Dear Parents, Guardians, and Families,
 

Welcome to the Adventist Academy of Santa Fe! One of this unique school’s goals is the following: “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

Our sincere goal for our students is to find happiness in the Word of God and fall in love with Jesus as they pursue excellence in all their academic endeavors.

Imagine an environment where students are encouraged to learn how to make good moral decisions regardless of their creed or belief system, to achieve spiritual, mental, and physical balance.

Imagine an environment where communication is encouraged, as well as teambuilding and innovation; an environment to help students envision a thriving future, to develop as a person, and to embrace a life of service to the local or global community.

Imagine an environment where dreams and goals are welcomed and nurtured as well as prioritized on the basis of anticipated organizational direction in order for our students to make breakthroughs.

Imagine an environment where students are encouraged to refuse complacency; where students are always striving, achieving, and taking the next step to constructive perseverance; an environment where we celebrate integrity, honesty, and most of all, the development of Christ-like characters.

This is the environment we seek to provide at the Adventist Academy of Santa Fe. An advantage of having your child in a multi-grade classroom is that children achieve a higher cognitive level at an increased rate, and tend to do better socially. Multi-grade classrooms can generate a more profound relationship between teacher and students, and between teacher and parents.  We will strive every year to make this the best year of learning for your child.  Together, let’s make this year great!

Thank you for your support, your prayers and your trust in our school.

Sincerely,

 

The Adventist Academy of Santa Fe School Board

 

 

Welcome Students, Families and Patrons of Adventist Academy of Santa Fe;

Christian Education has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My great, great, great, grandmother put her two young boys in an ox cart and followed the Whitman’s west in search of a safe Christian environment in which to raise her family. She knew a Christ-centered life was the only kind that mattered and instilled those strong values in her boys who went on to help build and establish several Christian schools. I share my grandmother’s values and consider it an honor and a privilege to be the Head Teacher at Adventist Academy of Santa Fe. My background is in Teacher Leadership, Special Education, Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education.  I have a master’s degree and am a Professionally Certified, Commissioned Teacher in the Seventh-Day Adventist educational system.

My number one goal is to make Jesus look good and to instill that same desire in my students and their families. I believe “ to honor Christ, to become like Him, to work for Him, is life’s highest ambition and its greatest joy.” (The Faith I Live By p166). As a school family we will work closely together to help each student get to know Jesus personally and to develop as He did while He was here on earth, “ in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.”  ( Luke 2:52) Together we will be His hands and feet to one another and to our community. I look forward to meeting with each of you individually, getting to know you, and setting goals for you and your family as we grow in His wisdom and grace, while reflecting His character of Love.

In His Service and Yours,

Anita J. Brown
Head Teacher
Adventist Academy of Santa Fe

 

 

The Adventist Academy of Santa Fe is a place where parents, teachers, church, and community unite to bring children closer to God.  Striving toward excellence, this diverse family of learners works with heads, hearts, and hands to nurture Christ-like character.  In preparation for heaven, we will show Christ's love through service.

Teachers:

Brown, Anita (Head Teacher and Board Secretary)
abrown@texico.org

 

Board Officers:

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Evaluation guidelines are determined in accordance with the Southwestern Union of Seventh-day Adventists Education Code.  Adventist Academy of Santa Fe is accredited by the Adventist Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities which is recognized by the State of New Mexico and schools with this accreditation are considered accredited by the public education department of the state of New Mexico.  (See New Mexico Statute (NMSA 1978) 22-2-D,G)

 

Acceleration of course work is also governed in accordance with the Southwestern Union of Seventh-day Adventists Education Code.  The student applying for such must have MAP composite scores in at least the 90^th percentile.

Any student who is has a low grade (D or below) in two classes will be put on an Academic Contract for a week. The guardian will be notified to come in for a meeting and to sign the contract. For the full week, the student will need to receive signatures on his/her assignments from the teacher and his/her guardian(s). If the student is on Academic Contract three times in a quarter, he/she may be recommended to the school board for possible dismissal. 

 

The Adventist Academy of Santa Fe accepts kindergarteners who will be five years old on or before September 1 of the current school year. There may be an in-person interview with students to determine whether or not they will be accepted into the Adventist Academy of Santa Fe.

 

Acceptance is granted to those who desire a Christian education and agree to hold high standards of conduct and thought.  Applications are subject to the approval of the school board.  New students are accepted on a nine (9) week academic/behavior probation.  Dismissal of a student is also subject to the approval of the school board.

 

Students will be accepted only after completing and submitting the following:

1. Application, including signatures of the student and parent or guardian stating that they have read the Handbook and agree to abide by the rules of the school.
2. Birth Certificate
3. Social Security Card
4. Student/Parent Commitment form
5. A Diploma or Transcript showing what grade level the student has completed (except for kinder and first-graders).
6. Financial Plan/Contract, completed and signed.
7. Proof of Immunization – DPT, MMR, HIB, and polio, as required by New Mexico.
8. Consent to Treat and Health Insurance Information/Emergency Card, completed and signed.
9. Character Reference forms (x3) for new students entering Grades 3-8.
10. Consent for Off-campus Trips

M-Thu    8:00 a.m. – 3:00 pm

Friday     8:00 a.m. – 1:00 pm

 

Students should not arrive on school grounds until 10 minutes before school begins unless other arrangements have been made with the teacher.  The child is not to leave the school grounds without parent or teacher supervision from the time of arrival until the time of departure.  Students should be picked up promptly at the end of the school day (there is a charge for childcare when students remain on school grounds after school hours).

If anyone other than the custodial parent is picking up your child, the school must be:

• Informed in writing (with parent signature and date).
• Presented with official picture ID (required from person picking up your child).
• Provided with a list of people approved to pick up your child at registration.

 

Students must abide by the New Mexico Compulsory Attendance Law.  Regular and punctual attendance is required.   Truancy issues will be reported to local authorities.

 

A student's absences may not exceed 10% of the total school days in any given quarter.  Any student with over 10% absences will be referred to the school board and/or the Texico Conference Education Superintendent.

• Severe weather conditions when area schools are shut down (AASF will give notice), or in case of hazardous, life-threatening commutes due to inclement weather or other severe problems (parent's note with date and signature required)
• Illness or medical emergencies (parent's, or for longer absences, doctor's note with date(s) and signature required)
• Family bereavement or emergency (notify the school promptly, followed by a parent's note with date(s) and signatures upon the student's return to school)

In order for students to be released from school at times other than the regular dismissal hours, parents must come into the school to pick up child(ren).

 

• We prefer to have a note one day prior to be alerted of absences.

 

Please attempt to make regular doctor, dentist, and other appointments outside of regular school hours so as not to disrupt the school procedures and the child’s learning process.

If a child is not coming to school on a given day, the school requires:

• A phone call to the teacher or note before the start of the school day
• If no phone call or note is received, an attempt may be made by the teacher or other school personnel to locate the student.  
• Upon returning to school, a parent must send a note with the child explaining absences and/or tardiness—3 tardies constitute an absence—as required by the state (always include a date and signature on all correspondence).

We will keep you informed if such materials exist, and we will keep within the confines of the law related to such issues.  A copy of asbestos inspections will be available at the church office. 

Textbooks, library books, and any other books or magazines belonging to the school are to be treated with the utmost care and respect.  Keep books clean, tear- and fold-free, and dry; do not write in the books or harm the spine (return them in about the same condition in which you received them, with reasonable expectations for wear and tear).  Library books need to be checked out according to set guidelines, and returned in the specified amount of time—do not loan books to others, as they will remain the responsibility of the person who checked them out.  Damage or loss of any book will require monetary compensation on the part of the custodial parent/guardian for the cost of replacement or repair.

School personnel will notify parents or local media whenever there is a school cancellation or early dismissal.  Make up days may be added to the school year as required by law.

School personnel will operate within the legal parameters in regard to disclosed, suspected, or witnessed abuse or neglect of a child.  Complete confidentiality of the student and the person reporting any incident(s) will be maintained.  The school personnel will not confront any alleged offender, but will instead report the information to “Child Protective Services” within 48 hours, as the law requires.  If questioned, school personnel may only respond with: “I am not allowed to discuss any matters concerning CPS.”  All school personnel involved with the students will cooperate with CPS investigations.

 

Students and Parents will read and sign the Texico Conference Acceptable Use Policy.

 

Student usage of computers and related equipment is a privilege.

• The use of the Internet is prohibited unless required by a teacher, and then only with direct permission
• Only teacher-assigned work may be done (usage must be related to school work), unless otherwise specified by the teacher as a special privilege
• Observe Federal and State copyright laws
• Respect other's passwords, folders, and work files
• Use hardware and software only as intended
• Immediately inform school personnel if you encounter problems of any sort, including accessing something unintended by accident
• In the event of a situation where the school must close for in-person learning or other circumstances necessitate distance learning, online classes will be made available.

 

Disciplinary action may be taken whenever:

• Usage is not consistent with goals and objectives of the school
• Students give out personal information (for example, phone number and/or address)
• A student is disruptive, annoying, abusive, or uses inappropriate language or symbols
• A student misuses or abuses the equipment or its component. Monetary compensation for damaging or breaking electronic equipment or any of its components will be required from the custodial parent/guardian whenever replacement or repair costs are a direct and/or deliberate result of student misuse.
• A warning for any other infraction is ignored or disregarded

Disciplinary action will may be as follows:

1^st Offense: Loss of equipment privileges for a day.  

2^nd Offense: Loss of equipment privileges for a period of 3 school days.

3^rd Offense: Loss of equipment privileges for up to a week (5 school days).

A fine may be charged for each offense up to and including replacement if student defaces or in any way damages a Chromebook or other technology.

The Adventist Academy of Santa Fe offers a well-rounded curriculum that includes Art, Bible, Phonics at Primary levels, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Science, English, and Social Studies. Electives will vary depending on grade level.

Discipline is to ensure:

• Safety
• A pleasing environment
• Positive learning
• Productivity
• Orderliness
• Helpfulness
• Optimal health
• Minimal behavior problems

Students are held accountable for their actions, behavior, and conduct at school, as well as at school-sponsored activities and events.  Fair, firm, and consistent consequences will follow unacceptable behavior.

 

Student conduct, which may seriously affect the health, safety, or welfare of students and faculty or interfere with the educational process, constitutes grounds for suspension or expulsion.  These offenses are listed but not limited to:

 

1. Willfully disobeying any reasonable request from the teacher or other school personnel, or voicing disrespect to those in authority.
2. Use of violence, threat, intimidation, bullying, harassment or similar conduct.
3. Willfully causing or attempting to cause damage to school property.
4. Theft
5. Causing or attempting to cause personal injury to any living creature.
6. Handling or possessing any object or material that is considered a weapon, fireworks, or hazardous.
7. Engaging in the selling, using, possessing, or dispensing of any controlled substance.
8. Truancy or failure to attend school or to complete assigned schoolwork.
9. The use of language, written or oral, or conduct, including gestures, which are inappropriate, profane or abusive to others.
10. Repeated violation of any school rules.
11. Sexually assaulting or attempting to sexually assault any person (this conduct may result in an expulsion regardless of the time or location of the offense).
12. Academic misconduct or cheating

 

Whenever deemed necessary, the use of preventive discipline may be requested by the teacher and/or school board, including, but not limited to, counseling, parent conferences, students remaining after regular school hours to do additional work, or in-school suspensions.

Cheating as defined by Delta College is: “Disseminating or receiving answers, data, or other information by any means other than those expressly permitted by the instructor as part of any academic exercise.”

 

Cheating includes:

1. Copying without citing the source properly
2. Copying from or doing an assignment together that was not specified as a group project by the teacher
3. Having someone else do the assignment for you
4. Using an assignment or idea that is not original
5. Using electronic help unless otherwise specified

Disciplinary action will be taken on all parties involved in cheating according to the teacher’s policy.

Citizenship grades will be based on student involvement, adhering to our school standards, and classroom guidelines. Once a student’s citizenship grade falls below a C, the student will be required to participate in community service. Community service will be served until the student can bring his/her grade up to a C again. Every hour served in community service will redeem one point of the student’s citizenship grade.

1. Always listen to authority figures' written and verbal instructions.
2. Always use appropriate behavior and conversation.
3. Always be kind, respectful, polite, inclusive, honest, cooperative, and safe.
4. Take responsibility.
5. Apologize and make amends for mistakes.
6. Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
7. Refrain from using inappropriate language or gestures
8. Do not cause injury to any living creature
9. Bathroom: one at a time; wash hands
10. Lunch and snacks: no sharing of food; abide by allergy restrictions; wash hands before and after eating
11. Learning Environment: use inside voices, no gum chewing, hats off, raise your hand and wait to be called upon whenever wishing to speak, work consistently and quietly--do not disturb others, participate in discussions and activities, complete and hand in all assigned work

• Doors Locked:  Outside doors of the school will be locked at all times during the day
• Fire Drills: absolute silence, stand and push in chair, exit through assigned door immediately and orderly (first person out holds exit open for everyone else), teacher exits last, meet at assigned location, wait in silence for additional instructions.
• Hurt/Injured: tell school personnel immediately, wash and dry wound, apply bandage or, whenever necessary, seek help from medical personnel.
• STORAGE: put coats and other personal effects in designated areas, place whatever is taken out back where it belongs when done with its use.
• Outdoors: obey game rules, watch where running, throw/kick balls so they hit participants only below the waist, stay out of trees and off the streets and within the set boundaries, leave rocks and sticks on the ground, use equipment only as intended, be positive and enjoy yourself.
• Health: wash hands often, especially after restroom use, before and after eating, and after sneezing or coming into contact with any bodily fluids; leave any weapons, fireworks, or hazardous materials at home.
• Do Not Bring: any weapons, fireworks, or hazardous materials onto the school grounds.

 

Uniform

• Clothing needs to fit properly, neither being too baggy nor too tight. Clothing may not be worn that is ripped, faded, or printed/embroidered with designs.
• Pants, etc.- modest and neat jeans, skirts or shorts. Skirts and shorts for girls must be three fingers’ width above the knee. Leggings can only be worn if under a skirt. Waistlines must be high enough so that no skin or underwear shows at any time.
• Shirts- forest green, maroon, white, navy, grey, and black plain polo shirts with the school patch (when available).
• GRAPHIC LOGOS - Outer clothing that features art work, slogans or advertising of products not in keeping with Christian standards and Philippians 4:8 is not acceptable.
• Outerwear- Sweaters and sweatshirts should be plain, adhering to our school shirt colors with a patch as well. If hoodies are worn during class, the hood is not to be worn. If the student’s sweater or sweatshirt is not being used during class, they will be required to put it away in their designated area.
• School outings- When we go on school outings, students are to wear khaki pants with their forest green polo shirt.
• Modest, simple, and appropriate.
• Leave jewelry and related items at home, etc.  Medical ID's allowed.
• Come with natural-looking, fresh and clean faces
• No flip flops, sandals without heel straps, or high heels—wear comfortable and practical shoes, allowing for freedom to walk, run, and participate in all the activities of the day
• Label loose clothing (for example, jackets and sweaters) with some form of identification

• Recess Equipment: handle carefully--appropriate usage, return to proper storage
• Cleanliness: do tasks thoroughly, neatly, and quickly; write only on appropriate surfaces (not in books, on walls or tables or chairs, etc.); keep work area, desks or tables, bins and containers neat and well organized; keep school property presentable and usable at all times
• Electronic equipment and personal items: please leave all electronic devices and money at home—the school will not assume responsibility for loss, damage, or theft of any personal items.  Cell phones may be brought to school, but must be turned off and placed in an appropriate location until school is not in session.  Students may use the school phone for acceptable and reasonable contact with parents or guardians as deemed necessary by the school personnel during the school day. 
• No skates, scooters, or boards should be brought to school.  Bicycles, and accompanying safety gear such as helmets, are to be used only to ride to and from school at appropriate times.  Restricted items may be confiscated. 

The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs, cigarettes, vape products and alcohol on or near school premises is strictly prohibited.  Violators of illegal substances will be reported to the proper authorities, and possibly prosecuted for criminal activity.  If students are found in violation, their behavior and actions may also result in immediate suspension and/or expulsion.

It is our intent to teach students responsibility regarding over-the-counter and prescription drug use; we teach total abstinence in regard to alcohol use, smoking, and the use of illegal substances.

 

The Adventist Academy of Santa Fe is a Christian school operating grades kindergarten through eighth.  The school welcomes students of any race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin.  It does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies or in any of its school-administered programs.

 

The Adventist Academy of Santa Fe does not admit individuals who engage in sexual misconduct, which includes non-marital sexual conduct, homosexual conduct, or the encouragement or advocacy of any form of sexual behavior that would undermine the Christian identity or faith mission of The Adventist Academy of Santa Fe and the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

For safety reasons, doors of the school will be locked at all times during the day. 

If students go off-campus for any reason during school hours, emergency medical information and a first-aid kit will be taken along with them.

In the event of school-sanctioned after school activities, at least one parent or guardian needs to be present for each student. Please note that the Adventist Academy of Santa Fe and personnel are not responsible for any injuries or misbehavior during after school events; hence, parents are responsible for each student.

It is the responsibility of school personnel at the Adventist Academy of Santa Fe to maintain a safe and drug-free environment for our students.  In a serious situation where the staff and administration have a reasonable belief that a student's backpack or bag needs to be searched in order to maintain a safe and disciplined environment at the school, the student will be asked to deposit his/her backpack into a secure enclosure.  The parent/guardian will be notified of the need to search the student's backpack or bag.  The parent/guardian can either provide written permission for school personnel to search the backpack/bag, or the parent/guardian may come to the school to search through the backpack/bag in the presence of a school official. 

Pre-approval needs to be obtained from the teacher if you wish to:

• Share a birthday treat on behalf of your child during the school day (a time and day will be agreed upon to avoid excessive disruptions, and there should be a treat for each child considering known food allergies).
• Distribute party invitations, cards, or small gifts at school or at school functions (there should be such items in equal amounts and of equal value for every student in the class).

The school will conduct regular fire, tornado, evacuation, and lock-down drills to familiarize students with routines in case of an actual emergency.

The school board must approve field trips, transportation vehicles, and drivers (who must fill out the required paperwork); parents will be informed of all information prior to the trip.

Parents/Guardians are responsible for the tuition, fees, and any other expenses (such as loss or damage to school equipment or property) related to their child(ren) attending school at the Adventist Academy of Santa Fe.

• Previous school accounts, including past amounts due to AASF, must be paid in full before student is admitted for the current year
• Registration fee holds a place in school and is non-refundable
• Yearly tuition due in advance or in ten monthly installments beginning August 1 and ending May 1.  A 5% discount will be applied if account is paid in full at registration.
• Notify school treasurer immediately when extenuating circumstances arise which prevent agreed upon financial obligations from being carried out
• Tuition paid after the 10^th of the month is late and subject to a 5% late fee for the month owing
• Tuition not paid by 30 days after due date will require immediate suspension of the student from school until financial arrangements are made
• Withdrawal is required when the account has become delinquent with no acceptable financial arrangements made
• Notify the school of official withdrawal two weeks prior to the event or charges will continue to accrue until proper notification is given
• Extra-curricular activities which cost additional money may be allowed only when account is paid-in-full
• Student may not be able to participate in graduation ceremonies until and unless account is paid-in-full

Occasionally disagreements and/or misunderstandings may arise in any relationship.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child, go to the classroom teacher or other school personnel involved and discuss your questions or concerns with the individual personally as found in Matthew 18.

 

If a parent or teacher feels dissatisfied with the outcome of this visit, both parties should then follow these steps:

• In a spirit of love, talk with the person directly involved in the company of another school official.
• Make an appointment to visit with the school board Chairperson or Superintendent of Education of the Texico Conference.
• Follow the steps recommended by the Chairperson or Superintendent.
• If the problem continues, return to the Chairperson or Superintendent with your concerns.
• Dealing only with the facts as you personally know them to be, you may write a letter to the Chairperson or Superintendent which details the names, dates, and statements.  This letter will be forwarded to the school board.
• The school board, after reviewing the information available to it, will address the situation and respond to your concerns.

Report incidents and student name(s) to school personnel immediately.

Bullying is, but is not limited to (as defined by stopbullying.gov):

• Teasing
• Name calling
• Inappropriate sexual comments
• Taunting
• Threating to cause harm
• Exclusion
• Spreading rumors
• Embarrassing someone in public
• Physical violence (Pinching, tripping, punching, horse play, etc.)
• Spitting
• Taking or breaking someone else’s belongings
• Making mean or rude gestures

These actions by students or parents will not be tolerated. Consequences will be treated by the teacher’s policy.

A child must be sent home from school if live lice are found in his/her hair.  He/She will be allowed to return to school after one medicated treatment has been given or the parent brings a note from a physician or nurse saying the child has been cleared to return to school.  Parents will be informed of a suspected case of head lice so they can check their child(ren) for nits (eggs).  Please remind your child(ren) not to share hats, combs, brushes, scarves, or any other clothing or grooming item(s) with others.

Students must show proof of immunization upon enrollment.  Any student who does not comply with the immunization requirements will not be permitted to continue in school.  Students with medical conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs which do not allow immunizations must present a waiver statement (get details from school personnel).  Students with a signed waiver may be excluded from school in the event of a disease outbreak.

Each student enrolled has secondary accident insurance, which is applicable whenever the student has an accident worthy of a claim at school.  School personnel will complete and submit a claim form to the Texico Conference of Seventh-day Adventists for secondary supplemental payment.  Please contact the school if you have any questions.

Students need to bring and eat their own healthy lunches and snacks—avoid overly sugary foods and drinks, and refrain from bringing caffeinated beverages.  Eat only in designated areas.

A phone is available for student use at the teacher's discretion but for a very limited duration.  Incoming calls for students are prohibited, except in case of an urgent matter (again determined by school personnel).  We welcome your questions, comments, compliments, and concerns, but may need to return your call at the end of the day or as soon as time allows.

Because recess may help to meet the requirements for physical education, we ask that all students actively participate.  Please send a note for irregular exceptions to the program, and then only when health issues or valid safety concerns arise.

Divorced and separated parents maintain all parental rights with their children unless altered by court order.  The non-custodial parent may request a duplicate mailing which assures that they will receive a copy of whatever is sent home to the custodial parent.

If parental rights have been changed, the Adventist Academy of Santa Fe must have access to a copy of the court order stipulating those changes.  The faculty will follow the directives stated in it and other such directives regarding access to the child provided by the parent with legal custody and that are consistent with a court order.

Regarding visits to children at school: attempts will be made to accommodate parents.  However, in cases of concern and dispute between parents, the custodial parent's directive will be followed.  Parents will be asked to resolve issues of child visitation at school outside of the school setting.

Any school property damage will be expected to be replaced. The charge will may be placed on the student’s tuition invoice for the price of the replaced item.

Adventist Academy of Santa Fe is committed to providing, for all students, a school environment free from sexual harassment.  Incidents of harassment should be reported in accordance with the procedures indicated below, which allow the school authorities to take appropriate action.  Students who sexually harass others are subject to discipline up to and including expulsion.  Sexual harassment will not be tolerated on our school campus. 

Definition:  Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances or requests or other conduct of a sexual nature that is offensive.  It can be spoken, written, or physical behavior.  It includes offensive pictures, graffiti, jokes and gestures.  The target of the harassment and the perpetrator do not have to agree about what is happening; sexual harassment is subjective. Harassment can be a one-time event or multiple occurrences.

Examples include:  Touching or manipulating body parts; being forced to kiss someone or coerced to do something sexual; making suggestive or sexual gestures, looks, comments or sounds; spreading sexual rumors or making sexual propositions, pulling another’s clothes or your own clothes partially or totally off; drawing pictures or writing notes about someone in a sexual context, etc.

Reporting Procedures:  A student who has experienced sexual harassment should report the incident to school authorities as soon as possible.  If the harassment is between students, the students should report the incident to the principal or supervising adult. 

A teacher may temporarily suspend a student from class, but suspension from school is to be done only by the principal, the head teacher, or, in a one-teacher school, by the teacher in consultation with the board chairperson.

 

A student may be suspended for repeated offenses when other procedures have not been effective.  Evidence of prior corrective measures and parental notification should be on file in the student's folder.

 

In the case of a serious overt act or violation of school regulations, the person in charge may suspend a student from school even though there has been no prior serious misbehavior.  The suspension period is not to exceed two weeks.

 

The Admissions Committee is the ultimate authority in the dismissal or expulsion of a student upon the recommendation of the principal, head teacher, or disciplinary committee.  As a general rule, dismissal or expulsion is used only when other means of correction fail to effect a change in conduct or the parents will not voluntarily withdraw the student.

 

Following the withdrawal of any student who is required by state law to be enrolled in school, the school personnel is to ascertain that the student has entered another school as stipulated by state law.  If the student fails to do this within the required time period, it is the responsibility of the school personnel to notify the attendance officer of the local public school district.

 

The Adventist Academy of Santa Fe prohibits anyone from communicating terrorist threats or committing terrorist acts directed at any student, teacher, or community member.  Action will be taken by calling local authorities and banning such individuals from campus.

Visitors of any age should seek permission from school personnel ahead of time, and arrangements for such may be made.

The Adventist Academy of Santa Fe prohibits any weapons such as firearms; knives (regardless of blade size); metal knuckles; chains; razors; razor blades; explosives; cutting tools; pistols; shotguns; rifles; nunchucks; noxious, irritating, or poisonous gases; or any tool or instrument capable of inflicting bodily injury as determined by school personnel.

The teacher shall make this list available to parents in registration packets, prior to the first day of school.

If a student becomes ill during school hours, the parent/guardian will be notified and asked to come and pick up the child.  If the parent/guardian is unable to pick the child up from school, the child will be isolated from the other students until arrangements have been made by the parent to pick up the child.

In consideration for the health of all children and school personnel, and to meet state regulations, the school must be informed of any contagious diseases your child might have contracted.  These diseases include, but are not limited to, strep, chickenpox, and pinkeye.  If your child has a fever, we ask that you wait a complete 24 hours after the fever is gone before returning the child to school.  Remote learning may be provided for students to attend class when ill or other circumstances necessitate online classes.

If your child is injured at school, first aid will be administered and an attempt, depending on the severity of the injury, will be made to contact at least one parent/guardian or, if a guardian cannot be reached, an attempt will be made to contact the designated emergency contact for further instructions.  If an authorized individual cannot be contacted by phone, the Santa Fe EMS will be called or the child will be transported to the nearest hospital emergency room.  It is imperative for parents to keep the office updated on any changes to emergency contact information including change of address, phone number, or responsible adult.

No medication, prescription or over-the-counter, may be administered by any teacher, student, or school personnel without prior written authorization from the parent/guardian.

As required by the Amended Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the Adventist Academy of Santa Fe hereby gives public notice to all parents of students in attendance that it is its policy that:

A cumulative folder is kept in the school office for every student.  This is required by the Southwestern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Department of Education.  This folder will contain photographs, achievement forms, documents, and any other pertinent and relevant information such as, but not limited to:

• Academic records
• Personal information records
• Disciplinary records
• Attendance records
• Health records
• Progress records
• Standardized testing records

 

This folder will be transferred directly to another school with the permission of the parents/guardians and at the direct request of another school's assigned registrar when the student's account with the Adventist Academy of Santa Fe is paid in full.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) governs the establishment, maintenance, and processing procedures for student records.  This act obliges schools to develop procedures regarding notification of rights, release of records and student directory information.

• Right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days after the day the school receives a request for access
• Right to request an amendment of the student's education records that the parent, guardian, or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading
• Right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure to school officials with a legitimate educational interest without consent
• Right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school to comply with the requirements of FERPA

 

The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

            Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S.
            Department of Education
            400 Maryland Avenue SE
            Washington, D.C.  20202-4605

No information will be released to any individual or outside agency without the written consent of a parent or guardian.

A report card will be issued at the end of each grading period.  Progress reports will be more frequent to keep parents informed.  The teacher will provide additional information in a letter sent out at the beginning of the school year.

Parent-teacher conferences will be held at the end of the first and third grading periods.  Any other conferences throughout the year may be set up if there is a perceived need by the parent or teacher. These conferences will allow parents and teachers the opportunity to discuss the progress of the student and to be able to address the needs and expectations of all involved.

Conferences between parents and teachers may take place at any time a question or need arises.  Parents need only to set up an appointment with the teacher of their child. 

Report cards are designed to address skills that have been met, and to identify skills that need additional attention.

Grades K – 2
	I	Achieves objectives and performs skills independently
	P	Progressing toward achieving objectives and skills
	NT	Needs more time to develop
Grades 3 – 8
	A – Excellent	A+ (100% - 97%)  A (93%-96%) A- (90% - 92%)
	B – Above Average	B+ (89% - 87%)  B  (86% - 83%) B- (80%-82%)
	C – Average	C+ (79% - 77%) C (76% - 73%) C- (72% - 70%)
	D – Below Average	D+ (69% - 67%) D (66% - 63%) D- (62% - 60%)
	F – Failure to Meet	F – (59% - below)

 

Social Skills    Training students to become responsible citizens in this world and in the next is part of the training at Adventist Academy of Santa Fe.  This grade is reflective of their school behavior and helpful attitudes.

In harmony with denominational policy, AASF administers to all kinder through eighth grade students the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP). The Measure of Academic Progress, (MAP) is a computerized adaptive test which helps teachers, parents, and administrators improve learning for all students and make informed decisions to promote a child's academic growth. The Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) is administered to students in the fall, winter, and spring.

Homework or reading may be assigned to student if teacher deems it helpful. 

Recommended nightly reading to enhance a child’s learning:

Kinder                         10 minutes

1^st Grade                     15 minutes

2^nd - 8th Grade            20 minutes

 

For the safety of our students, anyone wishing to volunteer or work/be on campus while students are present must apply and seek clearance from the Texico Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (who will perform adequate and, in necessary circumstances, exhaustive screening procedures).  If someone enters the property while students are present, school personnel will either contact local authorities or ask the violator(s) to leave the premises immediately.

Thanks to Lubbock Junior Academy, Sandia View Academy, and Ruth Murdoch Elementary School for specifics and ideas from their handbooks to create one suited to the Adventist Academy of Santa Fe.