Back to School 2012

A speciAl publicAtion of the sAntA fe new MexicAn

Healthy habits District’s director of student nutrition keeps eye on menu

Back to School

A comprehensive guide to the 2012-2013 academic year

Supply list: Are you ready for the first day?

Cyberbullying: protect your child in the digital age

2

BACK TO SCHOOL THE NEW MEXICAN

The Santa Fe New Mexican Locally owned and independent, serving New Mexico for 163 years Robin Martin Owner Rob Dean editor al Waldron Operations Director Mike Reichard circulation Director William a.

Simmons Secretary/Treasurer Ginny Sohn Publisher tamara hand advertising Director Michael campbell Technology Director Robert Romero Group controller

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: children participate in ride Your Bike to School Day. New Mexican file photo

Many children are anxious to start school again after a long summer. New MexicaN FiLe PhOTO

Back to school 4

a letter from Santa Fe Public Schools administration

14

School counselors guide students to success

7

a look at the new superintendent and the Board of education

16

Those big yellow buses offer safe transportation

8

Start and dismissal times for district schools

17

Partners in education helps motivate students, teachers

9

highlights of this year’s school calendar

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what your child needs for the classroom

11

The district’s Standard Dress code helps focus on learning

12

The director of student nutrition keeps her eye on the menu

18 20

Know what to do if bad weathers hits our area School volunteers connect with students

21

help your child spark a lifelong love of learning

20

Tips to protect your child from cyberbulling The New MexicaN Back to School 3

ration …

From Santa Fe Public Schools Administ , Dear parents and community members

continued focus of the Santa Fe we kick off another new school year, the Welcome to the 2012-13 school year. As students, their families and the all for ty in programs and services equi and e llenc exce ide prov to is ols Public Scho in developing our current operaour school district faced this past spring community. Despite the reductions that es K-1, and maintain our current we were able to reduce class size for grad STEM (Science, Technology, tional budget, we are happy to report that our in ting ral more schools participa seve have We ls. leve e grad r othe all in class sizes n, and schools are continuing our partnership with the LANL Foundatio tute and the University of Engineering and Math) initiative through Insti started last year through the Smithsonian with the Science Based Inquiry initiative y people think, not everyone Memphis. around the district. Contrary to what man This has been an extremely busy summer ks, our support staff uses wee August. While some staff are off for a few , install new technology — in the district takes a break from June to ents ovem impr lot facilities, make parking vate reno , ities facil ir repa and clean to this time summer school, taking college s, many of our teachers were busy teaching m in anticipation of rolling and the list goes on and on. In other area iculu training, and developing curr and ent lopm deve nal essio prof in ting classes, participa es K-3 this fall. out the Common Core standards in grad continue to push hard for addiand excitement and new beginnings. We es leng chal new e green, we encourage Each school year brings ols ! As the district and our scho go mor SFPS in ents stud our for ort supp and s tional resource school links. More and more this site’s homepage, the district links and the web our with self your e liariz fami to s as parent notices, notices of you of sending home print copies for such thing inclement weather, and tes, year, we will be utilizing these sites in lieu upda tion mation such as construc infor nt pare for and ols scho our in ts upcoming even website for schools and departies. Changes in the management of our polic d boar ol scho and law state in ges chan as community members should the coming school, and parents, as well ments should be noticeably different in mouse in relation to our website the not more than two clicks of with need they on mati infor t mos find be able to her, and it is important for (www.sfps.info). foremost that you are your child’s first teac parent-teacher conferParents, we ask you to remember first and ding atten rity, prio academic achievement a ing mak by ation educ their in lved invo you to be child’s education, please contact . If you have any concerns regarding your ences and school functions and activities you are a critical member of to discuss the concerns. Remember that your child’s teacher or principal right away your child’s educational team. ent, and even small gestures can ren, our schools really need your involvem For community members without child school. You can donate your hood se consider volunteering at your neighbor that serves homeless stumake huge differences for schools. Plea ram prog our our SFPS Adelante Program, to need er long no you r wea er wint and coats tor, at hpacheco@sfps.info. contact Helen Pacheco, volunteer coordina and initiatives. The Partdents. For volunteer information, please rams to supplement school prog work that tions niza orga t rtan impo very We have two -grants, class field trips, teacher a Fe Public Schools provides teacher mini Sant the for n datio Foun ation Educ in ners site at www.sfpartnersin room teachers. Please check out the web scholarships and awards for inspiring class ars 4 Schools program is quickly Doll in its pre-school stages, our still is tion niza orga the gh thou Even education.org. of way. Dollars 4 Schools allows and initiatives in a very 21st century kind rams prog ict distr for e -rais fund to ing learn l programs. Please check out this of our school sites as well as district leve a priority in your charitable for charitable giving to programs at each ation educ to consider making public you ask We rg ols.o scho ars4 .doll www initiative at g people of the Santa Fe comnt in our future than the children and youn giving. We can think of no better investme ent to education, and we munity. of us an opportunity to renew our commitm all s offer year ol scho y ever of g nnin The begi our Legislature make public ber of this community to help in having are calling on every single parent and mem ation. Prior to the economic crisis, public education in New Mexico educ education a priority and sufficiently fund tion has only gotten worse. It and during the past three years the situa on, milli $350 than e mor by ded rfun was unde assist with these efforts in the ge in this area and we implore of you to will take all of our voices to impact chan generation of young people and munity, we can make a difference for this 2013 Legislative session. Together, as com academic potential. help them to fully achieve their greatest which includes the school caluse of the information in this publication, e mak to nts up on SFPS events and for We want to also invite pare keep days, emergencies and much more. To site at www.sfps.info. web endar, dress code, and procedures for snow our visit to you public schools, we invite our in on g goin is t wha on on mati infor more our lives through education. ther in the 2012-13 school year to improve Thank you in advance for working toge

4 Back to School The New MexicaN

Help Us Pack the Bus and support Northern New Mexico kids in need

July 9-August 7

Visit one of our 6 branch locations for the complete list of items.

For more information contact: Ed Vigil, Community Programs Office edvigil@lanl.gov • (505) 665-9205 www.lanl.gov/orgs/cpo/back_to_school

THE NEW MEXICAN BACK TO SCHOOL

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BACK TO SCHOOL THE NEW MEXICAN

Positive direction

New superintendent looks to boost graduation rates

to advance Santa Fe Public Schools to be among Santa Fe Public Schools Board of Educathe top districts — if not tion hired 33-year-old Joel Boyd, assistant the top district — in the superintendent of the School District of state.” Board member Philadelphia, as its new superintendent in Barbara Gudwin echoed late June. those sentiments and Board President Frank Montaño noted that Boyd wanted announced the news during a special to turn the district “into Joel Boyd board meeting. He said Boyd accepted a one of the best places two-year contract at $171,000 a year and to work.” She said Boyd should start by Aug. 1. made it clear that he would not accept poverty as a reason for low academic All five board members voted for the achievement among students here. move, and all of them displayed rarely seen expressions of joy as they spoke with Board Vice President Linda Trujillo optimism about Boyd’s potential to take said Boyd also emphasized the need for the district in a new, positive direction. professional development among school employees and displayed a commitment Board member Steve Carrillo said he to dual-language learning. is “very excited for the future of Santa Fe Public Schools.” Board member Glenn Montaño said Boyd’s youth and energy Wikle said Boyd has made “a commitment “will allow him to hit the ground runThe New Mexican

ning.” He said Boyd rose to the top of the six semifinalists interviewed by the board over the past two weeks because of his charisma and his ability to “inspire our district to be a better district.”

During a short phone interview, Boyd said he is “honored by the opportunity. I’m looking forward to joining the Santa Fe Public Schools team.”

Boyd is a Delaware native who holds a master’s degree in education policy and management from Harvard University and a master’s in school leadership from Wilmington College. As assistant superintendent, he has overseen 37 K-8 schools in Philadelphia.

In brief interviews with The New Mexican, Boyd has stressed the need to address the district’s low graduation rate (about 56.5 percent) and improve achievement rates among students.

SFPS Board of Education Steve carrillo

Glenn Wikle

Barbara Gudwin

linda trujillo

Frank Montaño

District 2

District 3

District 4

District 5

capshaw, chaparral, e.J. Martinez, Piñon asnd SFhS

acequia Madre, atalaya, el Dorado and wood Gormley

aspen, carlos Gilbert, Gonzales and Tesuque

agua Fria césar chávez, Sweeney, Ramirez Thomas, NYe Becc, Ortiz and chS

Kearny, Nava, De Vargas, SeR/SFPS, career academy, Salazar and amy Biehl

Steve carrillo, member: 699-7478 email: stevencarrillo@ comcast.net

Glenn Wikle, member: 660-5037 email: glenn@wikle. com

linda trujillo, vice president: 699-8702; 795-4324 email:getinvolved nm@yahoo.com

Frank Montaño, president: 204-9001; 204-9704 email: frankmontano2 @netzero.com

term expires: 2015

term expires: 2015 term expires: 2015

term expires: 2013

Employment: cowgirl café

Employmnet: Data analyst

Employment: Santa Fe county

Employment: Self-employed

District 1

Barbara Gudwin, secretary: 204-9050; 983-1116 email: bgudwin@sfps. info term expires: 2013 affiliation: SFPS Pie Foundation

The New MexicaN Back to School 7

School start times Schools in Santa Fe have different start and end times.

Here’s when the bell rings at your child’s school:

Elementary schools Acequia Madre Monday-Thursday: 7:55 a.m- 2:55 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:35 p.m.

Agua Fría Monday-Thursday: 7:55 a.m.-3 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:40 p.m.

Amy Biehl at Rancho Viejo Monday-Thursday: 7:55 a.m.-3 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:40 p.m.

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

Friday dismiss time: 12:35 p.m.

Carlos Gilbert Monday-Thursday: 7:55 a.m.-2:55 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:35 p.m.

Cesar Chavez Monday-Thursday: 7:55 a.m.-2:55 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:35 p.m.

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

Friday dismiss time: 12:40 p.m.

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

Friday dismiss time: 12:40 p.m.

Kearny Monday-Thursday: 7:50 a.m.-3 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:40 p.m.

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

Friday dismiss time: 12:35 p.m.

Piñon Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-2:55 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:35 p.m.

First-grade teacher Audra Carrion reads to her class on the first day of school at Amy Biehl Elementary School when it opened in 2010. New MexicAN File pHoTo

Ramirez Thomas Monday-Thursday: 7:55 a.m.-3:25 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 2:25 p.m.

Salazar Monday-Thursday: 7:50 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:25 p.m.

Sweeney Monday-Thursday: 7:55 a.m.-2:40 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:25 p.m.

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

Friday dismiss time: 12:40 p.m.

Wood Gormley Monday-Thursday: 7:55 a.m.-2:55 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: 12:35 p.m.

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

Friday dismiss time: Grades K-5: 12:40 p.m.

Grades 6-8: TBA

8 BACK TO SChOOL THe New MexicAN

El Dorado Monday-Thursday: 7:55 a.m.-2:55 p.m.

Friday dismiss time: Grades: K-5 12:30 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: 12:30 p.m.

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

High schools Capital Monday-Friday: 8:25 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Santa Fe Monday-Friday: 8:25 a.m.-3:25 p.m.

Academy at Larragoite Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-3:05 p.m.

Middle schools

Charter schools

Capshaw Monday-Friday: 8:20 a.m.-3:20 p.m.

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

De Vargas Monday-Friday start: 8:25 a.m.

Grade 7: Monday-Thursday dismiss time: 5:15 p.m.

Friday: 3:25 p.m.

Grade 8: Monday-Friday: 3:25 p.m.

Ortiz Monday-Friday: 8:25 a.m.-3:25 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.

2012-13 SFPS calendar AUGUST

FEBRUARY

14

15

District in-service (No school for students)

18

Presidents Day (district closed)

Freshmen jump-start for capital and Santa Fe high schools

15 15–16 17

First day of school for students, grades 1–12 Kindergarten Kick-Off

MARCH

First day of school for kindergarten students

12

SEPTEMBER

3

29

Labor Day holiday (district closed)

8-12

16 29

end of first quarter

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

19

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

21

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

21

Isabelle Salazar draws on her cacarones in 2012 at Sweeney Elementary School. New MexicaN FiLe PhOTO

Thanksgiving break (district

closed)

end of second quarter (early release at all schools)

Spring break

Parent-teacher conferences, K–12

MAY

30

Break/election Day (No school for students)

Mid-semester break

APRIL

OCTOBER

6 21–23

end of third quarter

24–31

winter break (No school)

JANUARY

1–4

winter break (No school)

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 attendance or late arrival for

21 22

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (district closed)

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

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 (last day of school for students)

22

Teacher in-service/ planning and prep

22

academy at Larragoite graduation

23

capital high School graduation

24

Santa Fe high School graduation

School closures are announced on SFPS’s web site at www.sfps.info and as well as local media affiliates. 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.

The New MexicaN Back to School 9

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

Backpacks line a classroom. Make sure to label your child’s personal belongings and supplies. New MexicaN fiLe phoTo

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

GRADE 1 u 1 regular backpack, labeled with student’s name u 1 box of 24 crayons u 1 box of colored pencils u 1 box markers u 1 water color paint set u 12 No. 2 sharpened pencils with erasers u 1 pink eraser u 1 pair safety scissors u 1 (4)-oz bottle white glue 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)

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.

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 scissors u 1 bottle (4) white glue and 2 large glue sticks u 3 spiral notebooks (wide ruled) u 3 (2) pocket folders u 1 large box tissue u 1 box colored pencils u 6 (1)-gallon zipper bags (do not label)

GRADE 3 u 1 box of crayons u 1 box of colored pencils u 1 box thin-tipped colored

10 Back to School The New MexicaN

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 pkg. 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 with 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

Dress for success

Students can stay in style without breaking the rules

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.

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

capshaw Middle School students model ‘No h8’ t-shirts in 2012, meant to enforce positive behavior. the district’s dress code helps students focus on learning. New MexicaN file phoTo

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.

For more information on dress code, please visit the district’s website at www.sfps.info.

The New MexicaN Back to School 11

Tasty servings for everyone District’s director of student nutrition keeps menu healthy, pleasing Robert Nott

The New Mexican

Judi Jacquez eats lunch in a school cafeteria nearly every day of her life. As director of student nutrition for Santa Fe Public Schools, it’s her job to ensure that students are eating the right subgroups of healthy foods and that school meals are being served without unexpected problems showing up on the menu.

Last year her department, which has about 100 employees, served lunch to about 8,400 of the roughly 13,000-plus students who attend Santa Fe Public Schools.

Some 3,000 school kids received breakfast too (all the district’s schools except Acequia Madre Elementary School and the Academy for Technology and the Classics offer breakfast).

The district runs on an annual budget of about $5 million, with funding coming from the United States Department of Agriculture, which runs the nation’s school lunch program. In 2010 President Obama signed into law the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, mandating new food standards for school meals beginning with the 2012/2013 school year. Among other measures, the act ensures that students must be offered fruits and vegetables in just the right proportions — a half cup of dark greens for all students every day, for instance. The new guidelines will limit student consumption of dairy products, meat, and bread and increase fruit, vegetable, and non-fatty food offerings.

Jacquez, who has been on

Judi Jacquez, director of student nutrition for Santa Fe Public Schools, and Betsy torres, the district’s Farm-to-School coordinator, talk about using whole wheat flour for some of the cookies in future lunches as they eat in the kitchen at carlos Gilbert Elementary in June. Jacquez oversees 100 employees who serve lunch to about 8,400 students in the district. NaTalie GuilléN/The New MexicaN

the job 14 years, has seen a lot of changes since day one, including computerized menus, new federal regulations regarding school lunches, and new programs including Breakfast After the Bell, which

ensures students who don’t/ can’t get to school in time for pre-class breakfast still have a shot at eating a healthy breakfast. For many students, school meals offer the only healthy nutrition they receive.

The majority of the district’s students are eligible for free and reduced lunch based on federal guidelines for poverty.

Parents and/or guardians can apply for this program online at the district’s website, www. sfps.info, which is where you can also find weekly menus and make payments to your child’s lunch account with a debit or credit card.

The regular price for student breakfasts is $1; reduced price is 30 cents. For lunch, the regular cost is $2.10 for elementary-school kids and $2.25 for middle and high school students; the reduced price is 40 cents. A half-pint of milk (one-percent white or low-fat chocolate) for all grades is 40 cents. Visitors can eat lunch in school cafeterias for $3.

Jacquez encourages adult visitors to try a meal at a nearby school. She imagines many adults are wary of school meals because they have lessthan-fond memories of the school lunches they endured years or even decades back.

While Jacquez bemoans the amount of administrative paperwork necessary to keep the program going, she said she enjoys her job: “I love feeding the kids. Whenever I see a cafeteria tray that looks beautiful with all this exciting food on it, and the kids are happy with the choices and the staff is proud of their work, I think, ‘Yes, it’s all worth it.’ ” Visit the district’s Web site and click on “What’s For Lunch” for more information on the program or visit the student-nutrition office at 2600 Cerrillos Road or call Jacquez at 467-3600.

Jacquez encourages adult visitors to try a meal at a nearby school.

12 Back to School The New MexicaN

For many children, school meals offer the only healthy nutrition they receive. NEw MExiCAN FilE PhOTO

Healthy meals, happy children Families whose incomes fall within certain limits are eligible for reduced meal prices 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.

Reduced meal prices

Regular meal prices

All grades: 40 cents

Breakfast All grades: $1

Lunch Elementary schools: $2.10 Middle and high schools: $2.25

Milk All grades: 40 cents

Breakfast All grades: 30 cents

Lunch All grades: 40 cents

Milk 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

Judi Jacquez, director of student nutrition for Santa Fe Public Schools, says she loves feeding kids: “Whenever I see a cafeteria tray that looks beautiful with all this exciting food on it, and the kids are happy with the choices and the staff is proud of their work, I think, ‘Yes, it’s all worth it.’ ” NATAliE GuillEN/ThE NEw MExiCAN ThE NEw MExiCAN Back to School 13

There for the students

School counselors keep eye on building successful futures

By Heather Wolf-Espinoza

For The New Mexican

I have been a school counselor in Santa Fe Public Schools for 15 years and still love going to work every day.

I began at Alameda Middle School and am now a K-8 counselor at Gonzales Community School. As a native of Santa Fe, I enjoy giving back to my community and working with some of the same teachers who helped me when I was a student in SFPS. The role of the professional school counselor is changing in our district, as it has nationwide. The American School Counselor Association National Model guides our work as we help students focus on academic success, personal/ social development, and career readiness, so they thrive in school and graduate prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. Our programs’ focus is serving all our students– not just those with immediate needs.

We ensure that school counseling core curriculum (such as bullying prevention, time management, career awareness, responsible decision-making) is taught to all students. We provide brief, solution-focused counseling to students individually or in small groups when they need extra help.

We consult with community resources and refer students and their families when they need more support. We look at student and school-wide data to determine our site-specific goals for the year. Our ultimate goal, however, is that students graduate ready for career and college. School counselors at all levels, kindergarten through high school, are working handin-hand with teachers, administrators and other support staff to make this goal a reality.

School counselors believe that every student has the potential to learn. New MexicaN file phoTo

SFPS school counselors believe … u every student has the potential to learn and deserves equal opportunity to learn in a school which promotes problem-solving and decision-making; u each student has unique needs and learning styles and can develop the attitudes, knowledge and skills needed to succeed in life; u all students deserve to understand the relevancy of their education and deserve support and guidance in developing their goals for success; u every student’s family deserves to be met without judgment; u every student deserves a safe and healthy school culture in which their diversity is respected and their voices are heard.

One of the unique aspects of being a school counselor is that we are integral to both our school site teams and our district-wide K-12 Comprehensive School Counseling Program team. We collaborate with staff members and parents to support student success. We serve as a bridge to many different parts of our school system,

14 Back to School The New MexicaN

into the community, and with families. As committed educators we are accountable for our work as we strive to improve our knowledge and skills.

For me, the best part of being a school counselor is experiencing the results of my efforts on the students I serve.

Last year our middle school teachers reported that students

receiving targeted interventions were turning in more work. Outcomes revealed that F’s and D’s were reduced by more than 30 percent! I love helping students have positive experiences at school and seeing smiles on their faces when they accomplish their goals. It is great seeing kids outside of school come up to say hello or introducing me to their families. Our eighth-grade Promotion Ceremony is one of the best, tearful days of the year as we celebrate student successes.

Many teachers wonder how I do my job day after day, working with the crisis and complexities of our students’ lives. I respond that we all play crucial roles in this work. Using our unique training, strengths and expertise, we work as a team to understand the complexity of our students’ lives, and support their growth into success.

School counseling is definitely the perfect career for me.

THE NEW MEXICAN BACK TO SCHOOL

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Safe travels on the road

Those big yellow buses aren’t just for transportation — they are an extension of school 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 and your child must review the regulations and sign a form to acknowledge your understanding of the rules to indicate your willingness to cooperate with enforcement of the rules. This form will be available at the school site or the Transportation Department as of Aug. 1.

Bus registration forms must be filled out for each child.

Your child will need to return this form to the bus driver the first day they use transportation services. These forms will be available at your school site during school registration or at the Transportation Department. A copy of the bus routes that service your school will be at the school site and at the Transportation Department as of Aug. 1.

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 okay for you to approach and enter the bus. u Get on and off the bus in a controlled and orderly manner.

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

School buses offer a safe form of transportation.

u Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus. u Once on the bus, proceed immediately and quietly to the assigned bus seat. 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 #1 concern. u Be a good rider: speak quietly, stay seated and be

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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.

Please note For safety and security, buses are equipped with video cameras. Students and adults

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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 note from the parent/guardian to the bus driver. These notes 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.

All rules and consequences outlined in the SFPS Code of Conduct apply. Specific disciplinary action, or in some instances legal action, for offenses, will depend largely on the seriousness of the infraction.

For more information about school bus transportation, please contact Ted Newton, Transportation Director at 467-3500.

Sharyn Gray, right, a fourth-grade teacher at Wood Gormley Elementary School, does a handstand in May after she was one of seven teachers honored with a teachers Who Inspire award from Partners in Education. New MexicaN file phoTo

Community counts

Generous contributors help Partners in Education motivate students, teachers Your support for the Santa Fe Public Schools adds up. In 2011-12, generous donors helped the Partners in Education Foundation: u Reward our most enterprising educators with $50,000 in grants to 53 teachers at 23 schools. u Enrich the learning experience by funding curriculum-based field trips for 6,500 students. u Offer ArtWorks, the award-winning arts enrichment program serving 1,800 students.

u Recognize seven Teachers Who Inspire with awards of up to $1,000. u Build the next generation of teachers with scholarships to nine district employees studying for their credentials or an advanced degree. u Feed hungry students by paying for more than 700 lunches through our No Strings Fund. u Support the efforts of more than two dozen community-based educational programs by providing fiscal sponsorship. u Build the Partners in Education

Endowment, a permanent source of funds to improve teaching and the learning environment, to $141,000.

The Partners in Education Foundation — Linking the community with our public schools since 1988.

For more information, visit the website at www.sfpartnersineducation.org, or call 474-0240. If you would like to make a direct contribution, please mail your check to: Partners in Education, P.O. Box 23374, Santa Fe, NM 87502 The New MexicaN Back to School 17

Snow days, winter memories

Santa Fe Public Schools respond to inclement weather in a variety of ways 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 which 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 safedriving 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

Parents are encourage to evaluate weather conditions and make their own decision about their own child’s attendance at school. NEW MExiCAN FiLE PHOTO

STay Tuned To The 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.

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

school. The students arriving on buses will be supervised at their school site until school begins, or until parents pick them up. The two-hour delay will be announced on the major television networks and local radio stations. District

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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, mak-

ing 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 buses in paved areas only.

Two-hour delay (for outlying schools only) 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

Please see SnoW, Page 19

Snow days can be fun, but the time will be made up according to provisions in the school calendar. New MexicaN file phoTo

Snow: Notice of cancellation is made early Continued from Page 18 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 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 cancelled if an early release is announced. u All after-school activities and sporting events will be cancelled if school is cancelled; exceptions, while rare, might relate to district or state-championship play-off 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.

District procedure for 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.

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Connecting with kids School volunteers help move children’s lives forward “When you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in, ” a sage once said. More than 2,000 people do that kind of voting every year by volunteering for Santa Fe Public Schools, according to the district’s volunteer coordinator, Helen Pacheco. These giving folks work as math tutors, literacy coaches, artists, storytellers and all-around helpers in the schools throughout the school year — but there’s always need for more, as Pacheco notes.

Lainie Grimmer is one such volunteer. She’s been at it since 1998, and is currently reading with kids at the newly formed Aspen Community Magnet School. “I can’t imagine getting around in this world without being able to read, to be able to escape in a book, ” she said.

Her participation has “evolved into connecting with kids. My philosophy about volunteering in Santa Fe Public Schools is, you don’t have to have the right answers, but you do have to show up and care about the children you are working with. I’ve made some wonderful friendships with some of these young people and I’ve kept in touch until a lot of them hit the teenage years. There’s something really neat about helping someone move their life forward.”

Carol Kellerman, another volunteer, is a former publicschools librarian who retired in 2002. She missed working with students. She recalled reading an article from a Cal--ifornia newspaper about a school program in which dogs helped students with reading challenges.

Now Kellerman’s “Reading to Rover” program takes place in several elementary schools in town.

How’s it work? “The dogs listen, ” she said. “The dog lies there with the student next to

lainie Grimmer of Santa Fe, here pictured at aspen community School in 2011, is one of 2,000 volunteers with Santa Fe Public Schools. New MexicaN file phoTos

to be somewhat consistent with scheduling. Pacheco will work with you to set you up in a school near your home, if you like, and fit your skill set to a particular class. If you are musically inclined, you’ll likely find yourself in a band class somewhere, for instance.

Anyone can volunteer, although you first have to pass a background and fingerprint check, read the district’s code of conduct, and (of Grimmer has been a volunteer since 1998. course) work for free. Pacheco bemoans the fact that volunPacheco said a lot of parents them and it will listen to the teers have to pay for the backstudent read. It’s one adult, who begin volunteering in the system ground and fingerprint check so they can stay close to their is the handler for the dog, and (a total of $32), and she’s lookthen the dog and one student.” kids as the latter start kindergar- ing for a way to create funding ten and first grade. Over time, Why does Kellerman do it? for that process so there’s no many of these parents stick “I just want to help the chilcost to volunteers. around to see their children dren. New Mexico is ranked For more information, call through the sixth grade, at least. Pacheco at 467-2050 or visit 49th in the nation for readAlthough a volunteer does ing scores and we should be sfps.info and click on the “comnot have to commit to showdoing anything we can to help munity” link to “Volunteering ing up every day, he or she has in Santa Fe Public Schools.” improve that statistic.”

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Reading for fun Follow these tips to help spark a lifelong love of books in your children 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 selfimage, 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

Research shows 45 percent of children ages 3 to 5 are not read to daily, and the lack of literature can take a negative toll on school performance. New MexicaN file phoTo

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.

For example, right now, every time you enter a promotion code found inside specially marked packages of Nestlé and Wonka candy at www.CelebrationCorner.com/ RIF, Nestlé will donate money to RIF, to fund purchasing books for 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.

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 The New MexicaN Back to School 21

Safe in a digital world

Protect your children from cyberbullying by following some simple guidelines

Parents can take an active role in protecting their children from cyberbullying. courTesy phoTo

challenge to identifying cyberbullies, O’Keeffe notes, parents Most parents are familiar can take an active role toward with traditional bullying that combating this 21st century takes place at school and on problem. the playground, but as life has Here are tips for parents to gone digital, so has bullying. get a handle on cyberbullying, “Cyberbullying, bullying that whether your child is a victim, occurs through technology like a bystander or even participatcomputers and mobile devices, ing in the bullying: is often harder to detect than u Monitor your child’s traditional bullying. The bully digital technology use. Be on isn’t immediately visible and may not even be known to the the lookout for behaviors like quickly switching screens and victim,” says pediatrician Dr. having multiple passwords and Gwenn Schurgin O`Keeffe accounts. of the American Academy u Teach your child to come of Pediatrics and author of forward if he or she knows “CyberSafe: Protecting and a friend is bullying others Empowering in the Digital World of Texting, Gaming, and or being bullied. Being a bystander helps perpetuate the Social Media.”

“Because of this, cyberbully- cycle and continue someone else’s pain. ing is often more upsetting to u You may think your child victims, with even more profound and long-lasting effects,” is safely using a digital device in the next room, but any child Dr. O’Keeffe said.

While the anonymous nature online is at risk for being bulof the digital world does pose a lied. Not all children are going New Mexican wire services

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to let you know if there’s a problem, including teenagers.

If your child is acting withdrawn, evasive or unusually sad — especially after using a digital device such as a computer, video game or mobile phone — ask if everything is okay. Regularly converse to open the line of communication. u Cyberbullies may think they are acting anonymously, but they can be tracked by authorities. If your child is a victim, save the offending emails, IMs, and texts, and get the school involved if possible. u If you worry your child is in serious danger, or the other parents refuse to help end bullying, call the police. u Find out what your child’s school’s policies are on bullying, cyberbullying and digital devices. If the rules are insufficient, talk to the teachers and principal about establishing

sensible regulations. u Don’t raise a bully! Foster empathy by talking regularly about how actions and words affect others. Set a good example by always treating others with respect yourself, both online and offline. u Help children develop constructive strategies for getting what they want that don’t include teasing, threatening or hurting others. u Don’t assume that a normally well-behaved child is guilt-free. The faceless digital world makes it easy for even good kids to sometimes be mean.

More information about cyberbullying can be found on the AAP parenting website, www.healthychildren.org.

With a new school year come new challenges. Learn about the realities of cyberbullying and what you can do to protect your children.

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