VMS 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.

ANTI-RACISM, ANTI-OPPRESSION HOTLINE

The Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression Hotline– 833-485-1335— is now live and available to students, families, and community members to report school-based incidents of racism, injustice, or discrimination against anyone.

Callers will reach a trained department employee from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday (if calling after hours, they can leave a message).

The hotline was established as a requirement of the Black Education Act, passed in the 2021 General Session of the Legislature.

To report an incident, please choose any of the following options:

• Call: 833-485-1335
• Email
• Fill out an online form

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.

BULLYING STATEMENT:

Bullying behavior by any student in the Los Lunas Schools is strictly prohibited, and such conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension and/ or expulsion from school.

Key factors in bullying include:
• Power and control (Who has the most power? There’s always an imbalance of power in bullying cases.)
• The act is repeated over time.
• There must be intent to harm or injure
• TRADING INSULTS BACK AND FORTH IS NOT BULLYING.

Bullying includes, but is not limited to, hazing, harassment, intimidation or menacing acts of a student which may, but need not be, based on the student's race, color, sex, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation that a reasonable person under the circumstances should know will have the effect on others, placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm or damage to the student's property or physically harming a student or damaging a student or group of students in such a way as to disrupt or interfere with the school's educational mission or education of any student.

CYBERBULLYING, INTIMIDATION/INSTIGATION BY USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICE OR SOCIAL NETWORKING OUTLET

Any act by use of transmitted communication, either by electronic devices or other transmittal device that subjects persons to indignity, humiliation, physical abuse or threat of physical abuse, social or other isolation, shame or disgrace. This also includes direct or indirect communication of social networking sites. Examples of cyber bullying include:

• Posting slurs, rumors or other disparaging remarks about a student or staff member on any website.
• Sending email, text, or instant messages that are harassing or threatening in nature directly.
• Taking and sending an unauthorized and/or unwanted photograph of a student or staff member.
• Using any unauthorized electronic transmission to threaten, intimidate, or harass by means of direct or indirect contact.

*Cyberbullying is defined as bullying behavior but through electronic means. See definition of bullying above*

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.

Disenrollment:

Students will not be withdrawn from school or transferred to another school unless accompanied by a parent or guardian at the time of the withdrawal process. The parent/guardian must pick up the withdrawal form from the Attendance Office. The parent and/or guardian, student teachers, counselor, nurse, librarian, office clerk, and an administrator must then sign the form. All fines including textbooks, library books, electronic devices or other school materials not returned are to be paid for at this time. Student records will not be sent to the transfer school if fines are not paid and/or books are not returned.

Dress Code:

Clothing and accessories should not be disruptive, immodest, or compromise student safety. Students shall come to school looking clean, neat, and ready to learn. The District prohibits pictures, emblems, or writings on materials or clothing that are lewd, offensive, vulgar, immodest, or promote or refer to alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other illegal substance.

The District also prohibits any clothing or grooming that, in the administration’s judgment, may reasonably be expected to cause disruption of, or interference with, the educational process. Shirts or other clothing items depicting or promoting acts of violence, guns, weapons, death, dismemberment, disfigurement, gang activity or affiliation, offensive items, and/or bigotry towards other groups are specifically prohibited.

Pants:
• “Sagging pants” are not allowed. Jeans, slacks, shorts, and all other pants must be worn at or about the waist at all times. Even if a shirt is long, the pants must be worn at the waist. Undergarments should not be visible at any time. Pants that drag or are excessively oversized are not allowed.
• Inappropriate exercise clothing will not be allowed without an appropriate covering garment. Yoga pants, stretchy pants, or tights are not allowed unless covered by an appropriate length dress or shirt.
• Pants with holes are permitted as long as skin above the knee is covered.
• Sunglasses are not permitted to be worn in the school buildings.
• No pajamas or undergarments as to be worn as outerwear.
• Dresses, skirts, and shorts must be a length that are not higher than three inches above the knee.

Shirts:
• Boys: Shirts with sleeves must be worn at all times
• Girls: Sleeveless tops with a minimum width of two-inch wide straps are acceptable. The shirt straps must be wide enough to cover undergarments.
• See-through, bare midriff, and other revealing clothing are not permitted. Shirt hems must extend below the waist of pants/shorts/skirts whether in a sitting or standing position.

Not Allowed:
• Cleavage or bare midriff
• Oversized, too tight and/or revealing see-through shirts
• Sleeveless shirts, backless shirts, muscle shirts, spaghetti straps, halter tops, tube tops, off the shoulder or low-cut blouses or shirts.
• Cutting or tying of shirt
• Jackets, sweaters, etc. are not allowable coverups for shirts out of dress code.

Accessories:
• Footwear: no bedroom/house slippers, shoes must match each other
• Knit caps may be worn outside on inclement or cold weather days only
• See through lace, hosiery, or fishnet stockings/leggings will not permitted.

Outerwear:
• No inappropriate logos on hoodies, jackets, sweatshirts as determined by administration
• No oversized jackets (trench coats)
• No hoods are allowed to be worn

NOTE: As per the Los Lunas Schools Student Handbook (II.D), the responsibility to interpret and enforce the policy rests with each site administrator.

Students will not be allowed to leave campus for the purpose of changing clothes. All Los Lunas School students are expected to be in compliance with the dress code at any school-related event or activity; school officials have the authority to ask them to leave if they are inappropriately dressed.

Note: The Administration, in connection with the sponsor, coach, or other person in charge of an extracurricular activity, may regulate the dress and grooming of students who participate in the activity and may impose higher standards.

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.

HEALTH SERVICES:

A nurse is available to assist the health needs of students at our school. It is the sole responsibility of the parent/guardian to inform the school nurse of a student’s major health problem or other health related condition. Medical care and treatment (other than first aid) is not available at the school. Students with fevers are not permitted at school.

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 CHECKOUT:

A student will not be permitted to leave the school grounds during school hours unless an adult on their emergency card is checking them out. Parents and/or guardians must report to the office to check out a student. Just as a reminder we cannot provide information, nor do changes in plans over the phone. Anyone picking up students will be asked to prove their identity and must be on the student’s emergency card. The student will be called out of the classroom at that time and summoned to the administration office. No student will be released to anyone under the age of 18.

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.

TEXTBOOKS AND EQUIPMENT:

Textbooks and iPads are provided to students at public expense and are the property of the State and District. Students are responsible for the proper care and return of all books and iPads. Students will be charged the replacement cost if a book and/or iPad is lost or severely damaged. If there is a change in schedule, withdrawal from a class or from school, students must turn in books or technology materials issued. Reimbursement to the school is required for repair or damage to equipment and/or replacement of non-repairable equipment at the replacement value when damage is due to misuse or negligence of equipment.

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.