1. education
2. school

Las Cruces High School
1750 El Paseo Road
Las Cruces, NM 88001
Attendance Office: 575-527-9403 (Direct Dial)
Guidance Office: 575-527-9402 (Direct Dial)
General Office Number: 575-527-9400
Fax: 505-527-9767
Dear Studeents and Parents,
On behalf of the Las Cruces Board of Education and the LCPS administration, it is my
pleasure to welcome you to a new school year! I encourage you to read the content of this
handbook, which was developed to support students and families.
This handbook has answers to many student-related issues. Use it as a resource when you
need guidance. You can also ask for help from a teacher, counselor or principal when you
have questions or need clarification about any school matter. Aside from this handbook,
additional district policies and regulations are posted on the LCPS website(www.lcps.k12.
nm.us) or are available from each shcool principal.
Let me also stress the importance of being at school, on time, each school day. A wellrounded education is available to support from parents/guardians, there are numerous
individuals who care about each student’s individual academic career.
Have a great school year!
Sincerely,
Stan Rounds
Superintendent
LCHS Bulldawgs
Student Identification
Name:_________________ Grade:________________
*I have read I understand the school policies listed in the
LCHS Planner.
________________________
______________________
Parent/ Guradian Signature Student Signature
People You Should Know
Principal: Jed Hendee - jhendee@lcps.k12.nm.us
Asst. Principals: Bobby Campos - bcampos@lcpsk.k12.nm.us
Anthony Chavez - antchavez@lcps.k12.nm.us
Lorraine Paz - lpaz@lcps.k12.nm.us
Gina Rivera - grivera@lcps.k12.nm.us
Counselor: David Jaquez - djaquez@lcps.k12.nm.us
Barbara Mexal - bmexal@lcps.k12.nm.us
Cecilia Middagh - cmiddagh@lcps.k12.nm.us
Sally Walton - swalton@lcps.k12.nm.us
Ellen Wildman - ewildman@lcps.k12.nm.us
Athletic Coordinator: Athletic Secretary: Sped. Dept. Head: Receptionist:
Attendance Clerk: Attendance Liaison: Registrar: Assistant Registrar: Finance/Office Manager: Guidance Secretary: Bobby Campos - bcampos@lcps.k12.nm.us
Shirley Nall - snall@lcps.k12.nm.us
Dana Critchlow - dcritchlow@lcps.k12.nm.us
Nancy Perrault - nperrault@lcps.k12.nm.us
Debbie Rhinehart - rhinehart@lcps.k12.nm.us
Tina Esslinger - tessling@lcps.k12.nm.us
Laura Conelley - lconelle@lcps.k12.nm.us
Margaret Chip - mchip@lcps.k12.nm.us
Jo Ann Black - jblack@lcps.k12.nm.us
Paulina Burciaga - pburciaga@lcps.k12.nm.us
Table of Contents
Class / Bell Schedule
LCPS 2012-2013 Calendar
LCHS Activities/Clubs/Sports
Student Planners/ID’s / Student Code of Conduct
General Policies
Enrollment/Transfers/Withdrawals
Compulsory Attendance, Truancy, Tardiness
Custodial Rights of Parents
Academic Policies
Graduation Requirements
Credits and Retaking Courses
Grading & Reporting, Schedule Changes
Dropping a Class, Deadline for Dropping a Class Release of Students, Internet Use Library, Academic Interventions
Guidance and Counseling
Response to Intervention
Athletic and Interscholastic Activities Policy
Attendance of Athlete, Student Records
Behavior Policies
Attendance, Tardiness/Late Arrival, Cheating,
Student Dress
Violent, Gang and/or Gang-Like Activities
Assault/Battery
Notice of Prohibition Against Bullying
Harassment Reporting Weapons, Drug/Alcohol Policy
Predator Awareness/Grooming
Student Interrogations, Search, Seizure, Arrests
LCHS Discipline Plan
Miscellaneous Policies
Student Personal Items: Cell Phones / iPods
Health Services Policies, Administering Medication
to Students, Appointments, Immunization, Health Ed
Lockers, Lunch Passes, Off Campus Authorization
Megan’s Law, Emergency Situations, Student Parking, School Dances, School Advisory Council, Cafeteria, Supplies
Skateboards, Telephone Messages, Transportation
Visitor Policy, Volunteer Clearance 5
6-7
8-9
9-10
11-12
11
12
12
12-17
12
13
14
15
15-16
16
17
17
17
17
18-22
18-19
19
20
20
21
21
21-22
22
23
24
25-30
25
25-26
26-27
27-28
28-29
29
30
30
Las Cruces High School Bell Schedule
2012-2013
Monday and Wednesday
Tuesday and Thursday
Friday
1st Period
2nd Period
9:00 - 10:18
9:00 - 10:18
2nd Period
3rd Period
4th Period
10:30 - 11:08
10:25-11:43
10:25-11:43
4th Period
Lunch
Lunch
1st Period
9:00 - 9:42
9:47 - 10:25
3rd Period
11:13 - 11:51
Lunch
11:53-12:25
11:53-12:25
12:01 - 12:33
5th Period and Channel
One
6th Period and Channel
One, BDC on Thursday
5th Period
12:43 - 1:21
12:35-2:05
12:35-2:05
1:26 - 2:04
7th Period
8th Period
2:12-3:30
2:12-3:30
Focus Day Schedule
1st
2nd
Lunch
3rd
9:00 - 10:18
10:25 - 11:43
11:53 - 12:25
12:35 - 1:38
FOCUS
1:45 - 2:15
4th
2:22 - 3:30
6th Period
7th Period
2:09 - 2:47
8th Period
2:52 - 3:30
Focus Day Extended Schedule
1st
2nd
Lunch
3rd
9:00 - 10:18
10:25 -11:43
11:53 - 12:25
12:35 - 1:30
FOCUS
1:37 - 2:23
4th
2:30 - 3:30
REVISED 2012-13 CALENDAR
❖
LAS CRUCES PUBLIC SCHOOLS
September ‘12
August ‘12
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
K-3+ dates:
July 5-Aug. 8, 2012
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
Labor
Day - no
school
Work Day; Registra9th grade tion, K-8
Orientation
Staff
Returns
MON
K
Classes Elem/Mid Classes
Begin
Prof Dev; Begin R Kinder
9th-12th; No K-8
1st-8th Transition
Elem/Mid classes
Prof Dev;
6th Grade PreOrient K13 School
PreSchool
Transition
Kinder
Classes
Begin R
Parent Conf
K-8; no K-8
classes
Classes
Begin
31
October ‘12
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
PSAT TEST 10th grade
Oct. 17
November ‘12
FRI
SAT
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
Fall Break - All Grades
b
Election
Day - no
classes
Fall Break
[Columbus
Holiday]
Grade Pd.
Ends K-12;
PSAT
Test b
Elem
Report
Cards
Mid-HS
Report
Cards
mailed
Thanksgiving Holiday
31
Fall 2012 Back-To-School Schedule
December ‘12
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
Aug. 7: LCPS staff returns (earlier dates may apply for staff in specified programs)
FRI
SAT
Elementary Schools:
Aug. 10: Student Registration, Kindergarten-5th; 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Aug. 15: 1st-8th grades Classes Begin
R Aug. 15-16: Kindergarten Transition Days
R Aug. 17 : Kindergarten Classes Begin
Middle Schools:
Aug 10: New Student Registration, 6th-8th; 9:00-11:00 a.m.
K Aug. 13: 6th Grade/Parent Orientation, 6:00 p.m.; 6th graders pick up
schedules
Aug. 15: 6th-8th grade Classes Begin; Students 7th-8th pick up schedules
onfirstdayofschool
Sem Ends
1/2 day
Winter Holiday
Winter
Holiday
High Schools:
New high school students (new to district) register in summer, Mondays
through Thursdays at all high schools; Counselors available
Wednesdays
Aug 9: 9th Grade/Parent Orientation, 6:00 p.m.; Freshmen pick up
schedules; OHS, LCHS, MHS, SAHS
K Aug. 13: 9th-12th grades Classes Begin
End of Semester
Dec. 21: Half day of classes; End of semester; Staff works full day
January ‘13
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
February ‘13
2nd Semester
THU
FRI
SUN
SAT
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
Winter Holiday
Staff
Work Day,
no classes
K-12
PreSchool
Classes
Begin
Elem/Mid Classes
Prof Dev - Begin
no classes; K-8
Classes
Begin
9th-12th 8
3
10
Dr. King
Holiday no school
17
4
5
6
7
11
12
13
18
19
25
26
Presidents’
Holidayno school
24
March ‘13
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
FRI
SAT
10
17
4
11
5
12
SUN
1
9
15
16
14
13
19
8
9
14
Parent
Conf K-5;
no K-5
classes 15
16
20
21
22
23
27
28
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
2 9th-11th Next Steps;
No 9th-12th classes
6th-8th Parent Conf &
6
8
7 Next Steps
Assessments Elem and Middle
HS Testing
Assessments High School
Make-Ups
18
2 Testing Make-Ups
3
April ‘13
THU
March 8: Middle Schools - no classes
1
Elem
Report
Cards
Grading
Period
Ends K-12
Testing
Make-Ups
School;
Snow Day
Elem Rpt
Crds 22
21
20
d No
Makeup
23
Spring Break (aligned with NMSU)
24
26
25
31
Mid-HS Rpt
Cards Mailed
28
27
29
30
PARENT CONFERENCE / NEXT STEPS / PRE-REGISTRATION
May ‘13
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
Seniors’
Last Day
Graduations
Semester
Ends;
half day
Memorial
Holiday
Feb. 15: Parent Conference Day for K-5 only; No K-5 classes
March 7-8: Next Step Planning/Pre-Registration for 9th-11th
graders; Check with school for times/appointments;
No high school classes.
March 8: Parent Conferences 6th-7th grades; Next Step Planning/
Pre-Registration for 8th grade; check with school for
times/appointments; No middle school classes
END OF SECOND SEMESTER
Graduations:
San Andres: Friday, May 17, 6:00 p.m., Doña Ana Community
College, East Mesa campus
LCHS: May18, 9:00 a.m., NMSU Pan Am Center
OHS: May 18, 1:00 p.m., NMSU Pan Am Center
MHS: May 18, 5:00 p.m., NMSU Pan Am Center
May 24: Classes in morning only; Breakfast only;
Early dismissal; Staff full day; Elem report cards issued.
June 5: Mid/High Report Cards Mailed
June 26: High School Summer Graduation at DACC, East Mesa, 6pm
d In the event of inclement weather and school is cancelled, the Snow Day may be
31
used as a makeup instructional day, per direction of the Superintendent
REVISED - 7.03.12
LCHS Activities
Activity/Clubs that are classes (1 credit)
Band – Mr. Garland / Room 91
Choir - Ms. Brink / Room 92
Horticulture - Ms. Corrie / Room V-17
Media Productions – Mr. Valencia / Room V-15
ROTC – Sgt. Maj. Locklear / Room P5
Activity/Clubs (no credit)
Amnesty International - Mr. Wofford
Asian Cultural Society – Mr. Wukelich
FCCLA – Ms. Cummings, Ms. Campbell
FEA - Ms. Cummings
FFA - Mr. Beard
French Club - Mrs. Cort
Key Club – Greg Temple
MESA – Ms. Jaramillo, Ms. Hamilton
National Art Honor Society– Jorge Robles
National French Honor Society – Mrs. Cort
National Honor Society - Mrs. Gardner
Theater - Mr. LeCocq
Character Counts – Mrs. Torres
Student Venture – TBA
Gay Straight Alliance – TBA
Sports
Baseball:
Basketball:
Cheerleading:
Cross Country:
Football:
Golf:
Pom Pons:
Soccer
Softball:
Swimming:
Tennis:
Track:
Volleyball:
Wrestling:
Athletic Trainer: Coach Gil Padilla
Boys - Coach William Benjamin
Girls - Coach Matt Abney
Coach Katie Strascina
Coach Wendi Fornear
Coach Jim Miller
Coach Miguel Cruz
Coach Seneca Reyna
Boys - Coach Erik Tuchfarber Girls - Coach Mario Castillo
Coach Will Garcia
Coach Jason Day
Coach Aadarsh Prasad
Coach Kelly McKee
Coach Keith Leupold
Coach Kevin Marks
Anita Reta
Student Planners/Handbooks/ID’s
Student Planners
All students will be required to carry a student planner with them at all times. This student planner
will serve many purposes, including serving as a hall pass. If students leave class anytime during
the day, they must have a signature in the planner from the staff member releasing them. If students are in the hall after the tardy bell without a signed planner, they will be escorted to the office
for a pass and may be assigned one day of lunch detention. Inside the planner students should
carry a current copy of their schedule.
Student I.D. Cards
LCHS students must have a student ID card with them at all times. The first ID is free. Replacements for any reason cost $5. Students who need one replaced will get a new ID, but they will not
receive a lunch pass until the end of that 9 week period.
Any students caught lending their ID to an unauthorized person will lose their off campus lunch
privilege for the remainder of the year.
Work Habits
Student Code of Conduct
Students are expected to:
•be prepared for and to participate in each class
•have the necessary class materials
•complete class work and homework
•be on time
•prepare for quizzes, tests and examinations.
Respect for Self, Others and Property
Students are expected to:
•be honest
•behave with dignity
•treat others with respect and courtesy, not harassing others verbally and physically
•come to school free from the influence/possession of tobacco products, alcohol or drugs
•use appropriate language, actions and attire
•exhibit appropriate behaviors
•treat all property belonging to the school and to others with respect
Behavior of the individual should not interfere with the rights of others. In addition, students are
expected not to offend or distract others.
Respect for Authority
Students have the responsibility to:
•comply with all school policies
•obey all laws
•respond in a respectful manner to all adults
Safety
Students are expected to contribute to a safe school environment free from fear. Acts of violence,
weapons and contraband are never acceptable. To report safety concerns please contact school
administration 527-9400 or antchavez@lcps.k12.nm.us. You may also access the District’s website at http://lcps.k12.nm.us/Departments/Safety/index.shtml or call 527-6653. (LCPS Policies 185
& 450)
Extra Curricular Activities
Eligible students who choose to join athletic teams and/or extra curricular organizations will be expected to follow the tenets of “Pursuing Victory with Honor” and/or the “Athletic Code of Conduct”.
For additional information, please reference the
Athletic Handbook found at http://www.lcps.k12.nm.us/Departments/Athletics/index.shtml.
Any violations of policies, regulations or statutes will be subject to school discipline
and/or legal ramifications.
General Policies
Open Enrollment/Transfers
LCPS secondary schools have an open enrollment policy. Students are required to attend the
school within their residential boundaries unless approval of a transfer has been obtained. All
open enrollment transfers must be submitted to and approved by LCPS Office of Instruction annually. Falsification of residence information will result in disenrollment.
Requirements for Enrollment
In order to enroll, students must be:
•under the age of majority (18) or
•transferring with uninterrupted educational services from another school or
•qualify for special education services in order to enroll.
Documents required for enrollment are:
•Completed New Student Enrollment Information Form
•Completed Nurse Emergency Authorization Form
•Proof of student’s date of birth – birth certificate, physician’s records, passport/visa or
previous school records
•Up-to-date immunization records
•Evidence of physical home address – utility, water, gas or electric bill
•Proof of guardianship
•Current documentation of grades and/or transcript
Withdrawing from LCHS
When students withdraw from LCHS, they must be accompanied by a parent. An administrator
counselor will authorize the withdrawal process. Complete instructions will be given at that time.
Students will need to turn in all textbooks, musical instruments, library books, and athletic equipment before their school records will be released. All fines must be paid before transcripts will
be sent to the transferring school.
Compulsory Attendance, Truancy and Tardiness
All qualified students in the LCPS district, except those exempted by law, regulations or rules,
must enroll in school and are required to attend school full time. Schools shall identify students
who have attendance problems. Any parent of a student subject to the provisions of the Compulsory School Attendance Law is responsible for the school attendance of that student. In order for
an absence to be considered excused, students must provide written documentation from a parent/guardian within three (3) school days after their return to school.
Parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified when the school has concerns regarding students’ unexcused absences according to the Compulsory School Attendance Law. Excessive absences, truancies (defined as unexcused absences) and/or tardiness may result in disciplinary action, possibly including notification to the Juvenile Probation and Parole Office and the District Attorney’s
Office. (JEA, JE, JHB, & JHB-RA).
Custodial Rights of Parents
Each parent or court-appointed guardian shall be assumed to have all legal rights pertaining to
parenthood or guardianship. In those circumstances in which the student’s parents are legally
separated, parents are responsible for providing the building administrator with a court order delineating the custodial rights of the parties involved. (JLIB)
Academic Policies
Graduation Requirements
Freshmen (less than 7 credits)
Entering Freshman will be under a new graduation plan. Graduation requirements will be explained in the FOCUS Advisory Class.
Sophomores (7 to 13 credits) and Juniors (14 to 21 credits):
Subject# of Credits
Language Arts
4
Communication Skills
1
Mathematics
3
New Mexico History
0.5
US History
1
World History
1
Government/Economics
1
Science (one lab science)
3
Physical Education
1
Electives
13.5
Total Credits Required
29
Attendance Requirements for Credit
A high school student may not be given course credit for a class unless the student is in attendance for at least 90% of the days the class is offered. A student attending fewer that 90% of the
days the class is offered, regardless of whether the absence is excused or unexcused, will be
required to complete an appeal’s packet in order to be considered for course credit. For more
information, please contact your administrator or counselor.
NM High School Competency Exam (NMHSCE)
Students must pass all portions of the NMHSCE to graduate from LCHS. If a student fails to
score 175 on any portion of the exam, they will need to take it again until they obtain that score.
If after various attempts any portion of the exam is not passed, that student will not be allowed to
graduate and must come back to school the following year to take the exam unless a waiver is
granted.
Graduation Commencement Requirements
Students must meet LCPS graduation requirements before they are allowed to participate in
the graduation ceremony at the end of the school year. This means they must have completed
the 29 credits and have passed all parts of the New Mexico High School Competency Exam.
(NMHSCE) Credits may be earned during the two semesters of the regular school year, summer
school, correspondence, or some type of alternative program (depending on program availability).
Any student who is long-term suspended during his/her senior year will not be allowed to participate with his/her class in the graduation ceremony. If they meet their graduation requirements in
an alternate setting, they must participate with the high school they are attending.
Credits and Retaking Courses
Students need 29 credits to graduate unless they have attended another school outside the Las
Cruces district. If a student has attended a school outside the district, an official transcript will be
requested and then a determination will be made on the number of credits needed for graduation.
It is the responsibility of the parent and student to keep up with credits earned and credits
needed to graduate. The LCHS counselors are here to help with credit checks, information, recommendations, etc., but are not responsible for students who do not graduate
because they did not meet graduation requirements.
Students are expected to earn 8 credits per year, 4 credits each semester. Under special circumstances as approved by LCHS administrators/counselors, students may earn up to 12 credits per academic year, 6 credits per semester, with night school, correspondence courses, ISP,
etc. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will students be allowed to accumulate more than 2 credits
in the summer and more than a total of 12 credits in one academic year. (August to May)
Retaking Courses
A student wishing to retake a course in order to improve a grade in the course may do so. The
original grade will stay on the transcript, but the higher of the two grades will be used to calculate
the new grade point average. No additional credit will be awarded. Credit can only be awarded
once for each course taken. If a student is registered for a course already taken for credit,
a guidance counselor should be consulted immediately.
Grading and Reporting
Students and parents will be informed on grading criteria at the beginning of each course. Parent/
guardians of students who have a “D” or “F” will be notified by mail at the interim. Progress will
be reported formally every nine weeks. Grading period intervals are indicated on the school board
approved district calendar. Parents are encouraged to meet with the teacher during district-scheduled parent conference days or as soon as any concerns arise. Meeting as a team helps reinforce
student expectations and increase communication between the school and the home. (IKAB)
Students not receiving a credit due to a lack of 90% attendance will receive a grade of “NCA,
NCB, NCC or NCD” in the class. Students may appeal for credit at the end of the semester.
Schedule Changes - Changing a Class
There will not be any schedule changes for students who prefer to have a different class, different
teacher, or another elective not requested at the time of registration.
A student may only change his/her schedule if one or more of the following conditions exists:
•The student previously took the class
•A scheduled course is out of sequence
•The student does not meet the prerequisites of the class
•The student has an incomplete schedule
•The student has a course listed more than once
•The student doesn’t have a course needed to graduate
•There was an error made in the student’s schedule
•A student wants to drop an “Off Campus” period to enroll in a class
Dropping a Class
Only LCHS administrators/counselors are authorized to drop a student from a class. Students
are required to attend a course until they are officially dropped. Seniors are the only students
eligible to drop a class, provided they will still be enrolled in 4 classes after the class is dropped.
When a class is dropped, it is replaced by a “No Class Assigned” designation.
Remember, all 12th grade students enrolled at LCHS must be enrolled in at least 4 classes, regardless of how many credits they need to graduate. All 9th 10th and 11th graders
must be enrolled in 8 classes.
Deadlines for dropping a class:
1st Semester:
September 21st - Last day to drop a class with no penalty for the fall semester.
October 19th - Last day to drop a class with a “Withdraw Pass” (WP) or “Withdraw Fail” (WF)
for fall semester. (If the student is passing the class with a D or better, a WP will go on the transcript. If they are not passing the class, a WF will go on the transcript). Students dropping the
class after this date will receive a grade of an “F” for the class.
2nd Semester
February 10th - Last day to drop a class with no penalty for the spring semester.
March 15th - The last day to drop a class with a “Withdraw Pass” (WP) or “Withdraw Fail” (WF)
for the 2nd semester. (A student passing the class with a D or better will receive a WP on the
transcript. A student not passing the class will receive a WF.) Students dropping the class after
this date will receive a grade of an “F” for the class.
Release of Students During the School Day
For each student’s safety and protection a parent/guardian is required to report to the school
office, present photo identification and officially the student out of school. To minimize the loss
of instruction, verification of appointments may be requested by the school. Parents/guardians
have the responsibility to furnish schools with accurate, up to date information. The school must
receive notification or authorization before releasing the student to a non-custodial parent. Persons listed on a student’s medical card will be allowed to check that student out from the front
office.
Students shall not be released into the custody of any organization, institution, or individual
without prior consent or communication with the parents/legal guardians. Possible exceptions
include: Child abuse investigations, law enforcement and/or Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) or in emergency situations where immediate arrest or removal of a student for
safety reasons is deemed necessary.
Internet Use
All LCPS students, employees, contractors, volunteers and other district officials who use or have
access to technology must sign and abide by the district’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) indicating
their knowledge of and agreement to terms and conditions of use of district technology resources.
Failure to follow the acceptable use procedures will result in the loss of the privilege to use these
tools and may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension, expulsion, and termination. All technology resources must be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner
and in accordance with the LCPS Mission Statement, Priorities, and Goals.
Library
The fully automated LCHS Library is open 8:00 to 5:00 daily including lunch. The twenty thousand items available for check-out are easily located using the on-line public access catalog or
OPAC, which also can be accessed remotely from the LCHS homepage or by going to http://
library.lcps.k12.nm.us. A maximum of four books may be checked out for a two-week period and
may be renewed if needed for a longer period of time. Overdue notices are distributed periodically throughout the school year.
Fines are five cents for each school day per overdue item with a maximum fine of $5.00 per item.
Several on-line magazine and reference databases are available from the library homepage both
in the library and remotely. To access these databases remotely, it is necessary to have the logins and passwords which can be obtained in the library. Twenty-six computers are available for
internet and database research and for word processing.
Academic Interventions
Listed below are two district-wide interventions currently in place. In addition, each school provides a variety of interventions to support academic success and achievement. Parents may
contact their home school for more information.
Guidance and Counseling
School counseling is integral to the mission of schools and to the total educational program.
School counseling programs assist in removing barriers to learning and promote knowledge
and skills necessary for academic achievement and personal growth of all students through
prevention and intervention services. Social and emotional learning delivered through a
comprehensive, developmentally appropriate school counseling program has a positive impact on student academic performance. Please contact your school’s administrative offices
for more information. (JLD)
Response to Intervention (RtI)
RtI is a process that provides immediate intervention to struggling students at the first indication of failure to learn. Through screening of students, classroom teachers identify those who
are not mastering critical skills. RtI is the process that all student assistance teams (SATs) in
New Mexico must follow to ensure that schools meet students’ needs.
Athletic and Interscholastic Activities Policy
The Las Cruces High School athletic and interscholastic programs are open to all students
on an equal basis. Students are encouraged to participate in one or more of the many activities at LCHS.
To meet state and local eligibility requirements students must:
•maintain at least a 2.0 GPA
•be enrolled in more than half of the schools regular class schedule and in regular attendance during the current as well as the previous grading period.
•fail no more than one class in the preceding grading period
Attendance of Athlete
A student athlete must attend the school within his or her attendance zone. If a studentathlete attends a school outside of his or her zone, he or she may lose athletic eligibility. An
athlete who misses school, for one full period or more, on the day of competition or on the
Friday before a Saturday competition, may not play in the competition unless it is a documented excused school absence.
Student Records – FERPA
The school maintains confidential student records for each student enrolled in the school.
The school complies with the U.S. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to
keep student records confidential and to provide procedures and establish responsibility for
collecting, maintaining, and releasing information about students that is contained in student
records. Parents may request from the school/district to have student records restricted.
(JRA, JRA-E-1, JEA-RA)
Behavior Policies
School disciplinary action will focus on changing or managing inappropriate student behaviors
and appropriate consequences. All available resources will be utilized, including preventive and
responsive interventions to support students’ needs. Conduct that disrupts class work, involves
disorder, or invades the rights of others will not be tolerated and may be cause for suspension
and/or other disciplinary action.
Attendance
The Las Cruces Public Schools recognize that students must be in school in order to learn the
content being taught in our classrooms. For that reason, students are expected to attend 90% of
every class.
Verified Absences
Realizing that there may be the occasional circumstance when students will need to miss school,
LCPS will allow students to make up missed assignments for all verified absences. The student
will have a minimum of one class period for every class period that was missed to make up assignments, provided the absence is verified. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for, obtain and
return assignments on time in order to receive credit for the work. A temporary grade of zero will
be recorded until the assignment is made up. Failure to make up assigned work by the deadline
will result in a permanent grade of zero.
A verified absence is defined as long and short-term illness, doctor appointment with documentation, religious holidays, school-sponsored or sanctioned activities, college visits, court summons,
funerals of immediate family members, hazardous weather and disciplinary actions including
suspensions. These need to go through the attendance office.
Unverified Absences
It is the teacher’s discretion whether to provide make up work when an absence is not verified. A
grade of zero will be recorded for any assignment recorded on the day of an unverified absence.
The parent/guardian should furnish written documentation in the form of a note, doctor’s appointment slip, or an e-mail from the parent’s place of employment to the attendance office. E-mails
should be sent to lchsattendance@lcps.k12.nm.us. In order for an absence to be considered
excused, students must provide written documentation from a parent/guardian within three (3)
school days after their return to school.
The note or e-mail should include student’s name, date of birth, parent contact phone number,
date(s) of absence and the reason for the absence(s). The student will then bring the note, doctor slip or the parent copy of the e-mail, to the attendance office. The exception to this would be
a school-sponsored event or if a school official has sent a student home. All other absences will
be considered unverified and therefore unexcused. Tardiness/Late Arrival
If students arrive at school late, they must report to the attendance secretary in the front office.
If they have proper excuses from a physician, dentist, or a parent stating there was a problem,
they will be given a pass to class. All others will be considered tardy with its consequences or as
having an unverified absence if the student arrives more than 45 minutes into class. Unverified
absences can be corrected at a later time with the correct documentation.
Any student walking the halls after the tardy bell has rung, and without a planner signed by a staff
member will be taken for a pass and may be assigned lunch detention or in-school-suspension
for being truant.
Cheating
Cheating is prohibited at LCHS and will be dealt with according to the LCHS discipline plan.
Cheating consists of the copying or illegal obtaining of answers. Cheating also includes Plagiarism, via internet sources or other printed materials. Students will be disciplined according to the
LCHS discipline policy.
Student Dress
Student dress and personal appearance shall meet reasonable standards of cleanliness and
safety and must show respect for others. Personal appearance and dress that violate reasonable
standards, demean, slur or harass others through symbols, words or images, and/or disrupt the
educational process shall not be tolerated and may be subject to disciplinary action. (JICA, JICARA) Replacement clothing may be provided.
Students are expected to follow the district dress code, which includes, but is not limited to the
following:
1.Student dress and personal appearance shall meet reasonable standards of cleanliness
2.Footwear must be worn at all times; however, bedroom slippers are prohibited.
3.Hats and sunglasses must not be worn in the building or on school facilities/grounds
except during outdoor activities.
4.Any clothing, paraphernalia , grooming, jewelry, hair coloring accessories, face painting
or body adornments that are or contain any words, symbols or pictures that:
i.Refer to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, or any illegal substance; or
ii.Are of a sexual nature; or
iii.Are obscene, profane, vulgar, or lewd; or
iv.By virtue of color, arrangement, trademark or other attributes denotes membership in gangs, or clubs which advocate drug use, violence or disruptive behavior; or
v.Threatens the safety or welfare of any person (i.e. trench coat, chains, spiked jewelry, etc.); or
vi.Promotes any activity prohibited by district policy or regulation.
5. Inappropriately sheer, tight, loose, or low-cut clothing that bares or exposes the stomach, back, breasts, or buttocks are not allowed. Clothing should fit and must not be extremely
revealing. (For example: very short dress/skirts, garments made of fishnet, mesh or similar material, and midriffs, halter tops, backless clothing, tube tops, muscle tops, or spaghetti straps no
less than 3 fingers width, etc.)
6. Clothing that exposes underwear or underwear as outerwear.
Violent, Gang and/or Gang-like Activities
The Board of Education recognizes that the presence of any violent, gang, and/or gang-like activities can cause a substantial disruption of or interference with the school educational process
and/or activities. In addition, the Board of Education recognizes that the primary focus in providing gang and potential violence intervention is involving parents and the community in developing
a proactive approach designed to offer assistance to students and families in dealing with the
problems of a changing society.
Gang related activity is prohibited, including, but not limited to:
•Wearing, possessing, using, distributing, displaying or selling any clothing, jewelry, glasses, emblem, badge, symbol, sign or other item which is evidence of membership/affiliation in any
gang
•Soliciting others for membership in any gang.
•Threatening/intimidating another person.
•Inciting other students to act with physical violence upon another person.
•Making particular hand gestures to signal gang affiliation or action.
•“Stare downs” or “mad-dogging” to challenge or provoke fights.
•Whistling to call other members.
•Engaging in physical confrontations where one or more persons confront another individual or group
•Unauthorized marking or writing on school property or on personal items (such as notebooks or backpacks) that may signify gang affiliation
•Taking or carrying pictures of people with gang signs.
All gang related activities may result in a gang letter/contract, short-term suspension, referral to
the LCHS Resource Officer, and possible long-term suspension.
Assault/Battery
Students engaged in fighting will be suspended and reported to the LCHS Resource Officer. If,
after an investigation, it is found that a student was seriously injured, a student refused to stop
fighting when directed, a staff member was assaulted, or it was gang related, long term suspension of a student or students may result.
Notice of Prohibition Against Bullying and Harassment
Bullying behavior by any student in the Las Cruces Public Schools is strictly prohibited, and such
conduct may result in disciplinary actions, including suspension and/or expulsion from school.
“Bullying” and “Harassment” means any repeated and pervasive written, verbal or electronic expression, physical act or gesture, or a pattern thereof, that is intended to cause distress upon one
or more students in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at designated bus stop, or
at school activities or sanctioned events. Bullying and Harassment includes, but is not limited to,
hazing, intimidation or menacing acts of a student which may, but need not be based on the student’s race, color, sex, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation that a
reasonable person under the circumstances should know will have the effect of:
•Placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm or damage to the student’s property;
or
•Physically harming a student or damaging a student’s property; or
•Insulting or demeaning any student or group of students in such a way as to disrupt or
interfere with the school’s educational mission or the education of any student.
Students and parents may file verbal or written complaints concerning suspected bullying behavior
to school personnel and administrators. Any report of suspected bullying behavior will be promptly
reviewed. If acts of bullying are verified, prompt disciplinary actions may be taken against the perpetrator, up to and including suspension and/or expulsion.
A safe and civil environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards. Harassment, intimidation, bullying, hazing-like and/or other disruptive or violent
behaviors, is conduct that disrupts both a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate
its students in a safe environment.
LCPS believes that providing an educational environment for all students, volunteers, and families
free from harassment (disability, racial, religious or sexual), intimidation or bullying supports a total
learning experience that promotes personal growth, healthy interpersonal relationships, wellness,
and freedom from discrimination and abuse.
Therefore, harassment, intimidation, bullying and hazing are forms of dangerous and disrespectful behavior that will not be tolerated. Students participating in one or more of these activities are
subject to school discipline and/or legal ramifications. (JICK, JICK-RA, ACA, ACA-RA)
Harassment Reporting
LCHS encourages students who feel they have been harassed by a school employee or another
student to report such claims. A student who believes he/she has been harassed should report
the incident to a LCHS staff member with whom he/she feels comfortable.
Weapons Policy
The Board of Education forbids the possession, care, use or distribution of all weapons by students or unauthorized persons in or around a school location or school zone as defined by LCPS
guidelines. This policy is enacted to implement the requirements of the Federal Gun-Free
Act of 1994, 33 U.S.C., Section 3351(a)(1), and Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990, 18 U.S.C.,
Sections 921-924, and it is the intention of the Board of Education that LCPS conform to provisions of those referenced laws. (JICF, JICF-RA)
Local, State, and Federal laws prohibit the possession, custody, and use of weapons by unauthorized persons in or around school property. A weapon is considered any firearm, knife, explosive,
or other object, even if manufactured for a nonviolent purpose, under the surrounding circumstances that the purpose of keeping or carrying the object is for use, or threat of use, as a weapon. Students are encouraged to report any incident of weapons on campus to a trusted adult.
(See Policy and Regulation JICF-Violent, Gang, and /or Gang Like Activity and JICF-RA-Violent,
Gang, and /or Gang Like Activity) Students found in possession of a weapon may be long-term
suspended from school.
Drug/Alcohol Policy
Las Cruces Public Schools prohibits students from the use, possession, sale or transportation of
alcohol and/or illegal drugs on school property, at school or at school-sponsored activities.
The superintendent or his designee has the authority to long-term suspend a student who, after a
notice and a hearing, has been found by a preponderance of the evidence to be guilty of an alcohol/drug related violation of the school rules or state laws. If a student is found in violation of this
policy, the school will follow the process described in JICH-RA.III Discipline.
Predator Awareness / Grooming
Grooming is the process in which a predator (peers or adults) gains trust and affection from their
victim(s) for the purpose of malice. Students should be aware of the following signs and individuals who:
•Take exceptional interest in a student’s personal life
•Go out of their way to offer sympathy and support to students who are experiencing conflict at home, school or work
•Try to build a personal relationship with a student who lacks confidence, is shy, isolated
(feels different) from their peers and/or spends time alone or unsupervised
•Offer gifts, their time, attention, illegal substances in order to gain a student’s trust and
build a relationship
•Share personal information/problems/secrets with students to establish a bond
•Threaten a student to remain silent about their conversations and/or relationship (keep
secrets)
•Physically invades a student’s personal space (this may include a progression of physical
contact which may eventually become more personal and intimate - the predator’s ultimate goal)
Persons aware of individuals experiencing any of the above situations or have suspicions of inappropriate behaviors should immediately contact any of the following resources:
•Family members
•School personnel or a trusted adult
•Local law enforcement at 526-0795 (Central Dispatch)
•Children Youth and Families Department (CYFD) at 1-800-797-3260 or 524-6400
•LCPS Safe Schools Tip Line at http://safeschools@lcps.k12.nm.us
Student Interrogations, Search and Arrests (Search and Seizure)
The Board of Education recognizes the necessity of conducting interrogations, searches, seizures,
and arrests of students periodically in order to enforce school policies, statutes and discipline.
By Authorized School Personnel
When reasonable suspicion exists, authorized school personnel have the right and responsibility
to conduct student interviews, searches and seizures. School administrators are responsible for
determining when it is appropriate to request assistance from law enforcement when investigating
a possible crime.
By Law Enforcement
All students possess the constitutional right to be secure in their persons, papers, and effects
against unreasonable searches and seizures. The principal or designee will be present during
interviews unless otherwise requested by law enforcement. Every attempt should be made for
parents to be notified by the school prior to interview or interrogation by law enforcement unless
otherwise requested by law enforcement. (JIH-RA)
Suspension
The authority of the state and of boards of education to prescribe and enforce standards of conduct for public school students must be exercised consistently with constitutional safeguards of individual student rights. The right to a public education is not absolute; it may be taken away, temporarily or permanently for violations of district and/or school regulations. However, it is a property
right which may only be denied when school authorities have adhered to procedural safeguards
required affording the student due process of law. (JKD-RA)
Miscellaneous Policies
Student Personal Items
Students are encouraged to leave items of value at home. Personal items that are lost, damaged, or stolen are not the responsibility of the Las Cruces High School staff. Students may file a
police report with the School Resource Officer.
Cell Phones/Headphones/iPods
These items will be allowed in school, but may not be used during class without teacher permission. If these items are seen or heard, they may be confiscated and turned in to the student’s
assistant principal. A parent may be required to retrieve the item.
Health Services Policies
The primary purpose of the school health services program is to promote optimal health for the
school community to increase opportunities for learning. (JLC)
LCHS has a fulltime nurse and a fulltime health assistant available for student/staff health needs.
Please feel free to contact the Nurse’s office (Ext. 6704) for any questions or concerns.
It is imperative that the signed medical referral card is given to school authorities. If there is an
emergency and we are unable to reach a parent/guardian, it allows us to proceed with necessary
emergency treatment. Persons listed as parents/guardians or otherwise listed as responsible for
the student will be the only people contacted, if the student is injured or ill. Only those persons
listed on a student’s medical card will be able to check that student out from the front office.
Administering Medications to Students
Secondary students may carry and administer their own medications under most circumstances.
A parent may visit the school to dispense medication. Any students requiring supervision must
deposit their medication with the school nurse or school administrator for safekeeping. Medications should be delivered to the school by the parent/guardian. Written physician orders and parent consent must be received regarding administration of all medications. If your child requires
medication during the school day, please contact the school nurse. (JLCD-RA). Abuse of self
administration of medication(s) and/or supplements will result in student discipline.
Appointments with LCHS Staff
For the protection of quality instruction, classroom interruptions will be held to a minimum. In
order to achieve this, we are asking that parent/guardians schedule appointments with the
teacher(s). This will reduce disturbance of instruction time and will give staff an opportunity to
give their full attention to the matter at hand.
Immunizations of Students
Students shall not be enrolled at any school unless satisfactory evidence of completed immunizations, or proper exemption, can be presented. For any enrolled student without an immunization
exemption, the administration can commence dis-enrollment proceedings if immunizations are
not completed or as current as possible. It is unlawful for any parent to refuse or neglect to have
his child immunized, as required by this section, unless the child is properly exempted. (JLCBRA)
Health Education
Parents may request their child be exempted from the parts of the health education curriculum/
services that address the sexuality education performance standards. Students whose parents
request they be exempted from the curriculum that addresses these standards, will be provided
with alternative lessons. (IHAM)
Lockers
Students wishing to use a locker will need to fill out a Locker Request Form found in the main
office. Students will be assigned lockers on a first come, first served basis. School issued locks
will be used on all school lockers. All other unauthorized locks will be removed. Also, remember
lockers are school property and may be searched by school personnel at any time.
Lunch Passes
9th Graders:
Students classified as 9th graders must stay on campus during lunch.
10th and 11th Graders:
Students classified as 10th and 11th graders are allowed to leave campus at lunch if they meet the
following criteria:
•Classified as a 10th or 11th grader.
•Have a 3.0 or above grade point average the previous semester. Passes are NOT issued
based on cumulative GPA.
•Have a 90% or above attendance record during the previous semester
•Have no significant discipline problems.
•Have a signed parent consent form on file in the office.
12th Graders:
Students who are classified as 12th graders are allowed to leave campus at lunch as long as they
have a signed parent consent form on file in the front office. Students that are 18 years of age will
be issued an off campus sticker.
At the end of each semester, qualifying 10th, 11th and 12th grade students must get a new lunch
pass sticker to leave campus for the upcoming semester. If students do not get the new sticker or
are no longer eligible to get off campus, they will not be allowed to leave for lunch.
Lunch Passes are a privilege and can be revoked at any time because of student misbehavior, skipping class, or other policy violations.
Students must have their student ID cards every day with a current sticker to get off campus. No exceptions!
Off Campus Period/Pass
Students are not allowed to leave campus during the school day, unless they have the following:
•school ID indicating off campus times
•special permission cleared through the attendance office (authorization pass)
Students must show both an ID to get off campus every period, every day. No Exceptions!
Megan’s Law
Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education supports the purposes of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (New Mexico’s version of “Megan’s Law”) Chapter 29, Article 11A
NMSA 1978. Registered offenders are listed on the state website: http://www.nmsexoffender.dps.
state.nm.us/ (JLIA)
Emergency Situations
School emergency information (such as a lockdown situation or bus accident) will be sent to local
radio and TV stations so that parents will know where and how to pick up students. School closures or late starts due to inclement weather conditions will also be released to all media outlets.
Limited bus routes may not be announced, since unexpected conditions may close roads without
warning.
No one, including parents will be allowed to enter the school during a lockdown situation. Therefore, parents are requested not to call or come to the school in these situations.
Certain situations may require the early release/relocation or delay of students to and/or from
school. The superintendent will authorize such actions only in times of extreme emergency. All
possible attempts to notify parents will be made as soon as possible. If an emergency occurs and
an early release/relocation is necessary, school safety procedures will be implemented.
For the most current information in emergency situations, parents may access the LCPS website
at http://www.lcps.k12.nm.us or call the hotline at 647-LCPS (5277).
Student Parking There is limited student parking on the LCHS campus. Student parking on campus is a privilege
and should be treated as such. Any violation of safe driving or the misuse of the vehicle to leave
campus or to take someone off campus without authorization may result in the removal of this
privilege.
Students must park in the student parking lot north of the LCHS campus off Boutz Street. If a
vehicle is found parked in staff parking, vocational parking, or the field house parking area, it will
be issued a warning and the student may be subject to a discipline referral. A second infraction
MAY result in the vehicle being towed at the owner’s expense. Vehicles parked in handicapped spaces without a state issued permit will be issued a ticket by our School Resource Officer.
Place the parking sticker on the rear view mirror at all times. Vehicles without a parking sticker
could be towed at the owner’s expense. If there is a special situation when a student does not
have a parking sticker, they should report to the office after parking.
Students are to complete a student registration form available in the Office. They must also provide a current driver’s license and proof of insurance. There is not any cost for a parking sticker.
If a parking sticker is lost or stolen, another must be obtained. Parking stickers will be issued to
seniors first, juniors next, and then sophomores. No spaces will be saved for someone who
will get his/her driver’s license at a later time.
Every reasonable effort is made to supervise the student parking lot, however, this is NOT a guarantee that acts of vandalism will not occur. Valuable items should not be left in an unlocked vehicle or in plain view. LCHS is NOT responsible for any acts of theft or vandalism.
School Dances
LCHS sponsored dances are a privilege and students must adhere to these guidelines:
•Appropriate dress must be worn. If outfit is revealing or inappropriate, the student will not
be allowed into the dance.
•Students and guests must arrive at the dance by 10:00 PM, or they will not be allowed into
the dance.
•Students who come to the dance under the influence will be subject to school disciplinary
actions including athletic and activity suspensions.
•Students must show their student ID’s at the dance.
•LCHS students taking a guest must fill out a guest form before the day of the dance. No
Middle School students will be allowed, nor any non-students over 20 years of age.
•Once a student leaves the dance, he/she may not re-enter. Any discipline problems will be treated according to the LCHS discipline plan. Students will be
asked to leave the dance or parents will be contacted if any school policy is violated.
School Advisory Council (SAC)
The School Advisory Council consist of 6 parents, 6 teachers, 1 administrator, 1 community member and 2 to 3 students. Elections for membership will be conducted yearly in accordance with
local school board rule. (Policy KCB)
School Cafeteria
Breakfast and lunch is offered daily to students. Students are not allowed to charge meals in the
cafeteria. Free and reduced lunch applications are available from the school lunch cashier. Information regarding yearly menus, cost, instructions on payment, and dietary issues can be found by
visiting http://www.lcps.k12.nm.us/Departments/FoodServices/index.asp . Contact your cafeteria
manager to discuss specific food allergies or special needs.
Students must apply each year to get free or reduced priced meals. An application must be completed and returned to the cafeteria cashier. Students are not eligible for free/reduced prices until
parents receive notification of eligibility for the current school year.
School Supplies
The following school supplies are available for sale in the library before and after school, during
lunch and between classes:
Folders
CD-R
Highlighters
Tagboard 24x36
Pens
Mechanical Pencils
$0.50
$1.00
$1.00 $1.00 $0.25
$0.50
Spiral Notebooks
CD-RW
Notecards/100
Dawg Pennant
Report Covers
$1.00
$2.00
$1.00
$5.00
$0.50
Skateboards
We understand that students use skateboards for transportation to and from school. Students will
be allowed to bring their skateboards as long as they place it in an office/class or in their locker first
thing in the morning. Students are not allowed to use his/her skateboard during the school day. If
a student is found using a skateboard during the school day, it will be confiscated and will not be
returned until a parent conference is held. If there is a second incident, the skateboard will need to
be picked up by the student’s parent.
Telephone Messages
Telephone messages will not be delivered to students unless it is an emergency and the caller is
willing to state what the emergency is. Otherwise, parents are free to come to school to deliver the
message in person. (Lunch money, rides after school, etc. will not be considered an emergency)
Transportation
Except for field trips, all students must register with the bus company in order to utilize school transportation. Students are expected to comply with school bus rules at all times. Student misconduct
will be reported to the LCPS Department of Transportation, parents and school administration. Discipline procedures range from verbal/written warnings to indefinite suspensions.
Visitor Policy
For the safety of students and staff, all school visitors must report to the school’s main office upon
arrival before proceeding to any part of the school or school grounds. Visitors are expected to
abide by school rules while present on campus. (Instruction Section- 485)
Students who are not enrolled at LCHS are not allowed on campus anytime during the school day
without principal approval. Unless accompanied by parent(s)/guardian(s), school aged guests are
not permitted on campus during the school day. This includes other students visiting from out of
town during their school breaks, students’ younger siblings, nieces, nephews, etc. to school.
LCHS parents are always welcome to visit the school and may do so by making prior arrangements.
Volunteer Clearance
The Las Cruces Public Schools welcomes and encourages all parents and citizens of Las Cruces to
volunteer their time at Las Cruces High School. In order to protect students, volunteers must comply with Las Cruces Public Schools’ Board of Education policy. The policy requires volunteers to
complete all forms contained in the Volunteer Packet, which can be found in the Las Cruces Public
Schools Human Resource Department.
LCHS Hall Pass Date
Time
In
Time
Out
Destination
Name______________________
Teacher
Date
Time
In
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Destination Teacher
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