Handbook

Welcome to AlvaradoWhether this is your child’s first year at Alvarado or you have a child returning, you are sure to have a few questions about the school community and the events that take place throughout the year.

This handbook is intended to supplement the school’s guide to policies and regulations.

We hope that you will keep it in a convenient place and refer to it often. Maybe you will be able to get involved in one of the many activities that make being apart of this community so great! This positive and dynamic learning environment is a result of students, parents, teachers and staff working together. Volunteer! It is fun!!

Safety Guidelines

As we begin the year, please follow these safety guidelines.

1. The west gate will be open for Staff Parking and buses only.
2. Handicapped Parking – There are spaces available by the kindergarten building and by the office. Please display your handicapped placard at all times.
3. Please use the pick-up and drop-off lane, and release or pick up children only at the point where the two lanes merge into one.
4. Teach your children the same thing we are teaching them – obey all traffic laws and cross at crosswalks. Do not drop off students in traffic.
5. Parent Parking – Please enter the parking lot by the kindergarten building so you can park and walk in.
6. If there are no parking spaces available and you park outside of the fences, please do not park to close to the middle exit gate or the buses will not be able to leave. You will be asked to move your vehicle. Due to the early start, buses are on a strict schedule.
7. Do not park in fire lanes at any time.

Thank you so much for your cooperation!

Handbook Essentials

Attendance

Prompt and regular school attendance is essential for a student to attain success in school. It is important to schedule elective appointments, whenever possible, for times outside the instructional day.

When a student is absent, please call the school Attendance Line 344-4412 and press 2, before 8:35 am on the day of the absence (the Attendance Line operates from 3:00 pm until 7:00 am) in order for the absence to be marked excused. An answering machine will ask you for the following information:

• Your name
• Your child’s name
• Your child’s teacher
• Reason for absence
• Date of absence

Please wait until you hear the beep before beginning to speak and speak slowly and clearly. The child’s teacher should also be notified in the event of extended anticipated absences due to illness, out-of-town trips, family emergencies, etc. You may wish to leave a message for the teacher through the office.

This year we will continue our careful adherence to the APS Board of Education absentee policy: “School Attendance”

The Federal No Child Left Behind Act requires that states, school districts, and schools be held accountable for ensuring that all students meet high academic standards. On-time, daily attendance is a critical component of this educational process. New Mexico law dictates that:

• Students between the ages of five (5) and eighteen (18) years of age are mandated to attend public school, private school, home school, or a state institution.
• The Albuquerque Public School District reports habitual truants to the Children’s Court Liaison office and to the State of New Mexico.

Attendance Policy

• APS students are allowed no more than 5 unexcused absences per semester and no more than 10 unexcused absences per school year.
• Please call into our Attendance Line at 344-4412 and press by 2 by 8:00 am to report an absence. The attendance line operates 24 hours a day.
• The parent/guardian must notify the school each day that the student will be absent for the absence to be excused.

Dress Code

Alvarado observes the APS Dress Code. We ask that parents assist their children in dressing appropriately for school.

• Shoes are required and should be appropriate for the weather that day.
• Hats and sunglasses are not worn inside buildings or classrooms but are encouraged for wear outside to protect from sun damage.