WEST LAS VEGAS PRE K PARENT HANDBOOK 2020-2021 - LUIS E. ARM1.J.O PREK PROGRAM VALLEY PREK PROGRAM - WEST LAS VEGAS SCHOOL DISTRICT
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West Las Vegas
Pre K Parent
Handbook
2020-2021
Luis E. Arm1.J. o PreK Program
Valley PreK Program
r
Message from the
Superintendent
Dear Parents:
WLVS PreK programs at Luis E. Armijo and the Valley are centered on that all children should
have a nurturing environment, which promotes a lifetime love of learning. We are committed
to providing a researched based PreK program that is designed to meet the needs of children
while integrating the development of the child' s physical, emotional, creative, intellectual,
and social and fine arts through experiential learning activities. The WLVS Prek Programs will
promote opportunities for children to explore, to question, and to succeed at their own
individual pace. Our Prek Programs are also committed to the acknowledgement that
everyone is unique and to appreciate the cultural diversity, various social backgrounds, and
religious beliefs. We believe that through successful participation in learning experiences,
children will develop positive self-esteem and school readiness skills.
Therefore, our Prek Program goals are:
• To provide a program where children develop intellectually, socially, physically
and emotionally
• To provide opportunities for children to gain independence, self-contro l, and
respect for others.
• To provide an environment, which will enhance the self-esteem of all childr en
through successful learning experiences.
Yours in the interest of children,
Mr. Christopher Gutierrez
Superintendent
179 Bridge Ave.
Las Vegas, NM 87701
(505) 426-2311
I
DISCLAIMER:
Items may be subject to change due to policy
and regulatory compliance and is not all
inclusive.
**Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic many items are
subject to change.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. RECRUITMENT ................................................... ............................................... 4
II. GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................... 4
Pre-K Enrollment Criteria
Pupil Information
School Day
Bad Weather Dismissal
Bus
Student Records
Visitation
Parent-Concerns/Complaints
ill. ATTENDANCE ................................................................................................................... 6
WLVS PreK Attendance Policy
Withdrawal
Imm unization/iHness/injury
Excessive absences
Student sign-in/sign-out
IV. CURRICULUM ................................................................................................................. 8
Computer Usage
Evaluation of student progress
Discipline Management Plan
Disaster Drills
V. FAMILY INVOLVEMENT ......... ...... .... ...... ....................................................... 9
Meet, Greet and Make Sessions
Home Visits
Volunteer Time
VI. DEVELOPMENTAL AND HEALTH SCREEN .................................................................9
VII. REFERRAL ................................................................................................................... 9
VIII. TRANSITION.................................................................................................................... 10
IX. NUTRITION ..................................................................................................................... 10
I. RECRUITMENT
Recruitment for the WLVS PreK programs utilize a variety of avenues. Listed below are the most
commonly use. In addition, the past and current parent verbal recommendations of the program.
✓ Multi-Media Resources (newspaper, radio stations, Facebook, twitter)
✓ Flyers
✓ Transition Fair
✓ Jump Start Day
II. GE N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N
A. Pre-K Enrollment Criteria
The WLVS Pre-K Program is open to any child who is or will be Four Years of Age before
September 1si, Registration begins in March of each year and registration packets can be
acquired at the Luis E. Armijo Elementary office, 600 Porter St. 505 426-2661 (in town
participation) or Valley Elementary, Ribera, NM (575) 421-5069 (out of town participation)
The following documents are required in other to complete the registration process:
Proof of Date of Birth (i.e. Bi1th Ce1tificate)
Health:
Immunization Record
Vision
Hearing
Physical
Oral Health Assessment
B. PUPIL INFORMATION
It is a requirement that all student records reflect the child's legal name. If your last name, street
address, or telephone number changes at any time during the school year, please notifythe office.
This is very impo1tant in keeping our records up to date and also being able to contact a
parent/guardian in the case of an emergency.
If custodial care of your child changes during the school year, it is a parental responsibility to
provide the school with a copy of the legal documentation. We must have a legal bi1th ce1tificate,
immunization record and a home language survey, for each child enrolled at WLV Pre-K program.
C. SCHOOL DAY
Pre-K Program: 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Students should not arrive at school before 7:30 a.111. and should
be picked up between 2:30 p.111. and 3:15 p.m. (this is specific to the Luis E. Armijo Pre-K site); Valley
site is time frame is from 8:00 - 3:00 p.m
Please be advised that there is no direct adult supervision prior to 7:30 a.m. and after 3: 15 p.m. Tardies
are marked after 8:00 a.m.
D. BAD WEATHER DISMISSAL
District Superintendent and Transportation Director will make decision before 6:00 a.m. Ifschool is
cancelled, KFUN and KNMX radio stations and KOAT- TV, KOB-TV will be notified. Notifications
also go out via social media and school messenger.
E. BUS
Luis E. Armijo Prek program does not provide bus transportation. The parent is responsible for
taking and pick-up their child.
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r Valley Prek program does have bus transportation. Parents are to contact the WLVS District
Transportation Director at 505 426-2313 or at 505 429 2384 for more information.
F. STUDENT RECORDS
By law, both parents, whether married, separated, or divorced, have access to the records of the
student who is under 18 or a dependent for tax purposes. A parent whose rights have been legally
terminated will be denied access to the records if the school is given a copy of the cou1t order
terminating these rights.
All information pe1taining to student performance, within the Pre-K program such as EI po1tfolio, Ages
& Stages rating and attendance is considered confidential educational records and may be released to
the following:
_Parents-married, separated or divorced unless parental rights have been legally terminate
-District staff members who have a "legitimate educational interest"
-various governmental agencies or in response to a subpoena or court order
The principal is the custodian ofall records for currently enrolled students at the assigned school. A
parent may review and inspect their student's records and request a correction if the records are
considered inaccurate or otherwise in violation ofthe student's privacy rights. Pre-K student records
are sealed and stored for 7 years at the end ofthe PreK program academic year.
G. VISITATION
Parents are always welcome to visit the school and are invited to eat lunch at school. Parents should
advise the classroom teacher at the beginning of the school day that they will be guests at lunchtime so
that a reservation can be made. Parents may not bring siblings into the classroom, whenhelping with
pa1ties, recess or on field trips. Parents and other visitors must sign-in at the classroom before going
to any other part of the building. When visiting your child's room, remember you are an observer
unless the teacher has asked you to volunteer or conference.
VISITOR PROCEDURES
PURSANT TO WLVS BOARD POLICY AND LEGAL REFERENCE NMAC 6.11.2.9
We welcome the involvement of our families in the educational program of their children. To insure the
safety ofour children and to maintain a quality learning environment for our students, we ask that you
adhere to the following procedures when visiting LEAE PRE-K Program. Thank you for your continued
interest in your child's education.
► Visitors will only be allowed to enter through the main office entrance of the Pre-K
building. All visitors must use the outside intercom, visitors will be asked for their name
and purpose for visiting the individual classroom (s).
► Visitors must repo1t to the child's classroom, sign in and list the reason for visit, and pick up
a visitor badge
► Visit to the classrooms must be pre-arranged with the classroom teacher.
► If volunteering in a classroom, confidentiality of students' abilities, behaviors, or discipline
matters is a necessity. If the volunteering is for a classroom celebration and siblings
accompany the parent/guardian it must be cleared with the classroom teacher prior to the
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v1s1t. If younger siblings are with the Parent it is the pare nt ' s res po ns i bili ty to supervise
their child during the classroom visit.
► Impromptu visits may not be al l o wed due to classroom sched u le s . It is emphasized to parents
to pre-arrange visits with the teacher
► Upon conclusion of the vis it , the visitor must sign out on the Visitor Register and return the
visitor badge.
Please note - All visitors and parents may be asked to show a picture ID when entering the school or
picking up a child.
H. PARENT-CONCERNS/COMPLAINTS.
A parent/student having a comp lai nt/co nce rn shall request a conference with the principal regard i ng the
event or series of events causing the complaint. The purpose of this is to secure prompt and equitable
resolution of parent/student comp la ints , including those alle gi ng discrimination on the basis of race,
religion, co l o r, sex , natio nal o ri gi n, handicap or limited Eng li s h proficiency. ff the outcome of the
conference with the principal does not produce an equitable resolution the parent may request a
conference with the Superintendent or designee.
ID. ATTENDANCE
A. Pre-K ATTENDANCE POLICY:
West Las Vegas Schoo l District is dedicated to providing the Pre-K Program to ensure a strong
educational sta11 for yo u ng learners in our community free of charge. Our goal is to have every student
attend school on a regular bas is ; being in schoo l every day is the first step to success . A student who
misses two days of school a month wi ll m iss a whole month of instruction by the end of the year.
School attendance is a prio rit y, from pre-K through high school.
Attendance is critical for students to pa11icipate within the Pre-K Program the refo re;
If a Pre-K child is absent without a doctor's excuse for more than three days in a row or consistently
maintains below 85% attend ance per month , the teacher will notify the Scho ol Site Administrator of the
Pre-K Program. The schoo l site administrator will contact the family via telephone call or letter
expressing the attendance concern and requesting a parent conference. The goal for a Pre-K child is
90% attendance per semester. If a pre-k ch il d is absent for three or more days consecutively the parent
shal l provide the Pre-K Teacher with a doctor /med ic al note.
If the child remains under the required 85% attendance for two mon ths , the site administrator wi ll send
a le tter/tele phone ca l l informing the family that the ch i ld is being withdrawn from the Pre-K Program.
At that ti me , the open slot will be filled with a child from the community who is on the Pre-K Program
waiting list.
Because funding for the Pre-k Program is provided by the state, guidelines require this program to
maintain a 90 % attend ance rate.
The following are acceptable reasons:
1. The child is hospitalized
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2. The child is incapacitated due to a serious injury
3. The child contracts a communicable disease (virus or flu)
4. The child has other ongoing health related ailments which temporarily prevent
attendance (ie asthma)
5. There is a death in the family
6. Limited medical/dental/therapy appointments (should be made around school
hours unless absolutely necessary)
Students are expected to be in school on a regular basis to receive instruction as required Pre-K
State Earlv C!tildltood Guidelines program participation.
B. WITHDRAWAL FROM PRE-K PROGRAM
o Withdrawals require at least one (I) day's notice.
o Parents wishing to withdraw a student from school must notify the Pre-K Program, provide the
reason for the withdrawal and indicate the effective date.
C. IMMUNIZATIONS/ILLNESS/INJURY
Immunization Requirement:
All students must comply with the New Mexico Department of Health & Human Services Guidelines.
A student must submit proof of a complete immunization record prior to entering New Mexico public
schools. Failure to comply with state requirements may result in delayed enrollment or withdrawal
from that school until immunizations are current.
Medication Administration:
• Over the counter and/or prescribed medication will not be given by Pre K staff. For
futiher information contact the District Nurse at (505) 429-3329.
• Medication required three times a day can be given before school, after school and before
bedtime at home.
Communicable Diseases:
To protect our school community, students with known contagious diseases are excluded from
attending school until they provide a doctor's release. Symptoms that could warrant exclusion from
school are: a temperature of 100 degrees or more, vomiting, diarrhea, or an undiagnosed rash,
discoloration of eyes and/or suspected bacterial meningitis. In such situations, a parent/guardian
must pick up the student. A student must be fever free for 24 hours without the use of medication
before returning to school.
Emergency Information:
In addition to the regular enrollment form, an emergency contact form is required for all students. It is
important that vou, t!teparent/guardian complete the emergency contact form and retur n it to vour
child's sc!tool. Parents/guardians must provide current telephone numbers, for emergencypurposes.
Your support and cooperation helps us promote a healthy environment for your children. In order for us
to better serve your child, we need to know if he/she has any physical limitations or chronic illness.
Immunizations are vital to the elementary age student. When notices for required immunizations are
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sent home, please have your child properly immunized as soon as possible. Please send proof of the
vaccine to the school so the student's health record will be updated. When two notices are sent and the
immunization(s) remains delinquent, the student may be excluded from school until the vaccine(s) is
received and proper proof is submitted to the school nurse. Proof of immunization must be on file prior
to the 30th day following enrollment.
When a student comes to class with illness symptoms they will be assessed. If the temperature is above
I 00.0 degrees or the student is vomiting, has diarrhea, a suspicious rash, discoloration and/or drainage
of the eyes, suspected communicable disease or head lice, the parent will be notified, and the student
will be sent home. In the case of communicable disease, proper physician documentation may be
required for the student to re-enter school. If a student sustains an injury while at school, he/she the
District Nurse will be notified. In the case of major injuries such as fracture large lacerations, severe
contusions, or eye injury, the parent will be notified immediately, and emergency measures will be
taken. Minor injuries such as abrasions, small cuts, nosebleeds, etc., are treated, and the parent will be
notified if necessary.
D. EXCESSIVE ABSENCES
When returning to school after an absence, the parent mustprovide a note, wlticl t describes the
reason for the absence. The absence will be unexcused until a note is received. A student must attend at
least 90% of the school yfear. The parent will be receiving a call from their child's teacher upon the 3
consecutive absence. I tlte student ltas not reported to scltool within ten (10) consecutive days and
the school has been unable to make contact witlt parent, tlte cltild will be witlulrmvnfrom tlte WLVS
Pre-K program
E. SIGN-OUT/EARLY PICK-UP PROCEDURES
Students will not be released unless a parent, guardian or individuals listed on the emergency release
Form comes personally to the classroom to sign them out. Identification will be required to sign a
student out of school. Students wi11 not be released to anyone who is not Iisted by the parent on the
enrollment/emergency form or are under the age of 18 years of age. Earlv sign-out means lost of
instructional time for tlte student and it is also disruptive to tlte teaching and learning activities being
conducted in the classroom. Excessive earlv pick-ups shall be referred to the school site Principal. It
is important for students to remain in school, daily from 8:00 a.m. until dismissal time.
IV. CURRICULUM
A. The Owl Curriculum for PreK Program, is an award-winning research-based curriculum.
OWL prepares children for Kindergarten with ongoing assessment of research-based success predictors
and playful, purposeful, and personalized instruction. OWL is based upon the belief that immersion in a
learning-rich, pre-K environment is critical but not sufficient. The environment and interactions must be
thoughtful and purposeful. All parts of the day should be considered opportunities for learning, and the
teacher should know the curriculum content, instructional strategies, and individual children well enough
to be responsive in a variety of situations. Through the use of essential questions, teachers help children
connect content to their experiences, which takes them beyond rote learning and leads to thoughtful,
reflective learning.
B. COMPUTER RESOURCES
Pre-K program resources have been invested in computer technology to broaden instruction and
to prepare students for an increasingly computerized society. Use of these resources is
restricted for students working under a teacher's supervision and for approved instructional
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purposes only.
C. EVALUATlON OF STUDENT PROGRESS
The school year is divided into three grading periods for Pre-K students. Teacher will review
Essential Indicator rating for each student during Parent/Teacher conferences. A student must
be present one day more than half of a reporting period to receive a rating on the 27 Essential
Indicators. An exception to this rule exists if, after an extended illness, the student may
receive partial ratings of the 27 Essential Indicators.
Conferences are encoura2ed whenever the parent principal. or classroom teacher feels that the
child would benefit. The teacher will arrange a conference time with the parent. Parents are
requested to call the school or send a note to verify their intent to attend the conference.
Essential Indicators
Essential Indicators receive a rating of I to 8, depending on the child's ability to demonstrate
Essential Indicators are rated three times during the academic year
D. DISCIPLINE MANAGEMENT PLAN
All students are entitled to enjoy the basic rights of citizens recognized and protected by law for
persons of their age and maturity. WLV Pre-K P rogram shall foster a climate of mutual respect for the
rights of others. Each student is expected to respect the rights and privileges of others. WLV Pre-K
program has developed a program-wide plan that covers not only the classroom but also the hallways,
the playground, and other areas on the campus.
DISCIPLINE TECHNIQUES
The guiding principle ofthis or anyother good system ofschool and classroom management is that its
purpose is not to punish but to teach mu/ encourage students to accept responsibilityfor their actions,
decisions and to regard the rights ofothers with as much reverence as their own. Our goals is to foster
self-esteem and self-regulation in children. This is done in a positive manner and by setting limits and/or
redirecting the child's inappropriate behavior. We also will model and teach the appropriate behaviors.
E. DISASTER DRILLS
Fire drills are conducted monthly in accordance with state regulations. Teachers will instruct students in
the proper procedure. Other drills such as lock-downs etc. will be conducted during the year. Parents and
other visitors are expected to participate in all disaster drills being conducted while they are on campus.
In addition, students and staff practice lock-downs and evacuation procedures throughout the school
year.
V. FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
A. Meet, Greet and Make Sessions
A commitment that parents make to their child participating in the WLYS Pre-K program is to attend
the MGMs held throughout the school year. During the MGMs parents will be provided with strategies
to enhance their child's developmental growth in the following areas: Literacy, Math, and Motor Skills.
B. HOME VISITS
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Home visits are conducted within a 30 day period of the child's fi st program day of attendance. Home
visits are a required part of our program. Teachers and parents/guardians will work together to bridge
the gap between home and school. Home visits also help the teachers to provide your child meaningful
experiences within the context of their own family.
C. VOLUNTEER TIME
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Volunteer time is requested from all Pre-K Program Parents/Guardians. Parents/Guardians are requested
to volunteer 3 hrs during the academic program year. Parents/Guardians can arrange activity, date andr time with their child's teacher regarding the volunteer time
VI. DEVELOPMENTAL AND HEALTH SCREENING
A. FORMAL TESTS
The early childhood assurances require a Social Emotional rating for each Pre-K student. WLVS utilizes
the AGES AND STAGES. The test results of the individual students are made available within 30 days
of student attendance of program. These tests are a diagnostic tool to be used for classroom instruction
and assist in determining individual student skills. Test results will be reported to parents.
Certain students, such as students with disabilities and students with limited English proficiency may be
eligible for exemptions, accommodations, or a deferment. For more information, see the principal,
counselor, or special education director site administrator, who will forward it to District Special
Education Department.
VII. REFFERRAL PROCESS
OPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS
WHO HA VE LEARNING DIFFICULTIES OR WHO NEED OR MAY NEED SPECIAL
EDUCATION
The preschool program provides for all children, including those with identified disabilities and special
learning and development abilities. Modifications are made in the environment and staffing patterns in
order to include children with special needs.
If a child is experiencing development progress and/or behavior difficulties can be considered for
individualized interventions that may include: small group or one-one instruction, or other support
services. WLV Pre-K holds that failure is not an option and therefore strategies will be determined for
struggling students through parent/teacher conferences. It is also the responsibility of WLV Pre-K Staff
to try every available option before requesting a formal special education, or other district placement. At
any time, a parent is entitled to request an evaluation for special education services. The parent can
submit a written request to their child's classroom teacher, who will notify the Pre-K principal and
arrangements will be made to secure the assessment via Child Find or District resources. Should a parent
have any questions or concerns please contact the Prek Program site principal.
VIII. TRANSITION
Transition from the Prek program to the tradition school setting is experienced by student via a
jumpstart day. The Jumpstart Day is scheduled in late April or early May. Parents are invited to
experience with their child a typical Kindergarten day, which is inclusive of lunch in the cafeteria.
IX. NUTRITION
Menus will be posted in each classroom, on the web site and in local newspapers. Breakfast is served
daily and if a child needs a special menu, a physician's written recommendation is required and
should be submitted by the parent to the district Food Service Director.
A.MEALS
WLVS provides Breakfast and Lunch Free of charge to all students. All children enrolled in the
preschool program will be served two daily meals.
The Meal Program at WLVS
• The program emphasizes good nutrition, healthy lifestyles, and learning about food
• Children are encouraged to try a variety of new foods as well as customary foods prepared in new
,Ir ways.
• Menus will be posted in the classroom and sent home monthly.
• Meal times are for socializing and modeling good habits.
• Children are taught how to serve their own food (i.e. open milk, etc.) with minimal adult assistance.
• Please alert us to any allergies or special dietary concerns.
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