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STUDENT HANDBOOK 2025-2026 PORTALES HIGH SCHOOL

Portales High School “Home of the Rams”

Student Handbook 2025-2026

PORTALES MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS VISION STATEMENT

All students will be productive and successful citizens.

PORTALES MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS MISSION STATEMENT

The Portales Municipal School District will provide all students a quality education.

PORTALES HIGH SCHOOL VISION STATEMENT

Portales High School students will be responsible and productive lifelong learners.

PORTALES HIGH SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

Portales High School will provide a quality education in an environment that promotes student learning.

PHS SCHOOL SONG

As we stand and sing our praises, high

 Hail to Thee

To the red and white of Portales High

 Hail to Thee

This dear school we will always bless;

May she ever enjoy success

Cherish our dear old PHS

 Hail to Thee

School Colors: Red & White

Mascot: Rams

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

PHS Administration Office ............................................................................................... 356-7015 PHS Attendance Office ......................................................................................................356-7016 PHS Counselor Office.........................................................................................................356-7015 Portales Schools Central Office ........................................................................................ 356-7000

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

 Portales High School students are expected to become competent in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and artistic expression. Students are expected to develop into effective decision-makers through the application of critical thinking. To develop respect for themselves and others to become contributing members of society, PHS students are expected to participate in the life of the school and community.  Participation may include creative arts, academic endeavors, civic, and extracurricular activities.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 Portales High School is dedicated to recognizing the rights and responsibilities of all its members. To that end, the violation or infringement of anyone’s civil, social, or physical rights will not be tolerated. Activities, language (written or oral), pictures, gestures, or touching that in any way disrespects a person’s dignity, race, ethnic origin, gender, religion, or creed is not acceptable. Anyone who feels that any of his/her rights, as stated above, have been violated should contact the building Principal or his/her designee or counselor.

          STUDENT CODE

 I will be where I’m supposed to be.

 I will do what I’m supposed to do.

I will respect people.

This handbook is not a contract. It is used as a guideline only. Policies and procedures outlined in this handbook are subject to change at any time.

STUDENT GENERAL INFORMATION

GUIDANCE SERVICES

Parents who wish to contact the counseling department may call 356-7015. Students at Portales High School are assigned a counselor based on their last name and grade level. Students who wish to discuss personal, educational, or vocational issues with their assigned counselor are encouraged to do so.

Portales High School’s guidance and counseling services are an integral part of the total education process. It involves interactions between students, parents, and school personnel. The high school counselors provide a variety of services; however, the focus is increasingly on preparation for the post-secondary years.

In addition, the counselors provide services to students, faculty, parents, and the community through consultations, referrals, student appraisals, and information and community liaisons.

HIGH SCHOOL CLASSIFICATION

Students enrolled at Portales High School are classified as Freshmen (9th grade), Sophomores (10th grade), Juniors (11th grade), or Seniors (12th grade.) Students who do not successfully complete the required number of credits to move to the next classification will be identified with the class for which their credits indicate. Students who are classified as Freshmen will remain under the rules of Freshmen. Students who earn the credits to become a Sophomore, Juniors, or Seniors will earn the rights and privileges of their classification. A student’s classification can change after the first semester of a school year if the required credits are earned to advance to the next classification. Students do not automatically advance to the next classification because it is their second, third, or fourth year in high school. The required number of credits for classification is outlined below:

0 – 6.5                        Credits                 Freshman

                 7 – 13.5                 Credits                 Sophomore

14 – 19.5                 Credits                Junior

20 +                        Credits                 Senior

PHS Graduation Requirements

For students entering the ninth (9th) grade in 2022-2023, 2023-2024, or 2024-2025, the following graduation requirements apply.

At least one (1) unit of the following twenty-four (24) units must be earned in an advanced placement or honors program, a dual-credit course, or a distance learning course.

For students entering the ninth (9th) grade in 2025-2026 or after, the following graduation requirements apply.

For students entering the ninth (9th) grade in 2022-2023 or after, the following graduation requirements apply

STATE-REQUIRED TESTING

  1. PSAT Freshman (October 15)
  2. PSAT Sophomores (October 15)
  3. SAT Juniors (March 25 am)
  4. NM-ASR (Science, March 25 pm)

 Students are required to take the SAT, and the NM-ASR, to complete testing graduation requirements. These tests are mandatory in their junior year of high school.  

ACT TEST

2026 National Test Dates Schedule 

Test Date

Regular Registration Deadline

Late Fee Applies After This Date

Late Registration Deadline

Photo Upload and Standby Deadline

September 6, 2025

August 1

August 19

August 29

October 18, 2025

September 12

September 30

October 10

December 13, 2025

November 7

November 24

December 5

February 14, 2026

January 9

January 23

February 6

April 11, 2026

March 6

March 24

April 3

June 13, 2026

May 8

May 29

June 5

July 11, 2026*

June 5

June 24

July 3

You may register for the ACT at www.actstudent.org, or registration packets are available at the Guidance Office. Please contact the Guidance Department if you need additional information. Further, fee waivers are available to students participating in the Federal lunch program.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY-ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

 NHS is a national service organization to which only the hardest-working and most diligent students are invited to join. Members embody the qualities of Scholarship, Service, Character, and Leadership and strive to make PHS and our community a better place. The Portales chapter meets monthly and organizes two group service projects per year. They also participate in an honors banquet every spring and are recognized with a stole at graduation. Membership in NHS adds a significant boost to your college and scholarship applications!

Members of the Portales chapter of NHS are selected by the faculty council of NHS, which consists of five members of the PHS faculty (excluding the advisor(s) and principal, who are non-voting members). The council seeks students who best exemplify the four pillars of Scholarship, Service, Character, and Leadership. Every fall, the council identifies juniors and seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or better and invites them to submit information about their demonstration of the other three pillars (Service, Character, & Leadership). The council also solicits information from teachers about these students. After reviewing both student & teacher information, the council invites the students who best exemplify these four pillars to join NHS.

As members, NHS students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.75, carry a minimum of five classes each semester, attend chapter meetings, participate in group service projects, complete an additional two hours of community service each year, and adhere to the PHS student code of conduct.

HONOR GRADUATES

Each year, those seniors in good standing with the National Honor Society will be recognized as an “Honor Graduate” at graduation. Individuals recognized as “Honor Graduates” will be allowed to wear their NHS Blue or White Stole at graduation, and these are the ONLY Stoles allowed at PHS graduation.

VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN

The selection of a Portales High School Valedictorian (highest cumulative solid grade point average within the senior class) and a Portales High School Salutatorian (second highest cumulative solid grade point average within the senior class) will be made utilizing the following criteria: A solid grade point average includes all courses except those designated as Pass/Fail.

-The senior student must have been enrolled during his/her Junior and Senior years at Portales High School and, in so doing, earn credit over the course of the four (4) semesters that will occur during this time.

         -The senior student must have satisfactorily completed any and all requirements for graduation as set forth by the local board of education and the New Mexico Public Education Department.

         -The senior student must have attained the highest or second-highest cumulative solid GPA following a calculation of cumulative solid GPA after completing the fourth nine-week grading period of the student’s senior year.  

If more than one (1) student attains the same cumulative solid GPA and meets all the aforementioned criteria as Valedictorian of the graduating class, Portales High School will recognize each student as the class valedictorian but will not recognize a class salutatorian that particular year. If more than one (1) student attains the same cumulative solid GPA and meets all the aforementioned criteria as Salutatorian (when so recognized) of the graduating class, Portales High School will recognize each student as the class salutatorian that particular year.

HONORS/DUAL CREDIT CLASSES

Portales High School offers Honors and Dual Credit classes in select courses. Honors and Dual Credit courses are not appropriate for all students. Students may request to be enrolled in Honors or Dual Credit courses; however, because the curriculum is intended to provide increased rigor and challenge, students who wish to enroll in these classes must meet more rigorous enrollment requirements. Students enrolled in Honors classes and/or Dual Credit courses are expected to maintain high academic standards. A student enrolled in an Honors Class must maintain at least a “C” average in the class. If a student does not have at least a “C” as a semester grade in an Honors class, the student will be disenrolled from the Honors class and enrolled in a regular class for the next semester.

ENMU Elective Dual Courses

2.5 Cumulative GPA or

17 Composite on ACT

ALL CCC Dual Courses

       Refer to the college Accuplacer Scores

HIGH SCHOOL HONOR/DUAL CLASSES

Given the belief that portions of our Honors and Dual Credit offering present greater academic challenges for our students, Portales High School weights the end of term grades on a 5-point scale for classes in Honors English, Honors Mathematics, Honors Science, Honors Social Studies, and corresponding dual credit courses in college English, mathematics, science, social studies/history. A student enrolled in an Honors Class must maintain at least a “C” average in the class. If a student does not have at least a “C” as a semester grade in an Honors class, the student will be disenrolled from the Honors class and enrolled in a regular class for the next semester.

Gifted Testing

 Parents may formally request a referral for gifted testing during the designated window, which runs from January 1 through March 15. 

SCHEDULE CHANGES

 Schedule changes will only be made for issues relating to graduation requirements or scheduling errors. To request a schedule change, complete the request form, which is available in the Guidance Office. Forms may be obtained during class breaks and before or after school only. Schedule change requests will only be accepted through August 21, 2025. After this date, a 3-step process is in place for scheduling changes.

  1. The student has a meeting with the teacher.
  2. Students and parents must meet with the teacher
  3. The Student, parents, and teacher will meet with the administration, and it will be determined at that time.

There must be at least 2 weeks between meetings to allow time for the problem to be solved.

PRIOR REVIEW 

All student publications and other written material intended for distribution to students shall be submitted for prior review according to the following procedures:

1. Material shall be submitted to the building principal or designee for review.

2. The Principal or designee shall approve or disapprove the submitted material within twenty-four (24) hours of the time the material is received. Failure to act within a twenty-four (24) hour period shall be interpreted as disapproval.

3. The student may appeal the disapproval to the Superintendent, who shall decide the appeal

within three (3) days of its receipt. Failure of the Superintendent to act within the three (3) day period shall be interpreted as disapproval.

4. The student may appeal disapproval by the Superintendent to the Board of Education.

The student shall notify the Superintendent of the appeal and request that the matter is placed on the agenda for the next Board meeting. At that Board meeting, the student shall be given a reasonable period of time to present his/her viewpoint.

PUBLICATIONS

Distribution of written material may be restricted, subject to the following guidelines:

1. Distribution may be limited to prevent material and substantial interference with normal school operation in circumstances where there is evidence that reasonably supports a forecast that disruption will likely result directly from the distribution.

2. Reasonable administrative regulations as to the time, place, and manner of distribution may be prescribed to promote the orderly administration of school activities by preventing disruption, but shall not be designed to stifle expression.

3. Content of material to be distributed shall conform to the following standards:

a. Materials that are sexually inappropriate for the age and maturity of the audience or that endorse actions endangering the health and safety of students shall not be distributed.

b. Libelous material may be prohibited from distribution.

c. Publications that criticize Board members or school officials or are a violation of school rules may be prohibited when there is evidence that reasonably supports a forecast that material and substantial disruption of normal school operations will result from the publication. Advocacy directed toward producing imminent lawless or disruptive action that is likely to incite or produce such action shall be restricted.

d. Hate literature that attacks ethnic, religious, or racial groups and similar irresponsible publications aimed at creating hostility and violence may be banned. Only material that could reasonably support a forecast of material, substantial disruption of normal school operations is affected by this restriction.

Portales High Social Media Policy and Guidelines

As a reminder, cell phone use is a privilege at Portales High School. Students at PHS are held in the highest regard and are seen as role models on our campus and in the community. As leaders, you have the responsibility to portray your school and yourselves in a positive manner at ALL times. As individuals, you should demonstrate respect towards everyone, regardless of their sex, race, age, profession, or educational background. As teenagers, you are constantly met with challenges to make the right decision. As a student at PHS, we are asking you to have integrity and make the right decision ALL THE TIME.

Please understand that everything you post/tweet/text, or share on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and other social media platforms is public information. Any text, photo, and/or video placed online is completely out of your control the moment you place it online.

Students should be aware that third parties, including peers, media, coaches, and even future employers, can easily access and view all their profile information, which includes pictures, videos, comments, and posts. Inappropriate material found by third parties can affect the perception of the student, our programs, and Portales High.

Examples of inappropriate and offensive behaviors concerning participation in online communities include the following:

If a student is found to be using social media or text messaging in accordance with the above behaviors he/she will receive the following disciplinary actions:

1. Meeting with Student and Parents- 1 Full Day of ISD

2. Meeting with Student and Parents- 3 Days of ISD

3. Meeting with Student and Parents- 3 Days of OSS

4. 10-Day Suspension/Pending Disciplinary Hearing

Additionally, Portales High School Administration will work with appropriate law enforcement agencies when dealing with Online content that may be in violation of applicable laws.

It is the intention of the Portales High School Administration to raise awareness among our students about the potential negative effects of social media. Please review the appropriateness of your online public material and consider whether it accurately represents and positively reflects you, your family, and Portales High School. In doing so, we believe you will not only continue to have positive experiences during your years at Portales High School, but you will leave high school with the values necessary to live a positive and rewarding life.

By signing the PHS Social Media Agreement, you affirm that you understand the PHS Social Media Policy. Also, you affirm that failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary consequences.

**Portales Municipal School District Administration will not review claims beyond 30 days from the date received.*

SCHOOL CAFETERIA

The high school cafeteria serves hot, nutritious meals at breakfast and lunch. All students are encouraged and welcome to eat in the cafeteria. Our cafeteria and custodial staff work diligently to provide a clean and attractive place to eat. Students eating in the cafeteria will be expected to comply with the following considerations and courtesies:

1. All students will stand in a single-file line in the designated area while waiting to be served.

2. Students are encouraged to visit with their classmates while eating. However, loud talking, yelling, and disruptive behavior are not permitted.

3. Each student will dispose of his/her tray, eating utensils, napkins, milk cartons, and spilled food in the designated receptacles.

Students should leave the eating area clean. Students eating in the cafeteria who fail to comply with these courtesies may have their privilege of eating in the cafeteria revoked. To buy lunches, students must pre-pay for their meals. Students may prepay before school in the principal’s office between 7:45 and 8:00 am. Students are not permitted to charge lunches at the high school cafeteria.

STUDENT ID CARDS

If student ID cards were not picked up with schedules at the start of the year, they will be distributed through the English classes. Students who do not have ID cards will have them issued through the Office. ID’s may be used to assign textbooks, check out library books, and attend dances and extra-curricular activities. Lost IDs may be replaced for a charge of $5.00.

PORTALES HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS/ACTIVITIES

Portales High School takes pride in promoting “Victory with Honor.” We ask all people involved (fans, players, coaches, etc.) in athletic events to adhere to the following:

1. All clothing will support Portales High School, ie, Ram Shirts, Six-Man Shirts, etc.

Any clothing referring to the opposing school will not be permitted, and you will be asked to leave and change.

2. All chants and cheers will support our team only.  Do not yell at the opposing team.

3. No derogatory posters or signs will be allowed.

4. Do not yell at the opposing team’s fans.

You may purchase yearly passes in the front office at a cost of $60 per adult and $50 per student, senior, and military. These passes are good for all high school and junior high school athletic events

Class Dues

Class dues are used to pay for: Diploma and Cover,  Graduation Costs,  Jr/Sr Trip, Class Flower, Prom,                    Maypole, Senior Class Shirt

Senior Year                        $25

Junior         Year                        $25

Sophomore Year                  $25

Freshman  Year                        $25

By doing it this way, we will no longer need to sell candy or run another type of fundraiser to cover these costs. Dues can be paid at the front office.  

SCHOOL VISITORS

The administration and faculty of Portales High School are responsible for establishing a classroom environment conducive to student learning. It is our experience that “student-age visitors” frequently pose a classroom distraction. Therefore, with the exception of students’ parents and other parties deemed appropriate by the high school administration, “student-age visitors” will not be allowed to visit classrooms during regular school hours. Students are not to bring younger children to class. Parents, however, are always welcome to attend classes after first checking in with the high school office.

 Wireless Communication Device (WCD) Policy

    In recognition of the growing impact of wireless communication device use on student learning and development, Portales High School has significantly revised its WCD policy. Research consistently shows that the use of such devices during school hours has a negative impact on both academic performance and social-emotional well-being.  

Policy Overview: Applies to all electronic devices, including:

Key Rules

Parent Communication Guidelines

This revised policy reflects Portales High School's strong commitment to academic excellence and the development of responsible, productive citizens. Unauthorized phone/device usage shall result in the device being confiscated by the School Administration and the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) being notified. Disciplinary consequences are noted below

-First Offense: One (1) day lunch detention. The parent must pick up the cell phone.

-Second Offense: One (1) Day of ISD. The parent must pick up the cell phone.

-Third Offense: Two (2) days In-school suspension. The parent must pick up the cell phone

-Fourth Offense: Two (2) days out of School suspension. Parent meeting.

-Any further offenses: Consequences determined in accordance with the District’s Policies and Administrative Regulations concerning student discipline. Parent Meeting.

The New Mexico Legislature Senate State Bill 11 prohibits the use of Wireless Communication Devices in schools.  Portales School Board Policy 267

BEVERAGES AND CANDY PRODUCTS IN THE CLASSROOM

Students are asked to exercise caution when bringing beverages into the school building. Spills can damage the carpets in the hallways. If a spill does occur, please notify a teacher or a custodian immediately. At the teachers’ discretion, they may permit students to consume any beverage in an allowable container within the classroom. Students must understand that in common classroom areas (i.e., the library and computer labs), those individuals responsible for overseeing the operation of these facilities are ultimately responsible for deciding the consumption of any permissible beverage.

Students may consume candy products within the building and in any classroom at the discretion of the instructor. The student will dispose of his/her trash in an appropriate receptacle. Candy and drinks may not be purchased from vending machines during academic instruction

times.

DANCE GUIDELINES

Students will be expected to conduct themselves as they would at any other school function, showing courtesy and consideration for others. All district policies, particularly those outlined in the Student Handbook, are in effect during such an event. This includes, but is not limited to, those policies concerning dress, zero tolerance for drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and fighting. Violators of these policies will be subject to the same consequences for infractions as if the violations occurred during the school day. School faculty, administration, and parents/chaperones are entrusted with supervising school-sponsored dances; therefore, students are expected to comply with any and all requests made by these individuals. Dance styles that are offensive will not be allowed.  Upon entry to the event, students will sign beside their name on the student roster provided by the sponsoring organization prior to the event. Students who are suspended or facing disciplinary action are not permitted to attend school dances. Students who leave a dance are not allowed to return. Students must present their school ID to attend the dance. Visitor passes can be obtained through the attendance office at least four days prior to the scheduled event. The high school administration reserves the right to determine school dances' frequency, length, and closing time.

BUS

Riding a bus is a privilege, not a right. Students are expected to cooperate with the driver by remaining seated and refraining from loud talking and disruptive behavior.  School rules apply to the buses as well as the classrooms.  Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol are prohibited on school buses.   Failure to comply with the expectations of the driver and/or the bus contractor may result in revocation of the privilege of utilizing school transportation services. Only students who live more than two miles away from the High School qualify to ride a school bus. If you require additional transportation assistance, the Portales Area Transit (PAT Bus) may be able to help you at your expense. Portales Area Transit’s phone number is 575-356-8741.

PARKING

Portales High School is committed to providing a safe and orderly learning environment for its students. To provide a safe situation in the parking lot, all students who drive a vehicle to Portales High School must abide by the following requirements:

1. All student vehicles must be parked in the North Parking Lot. There will be absolutely no parking in the streets.

2. The South Parking Lot is reserved for staff and visitors.

3. When students arrive in the parking lot, they are to park immediately. Driving or cruising around the parking lot will not be permitted.

4. No unauthorized vehicles are allowed in the parking lot. Trespassers will be prosecuted.

5. Visitor parking is in the front!  Students are not allowed to park in front of the main building.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Portales High School has the privilege of being an open campus. With this privilege comes certain responsibilities. Vehicle registration enables school personnel to identify vehicles that are authorized to be on the high school campus.   To register a vehicle, students must adhere to the following:

1. All vehicles, including motorcycles, must be registered in the office and display a valid

PHS parking sticker.

2. Students must provide the office with the following information:

 o Year, Make, and Model of Vehicle

 o Current Insurance Information and License Plate Number

 o Driver's License Number (Provisional or Standard)  Name of Driver

 o Grade Level

         3. Non-registered vehicles will be subject to towing at the owner's expense.

OTHER TRANSPORTATION

Skateboards, rollerblades, and bicycles are not to be ridden on campus at any time. Bicycles should be locked in the bicycle racks during school hours.

GRADING PROCEDURES

GRADES AND CREDITS Number grades are issued for all classes. Letter grades appear on the student’s transcript and have values as listed below:

A=90-100

B=80-89

C=70-79

D=60-69

F=59 & below

The grades issued at the end of the first and third nine weeks are formal progress indicators for all courses. Grades and credits earned at the end of the first semester and at the end of the year are recorded on permanent transcripts.

WEIGHTED GRADES

Because certain courses in our curriculum present greater academic challenges for our students, Portales High School weights the end-of-term grades for certain honors and dual credit courses. The weighted grading scale used by Portales High School for these courses shall be as follows:

The student’s grade of “A” shall carry a value of 5.00. The student’s grade of “B” shall carry a value of 4.00. The student’s grade of “C” shall carry a value of 3.00. The student’s grade of “D” shall carry a value of 2.00. The student’s grade of “F” shall carry a value of 0.00.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards will be mailed home at the end of each grading period. Progress reports will also be mailed home at the midpoint of each grading period.

PowerSchool

Parents are encouraged to monitor student progress via the computer and may contact the office for assistance. Student Usernames and Passwords will not be given over the phone to protect student confidentiality. Parents may make an appointment with the Assistant Principals or Counselors to receive their login and password to PowerSchool.

ASSIGNMENTS AND HOMEWORK

The development of study skills and self-discipline are integral and indispensable elements of a quality educational process. Assignments and homework will be provided to help students better develop study skills and self-discipline and as a means to allow for practice and retention of material. Homework is not punishment and should never be used as such. Classroom and homework assignments should be explicitly aligned with the objectives of the instructional program, and students should also develop the responsibility to actively pursue knowledge without immediate supervision, both outside and within the classroom.

Students, regardless of their intellectual capacity, should understand that mastery of skills is not always possible within the time constraints of the classroom. Each student should leave the District with a firm foundation for pursuing knowledge and developing skills independently. Since a student cannot learn everything possible in a single subject, they must develop the skills necessary to apply the foundation laid in school to learn how to learn and access information that will indeed make them lifelong learners.

To that end, for teachers, students, and parents to understand the level of mastery a student has achieved, student work must be assessed through both in-class and homework assignments. Completion of these assignments allows a student to demonstrate what they understand and helps the teacher design future instruction. Regular formative and summative assessments, along with completed assignments, will provide information to parents, students, and teachers to determine a student’s strengths and weaknesses for future instruction and assignments.

1. In-class and homework assignments must be turned in on time. Teachers will provide the date by which the assignment is due and must be completed and submitted. Late work will generally be accepted up to a maximum of five (5) days following the due date; however, a teacher may reduce the maximum number of days he or she provides to collect late work, but in no case will a teacher accept late work after five (5) days unless related to an excused absence or approved by the principal. Teachers will provide their assignment policy to students in writing on the first day of school. If a teacher decides to accept late assignments, a reduction from the total score will be applied for each day the assignment is late, up to a maximum of five days. In grades 9 – 12, ten percent (10%) of the maximum points possible will be deducted from the grade for each day the assignment is late up to five (5) days. (ie: If an assignment is worth 100 points, 10 points will be deducted for each day the assignment is late. After five (5) days, a zero (0) will become the final grade for the assignment. If an assignment is worth 50 points, 5 points will be deducted each day.) Late work due to excused absence is noted below.

2. If a homework assignment is not completed by the due date because a student does not understand the assignment, the student should discuss the assignment with the teacher. The teacher should then provide the information the student requires. If necessary, the teacher may require the student to attend tutoring to provide the necessary information. If additional instruction or tutoring is required, the teacher may waive the deduction of points from the grade if the work is submitted by the due date set by the teacher. The teacher should question late assignments or homework. It is the teacher’s and student’s responsibility to ensure that missing assignments or homework is not due to a lack of understanding.

3. Assignments or homework assignments not completed by the due date because of excused absences may be made up without loss of points, provided that:

A. The student speaks to the teacher the day after the excused absence and obtains the assignment to be completed.

B. Students with an excused absence will be allowed two (2) days for every day missed to complete the assignment.

C. Students may be required to remain after school to receive instruction to complete the assignment(s).

D. Assignments not turned in by the third (3rd) day after the absence will have points deducted for each day late, as explained in paragraph 1 above or as per the teacher’s homework policy provided to each student at the beginning of the school year.

4. Students who have excused absences for three (3) or more days in a row may have a total of six days to complete the make-up work or meet with the school principal or counselor to create a plan that is reasonable to ensure the make-up work is completed in a timely manner without losing points. This plan may include before or after-school tutoring to ensure that proper instruction is provided to the student. A student involved in extracurricular activities who has an approved plan may not be penalized in that activity for failure to attend the entire practice or event.

5. Students who have prior knowledge of a planned absence for extracurricular activities, school activities, or family activities of three (3) days or more are expected to meet with their teachers to obtain their assignments in advance. These assignments will be expected to be turned in on the day the student returns to school. Otherwise, assignments will be expected to be completed and turned in as per paragraph 3 above. 6. Even though a student may have additional time to complete an assignment due to absence or the assignment being late, a zero (0) will be recorded in the grade book for that assignment. When the assignment is turned in, it will be graded, and the zero (0) will be replaced with the corrected grade. If the assignment is not turned in as required above, the zero (0) shall remain the recorded grade for that assignment.

EXTRA CREDIT   

In-class and homework assignments are due on the due date. If all assignments are completed and turned in on time, a student should not fear failing a class. It is the responsibility of all involved, including the teacher, the student, and the parents, to ensure that assignments are completed on time. Because assignments have a due date and there is an opportunity to complete and receive credit for late assignments, there is no need for extra credit assignments. Teachers will not provide additional assignments for extra credit. No extra credit will be provided for returning required documents, progress reports, etc.

Teachers may not provide extra credit for supplying the required supplies for students in a class. Teachers may, however, offer extra credit questions or work within an assignment or assessment, such as extra credit questions or essay answers.

Attendance for Student Success

Regular student attendance is a crucial prerequisite for academic success. Maximum learning cannot occur if a child is not in class. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the parent and the student to minimize absences to a minimum.

Tier I Whole-School Prevention refers to universal, whole-school prevention strategies for all students, including those who have missed fewer than 5 percent of classes or school days for any reason. All  personnel will  solicit  cooperation  from  parents  in  the matter  of  school  attendance  and  punctuality, particularly regarding the following:

The scheduling of medical and dental appointments after school hours, except in cases of emergency.

The scheduling of family vacations during school vacations and recess periods.

The school may require an appointment card or a letter from a hospital or clinic when a parent has not notified the school of a medical or dental appointment.

Teachers, if a student is absent from your class for three (3) or more consecutive periods, you shall contact the student’s parents, legal guardian, or custodian by telephone, if possible, no later than the close of school on the school day following the three-day period.

-Powerschool will call parents if a student misses a class and is unverified at the end of the school day.

-5-day letters will be sent to the parent/guardian when a student has missed 5 days.

Tier II Individual prevention is required if a student misses 5% of the year, which is equivalent to 8 Days or 56 periods or more, but less than 10% of classes or school days.        

Parents/legal guardians will receive a letter from the school detailing the Individual Prevention Contract that the attendance team, the parent, and the student will discuss and agree upon. The discussions shall inform them of;

-the student's attendance history, interventions or services available to the student or family, and consequences of further absences, which may include referral to the Children, Youth, and Families Department for excessive absenteeism.

-PHS 5% Attendance Contract.

-FINS (Family in need of services referral),  if necessary

Tier III Early Intervention is required if a student misses 10% of the year, which is equivalent to 16 days or 112 periods or more, but less than 20% of classes or school days. The attendance team shall;

-notify the parent in writing by mail or personal service, providing the date, time, and place for a meeting to be held for the purpose of developing intervention strategies to keep the student in an educational setting.

-The attendance team shall be convened to establish a specific intervention plan for the student (My Student Success Plan), including weekly progress monitoring, and a PHS 10% Attendance Contract.

The student is referred for a screening to receive individualized support provided by a Mental Health Provider or Engage NM.

-(Incentive) The student is placed in PHS Rewards if they attend classes for 5 consecutive days.

Tier IV Intensive Support is required if a student misses 20% of the year, which is equivalent to 32 days or 124 periods or more of classes or school days.    The attendance team shall; notify the parent in writing by mail or personal service, providing the date, time, and place for a meeting to be held with the parent, principal of the school, and the district attendance team for the purpose of; establishing non-punitive consequences for the student at the school level,  Identifying appropriate specialized supports needed to help the student address the underlying causes of excessive absenteeism, and appraise the student and the parent of the consequences of further absence.

If a student is absent for three (3) or more consecutive school days, the school shall contact the student's parents, legal guardian, or custodian by telephone, if possible, by the close of school on the school day following the three-day period.        A written notice shall be dispatched if telephone contact has not been made.    The provisions of this section do not apply to any absence if the parent, legal guardian, or custodian has contacted the school prior to the end of the three-day period to explain the reason for the absence.

If a student does not respond to intensive support as implemented above but continues displaying excessive absenteeism,  the school board shall consult with the superintendent in executive session on the issue and shall cause the student to be reported to the probation services office of the appropriate judicial district for the purpose of an investigation as to whether the student should be considered a neglected child or a child in a family in need of family services, subjecting the child to provisions of the Children's code.

Excused absences include but are not limited to illness, injury, bereavement of a family member, other family emergencies, and observance of major religious holidays of the family’s faith or religious instructions and tribal obligations.  For religious instruction and tribal obligations, written consent from a parent and approval from the principal are required. A student may be excused for parent or doctor-authorized medical reasons.

Absent means not in attendance for a class or school day for any reason, excused or not excused, except for interscholastic extracurricular activities.

School administrators are authorized to excuse students from school for necessary and justifiable reasons as determined by the circumstances surrounding the cause of the absence.

A verified absence is not necessarily an excused absence.        However, verification is important for the safety of students.   Verification provides the school with information that you, as a parent or guardian, know the student is not in school on a given day or at a given time.

The same general standards shall apply for special education students, except that such eligibility shall be determined on a case‐by‐case basis in relation to the respective student’s individual education programs for those receiving C and D level services.

TARDY PROCEDURE 

Each student is allowed four tardies in each class per nine weeks. If a student accumulates five (5) tardies in a class during a nine-week grading period.  Absent Late will be counted as a tardy.   Teachers will refer students to the Assistant Principal with a referral.  Students will be assigned lunch detention for tardies beyond their 4th.  A list for the days of Lunch Detention will be sent out in the morning to all teachers.  Please make sure to check your email.  Fourth-period teachers must escort any student on the list to ISD right after 4th period.

5th Tardy         1 Day Lunch Detention Referral

6th Tardy         2 Day’s Lunch Detention Referral

7th Tardy         3 Days Lunch Detention Referral

8th +Tardy         1 Full Day ISD Referral per tardy.

Student tardiness will accumulate for each nine-week grading period. The tardy process will start over at the beginning of each nine weeks.

LEAVING DURING SCHOOL

When a student must leave during school hours, he/she must:

-Check out at the Attendance Office.

-Have or obtain parental verification that there is a need to leave.

-Students who fail to follow the guidelines will be counted as truant.

Students must observe regular sign-out procedures before leaving at times other than lunch. Students who decide to leave campus during school hours without observing proper sign-out procedures must accept the consequences of that decision. They may receive a zero for work missed and be recorded as truant.

NOTICE OF REMOVAL

The district shall make reasonable efforts to notify the parent prior to removing a child from school premises. If the parent cannot be notified prior to removal, they shall be notified as soon as possible of the reasons for removal.

SANCTIONS

Students placed in Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) or expelled are prohibited from being on school grounds or attending school-related extracurricular activities during the period of expulsion or suspension, except with administrative permission.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

THE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT IS INTENDED TO PROMOTE A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL STUDENTS.

BULLYING 

Bullying, as defined below, is prohibited in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop, or at school activities or sanctioned events.

Harassment of the student means knowingly pursuing a pattern of conduct that is intended to annoy, alarm, or terrorize another person, or intimidation by another student.

Bullying by another student, which 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 (1) or more students in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop, or at school activities or sanctioned events. Bullying includes but is not limited to, hazing, harassment, intimidation, or menacing acts of a student, which may, but need not be based on the student's race, color, sex, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation.

1. Did it cause mental, emotional, or physical harm?

2. Ongoing for a long period of time.

3. Unfair advantage.

https://www.portalesschools.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=2586234&pageId=50487792

PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION

No matter what your age, caring for others and showing affection is important to you. The “right” relationship between two people is and should remain private. Public displays of affection are not appropriate in a school setting. A simple show of affection, such as holding hands, is acceptable; however, kissing and close physical contact in a public school is not acceptable behavior.

DRESS CODE

The Portales School Board acknowledges that each student's mode of dress and grooming is a reflection of their personal style and individual preferences. Students are encouraged to choose attire that is considered professional and appropriate for a workplace, as they will soon be entering the workforce. Professional/workplace attire is highly supported. The District encourages students to take pride in their attire related to the school setting.  Students shall dress in a manner that, in addition to the following guidelines, considers the educational environment, safety, health, and welfare of self and others. If, in the judgment of the administration, the student’s appearance, including dress, jewelry, or tattoos, is deemed to be unprofessional/inappropriate for the workplace, portrays obscene language or symbols, or symbols of sex,  drugs, violence, or alcohol, is a threat to the school or student safety, or violates the following guidelines, the student will be required to make modifications.  Dress code infractions will be documented through referrals. Upon the second dress code referral, the student will be required to attend lunch detention.  Administrators will work with students to correct dress code infractions and attempt to keep students in class whenever possible.

The Board authorizes the Superintendent to develop and enforce school regulations.  The following is the outline of the dress code policy:

Obscene language or symbols, or symbols of sex, drugs, violence, or alcohol on clothing, are expressly prohibited.

Students will be asked to correct the dress code infraction and may be assigned lunch detention, ISD, or suspension.

Allowance of Tribal Regalia at Public School Events

Guidance on SB 163

Public school students who are enrolled in or eligible for enrollment in federally recognized

Indian nations, tribes, and pueblos are expressly permitted to wear tribal regalia at graduation

ceremonies and public school events. Schools may not prohibit the wearing of tribally significant

footwear or other culturally significant items under a graduation gown.

Tribal regalia includes traditional dress or recognized objects of religious or cultural significance, such as tribal symbols, jewelry, beading, and feathers. Reminders related to School Discipline Policies, No student may be subjected to discipline, discrimination, or disparate treatment based on race, religion, or culture. Protective hairstyles and cultural or religious headdresses are explicitly protected, including braids, locs, twists, hijabs, head wraps, and other similar expressions. Each school district must ensure that its discipline policies prohibit racialized aggression and provide a mechanism to report such incidents through a statewide hotline.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Student attire for special occasions, including but not limited to awards nights and banquets, will be determined by the coaches and sponsors of the organizations/teams hosting the event.  Students who participate in extracurricular activities, such as athletics, band, chorus, etc., are subject to the standards of dress defined by the sponsors of these activities. Exceptions for special activities or health considerations may be pre-approved by the administrator.

Teachers in classroom environments, including but not limited to labs, workshops, and kitchens, reserve the right to address issues with student attire that could pose a danger to the student or others due to the unique environment of those classrooms.

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

PORTALES HIGH SCHOOL IS A WEAPON-FREE AND DRUG-FREE SCHOOL ZONE.

THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES ARE PROHIBITED ON SCHOOL GROUNDS AND AT ALL SCHOOL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

-Arson

-Assault & Battery

-Bullying, Hazing, Harassment, or Intimidation or Criminal Damage to Property

-Criminal Libel

-Criminal Trespass

-Fighting, Gang Activities, Commission of a Felony

-Disruption of Classes and/or the Education Process

-Disruptive Conduct

-Disturbing Lawful Assembly

-Unlawful Assembly o Gambling

-Extortion

-Larceny, Robbery, or Burglary

-Leaving School Grounds without Parental Permission (exception: open campus lunch) -Loitering in Unauthorized Areas at School

-Loitering, Littering, Trespassing or Abusing and/or Displaying Disrespect to Residents on the Way to and/or From School

-Refusal to Identify Self

-Refusal to Cooperate with School Personnel or Sale, Possession, Transportation of Alcoholic Beverages

-Sale, Possession, Transportation, or Use of Explosives, Including Fireworks

-Sale, Possession, Transportation, or Use of Firearms or Other Deadly Weapons or “look-alike”

-Sale, Possession, Transportation, or Use without Prescription of a Drug, Substance, or Immediate Processor defined as a “controlled substance” in the Controlled Substances Act or Sale, Possession

-Use of Any Tobacco Product, including E-Cigarettes or Vapor Cigarettes  -Vandalism and Damage to School Property and Property of Others

-Sexual Harassment

-Any Other Activity Which Would Violate Any Portion of the Student Code of Conduct

-Use of Telephone to Terrify, Intimidate, Threaten, Harass, Annoy, or Offend -Using Profanity, Vulgar Language, or Obscene Gestures

-Willful Interference with the Educational Process of a Public School

-Academic Dishonesty/Cheating

-Any conduct intended to obstruct, disrupt, or interfere with teaching, research, service, administrative or disciplinary functions, or any activity sponsored or approved by the Board.

-  Conduct or speech that violates commonly accepted standards of the District and that, under the circumstances, has no redeeming social value.

VIOLATIONS OF POLICY

Students who violate this policy shall be subject to the full range of school disciplinary measures in addition to applicable criminal and civil penalties. Parents or guardians of students who are found guilty of damaging school property shall be liable for the resulting damages in accordance with the law.

PROCEDURES FOR IN-SCHOOL DETENTION (ISD)

 In-School Detention will be run by Mr. Chavez daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Students assigned to ISD will be provided with assignments from their teachers for the school days they are in ISD. Students will need to either bring their own lunch or purchase lunch through the school cafeteria for the days they are in ISD.  

STUDENT SEARCHES 

Administrators and teachers have the right to question students regarding their conduct or the conduct of others and to inspect the property, including student lockers and vehicles, any time they have reasonable suspicion to believe that they may find a controlled substance, dangerous drugs, prohibited weapons, or any other article or material that is forbidden by school policy or that could be used to cause a substantial disruption on school property or at school-sponsored functions. Students shall not place, keep, or maintain in school-owned lockers or on school property, including private cars parked in school parking lots, any controlled or dangerous substance or material that is prohibited by school policy or that can be used to disrupt school or school-sponsored functions.  Students shall be notified at the beginning of each school year that:

- Lockers remain under the district's jurisdiction, even though possessed by the students, and are subject to inspection at any time.

-Cars parked in school parking lots may be subject to a search at any time the campus administrator has reasonable suspicion to believe that they contain any controlled substance or dangerous drug, prohibited weapon, or any other article or material that is forbidden by school policy or that can be used to disrupt school or school-sponsored functions.

- Use of a school parking lot by a student will be considered consent by the student and the student’s parents to the inspection and the search of the student’s vehicle.

- Classrooms, other common areas, and cars parked on school property are subject to search using dogs.

- If prohibited substances are found, they are subject to seizure, and the student may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including removal or expulsion in accordance with existing policies.

The district may use specially trained dogs to search for prohibited articles or materials, including but not limited to controlled substances, dangerous drugs, or alcohol, on school property.

PHYSICAL RESTRAINT

 Any district employee may, within the scope of the employee’s duties, use and apply such physical restraint to a student as that employee reasonably believes is necessary to:

-Protect a person, including the person using physical restraint, from physical injury.

-Obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous object.

-Protect property from serious damage.

-Restrain an irrational student if the student poses a threat to him/herself or others.

COOPERATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

If an officer comes to arrest a student and has a warrant or a summons for that purpose, school personnel must comply with the court's orders. An officer must show proper identification, as well as the warrant, and fill out school forms before a student will be released to them. Otherwise, law enforcement officers wishing to question students on school premises will be requested to wait until school personnel can notify the parent before conducting any interrogation. The principal or principal’s designee shall be present during questioning. School personnel shall not require a student to answer questions from an officer.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES AND INTERVENTIONS

Discipline shall be administered when necessary to protect students, school employees, or property and to maintain essential order and discipline. Students shall be treated fairly and equitably. Discipline shall be based upon a careful assessment of the circumstances of each case. Factors to consider shall include the following:

-Seriousness of the offense.

-Student’s age.

- Frequency of misconduct.

- Student’s attitude.

-Potential effect of the misconduct on the school environment.

All discipline referrals will include a student’s name, offense, the teacher making the referral, and other appropriate information. Parental contact will be initiated at the appropriate stage of disciplinary action. Probationary enrollment may also be initiated for any offense at the principal's discretion. Referral to guidance, mediation, community resources, law enforcement agency, and/or juvenile probation may also be included in any action taken

LOST/STOLEN ITEMS

Students are responsible for any personal belongings (including electronic devices, money, jewelry, etc.) brought to campus. These items should be kept in the student's possession or securely stored during the school day. If valuables are lost or stolen, the administration will assist in trying to retrieve the item(s); however, school personnel are not responsible for lost or stolen items. By bringing valuables on campus, students accept responsibility for keeping those items safe and secure. If students are not willing to accept this responsibility, it is recommended that they leave their valuables at home.

TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks are available for free and can be checked out from the Library by all students. Textbooks should be kept clean and handled with care. Be sure your name is written on the inside of the cover of each book. Students are expected to be responsible for their books and to have them in their possession for class. Unreasonable damage and wear to the textbooks will result in fines or the cost of replacing the book. All fines or book replacement fees will be due before the end of the year.  Normal replacement costs range from $50 to $250. At the end of the school year, the student must return the same book that was checked out to them at the beginning of the school year. Notice: Each year, the Portales Municipal Schools will adopt new textbooks for different content areas. If parents or community members are interested in participating in this process or providing feedback about the adoption options, please contact the director of instruction at the central office (356-7000). Information about the current adoption will also be placed annually in the Portales News Tribune.

FEDERAL POLICIES

The Portales Municipal School District does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or disability in providing access to benefits of education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, following Title VII-B of the McKinney- Vento Homeless Assistance Act; the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA); Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. For issues related to Title IX, please contact Central Office Administration at 575-356-7000. With issues regarding Title VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, contact Rick Segovia, Director of Federal Programs, Portales Municipal Schools Central Office, at 575-356-3705 or rsegovia@portalesschools.com. For questions regarding the administration of medicines to students while at school, please refer to Policy J-5350 of the Portales Municipal Schools Board of Education Policy Manual or contact the school nurse at Portales High School at 575-356-7015.

McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Program, The purpose of the Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program is to ensure that all homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free and appropriate public education, including public preschool education, provided to other children and youth. Section 103 of the Act defines the term “homeless” or “homeless individual” as an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and who has a primary nighttime residence that is

• A supervised, publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations (including hotels, congregate shelters, and transitional housing.)

• An institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or

• A public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation.

Please contact the school counselor, principal, or Rick Segovia, District Contact for Homeless Education, at 359-3705 if assistance is required.

Highly Qualified Notice to Parents: All teachers at Portales High School are highly qualified.

HIGHLY QUALIFIED In accordance with New Mexico Law 22-10A-16 requirements, parents and/or guardians have the right to obtain information regarding the professional qualifications of classroom teachers who instruct their child. Parents/Guardians may request the following information:

• Whether the teacher has met state qualifications for licensure for grade and subject taught.

• Whether the teacher is teaching with a teaching waiver or assignment.

• The qualifications of educational assistants or similar para-professionals.

• The teacher’s degree, major, and/or any other licenses or graduate degree held by the teacher.

If you want this information, please contact Mrs. Lois McAlister at (575)356-7000 or go to the personnel office at Portales Municipal Schools Central Office 501 S. Abilene.                                                                                Revised 8/2/21

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