9125 E. 7th Place, Bldg. 905
Denver, CO 80230
Phone: (303) 320-9854
Fax: (303) 363-8083
2016-2017
Parent & Student Handbook
Main Office Hours
8am to 9pm M – Th, 9am to 1pm Fri
Attendance Line (303) 894-3157
Dean’s Office (303) 894-3156
Nurse’s Office (303) 894-3115
Records Line (303) 320-9854
AM Students: 8:00am – 4:05pm
PM Students: 4:20pm – 10:00pm
New America School • Lowry
Student Handbook & Information
Dear New America School Students and Families,
Welcome to the 2016–2017 school year! We are happy to have you be a part of our NAS community. This year we are excited to continue a few of the initiatives and programs that we have had in place over the past few years, and expand some new programming as well. As a school community, we are continuing to explore A2LL IDEAS MATTER and how we integrate that into our daily learning. We are excited to have some additional teachers and interventionists to offer additional support our students. We are committed to meeting our students needs and ensuring you are receiving an excellent education.
If you have any questions at any time, please feel free to contact us at (303) 320-9854. We look forward to a successful school year with you all!
If you have any questions at any time, please feel free to contact us at
(303) 320-9854. We look forward to a successful school year with you all!
Sincerely,
Annie Trujillo
Principal of The New America School, Lowry
2016-2017 AM Bell Schedule
Mondays - Wednesdays / Panther ThursdaysP1 / 8:00 / 8:55 / P1 / 8:00 / 8:45
P2 / 9:00 / 9:55 / P2 / 8:50 / 9:35
P3 / 10:00 / 11:15 / P3 / 9:40 / 10:30
P4 / 11:20 / 12:35 / P4 / 10:35 / 11:25
Lunch / 12:40 / 1:05 / P5 / 11:30 / 12:15
P5 / 1:10 / 2:05 / Lunch / 12:20 / 12:45
P6 / 2:10 / 3:05 / P6 / 12:50 / 1:35
P7 / 3:10 / 4:05 / P7 / 1:40 / 2:25
2016-2017 PM Bell Schedule
All DaysP8 / 4:20 / 5:20
P9 / 5:25 / 6:25
Lunch / 6:30 / 6:45
P10 / 6:50 / 7:50
P11 / 7:55 / 8:55
P12 / 9:00 / 10:00
Term (Quarter) Start Dates
Aug. 9th Classes begin -1st Semester/1st Quarter Begins
Oct. 17th 2nd Quarter Begins
Jan. 17th 2nd Semester/3rd Quarter Begins
Mar. 20th 4th Quarter Begins
Graduation Requirements and Policy
A student who completes the graduation requirements of the school district shall be granted a diploma from The New America School.
Subject / Credits RequiredEnglish / 4.0 units of credit
Mathematics / 4.0 units of credit
Science / 3.0 units of credit
Social Sciences
U.S. History (Specific requirement)
Civics (Specific requirement)
Other Social Science / 3.0 units of credit
1.0 (part of the total 3.0)
0.5 (part of the total 3.0)
1.5 (remainder of the total 3.0)
World Language / 1.0 unit of credit
Electives
(or additional academic courses) / 7.0 units of credit
Minimum credits to graduate
(you may earn more than 22 credits) / 22.0 units of credit
Grading
90% - 100% AAdvanced proficiency of standards
80% - 90%BAbove average proficiency of standards
70% - 80%CMost standards met
60% - 70%DSome standards met
59% or lowerFStandards were not satisfactorily met
Parking / Driving
Students may not go to their cars during school hours (with the exception of lunch) without permission. The school is not responsible for theft or vandalism that occurs in the parking lot, however, such occurrences should be reported to the office immediately and NAS will assist in making a report.
All school rules apply while a student is at school, including actions that take place in the parking lot. Please drive slowly in the parking lot. Anyone seen speeding or driving dangerously may be ticketed by Lowry Campus Security or Aurora Police and may lose the right to drive on the Lowry Campus.
Identification
Students will receive an identification card. Students must keep their ID with them at all times. If an ID is lost a student will be charged a replacement fee of $5.00.
Food Service
NAS provides the following food service options for students:
●Breakfast - Served to ALL AM students in classrooms in second period
●Lunch - Provided daily in our cafeteria area for AM students
●Snack - Provided after school during our optional tutoring time for AM students
●Dinner - Provided each evening in our cafeteria area for PM students
NAS food service is provided by Revolution Foods ( and is healthier and better quality than many school food options. Their food philosophy is:
To us, nurturing bright minds starts with fueling active bodies. We believe that everyone deserves access to high quality food made with carefully considered ingredients. We believe in food that tastes good, food that promotes growth and development. Feeding good is our promise to you. We stand for food you can feel good about. No high fructose corn syrup. No artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. because our kids deserve nothing less.
Transportation
Students are expected to provide their own transportation to school. Students may contact the office for more information on student rates for public transportation.
Visitors
Visitors to The New America School are required to obtain a visitor pass from the office. No visitors will be allowed in classrooms without prior permission from administration.
Student Fees and Fines
New America School does not have any supply or book fees. On occasion, students may be asked to pay miscellaneous fees on a voluntary basis as a condition of participating in or attending a school-sponsored activity or program not within the academic portion of the educational program.
Such charges may include but are not limited to activity trips and/or transportation costs on activity trips. New America School will make every effort to be sure no student is denied the right to participate in trips or other enrichment activities because of lack of funds.
Materials that are property of The New America School, which are loaned to students, are expected to be returned in the same condition in which they were loaned. Fines may be assessed for the replacement value of the materials. Students will be held accountable for unpaid fines. The New America School may withhold diplomas and/or official transcripts of any student who fails to return or replace textbooks or other materials.
Attendance Policy
Excellent attendance is highly valued at New America School. Because excellent student attendance is correlated to high levels of student learning, we encourage students to be in every class, on time, every day of the school year.
The school will contact parents regarding student attendance issues and will respond with the appropriate consequences when non-attendance becomes problematic.Parents can request their student’s attendance report in the Attendance Office.
To excuse an absence:
▪Leave a message on the Attendance Voicemail at (303) 894-3157
▪Email the Attendance Office at
▪Write a note within two days of the absence, to be delivered to the Main Office
▪Absences longer than one day, must be excused by parent/guardian in writing.
When possible, it is best to communicate excused absences to the Attendance Office prior to the absence or the day of the absence.Absences will remain “unexcused” if the request for an excuse is not accepted within two days of the absence.
All “excuses,” either written or verbal must include:
1)Parent/guardian’s name (must be listed in our records as parent/guardian)
2)The first name, last name, and grade of student
3)The dates(s) of the absence(s)
4)The reason for the absence
5)A telephone number where the parent can be contacted during the school day
The absence will remain unexcused if the request for “excused” status is notaccepted within two days of the absence.
Absences are approved by the principal for these reasons:
●Illness
●Doctor’s Appointments
●School Events
●Legal appointments
Requests for any other reason must be approved by the principal or his/her appointee.Requests for continued excused absences may require a note from a doctor.
Partial-Day Absences
Students may not leave school early without parent/guardian communication to the Attendance Office prior to leaving.Students must check out of school with approval from the Attendance Secretary.If this is not done, students will be marked with unexcused absence(s) for the class period(s) that they are out of school.Partial-Day Absences for illnesses will be handled through the Nurse, or the Dean’s Office when the nurse is not available.
Parental Notification of Absences
A computerized “auto-dialer” will place calls to the home of parents when a student has been marked absent.We cannot guarantee that a parent will be the person who answers the telephone when this call is made.To get a specific date and period of absences, parents can call the attendance office at (303) 894-3157.
Homework Requests
Requests for homework assignments for a student whose extended absence results from illness should be addressed to the Registrar.Requests should be made if the absence will be for more than three days.Absences of a shorter duration can be made up by seeing the teachers when the student returns.
Access to Student Information / Student Records / FERPA– Rights and Privacy
Please see Appendix A for this policy
Complaint / Grievance Policy
Please see Appendix B for this policy
Student Behavior
Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately at school. This includes the following expectations:
“BIG 2” (the following will result in immediate consequences):
●Being under the influence or in possession of alcohol, drugs, or paraphernalia.
●Using targeted, hurtful language anywhere, at anytime.
NAS Drug-Free Agreement
The New America School strives to promote a healthy and safe environment for our students. In accordance with our values, the New America School is a drug-free environment. This agreement applies to all substances, including marijuana. It is illegal for anyone under 21 years old to purchase, possess, or use retail marijuana. It is also illegal for anyone under 21 years old to be in possession of marijuana paraphernalia. The school is bound by law, as are individuals and families, and it will act in compliance with the law when circumstances indicate certain actions are necessary.
Under the Influence
First Offense:
●1 day Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)
●Parent/guardian contacted to pick up the student
●If parent/guardian cannot pick up, In-School Suspension (ISS) for the remainder of the day
●A re-entry meeting with the Dean of Students and Social Worker will be required for the student to resume classes
Second Offense:
●1 day OSS
●Parent/guardian contacted to pick up the student
●If parent/guardian cannot pick up, ISS for the remainder of the school day
●A re-entry meeting with the student and their parent/guardian will be required for the student to resume classes
Third Offense:
●ISS determined by school administration
●Required meeting with school administration
●Mandatory interventions with the social worker
Possession
First Offense:
●The unauthorized substance or paraphernalia will be taken away from the student
●Parents will be contacted
●Student will be placed in ISS
●A re-entry meeting with the Dean of Students and Social Worker
Second Offense:
●The unauthorized substance or paraphernalia will be taken away from the student.
●Parents will be contacted
●The police may be called
●Student will be placed in OSS
●Required re-entry meeting with school administration to work on a success plan
●Mandatory interventions with the Social Worker
Trafficking/Buying/Selling
●If a student is found to be trafficking/buying, offering to trade, selling, or giving away alcohol/drugs, or anything passed off as drugs, the actionswill be grounds for expulsion
●Parents will be notified
●The police will be contacted
While we recognize the need for compassionate treatment of those addicted and seeking help, we also uphold the policy of not using drugs/alcohol anytime while on campus or at any off-campus New America School event.
Electronics:
Electronics of any kind are only permitted before and after school, between classes and at lunch. They are not permitted in classrooms unless the teacher is directly asking students to use them as part of their educational plan. Students misusing electronic devices will receive an automatic referral to administration.
Other unacceptable behaviors include:
●Inappropriate displays of public affection which may include kissing and inappropriate touching.
●Hazing, intimidation, harassment, bullying, or threatening.
●Vandalizing property
●Plagiarism, cheating, and copying
●Smoking on The New America School campus. State law prohibits the use of tobacco products by anyone on school grounds.
Classroom Conduct & Expectations
Students are expected to be active learners while in classes which includes using the principles outlined in the NAS Circle:
Gang Related Activity
A Zero Tolerance policy will be enforced concerning any gang-related activity on school grounds and may result in expulsion. Gang related activities may include, but are not limited to the following:
●Wearing colors or insignia associated with gang membership.
●Harassing or intimidating with gang overtones or signs
●Possessing gang paraphernalia or tagging (graffiti).
●Gathering in groups for the purpose of gang related activities.
●Engaging in any actions that aid gang related activities or purposes, or that interfere with operations of the school.
Dress Code
We believe an individual’s dress and behavior should demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for others. Students dressed inappropriately will be offered the choice of having a parent/guardian bring proper clothing or wearing clothing provided by the school.
Inappropriate dress includes:
●No “Bs”: (Don’t show your: belly buttons, breasts, bras, or butts). Shirts must cover your midsection and cleavage. Pants must cover your butt.
●No short skirts, dresses, or shorts.
●No hoods or sunglasses on in class.
●No clothing, other apparel or jewelry promoting or implying sex, violence, or drugs/alcohol.
●No gang-related or drug-related apparel.
Decisions about appropriate dress will be at the discretion of administration.
Hall Passes
Students will need a pass to enter a classroom any time after the bell rings. They will use a teacher-provided hall pass to use the restroom. They must sign out when leaving and back in upon return. Hall passes will not be granted within the first 10 minutes of class.
Tardy Policy
Students late to class must first go to the office to get a late pass. Tardies are tracked so that counselors and administrators can intervene when excessive tardies occur. The goal is to work with students and their families to find solutions to minimize tardies.
Bullying
"Bullying" means any written, verbal or pictorial expression, physical act or gesture, or a pattern thereof by a student that is intended to cause distress upon one or more students and is sufficiently severe that it has the effect of:
Creating an intimidating, hostile, or significantly offensive environment; or
Unreasonably disrupting educational performance or participation.
Examples of Bullying:
●Cyberbullying: e.g., the use of information and communication technologies such as e-mail, phone calls, texts, instant messages, and defamatory websites to support hostile behavior by an individual or group.
●Derogatory written or pictorial communications in any media.
●Derogatory verbal comments.
●Threats of force or violence against a person's body, possessions or residence.
●Physical misconduct.
Disciplinary Actions for Bullying:
Administration will determine the appropriate action to be taken in response to incidents of student bullying. Disciplinary consequences for student bullying may include suspension, expulsion, and/or in-school suspension.
Searches Conducted By School Personnel
Searches may be conducted by a school official who has reasonable grounds for suspecting that a search will turn up evidence that a student has violated school policy or the law. School personnel may search a student and/or the student’s personal property, while on the premises or during a school activity, and may seize any materials prohibited by law or school policy.
Search And Seizure
The Principal, or designee, may request a search on school premises to be conducted by law enforcement. When law enforcement authorities are involved in a search, the search will be conducted under criminal law standards, rather than under the provisions of this policy.
Interviews
Law enforcement officials may be granted permission by the administration to interview students.
Due Process
The following standards for Due Process will be followed in disciplinary matters:
●The student will be provided with oral or written notice of charges.
●An administrator will give an explanation of the evidence.
●An opportunity for the student to present their side will be provided.
●The student will have the right to appeal in the following order: teacher, administration, NAS Superintendent.
Internet
Internet access is a privilege provided for the students of The New America School. All students must sign and abide by the terms of the Internet Use Agreement. Failure to comply with the terms of the agreement will result in disciplinary action.
Emergency School Closings
Closings, late starts, or early dismissals will be announced on local radio and television stations (9news). If Aurora Public Schools are closed—so is NAS-Lowry. For recorded information, call the school office: 303.320.9854. You will also receive automated messages about school closures.
Child Care Reimbursement Program
The purpose of the childcare reimbursement program is to support pregnant or parenting students in their quest for academic success.
An application for the childcare reimbursement program may be obtained in the main office or from a NAS counselor. The application must be returned to the counseling office.
After the student and their parent/guardian reads the parent handbook regarding general policies and procedures, we will ask for signatures as verification that the handbook has been carefully read and that it is fully understood.
A packet of forms will be given to the student, which will need to be completed before enrollment in the childcare reimbursement program is complete. These forms will be:
●Personal information form
●Maternity Leave plan
●Program Expectations and Participation agreement
●Reimbursement form
The student will also need to provide a copy of the following documents:
●Copy of the baby’s birth certificate
●Medical notes (if requesting maternity leave)
Additional Expectations
●Maintaining a “C” grade or above in each of your classes. If you are dropped from school you lose your child care privileges.
●Participate in parent meetings, events, and educational opportunities.
Termination of Child Care may result when: