Academy Endeavour Elementary School Home of the Astronauts
2021-2022 Family Handbook
3475 Hampton Park Drive Colorado Springs CO 80920 719-234-5600 Fax: 719-234-5699 https://academyendeavour.asd20.org/ Follow us on Facebook @academyendeavourelementary Or Instagram @academy_endeavour_elementary
Shelah Hansen, Principal Carrie Mitchell, Asst. Principal
Attendance Line: 234-5609 Office Hours: 7:40 a.m. – 3:40 p.m. School Hours: 8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Warning!
We want all parents to be aware that there are children in our school with severe life- threatening food allergies to peanuts and other tree nuts. This is a medical condition called anaphylaxis that causes a severe reaction to specific foods and can result in death within minutes. We are requesting that families abide by the following when choosing snacks that will be consumed outside of the school cafeteria (i.e., at recess or in the classroom)--ALL SNACKS NEED TO BE FREE FROM PEANUTS OR NUT PRODUCTS. Please read the labels!
All food brought into the classrooms for school parties must contain a store-bought label so they can easily be verified for student safety. Dangerous foods that are NOT to be brought into a classroom for student snack or parties, including for birthday treats, are: • Tree nuts such as cashews, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, almonds, etc., and food products that contain these ingredients, or MAY contain these ingredients as listed on the labels. • Peanuts and products that contain or MAY contain peanuts such as granola bars with nuts, crackers with peanut butter filling, cookies with nuts or peanut butter filling.
Safe Foods: Please read the ingredients as the label will usually indicate if the product contains (or may contain) nuts or nut products. Some typically safe items include: • Cheese, vegetables, fruit, chips, pretzels, popsicles, yogurt, Lunchables, and crackers, popcorn, graham crackers, Cheeze-Its, Goldfish, Oreos, Nutri-Grain bars and other granola bars without nuts, fruit snacks (fruit roll-ups, etc.) • Other common store bought items can be found at https://snacksafely.com/ by clicking on the “Safe Snack Guide” and Walmart has recently stocked snack items that are labeled as “nut free”
PLEASE NOTE: Your child may bring peanut and other tree nut containing foods to be eaten at lunch in our cafeteria. Our school provides a controlled environment with a "peanut free table" in the cafeteria at lunchtime to prevent accidental exposure.
If you have questions or concerns please contact the school at 719-234-5600
Thank you for your attention & compliance as we prioritize student safey!
TABLE OF CONTENTS Staff List with Voicemail Numbers
Letter from Administration ...... 1 Transfers/Withdrawals ...... 17 Mascot/Mission Statement/Core Transportation ...... 17 Principles ...... 2 Visitors ...... 17 District Calendar ...... 3 Volunteering ...... 17 AEES Calendar ...... 4 DISCIPLINE POLICY ...... 18 BOARD OF EDUCATION ...... 5 Positive Recognition and Motivation D20 Mission Statement ...... 5 for Students ...... 18 6 LEADERSHIP TEAM ...... REACH EXPECTATIONS ...... 18 Effective Parent & Staff Communication Arriving at School ...... 18 and AEES Social Media Norms ...... 6 Assembly ...... 19 School Map ...... 7 Bathroom ...... 19 EMERGENCY CLOSURE PROCEDURES ... 8 Bus ...... 19 Radio/TV Stations ...... 8 Cafeteria ...... 20 Dismissal from School ...... 20 GENERAL INFORMATION ...... 9 Garden ...... 20 AEES Student Recognition & Hallway ...... 21 Specials Class Recognition ...... 9 Office ...... 21 Assemblies & Evening Program Playground ...... 22 Etiquette ...... 9 Reaching for the Stars at Home ...... 23 Astro Club ...... 9 RULER ...... 24 Attendance ...... 9 Early Releases ...... 9 BULLYING PREVENTION Prearranged Absences ...... 9 PROGRAM ...... 25 Tardies & Late Pick Ups ...... 9 Regular School Attendance ...... 10 ACADEMY SCHOOL DISTRICT 20 Excused Absences ...... 11 STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND Truancy – Unexcused Absences ..... 11 RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 26 Truancy – Letter ...... 12 Before and After School Care ...... 13 COMMUNICATION ...... 27 Bicycles/Skateboards/Rollerblades/ Communication with Teachers ...... 27 Scooters ...... 13 Parent/Teacher Conferences ...... 27 Birthday Party Invitations ...... 13 HOMEWORK POLICY ...... 28 Birthday Treats ...... 13 Absences ...... 28 Breakfast ...... 13 Pre-arranged Absences ...... 28 Building Entry ...... 13 Student Absenteeism ...... 28 Cell Phones ...... 14 Truancy ...... 28 Chapped Lips ...... 14 Weekend Policy ...... 29 Classroom Fees ...... 14 Classroom Parties ...... 14 ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL ...... 29 Cough Drops ...... 14 Traffic Flow Reminders…………………..29 Deliveries for Students ...... 14 Arrival Procedures ...... 30 Drinks in the Classroom ...... 14 Set Up ...... 30 Electronic Devices ...... 14 Process ...... 30 Extra-Curricular Activities ...... 14 Rules and Regulations ...... 31 Fidget Spinners ...... 14 Field Trips ...... 14 INDOOR/OUTDOOR RECESS ...... 31 Fire and Emergency Drills ...... 14 After School & Before School ...... 32 Emergency School Site Plan ...... 15 During Grade Level Recess Times ...... 32 Forbidden Items ...... 16 During Lunch Recess ...... 32 Lost and Found ...... 16 Playground Rules ...... 33 Lotion ...... 16 REACH on the Playground ...... 33 Microwaves ...... 16 Personal Property ...... 16 LUNCH PROGRAM ...... 34 Pets ...... 16 Schedules ...... 16 School Hours ...... 16 School Photos ...... 16 Student Dress Code ...... 16 Student Fee Schedule ...... 17 TABLE OF CONTENTS Prices ...... 34 Free/Reduced Program ...... 34 Breakfast Program ...... 35 REACH in the Cafeteria ...... 35
TESTING INFORMATION ...... 35 CogAT ...... 35 CMAS ...... 36 Testing Dates ...... 36
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS ...... 37 Differentiation ...... 37 Into Reading ...... 37 Dyslexia ...... 37 Reading Intervention...... 37 Writing Alive ...... 38 Math ...... 38 Specials Programs ...... 39 Art ...... 39 Music ...... 39 Physical Education ...... 40 Spanish ...... 40 Library & Technology ...... 41 Special Education ...... 41
Talented and Gifted Program ...... 42
MEDICAL INFORMATION ...... 43 Immunizations ...... 43 Medical Concerns ...... 43 Medications ...... 43 Asthma ...... 43 First Aid/Illness at School ...... 43 Communicable Diseases ...... 43 Lotion ...... 43 Medication Form...... 44 D20 Guidelines for Life Threatening Allergies & Food Intolerances ...... 45 Family Responsibilities ...... 45
COUNSELING SERVICES ...... 46 Confidentiality ...... 46 Overview ...... 46 Right to Refuse Counseling ...... 46 PARENT GROUPS ...... 47 PTA ...... 47 School Accountability Committee ...... 47 The 2021-2022 Academy Endeavour Elementary Staff Specials Teachers Office Staff Lauren Brewer, Spanish (Lead) 234-6745 Shelah Hansen, Principal 234-5610 Lora Funk, Art 234-5600 Carrie Mitchell, Asst. Principal 234-5620 Jon Hutchison, Music 234-6927 Shannon Alvarez, Principal’s Secretary 234-5612 Tim Brubaker, P.E. 234-7040 Kathy Foley, Receptionist 234-5601
Jamie Anderson, Clerk 234-5605 Special Education Staff David Stevens, Bookkeeper 234-5680 Amelia Alissa, Behavior Para 234-5600
Kimberly Marchese-Kieffer, Counselor 234-5626 Julie O’Conner, Resource Teacher 234-8419
Tatiana Thompson, SPED Para 234-5600 Kindergarten Carol Eads, AN Para 234-5600 Jolene Lofy (Lead) 234-7244 Monica Figueroa, SPED Para 234-5600 Michele Emdin 234-5600 April Morse, AN Teacher 234-5600 Cathryn Barker, Kinder Para 234-8419 Lena Felder, Speech Teacher 234-5600 Adrianne Reynolds, TAG Teacher 234-8563 Becky Buchannan, Resource 234-5600 First Grade Teacher, (Lead) Kalene Theis 234-6427 April Vassar, SPED Para 234-8638 Marcie Waldrip (Lead) 234-7212 TBH, AN Para 234-5600 Denise Yowell 234-7019 TBH, AN Para 234-5600
Second Grade Building Itinerants Debbie Lagergren 234-7031 Trisha Wittenmyer, Nurse 234-8484 Sara Park (Lead) 234-8544 Abby Maxon, Social Worker 234-5600 Ann Clauda 234-8168
Third Grade Building – 234-5600 Kim Dahnke, Building Manager 234-5690 Melodie Bell (Lead) 234-6754 Amy Maestas 234-6874 Brad Gasco, Lunch Clerk 234-5600 Rosa Linse, LR/ Playground Monitor 234-5600 David Stevens, LR/ Playground Monitor 234-5600
Fourth Grade Eric Lagergren, LR/Playground 234-5600 Megan Larsen 234-7038 Karina Poe, LR/Playground 234-5600 Amanda Poss 234-8149
Deborah Smith (Lead) 234-6797
Fifth Grade Diana Trainor 234-5645 Rachel Thompson (Lead) 234-6356 Scott Vehlewald 234-6875
Academic Support ATTENDANCE LINE: 234-5609 Barbara Bratton 234-6316 Molly Lehman (Lead) 234-8453 The attendance line is available 24 hours/day Digital Support Jeff Porter, DTT 234-5600 Jordan Fargo, DLC / Librarian 234-5640 AcAdemy eNdeAVOUR elemeNtARy SchOOl Shelah Hansen, 3475 Hampton Park Drive Carrie Mitchell, Principal Colorado Springs, CO 80920 Asst. Principal (719)234-5610 (719)234-5600 Fax(719)234-5699 (719)234-5620
August 2021
Dear Parents,
Welcome to the start of a new school year at Academy Endeavour Elementary. We are so excited about beginning a new year with our students and families. You play a vital role in your child’s education and in the success of our school. Mrs. Mitchell and I look forward to partnering with you as we kick off an incredible school year!
This Family Handbook will provide you with updated staff contact information, important dates, and information on school policies and procedures. We you hope this handbook provides you with the information that you need, however, please contact the school if you have additional questions.
Your support of Academy Endeavour, and this community, is what makes this an amazing place- so THANK YOU! Together, this will be a great year!
Sincerely,
Shelah Hansen Principal
Carrie Mitchell Assistant Principal
MASCOT/MISSION STATEMENT/CORE PRINCIPLES/RULES
School Colors: Navy Blue and Silver School Mascot: Astronaut
Mission Statement:
Academy Endeavour Elementary School, a welcoming and nurturing community, is on a continuing mission to empower the whole child, in a safe environment, through engagement in future-ready academics that showcase individuality, complimented by enriching humanities and meaningful character development that launch each learner on a journey of infinite possibilities. #toinfinityandbeyond!
Objectives: I. All students will meet or exceed mastery of grade level standards as measured by a body of evidence that indicates individual growth and academic achievement. II. All students will consistently demonstrate positive character traits to become contributing members of their community. Tactics: 1. We will utilize student data to drive instruction. 2. We will align curriculum horizontally and vertically in all core content areas. 3. We will engage all students in character building and learning experiences that are challenging, innovative and dynamic.
Core Principles Academy Endeavour Elementary School is a special place. It is a community of students, parents, and teachers, all with one mission: to help children learn and grow. Everyone who is part of that community needs to conduct himself or herself in accordance with District Twenty’s ten core principles:
• Respect (August) – Respect individual differences, be tolerant, fair, considerate, courteous and polite. Do not mistreat others • Citizenship (September) – Be selfless, a team player, charitable, and serve your community (family, country, school and peers) • Integrity (October) – Stand up for your beliefs about right and wrong, resist social pressures to do wrong, be honorable • Compassion (November) – Be empathetic, patient, caring, kind and thoughtful • Hope (December) – Believe in yourself, be optimistic, resilient, and do not be discouraged, promote your own learning from situations • Courage (January) – Make positive choices, do not be swayed by negative peer pressure, confront destructive behavior • Perseverance (February) – Be steadfast, display self-discipline, commit to keep going in difficult circumstances, be determined to learn from hard situations or failures. • Excellence (March) – Do your personal best in academics, co-curricular endeavors, personal relationships, in personal behavior, and make good ethical choices • Responsibility (April) – Be accountable to self and others, be reliable, follow through on commitments, be supportive of each other, get involved, be forthright in relationships • Honesty (May) – Tell the truth, be sincere, do not deceive, mislead or be tricky, do not withhold important information, do not cheat, be trustworthy and straightforward
Beginning in August, a core principle will be emphasized each month. Every class will have discussions and activities which model the particular core principle of the month.
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4 BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular meetings of the Board of Education are held on the first and third Thursday of each month beginning at 6:00 p.m. (Please see the district website, www.asd20.org, for any exceptions.) Meetings are held at the Administration Building at 1110 Chapel Hills Drive. All meetings of the Board of Education are open to the public.
District 20 Board of Education members include:
Tom Greggory Superintendent
Karin Reynolds President
Doug Lundberg Vice President Welcome Thomas LaValley to Treasurer District 20! Will Temby Director
Heather Cloninger Director
Col. Troy Harting USAFA Liaison
District Twenty Mission Statement
The mission of Academy School District 20 is to educate every student in a safe and nurturing environment and to provide comprehensive, challenging curricular and extracurricular opportunities that meet the unique needs of every individual by expanding interests, enhancing abilities, and equipping every student with the knowledge, skills, and character essential to being a responsible citizen of our community, our nation, and the world.
We believe:
• An educated citizenry is the cornerstone of a democratic republic. • Every individual has innate worth and is entitled to be treated with respect. • Learning is a lifelong endeavor. • Every individual can learn and does so in a variety of ways. • The education of each student is a responsibility shared by students, families, schools, and communities. • Parents have both the right and the responsibility to choose the school, curriculum, and program(s) that best meet the needs of their student(s). • The development of virtuous character is equal in importance to academic growth and critical to developing responsible citizens of our community, our nation, and the world. • Whether in the classroom or at home, students achieve best in a nurturing environment where physical, intellectual, and emotional health is emphasized and safety is assured. • Students must be held to the highest standards of academic achievement while recognizing the true success of our academic program is measured by the success of each student relative to his or her unique potential and individual progress. • Every graduate must be fully prepared for the post-graduation path of his or her choice. • Every student, staff member, and volunteer is responsible for the effective and efficient use of supplies, facilities and financial resources.
5 THE LEADERSHIP TEAM
One of the unique features of our school is the use of a Leadership Team. This team has the responsibility of managing the implementation of the school’s design within the school. This structure gives parents the opportunity to share concerns and issues first with the child’s classroom teacher. The next link in the communication chain would be to sit with the classroom teacher and the lead teacher for that grade level. Finally, the Leadership Team, the Assistant Principal, and the Principal are available to address those issues that have not been resolved through this process.
Effective Parent/Staff Communication 1. If you have an issue or concern with a staff member, please go to that person 2. If this meeting is not productive, then please contact administration to support
At AEES, the Leadership Team consists of: the Special Education teacher; the six grade level Lead teachers, Specials Lead teacher, Academic Support Lead teacher who serve as a communication link with the parents, the Assistant Principal, and the Principal.
POLICY KE: COMMUNICATION POLICY FOR PATRONS AND PARENTS – It is the intent of the district to have open communications between the Board of Education and its employees and members of the community. To this end, any community member has the right to submit a suggestion or complaint in reference to any staff member, policy, regulation, program, or procedure of the district. In order to move in an orderly but expeditious manner, communication should begin at the lowest level (the person directly involved) and move to subsequent levels of supervision when resolution does not occur. If the matter cannot be resolved informally with the individual in question or the issue is too sensitive, then the subject of the matter should be put in writing and submitted to the individual’s supervisor. The matter will be addressed within 15 days. The supervisor will review the matter and render a finding. If still dissatisfied, the complainant may appeal to the next supervisory person and similar timelines will apply. This process will be followed until all administrative levels have been exhausted. In that event, a final appeal may be filed with the Board of Education.
Social Media Guidelines & Norms The Facebook and Instagram pages managed by our school serves the Academy Endeavour Elementary Community with the intent to engage in positive interaction and keep our families and the public connected to all that is taking place at AEES. This is not a forum for individual concerns or complaints. Those should be directed to the school. Comments which directly address individual concerns or issues will be deleted, and the school will follow up with a phone call to address these concerns.
If you do not feel a resolution has been reached with any issue at AEES, please contact Shelah Hansen for next step towards reaching a resolution. 234-5600 [email protected]
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AEES School Map
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EMERGENCY CLOSURE PROCEDURE
If the decision is made by the superintendent or his designee to cancel school due to hazardous weather or other emergency which threatens the safety, health, or welfare of students or staff members, local radio and television stations will be asked to announce that the District is closed. The decision to close the District will be broadcast by 6:00 a.m. Occasionally, rather than cancel school, the District determines that we will have a two-hour delayed start. In this case, local media will announce the delayed start. There is no breakfast served on these delayed start days.
The two primary factors in considering school closures are: 1) amount of snow where drifting makes conditions unsafe for buses; and 2) whether the wind chill is too cold for students to either wait for a bus or walk to school.
On those days when school is in session and hazardous weather develops during the day, the decision may be made to release students early. The District will make this decision by 10:30 a.m. On those days when AEES has an early release, NO LUNCH WILL BE SERVED.
On days that school is canceled or released early, all after-school and evening activities are also canceled. Parents are asked to complete an early release instruction sheet for each of their children. These are kept by the homeroom teacher so that we will know your instructions for your children.
Be sure to have made arrangements ahead of time so that your child will have a place to go in the event of a delayed start, school cancellation, or early release.
The following is a list of local TV and radio stations that will be notified of school closures, delays, and early releases. Any changes will also be posted on the District 20 website at www.asd20.org under the “Weather Alert” button.
AM Radio Stations FM Radio Stations
KTWK 740 KCME 88.7 KOAA 850 (Denver) KTLF 90.5 KCBR 1040 KWBI 91.1 KRDO 1240 KRCC 91.5 KVOR 740 KSPZ 92.9 KCMN 1530 KILO 94.3 KWYD 1580 KRDO 95.1 KPRZ 96.1 KCCY 96.9 KKFM 98.1 & 98.9 KVUU 99.9 TV Stations KGFT 100.7 KOAA - NBC Channel 5 KCS 102 KKTV - CBS Channel 11 KBIQ 102.7 KRDO - ABC Channel 13 KSKX 105.5 KKLI 106.3
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GENERAL INFORMATION AEES Student Recognition and Specials Class Recognition Any individual recognition in the core subject areas will be given immediately in the classroom with students getting an extra REACH Star punch. Teachers and staff may also choose to have “Student of the Week”, make special phone calls home, send notes home to families, write notes in planners, send student to the office for administrator recognition, etc. Please ask your teacher about any special recognition they do for excellence.
Assemblies and Evening Program Etiquette In order for everyone to enjoy themselves at award assemblies and evening functions in our building, we ask that you keep your family seated with you throughout the program and turn your cell phones off. The programs are for your family’s enjoyment and we request that you stay for the entire program. Astro Club The purpose of ASTRO Club is to provide A Student/Teacher Reteaching Opportunity. ASTRO Club offers an additional opportunity for extra instruction, which helps students who are struggling with “must know" skills. Astro Club is intended to be a positive intervention, not a place to complete homework.
Attendance Success in school depends on regular attendance. Colorado’s Compulsory School Attendance Law, C.R.S.§22-33-104 (1)(a) requires that parents ensure that their children attend class on the days school is in session. Of course, children should not attend if they are ill. If your child will be absent or tardy past 9:15 a.m., it is your responsibility to call the school attendance line at 234-5609 by 9:15 a.m. and leave us the following information:
• Student’s name • Student’s grade • Homeroom teacher, and • Reason for absence
We will verify unexcused absences daily by telephone. The Infinite Campus Automated Dialer will also call in the evening for unverified absences. Daily and quarterly records monitor attendance, and absences and tardies are reported on student report cards.
Early Release: If is necessary for you to remove your child from the building during school hours, you must come to the office, sign your child out, and we will call him/her to the office. This helps to ensure the safety of all students.
Prearranged Absences: If you know ahead of time that your child will be out of school, please be sure to pick up a Prearranged Absence Notification form from the front office. Alternatively, you may call the front office and request a form to be sent home with your child. The form should be returned to the office for recording. A copy will be given to your child’s homeroom teacher so that homework may be assigned. A two-day notice is requested for the teacher.
Tardies: Students are expected to arrive at school by 8:15 a.m. When students are late, they often miss out on the class morning routine. Students arriving after 8:15 a.m., but before 8:20 a.m., are marked tardy in the classroom by the classroom teacher. Students arriving after 8:20 a.m. must check in at the front office and get a tardy pass.
Late Pick-Up: After 3:25, you must come into the office and sign your child out. Please be aware that there are many times that staff meetings are scheduled to begin at 3:35 p.m. While we are willing to work with parents in emergency situations, chronic lateness will necessitate a meeting with parents and administrators to create a plan to remedy the situation.
Truancy Information is included in the next three pages.
9 REACHING FOR THE STARS! The Importance of Regular School Attendance
1. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to be successful throughout their school career.
2. Regular school attendance is a precursor to developing good work habits as adults in a future job field. The habit of going to school is like learning to go to work… it is the child’s job.
3. Students who attend school regularly learn more and are more successful than students who do not.
4. The teaching-learning process is one that builds upon itself. Teachers prepare lessons based upon concepts and teachings that have been previously taught. Students who miss school miss out on carefully planned sequences of instruction.
5. Learning to read is one of the most important skills that students need in order to do well in other subjects.
6. Students who are frequently absent fall behind in academics.
7. Students who are absent not only miss out on academic content, but opportunities for learning and practicing socialization with their peers.
8. Extended vacations, long weekends and frequent doctor appointments scheduled during school hours will cause your child to fall behind in class.
9. Children should be at school every day unless an illness or emergency prevents them from doing so.
10. If you would like support in helping to improve your child’s attendance, please contact Mrs. Mitchell @ 234- 5600 or [email protected]
Parents in Action for School Achievement. (2003). The Importance of Regular School Attendance. Retrieved from http://www.oscodaschools.org/THE%20IMPORTANCE%20OF%20REGULAR%20SCHOOL%20ATTENDANCE.pdf .The Importance of Attendance Learning is Cumulative. Retrieved March 15, 2010 from http://www.polson.k12.mt.us/district23/greetings/LearnAbout/Learning_is_Cumulative.pdf
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School Hours 8:15 – 3:15
REPORTING AN ABSENCE Absences and Tardies If your child is not going to be at school, please call the office at 234-5600 and report the absence before 8:00 AM. If you would like to pick up missed schoolwork, please call the office that day by 8:45 AM. In accordance with Colorado state law, it is the obligation of every parent to ensure that every child under his/her care and supervision who has attained the age of seven years, and is a registered student in Academy District 20, receives adequate education and attends school. Regular student attendance is expected of all students. Students should only be absent from school in case of illness, unusual family difficulties, or emergencies. If a student is absent and no call has been received from a parent or guardian, an office staff member or the district’s automated system will contact the parent. Punctuality is one of several self-disciplines the school encourages in its students. For record keeping purposes, students who arrive after 8:15 will be marked tardy by the teacher in the classroom; after 8:20 students will be marked tardy in the office and will bring a pass to the classroom. Students arriving after 8:20 AM without a doctor’s note or parent present to sign them in are considered tardy-unexcused. Parents of students with repeated tardiness or absences will be notified and a conference will be held. Repeat offenders will be placed on an attendance contract and may be reported to truancy court.
Early Pick-Up From School We discourage students being picked up during school hours, except for illness or emergencies. If a student must be picked up, the parent must sign the child out through the office. Students will only be released to parents from the office. You will be asked to show your identification. Anyone other than a parent/legal guardian picking up a student must be listed as an emergency contact in Infinite Campus.
ATTENDANCE/TRUANCY "Habitual truant" shall be defined as a student who has reached age six by August 1 and is under age seventeen and who has four total days of unexcused absences from school in any one month or ten total days of unexcused absences during any school year. Absences due to suspension or expulsion shall not be counted in the total of unexcused absences for purposes of defining a student as "habitually truant." In order to reduce truancy, parents/guardians of all students shall be notified in writing at the beginning of each school year of their obligation to ensure that all children of compulsory attendance age attend school. The school shall establish a system of monitoring individual unexcused absences. When a student fails to report on a regularly scheduled school day and school personnel have received no indication that the parent/guardian is aware of the absence, school personnel or volunteers under the direction of school personnel shall make a reasonable effort to notify the parent/guardian by telephone. A plan shall be developed for a student who is at risk of being declared habitually truant with the goal of assisting the child to remain in school. When practicable, the student's parent, guardian or legal custodian shall participate with district staff during the development of the plan. Appropriate school staff shall make reasonable efforts to meet with the parent or guardian to review and evaluate the reasons for the student's truancy. In accordance with law, the district may impose appropriate penalties that relate directly to classes missed while truant. CHRONIC ABSENTEISM When a student has an excessive number of absences, these absences negatively impact the student's academic success. For this reason, a student who is absent 10% of a quarter, whether the absences are excused or unexcused, may be identified as "chronically absent" by the principal or designee. Absences due to suspension or expulsion shall not be counted in the total number of absences considered for purposes of identifying a student as "chronically absent." If a student is identified as "chronically absent," the principal or designee shall develop a plan to improve the student's attendance. The plan shall include best practices and research-based strategies to address the reasons for the student's chronic absenteeism, including but not limited to a conference with parent/guardian, and development of an attendance plan. When practicable, the student's parent/guardian shall participate in the development of the plan. Nothing herein shall require the principal or designee to identify a student as "chronically absent" prior to declaring the student as a "habitual truant" and pursuing court proceedings against the student and his or her parents/guardians to compel the student's attendance in accordance with state law.
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Truancy Letter
12 Before- and After-School Child Care (Imagination In Education)
Before- and after-school care is provided by Junior Academy Imagination in Education (IIE) in the AEES cafeteria. The on-site care is available from 6:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. and from 3:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is also open on those scheduled days when AEES students do not have school. Junior Academy (IIE) is open on snow days at their main campus at 4750 El Camino Drive (off of N. Academy and Flintridge) and on two-hour delayed start days, they will bus the students from their El Camino site.
IIE Parents – Please park in the school parking lot or on the street when dropping off or picking up your child. DO NOT park in the fire lane for drop off or pick up. Thank you for your cooperation!
Junior Academy Imagination in Education Before and After School Program
Philosophy and Goals
At Junior Academy we believe in the development of the total child. We believe in striking a balance by creating intentional and planned projects that offer the attractive qualities of play. We believe that each child should be provided with activity choices that reflect their interests and needs, cultural backgrounds, developmental levels and personalities. We believe a safe, healthy environment is essential in accomplishing these goals.
We believe that staff members should be able to build warm relationships with the children in order to help them learn to make good choices, solve problems and build cooperative relationships with each other. In order to achieve our goal, we feel that an open line of communication with children, parents, program staff, the principal and school staff is essential to meeting the needs of the individual child.
Our program will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. We have competitive and flexible rate plans to address the needs of all Academy Endeavour families. Please call 598-2095 with any questions or to request enrollment packets.
Bicycles/Skateboards/Rollerblades/Scooters Bicycles may be ridden to school by students and should be parked in the racks provided. Students should walk (not ride) through the crosswalk and while on school grounds. Each student is responsible for locking his/her bike. Parents should be sure to discuss proper bicycle and traffic safety procedures and helmets are strongly encouraged. Skateboards and rollerblades may not be used on school grounds or in the crosswalks. Scooters may be ridden to school by students. They are to be locked up on the bike rack. Scooters are not permitted in the school building.
Birthday Party Invitations Invitations will not be sent home in Monday Folders, passed out in the classroom or distributed by teachers unless there is an invitation for all students in a class (or for all boys or all girls). It is best to distribute any invitations outside of the school setting (before or after school)
Birthday Treats Birthday food treats are not allowed. Do not send flowers, balloons, etc., to your students at school. Any deliveries of such will be held in the office for the student to pick up after school. You may send birthday goodie bags with non-food items to be distributed at school-please ensure there are enough for each class member.
Breakfast Breakfast is served from 8:00-8:15 am. Students arriving late will be provided a breakfast and sent to class to eat.
Building Entry An ID is required for any person who wishes to enter the building.
13 Cell Phones Cell phones are not to be left on or used during school hours. They are to be kept in the student’s backpack.
Chapped Lips The health room and main office will no longer be providing Vaseline on Q-tips for students. Students are allowed to have chapstick or lip balm in their backpacks or pockets for their personal use.
Classroom Fees – See Student Fee Schedule.
Classroom Parties Based upon input from our families, there are three parties planned for the school year. These include: • Harvest/Fall party: To be held Friday, October 29th. (Students can wear costumes to school unless otherwise notified by the classroom teacher. No masks, nothing gory, scary, or threatening, and no facsimiles or toy versions of weapons are permitted.) • Winter party: Friday, December 17th. • Valentine’s Day party: Monday, February 14th
*All parties will be a maximum of 45 minutes and alternate activities will be arranged for students who choose not to participate. Parents should notify the classroom teacher in advance if alternate activities will be needed.
Clubs – See Student Fee Schedule.
Cough Drops Cough Drops are not allowed in the building without a doctor’s prescription. One exception would be the district-approved Halls Fruit Breezers. Fruit Breezers must be given to your child’s teacher to disperse and hold in the classroom. A student is not allowed to carry the Fruit Breezers in his or her backpack throughout the day.
Deliveries for Students During School Do not deliver items such as balloons, flowers, etc. All deliveries for students will be held at the office to be picked up by a parent at the end of the day.
Drinks in the Classroom Only water is to be brought to school for consumption in the classroom.
Electronic Devices Electronic devices may be brought (with teacher approval). The school is not liable for any lost, damaged, or stolen personal items brought from home.
Extra-Curricular Activities Many before- and after-school enrichment classes are offered. Activities are announced as they become available. Many have limited space. Students who have their registration in on time will be put into a lottery to determine membership.
Fidget Spinners Fidget spinners are not allowed at school.
Field Trips Parent/guardian permission slips are required for all field trips. If your child’s class is planning a field trip, you will be sent information including date, time, any special requirements, and any necessary fees for admission or transportation. Any parent volunteer for a field trip must have a background check done. Any non-parent volunteer going on a field trip must have a more extensive background and fingerprint performed. Brenda Keefauver has this information in the office.
Fire and Emergency Drills Fire and other emergency drills are done monthly so that students will be prepared for what to do in an emergency. Emergency routes are posted in every room in the building, and classroom teachers will review the emergency route and designated safety area for their class with the students. Whenever a class leaves the building for an emergency, the students will stay with their teacher until they hear the signal that means “all clear” so that they may return to class. Please encourage your children to follow the teacher’s instructions quickly and quietly during an emergency drill. Quiet, orderly behavior is expected during all drills. 14
IN AN EMERGENCY TAKE ACTION
HOLD! In your room or area. Clear the halls.
STUDENTS ADULTS Clear the hallways and remain in room or Close and lock the door area until the "All Clear" is announced Account for studen ts and adults Do business as usual Do business as usual
SECURE!
Get inside. Lock outside doors. STUDENTS ADULTS Return to inside of building Bring everyone indoo rs Do business as usual Lock outside doors Increase situational awareness Account for students and adults Do business as usual LOCKDOWN! Locks, lights, out of sight. STUDENTS ADULTS Move away from sight Recover students from hallway if possible Maintain silence Lock the classroom door Do not open the door Turn out the lights Move away from sight Maintain silence Do not open the door Prepare to evade or defend
EVACUATE! (A location may be specified} tit STUDENTS ADULTS Leave stuff behind if required to Lead students to Evacuation location If possib le, bring your phone Account for students and adults Follow instructions Notify if missing, extra or injuredstudents or adults SHELTER! Hazard and safety strategy. STUDENTS ADULTS Use appropriate safety strategy Lead safety strategy for the hazard Account for students and adults Hazard Safety Strategy Notify if missing, extra or injured students Tornado Evacuate to shelter area or adults Hazmat Seal the room Earthquake Drop, cover and hold Tsunami Get to high ground K12 2021
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Forbidden Items The following Items are not allowed on school grounds: knives, weapons of any kind or facsimiles, cigarettes, drugs, toy guns, water guns, toy weapons, lighters, matches, baseballs (hardballs), portable radios/iPods, and electronic games. These items, and anything else that causes a distraction to learning, will be confiscated. Possession of forbidden items can result in suspension or expulsion. Toys are permitted only with teacher invitation as in “Show & Tell”. Absolutely NO knives, guns, or weapons – or facsimiles – will be permitted.
Intramurals – See Student Fee Schedule.
Lost and Found Lost and found items are kept in the closet near the cafeteria. Smaller items may be kept in the office. Students may inquire about personal missing items before or after school. Unclaimed items will be donated to a charitable organization at the end of each quarter.
Lotion If your child requires the use of hand lotion at school, please inform the teacher that they have permission to apply (brand) lotion. The lotion should be kept in the student’s backpack unless in use, students should be instructed by parents/guardians that they are not to share lotion with other students.
Microwaves Microwaves are not available for student use at lunchtime.
Personal Property We ask that children secure the permission of the teacher before bringing personal items to school. Academy Endeavour is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal property. Problems often arise when items are brought to school that are hazardous or interfere with school procedures. Money and other valuables should only be sent to school when there is a definite need for them.
Pets Dogs are prohibited from district grounds at all times. This is especially important from 7:30 am-4:00 pm when students/families are present for drop off and pick up.
Schedules Students’ schedules vary depending upon the homeroom. For your child’s complete schedule – including lunch, recess, snack time, and specials classes – check with the classroom teacher.
School Hours Staff supervision begins at 8:05 a.m. School begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m. The office is open from 7:40 a.m. – 3:40 p.m.
Please be aware that our doors do not open until 8:05 am and prior to that time there is no supervision. Students should NOT be dropped off or walk to school before this time and should be picked up promptly at the end of school. Students are not allowed to play on the playground before school and after school they must be supervised. Please refer to the Before and After School Care section.
School Photos Each fall, individual student photos will be taken and made available to you for purchase. Each spring, whole-class photos will also be made available for purchase. Kindergarten graduation photos are taken in the spring as well.
School Supplies – See Student Fee Schedule.
Student Dress Code Parents and students have the primary responsibility in appropriate dress. Clothing should be appropriate for the changing Colorado weather with health and safety in mind. Anything that is disruptive to the educational process is unacceptable. The following guidelines have been set up to avoid misunderstandings.
1. No hats, caps, hoodies, or sunglasses may be worn inside. (Exceptions are made if medically necessary.) Hats and caps must be kept in a backpack. 2. No halter tops, midriffs, spaghetti straps or strapless shirts. 3. A t-shirt must be worn under fish net, muscle shirts, or any see-through type of fabric. 4. Shorts, skirts and dresses should be “finger-tip” length or longer when a student’s arm is laying flat by their side 16
5. Clothing that advertises or makes reference to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or any illegal substance may not be worn by students. 6. Clothing with offensive, profane, or sexually suggestive language or anything that might have an offensive double-meaning is unacceptable. 7. No gang-related clothing is allowed.
The school staff will use their discretion in deciding what is appropriate, but the Principal and/or Assistant Principal will have the final authority. Any questionable items will be discussed with the student’s parents. Parents should be prepared to pick up a child or bring a change of clothing if his/her dress is deemed unacceptable. Please help to keep our children safe and comfortable.
Student Fee Schedule – Please click here for the AEES student fee schedules.
Transfers and Withdrawals Please be sure to advise the front office as soon as possible of any impending transfer or withdrawal. Families are asked to complete a check-out form.
All textbooks and library books must be returned and all fees paid at the time of withdrawal or transfer. Any medications in the health room should also be picked up at this time.
School records, medical records, and final report cards are furnished upon request of the new school.
Transportation Transportation is provided by District 20 Transportation Department for those students who reside within the D20 boundaries. Students are expected to follow all bus rules and we request that parents reinforce the need for proper behavior on the bus. Riding the school bus is a privilege and NOT a right. This privilege can and will be revoked if the rules are not followed. School bus stops are district property and the Tobacco Free Schools policy applies at all school bus stops. For information on times and routes, please contact Transportation at 234-1410.
To enhance safety on school buses, video and audio recording devices have been installed and may be in operation at any time.
For bus fee information as well as frequently asked transportation questions, click here.
Visitors Visitors are always welcome at AEES. We encourage parents and interested community members to come in and tour our school. 1. Visitors must always report to the front office when entering the building unless they are attending a school event which is open to the public. A current identification is required for entry. 2. All visitors will be required to wear appropriate identification. Please understand that identifying the adults who enter the school is a primary factor in ensuring the safety of all students. 3. Children who accompany adults must be properly supervised by an adult at all times Volunteering All parent volunteers at AEES must pass a CBI background check and sign a confidentiality form prior to volunteering in any classroom, going on field trips, volunteering to help on Field Days, or other volunteer activities with students. Please see Kathy Foley, Receptionist, or call at 234-5600 for more information.
A major component of our school is strong parent involvement. There are many areas in which parent volunteers are needed. Volunteer opportunities include: School Accountability Committee (SAC), PTA (Parent-Teacher Association), and After-School Enrichment. Parents are also needed in the library and as classroom volunteers.
Each time you visit AEES, we ask that you sign the Visitor Sign-In log in the front office, put on an orange name tag or personalized button, and remember to sign out when you leave. Parents are not able to grade papers, and should not bring younger siblings with them when volunteering.
Whether your commitment is for individual activities, special projects, or regularly-scheduled blocks of time, you are a valuable asset in meeting the educational needs of our children. 17
DISCIPLINE POLICY
We hold the basic assumption that behavior is changed by relationships, not by consequences. Additionally, we further believe that elementary children need to learn from their choices. As adults, our job is to work in partnership for each student’s success. The Academy Endeavour Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) Reach for the Stars program is a school-wide discipline program adopted in 2008-2009. This school-wide positive behavior program provides “a broad range of systemic and individualized strategies for achieving important social and learning outcomes while preventing problem behavior with all students,” as stated by the Colorado PBIS Initiative.
Two times a year, AEES students and staff participate in a formal school-wide training on the PBIS teaching matrix. Every day, however, teachers re-teach and reinforce the PBIS expectations. In 2008, the PBIS team determined that students and staff needed clear rules and expectations for the following settings: Classroom, Assembly, Bathroom, Bus, Cafeteria, Hallways, Office, Playground, and Arrival/Dismissal areas. The team developed a teaching matrix that is used consistently across the school.
Positive Recognition and Motivation for Students
• Students are awarded star punches on their REACH cards for being “caught” Reaching for the Stars. Once a student receives 25 punches, or a full REACH card, they are sent to the office where they are greeted joyfully by the administration. The student(s) will be given a menu of reward choices for the level they have obtained. Many times students share reasons why they received some of their star punches. This is motivating for students in all grade levels. • Teachers and administration continue to provide fun, creative ways to acknowledge positive behaviors at school. Examples include (but not limited to) student phone calls home from a teacher or administrator, special certificates, class cheers, individual recognition and celebrations.
In order to ensure the REACH expectations are taught consistently across all areas of the school, scripts were developed by the PBIS team. These scripts along with the PBIS program and procedures as well as the behavior referral process, reminders, and data are reviewed each year.
Remember . . . . .
• R espect • E ffort • A ttitude • C itizenship • H onesty
REACH Expectations
It is expected that all students will follow REACH Behaviors. Any student causing disruption to the class or acting in a disruptive manner will be disciplined according to the discipline policy. The following are rules for specific areas; however, students are expected to follow the AEES core principles at all times.
Arriving at school Students are expected to exhibit appropriate behaviors. • RESPECT: What does it mean to be respectful when you arrive at school? Wait in designated areas which are is the foyer when the flag is all the way up, and in the hallway by your classroom if the flag is not up outside. Follow playground rules when outside and follow hallway rules when inside. • EFFORT: What does it mean to show good effort when you arrive at school? Make sure you do your best to arrive on time. Go straight to the area where you are supposed to be. Line up promptly and follow the line to your classroom using good hallway behavior. • ATTITUDE: What does it mean to show a good attitude when arriving at school? Follow adult directions when given the first time. Greet your friends and teachers and come ready to learn. • CITIZENSHIP: What does it mean to show good citizenship when arriving at school? Being a good citizen is doing what you know is right and making good choices. Honor the before school flag rule. Walk directly to the playground or outside classroom, depending on the weather. • HONESTY: What does it mean to be honest when arriving at school? It means to own your own behavior. If you are corrected by an adult, don’t argue. Redirect yourself and use appropriate behaviors. Apologize if you make a mistake. Only come into the building with a real purpose.
18 Assembly When students are in an assembly, they are expected to exhibit appropriate behaviors. Also, they are a representative of our school and people in the audience judge our school by student behavior. • RESPECT: What does it mean to be respectful in a school assembly? Make room for others, keep your arms to yourself, and your legs crossed in front of you. Listen and watch without talking or playing. You will show the speakers respect by giving them your full attention and looking up at the presentation. Whispering, moving around, waving, or talking out are rude behaviors. • EFFORT: What does it mean to show good effort in a school assembly? Use the assembly as an opportunity to learn and think for yourself. Be aware of your own and other’s personal space. You should walk quietly into the gym in single file and sit on your bottom in the specified class location. • ATTITUDE: Having a good attitude at an assembly means to take opportunities to learn. Being our best means to honor the presenter or speakers by showing others our best behavior. We let everyone know that AEES students are courteous and know what behaviors are appropriate. Be attentive, be polite, and be open-minded. • CITIZENSHIP: What does it mean to be a good citizen at a school assembly? Pay attention and use appropriate responses. If the speaker asks for a group response, don’t take advantage of this opportunity to yell or scream. Remember you are practicing skills that you will need to know and demonstrate when you attend a movie, concert, or performances outside of school. People frown upon rude behavior because it is embarrassing. Use audience manners and be a good example. • HONESTY: What does it mean to be honest during a school assembly? It means to own your own behavior. If you are corrected during an assembly, don’t argue or shake your head that it was not you. Redirect yourself and use appropriate behaviors. Apologize if you make a mistake.
Bathroom When students are in the bathroom, they are expected to use appropriate behaviors while remembering that lots of other people will be using this restroom as well. • RESPECT: What does it mean to be respectful in the bathroom? Honor the privacy of others. Ask if anyone is in a stall before pushing the door open. Do not crawl under the stalls. Respect property and keep voices quiet. Only use as much toilet paper and paper towels as you need. Leave the restroom clean and dry for the next person. • EFFORT: What does it mean to be show good effort and be safe in the restroom? Use the bathroom at a time that it won’t disrupt your learning. Use the facilities in an appropriate manner. Always wash and dry your hands. Be careful not to splash water on the mirrors or floor. Restroom floors become slick when they are wet. • ATTITUDE: Being your best means to try to use the restrooms at a time when you won’t miss out on learning. Let others know if someone is abusing their restroom privileges. • CITIZENSHIP: What does it mean to be a good citizen when using the bathroom? Stay only as long as you need to. Remember to make good hygiene a habit by washing and drying your hands. The restrooms are part of our school and we all must be responsible and not abuse the facilities. • HONESTY: What does it mean to be honest about using the restroom? Only use the restroom when you need it. The restroom is not a place to meet friends, a place to hide, or an excuse to get out of work. Above all, the restroom walls are never to be used to write messages or rude remarks about others. You should always report any graffiti or inappropriate behavior to your teacher as soon as possible.
Bus Not all of our students ride the bus to school; however, if their class goes on a field trip, they will have experience riding the bus. • RESPECT: What does it mean to be respectful on the bus? Use a quiet voice, and be kind to other students and the driver. The driver is the adult in charge while on the bus. Show respect by greeting the bus driver, saying thank you, and letting him/her know if there is a problem. Show respect to other students by sharing seats, using kind words, and being problem solvers. How do we greet someone in a kind way? (Have students practice). Good morning Mr./Mrs. . Thank you. Excuse me, but you are sitting in my seat. I am having a problem with another student. Could you please help me? • EFFORT: What does it mean to show good effort and be safe on the bus? Each bus has rules that need to be followed in order for you to get to school safely, get home safely, or be safe on a field trip. Being safe looks like: sitting on your bottom and facing the front of the bus. Let’s practice. It’s like flipping a coin – heads or tails. Tails represents your bottom and heads represents your head. Our coin on the bus will always be tails down and heads up. Tails down, heads up; tails down, heads up. • ATTITUDE: Being your best on the bus means being able to get to school and back home again without any problems, being safe, telling the truth, being nice to others, following the bus rules, and apologizing if you make a mistake. HAVE A GREAT ATTITUDE ON THE BUS!! • CITIZENSHIP: Being a good citizen – Follow the bus rules and be a good example. Take care of your backpack and jacket. Make sure when you leave the bus that you have all of your belongings. Many items are lost on the bus because students leave them behind. Let’s practice. Look to the left, Look to the right. Look on the floor. Walk out the door.
19 • HONESTY: Sit in your assigned seat. It is important to be honest when telling about things that happen on the bus. When you pledge something, you are saying that you will follow what you say and tell the truth. Raise your right hand and repeat after me: I promise ...to sit in my assigned seat... tell the truth... and tell an adult . . . when I am having problems on the bus.
The bus drivers will have tickets that they can give to students if they see them showing respect, effort, a good attitude, citizenship, or honesty. This ticket equals a star punch. Drivers will continue to follow the bus guidelines when a problem arises. Riding the bus is a privilege and that privilege can be taken away. To enhance safety on school buses, video and audio recording devices have been installed and may be in operation at any time.
Cafeteria In the cafeteria, we will be learning about the “REACH” expectations for when you are eating lunch here at school or if there are any special events that involve serving a meal. • RESPECT: How do we show respect in the cafeteria? This is a small room so we need to have quiet conversation. We want you to visit while you are eating, as long as you are appropriate. This is like your dinner table at home where you sit and visit with your family members. We want lunch time to be an enjoyable time for all. Watch for students that are sitting by themselves and invite them to sit by you or you go and sit with them. Remember this especially when we get new students. Address the adults that work in the cafeteria by their names and use words like “please” and “thank you”. Having manners is showing respect in the cafeteria. • EFFORT: What does it mean to show positive effort and be safe in the cafeteria? With 450 students eating in this cafeteria every day, we need to keep it clean. While you eat, keep your feet on the floor, sit appropriately, and face the table. When you are excused, pick up your trash and tidy the table where you were eating. This will keep the cafeteria safe and ready for the next class. If you have a spill, please let an adult in the cafeteria know about the spill. We don’t want anyone slipping on spilled milk! • ATTITUDE: We want you to enjoy your time in the cafeteria. We want our students to be safe, respectful, responsible, and honest. To be your best in the cafeteria, eat healthy food so you will be able to learn all afternoon. Sometimes we might not be hungry when it is time to eat; however, if we don’t feed our body, it might not be able to do its best work all afternoon. • CITIZENSHIP: Being a good citizen in the cafeteria means sitting patiently and quietly when you have finished eating until you are excused, cleaning off the table, throwing your trash away, dumping your tray, putting your lunch box in your lunch basket, and exiting to line up in an orderly manner. Look on the table, look on the floor. Even if you see something that isn’t yours, please pick up the trash and throw it away. Remember to wipe your spot before leaving. • HONESTY: We have a policy that we don’t share food during lunch time, so eat your own food. Take the entrée number that you ordered so that other classes don’t run short of specific items. If you are having problems with another student, let someone know.
Dismissal from School Students are expected to exhibit appropriate behaviors. • RESPECT: What does it mean to be respectful when you are dismissed from school? Keep your hands and feet to yourself. Walk on the right side and yield to others in the hallway. • EFFORT: What does it mean to show good effort when you are dismissed from school? Make sure you do your best to leave on time. Go straight to the area where you are supposed to be. After school plans need to be made before school starts. • ATTITUDE: What does it mean to show a good attitude when leaving school? Wish your friends and teachers a good day and take the most efficient route to your designated spot. Follow adult directions when given the first time. • CITIZENSHIP: What does it mean to show good citizenship when leaving school? Being a good citizen is doing what you know is right and making good choices. Walk directly to your dismissal spot promptly and be courteous to others. • HONESTY: What does it mean to be honest when leaving school? It means to own your own behavior. If you are corrected by an adult, don’t argue. Redirect yourself and use appropriate behaviors. Apologize if you make a mistake. Know and follow your after school plan because people are expecting you and will worry if you are not where you are supposed to be.
Garden
• RESPECT: What does it mean to be respectful when you are in the garden? Do not harvest without permission or harm any insects or animals. • EFFORT: What does it mean to show good effort when you are in the garden? Always try to be safe. No running or laying in or around the garden.
20 • ATTITUDE: What does it mean to show a great attitude when you are in the garden? Listen to the adults are accompanying the children in the garden. • CITIZENSHIP: What does it mean to show great citizenship when you are in our garden? Take care of everything in the garden. Do not throw rocks into the garden. • HONESTY: What does it mean to be honest when you are in the garden? Follow the rules of the garden. Own your own behavior.
Hallway When students are in the hallway, they are expected to exhibit appropriate behaviors. • RESPECT: As we travel through the hall, we might like to talk to each other, play, or yell to friends we see. What is it like when you are trying to listen in your classroom and people are noisy outside the door? We respect people in their classrooms by staying quiet when we are in the hall. We respect others in the hall by keeping hands and feet to ourselves. We honor others’ places in line. • EFFORT: When we go through the halls, we could walk backwards, run, or dance. How would that work? What might happen? When we are in the hallways, in order to be safe, we move like cars on the road and stay on the right hand side facing forward, so traffic moves smoothly. When we make a turn at a corner, we have to wait for traffic (people) going the other way to pass before we turn across the hallway. Remember to show good effort and safety by walking! • ATTITUDE: To be your best, the whole school needs to work together to do these things so everyone can arrive at the next class on time and ready to learn, while the people in their classrooms are not bothered by noise. Be polite and courteous and follow adult directions the first time given. • CITIZENSHIP: I am responsible for myself and everything I do, so I need to pay attention to the people around me. What happens if I walk down the hall without paying attention to the person I am following and they stop? How does it feel if someone runs into you? What about stepping on the back of your shoe? No one likes those things, so show care for your own and other’s personal space by paying attention to where you are and where you are walking. Be a good citizen by paying attention to the people around you. • HONESTY: You are walking along on the way to music, and you see cool projects on the wall. Do you touch them? Rip them? Take them? No, we leave other student’s belongings alone. Look without touching the walls. What if you do bump into someone? Admit it and quietly apologize.
Office When students are in the office, they are expected to exhibit appropriate behaviors. We want to help them, but remember that we are working, which means we might be talking on the phone, helping teachers or parents, or busy at our desks. • RESPECT: What does it mean to be respectful in the office? Wait your turn and state your purpose politely. Look at the person you are talking to and speak in a kind way. For example: Say, “Excuse me, Mrs. Foley, I need to pay for lunch, please.” “Excuse me, Mrs. Anderson, I fell down at recess and need a band-aid, please.” Always use the person’s name and remember to say please and thank you. Never interrupt adults when they are speaking. Never be demanding. Wait patiently. The office staff will get to your needs as soon as they can. Always remember to say please and thank you. • EFFORT: What does it mean to show good effort and be safe in the school office? Try to use office resources at a time that won’t interrupt your learning. You should walk quietly into the office and wait by an adult’s desk. Be aware of your own and other’s personal space. Make sure you have permission from your teacher to be in the office. It is important that your teacher knows where you are at all times.
• ATTITUDE: Being your best means to get the help you need from the office in a polite way to make AEES a good place for all, adults and students alike. Be on your best behavior. Others are watching how you handle yourself. • CITZENSHIP: What does it mean to be a good citizen in the school office? Only go to the office with real needs. Ask for what you need in a polite way. The office staff is here to help you, but you must be polite and wait your turn. If you are asked to wait, sit and wait quietly and patiently until an adult addresses you. • HONESTY: What does it mean to be honest when you are in the office? It means that you should only be in the office because of a real need. Don’t use the office as a place to go when you don’t want to do your school work, and stay only as long as needed. If you are sent back to class, leave quietly, and walk directly back to your classroom.
21 Playground On the playground, we will be learning about the REACH expectations for when you are having recess here at school – morning, lunch, or afternoon, and before and after school. • RESPECT: How do we show respect on the playground? Be kind to other students and honor their feelings. Keep hands and feet to self. Listen to adult monitors. Play fairly. Include others in your play. Take turns, for example, you could take turns on the swings or shooting baskets. Be problem solvers. Use “I” messages. Line up promptly and be ready to enter the building quietly. • EFFORT: What does it mean to show good effort and safety on the playground? Stay within the boundaries and be in a place on the playground where you can be seen. Being safe is always having a staff member know where you are. You must ask for permission before entering the building during recess. We want you to be outside getting exercise and fresh air. Being safe means following the rules of the playground – keep snow, dirt, sticks, rocks, pebbles, etc. on the ground. Stay on the playground, use playground equipment appropriately – if you are not sure, check the student handbook. Stay away from animals and strangers and tell an adult. Listen to the adult in charge. If you are not sure, ask. • ATTITUDE: We want you to enjoy your time on the playground. Getting fresh air and exercise helps the brain work better and makes it easier to concentrate. Take advantage of the time outdoors and the break from your school work. Jump rope, play four square, swing on the swings, walk around the field with a friend, play soccer, play basketball, swing on the monkey bars, play tetherball. Do something that is fun and is good exercise. We want you to be your best in all areas at school! • CITIZENSHIP: Being a good citizen on the playground is doing what you know is right and making good choices. Show good sportsmanship; for example, congratulate the winning team and give them a high five even though you weren’t on the team. Pick up your snack wrappers and throw them away. Let the playground monitor or teacher know if you are having problems on the playground. We want you to have fun at recess while being safe, respectful, and responsible. • HONESTY: On the playground, the expectation is that you own your own behavior and apologize if you make a mistake. Play fairly. Tell the truth so that we can help you and help others. Recess is a great way to have a break during the day, get some exercise, be with your friends, and enjoy the outdoors. So, let’s make it fun and safe for everyone.
In that effort, the staff at AEES will do the following:
• All teachers will teach Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) Reach for the Stars during the first two weeks of school with refreshers scheduled two times a year. • All teachers will tie the CORE PRINCIPLES into the discussion of the PBIS. • Accountability will be expected for all. Communication within the school (between classroom teacher, SFA teachers and specials teachers) needs to be effective and efficient. Likewise, the communication with parents must be equally effective and efficient.
The Grade Level Team is a critical piece of AEES’s PBIS. Each Grade Level Team will work together to ensure success for each child. Level I behavioral issues will be dealt with by the teacher. If the behavior continues, the teacher will utilize team members, behavior team, and/or administration for suggestions.
Students will be referred to administration for harmful, chronically disruptive or illegal behaviors.
22 REACHing for the Stars at Home
We are very excited about practicing “REACH for the Stars” here at AEES! REACH for the Stars is a school- wide, Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS) program that encourages positive behaviors. Students have the opportunity to receive rewards (both intrinsic and extrinsic) by demonstrating expected behaviors. At school, we teach the expectations and as students are “caught REACHing for the stars” by the adults at school, they will be able to punch stars into their “REACH Cards” which are kept in their classroom. When students earn 25 or more stars, they will be eligible to choose from many reward choices. Examples include extra recess, water bottle, T-shirt, sit with a friend in class, and be an administrator time. Along with REACH for the Stars, we will also continue teaching and reinforcing District 20’s Ten Core Principles. If you would like more details about how the program works at school, please see your Parent Handbook. Additionally, the Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS) Team is always happy to answer any questions! The core of our program is the Teaching Matrix. We believe, “If we expect it, we have to teach it.” The Teaching Matrix is also in your Parent Handbook. We will teach the five expected behaviors (REACH). REACH is an acronym for Respect, Effort, Attitude, Citizenship and Honesty. All students will be taught how to show these behaviors in many areas of the school. These areas include the Classroom, Hallway, and Restroom, in the Cafeteria, on the Playground, in the Office and at Arrival/Dismissal. The expected behaviors will be taught in August, and formally reviewed after Winter Break and Spring Break. Please be sure to ask your child about REACH at those times! We would like to encourage you to use REACH at home too. PBIS is easy to incorporate into whatever discipline or reward system you already use. The beauty of PBIS/REACH for the Stars is that it is not that different from what we have done in past years. The program provides us with more structure for both school and home consistency. We really like the positive emphasis. A good way to start is to sit down with your children and say, “We heard about what you are doing at school and we’d like to try REACH at home. Let’s think of ways we can show our REACH behaviors here at home.” Begin brainstorming how you show respect at home, for example, “I listen. I talk out problems with my sister. I use nice words. I clean up my toys.” Then move on to Effort, “I do my chores. I do my best. I take care of my belongings. I behave safely.” Next, is Attitude, “I am cooperative. I am polite and kind. I listen the first time.” Continue with Citizenship, “I show good manners at the table. I follow rules. I clean up after myself.” The last word, Honesty, “I tell the truth, I follow the rules.” You can create a chart similar to what we use at school and post it in a place where family members can see it. Yours will likely have one column – “Home” for each of the REACH behaviors unless you want to get more detailed (for example, car rides, dinner table, bathroom, playroom, etc.) Please see the sample charts at the end of this article for ideas. If you would like a blank matrix, contact Ms. Kieffer and I will send you one. The next step is to decide on rewards with your children. What can they earn when you catch them REACHing for the stars at home? It is a good idea to focus on rewards that emphasize positive relationships and do not cost money. However, sometimes children do benefit from material rewards too. Think about what is best for your family and decide together. Some reward ideas include: going on a family walk, going to the playground, playing a game with Mom or Dad, brushing the dog, earning some money to save up for something, a lollipop, playing with playdough, choosing a CD (or radio station) for the family to listen to in the car…be creative! To keep track of positive behavior, you can create a sticker chart, you can decorate cans (one per child) and the children can earn popsicle sticks or chips that are collected in their cans. At my house, I keep a “Smiley Chart” on the refrigerator. When I catch my child being respectful or honest, or if he shows good effort, he earns smiley faces. We reward daily, often younger children need more frequent rewards. Older children can earn weekly rewards, or when they have reached an agreed upon larger amount (like 20). If my son earns 6 smileys each day (3 on school days since he’s not home all day), he chooses a reward. We like to choose what to work for the night before, but you will want to find a structure that works for your family. Some children like to decide at the time they made their goal and some like “Mystery Motivators”. To take the “mystery” approach, have a can, an envelope or a box and put the written options in it and your child can draw a choice when they make their goal. When families and school team up and work on the same goals, wonderful things happen! Once you have been “REACHing for the Stars” consistently, you will notice that the need to discipline your children will decrease significantly. Your children will also be learning important life skills—Respect, Honesty, Good Citizenship, Effort and Positive Attitude. These skills will help your children become successful adults and successful workers. Be sure to really emphasize the positive. Try to keep your positive interactions high. We recommended that there be 5 positives to 1 negative, whenever possible. If you would like ideas, support, or have questions about how to make “REACH for the Stars” work at home, give Kim Kieffer a call or e-mail at [email protected] . I am always happy to talk about the parenting journey!
23 Sample Charts: One to outline expectations and one to track progress
Star Behaviors How I Reach for the Stars at Home Respect I listen, I talk out problems, I use nice words, I clean up my toys Effort I do my chores, I do my best work, I take care of my belongings, I behave safely Attitude I am cooperative, I am polite and kind, I listen the first time Citizenship I have good table manners, I follow rules, I clean up after myself, I am helpful and caring Honesty I tell the truth, I return what I borrow promptly, I go where I say I’m going
Star Behavior Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Respect Effort Attitude Citizenship Honesty Earn a reward when 25 are earned.
RULER – Emotional Intelligence
At Academy Endeavour we understand that emotions matter! This year, we are excited to be using RULER, an evidence- based approach to social and emotional learning that helps school communities integrate the practice of emotional intelligence into daily life.
Why do we care about social and emotional skills? Decades of research shows that emotional intelligence is essential to effective teaching and learning, sound decision making, physical and mental health, and success in school and beyond. Research also shows that when schools and homes partner to support children’s emotional development, children not only feel better, but they do better.
RULER teaches five key skills of emotional intelligence:
Recognizing emotions in one’s self and others. Understanding the causes and consequences of emotions. Labeling emotions accurately. Expressing emotions appropriately. Regulating emotions effectively.
We will integrate RULER skills into our academic curriculum and provide opportunities for students and all the key adults involved in their education – teachers, administrators, and family members – to learn, model and practice these skills. Over the school year, we look forward to partnering with you and sharing more about this approach. Please keep an eye on the school calendar and newsletter for RULER resources and workshops in support of parents and families.
24 Bullying Prevention Program at AEES
AEES works closely with families and the community to create an environment that supports the basic values and character traits families want their children to acquire. There are ten D20 core principles integrated into all curricular areas which students and staff learn about and are expected to follow. They are: Compassion, Citizenship, Excellence, Respect, Hope, Courage, Honesty, Responsibility, Integrity, and Perseverance. There is a constant emphasis on character and ethics at AEES both inside and outside of the classroom. Students who are “caught” demonstrating the core principles receive special recognition. Students learn the core principles through various methods, including song, art and literature. The Discipline Policy in all classrooms is consistent with the school Discipline Policy found in this handbook. The goal at AEES is to provide a positive environment for learning with rewards for respectful and on-task behavior and consequences for inappropriate behavior. Behavior expectations are based upon Positive Behavior Intervention Support “Reach for the Stars”, the D20 Core Principles and RULER. Materials from the “Bully Free Classroom” may be used at the beginning of each semester and throughout the year to develop an understanding of bullying and how it should be handled. Areas addressed in classroom discussion include: steps to respect, bystanders to bullying, recognizing and responding to bullying, and the role of friendship in decreasing bullying. Consequences for bullying for a first-time offense that is indirect (not repetitive, rumors, gossip, social exclusion) include consultation with the school counselor and parents are notified. For repeated instances of indirect bullying or direct bullying (physical harm or threats, taunting, name-calling, sexual harassment), an office referral will take place where in and out of school suspension will be considered as part of the consequence for the behavior depending on its severity. For repeated offenses, students will be suspended for up to five days at the discretion of the administrator, again, depending on the severity of the action.
Bully Prevention Bullying is a negative action when someone
tries to or does hurt another person.
The picture can't be displayed.
What is bullying?
This can be physical like hitting, pushing, pinching, or holding onto Bullying is when a student is exposed to, another person against their will. repeatedly and over time, to negative actions This can also be verbal like name calling, threatening, taunting, or on the part of one or more other students. teasing.
or without use of words or physical contact such as making faces or dirty gestures, intentionally excluding someone from a group, or refusing to comply to another person’s wishes
AEES Oath
We shall not bully other students.
We shall try to help students who are bullied.
We shall make a point to include students who become easily left out.
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Academy District 20
Handbook of Students’ Rights and Responsibilities and Annual Notifications to Parents
School Year 2021-2022
This document is provided as a resource to Academy District 20’s parents and students. Readers should be aware that much of this information is in summary form. Current policies in their entirety, including revisions which may have occurred after publication of this document, are available on the District website at http://www.boarddocs.com/co/asd20/Board.nsf/Public. Policies may also be reviewed at the Education and Administration Center of Academy District 20 located at 1110 Chapel Hills Drive. A printed copy of the Handbook of Students’ Rights and Responsibilities and Annual Notifications to Parents may be requested at no cost in the administrative office of any school or by calling General Counsel at 719-234-1200. Policies are subject to change as necessary at any time during the school year. Students are expected to be knowledgeable about and comply with District and school policies, including ones which may not be included in this publication but are on the website.
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COMMUNICATION
Part of our design includes ongoing open communication among parents, students, and teachers. In our continual efforts to keep the lines of communication open, AEES provides the following to our families:
• Monthly newsletters from the front office which are also posted online at • http://academy.asd20.org • Classroom/grade level newsletters • The school calendar which is in this handbook • A Back-to-School event which is held each year th o This year our Back-To-School event is on August 12 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. th o Get To Know You conferences are on August 13 . • PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) and SAC (School Accountability Committee) meet to support our school, and all families are encouraged to attend whenever possible. • A Choice Night presentation which is held between January and February. • The voice mail system at AEES which gives families the opportunity to review general information or leave a message for the appropriate staff member. • Two times a year we hold PTCs (Parent-Teacher Conferences). See PTC section below. • 20 Alerts
Communication with Classroom Teachers While communication is very important to us at AEES, it is just as important that teachers have uninterrupted class time of the learning process to take place. Please note that teachers’ phones are on DO NOT DISTURB from 8:05 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. We provide a list of teachers’ voice mail phone numbers and we encourage you to leave a voice mail or an email for your child’s teacher if you have any comments, questions, or concerns. Teachers check voice mail and email after school has been dismissed and they will return your email or calls within 24 hours.
Parent/Teacher Conferences (PTCs) The PTC fulfills two important purposes. First, it summarizes the progress that each student is making relative to our high academic standards. Second, it formalizes the commitment that students, families, and school make to improve progress over the coming quarter by setting goals.
We will hold two formal Parent-Teacher Conferences during the school year. These dates are noted in the district calendar and classroom teachers will provide more specific information regarding sign ups, etc.
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HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework is assigned in an effort to improve student skill development in concepts taught in the classroom, and is determined by the classroom teacher depending on student needs. Students should be able to complete homework independently. In Kindergarten-2nd grade, homework should not exceed 30 minutes per night and in 3rd-5th grade it should be less than 45 minutes. Within this time, students in all grades should plan on engaging in reading (or being read to in the younger grades) for 20 minutes each night. If your student is struggling to complete homework independently, or within the allotted time frame, please communicate with your child’s classroom teacher.
Absences Due to Illness/Unexpected Events It is the student’s responsibility to check with each teacher to collect make-up work due to an absence. Make-up work received upon a student’s return to school will be given one day for every day the student was absent. For example, if a student misses school Monday and receives their work Tuesday, the make-up work will be due at the beginning of school Thursday. The student gets all of Wednesday (one day) to complete the work.
Prearranged Absences Work Policy It is the student’s responsibility to check with each teacher to collect make-up work due to an absence(s). Work can be given prior to an absence if a teacher has been notified at least two full days before a student is gone. Any work received by a student before an absence is due the day the student returns to school. Work received prior to an absence that is not complete the day the student returns will be considered “late work”.
Student Absenteeism Students are responsible for collecting all missed homework assignment. Students may get assignments for planned absences prior to departure with advance notice. Two days’ notice allows teachers to compile assignments. (See Prearranged Absence section under Attendance.)
Students are responsible for completing homework in a timely manner. They are encouraged to discuss problems with their parents or teachers as needed and to keep the lines of communication open. Students should complete homework consistently so that they may receive the maximum benefits of homework. Elementary Academy students (grades 3-5) will use their planner as a daily communication tool between home and school.
Parents should use the time guidelines to monitor children’s homework progress. This will allow parents to know if children are receiving too much homework or not understanding a lesson. Parents should communicate any difficulties with the teacher. It is helpful if students have a set time to do homework every day and a private area in which to work. Parents of students in grades 3-5 may check their students’ planners for homework information.
Truancy – Also refer to previous pages 9 - 12 If a student is absent without an excuse signed by the parent/guardian or if the student leaves school or a class without permission of the teacher or administrator in charge, the student shall be considered truant. "Habitual truant" shall be defined as a student who has reached age six by August 1 and is under age seventeen and who has four total days of unexcused absences from school in any one month or ten total days of unexcused absences during any school year. Absences due to suspension or expulsion shall not be counted in the total of unexcused absences for purposes of defining a student as "habitually truant."
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In order to reduce truancy, parents/guardians of all students shall be notified in writing at the beginning of each school year of their obligation to ensure that all children of compulsory attendance age attend school. The school shall establish a system of monitoring individual absences. When a student fails to report on a regularly scheduled school day and school personnel have received no indication that the parent/guardian is aware of the absence, school personnel or volunteers under the direction of school personnel shall make a reasonable effort to notify the parent/guardian by telephone.
A plan shall be developed for a student who is at risk of being declared habitually truant with the goal of assisting the child to remain in school. When practicable, the student's parent, guardian or legal custodian shall participate with district staff during the development of the plan. Appropriate school staff shall make reasonable efforts to meet with the parent or guardian to review and evaluate the reasons for the student's truancy.
In accordance with law, the district may impose appropriate penalties that relate directly to classes missed while truant.
Adopted: May 14, 2010
Legal Refs: C.R.S. 22-14-101, et seq. (dropout prevention and student re-engagement) C.R.S. 22-33-104 (compulsory school attendance) C.R.S. 22-33-105 (suspension/expulsion) C.R.S. 22-33-107 (enforcement of compulsory school attendance) 1 CCR 301-67, Rule 2.01 (7) (definition of "dropout" student) 1 CCR 301-78 Rules 1.00 et seq. (standardized calculation for counting student attendance and truancy) Cross Refs: JFC, Student Withdrawal from School/Dropouts
CHRONIC ABSENTEISM When a student has an excessive number of absences, these absences negatively impact the student's academic success. For this reason, a student who is absent 10% of a quarter, whether the absences are excused or unexcused, may be identified as "chronically absent" by the principal or designee. Absences due to suspension or expulsion shall not be counted in the total number of absences considered for purposes of identifying a student as "chronically absent." If a student is identified as "chronically absent," the principal or designee shall develop a plan to improve the student's attendance. The plan shall include best practices and research-based strategies to address the reasons for the student's chronic absenteeism, including but not limited to a conference with parent/guardian, and development of an attendance plan. When practicable, the student's parent/guardian shall participate in the development of the plan. Nothing herein shall require the principal or designee to identify a student as "chronically absent" prior to declaring the student as a "habitual truant" and pursuing court proceedings against the student and his or her parents/guardians to compel the student's attendance in accordance with state law.
Weekend Policy There should be no additional homework sent home on weekends and holidays. Students may choose to work on homework already assigned or gradually complete long-term projects. If a student is absent for an extended period of time or if behind in work, they should use the weekend as catch up time.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL POLICY Traffic Flow Reminders • It is illegal to make a U turn on Hampton Park Drive; signs are posted on both sides of the street.
• It is illegal to “double park” next to a car parked against the curb. Yes, pulling up next to a car and stopping is considered parking as it impedes the traffic flow.
• It is illegal to “jaywalk”. Please use the crosswalks that are staffed by crossing guards.
• It is illegal to enter the parking lot where it says DO NOT ENTER. The only entrance to our school parking lot is marked “Enter Here”.
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Arrival Map
Arrival Procedures Using the traffic flow instructions above, parents will form a double line at the STOP sign (1) and take turns entering the “unloading zone” at 8:00 am. Drivers must pull as far forward as they can (past the kindergarten playground to the posted sign ) and allow the student(s) to disembark from the curb/right side only of the vehicle. When drivers stop in front of the main entrance, cars are backed up. Drivers should not stop if they can pull farther forward.
For student safety, parents are encouraged to walk their child around the perimeter of the parking and not across the parking lot. Drivers are not always attentive to what is in front of them while watching their children walk into the school building as their priority to get through the line quickly.
Dismissal Map
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Rules and Regulations • Enter the parking lot from the entrance closest to Union • Wait at the STOP Sign until 3:15 and then take turns pulling forward into the Loading Zone • Pull as far forward as you are able to before loading your student. Cars can pull as far forward as the sign near the kindergarten playground so as many cars can load as possible • After loading your student, proceed to the exit and take turns exiting onto Hampton Park Drive
In the event of inclement weather… Dismissal will run normally unless there are dangerous weather conditions present (blizzard conditions, dangerous lightning, or unsafe temperatures below 0). At 3:25, we will take all remaining students inside and parents will need to exit their vehicles and ring the doorbell to pick up their student. In the event of dangerous weather present, students will be released from their classrooms and must be signed out by a parent. A 20Alert will be sent in these instances. • Students who walk home will not be released until conditions improve and it is safe for students to walk home. • If a parent wishes to pick up a student, they can request this by identifying themselves with a photo ID on the pager/video system at the front door. The receptionist will locate the student being picked up and the student will be walked out to the parent
When lightning is within 10 miles of the school, students are held in the school until the lightning subsides and weather conditions improve. We cannot release students until lightning strikes have been out of a 10 mile radius for 30 minutes.
INDOOR/OUTDOOR RECESS POLICY
Indoor/Outdoor Recess Weather Policy
Students will have recess outdoors as many days as possible. Indoor recess will be held on very cold (wind chill of 20 degrees or lower) or very wet days. Teachers have the option of outdoor recess on very cold or wet days when the temperature is above feels like 20*. Parents should send warm clothing, including gloves/mittens and hats appropriate to the season so students are prepared for time outdoors.
The front office staff will communicate with teachers regarding outside recess when the weather is questionable. A school-wide announcement will inform staff and students of a decision to have indoor recess.
Before School – The front doors and side entrances will be open at 8:05 am for students to enter. Students dropped off prior to 8:05 am do not have supervision.
During grade recess times – The grade level teachers will form a plan for supervising students in their classrooms.
During lunch recess – Students have lunch first. Teachers walk them to the cafeteria. Monitors take them to their classroom for indoor recess. Teachers need to have indoor recess activities clearly posted.
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Academy Endeavour Playground Rules
1. Students will stay on the playground and only play in designated areas, which include the four-square area, basketball court, and playground equipment.
2. No playing in the garden, or on the rocks around the garden.
3. The kindergarten playground is for kindergarten students only. The kindergarten playground is closed before school, and may be used after 3:15 PM WITH parental supervision, as well as on the weekends.
4. The main playground is closed before school, but may be used after 3:15 PM WITH parental supervision, as well as on the weekends.
5. Students reentering the building during recess must receive permission from the playground monitor and check back in with the playground monitor upon return.
6. Sharing and proper use of playground equipment is expected. Students will only sit on the swings and swing safely. Students will use the ladders to climb the slide and to safely climb any equipment. Students will always slide down the slide on their bottom, feet first, one at a time. Balls will not be hit/bounced against the building.
7. When the recess double whistle blows students will immediate stop and put their hands on their knees to await instructions. When the single whistle is heard students will immediately line up. A continuous whistle beep means to evacuate the playground and go quickly into the building.
8. Water puddles and sprinklers are off limits. Sliding on snow and ice is dangerous and will not be allowed.
9. All ball games (soccer, football, basketball, four-square) are to be played in designated areas only. The games must be played as taught in PE class. The games must be played without rough contact of other players.
10. Chase and/or tag games must not be played on, or around, the playground equipment. Kindergarten through 2nd grade do not play any tag games.
11. Pretend weapon play is not allowed.
12. Report sports gear (balls, frisbees, etc.) outside of the designated play area to the playground monitor.
13. Students will show respect for other students and staff members at all times. Fighting, threats, or any rough physical contact (contact not allowed in the PE game rules) name calling, throwing rocks, sticks, sand, snowballs or other objects injurious to other students is not allowed.
14. Students will take their coat outside, if they wore one from home. It they forgot their coat (at home or in the classroom) students can borrow one from the lost and found closet.
15. Students will follow REACH expectations on the playground and coming from or into the building.
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REACH on the Playground
Safe Play:
• All play is Hands Off.
• We only have one person on a swing at a time.
• We sit in the swing
• We do not jump out of the swing
• When waiting for a swing or other piece of playground equipment, we count slowly to 100. When we reach 100, time is up and we get our turn.
• We slide down the slides one person at a time.
• We always slide down feet first.
• We do not run up or down the slide.
• We do not play tag on or around the slide or other playground equipment.
• We keep both hands on bars.
• We hang on bars by our hands, not our feet.
• We never walk or stand on top of the bars.
• We do not tackle when we play football.
• We stay on the playground in sight of an adult.
• We do not dig holes in the dirt or rock areas.
• We do not throw or bounce balls against the building.
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LUNCH PROGRAM
A hot lunch or a sandwich, with salad bar, is available daily through the Sodexo Lunch Program. Students have the option of purchasing a hot or cold lunch at school (which DOES include milk or fruit juice) or bringing their own lunch from home. Milk, water or juice may be bought for students who bring their own lunch.
Students give their lunch choice and lunch money to their classroom teacher in the morning. Teachers will send the class lunch count and lunch money to the office. Tardy students should give their lunch choice and lunch money to the office when they check in. The lunch count is called in to Sodexo at 9:00 each morning.
Students are not allowed to switch lunches after the lunch count has been called in as this may cause shortages in upper grades.
If you wish to purchase lunches or milk in advance for your child, please send the money in an envelope or Ziploc baggie with the following information:
Child’s name – First and Last Teacher’s Name Grade Any additional instructions (e.g., change required, payment being split between siblings with the additional student’s name, teacher and grade included)
"Seconds" on main entrees cost $1.70 and will be taken out of your child's lunch account funds. If your child's account seems to run short too quickly, please ask them if they are ordering second entrees. If you do not want your child having seconds, please let the lunch clerk or office (234-5600) know so we can designate their account as no seconds.
Our lunch program is computerized, and money may be deposited in any amount in the student’s account. Change will not be given unless a note from the parent is sent. Lunches will carry over to the next school year for returning students. We strongly discourage sending daily lunch money as this tends to cause problems with the increased handling of money by students and the additional processing necessary.
If you would like to join your child for lunch – great! You must order an adult lunch choice for $3.65 in the morning so that the cafeteria knows how many lunches to order from our base kitchen. Please be sure to send the money and your menu choice with your child in the morning to be included in the classroom lunch count.
Free/Reduced Lunch Program If you have any questions regarding the confidential free or reduced lunch program, please go online to the ASD20 website to fill out an application. Approval is determined by the School District based upon family income and size. You may submit an online application at any time during the year should your family income status change. Approval for the free or reduced lunch program is for the current school year only. A new online application must be submitted each year.
Students on Free/Reduced Lunch that order “seconds” will be charged $1.70.
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Breakfast Program Students must enter the through the cafeteria (playground side) door NO EARLIER THAN 8:00 a.m. Breakfast will be served from 8:00-8:15 a.m. Only students who purchase breakfast may be in the cafeteria from 8:00-8:15.
Daily Menu: Milk, juice, fruit, cereal, oatmeal, toast Entrees vary daily: Scrambled eggs, pancakes, yogurt w/muffin, egg ‘o muffin, French toast sticks, cinnamon roll, pancakes, mini-bagel w/cream cheese, waffles, sausage Students must take 2 menu items minimum; maximum of 3 items
Price: Free daily for students /Adults - $2.35
Qualified free students receive a free breakfast; qualified reduced students receive a breakfast for free.
REACH in the Cafeteria
• We enter quietly.
• We wait for our food in an orderly line.
• We use quiet voices and good table manners.
• We stay seated once we have our food.
• We do not play with our food.
• If we need to get up, we raise our hands and get permission from an adult on duty.
• If we accidentally spill something, we raise our hand and get help from the adult on duty.
• We clean our trash off the table and from the floor when we stack our trays neatly.
• When dismissed, we form a lone and exit the cafeteria with our teacher or other adult.
• If we need to leave the cafeteria, get a pass from an adult on duty before leaving the cafeteria.
TESTING INFORMATION
Why do we give standardized tests? Along with many other indicators, the following standardized tests provide for comprehensive and continuous measurement of growth in the fundamental skills. There are a number of additional measures we use to determine how children are progressing, including PTCs, portfolios and the research-based reading assessments. Explanations and grade levels to be tested are defined below.
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) The Cognitive Abilities Test™ (CogAT®) Form 6 measures students’ learned reasoning abilities in the three areas most linked to academic success in school: Verbal, Quantitative and Nonverbal. Its primary goal is to assess students’ reasoning abilities, CogAT is well-suited to help educators make important student placement decisions, such as selecting students for gifted and talented programs. Exclusive features can help expand the educational opportunities of all students, and help teachers expand instructional opportunities for all students. The CogAT test is given to third grade students. .
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CMAS Assessments The State of Colorado and Academy District Twenty have adopted high but achievable content standards in different content areas. After assessments are scored and performance levels set, results on individual students as well as school and district results will be released. Third graders through fifth graders will take CMAS Math, English, Language Arts/Literacy. Fourth grade will take the Colorado Social Studies Assessment and Fifth grade will take the Colorado Science Assessment. Academy District 20 2021-2022 testing schedule (Dates are tentative and subject to change)
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Differentiation The “traditional classroom” is a thing of the past. Our student population is more diverse than ever. Adapting a curriculum to fit the needs of all students is a must. Teachers must take into consideration the wide variety of learning styles that all children possess. In an included classroom, each child has the opportunity to learn. We want students to learn in a “real world environment.” They are given the opportunities to accept, and be accepted by others, allowing them to develop a level of independence. This level of independence is reached by employing various adaptations and modifications for the individual student within the classroom setting.
Differentiation is addressed through multiple intelligence activities. Everyone has different ways of learning. Part of learning is discovering the ways we learn best. Differentiated instruction is first and foremost good instruction. There is strong support for classrooms that recognize, honor and cultivate individuality.
Adaptations use a variety of materials and techniques to teach skills and ideas. Modifications are changes in the delivery, content, or instructional level of a subject or test. Staff receives ongoing differentiation professional development as well as work collaboratively in grade levels to plan instruction that best meets the needs of students. It has become a building focus to develop instruction geared toward the diverse needs in the classroom.
Into Reading
Into Reading allows teachers to guide students on the path to independent reading and effective oral and written communication. This program ensures students receive the support and practice that they need by providing a highly supportive flexible approach to balanced literacy instruction. Into Reading provides teachers with a comprehensive library of trade books on a variety of topics and genres including culturally relevant and ethnically diverse text sets that build cross-disciplinary knowledge and serve as a springboard for writing and discussion.
Dyslexia Screening and Intervention:
Along with our Into Reading curriculum, AEES also uses the Amira’s Dyslexia Screener. This assessment delivers a reliable and valid assessment of students’ dyslexia risk in less than 9 minutes. After students take the reading fluency assessment, they are automatically placed into powerful 1:1 reading tutoring powered by dozens of precise micro-interventions rooted in the science of reading.
In addition to this, AEES provides the Take Flight intervention for groups of students who struggle with Dyslexia or have observable dyslexic tendencies.
Reading Interventions Reading Intervention is provided one-on-one or in small groups and is tailored to meet the individual needs of each student. For struggling readers in kindergarten through 5th grade, students work in pairs or small groups to improve phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension through interactive partner-supported activities. Multiple times a week, interventions occur in 15-30 minutes sessions during times other than reading, writing, or math.
Assessments Reading teachers assess student progress at quarterly intervals. The assessments are curriculum-based measures that include teacher observations and judgments as well as more formal measures of reading comprehension. The assessments are used to determine who needs intervention, to assist in grouping and regrouping, and to identify students who may need other interventions.
All first through fifth grade students at AEES are required to read for 20 minutes each evening as part of their homework.
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Writing Alive Writing Alive’s comprehensive curriculum shows teachers how to integrate ALL six components of writing into weekly writing lessons, ensuring there are no gaps in skill instruction. 1. Structures of Language – With modeling and explicit instruction, students learn to construct simple, compound, complex and compound-complex sentence structures using colorful sentence component shapes. 2. Grammar – At the beginning of each cycle, teachers instruct a new language, grammar or writer’s craft skill engaging multiple learning channels. Throughout the week that skill is practiced in daily speaking, writing, sentence styling and revision. Grammar skills follow a prescribed scope and sequence at each grade level. 3. Process – Instruction begins with the sentence, teaching it with hands-on sentence shapes to help students understand the components and importance of sentence structures in reading and writing. Students build their writing to paragraphs, compositions, stories and essays. Teachers and students follow Writing Alive’s Guided Interactive Writing Process weekly.
Plan – Organize ideas in planners. Verbally Rehearse – Students rehearse their writing from their planners. Show Writing Models and Set Goals – Set goals from the rubrics or checklists. Draft – Break drafting into chunks and share. Assess – Evaluate goals using the rubric. Revise – Teach revision lessons: students use revision strips independently. Write Final – Students select one of three completed drafts to take to a final copy.
4. Modes and Genres – Teachers model how to analyze fiction and nonfiction genres. Students organize their thoughts in brainstormers and planners for narrative, informative, explanative, opinion, analytical and argument writing. Since students learn to write from models, Writing Alive provides weekly writing models, editorials and articles in the genres in which they will write. Each week begins with a suggested mentor text. Students learn to use their writing skills across the curriculum. 5. Traits – Daily Sentence Styling gives students opportunities to master revision strategies that improve organization, ideas, content, word choice, voice, fluency, style and conventions. Explicit instruction and models equip students to personalize and improve the traits in their writing. 6. Assessment – Growth is intentional! Students view basic, proficient and advanced writing models, set goals on diagnostic rubrics before drafting and assess goals after drafting to guide their revision. Students celebrate success as they graph their scores and take ownership of their writing progress.
Math Program Everyday Mathematics, a research-based program, offers children a broad background in mathematics. It is a hands-on curriculum that teaches traditional math skills through games and group activities, rather than through traditional rote practice of facts. Following are some of the highlights of the program:
• A problem-solving approach that uses everyday situations. • Concepts and skills introduced and reviewed throughout the school year, promoting retention through a variety of exposures. • Opportunities for discussion and communicating mathematically. • Frequent practices using games to provide an alternative to tedious drill. • A hands-on approach using physical models to represent mathematical concepts. • Opportunities for home involvement.
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Science and Social Studies Program
FOSS We will be using the FOSS Science Kit program which has been adopted by the district. We will be teaching physical science, life science, and earth science kits throughout the year. Each class will be inquiry hands-on science.
Social Studies Social Studies Alive! (K-4) and History Alive (5) lessons capture student’s interest by creating “real-life experiences” for students to learn from – whether they are playing a buying-and-selling game using “real” money; taking a “stroll” through Colonial Williamsburg during which they sing call-and-response slave songs, approve or amend colonial laws, and play a tavern game; or take a “train tour” of the Northeast region. Engaging lessons such as these will energize students and, as a result, social studies will become an even more vital part of their learning.
Specials Programs
Art, Physical Education, Music, and Spanish are all taught to the students by specialists in those areas.
Art Classes
“The artist is not a different kind of person, but every person is a different kind of artist.” ~Eric Gill
The above quote best summarizes the art program at Academy Endeavour. Students will gain an appreciation for the individuality of artistic expression through the process of creating, displaying and critiquing works of art. The art program is based on a foundation of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. We will find inspiration from the world around us, and experiment with a wide variety of art media, subject matter and artistic styles throughout the year.
Extra art opportunities will be offered for all students. Art Club will be offered for students in kindergarten through 5th grade. Look for more information throughout the school year for these opportunities.
I am looking forward to a fantastic year of learning and creating! Please feel free to visit our art studio or contact me with any questions!
Lora Funk 719.234.8432 [email protected]
Music Classes
The music program at AEES offers a variety of activities for every grade level. We currently use two music curricula: Music Play and The Music Connection. These series are considered to be two of the very best among music teachers all around the nation.
Students will learn a variety of musical concepts including: singing, playing instruments, reading music, dancing, and music history. As this is a spiraling curriculum, students will return to concepts previously learned, as they learn new and more advanced concepts.
All students have an opportunity to participate in a musical production at AEES. Students in the upper grade levels are also eligible to participate in an AEES Choir – Galaxy Singers or Music Club.
If you have any questions about our program, please feel free to contact me!
Jon Hutchison 234-6927 [email protected]
40 Physical Education Classes
I am excited to meet your children through the physical education program. I value physical education because a healthy body leads to a healthy mind.
The following information is provided to you in regard to appropriate dress during your child’s physical education class:
• Soft-soled shoes, preferably tennis shoes (no bare feet).
• There is no clothing requirement; regular school clothes are appropriate. Girls might want to wear shorts under skirts.
• I expect 100% participation from all students unless noted by a parent, guardian, or doctor before the student’s physical education class begins.
If you have any questions about our program, please feel free to call me.
Tim Brubaker 234-5600 [email protected]
Spanish Classes
ÌBienvenidos al programa de español! Welcome to our Spanish program!
In our increasingly global society, knowing a second language is becoming more and more a necessity for our children’s future success not only as they complete their educations, but as they venture into the working world. The World Language program at AEES is based upon a series of content units created especially for our students as well as a spoken language program where students build complete sentences in Spanish in a very natural way. Each unit of concentration builds on concepts and vocabulary from previous learning with the focus on communication skills useful to your child in the immediate environment. Combined with a dynamic cultural education with the focus on learning more about the Spanish-speaking world, these activities and lessons comprise a well-rounded program based on natural language acquisition.
Classroom participation is the key to your child’s success in our interactive Spanish language classroom. Several highly engaging strategies such as Sentence Building, games, songs, role-playing, and quality children’s literature in Spanish are used to achieve language acquisition.
If your child is new to Academy Endeavour and has never been exposed to the Spanish language – do not worry! Each child is welcomed at his or her own level of language proficiency, from the very beginner to students who are native speakers of Spanish. You will be amazed at how quickly your child learns new words and phrases!
ÌGracias! ÌTengo muchas ganas de enseñar a sus hijos! Thank you! I look forward to teaching your children!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Señora Lauren Brewer 234-6745 [email protected]
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This year we will be combining library and technology classes. They will be taught by our Digital Learning Coach, Mrs. Fargo, previously known as Ms. Hoffert. Students will be given opportunities to use technology to enhance their learning and develop technology skills. They will get critical digital citizenship education, coding skills, a variety of iPad app exposure.
Kindergarten and first grade students will come to the library once a week. 2nd-5th will come typically every other week. Kindergarteners can check out one book, 1st graders can get up to two books, and 2nd- 5th graders can check out up to three books.
With our new change in library and technology, we would love to have volunteers to keep our library running efficiently. If you are interested in volunteering at our library, please email Mrs. Fargo to learn about our library and how to shelve books. If a child loses or damages a book, please contact Mrs. Fargo, so she can let you know the replacement costs. We do not take used books at our library. Library books are bound stronger and made to withstand many hands.
Jordan Fargo Digital Learning Coach 234-5640 [email protected]
Special Education
Special Education is an integral part of our school. Our students with disabilities who need specialized instruction are emphatically “ours.” They “belong” to all teachers. The classroom teachers, in partnership with the special education teachers care for, and about, all their students’ educational needs. Our primary arrangement, to provide varying intensities of specialized instruction, is responsible inclusion in general education classrooms. Special Education Support (SES) refers to all the activities of the special education staff that promote progress for our students with special education needs.
The purpose of Special Education Support is to ensure planned, appropriately focused, effective instruction for students with special education needs.
Differentiating instruction is a basic theme of professional development; all Academy Endeavour teachers are expected to increasingly differentiate instruction so that it is effective with a wide variety of learners. Special Education Support is just that, a support to students and teachers that promotes the practices that are more intentional and responsive to students’ differing needs.
Our school is committed to responsible inclusion, educating our students with disabilities within our general education classes with ongoing instructional support from SE teachers, paraprofessionals and related service providers. Students are served through a variety of service models. These include co-teaching, inclusion, pull asides, and pull-out sessions.
AEES SPED Team
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Talented and Gifted (TAG) Program
Academy District 20 Gifted Education Program Belief Statement
The Academy District 20 Gifted Education Program is dedicated to excellence by maximizing the potential and meeting the exceptional educational and affective needs of identified gifted students from diverse populations. The Academy District 20 Gifted Education Program provides gifted students opportunities for intellectual challenge, engaging enrichments, and dynamic programming resulting in maximum growth. We strive to inspire creativity, passion for learning, leadership, and social responsibility.
Academy Endeavour Elementary Talented and Gifted Program
The Endeavour Talented and Gifted (TAG) Program is designed to provide opportunities for the children whose academic needs extend beyond what can be offered in the regular education classroom. Attention is also given to understanding the special needs of the gifted child.
Our program for kindergarten through second grade includes pull out enrichment groups that provide students with demonstrated strengths in certain areas as an extension to their classroom experience. These groups vary in both content and time allotted based on each individual grade level's needs. Inclusion in these groups is in no way an indication of formal TAG identification.
Third grade is a transition year regarding TAG programming. Enrichment groups will be designed to offer extension for students in the first semester. The second semester is used to begin the formal TAG identification process. If a child is identified as TAG, based on District 20 guidelines, they will begin the formal pull out acceleration programming that is offered in fourth grade and fifth grades.
Adrianne Reynolds 234-8563 [email protected]
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Here are a few tips and reminders that should help us to get off to a really good start this year:
If your student has had any immunizations over the summer: Please send a copy of the immunization record to the school in an envelope marked “School Nurse.” We are required by law to keep an accurate record of all student immunizations. If your child has a medical concern such as diabetes, seizures, asthma, severe allergies, ADHD, etc.: Please indicate on the school registration form, and make sure the school (i.e., school nurse, health room paraprofessional, teachers, secretary, etc.) has been notified of this information. Health care plans are available in the office for parents to complete if specific information is needed in order to care for the student at school. These care plans need to be updated at the start of each school year or whenever there are medical changes. This information becomes especially important for new or transfer students as well as any students who have just received a recent diagnosis. Each building has a “confidential health concerns list” that is shared with appropriate staff members so they are informed of student health needs. Medications: PLEASE NOTE: The medication policy changed. You are required to have a physician fill out and sign a medication form even for over-the-counter medications! Parents must transport all medications to and from school and leave them with office personnel who will administer all medications. Students are not allowed to carry medication with them for safety reasons. This rule includes all over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, cough drops, vitamins, etc. You must complete the “permission to administer medications” form and have it signed by your physician to give permission to the school to administer the medication. A note from home is not allowed to give permission. No medications will be accepted in baggies or envelopes – they must be in the original container.
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The following procedure must be followed for drugs to be administered at school:
• Prescription medication must come in the bottle dispensed by the pharmacy. We suggest you have a bottle for school and a bottle for home. The bottle label must include the following information: 1. Student’s name 2. Prescribing doctor’s name 3. Name of drug, dosage, and the time the drug is to be administered 4. Prescription date • Over–the–counter medications such as Tylenol, cough drops, and cold medications must be brought to the school in the bottle or box in which they were purchased. The student’s name must be written on the container, and the container must be kept in the main office. • A district permission to administer medications form, completed by the parent or guardian AND physician, must accompany each medication. (An example of this form is included in this handbook and additional forms can be obtained from the school office.) The form must include: 1) Student’s name 2) Name of medication to be administered 3) Amount of medication to be administered 4) Time medication is to be administered 5) Permission for the school to administer the medication 6) For medications administered on an “as needed basis,” the amount to be administered, the frequency, and the reason for giving the student the drug must also be indicated. 7) Physician’s signature is required!
No medication will be administered if it comes in a baggie, plain bottle, envelope, etc. We cannot give medications if we do not have the completed Permission to Administer Medication Form. We cannot dispense medication brought in by a child.
When at all possible, please try to schedule medications to be administered at home! Medications ordered for administration three times a day are to be administered before school, after school, and at bedtime. If a drug must be administered at school, please try to arrange the schedule so that the drug is administered around your child’s lunch time to avoid disruption of the instructional program. Any medication that is not absolutely necessary should not be given at school.
If your child is asthmatic: If your child is asthmatic and you would like to have him/her carry an inhaler, arrange time to meet with the nurse and complete the needed paperwork and instruction. (You can pick one up in the school office.) It is recommended that you sign a medication form and have an extra inhaler in the office in case of emergency.
Regarding First Aid/Illness at School: Only basic first aid is done at school. If an injury is serious, you will be notified and 911 will be called in extreme cases. If your student becomes ill at school, he/she is allowed to rest in the Health Room for a short time and then encouraged to return to class. If your child is too sick to return to class, has a temperature greater than 100.5°, or is vomiting, you will be notified to pick them up as soon as possible! Please make sure the school has current home and work phone numbers in case of an emergency. If your child is sick in the morning (i.e., stomachache, nausea or fever), please do not send him/her to school!
Concerning Communicable Diseases: If your student has been diagnosed with a contagious disease, please give me a call at 234-8184 or let your building principal know. If your student has a skin rash that may be contagious, please have that diagnosed by your physician and provide the school with a doctor’s note stating the rash is not contagious. The school may send a student home with a suspected skin rash that may be contagious.
Regarding Lotion: If your child requires use of hand lotion at school, please provide the school with a note which is signed & dated by the parent. The notes should read: Please allow to apply lotion to his/her hands as needed to prevent dryness. The lotion should be kept in the health room or teacher’s desk. Older students may be allowed to carry lotion on their person per school nurse’s discretion.
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ACADEMY SCHOOL DISTRICT 20 GUIDELINES FOR PROTECTING STUDENTS WITH LIFE THREATENING ALLERGIES AND FOOD INTOLERANCES
Severe allergies can be life threatening. Severe food intolerance (i.e. celiac disease) can be damaging and produce chronic long-term health effects. The risk of accidental exposure to food allergens can be reduced in the school setting if schools’ partner with students, parents and physicians to minimize risks and provide a safe educational environment for severely allergic and food-intolerant students.
The foods most likely to cause allergenic reactions are: peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish. Students affected by celiac disease must avoid wheat, rye, barley and oats. However, any food can cause an allergic reaction in an affected student.
Allergic reactions can produce mild reactions such as watery eyes or an itchy nose; moderate reactions such as hives, or the life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis wherein multiple body systems are affected.
Severe food intolerance (i.e. celiac disease) reactions are varied in nature & in time of onset, including severe stomach/gastrointestinal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, as well as skin rash. In celiac disease, ingestion of gluten from wheat, rye, most oats &/or barley causes severe damage to the small intestine resulting in mal absorption of vital nutrients and other major health concerns.
Academy School District 20 cannot guarantee that a student will never experience an allergy-related event while at school. Because the school district is committed to student safety, District 20 has created these guidelines to reduce the risk children with life threatening allergies/food intolerances will experience an allergy-related event.
Family’s Responsibilities 1. Notify the school (Shelah Hansen or the AEES nurse) [[email protected]] of the child’s allergies/intolerance as soon as possible prior to the first day of attendance, preferably in the spring preceding the school year. Allow sufficient time to secure physician signatures on all necessary forms, including the medication administration form. Click here for form. 2. Work with the school team - which may include the principal, counselor, classroom teacher, school nurse, and others – to determine the appropriate Health Care Plan [insert hyperlink] that accommodates the child’s needs throughout the school including in the classroom, in the cafeteria, in after-care programs, during school-sponsored activities and on the school bus. 3. Provide a letter from a health care provider that states your child’s diagnosis, any history of allergic reactions, especially whether your child has experienced anaphylaxis and any medically advisable accommodations. 4. Provide written medical documentation, instructions, and properly labeled, current medications as directed by a physician using the appropriate Health Care Plan as a guide [insert hyperlink] to the school. Include a photo of the child on the written form. Provide replacement medications after use or upon expiration. Pick up medication at the end of every school year. 5. Notify transportation (234-1410) or click here if your child is a bus rider of your child’s allergies/intolerance as soon as possible prior to the first day of attendance. 6. Provide a list of foods/ingredients to avoid. 7. Provide emergency contact information. 8. Educate the child in the self-management of their food allergy/intolerance including: a. Safe and unsafe foods b. Strategies for avoiding exposure to unsafe foods c. Symptoms of allergic reactions d. How and when to tell an adult they may be having an allergy-related problem e. How to read food labels (age appropriate) f. Review weekly lunch menu together & contact Food Service Director for ingredient listings g. No trading of foods with anyone at school h. No accepting foods from anyone unless designated by family 9. Should a reaction occur – review policies/procedures with the school staff, child’s physician and the child (age appropriate) following the incident. 10. Provide safe meals for lunchtime should the family determine the cafeteria menu is not safe. 11. Provide safe snacks if the family determines the likelihood of accidental exposure is too great when other parents provide birthday treats, party treats, etc. 12. Strongly consider participating in the classroom as a volunteer and/or room parent to organize parties where food may be present. 13. If you observe a student not following these guidelines at school or on a field trip, request a school staff member to intervene.
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COUNSELING SERVICES AT AEES
Confidentiality The privacy rights of students must be respected. However, counselors shall inform parents of information that may jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of the student or others. Such information will be shared with parents even if the student objects to the disclosure. If parents have any concerns regarding confidentiality or any counseling services, they are encouraged to contact their child’s counselor.
Overview The most formative years are during the elementary grades. Children build a foundation for lifelong learning, self- awareness, and interpersonal skills. As children progress through elementary school, they move from childhood to preteen stages, changing from being self-focused to developing an awareness of others. They begin learning how to cooperate, solve problems, develop responsibility, and form friendships. The elementary school counselor is trained in understanding child development and in offering meaningful programs to enhance success at school.
Guidance activities are conducted on a regular basis for all students throughout the year. The curriculum includes study skills, social skills, conflict resolution, decision making, personal responsibility, coping abilities, and drug prevention education.
Throughout the elementary years, some children need additional assistance for specific concerns. Counselors offer small group counseling to address these needs. These sessions give students the opportunity to discuss problems, learn new skills, consider alternatives and consequences to behavior, and take responsibility for their choices. Counselors may also refer families to outside resources.
Elementary programs include student observations, assessments, intervention plans, parenting education, teacher and parent consultations, and crisis management and follow-up. Counseling services are delivered through collaboration among students, parents, teachers, and administrators. School counselors are advocates for children. The goal is for every student to reach his or her educational, personal, and social potential.
Right to Refuse Counseling Services Parents have the right to refuse counseling services for their child. If parents do not want their child to access counseling services, they simply need to write a letter or stop by the school to sign a form which indicates that preference. It is the parent’s responsibility to renew their wishes in regard to counseling services when the child’s home school changes.
Kim Kieffer AEES Counselor 234-8594
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PARENT GROUPS
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The purpose of the PTA is to support Academy Endeavour Elementary School by providing materials, services, and financial assistance to enrich our children’s education. This will be accomplished through social and educational fundraising activities. The PTA will also strive to be an effective link among parents, teachers, school officials, students, and our community. Please feel free to contact any PTA board member with questions at any time!
Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 3:45-4:45 p.m. in the AEES Library.
September 14 October 12 November 9 December 14 January 18 February 8 March 8 April 12 May 10
The 2021/2022 PTA Committee Board members are: President: Brittany True Vice President: Jaquelle Riggs Secretary: Deb Mellinger Treasurer: Meghann Chastain Staff Appreciation Coordinator – SAC Liaison – Members-at-Large – Principal/Staff Administrators – Shelah Hansen and Carrie Mitchell
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School Accountability Committee (SAC)
The School Accountability Committee (SAC) is the building (school level) accountability committee for Academy Endeavour Elementary.
Quarterly Meeting Dates for SAC
October 6 @ 7:15 am December 8 @ 7:15 am March 9 @ 7:15 am May 11 @ 7:15 am
The 2021/2022 SAC committee:
Co-Chair – Shelah Hansen Community Rep District Accountability Rep Staff Representatives Classified Rep Administration – Shelah Hansen and Carrie Mitchell
Meetings are held quarterly in October, December, March and May (listed above) before school in the school library. All AEES families are invited to attend.
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