Vista Grande High School: Answers for StudentsWill I have to work with other students? Can I bring a skateboard, rollerblades or a bike to school? Can I leave school during lunch time? Will I have to pay any fees to go to VGHS? Is there student transportation to and from school? What is the yearly, weekly and daily schedule? What if I need to take medicine at school? Will I have to buy equipment to go to VGHS? What kind of lunch will be provided? Will There be vending machines at VGHS? Where can my concerns, issues and grievances be heard? If I transfer to another
school, How will Vista Grande High School prepare me for life after high school? Will I have to work with other students? Students will be working together in various ways, for example:
Students should wear clothing that is appropriate to the activity in which they are participating and that is not disruptive (including but not limited to revealing or gang related clothing). We expect students to make wise choices in choosing their clothing each day. VGHS sweatshirts and t-shirts will be sold for a reasonable fee. Students are encouraged to wear these to school. Students can bring items to school that they will need during the day and that do not interfere with their class or school activities. Electronic devices such as cell phones, beepers, MP3/CD players are usually not necessary in class or during the regular school day. Instead, they are often distracting in school. These types of devices are not permitted in class or used during the school day by students without explicit permission by VGHS personnel. They may be worn outside when school is in session and also during recreation, outdoor experiences, or recess periods. No hats are to be worn inside by students when school is in session. VGHS is a healthy environment. Smoking is not permitted on the grounds. Can I bring a skateboard, rollerblades or a bike to school? VGHS encourages students to transport themselves to and from school by bike, skateboard or rollerblade. We ask that students handle themselves safely and responsibly both on the way to and from school and on campus. Students may have visitors during school hours that are set up in advance with the main office. Parents are always welcome on our campus, but to avoid misunderstandings, please check in at the main office. Student safety is our priority. Can I leave school during lunch time? VGHS has a closed campus. Once students arrive in the morning they are under the care and supervision of VGHS staff. They may leave the campus at the end of the school day. Will I have to pay any fees to go to VGHS? Vista Grande High School students are involved in many activities beyond the experience of typical high school students—extended outdoor trips, other field experiences, evening activities, and more. Because of these enriching experiences, each year there are a few costs involved for each family: a small fee for comprehensive student insurance; fees for special supplies, subscriptions and activities specific to that year’s curriculum; and food and fuel costs associated with our extended trips. These fees will be slightly different each year and will be specifically detailed prior to the start of the school year. Each year, fees can be paid in advance at the beginning of the year, or spread out in payments. Also, new opportunities come up throughout the year—performances, museums, etc—that may require small additional costs not announced at the beginning of the year. For further information regarding student fees, contact the Director’s office. Is there student transportation to and from school? Taos Municipal Schools will provide daily transporation to VGHS for the proposed 8:00-2:30 pm school day. Students participating in afterschool activities will be responsible for making arrangements for their own transportation. VGHS students in the 9th and 10th grades will not
be permitted to drive themselves to school. We expect that many
11th and 12th grade students will choose to drive themselves to
and from school or to carpool. What is the yearly, weekly and daily schedule? • Vista Grande High School will operate on a semester system with a calendar year similar to other public schools in Taos County in order to accommodate families with siblings in those schools. There will be some differences in the schedule to allow for additional teacher in-service, extended wilderness trips and fieldwork out of the classroom. • Flexible block scheduling supports fieldwork and project-based learning. At VGHS our scheduling policies reflect what is best for learning, rather than what is most efficient or cost-effective. • Out-of-class curricular experiences are regular occurrences in the Vista Grande High School calendar year. Some of these are research and fieldwork that is scheduled during normal school hours, while some are overnight, multi-day educational experiences in wilderness or urban locations. Mountain, canyon and river travel are integral parts of some Learning Expeditions, as well as trips to larger urban centers such as Denver or Albuquerque. What if I need to take medicine at school? Because of liability issues, Vista Grande High School needs written parental/guardian consent in order to administer over-the-counter medication including aspirin, acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin). In the case of trips away from campus and extended wilderness trips, leaders are prepared and trained to administer necessary emergency and non-emergency medication and will do so unless specifically instructed not to do so by parents/guardians in writing. All field trips will include at least two staff trained to the Wilderness First Responder level or the Wilderness First Aid level in first aid. In order to protect all students, we ask that students provide trip leaders and/or teachers with duplicate student medication, in school and out in the field. During on campus school time, teachers will make medication available at prescribed times. However, parents are encouraged to arrange with the physician to give medications either before or after school hours. All medication must be in the original prescription containers only. Will I have to buy equipment to go to VGHS? Any Vista Grande High School student participating in a school activity is fully responsible for equipment, outdoor gear, tools, computers and other school gear entrusted to him or her. If equipment used by a given student is not accounted for in a satisfactory manner--for example, in the case of theft, loss or damage-- participation and clearance to participate in other activities will be withheld until satisfactory resolution is achieved. In addition to short-term use of school items, each student may be entrusted with certain items for the entire school year, such as keyboarding machines, art supplies, and outdoor equipment. These items may be issued to the student at the beginning of the school year, and if so the student as caretaker has both the freedom and responsibility to use and take care of the items as if they were his/her own. Students are free to use the items responsibly, take them home, maintain them, clean them, use them whenever they want, as long as they care for the items. Expected wear and tear due to normal use is expected; abuse, damage, loss or defacement will require the student to replace or repair the item in question. What
kind of lunch will be provided? Students will be able to receive a free or reduced lunch
at Vista Grande High School. Arrangements are being made with the Taos Municipal Schools
to provide a nutritious meal each day. The New Mexico Student Nutrition Program Unit is providing services to support the local school districts in designing food services that incorporate, healthy wholesome food. Healthy food will include the option for vegetarian meals, and a substantial reduction in fats, sugars, salt, and white flour products. It also will make fresh fruit and salad available daily on open bars from which students may select what they like. Two main entrees will be offered daily at the high school level. High school students may have seconds if they are still hungry. According to current public law students will not be given access to vending machines which may sell soda or snacks. This includes any agreement for services that may be made between Vista Grande and an independent contractor. Students may bring their own snacks or food to school but it is recommended that the food be such as nuts, cheese, granola bars, sandwiches, fruit, etc. that are easily transported and consumed. For further information visit the New Mexico Public Education Department website: http://www.ped.state.nm.us/div/sipds/snp/lunch.html Will There be vending machines at VGHS? VGHS will not have vending machines serving food constituting junk food. This is prohibited by state law. Vista Grande will be located within proximity of the Taos Municipal School District facilities core which includes The school district administrative office, Taos High School, Taos Middle School, as well as being near the Taos Youth and Family Center. Where can my concerns, issues and grievances be heard? For concerns regarding a students well being the best place to start would be with the student’s crew advisor or school counselor. For specific academic concerns please talk to the student’s
individual teachers. If you feel a formal process is needed please speak to the School Director or to the Board President. If I transfer to another school, will I still be at the same level as other students in my grade? Yes, students will be at the same grade level as students at other schools. As a public charter school, Vista Grande High School will be an accredited high school that follows all New Mexico rules and regulations. Vista Grande High School’s curriculum is aligned with the New Mexico Content Standards and Benchmarks and performance standards so you will be learning what other students are learning at other schools, but in a different way. How will Vista Grande High School prepare me for life after high school?
• Creates a Digital Portfolio showcasing his/her best academic work. This portfolio will demonstrate skills the student possesses and will be an invaluable tool when applying to colleges, jobs, and other post-secondary endeavors. The portfolio will contain a resume, work history, letters of recommendation, and samples of each student’s best work. • Applies to college or other post-secondary institution. Although it will not be a requirement to attend, research shows that students who apply are more likely to pursue post-secondary education including four-year universities, trade schools, and other formal career training. • Meets all VGHS Expectations of Student Proficiency that directly relate to state standards and benchmarks and will be showcased in their Digital Portfolio. These skills will transfer directly to real world applications and prepare students to be valuable contributors to society. • Engages in service learning projects through Crew. Many colleges, universities, and employers look for student involvement in the community. • Follows the Precepts that Guide our Community. We believe that there is more to student success and to life success than merely academics. • Passes the New Mexico High School Competency Exam, takes the SAT and/or ACT exams, and graduates with a high school diploma. • Chooses a Leadership Strand for his/her junior year with a focus in Wilderness, Language, or Technology. As a process of career exploration, students will participate in an Internship and act as an apprentice to an expert in the field of their choice. • Develops an independent Senior Project as a cross-curricular illustration of student knowledge and skills. This process of planning and carrying out a complex project demonstrates a student’s ability to be a self-directed learner. For more information, contact
Vista Grande High School Taos Charter High School: Vista Grande Charter High School in Taos, New Mexico |
Copyright © 2007, Vista Grande High School. All Rights Reserved.
Vista Grande High School
111 Paseo del Cañon West
Taos, NM 87571
TaosWebGuru