Handbook

The following characteristics from the APS Handbook for Student Success are essential for all students and staff interacting with each other in any virtual or face to face educational environment:

• Trustworthiness – Being honest in one’s actions and words
• Respect – Showing high regard for self and others
• Responsibility – Being accountable for one’s actions and words
• Fairness – Treating everyone fairly
• Caring – Showing concern for others
• Citizenship - Being an informed, responsible, and caring participant in the community

The following guidelines are shared to maximize our students’ learning environments when they are participating in in-person learning:

• Attend class every day, on time
• Actively participate in class 
• Dress appropriately
  • Follow the APS dress code
• Use appropriate language for an educational setting
  • Do not disparage, name call, threaten, harass, or bully others
• Do not be on school grounds or any APS property when not assigned to be there

Violations of any of the above may result in administrative action which follows the APS Code of Conduct.

All aspects of the APS Handbook for Student Success are in effect in all settings, virtual, hybrid or fully face to face. Consequences for infractions will be assigned as outlined in the handbook and may include parent conference, restorative practices, suspension from a class or classes.

Regular attendance is a key to school success. On time, daily attendance is a critical component of this educational process. We understand sometimes families may need support to help their child be successful. School staff can direct you to possible resources within the school community. Teachers take attendance daily.

A parent/guardian must notify the school at 881-9797 ext. 1, when a student is going to be absent.

Absences may be excused for the following reasons with appropriate documentation:

• Illness (including chronic illness documented on a health plan, IEP or 504 plan)
• Limited family emergencies; family deaths
• Medical, health or legal appointments
• Suspensions
• Religious commitment

All absences for other reasons are unexcused.

Fire regulations require the school to hold periodic fire drills. They are held once a week for the first month of school and once a month thereafter.

• If you would happen to arrive during the fire drill, you will have to wait outside the building in your car until the drill is complete.

During lock down or shelter in place procedures, students are to remain in the classroom. They are to take direction from their teachers.

During a lock down or shelter in place, students and teachers are not allowed to leave their rooms for any reason. All doors are locked in the school and nobody is allowed into the building.

• If you would happen to arrive during a lockdown or shelter in place, you will have to wait outside the building in your car until the drill is complete.

Albuquerque Public Schools shall prohibit student dress that may present a health or safety hazard, violate municipal or state law, or present a potential disruption to the instructional program. The APS Board of Education shall not allow for the imposition of punishment, discrimination, or disparate treatment against a student based on the student's racial identity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, cultural or religious identity and observances, household income, body size/type or body maturity or because of the student's use of protective hairstyles or cultural or religious headdresses.

Prohibited clothing and accessories include, but are not limited to:

• obscene or violent language or images
• depictions of alcohol or drugs or other illegal item or activity
• racist content, hate speech, profanity, or pornography
• accessories that could be considered dangerous or used as a weapon
• underclothing worn as primary clothing items
• sheer or see-through clothing
• swimwear
• clothing without all sides in the garment

Students, staff, or visitors shall not advertise, display or promote any drug, including alcohol or tobacco, sexual activity, violence, disrespect and/or show bigotry toward any group.

Severe weather means schools are closed for the day for safety reasons. This is announced on local TV and radio by 6:00 a.m. Please listen for these announcements. Less severe weather results in an abbreviated day. Start and dismissal times for Governor Bent students on an abbreviated day schedule are as follows:

Classes Begin – 9:30 a.m. Classes Dismiss – 2:15 p.m.

In case of severe weather during the day, we will contact parents or day care providers so they can make arrangements to pick up their children.

Watch local TV news, listen to local radio or click on the links below for more information to see if there is a 2 Hour Delay.

• APS
• KOB
• KRQE
• KASA
• KOAT
• KANW- 89.1 FM

Classrooms will not be interrupted with phone messages.

It is the parent/guardian responsibility to make after school arrangements before school starts. Plan ahead for changes with your child before they leave for school. Office staff will take messages for emergencies only.

Cell phones are not to be used or seen during school hours. They may be kept in silent. If they are used during the day, the staff member will take the phone to the principal's office. The phone maybe picked up from the legal guardian.