Santa Fe New Mexican Back to School magazine

SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2013

www.santafenewmexican.com

A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO THE 2013-14 ACADEMIC YEAR

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BACK to SCHOOL

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2 BACK TO SCHOOL THE NEW MEXICAN

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THRIVE? FACT #1: Girls thrive when they find their voices through dialogue and critical thinking in a supportive single-gender classroom.

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www.santafenewmexican.com Locally owned and independent, serving New Mexico for 163 years Robin Martin Owner Ginny Sohn Publisher Bruce Krasnow Interim Editor Al Waldron Operations Director Mike Reichard Circulation Manager Tamara Hand Advertising Director Michael Campbell Technology Director Monica Taylor Marketing Director Natalie Guillén Web Editor

To reach us The Santa Fe New Mexican P.O. Box 2048 Santa Fe, NM 87504-2048 Main switchboard: 983-3303 Office: 202 E. Marcy St. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday-Friday

Home delivery 986-3010, 1-800-873-3372 circulation@sfnewmexican.com

Classified line ads 986-3000 1-800-873-3362 classad@sfnewmexican.com Browse or place ads at sfnmclassifieds.com Fax: 820-1635

Advertising 995-3819 1-800-873-3362 advertising@sfnewmexican.com Fax: 984-1785 Legal ads: 995-3818

Newsroom 986-3030 Nights/weekends 986-3035 newsroom@sfnewmexican.com ON THE COVER: The Spanish Spelling Bee is a popular contest in the school district. NEW MEXICAN FILE PHOTO

Ortiz Middle School students work on a science project as their teacher offers help. NEW MEXICO FILE PHOTO

Back to school 4 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

A letter from Joel Boyd, superintendent of Santa Fe Public Schools A look at the Board of Education and contact information for members Registration times for district schools Start and dismissal times for district schools Highlights of this year’s school calendar Highlights of this year’s school calendar in Spanish Those big yellow buses offer safe transportation District’s new GPS tracking system offers more security

14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

What your child needs for the classroom Drills help keep children, teachers safe during an emergency The district’s Standard Dress Code helps keep focus on learning New federal guidelines ensure your children are getting nutritious meals Longtime school secretary offers secrets to success Know what to do if bad weathers hits our area Help your child spark a lifelong love of learning Common Core State Standards emphasize critical thinking skills THE NEW MEXICAN BACK TO SCHOOL 3

s ... ol ho Sc lic ub P Fe a nt Sa e th of nt From the superintende s and community partners: Dear parents, guardians, caregiver for all of the warmth, hospitality and you nk tha I r! yea ool sch 3-14 201 Welcome back for the ntendent this past school year. eri sup as e rol my o int ed pp ste I d support that you have shown me as oss the organization, and I am please acr h wt gro and ng rni lea of r yea It has been a tremendous te of New ing the best school district in the sta om bec ard tow g kin ma are we ss with the progre Mexico.

Joel Boyd

ents that Santa Fe Public view a list of selected accomplishm and ) nfo ps.i w.sf (ww site web our t I encourage you to visi s include: Zone Schools) year. Some of these accomplishment erforming schools (Transformation erp und Schools has achieved in the 2012-13 y call oni chr h bot ng amo y h proficienc • Improvements in reading and mat Zone Schools); tion ova (Inn ools students (grades 10 and 11); and high-performing sch ners (grades K to 2) and high school lear y earl h bot ed with the overall ng amo y enc fici pro lish language learners when compar • Increases in reading Eng t ren cur and s ent stud ic pan His s among • Narrowing of the achievement gap math; in the upper grades; and ing read h bot y grades and Advanced Placement student population in earl the in ms gra pro g nin lear d in extende • Increases in student participation and ning process. demy to engage families in the lear of our children and fami• Development of a new Parent Aca bers have accomplished on behalf mem f staf 0 1,80 than re mo our k that and math and gradudren achieve proficiency in reading This is just a snapshot of the hard wor chil our of ALL that ure ens to e work to be don lies. To be sure, there is still much accept anything less. e, as well as developege and career success. We will not coll to path a on ch involves building on progress mad ate from high school whi r, yea ool sch 3-14 201 sful ces ch prioritizes g for a suc guided by our Theory of Action, whi We have spent the summer plannin be to es tinu con nda age rm refo e ents throughout the districtwid ing expectations for adults and stud hten ing strategies for improvements. Our heig (2) m, sroo clas ry eve in g ools with increased g and learnin year, we will continue to provide sch s (1) improving the quality of teachin Thi t. men age eng nity mu com We will also move of family and our Achievement Zones initiative. h system and (3) increasing the levels wit ned alig as ds nee ent stud t e our parent engagement and mee of shared accountability, and increas autonomy to drive student achieve del mo our and exp se, pha g nin creating a system of k into the plan to our districtwide reform plan for ted our Secondary School Reform wor rela ons tati sen pre the of All y. or call 505-467-2000 Parent Academ free to email community@sfps.info feel ment and partnership through the ays alw can you and site web our district world-class schools can be found on ing year. At Santa Fe rict’s strategy for reform. dist the on tion rma in your children’s schools this upcom to request more info lved invo re mo e om bec to ns rdia ing student achieves and gua role in our shared mission of increas I also want to encourage all parent ical crit a play and rs tne par our are parent-teacher conparents ent Teacher Committee, attending Par Public Schools, we firmly believe that s ool’ sch r you ing join as h suc nteer in your child’s be involved Parent Academy, or signing up to volu ment. There are many ways you can the ugh thro red offe op ksh wor our Parent/Family ng a parent a parent or guardian, please contact as ferences and school activities, attendi lved invo re mo e om bec to how rmation on classroom or school. For more info . year on Saturday, -2059 or email community@sfps.info -467 505 at ent School event, which will be held this Engagement Departm to k Bac ual ann t firs our at e sibl as pos will allow you and your I also hope to meet as many families have planned an exciting event that we Fe, ta San of city the h wit p partnershi sportation and parent/ on topics such as registration, tran Aug. 3, at the Santa Fe Place mall. In tion rma info ess acc as l wel as r nd a festive day with school yea date on your calendar and come spe children to celebrate the upcoming this k mar to sure Be r. yea ool sch upcoming family engagement activities for the sition into the can assist you with the smooth tran us at the mall! that tion rma info of e urc reso a as lication ool safety, procedures Finally, please make use of this pub r, school supplies, transportation, sch nda cale ool sch the on tion rma ps.info) as an ongoing ortant info 2013-14 school year. It includes imp invite you to use our website (www.sf also We re. mo ch mu and cies s, emergen for registration, transfers, snow day underway. reciation for the comgets r yea the as year, I want to express my deep app source of information ing om upc this to ard forw look year and kers, technicians and As I reflect on the previous school bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria wor , lors nse cou ors, trat inis adm ts, students. I also want to l assistan to the success and well-being of our mitted group of teachers, educationa ted mit com re mo team no is re ers — play in the sucta Fe. The nity organizations and business lead support staff that we have here in San mu com ers, nte volu s, ent par — rs our partne school year. affirm the important role that all of e your involvement into the 2013-14 tinu con on that would preto you age our enc and s children with a well-rounded educati cess of our student our vide pro to ged pled I , nity mu the com of you for your collective Last August, in my opening letter to our promise to keep, and I thank all ains rem s Thi e. plac ket mar al in a glob pare them for college and to compete l. goa this ard tow k wor effort in helping us children, our of ams dre and es Inspired by the hop

Joel D. Boyd Superintendent of Schools

4 BACK TO SCHOOL THE NEW MEXICAN

NDI NEW MEXICO 2013-2014 Registration

The Dance Barns provides a well-rounded experience in the performing arts, including high-quality technical training and performance opportunities for ages 3-18.

RETURNING STUDENTS NEW STUDENTS

Rio Grande School is Now Accepting Applications!

983-1621 / admission@riograndeschool.org Since 2011, Kirstin Mitchell's 2nd grade has knitted and donated hats and scarves to give to Santa Fe's homeless through the Interfaith Center.

AUGUST 13 & 14 | 3-6 PM AUGUST 15 & 16 | 3-6 PM

NDI New Mexico School for the Performing Arts at The Hiland Theater 2011-2012 Registration August 4 -6 and 11 -13 at The Hiland Theater (4804 Central Ave SE Albuquerque, NM 87108) from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Thursday and Friday and 9:00 am - 12:00 pm on Saturday.

Call (505) 795-7088 to register!

www.dancebarns.com

___________________________________________ NDI New Mexico School for the Performing Arts at The Dance Barns 2011-2012 Registration Returning August 10 & 11, 3-6pm 1140students Alto Street | Santa Fe, NM 87501 All new students August 17 & 18, 3-6pm at The Dance Barns (1140 Alto Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501)

Grades K-6 participate in annual community service learning projects.

• 75% of our lead teachers and specialists have a master’s degree, and have been teaching for more than 10 years • Integrated Art, Drama, Experiential Education, Music, Science, Spanish, Technology, and PE curriculum • Two teachers in every classroom • Socio-emotional curriculum • Buddy program for pre-K and upper school students • 30% of students representing diversity • 100% of graduates are welcomed at their first choice secondary schools Tuition assistanc e available !

Rio Grande School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national or ethnic origin.

Upcoming public event?

Save the date!

CATCH JUNGLE FEVER Register for Fall Classes!!

The Jungle is Jumpin with Joy

August 21st - November 24th

Share your upcoming events with more than 300K monthly pasatiempomagazine.com and santafenewmexican.com readers by posting to our calendar today!

santafe newmexican .com/calendar

Rehearsal at El Mueso De Cultural Performances at James A. Little Theater Space is Limited ~ Scholarships Available~

If you love to sing and dance call!

505-920-0704 to register!

You turn to us.

THE NEW MEXICAN BACK TO SCHOOL 5

BACK 2 SCHOOL LOANS

Tax-Free Weekend

Back to School

• School Uniforms • Shoes, Belts, Backpacks • Soccer Shorts and Shoes • Books, DVDs, Games • Ballet and Dancewear • Art Supplies • Dollar Rack for all Ages!

Knowledge is Priceless! Books, tuition & new gear, however, begin to add up.

Our Back to School Loans assist you with the finances to support you or your child’s thirst for knowledge.

• 5.95% APY • 12 months term • $1,500.00 max amount • 5.95% APY Limited time offer •• 12 months term •• $1,500.00 amount Onmax approved credit • Limited time offer • On approved credit

At the corner of Guadalupe & Aztec 505-989-8886

“Like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/ doubletakesantafe

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www.secunm.org

505-983-7328 -OR- 800-983-7328

APY - Annual Percentage Yield

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You turn to us.

6 BACK TO SCHOOL THE NEW MEXICAN

SFPS Board of Education

Steve Carrillo

Glenn Wikle

Susan Duncan

Linda Trujillo

Lorraine Price

District 1

District 2

District 3

District 4

District 5

Atalaya, Acequia Madre, Chaparral, E.J. Martinez, Wood Gormley and Santa Fe High

El Dorado, Capshaw and Amy Biehl

Aspen, Carlos Gilbert, Gonzales and Tesuque

Glenn Wikle, member 660-5037 email: gwikle@sfps.info

Susan Duncan, member 470-8863 email: sduncan@sfps.info

Capital High, César Chávez, Ortiz, Ramirez Thomas, Nye Early Childhood Center and Sweeney plus the new south-side school

Academy at Larragoite, Agua Fría, De Vargas, Kearny, Nava, Piñon, Salazar and Santa Fe High

Term expires: 2015

Term expires: 2017

Employment: Data analyst

Employment: United Way of Santa Fe County schools program director

Steve Carrillo, vice president 699-7478 email: scarrillo@sfps.info Term expires: 2015 Employment: Financial planner

Linda Trujillo, president 795-4324 email:lindat@sfps.info Term expires: 2015 Employment: Deputy at the State Records Center and Archives

Lorraine Price secretary 470-8247 email: lprice@sfps.info Term expires: 2017 Employment: retired educator

School board meetings are generally held every first and third Tuesday of the month at the Educational Services Center, 610 Alta Vista St., unless otherwise noted. Agendas are available 24 hours prior to the meeting at the district’s website, www.sfps.info. NEW MEXICAN FILE PHOTO THE NEW MEXICAN BACK TO SCHOOL 7

Sweeney Thursday, Aug. 1: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 2: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 5: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 6: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Tesuque Thursday, Aug. 1: 9 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m., 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 2: 9 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m., 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Wood Gormley Thursday, Aug. 1: 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 2: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Community schools Amy Biehl at Rancho Viejo Thursday, Aug. 1: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 2: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 5: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 6: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Aspen Thursday, Aug. 1: noon-5 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 2: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 5: noon-7 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 6: noon-6:30 p.m.

César Chávez Thursday, Aug. 1: 9 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 5: 9 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 6: 4-6:30 p.m.

El Dorado Monday, Aug. 5: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 6: noon-6:30 p.m.

Gonzales Thursday, Aug. 1: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 2: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Middle schools

Time to register Learning to read is one of the joys of starting school. NEW MEXICAN FILE PHOTO

Only students new to the district or new to the school site will be required to register during these dates and times.

Students returning to the same school as last year will receive an information verification form when they return to school.

For those new or transferring students, parents/guardians at registration will be require to bring: u Parent photo identification u Birth certificate u Two proofs of residence — acceptable documents are listed on the district website, www.sfps.info/registration u Immunization records or religious exemption form

Elementary schools

Saturday, Aug. 3: 9-11 a.m., 3-6:30 p.m.

Atalaya Thursday, Aug. 1: 9 a.m.-noon, 1-3 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 2: 9 a.m.-noon, 1-3 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 5: 0 a.m.-noon, 1-3 p.m., 4-7 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 6: 9 a.m.-noon, 1-3 p.m.

Carlos Gilbert Thursday, Aug. 1: 2-6 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 2:8 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m.

Chaparral Thursday, Aug. 1: 1-6 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 5: 9 a.m.-noon, 1-3 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 6: 9 a.m.-noon, 1-3 p.m.

Acequia Madre Monday, Aug. 5: 8 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 6: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

E.J. Martinez Thursday, Aug. 1: 1-6 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 2: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Agua Fría Thursday, Aug. 1: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 2: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Kearny Monday, Aug. 5: 9 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 6: 9 a.m.-noon, 1-7 p.m.

8 BACK TO SCHOOL THE NEW MEXICAN

Nava Thursday, Aug. 1: 8 a.m.-noon Friday, Aug. 2: 1-6 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 3: noon-3:30 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 5: 8 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Aug. 6: 8 a.m.-noon Piñon Thursday, Aug. 1: 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 2: 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 5: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Ramirez Thomas Friday, Aug. 2: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 5: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 6: 8 a.m.-2 p.m., 4-7 p.m.

Salazar Thursday, Aug. 1: 3-6 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 2: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 3: 9 a.m.-noon Monday, Aug. 5: 3-6 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 6: 8-11 a.m.

Capshaw Thursday, Aug. 1: noon-6 p.m. (new students) Friday, Aug. 2: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (returning students) Saturday, Aug. 3: 9 a.m.-noon (all students) De Vargas Thursday, Aug. 1: 1-4 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 2: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 3: 9 a.m.-noon Ortiz Thursday, Aug. 1: 9 a.m.-noon, 1-3 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 2: 9 a.m.-noon, 1-3 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 5: 9 a.m.-noon, 1-3 p.m., 4-7 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 6: 9 a.m.-noon, 1-3 p.m.

High schools Academy at Larragoite Thursday, Aug. 1: 9 a.m.-noon, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 2: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Capital Thursday, Aug. 1: 9 a.m.-noon (12th grade) 1-4 p.m. (11th grade) Friday, Aug. 2: 9 a.m.-noon (10th grade), 1-4 p.m. (ninth grade) Saturday, Aug. 3: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (all) Santa Fe Monday-Friday, Aug. 1-13, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

When the bell rings

The Wood Gormley Elementary School Panther Fun Run is one the highlights of the school year. NEW MEXICAN FILE PHOTO

Schools in Santa Fe have different start and end times. Here’s what to do when the bell rings at your child’s school:

Nava Monday-Thursday: 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:35 p.m.

Elementary schools

Piñon Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday dismiss time: 1 p.m.

Acequia Madre Monday-Thursday: 7:55 a.m- 3:05 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:35 p.m.

Agua Fría Monday-Thursday: 7:50 a.m.-3:05 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:35 p.m.

Atalaya Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-3:10 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:40 p.m.

Carlos Gilbert Monday-Thursday: 7:50 a.m.-3:05 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:35 p.m.

Chaparral Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 1 p.m.

E.J. Martinez Monday-Thursday: 7:55 a.m.-3:05 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:40 p.m.

Kearny Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 1:30 p.m.

Ramirez Thomas Monday-Thursday: 7:50 a.m.-3:05 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:25 p.m.

Salazar Monday-Thursday: 7:55 a.m.-3:05 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:40 p.m.

Sweeney Monday-Thursday: 7:55 a.m.-2:55 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:35 p.m.

Tesuque Monday-Thursday: 7:55 a.m.-3 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 1:05 p.m.

Wood Gormley Monday-Thursday: 7:55 a.m.-3 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:30 p.m.

Community schools Amy Biehl at Rancho Viejo Monday-Thursday: 7:50 a.m.-3 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:40 p.m.

Aspen Monday-Thursday: 7:50 a.m.-3:05 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: Grades K-5: 12:45 p.m.

Grades 6-8: 3:05 p.m.

César Chávez Monday-Thursday: 7:55 a.m.-3:05 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:35 p.m.

El Dorado Monday-Thursday: 7:55 a.m.-3:05 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: Grades: K-5 12:35 p.m.

Grades 6-8 2:55 p.m.

Gonzales Monday-Thursday: 7:55 a.m.-2:55 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: Grades K-5: 12:35 p.m.

Grades 6-8: 2:55 p.m.

Middle schools Capshaw Monday-Friday: 8:35 a.m.-3:35 p.m.

De Vargas Monday-Friday start: 8:40 a.m.

Grade 7: Monday-Thursday dismiss time: 5:30 p.m.

Friday: 3:40 p.m.

Grade 8: Monday-Friday: 3:40 p.m.

Ortiz Monday-Friday: 8:40 a.m.-3:40 p.m.

High schools Capital Monday-Friday: 8:40 a.m.-3:40 p.m.

Santa Fe Monday-Friday: 8:40 a.m.-3:40 p.m.

Academy at Larragoite Monday-Thursday: 8:25 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:35 p.m.

Charter schools Academy for Technology & the Classics Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Monte del Sol Monday-Friday: 8:45 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Tierra Encantada TBA Turquoise Trail Monday-Thursday: 7:50 a.m.-2:50 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 1 p.m.

THE NEW MEXICAN BACK TO SCHOOL 9

2013-14 SFPS calendar AUGUST

8-9 12-13 13 14 14-15 16

District in-service (for Common Core State Standards) Teacher planning and prep

Freshmen jump-start for Capital and Santa Fe High Schools First day of school for students in Grades 1-12 Kindergarten kickoff

First day of school for kindergarten students

SEPTEMBER

2

Labor Day holiday (district closed)

OCTOBER

14 16 28 29

Fall break

End of first quarter (first 44 days of instruction) Parent-teacher conferences, K-12

Parent-Teacher conferences, K-5, K-6, K-8 and middle schools (high schools report to school)

NOVEMBER

27-29

Thanksgiving break (district closed)

DECEMBER

20

End of second quarter (second 44 days of instruction). Early release of students at all schools

23-31

Winter break

JANUARY

1-3 20

Winter break Martin Luther King Jr. Day (district closed)

Two students sing in a class at Carlos Gilbert Elementary School. NEW MEXICAN FILE PHOTO

21

Parent-Teacher conferences, K-5, K-6, K-8, and middle schools (high schools report to school)

FEBRUARY

14

District in-service (No school for students)

Day 17 Presidents (district closed)

SEVERE WEATHER CLOSURES Under all but the most extreme conditions, school officials have a responsibility to keep school in session. When weather is bad but school is open, parents must make a family decision regarding 10 BACK TO SCHOOL THE NEW MEXICAN

MARCH

MAY

11

20

End of third quarter (third 44 days of instruction)

APRIL

7-11 18 21

Spring break

Mid-semester break

Parent-teacher conferences, K-12

attendance or late arrival for their children. A call or a written note will excuse a student’s late arrival or absence during these conditions.

When weather is severe enough to close schools, it is extremely important that working parents have pre-arranged child care available to them.

End of fourth quarter (fourth 44 days of instruction) Last day of school — early release day for students

21 22

Teacher planning and prep/in-service

Santa Fe High School graduation (a.m.)

Academy at Larragoite graduation (p.m.)

Snow make-up day, if necessary, K-11

23

Capital High School graduation (a.m.)

School closures are announced on SFPS’ website at www.sfps.info as well as www.santafenewmexican.com and other outlets. Notification is given prior to 7 a.m.

In the event that a snow make-up day is necessary, adjustments will be made to schools’ instructional minutes.

En español

FENCING LESSONS

AGOSTO

New Mexico Fencing Foundation is now accepting registration for beginner classes — ages 5 and up. Visit www.nmfencing.org for more information.

8-9 Distrito en servicio (para Common Core State Standards) 12-13 Planeación y Preparación para Maestros 13 Inicio para estudiantes de primer año para Capital y Santa Fe High 14 Primer día de escuela para estudiantes de 1-12 14-15 Primer contacto para Kinder 16 Primer día de Escuela para Estudiantes de Kínder

Call now to register: 699-2034

SEPTIEMBRE

ADULT CLASSES ALSO AVAILABLE

2 Feriado del Día del Trabajo (Distrito Cerrado)

OCTUBRE

Join The Fun

14 Descanso de Otoño 16 Fin del Primer Cuarto (primeros 44 días de instrucción) 28 Conferencias Padres-Maestro, K-12 29 Conferencias Padres-Maestro, K-5, K-6 y escuelas K-8 (Escuelas de preparatoria se reportan a la escuela)

REGISTER NOW! Applications available on the web! www.bgcsantafe.org Sites Include: Alto Street, Camino de Jacobo, Santa Cruz, Valle Vista, Chimayo, Abiquiu & Alto Street Teen Center.

NOVIEMBRE 27-29 Vacaciones de Acción de Gracias (Distrito Cerrado)

We offer….

DICIEMBRE 20 Fin del Segundo Cuarto (segundos 44 días de instrucción) Salida temprano de estudiantes en todas las escuelas 23-31 Vacaciones de Invierno

ENERO 1-3 Vacaciones de Invierno 20 Día de Martin Luther King Jr. (Distrito Cerrado) 21 Conferencias Padres-Maestro, K-5, K-6, K-8, y escuelas secundarias (Escuelas de preparatoria se reportan a la escuela)

FEBRERO

Recreation, Swimming Lessons, Guitar Lessons, Computer Club House, Arts & Crafts Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Snack Field Trips Games and much more!

730 Alto Street * 505-983-6632 * Monday - Friday * 7:30am - 5:30 pm

EARNING L SMALL WORLD PreSchool & Kindergarten Child Care Center

14 Distrito en servicio (negociado con NEA así como el CBA) 17 Día del Presidente (Distrito Cerrado)

MARZO 11 Fin del 3er. Cuarto (terceros 44 días de instrucción) Abril 7-11 Vacaciones de Primavera 18 Descanso de Mitad de Semestre 21 Conferencias de Padres-Maestro, K-12

Age 2½ - 6 Year-round enrollment 2520 Cactus Lane

505-471-2683 505-471-2683

2520 Cactus across from Santa FeLane High School www.smallworldleaders.com acrossHours: from Santa High 7:30AMFe -5:30 PM School M-F www.smallworldleaders.com Hours:STATE 7:30LICENCED AM-5:30PM M-F AND CERTIFIED IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION OPEN 10-HOURS 7:30 am TO 5:30 pm MON. thru FRI.

MAYO 20 Fin del 4to. Cuarto (Cuartos 44 días de instrucción) Ultimo dia de escula — Estudientes tienen salidia temprana 21 Planeación y Preparación para Maestros/ En Servicio 22 Graduación en Santa Fe High School (a.m.)

Graduación en Academy at Larragoite (p.m.)

Recuperación de días nevados, si fuera necesario, K-11 23 Graduación en Capital High School (am.)

TIEMPO SEVERO CIERRE: A menos que las condiciones sean extremas, funcionarios de las escuelas tienen la responsabilidad de mantener la escuela en sesión. Cuando el clima sea extremo, pero la escuela esté abierta, los padres deben tomar una decisión con respecto a la familia y la asistencia o llegadas tarde de sus hijos. En estas circunstancias una llamada o una nota escrita sé permite por un retraso o ausencia del estudiante.Cuando el clima es suficiente severo para cerrar las escuelas, es extremadamente importante que los padres que trabajan tengan ya preestab—lecido el cuidado de niños. Los cierres de escuelas se anuncian en el sitio de la red mundial www.sfps.info y también por medios de comunicación local de la radio y televisión. La notificación se administrará antes de las 7 a.m. En el caso de que sea necesario compensar un día de nieve, se harán ajustes a los minutos de nstrucción a cada escuela.

Now enrolling school-based mentors for the 2013-2014 school year.

One hour a week is all it takes to make a difference.

Call 505-983-8360 or visit www.bbbsnorthernnm.org and help change a child’s life for the better, forever.

THE NEW MEXICAN BACK TO SCHOOL 11

Safe travels on the road

Those big yellow buses aren’t just for transportation — they are an extension of school

Almost every student rides a bus sometime during the school year.

Did you know that the big yellow school bus is one of the safest forms of transportation around? In fact, transporting children to school on a school bus is far safer for students than if they are driven by their parents. Every student in Santa Fe Public Schools rides a school bus sometime during the school year, and the bus itself is an extension of the school. Whether your child rides daily or occasionally, your help is needed to support our goal of providing safe transportation for students at all times.

To meet this goal, we follow the disciplinary procedures as stated in the SFPS Code of Conduct.

If you are planning for your child to use SFPS bus transportation, you must pre-register them by filling out a bus registration form and acknowledging on the form that you have read the student and parent responsibilities. You can acquire the registration form on the SFPS website, at the Educational Services Center, or at the Transportation Building located by the Santa Fe High School, 2201 Yucca St. Once the form is completed, you are required to either email it to bussupport@sfps.info or deliver it to the transportation building for processing. The Parent and Student Responsibilities are also located at the same locations for your convenience.

This is the first year that SFPS has done pre-registration for bus services. The reason for this change is because the district just installed a student tracking system called a Z-Pass. This system works by using GPS signals on the bus to locate your child based on the Z-Pass card they will be issued prior to riding in the bus. In order to create a card for your child, they must be registered by filling out the registration form so the transportation department can load them into the database for tracking purposes. This will also give transpor12 BACK TO SCHOOL THE NEW MEXICAN

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u Remain in the assigned seat for the duration of the bus ride. u Keep hands, feet and personal possessions out of the aisle and away from windows. u Obey the driver’s instructions — safety is the drivers No. 1 concern. u Be a good rider: speak quietly, stay seated and be courteous. u When being dropped off, exit the bus and walk ten giant steps away from the bus. Keep a safe distance between you and the bus. Also, remember that the bus driver can see you best when you are away from the bus. u Be aware of the street traffic around you.

School buses offer a safe form of transportation.

tation staff the ability to track your child (real-time) all the way down to the exact location.

In addition, we will know exactly when your child boards the bus (if they board the bus) and exit the bus.

We can also give accurate arrival times if the bus is running late due to unforeseen circumstances. All and all, this system will enhance the safety, security and accountability of your child while they are transported to and from school.

When riding the school bus students must: u Behave appropriately at bus stops. u Stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driver signals that it is OK for you to approach and enter the bus. u Get on and off the bus in a controlled and orderly manner. u Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus. u Once on the bus, proceed immediately and quietly to the assigned bus seat.

Please note For safety and security, buses are equipped with video cameras. Students and adults riding our buses may be photographed.

In the event of a problem or issue resulting in overall student safety, bus conduct reports will be written by the bus driver. These reports are sent to the school principal and to the parents. If necessary, any disciplinary action will be determined by the school principal.

Deviations from regular bus stops require a form to be filled out by the parent/guardian and given to the bus driver. These forms must be signed by the school principal or principal designee. Students who do not qualify for bus transportation may not ride the bus home with a student who is eligible.

For more information about school bus transportation, please contact David Perez, transportation director, at 467-3500.

GPS security District’s new security system will help keep track of kids — but you’ve got to register

By Robert Nott The New Mexican

When school starts Aug. 14, students who ride the bus will be carrying radio frequency identification device cards — known as RFIDs. The cards will allow district officials, and parents, to find out if a student is on the right bus — or on the bus at all.

The cards can be monitored through the district transportation department’s GPS system.

“The main concern here is the safety and security of children, and that starts the moment they get on the bus,” said transportation director David Perez. “We want to account for these children in real time, so if parents call and say, ‘My kid is not home,’ we can log on our website and through their RFID card find out if they are on the bus, off the bus, or if the bus is just running late. We can pinpoint it down to an exact street to where that bus is.”

But, Perez emphasized, the system can’t track a student who chooses to walk home, hitch a ride with a friend without informing anyone, or stay late at school without Mom or Dad knowing.

So guardians and parents might still be left in the dark.

Perez, who started his job in March, said the district rarely gets calls about missing kids. But, he said, a lot of times parents call and ask, “Where’s my kid?

It’s 10 minutes past bus drop-off time.”

He said the district cannot prevent kids from walking or grabbing a ride with someone they know. “We can only keep track of who is on the bus. … With this system, we can at least tell parents, ‘Your kid did not take the bus home today.’ ” He said in some cases, one parent knows that a child is getting home by alternative means, but the other parent does not, leading to miscommunications, worried phone calls and confusion.

Perez said roughly 9,000 of the district’s 13,000 students take school buses to and from school sites. The district has 88 regular buses and employs about 100 drivers and driver aides.

The transportation budget for school year 2013-14 is about $3.5 million, and the new RFID system costs about $900,000.

School districts in other parts of the country — Georgia, Colorado and Texas, for instance — have announced similar initiatives over the past year or so.

One district in the San Antonio, Texas, area recently started a pilot program to utilize technological tracking devices implanted in students’ identification cards to monitor their whereabouts on school property only.

Some organizations, including some chapters of the Americans Civil Liberties Union, have suggested that such

District bus drivers keep a close eye on children, but the GPS tracking system offers more safety.

Superintendent Joel Boyd learns firsthand the joys of riding a bus.

devices are a possible infringement on students’ privacy. Micah McCoy, communications manager for the ACLU of New Mexico, said via email, “We are always concerned that new surveillance technologies employed by the government will be misused. Before we let the government issue tracking devices to our children, we should first ensure

there are clear limits to their use and clear consequences for overstepping those limits.”

Gabe Romero, director of safety and security for Santa Fe Public Schools, said, “I know there may be some concern about tracking our children too much, but it’s the difference between relying on the bus driver’s memory and

NEW MEXICAN FILE PHOTOS

having a tool that helps us identify when a kid comes on the bus and off the bus.”

For instance, a parent may become concerned if a child inadvertently gets off at the wrong stop. While bus drivers do their best to prevent that, and usually know where children are supposed to get off, such mishaps occur, Romero said.

In this case, the RFID program will at least let the district and the parents know where the child disembarked — though again, it will not pinpoint that child’s location once he or she is off the bus.

“It does not track them beyond the bus,” Romero stressed.

Parents who want their children to ride the bus must pre-register their children before the school year resumes in mid-August, Perez said. By the end of July, the registration forms should be on the district’s website — www.sfps.info — but until then, he said the best way to register is to visit the district’s transportation department on Yucca Road, next to Santa Fe High School, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. any weekday.

Parents must bring provide their children’s names and student identification numbers, but he said there is no need to bring any other documentation.

Children who are not registered in the school district must do so before applying for an RFID card.

Contact Robert Nott at 986-3021 or rnott@sfnewmexican.com.

THE NEW MEXICAN BACK TO SCHOOL 13

School supplies Check the district’s list for everything your child requires in the classroom

The proper school supplies help make your child’s time at school a success. NEW MEXICAN FILE PHOTO

This is the general school district supply list. The list varies by school site and grade. Some schools are using the district list, while others are using their own.

KINDERGARTEN u 1 regular backpack, labeled with student’s name u 1 box of 24 crayons u 1 water color paint set u 1 box thick-tip colored markers u 12 No. 2 sharpened pencils with erasers u 2 large glue sticks u 1 4-oz bottle school glue u 1 pair of blunt tip scissors u 2 pocket folders u 1 box sandwich-sized zipper bags u 1 large box of tissue

PLEASE NOTE u Label all supplies (except those marked as “do not label”) with student’s name in permanent marker. u Send supplies in on the first day of school. u Specialists may require more supplies. u 2 glue sticks u 1 (1)-inch, 3-ring binder u 3 (2)-pocket folders u 1 large box tissue u 1 plastic pencil box (optional)

GRADE 2

u 1 box of 24 crayons u 24 No. 2 sharpened pencils with erasers (labeled) u 2 big erasers, preferably white u 1 pair of metal pointed u 1 regular backpack, labeled with stuscissors dent’s name u 1 bottle (4) white glue and u 1 box of 24 crayons 2 large glue sticks u 1 box of colored pencils u 3 spiral notebooks (wide ruled) u 1 box markers u 3 (2) pocket folders u 1 water color paint set u 12 No. 2 sharpened pencils with erasers u 1 large box tissue u 1 box colored pencils u 1 pink eraser u 1 pair safety scissors u 6 (1)-gallon zipper bags u 1 (4)-oz bottle white glue (do not label)

GRADE 1

14 BACK TO SCHOOL THE NEW MEXICAN

GRADE 3 u 1 box of crayons u 1 box of colored pencils u 1 box thin-tipped colored markers u 12 No. 2 sharpened pencils with erasers u 2 pink pearl eraser u 1 large pair of pointed scissors u 2 glue sticks u 2 (2)-pocket folders u 1 pkg. loose leaf notebook paper (wide rule) u 1 ruler with inch and centimeter markings u 1 large box tissue u 4 spiral notebooks (wide ruled) u 1 set each multiplication and division flash cards (for home use) u 1 package notebook dividers u 1 pencil box u 1 (2)-inch binder u 2 red correcting pens u 1 (1) gallon zipper bag

GRADE 4 u 1 box of 24 crayons u 1 box colored pencils u 1 box thin-tip colored markers u 24 No. 2 sharpened pencils with erasers u 2 pink pearl eraser u 1 large pair of metal pointed scissors u 1 bottle white glue

u 4 spiral notebooks (wide ruled) u 2 (2)-pocket folders u 1 pkg. loose leaf paper (wide ruled) u 1 ruler, inch and centimeter markings u 1 large box tissue u 1 (1)-gallon zipper bags u 2 Highlighters u No trapper keepers u No pencil boxes

GRADE 5 u 1 box of 24 crayons u 1 box of colored pencils u 1 box thin-tip colored markers u 12 No. 2 sharpened pencils with erasers u 2 black Sharpie marking pens — ultra fine point u 3 colored ballpoint pens u 1 small plastic pencil sharpener (that holds shavings) u 1 pink pearl eraser u 1 pair metal pointed scissors u 2 glue sticks or 1 bottle of white glue u 2 spiral notebooks u 2 (2)-pocket folders u 1 ruler with inch and centimeter markings u 1 large box tissue u 1 packet of small sticky notes u Notebook paper (500) u 1 pencil box u 6 (8)-pack 3-ring notebook dividers u 1 (1)-inch, 3-ring binder

magazine.com THE MAGIC OF SANTA FE ARTS • ENTERTAINMENT • EVENTS

THE NEW MEXICAN BACK TO SCHOOL 15

Out of harm’s way

Santa Fe High School students join Shock Action, an Army band that held a concert at the school. The district’s director of safety and security works to make sure that schools are a place for learning and fun. NEW MEXICAN FILE PHOTO

The district’s director of safety and security ensures that schools are free of danger

By Robert Nott The New Mexican

“The most precious commodity we have in the schools are our children,” said Gabe Romero, Santa Fe Public Schools’ new director of safety and security. A former Marine and state police officer, the Santa Fe High School graduate is the main person responsible for the safety of the district’s roughly 13,000 students at nearly 30 sites.

His job includes coordinating safety and fire drills, dealing with the AJF Enterprises Inc. security firm — which provides security guards at the middle and high school level (annual cost for the firm is about $528,000) — and ensuring that doorways, entrances, video cameras, and walkie-talkies are all in working order at all times. He also coordinates with local law-enforcement, fire, and safety officials regarding school security.

16 BACK TO SCHOOL THE NEW MEXICAN

Each school site performs about 14 drills per year and Romero asks parents to make sure to stay on top of any safety/security literature that the schools send home with students so parents can be better prepared when such drills take place. Schools are supposed to do one fire drill per month, for instance.

The district utilizes three basic safety drill procedures, Romero noted. Basic evacuation drills are not unlike fire drills in that they require students and staffers to evacuate the school site and walk to a different location nearby.

Shelter-in-place drills are usually held in preparation for either inclement weather or an incident outside the site involving emergency services or other issues. “That’s relatively simple,” Romero said. “It’s business as usual, but everyone stays in the building to keep them out of harm’s way involving inci-

dents in close proximity to the school.

The highest level of security drill held within the district is known as lockdown, Romero said.

“It’s beyond a shelter-in-place in that everyone locks themselves in their classrooms. They are supposed to remain quiet and pay attention to the instructions of staff and teachers who are in there with him. You try not to make them too extended, but in a situation where we have had to implement lockdowns — say there is a dangerous person in close proximity to the schools — it can be a long wait. We ask everyone to be patient. If it is the real thing or a drill, there’s not going to be access to the school at all, so going to the school is not a good idea for parents.”

The state requires school districts to perform all three of those drills three times per school year, Romero said.

He noted that now all visitors must enter school sites through the main lobby area and sign in with personnel — the days of entering a school through a side door are more or less over, since those doors are now locked from the inside. School perimeter fences are being strengthened as well, and Romero conducts safety audits of every school to ensure compliance with district procedures. He said he plans to start utilizing video cameras in a more proactive manner, including setting up a central video monitoring room.

He is also working on reducing the number of false alarms within the district this year as that sort of activity distracts students, staffers, and emergency responders. “We want to make sure that when we send someone out on alarm to a school that it is a real problem rather than a false alarm,” he said.

School dress code Students are expected to be neat, clean, and appropriately dressed for learning.

Definition: “Standard Dress” is a standard set of wearing apparel that looks the same but is more generic in nature. (i.e., white shirts with collars, navy blue slacks, etc.) Standard dress must be consistent with the Dress and Appearance Directives. Standard dress is implemented in grades K through 8.

High school students must adhere to the dress and appearance directives set forth below.

In all elementary and K-8 schools, standard dress shall consist of: u Slacks or shorts of black, navy blue or khaki. Cargo pants are not allowed. u Denim jeans that are classic American straight-legged and waist size appropriate (no cargo pockets, no adornments, torn, etc.). Docker-style pants in khaki or navy blue colors, bib overalls (must have both straps attached). u Skirts, skorts and jumpers of black, navy blue or khaki (pleated or straight, yet no cargo style); and u Shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, turtlenecks or sweaters, short or long-sleeved, of any solid color (polo, oxford, collared with/without buttons). No logos except school logo on school tee shirts or sweatshirts. Camisoles should be worn under another article of clothing. u Shoes are meant to include all outer footwear such as sandals, boots, sneakers, etc. and must be worn at all times.

In all middle schools, standard dress shall be the same as elementary dress.

Without Board approval, schools cannot make changes to the above Standard Dress, or Dress and Appearance Directives.

Students are prohibited from wearing or using the following items: u Muscle shirts, tank tops, midriff tops (No skin should show between the bottom of the shirt/blouse and the top of the pants/skirt when arms are stretched upward), articles of clothing with spaghetti straps, undergarments as outwear, shredded clothing, off-the-shoulder, lowcut, see-through, or minimal clothing shorts or pants that fit too tightly u Coats deemed to be disruptive, unsafe and/or unhealthy (“Coats” are defined as overcoats or outerwear). u Pants worn below the waist or in a manner that allows the underwear or bare skin to show, or which are excessively baggy with low-hanging crotches.

Pants and belts must be size appropriate (no more than 3 inches greater than the waist size of the wearer) and worn around the waist in an appropriate manner (no sagging). Pant cuffs will not drag, nor will they be held up with staples, thumbtacks, or any other product not conducive to hemming a pant leg. Tear away and side-zippered pants are to be used only in conjunction with athletic uniforms.

Students can stay in style without breaking the rules

District students are expected to dress appropriately for learning.

u Any attire shorter than the point where extended fingers end when the student is standing up straight. u Clothing, tattoos, or accessories which advertise, display, or promote any drug (including tobacco and alcohol), sexual innuendo, violence, weaponry, profanity, hate, bigotry or gang related paraphernalia u Inappropriate face or body painting. u Clothing or accessories that: display gang affiliation by color, insignia, or symbolism; display insignias that suggest illicit or abusive behavior (violence towards others); and, disrupt the orderly operation of the school. u Headgear of any kind such as hats, caps, bandanas, hairnets, sunglasses, and other head coverings (such as sweatshirt hoods) are not to be worn in any SFPS building or facility with the following exceptions. When said headgear is part of a: work uniform or needed for a specific task(s) as deemed appropriate by the individual’s teacher or supervisor; costume or uniform e.g. marching band, drill team, mariachi, etc.; or religious sect dress code within the student’s tenet of faith; u Face make-up in elementary schools, u Any type of jewelry, or hair styles that disrupt the education process (wallet chains, dog collars or spike collars, body piercings etc.).

NEW MEXICAN FILE PHOTO

Gang-related activities and prohibited items These are indicators used by administration/staff to use to determine if a student’s clothing, possessions, appearance, or activities meet three or more of the criteria. If a students attire meets three or more of the criteria the student will be in violation of the Code of Conduct, and will be assigned appropriate consequences. More indicators will generally increase the severity of the consequences. This list is not exhaustive. u Clothing/items representing Insane Clown Posse in name of symbol; u Bandanas; u Tattoos, e.g. three dots, including between fingers, behind ears, back of necks; u Cut eyebrows, shaved head, very close haircut, symbols, logos, or numbers cut into hair; u Clothing and/or possessions that are in any combination (for example wearing of the same color, such as black on black or blue on blue, colored shirts worn under or over standard polo) of either of the following groups of colors, including but not limited to, shirts, pants belts, shoes, hats, gloves, jewelry, notebooks, binders, and writing instruments: blue, gray, purple, black, white, tan/khaki. u Gathering with other students dressed in similar colors and/or style;

u Recruitment, harassment, intimidation, posturing, bullying, fighting; racketeering; u Assault, battery, theft, trespassing, extortion, other criminal activity. u Dickies, Lowrider, Ben Davis, Solo or similar pants; u Nike Cortez, Converse Chuck Taylor, Lugs or similar shoes; u Cotton military style belts with OldEnglish letter, number, gang name, or flag on the buckle; u Pendleton, Lowrider, Solo, or similar plaid, striped polo, or T-shirts; u South Pole brand clothing and accessories; u Items with gang names, logos, or numbers that represent a gang, e.g. 13, X3, including embroidered items, using colored tape to write symbols; u Display of signs, symbols, monikers, or signals, tagging, marking u Displaying or throwing gang signs/ gestures; u Using gang whistles; u Using nicknames/monikers/gang names (i.e. “Vago,” “ShyBoy,” “Bullet,” “Silent,” “Serio”); u Symbols, pictures, or nicknames/ monikers on cellphone; u Tagging or graffiti For more information on dress code, please visit the district’s website at www.sfps.info.

THE NEW MEXICAN BACK TO SCHOOL 17

School meals meet tough new nutrition standards

Healthy meals, happy children New federal guidelines for school meals mean children will have many healthy options, along with age-appropriate calorie limits. NEW MEXICAN FILE PHOTOS

As students return to school this fall, they’ll find healthy new choices in their school cafeterias.

We will be serving school meals that meet tough new federal nutrition standards, ensuring that meals are healthy, well-balanced and provide students all the nutrition they need to succeed at school.

School meals offer students milk, fruits, vegetables, protein and grains and they must meet strict limits for saturated fat and portion size. Starting this fall, school lunches will meet additional standards requiring: u Age-appropriate calorie limits u Larger servings of vegetables and fruits (student must take at least one serving of produce) u A wider variety of vegetables, including dark green, red/orange and legumes u Fat-free or 1% milk u More whole grains u Less sodium These new standards are in line with the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the new MyPlate concept which has replaced the MyPyramid. To learn more about this, visit the school district website, www.sfps.info.

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APPLY ONLINE Online services available on the district’s website, www.sfps.info.

Apply online for Free or Reduced Meal Applications. Make payments to your child’s lunch account using your debit or credit card. For any further questions or concerns, please contact Judi Jaquez R.D., Director of Student Nutrition, at 2600 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505, 467-3600

School meals offer students milk, fruits, vegetables, protein and grains, and they must meet strict limits for saturated fat and portion size.

Reduced or free meals Santa Fe Public Schools offers healthy meals every school day. Children need healthy meals to learn. Your children

may qualify for free or reduced price meals if your household income falls within certain limits. Fill out one application per household. Further details and income guidelines are available on the

district’s website at www.sfps.info and in registration packets. Remember that if your student received meal benefits in the 2012-2013 school year, their status will remain in effect until the new application is porcessed or for up to 30 days.

If a new application is not processed within 30 days into the new school year, your student will have to pay full price if your student is new to Santa Fe Public Schools, they will need to pay for meals until an application has been processed.

This year’s full prices for meals are: u Elementary full price: $2.20 u Middle/high school full price: $2.35

Patience is a virtue

Salazar Elementary School secretary Yvonne Romero has been a fixture at the school for 25 years. She started as a teacher assistant and has been the school’s secretary for the past 20 years. She says the school is family. JANE PHILLIPS/THE NEW MEXICAN

Longtime school secretary Yvonne Romero shares her secrets to lasting success

By Robert Nott The New Mexican

“Ask not what you can do for your secretary, but what your secretary can do for you,” is an old saying that most administrative assistants working frontdesk positions in schools likely know by heart. Underpaid and overworked, they can find themselves in a vulnerable position when it comes to dealing with unexpected guests, parents, teachers, school staffers, students, and even Board of Education members.

“We do everything — we are the custodian, the counselor, the nurse and sometimes even the principal,” said Yvonne Romero, who has worked as a school secretary at Salazar Elementary School on Apache Avenue for 15 years and served as an educational assistant for 10 years before that at Salazar. She is married to Alfred Romero, who is retiring from his job as a plumber for the city of Santa Fe this summer, and the

couple have three children, one of whom attends Santa Fe High School. At Salazar, Romero works alongside fellow secretary Julie Orozco.

Question: What’s the toughest and best thing about being a secretary?

Answer: The toughest thing is the pay. If I’m lucky I make $22,000 [annually]. The best thing is the kids. I see these kids more than some of the parents do. I see them come in as kindergartners and I see them leave for junior high seven years later. They remember us. They come back and tell us they wish they were back in elementary school again — which makes me feel good.

Question: In general, how do parents deal with you on a day-to-day basis?

Answer: Most of the time parents are very nice. We have secretarial retreats at the beginning of every school year and they give us advice on how to deal with an irate parent who comes in and starts yelling at you first off. We get the brunt

of that before the principal and teachers do. Our job is to try to calm them down before they move to the next step, which isn’t always easy.

Question: Do you speak Spanish?

Answer: Yes. About 98 percent of our school kids are Hispanic, so knowing Spanish is very helpful when dealing with parents. That’s another job we have: translator.

Question: What advice do you have for principals, parents, and students when it comes to life at school?

Answer: For principals? Patience.

Have a lot of patience. It’s a hard job, though I think being a teacher is harder.

For parents? Also patience. And be more involved with your kids and their schools. For students? Do the best you can and finish school. It’s hard nowadays to see them drop out. And give it all you can — your best.

Question: What is the funniest thing that ever happened to you here?

Answer: I was cutting my own hair and was in a hurry to get to work and accidentally shaved part of my hair behind my ear. The school counselor, Felix Benavidez, came over and said to me, “I’ll help you out.” He got a marker and covered the bald spot behind my ear. It was a really hot day and we got called to go help out in the cafeteria and we were cleaning off trays and I started sweating and the ink started running down my neck. That’s when they started calling me “Lucy!” (As in I Love Lucy.)

Question: You’ve been at Salazar for 25 years. What do you like about the school?

Answer: There is something about this school, a sense of family. Everyone who comes here tells us they love our school. Julie and I are always getting compliments. People tell us we are the nicest secretaries. I don’t know if you should put that in the paper, but it’s true.

THE NEW MEXICAN BACK TO SCHOOL 19

Snow days Santa Fe Public Schools responds to inclement weather in a variety of ways

Keep informed about school closures when weather turns bad. NEW MEXICAN FILE PHOTO

Bad weather is a part of the school year. Here’s how parents can find out whether the bad weather means their child’s school won’t open.

Parents are asked and encouraged to evaluate weather conditions on inclement weather days and make a decision about their own child’s attendance at school that day. Parents may use their own discretion and pick up their child(ren) at any time during any school day.

When weather conditions require a change in the school day schedule, the Superintendent of Schools will respond in one of four ways:

Two-hour delay Santa Fe Public Schools will announce a two-hour delay to the school day when weather creates hazardous road conditions that compromise the ability of school buses and parents to safely transport students, as well the safety of staff in getting to work. This announcement will be made as early as possible, but not later than 7 a.m. Staff will also be informed by school messenger.

Procedures u Buses will run two hours later than normal. School will begin two hours later than normal start time. u When weather reports indicate a deterioration of safe driving conditions, the superintendent may announce a delay the evening prior to the delay.

Special note: If a two-hour school delay is called after 6 a.m., school buses may already be en route picking up students. In this case, students who are already en route to school on a school bus will continue on to school. Students waiting at school bus stops will be picked up and brought to school. The students arriving on buses will be supervised at their school site until school begins, or until parents pick them up. The twohour delay will be announced on the major television networks and local radio stations. District employees are encouraged to arrive at work as early as driving conditions safely permit.

For one or two days immediately following a snow storm, icy conditions often prevail in the early morning hours, making it almost impossible to run school buses in outlying areas. If this condition exists, please watch for news announcements indicating if bus service will not be available, or if bus service will consist of running 20 BACK TO SCHOOL THE NEW MEXICAN

buses in paved areas only.

Two-hour delay (for outlying schools) This includes Tesuque, El Dorado, Atalaya and Turquoise Trail elementary schools only. The roads in these areas are often more severely impacted by inclement weather while roads closer to town remain clear and dry. The same procedures and protocol for a general two-hour delay will be implemented for the staff and students at these four schools. Some secondary students who ride buses that originate in the outlying areas will also be delayed two hours — even though their school has opened on time. These students will be excused for their tardiness. Contact the transportation department to find out which secondary routes this affects.

Cancellation of school After a two-hour delay has been announced and weather conditions have continued to deteriorate; the Superintendent may call a cancellation of school.

Procedures u Notice of school cancellation will be made as early as possible, but not later than 8 a.m. u In the event of school cancellation, all schools will

STAY TUNED TO LATEST REPORTS For the most current information on SFPS inclement weather decisions, parents are asked not to call school sites, but are encouraged to watch television reports, check the website at www. sfps.info or listen to local radio stations.

NEWSPAPER/WEB: The New Mexican and The New Mexican’s website, santafenewmexican.com, offer comprehensive coverage of school closures.

TV: KOB Channel 4 www.kob.com; KRQE Channel 13 www.krqe.com; KOAT Channel 7 www.koat.com RADIO: KSWV AM 810; KLUV FM 90.7; Peak FM 100.3; KTRC AM 1260; KKOB FM 93.3; KSFR FM 101.1; KVSF AM 1400; KBOM FM 94.7; Edge FM 104.7; KANW FM 89.1; KHFM FM 95.5; KQVA FM 107.5; KUNM FM 89.9; KBAC FM 98.1; Country FM 107.9 SFPS Transportation Department: 467-3541

be closed and time will be made up according to provisions in the school calendar.

Early release An early release of schools, a rarely used option, will be called in extreme weather conditions. Early release will be called no later than 11 a.m., and buses will begin picking up students at 12 noon.

Procedures u High school and middle school students will be picked up first by the SFPS buses on the early release days at 12 noon. All high school students will be dismissed at the early release time for bus students. u When high school and middle school bus routes are completed (usually 45 minutes), elementary students will be picked up. Elementary and middle school students who do not ride school buses will remain in regular classes until normal dismissal time or will be released to parents who come to pick up their child. u All after-school programs will be canceled if an early release is announced. u All after-school activities and sporting events will be canceled if school is cancelled; exceptions, while rare, might relate to district or state championship playoff games for high school students only. u School principals may use their discretion for dismissing employees as long as student safety and supervision of students is not compromised.

Assessing road conditions The superintendent and district staff will monitor weather reports regularly for the purpose of anticipating a delay, an early release or a cancellation of school when conditions prevent the safe transportation of students. The superintendent makes the final decision on a two-hour delay preferably by 5 a.m. but no later than 7 a.m. The decision is based on road conditions at the time, as well as snow and ice removal efforts underway by the city and county.

Special notes u When a two-hour delay is confirmed, the information is relayed to the media listed above. u At the request of the superintendent, the media will be notified if a delay is not called, but the community may feel that driving conditions are dangerous.

Reading for fun

Follow these tips to help spark a lifelong love of books in your children

Ervey Aguirre, 9, reads to his mentor, Chris Katrakis, 21, a St. John’s College student, at Ramirez Thomas Elementary School. Studies show that solid readers perform better in school. NEW MEXICAN FILE PHOTO New Mexican wire services

The start of a new school year is a great time to emphasize the importance of reading at home. Solid readers perform better in school and in the workplace, have a healthy self-image, and become lifelong learners.

Research shows a whopping 45 percent of children ages 3 to 5 are not read to daily, and this lack of literature can take a negative toll on school performance. Luckily, there are many things parents can do to make kids passionate readers.

“Reading stimulates children’s imagination and expands their understanding of the world,” says actress Kate Beckinsale, who is teaming with “The Nestlé

Share the Joy of Reading Program” to raise awareness about the importance of children’s literacy and support the work of Reading Is Fundamental, the largest children’s literacy nonprofit in the United States.

If you’re looking to make reading a bigger part of your children’s lives this school year, here are some great tips to get them motivated: u Start young. Reading aloud to children at an early age is the most effective way to help them attain critical language and communication skills and instill great habits. u Take advantage of free online tools and resources that help make reading an engaging, shared experience for parents and kids. For example, RIF’s “Leading

to Reading” website contains activities for children ages birth to 5. Visit www. rif.org/kids/leadingtoreading for more information. u Variety is the spice of life! Be sure your house contains plenty of books to choose from on a variety of topics. u Launch a children’s book club with other parents. Take turns hosting your children’s friends for snacks and a lively discussion on the book of the month. u Kids love getting mail! Subscribe to children’s magazines so they’ll have something fun and beneficial to look forward to each month. u Make sure children have their very own library cards and become frequent patrons at your local library. u Be it the morning paper or your

favorite novel, set a great example by making reading a daily habit for yourself. u Many literacy programs supporting underserved communities are currently experiencing federal funding cutbacks, but everyone deserves a chance to read.

Invest in the lives of other children who might not have the same opportunities as your kids.

Almost a quarter of public school fourth-graders score below even the most basic levels on reading exams, according to National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Don’t let your children fall behind.

Take steps this school year to help your children and others to hone this basic tool for success.

THE NEW MEXICAN BACK TO SCHOOL 21

Common Core State Standards will require students to read more nonfiction, informational works than they are doing now. NEW MEXICAN FILE PHOTO

Raising the academic bar Common Core State Standards emphasize critical-thinking skills

By Robert Nott The New Mexican

New Mexico is one of some 45 states adopting a single set of academic standards called the Common Core State Standards that are designed to emphasize critical-thinking skills and ensure students graduate from high school ready for college and/or a career. The standards are not a federal mandate, per se, as they were developed as an initiative of the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers.

Teachers, school administrators, and education experts played a hand in creating the standards, which New Mexico plans to fully adopt by the 2014-15 school year.

Santa Fe Public Schools began implementing the standards in K-3 this past 22 BACK TO SCHOOL THE NEW MEXICAN

year and will move them into all grades starting this August, when school year 2013-14 begins. “It’s not going to be as much about covering everything but rather going deeper with key content,” explained Almudena Abeyta, the district’s chief academic officer. In short, what is being taught won’t change as much as how it is being taught, with the initial emphasis on English language arts and mathematics.

To cite one example, a sixth-grade language-arts students will study in detail the main character of a fiction or nonfiction work and then, by seventh grade, be expected to explain why and how that character acts the way he/she does, and how those actions impact others in the text. “Students have to provide evidence from the text of why the author is saying what the author is saying,” Abeyta said.

Among other changes, Common Core will require students to read more nonfiction, informational works — including magazine and newspaper articles — than they are doing now. By the 12th grade, students will be reading about 70 percent nonfiction and informational texts and 30 percent fiction works.

The shift in teaching does not necessarily mean students will receive more or less homework, Abeyta said. She said parents should pay attention to the new standards so they know what is being required of their children and can help them develop critical thinking skills when it comes to classroom assignments. “We have to educate teachers and we have to educate parents,” Abeyta said. This past year the district began training teacher-leaders in the new stan-

dards via professional-development programs. The district holds another such session Aug. 5.

Abeyta emphasized that everyone has a lot more to learn about the Common Core State Standards. She’s not the only one to suggest that there may be some bumps along the way, and the transition could be particularly frustrating for students entering their last year or two of high school, or even for teachers who are on the verge of retirement.

Abeyta said parents can and should learn more by accessing parental guides to Common Core State Standards on the Council of the Great City Schools website: www.cgcs.org. That site has specific pages related to English language arts and math.

Contact Robert Nott at 986-3021 or rnott@sfnewmexican.com.

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THE NEW MEXICAN BACK TO SCHOOL 23

“Back to School” is around the corner.

Make sure your family stays healthy by keeping up-to-date with your health care appointments. Whether getting shots, scheduling sports physicals and routine check-ups, or if you need to be seen quickly — we are your convenient resource for health care.

Well child visits, sports physicals and immunizations should be scheduled 24-48 hours in advance.

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Family Medicine Center (505) 913-3450 435 St. Michael’s Drive, Suite B-104 Santa Fe, NM 87505

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Rodeo Family Medicine (505) 471-8994 4001 Rodeo Rd. Santa Fe, NM 87507

St. Michael’s Family Medicine (505) 988-1232 433 St. Michael’s Dr. Santa Fe, NM 87505

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