Loving Elementary School Policies
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EDUCATIONAL
PROGRAMS
Head Start Program
The Head Start Program is a federal program housed at the Loving Elementary
School. The children attend classes on the same schedule as the elementary
school students. The class hours are 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., five days a
week. Through the different activities, our children are provided with
social skills, emotional and physical well-being, and mental stimulation.
The staff members offer our children love, understanding, and a variety of
activities that will provide successful outcomes.
Our program encourages our parents to take part in activities that will
provide learning skills for the whole family. As parents become involved in
their child's education, they feel comfortable volunteering in the classroom
and/or in committees.
The Loving Headstart students are fortunate to be housed in the elementary
school because they have access to all the activities and events that take
place here. The transition from the Headstart Program into kindergarten
class is less stressful because the students have already been participating
in all the activities of the kindergarten classes.
DD Preschool
This program combines 3 and 4 year old children from the community with
children who have difficulties. It is a language enrichment program. It
teaches readiness skills such as recognizing names, shapes and colors, etc.
This program also teaches various social skills. The morning session is from
8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The afternoon session is from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Title I/Migrant
The Migrant Education Program is designed to supplement the instruction of
children of migrant families in order for them to participate effectively in
the educational program.
Kindergarten
Our kindergarten students are introduced to a full range of academic studies
including language arts, math, science, social studies, and Spanish. We also
go on a variety of field trips during the school year that enhance learning.
First Grade
First grade is the year that students become more independent and develop
reading, math, and writing skills. A yearly event such as a field trip
involves parents and students. Thematic activity centers are set up all
morning long and then games are offered in the afternoon. It is a successful
learning adventure for parents and students.
Second Grade
In second grade, students are introduced to multiplication facts. It is the
time that students memorize addition and subtraction facts. There is an
emphasis on phonic and reading skills.
Third Grade
The third grade is a busy time, with students trying to memorize
multiplication facts and master cursive writing. We also emphasize problem
solving. Our social studies include a unit on New Mexico. This unit exposes
students to cultural aspects of New Mexico.
Fourth Grade
One of the things that make fourth grade special, is the Manuelito Gutierrez
Award. This award is given to the fourth grader who is an all around good
citizen. Students also participate in an annual field trip that relates to
the unit studied in fourth grade.
Fifth Grade
Fifth graders have the opportunity to engage in several hands-on activities
during the year and also participate in field trips. At the final awards
assembly, the Fifth Grade Girl and the Fifth Grade Boy are announced. These
awards honor a boy and a girl who have shown outstanding academic
achievement, citizenship, and involvement in extracurricular activities
during their years at Loving Elementary School.
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EXTRA CURRICULAR
ACTIVITIES
Student Council
The Student Council serves as a democratic method for all citizens of Loving
Elementary to have a say in the operation of the school. Through the Student
Council, every student's ideas can be heard. The Student Council works
together on specific problems. The Student Council gives students a chance
to learn about the democratic process and leadership.
All students are represented in Student Council,
because their views and ideas are presented to the Student Council through
their representatives. Each class from grades 2 through 5, elects
representatives to act and vote at Student Council meetings. The Officers
are a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. They are
elected by 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders. The sponsors help guide the Student
Council and serves as the link between the Student Council and the rest of
the school staff. The principal is always a member of the Student Council.
The principal is the final authority and has ultimate responsibility for the
school.
Pencil Store
The pencil store is used as a means of raising money to fund activities for
the students. Some of the money provides the Christmas bags for the
Christmas parties, pizza parties, and refreshments for Teacher/Parent
Conference, etc.
Music Program
We have a full time music teacher who provides a diverse music program. The
program utilizes classroom technology and software to enhance music
instruction. Students have the opportunity to enhance their education by
learning through music and instruments about other cultures.
Fifth Grade Band and Orchestra
Fifth grade is the first year for band or orchestra in Loving. Students
learn how to read and count music as they practice on the instruments of
their choice. They also learn how to take care of their instruments.
Mediation Program
Mediators (selected through a process involving self-nomination, peer
nomination, teacher recommendations, and coordinator selection) are given
skills through training that enable them to help resolve conflicts that
arise between students (usually on the playground, sometimes in the
classrooms). This mediation process, supervised by staff members, but
implemented by students (only 4th and 5th graders are eligible) allows
students in conflict to avoid having to go the principal's office if they
are willing to "go to mediation" and resolve their disputes at the mediation
level. For more information contact the office.
Safety Patrols
Safety patrols are fifth grade pupils who make sure students are walking
safely and correctly to and from the cafeteria at lunchtime.
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SPECIAL EVENTS
Book Fair
A Book Fair is held once a year to provide the students and our community
with an opportunity to purchase children's books and posters. Profits from
the Book Fair help our library add to its book collection. Without parent
volunteers, our Book Fairs could not be successful.
Staff vs. Fifth Graders Volleyball Game
Each year the 5th grade students challenge the staff to a volleyball game.
The money earned from the concession goes to worthy projects. Past projects
have included a donation to the Loving Boys and Girls Club and the purchase
of trees for our school.
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SPECIAL LEARNING
PROGRAMS
ESL/ELD K-12
English as a Second Language/English Language Development is a program whose
primary goal is to help students become proficient in English, so they can
succeed academically in school. This program is designed for students whose
primary language is other than English.
Reading First
The Reading First program is a school reform program that was implemented
to benefit children at risk of reading failure. This program focuses on
prevention, early intervention and perseverance. The Reading First program
ensures reading success for all students by changing the way reading
instruction is organized and delivered in the classroom, and by providing
regular assessments and appropriate interventions. Students are put into
groups according to their reading level, not their grade level. They receive
90 minutes of uninterrupted reading instruction at the same time every day.
Students are consistently progress monitored utilizing the Dibel’s
Assessment as well as through periodic Unit Assessments. Once the students’
reading level is assessed, groups are changed to reflect each student’s
progress.
The Building Team, a component of the Reading First Program, addresses
issues such as attendance, school-based intervention, parent involvement,
service integration, and community involvement to ensure student
achievement.
Open House
This get-together is to familiarize and up-date parents and students with
school regulations and programs, which include information about the Reading
First program. Refreshments are served and parents can get acquainted with
other parents and the reading facilitator at this meeting. Agenda items have
included an overview of components relating to Reading First, levels of
progress by students (progress monitoring assessment), tutorial services
offered, classroom visits in all components, “hands on” exposure to
materials utilized in all components, overviews of read & respond forms,
explanation of the new grading system, and general information on future
programs to be offered through Reading First (i.e., Raising Readers and
Sunshine Clubs).
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COMPUTERS
A+ Curriculum
First through fifth grade students’ learn keyboarding, word processing
skills, and use of the Internet at the appropriate grade levels. Pupils may
also work at their own pace on lessons selected by their teacher from the A+
program in the computer lab.
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RESOURCES
Speech/Language Pathologist
The speech/language pathologist provides therapy to students whose learning
is affected by problems with the way they sound the letters, the way they
use language, or with stuttering. Those students who have difficulty with
vocabulary, sentence structure, following directions, or speaking in any
language may be candidates for language therapy. The speech/language
pathologist does not work with students who have adequate language skills in
a language other than English.
Special Needs Program
The Loving Municipal School provides a comprehensive program to serve
children with special needs from birth to age 21. Children from the age of
birth through five are identified as having special needs through parent
referral or through Loving Child Find screening clinics that are held
several times a year. The Pecos Valley Educational Cooperative employs
professionals who are qualified to diagnose and treat learning problems in
preschool children. These services can be provided to children in their home
or at school. Research has demonstrated that early intervention is the best,
most effective kind of help.
Children aged five through 21 who have been identified as having
disabilities that effect their learning can be served in a variety of ways.
Special education teachers are available for academic assistance. A variety
of related services such as audiology, speech/language therapy, occupational
and physical therapy, psychological services and social work are available
to support the learning process.
Student Assistance Team
The SAT is made up of several staff members who, after a student has been
identified by a teacher as having difficulties with his/her work or
behavior, assist the teacher in finding ways to help the student achieve
success.
Pecos Valley Regional Center Cooperative The Pecos Valley Regional
Educational Cooperative #8 (PVREC) is one of 10 regional centers formed by
the NM Legislature and the NM Board of Education in 1984. The co-ops were
created to supplement established school programs for children with
disabilities under the federal special education law.
Much of the work the PVREC does involve young children
with disabilities. The FIT program sends therapists and early
interventionists into the homes of children with disabilities from birth to
age three. It also provides regular respite services to these children’s
families. The DD preschool services include special education and related
therapy services for three and four-year-olds in Headstart and center based
programs.
The PVREC coordinates and delivers services,
information, support, and resources to the families, children and
communities of the four school districts of Loving, Lake Arthur, Hagerman,
and Dexter. It assists the districts in complying with local, state, and
federal requirements and in serving communities. It provides services for
children with disabilities from birth to age 21.
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Physical and occupational therapists provide therapy to students whose
physical disabilities have been identified in their IEPs. Physical
therapists treat limbs below the waist, while occupational therapists treat
the upper portion of the body.
Social Worker
The school social workers act as a liaison between children, family, and
school when intervention services are needed. They aid in the identification
of students' needs and complete student/family assessments and evaluations.
The social worker provides services for students to help remove social,
emotional, and behavioral problems that impede school progress. These might
include individual and group counseling, crisis intervention services, and
providing support and encouragement by emphasizing personal strength. Social
workers also provide services for parents and other family members in any
professional manner that enhances student/family success. They coordinate
services for students and families with community agencies.
Counseling
A counselor is provided to meet the needs of students, parents, and teachers
at our school. The purpose of an elementary school counselor is to help
students adjust to their school, peers, teachers, and to address any
problems that may be bothering them. Students can be referred to the school
counselor by their teachers, parents, or by asking the counselor themselves
if they may set up a time to be counseled.
ATTENDANCE
Good attendance is necessary for the education of your child. So many new
concepts are taught each day that missing even one day can result in the
student falling behind in his/her studies.
What is an authorized absence?
An authorized absence is any absence that is verified by a parent or
guardian in advance or within forty-eight (48) hours following the absence.
When a student is absent from school, the parent is urged to call the
school's attendance office at 745-2079 and state the reason for the absence.
What is an unauthorized absence?
An unauthorized absence is any absence that is not verified as an excused
absence. Deer hunting, vacation, and suspensions are considered unauthorized
absences.
When could lack of attendance result in student retention?
Students must attend 90% of their regularly scheduled school days to be
promoted. School officials will consider retaining any student who has
accumulated eighteen absences (authorized or unauthorized) in one year.
What happens after three (3) or more unexcused absences?
After three (3) or more unexcused absences, a certified letter outlining the
provisions of the Compulsory Attendance Law will either be mailed, or
hand-delivered by a school employee to the parent.
A parent must accompany the student to school after a
third unexcused absence and meet with the principal. If a parent does not
accompany the student to school after the third unexcused absence or make
alternate arrangements with the school principal for a conference, a
complaint will be filed with the Magistrate Court against the parent for
failure to comply with policy.
What happens after five (5) unexcused absences?
A complaint can be filed in Magistrate Court against parents whose children
have attained five (5) unexcused absences.
What happens after ten (10) consecutive unexcused absences?
After ten (10) consecutive unexcused absences, by state law, a student's
name will be removed from the school roster.
TRUANCY
What is truancy?
Truancy is an absence from school without the knowledge of the
parent/guardian. Any student leaving campus without observing proper check
out procedures will be classified as "truant."
**Board Policy states that the school official may
suspend a student having excessive truancies provided the school has
notified the parents of each truancy using the appropriate truancy notice.
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TARDIES
What should a student do if he/she is tardy?
Students will report to the office when they arrive late for school or after
an absence and obtain a tardy slip to take to their classroom teacher.
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STUDENT PROPERTY
When can a student's property be searched?
The school principal or designated representative has the authority to
inspect any desk if it is believed that stolen goods or harmful substances
may be hidden in them.
What happens if a student brings weapons to school?
No weapons are allowed on campus, including guns, knives, or objects that
can cause bodily harm. If a student brings a weapon to school, he/she will
be immediately suspended and then will be sent to the superintendent for a
hearing.
Should valuables be brought to school?
Students are not to bring radios, cassette players, CD players, or other
valuables to school, or leave such items in their desks or classrooms
because of the possibility of vandalism and theft. The school is not
responsible for any valuables or books missing from the student's desk. If
it is necessary to carry large amounts of cash, leave it in the office for
safekeeping.
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VISITORS
What should visitors do upon arriving at school?
Visitors need to report to the office and sign in upon entering school
grounds. Upon signing in, each person will be issued a ”Visitor” sticker. An
individual who is on school property without the approval of the principal
is considered trespassing.
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STUDENT CHECK OUT
PROCEDURE
Who can check out a student from school?
Only the parent/legal guardian will be allowed to check out a student from
school. Written permission from the student's parents or legal guardian may
be given to an authorized person of their choice. Written permission will be
filled out in the office with both the parent/guardian and the authorized
person present. The written permission will be kept on file. If the school
personnel are in doubt about an individual's authorization to check out a
student, the school official involved will call the police.
The parent must go into the office and sign out any student who is leaving
the building. A note asking to release the student will be given to the
parents to take to their child's teacher. No student will be allowed to
leave school property without being checked out.
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SCHOOL HOURS
When can elementary students arrive at school?
Students should not be on campus before 7:40 a.m.
School starts at 7:55 a.m. and students are dismissed at 3:10 p.m.
Kindergarten is dismissed at 3:00 p.m.
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USE OF PHONE
Who may use the office phone?
The office telephone is for BUSINESS AND EMERGENCY USE ONLY! Please inform
your students of this telephone policy. Students wanting to visit friends
after school MAY NOT USE THE SCHOOL TELEPHONE TO ASK FOR PARENT/GUARDIAN
PERMISSION.
LUNCHES
What are the lunch prices?
All students receive lunches at the cafeteria at no charge. Adult lunches
may be paid in the office. School lunch prices are determined on an annual
basis by the Loving School Board. Parents or community members will eat
after all students have been served. Parents who volunteer to work in the
classroom may eat with their child's class.
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STUDENT BEHAVIOR
How should students behave?
Students are responsible for their behavior and are expected to respect all
adults and fellow students, school and personal property.
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STUDENT
HARASSMENT POLICY
Harassment, which can be any speech or action that creates a hostile,
intimidating or offensive learning environment will not be tolerated. This
also includes sexual harassment, which involves improper physical contact,
advances, or remarks. The minimum consequence of harassment is a conference
and the maximum is expulsion. (Ref. Loving Municipal School Board Policy
#303)
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CORPORAL
PUNISHMENT
When can corporal punishment be administered?
The administration of corporal punishment must be
considered as corrective, reasonable, and without malice, and must be
carried out by an administrator. Corporal punishment may be administered
after other corrective measures have failed, or after a student commits a
flagrant infraction. Corporal punishment will be administered by the
principal only, and in the presence of a teacher.
What should parents who object to corporal punishment do?
Parents who object to corporal punishment must sign the Corporal Punishment
Form (available from the office) and return it to the building principal.
The children who are in need of discipline will be remanded to the custody
of their parents and will not be permitted back to school until a parent
conference and appropriate discipline can be arranged.
When may a staff member use force?
A staff member may use physical force to restrain a pupil without advance
notice to the principal when it is essential for self-defense, or for the
protection of other persons or property.
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CLOSED CAMPUS
Why is our school a closed campus?
Loving Elementary School students are NOT PERMITTED off the school grounds
during their lunch period. It is impossible to supervise students when they
are off the school grounds.
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Who pays for vandalism?
The student's family will pay for any vandalism the young person has caused.
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CRISIS
INTERVENTION
What is crisis intervention?
Crisis intervention is the method of reporting any
suspicious behavior of a person who might be dangerous or harmful to people
or property. Anyone who sees a person acting in a suspicious manner should
report that person to the nearest school authority.
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STUDENT DRESS
REGULATIONS
What is the dress code?
The basic responsibility for the student's dress and
appearance rests with the parents. However, the school district has the
responsibility to intervene at any time when it feels that the appearance
and dress of a student interfere with the educational process. This
determination is to be made by the building principal.
A) Scandalous language and advertisement on clothing are
forbidden.
B) Footwear is required of all students.
C) Boys must wear a pull- over shirt or regular shirt and all buttons must
be secure except for a collar button.
D) Boys or girls will not be allowed to wear pull over shirts that expose
navel or stomach area.
E) No halter tops, spaghetti straps, or see-through clothing will be
permitted.
F) Boys and girls will be permitted to wear shorts (no short shorts) or
cut-offs on days when the weather is appropriate for this type of clothing.
Shorts may not be more than three (3) inches above the base of the
kneecap.
G) Gang related attire is prohibited.
H) Sagging pants or excessively baggy pants are not allowed.
I) Length of hair is optional, but it must be kept clean and groomed.
Students may be advised to change dress or appearance before returning the
next day, or in extreme cases, may be sent home immediately for correction,
or may be suspended temporarily pending a conference with the parents.
(Ref. Loving Municipal School Board Policy #348)
DETENTION
When is detention?
The teacher can detain students after school or require them to report early
as a corrective measure. Detained children will carry a notification to
their parents prior to the detention explaining the reason for detention and
the period of time that they are to be retained. (This applies to bus
students as well.)
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BUS SERVICE
What are the rules for riding the bus?
Student transportation is a privilege, not a right, extended to qualified
students. The bus driver has full charge of the students when they are
riding the bus and the driver will report students who misbehave to the
principal. If the misbehavior continues, the student's bus riding privilege
can be revoked.
Please, read the following rules to your children:
STUDENTS SHOULD REMEMBER THAT BEING CARELESS NOT ONLY ENDANGERS THEIR OWN
SAFETY BUT ALSO THE SAFETY OF THE OTHER STUDENTS ON THE BUS.
Playground Rules:
1. Swings - No twisting, under dogging, pushing, standing, jumping off, running between the swings, or swinging on the stomach.
2. Slides - No climbing up the front of the slide or running up the ladder. Legs must be flat and straight down on the slide. No standing up or swinging from the crossbar above the slide. No toys are allowed on the slide.
3. No tackling, tripping, or playing rough.
4. Do not play with or throw rocks, gravel, or sand.
5. Use common sense when playing on any of the equipment. Do not do anything you think could hurt someone.
6. P.E. equipment and sports balls are the responsibility of the person who takes them to the playground. Balls are not to be thrown against the walls or at the trees.
7. Personal toys are not allowed on the playground.
8. Do not bring food or drink on the playground.
9. Do not climb trees or pull their limbs down.
10. Do not climb the fences.
11. Students should go directly from the cafeteria to the elementary school playground.
12. Students may not go into the building without a hall pass.
13. Students who need to go into the building for any reason must ask permission from the person on duty.
14.
When the bell rings, students must line up quickly with their
classmates. Balls thrown after the bell has rung will be confiscated.
What are penalties for breaking the playground
rules?
1st offense-warning
2nd offense-5 minutes time out
3rd offense-Referral to the office.
Students will remain in time out until the bell rings.
NURSE
The nurse is available to administer over the counter medications with a
parent consent form that has been signed. Prescription drugs may be
administered with a physician’s order and parent consent form. All injuries
are addressed through the nurse’s office; then, depending on the severity,
parents or the hospital will be contacted.
What to do in the event of a Head Lice outbreak?
It is important to realize that the presence of head lice is no reflection
of cleanliness. In order to prevent an infestation of lice there are several
times during the year that full head checks are conducted. Loving Elementary
School has a NIT-FREE policy, which indicates that all nits have been
removed from the hair before the student can return to school. In cases of
repeated re-infestation the Public Health Office can be contacted to assist.
If lice are suspected, the following procedure is required:
Any student treated for head lice must be examined
again by the nurse to ensure that hair is free of nits before being allowed
to return to the classroom. The school nurse is available to assist you and
provide you with additional information at your request.
What to do if my child needs to take medications?
If a student is in need of prescription or over-the-counter medication
during school hours, the following procedure must be followed:
Medications are kept locked in the nurse's office.
For legal and safety reasons, the school nurse cannot give medications sent
with the student carrying a handwritten note. Medical Consent Forms are
available from the school nurse, at the Loving Clinic, and many physicians
in Carlsbad. If you have any questions, please contact the school nurse.
SCHOOL POLICIES
601 S. 6th Street, P.O. Box 98, Loving, NM 88256
