“Excellence in Education”
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
BOARD OF EDUCATION ...................................................................................................................................... 4
DISTRICT OFFICE ................................................................................................................................................. 4
TUCUMCARI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OFFICES ............................................................................................. 4
TUCUMCARI PUBLIC SCHOOLS VISION STATEMENT ................................................................................. 4
TUCUMCARI PUBLIC SCHOOLS MISSION STATEMENT .............................................................................. 5
TUCUMCARI ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS MISSION STATEMENT .................................................................. 5
SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY ........................................................................................................................................ 5
TUCUMCARI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................... 5
TUCUMCARI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROCEDURES .................................................................................. 6
STUDENT ENROLLMENT .................................................................................................................................... 6
STUDENT ID CARDS ............................................................................................................................................ 6
PERMANENT RECORDS ...................................................................................................................................... 6
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL ...................................................................................................... 6
SCHOOL HOURS ................................................................................................................................................... 6
GRADING POLICY ................................................................................................................................................ 7
RETENTION ........................................................................................................................................................... 7
HONOR ROLL ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
STUDENT ILLNESS AT SCHOOL AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION......................................................... 7
MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION AT SCHOOL .............................................................................................. 8
SCHOOL BREAKFAST/LUNCH ........................................................................................................................... 8
TEXTBOOKS .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
DELIVERIES........................................................................................................................................................... 8
FIELD TRIPS........................................................................................................................................................... 9
BUS ZONE & PARENT PICK-UP .......................................................................................................................... 9
TRAFFIC SAFETY ................................................................................................................................................. 9
SCHOOL VISITORS ............................................................................................................................................. 10
LOCK DOWN........................................................................................................................................................ 10
ATTENDANCE POLICY ........................................................................................................................................ 10
ABSENCE PROCEDURE FOR PARENTS .......................................................................................................... 11
ABSENCE PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS ....................................................................................................... 11
TARDINESS .......................................................................................................................................................... 11
RELEASE OF STUDENTS ................................................................................................................................... 11
TRUANCY ............................................................................................................................................................ 12
STUDENT DISCIPLINE ...................................................................................................................................... 12
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR .................................................................................................................................. 13
RULES OF CONDUCT ......................................................................................................................................... 13
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES AND INTERVENTIONS...................................................................................... 13
BULLYING ........................................................................................................................................................... 14
CYBERBULLYING .............................................................................................................................................. 14
GANG ACTIVITY ................................................................................................................................................ 14
WEAPONS IN SCHOOL ....................................................................................................................................... 15
FIGHTING AND PHYSICAL ASSAULT ............................................................................................................ 15
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR .................................................................................................................................. 15
VANDALISM AND DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY ....................................................................................... 16
STUDENT BEHAVIOR WITH A SUBSTITUTE ................................................................................................. 16
SCHOOL BUS RULES .......................................................................................................................................... 16
SEXUAL HARASSMENT .................................................................................................................................... 16
DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE ......................................................................................................................... 17
ELECTRONIC DEVICES ..................................................................................................................................... 17
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BICYCLES AND SKATEBOARDS ..................................................................................................................... 18
DRESS CODE........................................................................................................................................................ 18
SEARCH AND SEIZURE ..................................................................................................................................... 19
DETENTION ......................................................................................................................................................... 20
OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION PROGRAM (OSS) ......................................................................................... 20
IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION PROGRAM (ISS) .................................................................................................... 20
DISCIPLINE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS ...................................................................................... 21
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INTRODUCTION
TUCUMCARI PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Mr. Carlos Romero. ............................................ President
Mrs. Heather Gonzales .................................... Vice President
Mrs. Corinne Hayes .......................................... Clerk
Mr. Leif Gray....................................................... Member
Mr. Chris Birch ................................................... Member
DISTRICT OFFICE
Mr. Aaron McKinney ................................... Superintendent
Mr. Dave Johnson ...................................... Assistant Superintendent
TUCUMCARI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OFFICES
Pre-K – 2nd Grade
3rd – 5th Grade
Mrs. Tonya Hodges, Principal
Mrs. Kaylene Davis, Assistant Principal
Ms. Kyla Massengill, Secretary
Mrs. Tonya Hodges, Principal
Mrs. Kaylene Davis, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Marci Oliver, Secretary
1623 S. 9th Street
Tucumcari, NM 88401
Telephone: 461-8460
Fax: 461-8005
1620 S. 11th Street
Tucumcari, NM 88401
Telephone: 461-8461
Fax: 461-8061
NOTICE
It is the policy of the Tucumcari Public Schools not to discriminate on the basis of race,
sex, religion, national origin, or handicap in any of its educational programs or employment
practices. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973 may be directed to the Assistant Superintendent, at 2400 South Eighth Street,
Tucumcari, NM 88401.
If, at any time, discrepancies are found between the information contained here and that
which is found in the policies of the Tucumcari School Board of Education, the latter will
be the final authority. Tucumcari School Board Policy can be found at
www.tucumcarischools.com.
TUCUMCARI PUBLIC SCHOOLS VISION STATEMENT
Excellence in Education
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TUCUMCARI PUBLIC SCHOOLS MISSION STATEMENT
Tucumcari Public Schools will prepare students for successful lives.
TUCUMCARI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VISION
Tucumcari Elementary School will prepare students for the next level of learning through
collaboration of students, families, staff, and community.
TUCUMCARI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PURPOSE STATEMENT
Tucumcari Elementary will provide our students with the best possible education by
supporting and challenging each student to reach their highest level of potential.
TUCUMCARI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OBJECTIVES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
To develop a positive and healthy self-concept, fostering pride and good character in
producing good student work and behavior.
To develop an acceptance, appreciation, and understanding of the uniqueness of
oneself and others.
To foster curiosity to make learning an ongoing process and to view change as a
continuous challenge.
To develop basic skills in communications, including speaking, reading, and writing, along
with an appreciation for literature and fine arts.
To develop basic skills in the various disciplines with special emphasis given to
Language Arts and Math.
To acquire the fundamental knowledge and principles of science with attention given to
the scientific method of problem solving.
To develop the basic skills in social science with the knowledge and appreciation of the
different cultures, and backgrounds and fostering of good citizenship as well as an
awareness of various occupations.
To develop and maintain physical fitness.
To encourage creativity.
To develop skills in critical thinking and decision-making.
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TUCUMCARI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROCEDURES
STUDENT ENROLLMENT
Parents/Guardians enrolling students in Tucumcari Elementary School for the first time will
be asked to provide the following; the child’s birth certificate or baptismal certificate,
verification of custody, and immunization records. No child shall be enrolled unless
satisfactory evidence of immunization requirements has been provided. Parents/Guardians
will have 30 days from the date of enrollment to provide his/her child’s birth certificate. It
is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide and timely update verification of
information about the temporary or permanent custody and or guardianship of his/her child.
STUDENT ID CARDS
Each student will be issued one ID card free of charge. Replacement cards will cost $5.00
each (non-refundable). Students will be required to use ID for checking out library books.
PERMANENT RECORDS
Name changes on transcripts will be made only when legal papers showing name change are
provided.
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
Before a student withdraws from Tucumcari Elementary School the parent/guardian must
contact the office. The student must obtain a withdrawal slip. The withdrawal slip must have
the following signatures: Teachers, Librarian, and Principal. A school district may withhold
the grades, and transcripts of the student responsible for damage or loss of instructional
material or other school property until the parent, guardian, or student has paid for damage
or loss.
SCHOOL HOURS
School hours are from 8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. Students are not to arrive at school before
7:40 a.m. and no later than 8:00 a.m. First through fifth graders shall report to the
school cafeteria upon entering the building when the bell rings at 7:40 a.m. At 8:00 a.m.
students are released from the cafeteria to go to their classrooms. Classes will begin at
8:00 a.m. Please see that your child is on time.
Special Note: All students are to be picked-up within 15 minutes of dismissal time. If
your child has not been picked-up within 30 minutes of dismissal, social services and/or the
police department may be called to assist in locating the parent.
Lunch Schedule:
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11:00 - 11:30
11:20 - 11:50
11:40 - 12:10
12:00 - 12:30
12:20 - 12:50
12:30 - 1:00
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
Kindergarten
GRADING POLICY
Report cards are issued every nine weeks. The grading system used at Tucumcari Elementary
School is listed below. All students will receive progress reports in the middle of the grading
period. Report cards or progress reports will be sent home for each student.
Preschool
Checkmark = Mastered
Kindergarten
Checkmark =
Mastered
S = Satisfactory
NI = Needs
Improvement
U = Unsatisfactory
1st – 2nd Grade
E = 90% - 100%
S = 80% - 89%
NI = 70% - 79%
U = 69% and
below
3rd – 5th Grade
A = 90%-100%
B = 80%-89%
C = 70%-79%
D = 60%-69%
F = 59% and
below
RETENTION
Parents/Guardians will be notified when their student has not mastered essential competencies and does not
fully comprehend many common core standards that should be understood before progressing to the next
grade level. Also that it is the recommendation of the school staff and principal that he/she be retained at
grade level. Parents may decide to have their child placed in the next grade only once during the elementary
school years. A retention waiver must be signed and kept on file with the student’s records.
HONOR ROLL
Recognition for Honor Roll achievement begins at grade 3. To be eligible for the honor roll, a
student must have at least a 3.0 grade point average, on a 4.0 scale, with no F’s in any class.
The honor roll is computed each nine-week period. A media release form must be signed for
release of a student’s name for publication regarding the honor roll.
STUDENT ILLNESS AT SCHOOL AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION
We keep student home emergency information in the office. It is important that we have this
information on file for your child. Should your child become ill, you will be contacted to come
pick your child up from school. Be sure the school has all telephone numbers that may be
necessary to make parental contact. Please inform the school of changes in emergency
telephone numbers, addresses, or information concerning your child as they occur. If
your child has not been picked up within 30 minutes of dismissal, social services and/or the
police department may be called to assist in locating the parents/guardians.
HEALTH CARE SERVICES
The nurse will be on a rotating schedule with two days a week at the Elementary School. The
office will have the nurse’s schedule. She is always available in case of an emergency. It is
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important that we be made aware of any special health problem your child may have. Please
notify our school nurse if she can be of any assistance concerning your child’s health.
MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION AT SCHOOL
Medication given at school requires both physician and parental consent before it can be
administered by school personnel. Medication for students must be delivered to the school
by the parent/guardian. All medication SHALL be taken to school by parent or guardian only,
whether it is prescription or over-the-counter. All medication must be in current pharmacy
labeled containers or the original over-the-counter container.
A Medication Authorization Form must be on file at the school for each medication and must
be updated any time changes (dosage, etc.) are made. Medication will not be dispensed
without this form.
Discontinued and/or unused medications must be picked up by parent/guardian by the end of
the year. If not claimed by parent/guardian, the medication will be destroyed.
All medication will be kept in a locked location.
SCHOOL BREAKFAST/LUNCH
The meal program at our school is a well-balanced, nutritious program, and we encourage your
child to participate. Each student will be provided breakfast and lunch free of charge
regardless of family income. If parents would like to eat with their child, the cost is $3.00.
We encourage you to have lunch with your child at the designated area; however, we cannot
allow other children to have lunch with you and your child without their parent’s written
permission.
TEXTBOOKS
The State of New Mexico provides textbooks for the students at no direct cost to the
student. However, textbooks are expensive, and the taxpayer does pay indirectly. Therefore,
it is the responsibility and obligation of the student to take the best possible care of the
books.
A textbook record is kept by each teacher showing the number and condition of books when
issued. At the end of the year, all books are checked in and the student is responsible to pay
for any damaged or missing books before their report card will be released as stated in the
Public School Code. Students will not be allowed to register for the next school year until
fines for damages are paid.
DELIVERIES
TES is not responsible for deliveries made to students. A message will be taken to the
student prior to the end of the day notifying them that there is a delivery. It will be the
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responsibility of that student to pick it up. Deliveries may not be picked up during class time;
they must be picked up after school. Floral arrangements or other deliveries will not be
taken into the classrooms. Balloons and glass vases are not allowed on the school bus.
FIELD TRIPS
A permission slip is included in the student’s registration packet at the beginning of the
school year. The rules of conduct outlined in this Student Handbook are in effect and will
govern the student’s conduct during all school-sponsored/school-related trips. Students who
engage in activities prohibited by law will be subject to immediate discipline, which may
include the termination of the student’s participation in the trip. Students failing to comply
with the rules of conduct will be disciplined upon returning from the trip, and may not be
allowed to participate in future trips.
Each grade level may develop guidelines for participation consistent with district policy and
send home a letter explaining the activity guidelines to the parent/guardian. The teachers
and administrator will determine field trip participation eligibility for students who have
received disciplinary action during the nine weeks in which a field trip is scheduled.
BUS ZONE & PARENT PICK-UP
Students who ride the bus after school will exit the building through the south doors. All
students Pre-K through 5th grade will utilize this bus area. The north main entrance will be
parent pick-up and drop off for Pre-K through 2nd grade students. The south entrance from
11th Street will be pick-up for 3rd and 4th graders. 5th grade students will be picked up on 11th
Street. All students must wait and be picked up only at their designated area. When
picking up your children, please remain in your vehicle and follow staff directions. This keeps
a steady flow of traffic. During inclement weather our students will line up in the hallways to
wait for their ride.
In the event you need to change your child’s bus route on a particular day, please advise your
child’s teacher by sending a note or calling the office by 3:00 p.m., otherwise we will send
the student home on his/her assigned bus.
Students are not allowed to be dropped off or picked up in the big parking lot, where buses
park unless they are escorted in and out by parent. NO ONE is allowed to go between the
buses.
TRAFFIC SAFETY
Double parking and U-turns will not be allowed at Tucumcari Elementary. This is illegal
and dangerous to the safety of the children. Violators will be reported to the Tucumcari
Police Department.
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SCHOOL VISITORS
Principals are charged with the responsibility of their schools and the children in those
buildings. They must know who they have at their school building in order to carry out their
responsibility. The Principal has the right to deny visitation requests. Student visitors are not
allowed unless accompanied by an adult. All visitors must push the buzzer to gain entrance to
the building and register at the Principal's/Attendance Office before visiting buildings,
grounds or teachers. Visitors will be asked to leave a photo ID to ensure check out. A
visitor's badge shall be issued upon entry and must be returned upon leaving the premises.
The visitor may be granted permission to visit the other side of the building upon request.
Any staff member may redirect you to the office if you do not have a badge. Due to the
distraction in the classroom, students will not be permitted to bring other children with them
to school.
LOCK DOWN
In the event of a school lock down; student release will require the signature of a designated
adult listed on the student’s registration form. Students who ride the bus will be escorted to
the bus by school personnel.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
The laws of the State of New Mexico clearly state that school attendance is mandatory; that
is, a student must attend school. School children between the ages of five and eighteen are
required to attend school regularly unless excused for illness or other cause. The district
recognizes, however, that there are situations that dictate a student's absence. Therefore,
absences may be excused for the following reasons:
 personal illness or personal doctor appointments
 illness or death in the immediate family
 religious commitment
 principal’s discretion
All other absences are unexcused. After five unexcused absences, a courtesy letter will be
mailed to the parent/guardian and the District Attorney notifying them that the student has
five or more absences, and if the student reaches ten unexcused absences, the student’s
name will be reported to the District Attorney, New Mexico Income Support Division,
Children, Youth and Families Department and the Juvenile Probation and Parole Office.
After the third consecutive day of medical absences, verification by a Doctor may be
required to return to school.
Students absent more than ten consecutive days shall be dropped from the class rolls and will
be referred to the appropriate agency as required by state law.
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ABSENCE PROCEDURE FOR PARENTS
Anytime a student is absent, the parent is to call the school by 8:00 a.m. to report the
absence. During a long-term illness the parent should continue to call the school each day to
report the student's absence. If the parent fails to contact the school, the school's
attendance clerk may attempt to call the parents at home or at work to confirm the
student's absence.
Whenever a student is absent, Tucumcari Elementary School requires that the parent call
ahead and write a note upon returning to school for each student absence. The note should
contain:
 Date note was written
 Exact dates of absence
 Specific reason for absence
 Signature of the parent or guardian.
This note does not necessarily constitute an excused absence.
After 3 consecutive days a doctor’s note may be requested, School Board Policy J1551
ABSENCE PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS
Upon returning from an absence, the student must go to the office at least ten minutes
BEFORE school begins to get an admit slip.
Upon a student’s return to school after an absence, a written note must be presented to the
office. This note does not necessarily constitute an excused absence; however, failure to do
so will result in an unexcused absence.
TARDINESS
Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. are tardy. Tardiness will be handled in accordance with the
provisions of this handbook and the teachers’ classroom rules. The site administrator has
sole administrative discretion to consider special circumstances.
RELEASE OF STUDENTS
Safety and concern for your child is of great importance to all staff at Tucumcari
Elementary School. Therefore: If there are any restrictions that parents/guardians want
placed on who can/cannot pick up their child from school, the school MUST be provided
with official court documents in order to accommodate these requests. This applies to
custody, visitation rights, restraining orders, and the like. It is imperative that this
information is given to the school for our emergency information records.
When necessary, the children may be dismissed to a custodial parent or legal guardian during
the school day. Children may leave ONLY with the permission of their parents or guardians
and in the custody of a designated adult listed on the student’s registration form. The school
log must be signed in the office. A note will be sent from the office to the teacher allowing
the release of that student or the student will be called to the office by intercom.
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Any party requesting an interview with a student at Tucumcari Elementary School shall,
before interview, contact the principal, or designee and provide the reason, date,
approximate length of time, and those who will be involved, before any interview will be
allowed. The person must sign as a visitor for record of their presence in the school building.
If a message is to be given to a student, the message must be called to the school office
before 3:00 p.m. This is especially important if it concerns how the student is to get home
after school. If the parent does not send a note or call in to the school office, the
student will be sent home on his/her usual route.
It is the parent’s/guardian’s
responsibility to inform the teacher of his/her child’s usual route to and from home and/or
mode of transportation (i.e. bus, walking, picked up etc.). Please communicate directly with
your child’s teacher regarding his/her route or mode of transportation. Do not have your
child relay a message to his/her teacher about how he/she is to get home.
TRUANCY
Students absent from school or class for the following reasons shall be considered truant:
 are absent from school without parent permission
 leave school without permission from a teacher, principal, or designee
 obtain permission to leave school or class for a specified reason and do not return
 leave school/class due to illness without reporting to the school office or nurse

In the event of truancy, the Principal shall:
 notify the parent, legal guardian or custodian by phone or in writing of the alleged
truancy,
 review the alleged truancy with the parent/guardian within three school days
 review attendance requirements and consequences with the student and parent/guardian.
Truancies during the year of attendance shall be subject to the following disciplinary actions:
 First Offense - one day In-School-Suspension (ISS) and parent conference
 Second Offense - two days (ISS), parent conference
 Third Offense – three days (ISS), parent conference
STUDENT DISCIPLINE
Successful classroom management strategies provide structure. This structure is taught
specifically during the first day, week, and month of school; and is practiced throughout the
school year. If a student receives disciplinary action they will be prohibited from
participating in school-sponsored, school-related extracurricular or social activities until
disciplinary action has been served. When ISS is given to a student and they misbehave
or staffing for the ISS classroom is unavailable it may be changed to OSS.
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CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
Students will exhibit respectful attitudes and manners of speech toward their teachers both
in the classroom, on campus, and at school activities. Each classroom will have established
rules of behavior consistent with the provisions of this handbook. The following
consequences will be imposed for verbal assault on staff:
 First Offense – up to four days Out of School Suspension (OSS)
 Second Offense – long term school suspension consistent with the procedural
requirements set forth in applicable law.
RULES OF CONDUCT
Prohibited acts include but are not limited to;
 Criminal or delinquent acts
 Gang related activity
 Sexual harassment
 Disruptive conduct
 Refusal to identify self
 Refusal to cooperate with school personnel
The district also has the right to regulate other acts, including but not limited to:
 School attendance
 Use of access to the public schools, including:
a) restrictions on vehicular traffic on school property,
b) prohibition of or conditions on the presence of non-school persons on school grounds
or in school buildings while school is in session; and
c) reasonable standards of conduct for all persons attending school- sponsored activities
or other activities on school property;
 Students’ dress and personal appearance;
 Use of controlled substances, alcohol and tobacco in the public schools;
 Speech and assembly within the public schools;
 Publications distributed in the public schools;
 The existence, scope and conditions of availability of student privileges, including
extracurricular activities and rules governing participation;
 Expulsion from school of any student who knowingly brought a weapon to a school
consistent with applicable law
 The discipline of students for out-of-school activities, conduct having a direct and
immediate effect on school discipline or the general safety and welfare of the school.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES AND INTERVENTIONS
There are three levels of offenses:
Level 1: Misbehavior that can be successfully handled without a discipline referral.
Level 2: Misbehavior which results in a referral to a school Principal or designee.
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Level 3:
Misbehavior that results in a student being suspended or placed in an alternative
program.
Any student removed from school for a reason given above who is in a condition that
threatens his own welfare or the welfare of others must be released to the parent, the
parent's representative, or other proper authority.
BULLYING
“Bullying” is defined as intimidating verbal or physical conduct toward another student when
such conduct is habitual or reoccurring; and includes harassment and name-calling. This
behavior will not be tolerated. An act will be considered habitual or reoccurring if the
student has been warned and the act is repeated. Students who are victims of bullying are
encouraged to report the incident/s to a teacher, office personnel, or other school employee.
Any student found to be participating in misconduct in which another student is a victim of;
threats, name-calling, bullying, assault, battery, extortion, robbery, vandalism, etc. shall be
subject to the following procedures:






First Offense – verbal reprimand and written warning
Second Offense – up to two days lunch detention
Third Offense – up to, two days ISS/OSS
Fourth Offense – up to four days ISS/OSS
Fifth Offense - eight days ISS/OSS
Sixth Offense-OSS
CYBERBULLYING
“Cyberbullying is using electronic communication to start online fights, post cruel messages,
make threats or stalk victims just as bullies do in person. The difference is that cyberbullies
can remain anonymous and invisible. Cyberbullying is prohibited when it rerates a hostile
environment on the school campus that is so severe as to interfere with the targeted
student’s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance. Any student found to be
participating in misconduct in which another student is a victim shall be subject to the
following procedures:
 First offense – verbal reprimand and written warning
 Second Offense – one day OSS
 Third Offense – two days OSS
 Fourth Offense – three days OSS
GANG ACTIVITY
Gang activity is prohibited by state regulation. A “gang” is defined as: any group of persons
whose purposes include the commission of illegal acts or acts in violation of disciplinary rules
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of the Tucumcari Public Schools. Gangs and gang activity are prohibited. Examples of gang
activity may be found in the TPS Policy Manual, Policy J-2900.
 First Offense – verbal warning
 Second Offense – up to two days ISS/OSS
 Third Offense – up to four days ISS/OSS
 Fourth Offense - OSS, the student may be placed in an alternative learning environment
WEAPONS IN SCHOOL
No student shall bring a weapon into a school zone, nor carry or keep any weapon in a school
zone or while attending or participating in any school-sponsored/school-related activity,
including during transportation to or from such activity. Any student who brings a firearm or
weapon to a school or within a school zone shall, in addition to penalties imposed under School
Board Policy, be referred to appropriate law enforcement authorities for prosecution. Any
student found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to discipline up to and including
expulsion. Discipline actions may include being placed in an alternative education program for
a period of (20) twenty days to (1) one year, may be suspended for a period of not less than
(20) twenty days to (1) year, or may be expelled and not be readmitted within a one-year
period, if ever. The superintendent of Board, in their sole discretion, may modify the oneyear duration of such disciplinary action on a case by case basis.
FIGHTING AND PHYSICAL ASSAULT
A fight is a physical altercation involving two or more active participants.
 Procedures
o Information will be gathered from each participant and pertinent witnesses.
o The parents/guardians of individuals involved will be contacted.
 The following consequences will be imposed:
o First Offense – up to four days ISS or OSS, anger management counseling. The length
of counseling will be contingent on recommendation of the therapist with a minimum of
four hours.
o Second Offense – up to eight days ISS/OSS and anger management counseling; may
be placed in an alternative learning environment. The length of counseling will be
contingent on recommendation of the therapist with a minimum of ten hours.
o Third Offense – up to eight days OSS and anger management counseling; may be
placed in an alternative learning environment. The length of counseling will be
contingent on recommendation of the therapist with a minimum of ten hours.
o Fourth Offense- twenty days OSS
o Fifth Offense- possible expulsion
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
Students shall exhibit respectful attitudes and manners of speech toward teachers,
substitute teachers, administration, staff, guests and other students, in the classroom, on
campus, and at school activities consistent with the provisions of this handbook. Each
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classroom will have established rules of behavior consistent with the provisions of this
handbook.
VANDALISM AND DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY
Any student found guilty of vandalism or destruction of property will be charged for the
damage or destroyed items and additional disciplinary action may be taken.
STUDENT BEHAVIOR WITH A SUBSTITUTE
Substitute teachers are considered to be guests at our school. Students are expected to
treat them as guests and assist them rather than create discipline problems. Students are
expected to follow the classroom rules while the substitute is in the classroom. Any student
who receives a discipline referral under the supervision of a substitute will be subject to
disciplinary action.
 First Offense – two lunch detentions
 Second Offense – four days lunch detentions
 Third Offense – one day ISS
SCHOOL BUS RULES
The driver is in complete charge of the bus and passengers. The driver must be respected by
all students and obeyed at all times for safety reasons. If disciplinary action is set forth as
stated in the parent/student Transportation Handbook, the following process will be as
follows:
 First Offense – verbal warning
 Second Offense – 3 day suspension
 Third Offense – 5 day suspension
 Fourth Offense – 10 day suspension
 Fifth Offense – suspension for the remainder of the year. District rules of conduct
shall be followed by all students riding school buses. Violation of these rules may
result in disciplinary action by the school administrator in addition to or in place of
suspension of bus privileges.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature by one student to another may constitute
sexual harassment when the allegedly harassed student has indicated that the conduct is
unwelcome or when the conduct, by its nature, is clearly unwelcome or inappropriate.
Any student found to have engaged in sexual harassment of a student shall be subject to the
following:
 First Offense – verbal warning
 Second Offense – up to, two days ISS
 Third Offense – up to, three days OSS
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DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
Any student, regardless of age, shall not consume, possess, dispense, sell, offer for sale,
exchange, use, or have breath or clothing smelling of alcohol or drugs on school grounds, or at
any school-sponsored/school-related function.
Drug and/or alcohol use includes the following acts in schools, on school grounds or while
engaged in school sponsored activities:
 Illegal consumption of controlled substances or illegal drugs (including tobacco)
 Possessing controlled substances for illegal purposes or possessing illegal drugs;
dispensing, selling, offering for sale or exchanging a controlled substance or illegal drug;
possessing paraphernalia connected with the use or sale of illegal drugs or controlled
substances, or smelling of drugs or marijuana or alcohol
 Controlled substances include, but are not limited to, over-the-counter proprietary drugs,
veterinary drugs, prescription drugs, or commercially available substances illegally used,
possessed, sold, offered for sale or exchanged by persons in a manner for which the
substance is not intended to be sold, prescribed or used
 Illegal drugs include those substances primarily made and used, possessed, sold or
offered for sale, or exchanged by persons in a manner that violates law, regulation or
policy
 Illegal use of controlled substances or use of illegal drugs
Any student who violates this district policy will be suspended from school by the principal
and will be removed up to 20 school days for the first offense, may be suspended from school
by the Superintendent for up to one year for the second offense, and may be recommended
to the Board for expulsion from the district for the third offense. Long-term suspensions
and expulsions will be implemented consistent with the procedural requirements set forth in
applicable law.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
The District is not responsible for any loss, theft or damage to a student’s personal
electronic devices when brought to a school site or school activity. Students are discouraged
from bringing these to school. Students who do bring electronic devices must check these
items in at the office before school and pick them up after school. Students who do not
follow procedures will be subject to the consequences listed below.
 First Offense - the item will be returned to the parent
 Second Offense - the item will be held for four days and then returned to parent
 Third Offense - the item will be confiscated for the rest of the semester
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BICYCLES AND SKATEBOARDS
Bicycles are to be secured to the bike rack located at the front of each office. Students are
responsible for providing their own lock, etc. Students must walk bikes on and off of school
property. Skateboards are not allowed on school grounds and shall be confiscated if brought
on to school grounds. A confiscated item may be retrieved by the parent after a parent
conference.
DRESS CODE
Standards of appearance for students attending school or school sponsored activities are as
follows:
 Students must wear shirts or blouses which cover the midsection of the body (including
when arms are raised above their heads). Tank tops, shirts with straps less than two
inches wide, and sleeveless (muscle) shirts with low armpit openings may not be worn as
outer garments, unless another shirt is worn underneath.
 Halter tops, tube tops, coarse knit, transparent, and/or "see through" garments may not
be worn. Clothing that looks like sleep wear will not be permitted.
 The neck opening of any shirt or blouse (singularly or layered) may not exceed the
equivalent of the second button below the collar of a dress shirt or blouse. Shirts and
blouses must be appropriately sized (no cleavage showing) and undergarments must not be
visible.
 T-shirts/shirts that extend beyond a student's fingertips must be tucked in.
 Pants should be appropriately sized at the waistband, and should be worn above the
hipbones (sagging or baggy pants are not permitted). Pant legs shall not drag the floor.
"Cut -off", biker shorts, spandex shorts, and boxer shorts may not be worn to school.
Athletic shorts must meet dress code requirements.
 Leggings may not be worn as pants. Leggings may be worn under proper length outer
garment.
 Bib overalls, skirts, and shorts may be worn, but must be buttoned/snapped over both
shoulders.
 All outer garments (shorts, skirts, dresses) must be no shorter than mid-thigh. (This does
not apply to shorts or skirts worn as an approved uniform.)
 Belts must be the appropriate length and must be contained in belt loops. The tip of the
belt may not hang unless it does not reach the next loop.
 Hats, caps, visors and sunglasses may not be worn in the building anytime during the
school day.
 Gang related items will not be permitted. Such as bandannas, headbands, hairnets, or gang
signs, shall not be worn, carried or displayed. Other attire or dress that according to the
Tucumcari Police Department is often associated gang behavior or membership will not be
allowed.
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Clothing or accessories, symbols, or jewelry that advertise or depict association with
violence, cults, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs, lewd, offensive, vulgar or
obscene writings and pictures are not permitted.
Tattoos or skin stamps are highly discouraged and not to be exposed to public view.
Rings or jewelry in pierced locations on a student's body may not be worn other than in
the ears. Earrings are not to exceed the total of six (6) with earrings being no more than
2” in diameter.
Extraordinary hairstyles, including hair that is not naturally occurring hair color and hair
sculpting, are not permitted.
Student backpacks need to be left in the students’ assigned locker.
Heeley’s, or any other shoe which has wheels, are not allowed at school.
The schools reserve the right, at all times, to regulate all students appearance that creates
disruption, is a distraction to learning, is of questionable decency, and/or creates a health or
safety hazard. Students will be subject to disciplinary action for violations of this dress
code. Students will be loaned appropriate clothing when possible in order to complete the
school day.
On certain occasions, more stringent or relaxed dress codes may be enforced. The school
administrator or activity sponsor will provide students, faculty, and staff with advance notice
of events or activities that necessitate exception to the appearance standard.
Students who do not follow the dress code or whose appearance impacts the educational
environment as set forth in the preceding paragraph, shall receive the following disciplinary
action and parent notification;
 First Offense – Verbal Warning
 Second Offense – up to two lunch detentions
 Third Offense – three lunch detentions and a parent conference
SEARCH AND SEIZURE
The school district reserves the right to search students and personal effects on the basis
of a reasonable, individualized suspicion that a student is in possession of contraband. Any
such search shall be conducted in private by an authorized school official of the same sex
and in the presence of a witness.
Lockers, desks, and similar storage facilities are school property and remain at all times
under the control of the school. Periodic general inspections of lockers, desks and similar
facilities may be conducted by school officials for any reason, at any time, without notice and
without consent.
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DETENTION
Detention requires a student to remain inside or otherwise restricts his/her liberty at times
when other students are free for lunch or to leave school. Detention days will be designated
by the school personnel in charge of detention.
OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION PROGRAM (OSS)
OSS will be used as a method of discipline in accordance with district policy. The student will
continue his/her academic program at home. Classroom teachers will provide assignments for
the student. Parents are responsible for picking up and returning the work to the office.
While a student is on OSS, they are not allowed on any school campus without prior approval
from the administrator. Upon returning from OSS the student must meet with an
administrator before returning to class.
IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION PROGRAM (ISS)
ISS will be used as an alternative to out of school suspension. The student will continue
his/her academic program under supervision, but will be isolated from the regular school
program and the social aspects of school. Classroom teachers will provide regular academic
subject area work. When ISS is given to a student and they misbehave or staffing for the
ISS classroom is unavailable it may be changed to OSS.
ISS Rules and Procedures
 Students must be signed in at the office by their parent/guardian at 8:30 a.m. and signed
out at 3:30 p.m.
 ISS teacher will take them to the ISS room.
 Work for students will be provided by classroom teachers.
 Students will be allowed a restroom break mid-morning, lunch and mid-afternoon.
 Students will eat a cafeteria lunch in the ISS room.
 If students are absent during ISS days, the days missed must be made up in ISS before
the student may return to class.
 Students are suspended from bus privileges and extracurricular activities for the
duration of their ISS time.
DISCIPLINE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS
Special education students are not immune from school disciplinary processes. The
Individualized Education Plan (IEP) must address the procedures for each student during
annual review or more frequently, as determined by the IEP team. Limitations imposed by
state and federal regulations will be strictly observed. Unless specifically addressed and
provided for by the IEP committee, all students are subject to the provisions set forth in the
Student Handbook.
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I hereby acknowledge that I have received a copy of the 2015-2016 Tucumcari Elementary
School Student/Parent Handbook and have had the opportunity to read it and understand the
policies and procedures.
________________________________________________
Student's Signature
Date
________________________________________________
Parent's Signature
Date
Please sign and return to classroom teacher.
Thank you!
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