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The last day of school for Albuquerque Public Schools students is Tuesday, May 29. This makes up for the school day that was cancelled because of snow and poor driving conditions on Monday, Dec. 5.
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You are here: APS Home → Schools → Student Rules

Student Rules

Learn about attendance, dress code, athletics rules, and download the Student Behavior Handbook.

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Student Behavior Handbook

Students and parents should review and be familiar with this handbook, as well as the handbook from the student’s school.

The 2011-2012 handbook is now available:

This Student Behavior Handbook outlines student rights and responsibilities, and information on such topics as:

  • Student expectations and rules
  • School attendance, including information on excused absences
  • Disciplinary action
  • Substance abuse and tobacco policy
  • Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Student records
  • Child custody issues

Attendance

Opportunities for academic success are enhanced when students are on time and in all classes daily. APS students are allowed:

  • No more than five unexcused absences per semester
  • No more than 10 unexcused absences per school year

The parent/guardian must notify the school each day that the student will be absent in accordance with the notification procedure established by the school.

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Excused Absences

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

  • Doctor's appointment
  • Death in the family
  • Religious commitment
  • Illness
  • Family emergency
  • Diagnostic testing
  • School or college visit
  • Limited extenuating circumstances as approved in advance by the school principal

Family vacations are considered unexcused absences, and it is expected that parents will schedule vacations when school is not in session.

Dress Code

Student dress and grooming is to reflect high standards of personal conduct so that each student’s attire promotes a positive, safe and healthy atmosphere within the school.

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

  • Gang-related attire
  • Excessively tight or revealing clothing
  • Short shorts
  • Clothing that exposes the stomach or midriff
  • Low-cut blouses
  • Spiked jewelry
  • Chains
  • Clothing or accessories promoting:
    1. Drugs (including alcohol and tobacco)
    2. Sexual activity
    3. Violence
    4. Disrespect or bigotry toward any group

While the Student Behavior Handbook outlines general guidelines for the student dress code, schools may customize their individual dress codes to address the needs and standards of their communities and neighborhoods.

Standard Dress/Uniform Policy

Some APS schools have elected to adopt a standard dress or uniform policy. Students and their parents/guardians need to be aware of dress codes for their school and conform to the requirements. The responsibility to interpret and enforce the policy rests with each principal.

Clothing Assistance

Many families struggle with back-to-school expenses, including clothing costs. If your family needs assistance, contact a teacher, counselor, nurse or principal at your child’s school.

APS students are supported by several non-profit  organizations set up to help families in need including:

The Clothing Bank
Run by the Bernalillo County Council of the PTA
Phone: (505) 344-7481

The Clothing Bank provides clothes for more than 2,500 APS students each year.

Operation School Bell
A project of the Assistance League of Albuquerque
Phone: (505) 265-0619

Operation School Bell provides clothes for 33 APS elementary and middle schools.

Contact individual schools for specific dress code policies >

Transportation Handbook

Student Transportation Handbook — The transportation handbook has guidelines and rules about:

  • Registration
  • School bus disciplinary plan
  • Schedule for snow days and school delays
  • Bus stops and routes
  • Evacuation drills
  • Activity and field trips
  • Students receiving modified services
  • Student responsibilities
  • Parent responsibilities

Athletic and Activity Code of Conduct

Download the code of conduct:

The athletic and activity code of conduct outlines:

  • Conditions of participation
  • Prohibited conduct
  • School attendance requirements
  • Conduct on activity-related trips
  • Expectations for parents
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