of hands or by a secret ballot as determined by the sponsor.  The candidate with the most votes is the winner.

All officers serve until the next election unless they withdraw from school.  Officers may be removed from office only by the following procedures:  A) a recall petition stating specific grievances and signed by 2/3rds of the class to the sponsor; the sponsor will call a meeting of the entire class to discuss the situation.  If the situation cannot be satisfactorily resolved at that meeting, the administration will be notified, and he or she will decide whether or not to declare the office vacant and to sanction a new election.  B) The administration may, for good cause, remove a student from office and sanction a new election.  Recall or removal from office are considered serious, and such steps will be taken only when necessary.

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Student Council

This organization is designed to represent the entire student body through its membership.  The Council aids in the administration of the school, promotes general activities, and organized special events during the school year.

Your Student Council provides for student activities, serves as a training experience to both leaders and followers, promotes the common good, gives students a share in the management of the school, develops high ideals of personal conduct, acts as a clearing house for student activities, seeks to interest students in school affairs and helps solve problems that may arise.  Members of the Council are your representatives and have direct access to the school administration.

The officers and their duties are as follows:

Officers are chosen in a school-wide election by students in grades 7-12 during the first week of the school year.  All candidates must be eligible at the time of election.  The President must be a Senior at the time of the election; other officers must be in grades 10-12 at the time of the election.  The candidate receiving the highest number of votes will be declared the winner.

Each class and club may also choose a representative.  This selection will take place at the beginning of the school year.

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Class and Club Meetings

Class and club meetings will normally be held during the lunch period.  The administration must approve any meeting scheduled outside the lunch period.

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Vocational Clubs

Students who take vocational classes are encouraged to become active members of the student organization, the Future Farmers of America (FFA).

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Athletics

The purpose of high school athletics is both educational and recreational.  The athletic program should encourage participation by as many boys and girls as possible and should be carried out with the students’ interest as first consideration.

A well-organized and well-run sports program is a potent factor in school morale and important for good school-community relations.  However, either too great an emphasis on winning games or too consistent a record of losing them is harmful to the development of healthy attitudes.

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Interscholastic Sports

QHS competes as a Class A school in the following sports, all of which are sanctioned by the NMAA:

Participation is limited to eligible students in grades 8-12.  Junior high students may also compete in sports at the junior high level. 

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Athletic Policies

1. The athletic program is an integral part of the curriculum and comes under the authority of the administration to the same degree as do all other phases of the curriculum.

2. No student may start practice for any athletic team until he or she has been examined and approved by a medical doctor and until written consent has been obtained from the parents.

3. Insurance against injury or accidents is available to all students engaging in interscholastic activities.  Mandatory participation in the school insurance program is not required.  However, proof of insurance which will cover the cost of treatment resulting from any injury incurred while taking part in interscholastic sports will be required.

4. An attempt will be made to have trained personnel available to treat any athletic injury incurred during participation in an interscholastic sport.

5. Terms and conditions for participating on athletic teams will be established by the coaches, athletic director, and the principal.

6. Proper behavior and conduct are required of all students while on school-sponsored trips.

7. Pregnant students are required to have written permission from their parents/ guardians to participate in contact sports.  There will be no exceptions to this requirement.

8. Entrance requirement for enrollment in athletics class:

a. Signed athletic agreement by fourth day of class.

b. Intentions of participating in athletic program.

c. Signed consent to treatment and insurance documentation.

d. Current physical examination form prior to practicing.

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Athletic Letters

Students can earn athletic letters by fulfilling the requirements set by the coaches.  After earning a letter, students may earn pins or service bars for additional participation.

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Cheerleaders

Eligible students in grades 7-11 try out for positions as cheerleaders in the spring of each year.  A panel of students, faculty and other adults make the selection.  Cheerleaders may participate in varsity sports with prior approval of the cheerleader coach, the coach of that particular sport, and the administration.  Cheerleaders follow the same academic eligibility standards as other athletes.

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Activity Sponsors

All student activities take place under the direction of an adult sponsor appointed by the administration.  Class sponsors usually join a class in the 7^th grade and continue with it until graduation.

Sponsors are to provide guidance, not do the students’ work for them.  They supervise activities and monitor all financial affairs of the group.  Students must:  a) keep their sponsor informed at all times; b) never act without sponsor’s approval; and c) accept the sponsor as the final authority in all group matters.

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Financial Responsibility

Each club, class or organization is required to adhere to the following procedures:

1. All monies collected for any function must be deposited at least weekly in the office.

2. A receipt must always be issued for any money collected by a student or a sponsor for a group activity.

3. No purchases can be made from activity funds without a signed purchase order.  All expenditures must be documented by signed invoices.

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Sales and Fundraisers

No group may sell anything or conduct fundraising activities without the approval of the Student Council and of their sponsor and the principal.  Classes and clubs will each have one month designated as their month for raising funds.  Please see the class or club sponsor for additional information.

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Special Events

QHS Homecoming is celebrated annually.  Activities include home sports contests and a dance at which a Homecoming Queen is crowned.  Each class in grades 9-12 selects a candidate from its ranks; the Seniors may select two candidates if they wish.  Candidates must be participants in sports, including cheerleading and managers.  The date for Homecoming and the method of electing the Queen are chosen annually by the Student Council.

Prom is held annually in the spring.  The Student Council is responsible for arranging this event.

Commencement, or graduation, takes place at the end of the school year.  Diplomas and awards are presented to graduating seniors.

Special Awards

Each year the faculty chooses one Junior boy and one Junior girl to represent QHS at Boys and Girls State events during the summer.  Students are selected on the basis of leadership, character, academic achievement, and their ability to represent the school.

The Mike Baca Memorial Award is presently annually in memory of Mike Baca, Class of 1978.  The outstanding male and female athlete are chosen by the coaching staff on the basis of effort, character and leadership.  The awards will usually, but not necessarily, be given to Seniors.

The Student Athlete Award is presented yearly by the Board of Education.  It is given to the senior with the highest GPA in the class, who has participated in at least two different sports in two different years while in high school.

QHS Hall of Fame

The school honors students who have excelled in athletic, club and other competitions and have thus brought recognition and acclaim to QHS.  There are two categories for inclusion in the Hall of Fame.

1. A. Teams which win state trophies in any varsity sport;

B. Individuals who place in the State track meet;

C. Individuals who are selected for first or second team all-state honors in any varsity sport;

D. Individuals who score 1,000 points in varsity basketball competition.

2. Other Activities:  Groups or individuals who have excelled in competition as a representative of QHS.  Some examples include:  FFA students who earn plaques at state competition; county spelling bee winners; students who qualify for National High School Rodeo competition, etc.

Students are nominated for inclusion in the Hall of Fame by the faculty.  Final determination is made by the administration.

The school district also honors its varsity teams achieving excellence in athletic endeavors by noting that achievement on a banner in the Eagle Gymnasium.  Teams placing first or second in regional play, and/or competing at the state semi-final or final levels, will be so recognized, as will district champions in basketball, track or volleyball.

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Discipline

One of the most important lessons education should teach is discipline.  While it does not appear as a subject, it underlies the whole educational structure.  It is the training that develops self-control, orderliness, and efficiency.  It is the key to good conduct and proper consideration for other people.

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Discipline Policy

Immediate Removal

Regardless of whatever disciplinary measures may also be considered appropriate or whatever actions are implemented, persons whose presence poses a danger to others or to property or who poses a threat of disrupting the educational process may be immediately removed from school or from any school-sponsored activity.

Disciplinary Options

Teachers and administrators will judge the severity of student infractions and impose appropriate disciplinary measures.

Short-Term Suspension

A short-term suspension means a suspension of four days or less.  When it is anticipated that a student will be subject to short-term suspension, the student will be given oral or written notice of the charges against him or her, and if the student denies the charges, an explanation of the evidence the administration has available will be presented to the student.  The student will have the opportunity to give his or her side of the story, subject to the following guidelines:

1. There need be no delay between the time “notice” is given and the time of the informal hearing with the administration.

2. The student must first be told what he or she is accused of doing and what the basis of accusation is.

3. Parents or guardians shall be given oral or written notice of the charges against the student and their possible consequences as soon as practical, but in no event later than the beginning of the first full day of suspension.

4. Any student under the age of 18 years will not be sent home during the school day unless the parent or guardian has been notified of the suspension.

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Long-Term Suspension or Expulsion

The administration may temporarily suspend while the procedures for a long-term suspension are being put into effect.  Long-term suspension is defined as one of more than four days and may last until the end of the school year.  Any suspension keeps a student from attending any school function or being on school-owned property.

In the event that such action is contemplated, the following procedures will be adhered to:

1. Not less than five days prior to the date of the contemplated action, the superintendent shall cause written notice of such proposed action to be delivered to the student and his or her parent or guardian.  Such delivery may be by mail or by personal delivery.  If mail, delivery is deemed completed at such time as the notice is deposited in the mail addressed to the last known address of the student or his parent or guardian.

2. In the event of a determination that an emergency exists necessitating a shorter period of notice, the period of notice may be shortened provided that the student or his parent have actual notice of the hearing prior to the time it is held.

3. The notice shall contain:  a) a statement of the basic reasons alleged for the contemplated action; b) a statement that a hearing on the contemplated action will be held if requested by the student or his parent or guardian within five days after the date of the notice; c) a statement of the date, time and place of the hearing in the event one is requested; d) a statement that the student may be present at the hearing and hear all information against him or her; that he or she will have an opportunity to present such information as is relevant; and that he or she may be accompanied and represented by a parent or guardian and an attorney; e) a statement that failure to participate in such a hearing constitutes a waiver of further rights in the matter.

4. The hearing shall be conducted by the superintendent.  The hearing may be conducted in open session or may be closed except to those individuals deemed advisable but including in all cases the student, his or her parents or guardians or attorney.  Such individuals who may have pertinent information shall be admitted to a closed hearing to the extent necessary to provide such information. Testimony and information shall be presented under oath; however, technical rules of evidence shall not be applicable, and the hearing officer may consider and give appropriate weight to such information or evidence he or she deems appropriate.The student or his or her representative may question individuals presenting information.  A sufficient record of the proceeds shall be kept so as to enable a transcript to be prepared in the event either party so requests.  Preparation of the transcript shall be at the expense of the requesting party.

5. A written decision will be made within five days of the hearing.

6. The student may, within ten days after the decision of the superintendent, appeal the decision to the Board.  Such hearing will occur in a Board meeting, at which a closed session may be used.  The final decision will be made in public session.

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Search and Seizure

Any certified school employee or school bus driver may conduct a search of a student’s person or school-assigned property if he or she has reasonable cause to suspect that a crime is being or has been committed or if he or she has reasonable cause to believe that a search is necessary in the aid of maintaining school discipline.

1. General searches of school property, including lockers or school buses, may be conducted at any time.

2. Searches of a student’s person or vehicle on school property will be conducted only if a certified 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.

3. Searches of a student’s person may be conducted by a certified school employee only in the presence of another certified school employee; searches of a student’s person may be conducted only by a certified school employee of the student’s same sex.

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Use of Dogs in Search Procedures

The school district is authorized to use dogs who are reliable and accurate for sniffing and detecting illegal or unauthorized substances, deadly weapons, and drug paraphernalia has been established.  Dogs will be involved in searches only upon authorization by the Superintendent.

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Rights and Responsibilities

Students at QHS have certain rights that are guaranteed to all citizens.  However, these rights are not absolute.  One primary limitation is that the exercise of individual rights terminates when it infringes upon the rights of another.

The Board has adopted the following policies regarding student rights:

1. No student shall be subjected to any prejudicial treatment nor denied any access to a public education because of race, ethnicity, sex, religion, political belief or handicap.

2. Students have the right to free speech and expression so long as it does not infringe upon the rights of others.

3. School officials have the responsibility for achieving an atmosphere free from disruptions that will interfere with or infringe upon the operation of the school or the work of the students.

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Regulated Behavior

Weapons or Dangerous Chemicals

Any student who brings to school or to a school-sponsored activity or possesses any type of deadly weapon, dangerous chemicals, or any item considered to be detrimental to the welfare and safety of any individual will be immediately suspended.  A parent conference shall be required before the student may return to school.  In addition, a report may be filed with the local police and formal charges filed with the courts.

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Alcoholic Beverages and Narcotics

In accordance with State Board of Education Regulation 81-3, ISD#2 prohibits students from the use, possession, sale or transportation of alcohol and/or illegal drugs on school property, in school buildings, or at school-sponsored and/or school related activities and athletics.  For this policy, illegal drugs are defined as controlled substances, prescription drugs used or possessed without a prescription, solvents used for intoxication and those

substances possessed, sold, and/or used that are represented to be controlled or illegal substances as defined by Controlled Substance Act, P.L. 91-513, Schedules 1-5.  Additionally, Quemado-Datil Schools prohibit students from selling or giving away alcohol and/or illegal drugs and from possessing, selling, giving away and/or using drug paraphernalia on school property, within school buildings, or at school-sponsored activities and/or school-related activities and athletics.

The Superintendent or his designee has the authority to suspend or expel on a long-term basis students who, after a notice and a hearing, have been found by a preponderance of the evidence to be in violation of this policy or state laws.  (Refer to Quemado Board Policy Manual 6.08, page 6-3, and State Board of Education Regulation 81-3.)

Due process rights for students and parents are guaranteed under Quemado ISD#2 Policy and State Board of Education Regulation 81-3.  Students will be afforded the opportunity to participate in the district-wide student counseling program at their local school.  This

option will be exercised before proceeding to long-term suspension and expulsion.  School officials shall follow procedures in Quemado ISD#2 Policy Manual 6.08, page 6-3, on long-term suspension and expulsion, as defined by State Board of Education Regulation 81-3.  These policies state that long-term suspension and expulsion decisions may be appealed to the Superintendent.  Expulsion is viewed as a punishment of last resort and will require formal Board action.

The legal responsibility of a school employee is:  “A school employee who knows or in good faith suspects any student of using or abusing alcohol or drugs shall report such use or abuse pursuant to procedures established by the Quemado ISD#2 Board.”

All students shall receive a copy of this policy and procedures at the beginning of each school year.  New students upon enrolling in the school will be given a copy of this policy and procedure.

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Tobacco

For safety as well as health reasons, the possession or use of tobacco in any form by students is prohibited on school grounds and inside any building or vehicle owned by the school district.  Any items related to the use of tobacco shall be confiscated.  Any damage caused by the use of tobacco shall be repaired or paid for by the student.  Offenses will lead to disciplinary action according to Board Policy and administrative decision.

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Disruptions and Demonstrations

A few disruptive students can make it difficult for the majority to carry on their normal educational functions.  Therefore, appropriate consequences for school or classroom disruptions, walkouts, or other negative forms of demonstrations will be given according to the school wide Assertive Discipline Policy.

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Fights

Students who start or are involved in a fight on school grounds or at any school activity are subject to procedures of the District discipline policy.  The type and severity of the disciplinary action taken shall be determined by the circumstances and the student’s past record.

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Assault, Menace, or Intimidation

Students who attack, assault, or intimidate any school employee will be reported to the administration.  The same is true for any student who attacks or assaults any other student or individual while on campus or at any school activity.  Any student involved in such behavior may be suspended, and a parent conference required before the student can return to school.

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Release of Students from School

Only the administration has the authority to release students from school.  The administrator shall always make certain that the identity of the custodial parent or guardian is known before any student is released.  If the identity of a person requesting the release of a student is not known, then the administrator must require proof of identity and obtain permission from the parent or guardian before that student is released.  A student shall never be released to a stranger during school time.

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Police Questioning and Arrest of Students

1. A student of ISD#2 while on school property may be questioned by a police officer only in the presence of an administrator or in the presence of the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian.

2. A student will be released in the custody of a police officer to be questioned at the police station only when the school has received permission from the student’s parent or legal guardian.

3. Where a law enforcement agency deems it necessary to question and/or arrest a student during school hours and if the principal or other administrators do not recognize the identity of the law enforcement officer, then the following procedure must be followed.  The principal should first require that the officer come to the principal’s office.  The principal shall document the time, date, and name of the student(s), the name of the officer, including rank and badge number, and agency of the law enforcement officer.  The principal should then contact the nearest office of this agency and verify the officer’s identity, warrant, if applicable, and the necessity for questioning and/or arrest at school.  The principal shall obtain a copy of the arrest warrant, if applicable, and document the contact with the supervisory officer, and the justification for the questioning and/or arrest.  Then the principal should document the date and time of attempts made to contact parents or guardians to report all details and invite them to come to school.

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Disrespect Toward Employees

Disrespect toward any school employees, including substitute teachers, will not be tolerated.  The District discipline policy will be followed.

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Profanity

Students who speak, write, distribute, or possess profane, indecent or obscene language, literature, writing or pictures shall be subject to discipline according to the District discipline policy.

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Loitering

Persons not in school due to disciplinary reasons or not enrolled in school will be considered to be trespassing if found on school property without a valid visitor’s pass issued by the office.  If necessary, such persons will be referred to the police.

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Care of Campus Buildings and Grounds

Students must take responsibility for the school grounds and buildings.  Any student vandalizing any school property in any way will be punished and subject to disciplinary action according to the District discipline policy.  Students may not sit on furniture improperly.  Parents will be notified and violators must pay for the damaged or destroyed items.

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Vandalism and Destruction of Property

Our school buildings and equipment cost the taxpayers to construct, purchase and maintain.  Students who destroy or vandalize school property will be required to pay for losses or damages.  If you should happen to damage something by accident, you should report it to a teacher or the office immediately.  If students willfully destroy school property, the District discipline policy will be enforced.

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Dress Code

The Board has the right at all times to regulate any student’s dress that creates a problem or is a distraction to learning.  Dress and grooming have a definite bearing on attitude and behavior.  Learning how to dress within the bounds of propriety, decency, and social acceptability is a part of each student’s education.

Clothes worn to school should be clean, in good taste, and appropriate for classroom attire.

Any student not following the dress code will be subject to discipline in accordance with the district discipline policy.

The following guidelines are for further clarification of the dress code for students attending Quemado Independent School District #2 schools.

1. Pants

a. Under shorts must not be exposed.

b. Pants must not be worn so low that the waistline would expose several inches (3”+) of under wear or flesh below normal waistline.

c. Relaxed pants/trousers/oversized shorts are permissible only if they fit the waist

and are worn at the normal waist line (oversized shorts must satisfy the length

requirement, referred to here in #4).

d. Oversized trousers are defined as follows:

1. If belt is removed, trousers fall, creep, or sag from hips when student moves.

2. If no belt is worn, the trousers will not remain at the normal waist location,

they are considered oversized.

2. Clothing will not recognize gang emblems or advocate or make reference to sex, tobacco, alcohol or drugs.

3. Skirts/dresses must measure no shorter than four inches above the knee.

4. Shorts must measure a four-inch inseam..

5. Prohibited manner of wearing clothing:

a. Belts or  trousers  below the waist line

b. Bare or exposed midriffs

c. Spaghetti strap blouses, shirts or dresses

d. Caps or hats worn inside in the school buildings

e. Sunglasses without a doctor’s prescription

f. See-through blouses (without camisole)

g. Shirts that expose chest or torso

6. For safety, footwear must be worn at all times and must be appropriate. 

7. Any student wearing inappropriate clothing will receive one of the following consequences:

a. Wear appropriate clothing provided by the office, if available.  The inappropriate clothing will only be returned when a parent/guardian comes to the school and returns the replacement clothing.

b. Have appropriate clothing brought to school.

c. Be sent home with parental permission or remain isolated for the remainder of the day or be suspended.

*The above applies to all students, at all times on the school campus, at school events,

  during travel to and from school-sponsored events, and teachers, coaches, sponsors MUST enforce these guidelines.

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Policy on Body Jewelry and Tattoos

The Quemado Independent School District #2 Board of Education believes that adoption and enforcement of a strict policy on student appearance and dress can be a factor in improving student attitudes toward school and that positive changes in attitude can lead to improvements in school attendance, drop-out rates, and academic performance and avoid student conflict and confrontation.   The Board further discourages wearing of certain items of dress or jewelry for the following reasons:

1. To create an atmosphere conducive to learning and to minimize disruptions attributable to personal appearance, conduct, grooming, hygiene and attire.

2. To foster an attitude of respect for authority and to prepare students to enter the work place, where rules regarding dress, conduct and appearance are frequently encountered.

3. To insure that the conduct and grooming of students who represent the district in school-sponsored, extra curricular and community activities create a favorable impression on the district and community.

4. To counter the disruptive effect and potential for interference with the educational mission of the school district which may result when aspects of student appearance or articles of dress represent gang membership, present violence sexually explicit or obscene messages are inappropriate to wear at school under the local community standards or may incite confrontation or violent reactions.

In consideration of the above concerns, and, as a result of the safety, health and hygiene concerns created by body piercing and obtaining of tattoos and the adverse and sometimes violent reactions which body piercing or obtaining tattoos may cause within the school community, it is the policy of the Board of Education to discourage students from engaging in body piercing or obtaining tattoos.  In furtherance of this policy, the Board of Education hereby:

1. Prohibits students attending school or school-sponsored activities from wearing rings or jewelry in pierced locations on a student’s body other than the ears.  Male or female students may wear earrings or items of jewelry no larger than 1½ inches in diameter and 4 inches in length in either or both ears.

2. Students shall not attend school or school-sponsored activities with tattoos on the skin exposed to public view.

Enforcement of this policy shall be in accordance with the student conduct code.

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Theft or Larceny

Any students apprehended in the act of stealing or having stolen property in his or her possession may be reported to the police for legal action.  Other action by the school will be determined by the student’s prior disciplinary record and by the seriousness of the offense.

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Lunch Program

Students may participate in the school lunch program if they wish.  Forms for free and reduced price lunches are available in the school office.

Soft drink cans and candy wrappers must be properly discarded.  If litter is a problem, the machines will be turned off.  Drinks are not permitted in the gym, library, classrooms, or carpeted areas.

Students who are not eating or who have finished eating may use the commons area.  If a student desires to eat at home, he/she must have prior written permission to do so from his/her parents/guardians and must sign out/in at the office.  They must also meet criteria as outlined under “Closed Campus”.

Student behavior in the dining room should be based on courtesy and cleanliness.  This means leaving the area in the condition you would like to find it.  Students are to remain in the cafeteria until they have finished eating. 

No one will be dismissed from class early to go to lunch unless previous arrangements have been made with the Principal.

Fire Drills

Fire and emergency drills are held at irregular intervals throughout the school year.  Fire drills must be held once a week during the first month of school and once a month thereafter.  A series of three short bells will be given when students should return to class.

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Remember these basic rules: 1) Check the instructions in each classroom (they are posted) indicating how to leave the building from that classroom in case of fire.  2) Walk.  No talking.  Move quickly and quietly to the designated area.  Remain there until dismissed.

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Textbooks

All basic texts are loaned to the students for their use during the school year.  Textbooks are to be kept clean and handled carefully.  Students are encouraged to provide book covers.  Please be sure your name and grade are written on the book label in case the book is misplaced.  If a student loses or damages a book, he/she will be responsible for the cost of replacing the book.  Semester or final report cards will not be issued until the debt is paid. 

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Student Vehicles

Students may bring vehicles to school, but must have a parent permission form signed and on file in the office.  Once on school premises, vehicles will remain parked until the end of the day.  Vehicles are not permitted to be taken during lunch period.  Vehicle registration, insurance and driver’s license information must be on file.  Failure to comply will result in loss of privilege for the remainder of the school year. 

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Lost and Found

Lost and found items should be immediately taken to the school secretary for safe keeping.  If unclaimed by the rightful owner, lost and found items can be claimed by the person(s) finding the article at the end of the school year.  If articles are unclaimed, they will be disposed of.

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Closed Campus

Students are not allowed to leave campus during the day without the permission of the administration.  Students must sign in and out at the office.  Seniors and sophomores and juniors who have earned the Honor Roll may leave campus at lunch, provided a document is on file signed by the student, parent and principal.  Students may not eat lunch at school and then leave campus.  There will be no exceptions.

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Dances

No dance will be held at QHS unless the following provision is adhered to:  Students MAY NOT leave the dance and return later.

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Bus Regulations

The district provides bus transportation to and from school; this is a privilege and must be treated as such.  Remember that you are technically and legally still “on campus” while on the school bus; regular school rules apply.  The driver is responsible for your safety at all times and he/she must be obeyed.

Students who come to school on the bus should return home on the bus unless they have a note from the parents signed by the superintendent or principal.  Only regularly scheduled bus students are to ride the school buses.  Bus students are to go immediately to the buses as soon as they are dismissed from school in the afternoon. 

The district discip