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School Policies

Ernie Pyle MS Cell-Phone/Wireless Communication Device Policy 

In accordance with APS Student Acceptable Use of Technology, use of wireless communication devices including cell phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, and gaming devices is prohibited during the school day and during school-sponsored activities. The school day begins once students enter the school building or by 8:05 AM and ends at 2:50 PM.

To improve student focus, academic performance, and mental well-being by minimizing classroom distractions, devices must be kept out of sight and powered off. Student use of wireless communication devices/cell phones will result in confiscation of the personal electronic device and possible disciplinary action.

If students need to contact their guardian they may ask for a pass to the office to use the phone. If guardians need to contact a student; they may call the front office to relay a message or connect directly to the student’s classroom. Ernie Pyle Middle School number 505-877-3770.

Collection Procedure

To assure the safety of student devices and prevent disruptions, students who bring these devices to school will need to check in their device upon entering the school. All students will enter through one of two designated entry points, the main entrance and bus loop drop off. A station will be set up at each location with a cart to collect student devices. 

If they bring their device to school, as students enter the campus, they will go to a station where a staff member will assist students in collecting their device into a container that will be delivered to their 6th period teacher at the end of the day. There will be a sign in sheet to document daily when a student turns in their device. In the last 5 minutes of 6th period, teachers will distribute the phones back to the students using a checklist to document phones that have been returned to the student.

Unauthorized Use

Phones and other devices that are visible or not powered off/silenced will be confiscated by a staff member. If a student refuses to give their cell phone to the staff member when asked, the student will receive a disciplinary referral for non-compliance. Any activity that may be in violation of the Albuquerque Public Schools Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention Procedural Directive of Handbook for Student Success will result in additional disciplinary action.  

When a personal electronic device is confiscated, it shall only be released and/or returned to the student’s parent/legal guardian. It is the student’s parent/legal guardian’s responsibility to retrieve the device according to school procedures. The school assumes NO responsibility for the theft or recovery of cell phones.

Consequences for  having a visible or powered on cell phone are as follows: 

  • 1st offense – confiscation and phone returned to a parent/guardian on the day it was confiscated. 
  • 2nd offense – confiscation and phone returned to a parent/guardian after seven days. 
  • 3rd offense – confiscation and phone returned to a parent/guardian at the end of the current semester. 

Dress Code Policy

At Ernie Pyle Middle School, we believe in the right of students and their parent/guardians to make decisions regarding their appearance except when their choices affect the educational program of the school or the health and safety of others.
Albuquerque Public Schools prohibits student dress that may present a health or safety hazard, violate municipal or state law or present a potential disruption to the instructional program.

Prohibited clothing and accessories include, but is not limited to (NOT ALLOWED):

  • obscene or violent language or images
  •  depictions of alcohol or drugs or other illegal item or activity
  •  gang related attire, including bandanas and accessories
  •  racist content, hate speech, profanity or pornography
  •  accessories that could be considered dangerous or used as a weapon
  •  underclothing worn as primary clothing items
  •  sheer or see through clothing
  •  clothing with holes that expose private areas or undergarments
  •  swimwear
  •  clothing without all sides in the garment

Hair color, length, style, including hair coverings or styles related to an individual’s personal, cultural or religious
beliefs cannot be considered for disciplinary action.

Procedures for students who are dressed inappropriately:

  • Offer other clothing when available from our Warrior Wearables Closet
  • Call parents to bring other clothing from home
  • Signature on accountability card after repeated incident

Students and their parents/guardians are:

  • Responsible to be aware of the dress code.
  • Responsible to adhere to the requirements.
  • Responsible to be in standard dress at all times when on campus.

For Clothing Assistance or Questions

  • The Ernie Pyle Family Center offers a limited supply of donated clothing and shoe vouchers for students.
  • Further information is available in the EPMS office.
  • School Spirit Shirts are available for sale in the EPMS office.

The administration reserves the right to interpret and modify the dress policy. All administrative decisions are final.

EPMS Discipline Policy

Level I Violations

Foul/Inappropriate Language, Classroom Disruption/Off-task Behavior, Inappropriate Items, Horseplay/Potential Dangerous Behavior, Inappropriate use of Technology, Defiance/Disrespect, Public Display of Affection, Running in the Building, Dress Code Violation, Minor Vandalism, Lying/Cheating, Nuisance Items, Food/Drink in Class, Non-Participation, Verbal Dispute, Littering, Throwing Objects, Tardy or Late to Class without a pass. 

Possible Interventions/Consequences

 Guardian Contact, Restorative Conversation, Negotiate agreement with student, Reflection Form, Positive Behavior Reinforcement, Mediation, Community Service, Restorative Practices, Accountability Card Signature, 5-minute Lunch Detention. 

Level 2 Violations

Bullying/Cyberbullying, Harassment (verbal), Destruction of Chromebook, Intentional Plagiarism, Inappropriate Physical Contact, Verbal Assault, Threats, Intimidation, Theft, Minor Vandalism, Ditching, Unexcused Tardy, Excessive Inappropriate Display of Affection, Profane/Abusive Language toward any person and made in a rude or offensive manner, Recording or Sharing Audio, Video, or Photographs without consent, Repeated Level I Violations. 

Possible Interventions/Consequences

Parent/Teacher/Student/Administration Conference, Restorative Conversation/Agreement/Action, Positive Reinforcement Behavior Agreement, Referral to Counselor, Restitution, MTSS Referral, Modified Supervision, Community Service, Full Lunch Detention, Suspension from After-School Activities In-School Suspension, Out of School Suspension. 

Level 3 Violations

Arson, Weapon Possession (Includes toys and look-a likes), Trespassing, Gang Activity, Assault/Battery, Fighting, Drugs/Alcohol, Destruction of Property, School Threat/False Alarm, Sexual Misconduct, Harassment of a Protected Class, Repeated Level I/II Violations. 

Possible Interventions/Consequences

Referral to Support Programs, Restitution, Out of School Suspension, Report to Authorities, Behavior Contract, Report to Equal Opportunity Services,  Disciplinary Hearing.

What Happens?

When an incident occurs or is reported, an investigation is conducted including receiving statements from those involved, evidence is collected, previous incidents and interventions are reviewed and families/guardians are contacted. Depending on the violation, students may have their accountability card signed, lose privileges, attend detention, have a mediation or restorative conversation, attend a Drug Awareness Class with parent, be suspended, and possibly attend a disciplinary hearing in alignment with the APS Student Success handbook. The incident is then documented. Staff will follow up with the stakeholders. 

Why does it Matter?

Your behavior has an impact on other students, the classroom environment, the school community, and their families. Students have a right to learn in a safe environment. Everyone has civil rights that protect them from discrimination. 

How can students show accountability?

Students can offer a sincere apology and show respect to the person or situation that was harmed. Students should reflect on their actions and should clean or pay for items that have been damaged. Students can also try to use new strategies to correct the behavior such as mediation, community service, or restorative conversations/agreements. 

Positive Behavior Supports

We like to recognize and celebrate positive behaviors! Ernie Pyle issues Warrior Tickets to students which can be used to purchase items at our Warrior Store. Staff and administration will make positive phone calls home. We have a weekly reward for student attendance and offer rewards for academic accomplishments and growth. Grade level challenges for academics/behavior. End of the year activities.