Handbook
2019-2020 PARENT HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ..................................................................................................1
Attendance Policy ........................................................................................................................1
School Hours................................................................................................................................1
Bad Weather Information ............................................................................................................1
School Visitors.............................................................................................................................2
Supervision ..................................................................................................................................2
Picking Up Children ....................................................................................................................2
Childcare ......................................................................................................................................2
Lunches ........................................................................................................................................2
Library..........................................................................................................................................2
Homework Policy ........................................................................................................................3
Looping Parent Policy..................................................................................................................3
MEDICAL INFORMATION .......................................................................................................4
Emergency Information ...............................................................................................................4
PARENT ORGANIZATIONS AND VOLUNTEERING ..........................................................4
Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) ...............................................................................4
Volunteers ....................................................................................................................................4
COMMUNICATION.....................................................................................................................5
Contacting Teachers.....................................................................................................................5
Friday Folders ..............................................................................................................................5
Newsletters...................................................................................................................................5
Reporting Student Progress..........................................................................................................5
Website ........................................................................................................................................5
Enrichment Programs...................................................................................................................6
PERSONAL PROPERTY.............................................................................................................6
Articles Not Permitted at School .................................................................................................6
Bicycles, Scooters, Wheeled Shoes and Rollerblades .................................................................6
Lost and Found ............................................................................................................................6
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS ...................................................................................................7
Dress Code ...................................................................................................................................7
Fighting ........................................................................................................................................7
Inappropriate Language, Discrimination, Intimidation ...............................................................8
Public Display of Affection .........................................................................................................8
Sexual Harassment.......................................................................................................................8
Examples of Inappropriate Behavior ...........................................................................................8
Tobacco ........................................................................................................................................9
Examples of Consequences and Actions Taken ..........................................................................9
Detention......................................................................................................................................9
Referral to the Principal ...............................................................................................................9
ATTENDANCE POLICY
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please call the attendance line at: 303-806-2438 every day your child is absent. Families will be contacted if there are truancy concerns resulting from tardies, excused and unexcused absences. The school will use the following modes of communication to address truancy, in increasing levels of intervention and support:
• Parent phone call or meeting
• Letter of concern
• Three (3) unexcused absences in a month
• Excused absences: principal’s discretion
• Truancy Liason home visit
• Excessive absence letter/attendance plan or contract
• Juvenile Assessment Center referral
• Sanction Letter
• Court Referral
SCHOOL HOURS
Kindergarten–6th Grade: Monday-Friday: 8:00a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
BAD WEATHER INFORMATION
Students should dress appropriately for the weather. They will go outside for recess on days when the temperature (with the wind chill factor) is above 10 degrees and they should have coats, mittens/gloves, hats and boots, too, if it is wet or snowy. Students will be allowed to play on the playground/blacktop with snow on the ground if playground equipment is determined to be safe. Proper footwear is encouraged.
In the event of a school closure or delayed start due to bad weather, please check the following websites, radio and TV stations:
Websites:
Charles Hay:
http://www.englewoodschools.net/schools/charles-hay-world-school
Englewood Schools:
http://www.englewoodschools.net/
Radio Stations:
KOOL - 105.1 FM
KWBI - 91.1 FM
KOSI - 101 FM
KYGO - 950 AM/98.5 FM KUSA - TV- CHANNEL 9
TV Stations:
KWGN-TV - CHANNEL 2
KCNC-TV - CHANNEL 4
KMGH-TV - CHANNEL 7
KUSA - TV- CHANNEL 9
In the event school is canceled for the entire day, Champions will also be canceled.
SCHOOL VISITORS- DOOR BELL ENTRY SYSTEM
When you come to visit the school or to check out a student we will need to see your id.
The safety of our students is always at the forefront of district planning. Therefore, we have a doorbell entry system at our school. When you visit the school you must ring the doorbell on the gray speaker box. You must identify yourself and your reason for being at our school. The office staff will be able to talk to you as well as see you in a monitor. Once the staff has identified you and verified your reason for visiting the door will be unlocked remotely. You must check in at the front office and have your id checked. If visiting a classroom, you must have your id scanned and get a Visitor Badge that is worn visibly.
SUPERVISION
Playground supervision is provided from 7:50–8:00 a.m. and 3:00–3:10 p.m. Students are not to be on the playground without an adult before 7:50 a.m. or after 3:10 p.m. Students who remain on the playground after supervised hours will be asked to check in at home for parent/guardian permission to remain on the playground. Staff will contact the parents of unsupervised students in the afternoon after 3:10 p.m.
PICKING UP CHILDREN
Anyone picking up a child before the end of the school day must check the child out from the school office. Students will be called down to the front office. If anyone other than the parent or guardian is to pick up a child from school, prior arrangements must be made with the school clerical staff. Only persons listed on the emergency card may pick up children unless the office has been notified of extenuating circumstances.
CHILDCARE
If you are in need of childcare, please note that Champions has reduced their rates to make it an affordable option for our Charles Hay families. The program is proud to offer recreational activities and curriculum extensions, including arts, crafts, games, homework club, gym games and field trips. For rates and hours of operations or general questions, please contact our Director of Child Care Services. Kim Smith- (720) 517-7388
LUNCHES
Hot lunches are available for $2.80 per day. Free and reduced lunches are available to families who qualify financially. You can apply for free and reduced lunch through the office or online through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. You are always welcome to join your child for lunch at Charles Hay. Please give us at least one day’s notice if you intend on purchasing a hot lunch. The cost of an adult lunch is $3.10. Breakfast is available in the classroom to all students, free of charge. Applications are available from the office at any time, or through the Parent Portal.
LIBRARY
Kindergarteners are allowed to check out one book from the library, however, they are not able to take the book home. First grade through sixth grade students are allowed to check out up to two books and are allowed to take these books home. It is imperative that you help remind your child to take care of these books and return them on the next library day.
• Overdue Books: Students with overdue books will not be permitted to check out new books until the overdue book(s) is returned.
• Lost or Damaged Books: All books that are lost or damaged will need to be paid for by the student who checked out the book.
• Overdue notices will be sent out on a regular basis. Books will either need to be returned
HOMEWORK POLICY
We believe that homework should be an opportunity to build responsibility in children and for parents to spend time sharing skills with their children. Therefore, we expect children to spend some time during the week working at home. They may be completing unfinished work, working on a long-term project, reading, practicing spelling or math facts, or practicing skills learned during the day. Reading and math will be assigned regularly.
We know our students have a rich life outside of school and feel that homework should not interfere with these activities. However, children who do not choose to use class time wisely may have more homework than other students. If you feel that your child has too much or too little homework to meet your family’s needs, contact your child’s teacher.
LOOPING PARENT POLICY
What is looping?
Teachers stay with a group of students for two academic years. Example: A student beginning a loop in first grade will have the same teacher in second grade and be with most of the same classmates for two consecutive years.
Our beliefs about looping:
• Creates a strong classroom community and culture.
• Provides a secure and safe environment for students to become risk-takers.
• Teachers have a deep understanding of student’s academic, social and emotional needs.
• Teachers and students move seamlessly into the second year of the loop.
• Teachers understand the continuum of curriculum over two years.
• Looping provides an individualized and customized instruction and curriculum because the teachers know the students and the content.
How we loop at Charles Hay:
• Kindergarten: Does not loop.
• First and Second Grade: 2-year loop.
• Third Grade: Does not loop.
• Fourth and Fifth Grade: Does not loop.
• Sixth grade: Does not loop.
Opting out of a loop:
• Parents may opt their child out of a looping situation.
• Notify classroom teacher or principal about desire not loop.
• Submit official request in writing regarding your desire not to loop.
Potential Changes to the looping policy include:
• All efforts will be made to maintain consistency to the looping structure.
• Reasons for changes include:
• Changes in class size and/or classes per grade level.
• Staff changes: new teachers, changes in positions, reduction in teachers.
• Administrative decision to move students or teachers from current loop.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
The use of medication at school is discouraged. Since most medications are available in longer acting forms, parents and students are encouraged to administer such medications at home. Prescription medications that need to be taken at school require a Medication Release form that is completed by both parent or guardian and physician. These forms are available at school, at many doctor’s offices, and on the website at http://englewoodschools.net > for parents>school health services.
Non-prescription mediations are NOT to be brought to school. In the rare instance that a child needs a non-prescription drug at school, it requires the same Medication Release form signed by both parent or guardian and physician. Only medications that are in the pharmacy container or the original store packaging will be accepted at school.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Updated emergency information is necessary for each student. This information is requested so that we can reach you or your designee, should a serious accident or an illness occur. It is critical that we have the most up-to-date information. Jobs change and neighbors and child care providers move, so we may need new contact telephone numbers. Please keep the information current. You may go online to the Parent Portal and update any new information, or contact the front office.
PARENT ORGANIZATIONS AND VOLUNTEERING
PARENT TEACHER STUDENT ASSOCIATION (PTSA)
The Charles Hay World School PTSA meets monthly to share Hay happenings. It is the backbone of our school for funding such items as staff positions, special programs or staff development activities. The PTSA supports and works directly with several committees that enhance the quality of education at Charles Hay.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers strengthen our school! We rely on your help. To become a volunteer, you will need to fill out the background check application in the front office with a valid ID. Background checks must be completed each school year.
Why Are Volunteers Important?
• Increase school/community relations.
• Help close the “generation gap.”
• Show students that adults DO CARE.
Who Can Become A School Volunteer?
• Parents
• Extended Family
• Retirees
• Business and professional people
What Do Volunteers Do?
• Assist in the library
• Act as a resource
• Tutor groups or individuals
• Assist in the classroom
COMMUNICATION
CONTACTING TEACHERS
Although communication between home and school is encouraged, teachers are generally unavailable during most of the school day. You may call and leave a message on their voice mail or e-mail them. Your child’s teacher will provide these numbers/addresses at the beginning of the school year. Teachers respond promptly to parent’s inquiries. In emergency situations, parents should contact the school office.
FRIDAY FOLDERS
Teachers observe Friday as a school/home communication day. You can expect your child to have a folder which will contain schoolwork, classroom news, community program information and news of school meetings and events. Parents are requested to use this means of communication with their child’s teacher when the folder is returned on Monday. Please feel free to write comments, ask questions or voice concerns.
NEWSLETTERS
Classroom newsletters are published and sent home monthly. They can also be found on our website, on your child’s teacher page. A School-wide Monthly newsletter is also sent out, the first Monday of each month.
REPORTING STUDENT PROGRESS
Elementary progress reports (report cards or EPRs) will be accessible via the Inifinite Campus Parent Portal where you can print hard copies. Two formal Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled during the year, one in the fall and one in the spring. If you wish to have additional conferences to discuss your child’s progress, please feel free to make an appointment with the teacher.
WEBSITE
The Englewood Schools website is located at: http://englewoodschools.net. Please check the Charles Hay website for school information: http://www.englewoodschools.net/schools/charles-hay-world-school This site is updated on a weekly basis and contains important school information such as school and curricular information, announcements, special events, teacher contact information, newsletters and meeting notes (PTSA, Health and Wellness, etc.)
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
At the start of each school year, Charles Hay World School will attempt to find qualified instructors to lead before and after school “optional” enrichment programs, such as LEGO, Fitness Club, Camping Club and many more. These programs are offered for a nominal fee and are available to students in grades K-6. More information will be shared via the monthly school newsletters.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
Students often have special things that they want to share with their classmates. We recommend that any personal objects of value not be left at school. An adult may bring in the item and take it home immediately. Toys and items such as handheld video games, digital music devices, and personal tablets are not permitted at school. We are not responsible for any loss or damage to students’ personal property.
ARTICLES NOT PERMITTED AT SCHOOL
The following items are not allowed at school, however, this is not an exclusive list. Administrators will determine if an item is appropriate for a student to bring to school. Things such as laser pointers, iPods, MP3 players, electronic games, personal tablets, etc., are NOT permitted at school. Cell phones are permitted at school, but must be turned off and out of sight. If a parent has a special circumstance, the parent should contact the principal.
Toys, gum, and candy (candy is allowed to be brought in a sack lunch and eaten in the lunchroom) are not permitted. Selling or sharing candy or gum at school is not allowed. Chains (metal or plastic) or pocketknives, manicure sets, manicure scissors, and small tool sets are not allowed. Weapons of any kind or items that can be used as a weapon (toy or facsimile) are not allowed. For further information on this policy, please see the Englewood Schools Family Handbook.
BICYCLES, SCOOTERS, WHEELED SHOES AND ROLLERBLADES
Children may ride bicycles, scooters, skateboards and in-line skates to school. Bikes must be walked on the school grounds, be parked in the bike racks and locked. Skateboards, scooters and skates should not be left outside. Bikes may not be ridden during recess and playground activities. The school is not responsible for bikes brought to school. The regular use of safety helmets is strongly encouraged! At no time are rollerblades, wheeled shoes or scooters allowed on school grounds during school hours. This includes the ten minutes before and after school.
LOST AND FOUND
A Lost and Found box is maintained in the foyer outside the gym. Items will be available in the hall during conferences and before the end of the school year. Unclaimed items will be donated to InterFaith Task Force at the end of each semester. You are welcome to check the Lost and Found box at any time. Smaller items, such as glasses or keys will be kept in the main office.
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
DRESS CODE
• The appearance of a student plays a large part in their behavior and attitude toward school. With this in mind, we urge parents to guide their student in exercising good judgment in their choice of attire. It is essential that students dress according to the weather and with maximum safety considered. PLEASE LABEL ALL APPAREL.
• Shirts advertising inappropriate products or with inappropriate language will not be permitted.
• Should “extreme dress” cause disruption to the educational process, students may be asked to alter their attire. For example, very short shorts and skirts, tube and tank tops which do not cover the midriff, “low-riding” pants and other similar attire should be considered “extreme dress.”
• Hats are not to be worn in the building other than for special occasions. However, hats are encouraged during outside recesses to avoid prolonged sun exposure and for warmth. Students do go out for recess in most weather conditions when the temperature, with wind chill, is above 10 degrees. Please prepare them daily for Colorado’s unexpected weather changes.
• Any manner of grooming or apparel, including clothing, jewelry, chains, emblems, badges, bandanas, baggy and sagging clothing which by virtue of color, arrangement, trademark which denotes affiliation or membership with any gang will not be allowed.
• Wearing apparel that interferes with or endangers the student or others while they are participating in classroom activities will not be allowed. The decision as to the safety or unsuitability of the clothing is a matter of the judgment of school personnel.
• Make-up for girls is strongly discouraged.
• Special effect contact lenses are not permitted.
FIGHTING
There is no tolerance for fighting. It is illegal and dangerous. Inappropriate physical contact can lead to risk of serious injury and will not be tolerated for any reason.
Sometimes, family members will tell a student that it is okay to hit someone who hits him/her first. While a student may decide to do that, the student should remember that there are consequences for physical violence at school. Students sometimes are surprised that both parties get the same consequence because they feel like they have been given “permission” to fight.
These students feel like the other person “started it.” A fight does not start with the person who threw the first punch. It usually starts long before that with words and actions.
Does this mean that there is nothing a student can do? If a student believes that he/she might be involved in a fight, we want the student to try to prevent it by problem solving, not by violence. A good first step to take would be to talk to a teacher or the principal. It is important to let someone know that a student is having trouble before anyone gets hurt.
INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE, DISCRIMINATION, INTIMIDATION
Charles Hay has a zero tolerance policy for acts of cruelty, harassment, excessive teasing, bullying, discrimination, violence, and intimidation. Profanity and other inappropriate language is not acceptable. We believe that all students and adults, no matter their sex, race, or religious
preference have the right to be free from abuse of any kind. State and city laws also protect these rights. Therefore, disrespectful or profane language or language that uses racial, religious or sexual slurs directed towards anyone will not be tolerated. If a student thinks that language that uses racial, religious, or sexual slurs has been directed toward him/her, please report these concerns immediately to a teacher or the principal. Students who use this language may be suspended and a parent conference may be held.
PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION
Public display of affection, including but not limited to, holding hands, walking arm-in-arm, embracing, hugging, and/or kissing is not acceptable behavior on school grounds, at school- sponsored activities, at the bus stop, or in any school vehicle.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual harassment is unwanted and unwelcome sexual behavior toward another person. Examples of these kinds of behavior are: touching, grabbing, or pinching; spreading sexual rumors; inappropriate sexual comments, gestures, cat calls, or whistles and name-calling.
Some students would describe these as funny or “pranks,” but no one has the right to touch, or make sexual comments or advances toward another person without his/her permission. All of these actions are serious violations of someone else’s rights and federal law protects these rights. If a student thinks he/she is a victim of sexual harassment, the student should report these concerns immediately to a teacher or an administrator. Those who involve themselves in thiskind of activity may be disciplined, and a parent conference may be held.
EXAMPLES OF INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR
The following list (although not inclusive) illustrates additional behaviors that are not appropriate on the Charles Hay campus, on the bus, at the bus stop, and at school sponsored activities: talking back to staff, refusing to follow the requests of staff members, calling names, threatening others, intimidating (verbal and/or physical) others, purposeful exclusion, throwing objects, intending to fight, provoking a fight, pushing, kicking, tripping, spitting, disrupting the learning of others, excessive noise (in halls, classrooms, cafeteria, etc.), arguing with staff, physical violence toward anyone, verbal abuse, harassment, forgery, theft, profanity, being in an unassigned area, improper use of technology, defacing and/or vandalizing the school’s property and the property of others, etc.Behavior on and off school campus detrimental to the safety and welfare of self and others will receive disciplinary action, up to and including out-of-school suspension and recommendation for expulsion. Charles Hay World School follows Englewood Schools Student Conduct and Discipline Procedures.
TOBACCO
The USE or POSSESSION of tobacco products in any school building, on school grounds, in any school vehicle, at the bus stop, or at any school sponsored activity is strictly prohibited in accordance with Colorado State Law. Possession of lighters, matches, etc., is not permitted.
EXAMPLES OF CONSEQUENCES AND ACTIONS TAKEN
Examples (although not inclusive) of consequences used are: conferencing with students, warnings, conflict mediation, writing or giving apologies, temporary removal from class, parent contact/conferences, student contracts, restorative justice, behavior plans, safety plans, loss of privileges, exclusion from activities, community service, detention, suspension, expulsion, etc.
DETENTION
Students may be assigned detention by a teacher and/or administrator for a variety of reasons. Examples of detention may include lunch/recess detention in the office. Students will not be asked to stay after school without prior contact with a parent or guardian.
REFERRAL TO THE PRINCIPAL
When a student has been referred to the principal that student will be given an opportunity to discuss the situation with the principal and the others involved. This discussion will result in a determination of an infraction and the consequences.