WELCOME TO NIZHONI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

This Parent/Student handbook was developed to help you become familiar with our school. Please keep it so you can use it for important dates during the school year.

Nizhoni Elementary has a sign located at the front door that says, “Nizhoni Elementary” “Where Everybody is Somebody”. We believe that all our students are important and should have an opportunity to be successful.

Our school strives for a warm, caring and safe atmosphere for children. We want your child to feel comfortable and successful about their learning. Our faculty has high expectations for our students so a foundation for learning can be developed.

Feel free to call my office anytime you have a question or concern regarding your child’s education. We hope you will participate in the many activities available for parent involvement.

Sincerely,

Mike Zimmerman, Principal

Nizhoni Elementary School

(505) 368-4565

Nizhoni Elementary Mission Statement

We will ensure a secure and nurturing learning environment for students, parents and staff using consistent individualized approaches that prepare students for lifelong learning.

We encourage parents to visit our school. When you arrive, PLEASE CHECK IN WITH ONE OF THE SECRETARIES AND SIGN THE VISITORS BOOK, BEFORE GOING TO YOUR CHILD’S CLASSROOM. (District Policy)

SCHOOL HOURS

Office Hours ...... 7:30 a.m...... 3:00 p.m.

Breakfast ...... 7:30 a.m...... 8:10 a.m.

Class Hours ...... 8:15 a.m...... 2:50 p.m.

Teachers………...... 7:30 a.m...... 3:30 p.m.

EARLY ARRIVALS

No student should be on campus before 7:30 a.m. Parents should not bring students to school before 7:30 a.m.

STUDENT ARRIVAL (Due to bad weather)

Central Schools have initiated a delay-opening schedule when weather conditions make transporting of students to school difficult or dangerous. Please listen to local radio stations KENN, KWYK or KOBF-TV in Farmington, NM. KTNN in Window Rock, AZ and KRTZ in Cortez, CO for information concerning school closing or delay due to bad weather.

CHECKING OUT STUDENTS DURING THE DAY

During the time that school is in session students will not be permitted to leave the building except under the following circumstances:

  1. Parent/Guardian must check out students in person through the office and receive a check out slip.
  2. Under no circumstances will students be released to the custody of an adult other than the parent/guardian, unless written permission to do so is presented by an adult who is personally known to the school personnel. If a child becomes ill or injured the parent/guardian will be contacted and arrangements will be made to have the child taken home. Please leave an emergency contact phone number.

3.To minimize distractions and maximize instructional time we strongly encourage that students not be checked out during the last hour of the day. Medical/Dental appointments are an exception.

ILLNESS

If a student becomes ill during class, the child should inform the teacher and permission will be given to report to the office. If a student becomes ill before school begins, during recess or any other time while not under the supervision of a teacher, the student should report to the office. If a student is too ill to remain in class, an effort will be made to contact the parents/guardians. If they cannot be reached, the child will remain in the nurse’s office.

HEALTH POLICY AND IMMUNIZATIONS

According to New Mexico State law – A student who is enrolled and found not updated on vaccinations must be disenrolled with in 30 days of first notification.

State immunization requirements are as follows:

  1. Measles vaccination (Rubella)
  2. Rubella(3-day measles) vaccine
  3. Diphtheria-tetanus-whooping cough (DPT) immunization
  4. Trivalent oral polio immunization
  5. Booster immunizations must be up to date.
  6. All new students, K through 12, entering school August 21, 1999, must provide a current immunization record with the DATES specified.
  7. Five DPT, four OPV and two MMR shots are required for children over age 4.
  8. Proof of these immunizations must be presented to enroll.

Further information about immunization requirements is available from the school nurse.

In order that the school may avoid certain activities and procedures detrimental to the health and physical well-being of your child, please notify the teacher or nurse if she/he has any allergies, ailments or physical handicaps which need to be considered by the teacher.

Emergencies: The school, in cases of accident or sudden illness will give immediate first aid. Parents will be notified. (First aid is the immediate and temporary care given in case of accident or sudden illness). School personnel will not assume responsibility for any treatment beyond first aid.

The parent, by way of enrollment cards, should designate someone to whom a sick child can be taken or who can be called when parents cannot be located. It is imperative that this information be kept up-to-date. A child will not be taken home nor allowed to go home unless a responsible person is home.

Medications: Medication, when possible, should be prescribed by a physician or given by a parent outside school hours.

Parents: Please note that any over the counter (non-prescription) or prescription medication that you wish to be given to your child at school must be sent to school in the original package or prescription bottle. Parent must send a signed note stating what the medication is, how much to give and when it should be given. All medication must be given to the nurse or office staff immediately upon entering the school.

Parents must check their students out with the office when they are ill. Students may not go home unless the secretary, principal, or nurse has talked to the parents or guardian.

Standardized medical permission forms are available from the school nurse. Medical permission forms need to be filled out for all daily, temporary or “as needed” medications. Forms for daily and “as needed” medications must be updated and submitted each year.

TARDINESS

All students MUST check in at the office if they arrive at school after 8:15 a.m.

BREAKFAST/LUNCH

Students will be served breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8:10 a.m. The lunch schedule is as follows:

Kindergarten11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

First Grade11:05 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Second Grade11:10 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.

Third Grade11:15 a.m. to 11:55 a.m.

Students should act responsibly while using the cafeteria area.

LIBRARY

The library is open during the school day. The librarian is on duty to assist students and teachers in finding materials.

Books will be checked out for one week and may be renewed once. Students are permitted to check out two books at a time. Reference books and magazines for research should be used in the library.

Each student is expected to be responsible for the materials they check out, to return on time and in good condition. Teachers and/or parents will be notified about overdue books and student will not be allowed to check out books until the previous books are returned. If a student loses a book, cost to replace the book becomes the student’s responsibility.

FIELD TRIPS

Periodically throughout the school year students will participate in field trips. Written permission must be on file for a student to participate in these activities. Teachers will seek parental assistance in the way of chaperones for such trips. If interested, please notify your child’s teacher.

LOST AND FOUND

Articles found in classrooms, halls and playground are turned in to the office and are placed in the “Lost and Found”. Articles may be claimed in the designated box located in front of the office. It is recommended that parents mark all items of clothing and possessions with the student’s name.

TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURES

Students riding buses should board the bus immediately after school. Walking students should have a permission slip on file in the office.

Walking students are reminded to please use the crosswalks on HWY 666. Notes are required for any change in a child’s bus schedule. A bus contract must be returned to your child’s bus driver at the beginning of the school year.

ATTENDANCE

Daily attendance is required of all students in accordance with the code of the State of New Mexico.

SCHOOL LAW OF New Mexico REQUIRES THE REGULAR ATTENDANCE OF ALL STUDENTS BETWEEN SIX AND SEVENTEEN YEARS OF AGE.

ABSENCES

We believe children should be at school unless they are ill or there are unavoidable circumstances acceptable to the principal and teacher. Vacation and days off for pleasure should be scheduled on non-school days and school vacations whenever possible. Please make every effort to plan doctor/dental appointments after school hours. Success in school depends on regular attendance. Students who are tardy/absent, disrupt the learning of others and themselves. If your child will be absent more than three days, please call the office.

Much of a student’s work cannot be prepared in advance for students because many activities occur in the classroom involve active participation. Homework without the necessary instruction is not productive. If you need to make arrangements with your child’s teacher for schoolwork during an extended absence, please give the teacher at least one day’s notice. The teacher will have work available in the office after 2:35 p.m.

005.303 School Board Elementary Absenteeism Policy:

All schools in the district comply with the 3-day successive absentee provision contained in the statute. Parents will be notified whenever a student (K – 12) misses 3 successive days of school.

The policies stated below shall be followed by Elementary School Principals in governing the enforcement of students’ attendance.

  1. Consecutive Absences – If a student is absent for three or more consecutive school days, the school shall contact the parents by telephone or written notice.
  2. Non-verified Absences – Verification of any and all absences is the responsibility of the parents.
  3. Total Absences – If in any given semester, a student accumulates fifteen (15) or more total absences, a principal/parent conference is required. The principal must satisfy him/herself that the absences are for acceptable causes. The violation of which would result in referral to the proper authorities. Fifteen (15) or more absences may also be cause for recommended grade level retention of the student.

GRADING – General

The grading scale is as follows:

A = 90 – 100F = Failing

B = 80 – 89S = Satisfactory

C = 70 – 79U = Unsatisfactory

D = 60 – 69

REPORT CARDS ARE ISSUED APPOXIMATELY ONE WEEK AFTER THE END OF EACH SIX WEEK PERIOD.

First Six Weeks ...... Friday, Oct. 3, 2003

Second Six Weeks ...... Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2003

Third Six Weeks ...... Tuesday, January 20, 2004

Fourth Six Weeks ...... Thursday, March 4, 2004

Fifth Six Weeks…… ...... Friday, April 23, 2004

Sixth Six Weeks ...... Thursday, May 27, 2004

LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS

Any student found to be leaving school grounds without permission from the principal is considered cutting class. Absent and subject to disciplinary action.

RESTROOMS

Students using restrooms are to cooperate with teachers and all staff members. Staff personnel have been directed to prevent student congestion, intimidation, eating and loitering in restrooms. These directions are for the welfare of all. Vandalism of the restroom or any school property is strictly prohibited.

PLAYGROUND RULES

  1. GENERAL RULES
  1. Do not throw rocks, pebbles, sticks, snow balls, etc.
  2. Do not leave the playground without the permission of the duty person.
  3. Do not play any rough games: tackling, “play fighting”, pushing, tugging on cloths, etc. Games such as “Red Rover” and “Snake” are considered too rough for playground activity.
  4. Do not play near classroom doors and windows.
  5. Line up when the bell rings to return to the building.
  6. Keep balls away from the building and playground equipment.
B.SWINGS
  1. Face in one direction toward the playground.
  2. Swing straight.
  3. One person on the swing at a time.
  4. No pushing.
  5. No standing on the swing.
  6. Take turns.
  7. Do not jump off swing while it is in motion. Wait until it stops.
  1. SLIDE
  1. One at a time.
  2. Feet first.
  3. Keep feet inside slide.
  4. Use steps. Do not walk up the slide.
  5. Sit. Do not stand, lay or kneel on the slide.
  1. CLIMBING OR HANGING APPARATUS
  1. Do not pull on anyone who is on the bars.
  2. Do not wrap feet around person in front of you.
  3. One at a time.
  4. No standing on top of the bars.
  5. Do not tie jacket sleeves on bars to swing.
SCHOOL PRIDE AND CONDUCT

Our school provides each student with the maximum opportunity to learn in a safe, caring environment. We expect students to take pride in Nizhoni Elementary and to show that pride by behaving appropriately to ensure that everyone has had the opportunity to succeed. Students are under the supervision of many adults during the day and each will have his/her own requirements to provide a safe learning environment. Students should become familiar with each teacher’s classroom expectations and with school-wide rules. Everyone on campus is expected to show respect for each other, good manners and kindness.

INSTRUCTIONAL EXPECTATIONS

  1. Complete all assigned work emphasizing quality, accuracy and neatness.
  2. Arrive at school on time (not before 7:30), prepared for instruction.
  3. Maintain regular daily attendance.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

  1. Act in a responsible and cooperative manner. Fighting and rock/sand throwing will not be tolerated.
  2. Treat all students and adults with courtesy and respect. Profane language and/or disrespectful actions will not be tolerated.
  3. Be kind and courteous of the feelings of others. Do not tease, degrade or disgrace another student.
  4. Seek help when a problem occurs.
  5. Respect and care for school property and the property of others.
  6. Play and use school equipment and facilities in a safe manner.
  7. Students should wear clothes appropriate for the school environment.
  8. Walk and talk in a quiet and orderly manner.
  9. Keep candy, chewing gum, toys, radios, sports equipment and valuables at home.
  10. Only bring toys you can afford to lose. School staff will not be responsible for the toys that are damaged or lost.

Progressive disciplinary action will be taken unless there is a serious violation that threatens the safe learning environment at our school. A required parent conference means that a student is removed from class/school until a parent conference is scheduled with the principal. Teachers have the authority to establish, maintain a safe and orderly learning environment. Procedures that are fair to all concerned will be announced and consistently enforced. When a problem occurs, a teacher may conference with the student, issue logical consequences and/or contact parents. Problems that go beyond the control of teachers will be referred directly to the principal for disciplinary action.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Communication is an essential part of the educational program. We feel it is very important for the parents/guardians to keep close contact with their child’s teacher concerning the child’s progress. Please remember to schedule a conference in advance for a convenient time where all parties involved can meet.

Elementary Parent – Teacher Conferences:

Tuesday, September 16, 2003 PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE

Monday, January 26, 2003 PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE

TRANSFER TO ANOTHER SCHOOL

A transfer notification must be made to the present school. After student enrolls into the “new” school, that school is responsible for requesting records. This will insure the speedy transmittal of necessary records to the “new” school. Contact the school office in which the student will be attending to initiate this procedure.

CONCERNS OR COMPLAINTS

Parental concerns or complaints should be handled at the most immediate level between parent/guardian and teacher involved. If a parent/guardian or citizen makes a complaint to the principal concerning a teacher or educational assistant, the principal will inform the individual of the complaint. If it is determined that the complaint is of such a nature as to warrant a conference, all parties will be notified and the principal will conduct the exchange of views, information and/or mediation.

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER AND CALENDAR

Students will bring home a calendar describing upcoming events and a newsletter containing school information. It is recommended that parents post these publications in a prominent home location.

STUDENTS

GENERAL STUDENT INFORMATION

Non-Discrimination (Revised 07/17/01)

The Board and District staff will make every effort to provide equal opportunities for students to participate in school-sponsored activities and programs.

No discrimination because of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, age, marital status, nationality, or religious affiliation may be practiced in providing educational opportunities.

Gender will not be used as a determinant for participation in a program except when gender is a valid qualification.

Applicable state and federal statutes are to be followed in providing equal educational opportunity. Inquiries concerning the application of Title VI, and Title VII of Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of PL 92-112, may be referred to the Superintendent or his/her designee.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Adopted 7/17/01)

Central Consolidated School District affirms that no qualified person shall, solely by reason of his/her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the District. In order to assure compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act the District has established referral procedures, parent rights information, and grievance procedures. The Superintendent has designated the Director of Special Education as the person responsible for assuring the District’s compliance with Section 504.

NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records:

The Central Consolidated Schools (the District) is providing you notice of these rights, as outlined below:

  1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the District receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
  1. The right to request the amendment of the student education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request of amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
  1. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A School official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
  1. The District classifies the following as Directory Information: student’s name, parent’s name, address, telephone listing, electronic mail address, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, diplomas and awards received, student’s photograph, and the most recent previous school attended by the student. School officials may release this information to any person without the consent of the parents or the student. Any parent or eligible student who objects to the release of any or all of this information without his consent must notify, in writing, the principal of the school where the records are kept by September 15. The objection must state what information the parent or student does not want to be classified as directory information. If no objection is received by September 15, information designated above will be classified as Directory Information until the beginning of the next school year.
  1. Copies of the complete FERPA Policy adopted by the District may be obtained from the Superintendent’s Office or from the Principal’s Office of each school within the District.
  1. The right to file a complaint with U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Central Consolidated School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

Family Policy Compliance Office