STUDENT/PARENT EXPECTATIONS
RESPONSIBILITIES
All students are worthy human beings deserving of respect and the best efforts
of the school staff. Student rights must be vigorously respected and protected
at all times.
In turn, all students have certain obligations to be contributing participants
in the learning process and to be good citizens within the school community.
The guiding principles for student conduct are to:
1. Attend all classes and arrive on time.
2. Bring texts, equipment, and materials needed for class.
3. Complete and submit assignments on time.
4. Be courteous and respectful of others.
5. Respond positively to the guidance of staff members.
6. Co-operate in ensuring a safe, secure, and clean school environment.
7. Follow dress code.
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ELECTRONIC GAMES AND TOYS:
Students are not to bring electronic games, walkman radios, CD players,
electronic assignment organizers or other expensive items to school. The school
takes no responsibility for losses incurred by those who disregard this rule.
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CELL PHONES:
Students will be allowed to have cell phones in school as long as they are not
visible and must be turned off during the instructional school day from 7:55 am
to 2:35 pm and which includes the lunch period.
If cell phones are used during this time, the cell phone will be confiscated.
The first violation will require a parental conference in order to get the phone
back.
Upon the 2nd violation, the cell phone will be confiscated until the last day of
the school year.
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DRESS CODE
It is the aim of the Taos Municipal Schools to display to the public at all
times a proper standard of morals, conduct, dress, attitude, courtesy, and
friendliness on the part of each student, which will be above reproach or
criticism. The public will judge our schools on the basis of any or all of these
characteristics as found in each student at all times. Therefore, in keeping
with the above aim, a student's appearance, mode of dress, and/or cleanliness
shall not disrupt the educational process, or constitute a threat to safety.
The following attire will be allowed in Taos Middle School:
SHIRTS/TOPS:
An orange or white color polo shirt with a collar, pocket (optional), and the
schools logo (TMS) optional, will be the universal dress shirt acceptable for
all grade levels.
A dark blue polo shirt with a collar, pocket (optional), schools logo
(optional) will be the dress shirt acceptable for the 6th grade student body.
A dark green polo shirt with a collar, pocket (optional), schools logo
(optional), will be the acceptable shirt for the 7th grade student body.
A dark burgundy/maroon polo shirt with a collar, pocket (optional), schools
logo (optional) will be the dress shirt acceptable for the 8th grade student
body.
PANTS:
The colors; blue denim, black, and khaki will be acceptable for pants for all
students of Taos Middle School.
a) Pants will be straight leg or relaxed fit. Loose fit will not be allowed
The same colors of black, khaki and denim blue; will be acceptable for shorts,
skirts, and skorts. The length must have an inseam of not less than 7 inches.
Only black or brown plain belts, without any advertising and no longer than 3
after belt loop or first pant loop, will be acceptable for all students at Taos
Middle School. The same will apply to belts already sewed on garments.
Jackets crotch length, with no team logo except Taos Middle School and Taos High
School logo and a manufacture 2 x 2 logo front side of jacket will be
acceptable for all students at Taos Middle School.
a) Jackets may be worn between classes, but must be removed while in class.
All hats, caps, and knit caps must be removed upon entering the building and
placed in lockers.
Sweatshirts and sweaters with no team logo, a manufacture logo of 2 x 2 and
the schools logo (optional) and the universal colors of orange, white or gray
and appropriate grade colors will be acceptable at Taos Middle School.
Consequences for violating the student dress standards are as follows:
First Offense - Immediate change of clothing, may result in being sent home
Second Offense - One day suspension and parent conference
Third Offense - Three day suspension and parent conference
Fourth Offense - Long term suspension
CLOSED
CAMPUS
In order to provide the necessary protection and safety for you, we have a
"closed campus" as set by Board policy. Please keep the following rules in mind:
1. Once your arrive at school you are to remain on campus until school is
dismissed.
2. Students may not ride another student's bus or another parents vehicle
without first securing permission from the Principal who must have parental
notification in writing.
3. Students checking out during school MUST HAVE PARENTS COME INTO THE OFFICE
AND SIGN OUT THE STUDENT FOR PROPER RELEASE FROM CAMPUS.
Parents, guardians, or designee must report in the office to pickup their child
and may be asked for identification. Persons other than those listed on the
registration form must have written authorization from the parent/guardian to
sign-out out a Taos Middle School student.
4. Any students having to walk home after school will need a written request
from the parents authorizing the School to allow the student to walk off campus.
5. If your parents drive you to school or pick you up after school, please have
them use the southeast entrance off Paseo del Canon.
6. Students are not allowed to bring motor vehicles on campus, even if the
student has a driver's license.
ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS
School attendance is mandatory in New Mexico. All students are expected to
attend school regularly and to be on time for classes in order to benefit from
the instructional program and to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline,
and responsibility. Students who have good attendance generally achieve higher
grades, enjoy school more, and are more successful.
When a student is absent due to:
Doctors appointment
Illness
Death in the family
Family emergency
Religious commitment
Extenuating circumstances, as agreed to by the administration prior to the
absence
Cultural commitments
Educational Activities (school related)
Diagnostic testing
The parent or guardian is required to call the school office to report the
absence. Taos Middle School has a Voice Messaging Service that is available 24
hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience - 737-6002. If this is not
possible, a written excuse from the parent or guardian must be presented upon
return to school in order for the absence to be excused.
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
A parent or legal guardian must accompany students withdrawing from Taos Middle
School so that the proper information can be presented on the withdrawal form.
All textbooks must be returned to teachers and teachers will in turn issue a
cumulative grade. A copy of the withdrawal form will be given to the
parent/guardian. All school fees must be paid before grades will be issued or
transcripts mailed out.
Automatic office withdrawal will be done for a student who has been absent ten
(10) consecutive school days along with a JPO Referral (Juvenile Probation
Office), if we have not been notified of a valid reason for the absence. If this
happens and the student returns to school after ten (10) days, he/she will be
re-enrolled after a parental conference is held with the Assistant Principal.
Make-up Work
Students who have an excused absence may make-up work missed. It is the
student's responsibility to get the assignments from teachers. Students are
allowed one day for every day absent to complete assignments.
GENERAL SCHOOL REGULATIONS
Every individual is entitled to courtesy and consideration. Actions which injure
others, damage private or public property, or which impede or obstruct the
learning process and/or the operation of the school are not characteristic of
mature responsible citizens and will not be tolerated. Anyone who engages in
these actions will be subject to disciplinary action.
SHOW RESPECT FOR STUDENTS AND ADULTS IN LANGUAGE, ATTITUDE, AND ACTIONS.
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR AT ALL TIMES.
RESPECT PROPERTY AND SHOW PRIDE IN THE SCHOOL CAMPUS.
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DISCIPLINE
As middle school students, you are reaching an age of increasing
responsibilities. The discipline system at TMS is designed to put the
responsibility for one's behavior where it belongs, which is with the individual
student. The majority of students are able to adapt easily to the disciplinary
measures.
The following examples are given for some of the offenses divided into three
categories. The list is not exhaustive and there are additional offenses for
which a student can be suspended or expelled.
Category I - Examples Of Offenses Which May Result In
Suspension:
Academic dishonesty (cheating on tests, copying term papers, forging signature
of teacher and/or parent.
Disrespect to teacher/staff.
Failure to report to office when directed to do so.
Fighting.
Gambling.
Snowball Throwing
Possession of shaving cream, stink bombs, aerosol or pump sprays or eggs
Harassment (nuisance phone calls to students or staff members; continued
comments or passing unofficial notes to another individual that he/she does not
wish to hear or receive).
Igniting matches (when not part of the instructional program).
Lack of required immunization.
Leaving school grounds without permission.
Personal health (when one's state of health threatens the health of others as
in the case of communicable disease).
Refusing to cooperate with school rules and regulations.
Refusing to cooperate with school transportation regulations.
Refusing to do assigned work.
Refusing to serve detention.
Tardiness/Excessive
Truancy
Unauthorized sale or distribution, not otherwise described (sale of football
pools; sale of items in school not related in any way to the school operation).
Possessions and/or use of tobacco or cigarette rolling paper.
Using foul or abusive language.
Verbal assault on student.
Possession of Permanent Markers.
Category II - Examples of Offenses for Which the
Student Would Normally Be Suspended and Which May Result In Expulsion:
Assault
Assault and battery on a student
Chronic disruption of the school program and/or activities
Deprivation through intimidation of another individual's right to attend
school or classes
Destruction and vandalism of school property, personal property of students
and/or faculty, receipt, sale, possession or distribution of property stolen
from Taos Municipal Schools less than $300.00
Disruptive behavior which results in the interference with the normal school
program
Distribution, attempt to distribute, or possession with intent to distribute a
non-controlled substance upon the representation that the substance is a
controlled dangerous substance (look alike)
Extortion less than $300.00
Failure to assume responsibility for, or control of his/her behavior
False fire alarm/fire report
Harassment for any reason including, but not limited to sexual, racial,
religious, and ethnic differences
Indecent exposure
Insubordination (disobeying a directive from an administrator or teacher)
Participating in and/or inciting a school disruption
Possessions and/or detonation of an incendiary or explosive material or device
(fire-cracker or greater)
Possession and/or use of a portable pager (beeper)
Possession and/or use of a portable telephone
Possession of a pocket knife
Possession of a look-alike weapon of any kind
Possession, use, or distribution of controlled paraphernalia
Purchase of a non-controlled substance that has been represented to be a
controlled dangerous substance (look alike)
Theft and/or knowingly possessing stolen property
Trespassing
Possession and/or use of tobacco or cigarette rolling paper, repeated offense
Distribution and/or sale of alcohol
Distribution and/or sale of controlled dangerous substances (illegal drugs)
Possession of alcohol
Possession of controlled dangerous substances (illegal drugs)
Prescription violation (misuse of prescribed medicine including, but not
limited to, such drugs as amphetamines and barbiturates)
Use of alcohol, under the influence of alcohol, or showing evidence of having
consumed alcohol
Use of intoxicant which causes a loss of self-control or inebriation and which
shall include glue and solvents
Category III - Examples of Offenses which Shall
Result In Expulsion:
Arson
Assault and battery on a staff member
Striking a staff member intervening in a fight or other disruptive activity
Bomb threat
Conspiracy between two or more persons to commit a Category III offense
Destruction and vandalism of school property, personal property of students
and/or faculty. receipts, sale, possession or distribution of property stolen
from Taos Municipal Schools $300.00 or more
Extortion $300.00 or more
Possession or use of a real weapon of any kind which shall include, but not be
limited to, any rifle or gun (loaded or unloaded, operable or inoperable),
switchblade knife, hunting knife, star knife, straight razor, nunchaku, spiked
glove, spiked wristband, or any mace derivative or tear gas device
Robbery
Under the influences of a controlled substance, or showing evidence of having
used a controlled substance
Use of a look-alike weapon of any kind which shall include, but not be limited
to, any rifle or gun (loaded or unloaded, operational or inoperable),
switchblade knife, hunting knife, star knife, straight razor, nunchaku, spiked
glove, or spiked wristband
Violent behavior which creates a substantial danger to persons or property
LOCKERS
Each student is assigned an individual locker. Lockers and combinations are not
to be shared as this contributes to lost or stolen books and personal items.
Lockers are the property and responsibility of the District and may be searched
at any time.
BUS CONDUCT
Students being transported are reminded that they are to conduct themselves in a
lawful and orderly manner at all times. Students who violate bus regulations are
subject to disciplinary action by school administration.
GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING SERVICES
Counseling services are available to every student at Taos Middle School. These
services include assistance with academics, school, home, and social behavior
concerns or problems, and personal issues. Students are encouraged to go to
their counselors for help.
HEALTH PROGRAM
The school nurse serves as a consultant to teachers on student health needs and
will assist in the development of health programs. If student immunization
records are not up to date, students and parents will be contacted. All students
wishing to see the nurse must have a pass from the teacher. When students are
ill, they are to report to the nurses' office, at which time either the nurse or
the office may recommend that a student is excused to go home. Parents will be
contacted or the student will be allowed to use the phone. Office personnel will
manage emergencies arising when the nurse is not present.
If you take medication on a regular
basis or are ill and need medication the office must be informed. The nurse has
a form that must be filled out and signed by the parent or legal guardian of the
student. All prescription medication will be stored with and dispensed by the
nurse. Written instructions from the attending physician is required.
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NOTICES FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE
In order to prevent exposure to viral and bacterial infections, it is the school
nurses recommendation that students be kept at home if they have flu like
symptoms or any of the following FEVER, UPSET STOMACH, PERSISTENT COUGH, CHEST
CONGESTION, and OR AN EAR ACHE. If the student is experiencing frequent
persistent symptoms parents will be required to have their child examined by a
physician before returning to school.
According to school policy all prescription medications will be stored with and
dispensed by the school nurse or her designee in her absence. Prescription
medications must be brought to school in an appropriate pharmacy labeled
container. Inhalers may be carried by the student if the nurse has been provided
with the appropriate signed authorization form. Forms are available in the
nurses office. Over the counter medications are not to be dispensed by any one
other than the school nurse. A signed parental consent form is required. An
assessment must be initiated by a nurse to determine need for over the counter
medications.
State law requires that children immunizations be kept up to date. Notices will
be sent home by the nurse with the students. If there is no response 30 days
from notice being sent out, your child may be disenrolled. ASK YOUR CHILD IF THEY
HAVE BEEN GIVEN ANY FORMS! It is important that your address and phone number be
made available and updated as needed to the school nurse. In the event of an
emergency or disaster this information is vital. Ask your doctors office/health
department to FAX immunization records to 737-6001 any time your child receives
a shot.
IF YOUR CHILD IS EXEMPT FROM IMMUNIZATIONS THE EXEMPT FORMS ARE ONLY VALID FOR 9
MONTHS. THEREFORE FORMS ARE REQUIRED TO BE UPDATED AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH
SCHOOL YEAR.
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INSURANCE
Student insurance is available to all students and forms may be obtained from
the office. Twenty-four hour coverage is available as well as school time
coverage. Students in athletics or extra-curricular activities are required to
have some type of insurance. Parents/Legal Guardian deals directly with
insurance carrier.
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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in extra-curricular activities, any student of the
Taos Middle School must maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or better and
shall have no more than one "F". The principal and/or the administrative staff
of each unit shall determine eligibility at the end of each grading period.
Club and Activities Program(s)
Taos Middle School's club and activities program makes available as many
different types of clubs and activities as possible to meet the interests of the
student body. All clubs will meet on designated dates. A finalized list of club
members will be given to the office and placed in the computer.
Clubs, activities or student organization tryouts and meeting times will be
forthcoming.
HONOR ROLL
Student eligibility for Honor Roll will be determined by grade point average
every 9 weeks. Grade points are as follows:
"A" - 4 points
"B" - 3 points
"C" - 2 points
"D" - 1 point
"F" - 0 points
A grade of a "D" or "F" disqualifies a student from Honor Roll.
Honor Roll will show students with a 3.5 average and above. Determination will
be based on Weighted Grade Point Average.
Weighted Grade Point Average
For cumulative average for 1 or more semester grades.
Honor Points = (number of honor classes/number of semesters) x .2 weighted G.P.A.
= Honor Points + G.P.A.
For 9 weeks Honor Roll or semester Honor Roll the formula is calculated with the
number of semesters equal to one.
Students who make the Honor Roll or go up one grade point (i.e., from a 1.2 to a
2.2) are treated to the movies.
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REQUIREMENTS FOR PROMOTION
Students need to pass with at least 6 credits before promotion to the next grade
will be considered.
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ACADEMIC DEFICIENCIES
Academic deficiencies are sent during the mid-point of each 9 week grading
period to parents of students who are experiencing academic difficulties in a
subject(s), and consequently, there is the danger of failure. The teacher and/or
counselor may request a conference with the parent(s) to discuss the students
difficulties and to make recommendations which may assist the student.
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CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
We are very fortunate to be housed in a well-kept building. Be proud of it and
take care of your school. It is everyone's responsibility to help maintain a
clean and safe building. You can assist in keeping the building clean by
throwing papers, etc., in trashcans.
You are responsible for the proper care of all books, supplies and furniture in
the school. Students will be charged for damages or losses occurring to school
buildings, books, or equipment resulting from unreasonable actions. If you
misplace a personal item you can check with the custodians or the office
regarding lost and found, however we have no formal lost and found area.
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TEXTBOOK RESPONSIBILITY
Textbooks are the property of the state and are provided to students on a loan
basis and need to be covered. Books go through a six year cycle before they are
replaced; therefore, do not share textbooks because students will be required to
pay for lost or damaged books. Until books are paid for or returned, transcripts
and end of the year report cards will not be released.
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SCHOOL TRIPS
A faculty sponsor must accompany students on school-sponsored trips.
Students that represent Taos Middle School on out-of-town trips are expected to
maintain very high standards of behavior at all time. Every student who
participates in school-sponsored activities away from the campus, such as games,
field trips, etc., must have a release on file signed by parent/legal guardians.
All school rules are in effect on all trips.
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SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
Our school is fortunate in having capable people to help us whenever our regular
teachers are ill or attending conferences. A substitute teacher is an important
staff member whose impressions of our school will be carried into the community.
Let us be certain that these are good impressions by being polite, helpful and
considerate.
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FIRE DRILLS
The design of our school allows classes to react to evacuation alarm
independently by exiting through panic doors to be found in classrooms and halls
leading outdoors. Panic doors will be used only for emergency evacuation
purposes, never for class changes.
Once classes exit, after closing all doors, turning lights out, etc., students
will proceed away from the building to the football field in an orderly manner
under the teacher's guidance at all times. Students return to classrooms when
the alarm discontinues and is followed by 3 short rings of the bell, unless
otherwise advised.
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FOOD
SERVICES
The Taos Middle School Food Services Department provides a variety of services
to meet the nutritional needs of the students. In compliance with USDA
regulations, the Food Service Staff strives to meet the Dietary Guideline for
Americans of lowering fat, sugar, and sodium in our menus. Along with meeting
the nutritional needs, we serve popular foods that students traditionally like.
The following services are offered daily to Taos Middle School students:
Light breakfast
Well-balanced hot lunches
Salad bar and/or snack bar
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VISITORS
All visitors must register in the school office upon entering the building. If
necessary to speak to a student or teacher, the office personnel will make
proper arrangements. Teacher/team conferences and room visitations may be
arranged either by directly contacting the teacher at school or by requesting an
appointment through the school office. With prior permission from the principal,
student visitors from out-of town may visit.
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ACTIVITY FEE AND LAB FEES
All students are required to pay a $6.00 activity fee, which covers; locker
rental, one (1) identification card, and one Student Handbook. The
identification card is used by; the lunch cashier, for athletic activities, and
for youth employment programs. Replacement cards will cost $5.00. Replacement of
Student Handbook will be cost $6.00.
Lab fees:
Art $10.00
Industrial Arts $10.00
Band $10.00
Chorus $10.00
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UNIVERSAL SUPPLY LIST
The following supplies will be required of all Taos Middle School students for
the upcoming school year:
1 3-Ring binder
Loose Leaf Paper Wide Ruled
#2 Pencils
Pens Blue or Black
Protractor
Supply/Pencil Bag 3-Ring Binder Ready
Ruler 3-ring Binder Ready
One-Subject Spiral Notebooks (1 per class)
Tabbed Index Separators (8 ½ x 11)
Colored Pencils
1 Highlighter (any color)
Teachers will also inform your child
if any special requirements are necessary for their class at the beginning of
the School year.
Permanent Markers are not allowed in school.
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