New Mexico School for the Deaf

The Student-Family Handbook & Code of Conduct is provided to parents, students, and staff of the New Mexico School for the Deaf in an effort to provide basic information about the rights and responsibilities of the various constituencies. The handbook is not intended to be an all-inclusive source of information but rather serves as a resource available.

Objective

To provide a comprehensive framework within which the New Mexico School for the Deaf can carry out its educational mission and exercise its authority and responsibility to provide a safe environment for student learning, and, further, to provide students and parents with an understanding of the basic rights and requirements necessary to effectively function in the educational community [NMAC 6.11.2].

School Discipline Philosophy

Staff members at NMSD are committed to a thoughtful discipline philosophy that supports all students in becoming effective citizens, both at school in their communities. In a democratic society, the teaching of appropriate citizenship skills needs to involve all members of that community. NMSD provides a social context in which students are supported while being taught how to accept responsibility for their own behavior. In line with these commitments, NMSD uses the basic tenets of the “Positive Discipline” philosophy to guide the school’s actions regarding student discipline. NMSD’s discipline philosophy and policies provide a framework that guides students in developing internal motivation to make appropriate choices. NMSD works to develop students’ abilities to establish goals, make decisions, solve problems, communicate needs, and control their own lives. Furthermore, in accordance with state law, NMSD has adopted an anti-bullying curriculum entitled “Steps to Respect” and started implementation during the fall of 2012. 

NMSD also provides services to very young children, and while the principles of Positive Discipline are appropriate for use with young children, more specific guidelines are provided by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NMSD incorporates these guidelines when supporting students’ behavioral development.