2005-2006 Parent Handbook

Attendance

Student attendance is an important issue that we have been trying to address for several years. We must enforce Colorado state law which mandates that students attend school, yet want to honor the fact that there are often situations (other than illness) which legitimately cause students to miss school, or to be late to school.
Parents are to leave a message on the 24-hour attendance line (303-387-6177) to report the absence of their child. Please leave the following information no later than 8:45 a.m.:
•Parent’s name •Date(s) of absence
•Child’s name •Reason for absence
•Teacher’s name
Today's instructional practice is much more interactive than that of a generationand more ago. Worksheets are not as prevalent, and dialogue between teacher andstudents is now critical to ensure that students have a quality understandingof concepts. This is one reason school attendance in Colorado is mandated bylaw, and that schools are charged with maintaining attendance records for allstudents. Children cannot maximize their learning if they are not present intheir classroom. This includes students who are tardy, or who leave school early(referred to as "early dismissal"), because they are also missing valuableinstructional time.

Coyote Creek monitors absence, tardy, and early dismissal rates of students ona weekly basis. When a student's rate of missing school reaches 10%, we senda letter of information to parents. If that student's rate increases, we senda second letter to parents that includes an opportunity to work with the schoolto decrease their child's absence, tardy, and/or early dismissal rate.
When a student is absent and we cannot reach a parent to determine if the studentis in their care during that day, the absence is considered unverifiable. Thesesituations cause concern for the student’s safety, so a school administratorwill continue to attempt to contact parents. If a pattern of unverified absencesbegins to appear, parents will receive a letter asking for cooperation in verifyingtheir child’s whereabouts in the future.
Thank you for your help in assuring that your child has every opportunity toachieve at his or her highest potential.

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Audience Manners

Douglas County School District and Coyote Creek Elementary have formally adopted Behavior Expectations with the understanding that these characteristics (andall school rules) are present at all times and during all activities at school.These expectations include words like “polite”, “courteous”,and “sensitivity toward others”.
Programs, assemblies, and any activity in which people are presenting to a groupare excellent opportunities to encourage and instill these characteristics inour students. Consequently, adults who attend such presentations at school whereCoyote Creek students are present are strongly encouraged to model these characteristics.
“ Audience manners” suggests that there are some appropriate waysto behavein an audience situation. These include:
• supervision of all children to ensure their quiet and respectful attentiontothe presentation;
• parents should have their children sit with them, unless the presenterhas specificallyasked young children to sit “down front”—parents are askedto maintain a watchful eye to ensure that their children in front are not disruptiveor hampering the presenter;
• an occasional trip to the restroom is understandable—however, itis disrespectful to the performer to be moving around and in and out of the roomduring the presentation;
• applause at appropriate times;
• no loud negative reactions (for example, “booing” is notappropriateaudience manners).

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Behavior Expectations

One of the keys to a positive school experience is a discipline structure which promotes the development of responsible behavior. The emphasis at Coyote Creekis on maintaining an atmosphere which is conducive to learning, working, achievingand developing basic moral values. The following values are developed in allstudents and supported by all school personnel:
Honesty Respect Responsibility
Self-discipline Compassion Perseverance
Giving
When a student does not exhibit behaviors that demonstrate these values, appropriateconsequences will be provided. Depending on the nature, seriousness, and/or frequencyof the problem, appropriate action will be taken. This may include loss of recesstime or other privileges, replacing broken or stolen property, taking a time-outin the office, “community service”, parent contact or conference,in-school detentions, and out-of-school suspensions. While the staff prefersto focus on the positive, it is important to know that certain behaviors willnot be tolerated (according to state law), and will be met with strong consequences.These behaviors include: inappropriate language or obscene gestures; harassmentof any kind; intentional attempts to injure or actual injury; intentional damageto property; defiance or disrespect to adults; possession of a weapon, tobacco,or drugs.
Coyote Creek also has two general school rules:
• Safety of self and others (physically and emotionally);
• Be in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing.
When school values or rules are not followed, the student may be referred tothe office, and an administrator will investigate and determine appropriate consequences.A “Behavior Referral” does not become part of a student’s permanentfile. It will be kept in a confidential file until the end of the school year,then purged before the beginning of the next school year.
For more detailed information on policies regarding student conduct and discipline,see Douglas County School District Codes of Conduct and Discipline (a copy hasbeen provided to each family in the school; additional copies may be requestedfrom the school office)

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Book Fees/School Supplies

Douglas County School District requires a $6.00 book and materials fee per student to be collected by all elementary schools. This money assists in purchasing textbooksand instructional materials for each classroom. Students are expected to providebasic supplies. Supply lists for each grade level are available in the schooloffice.

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Buses

Routes and bus stops can be obtained from the school office. Only students who are assigned to each bus may ride – bus passes are not granted. Transportationis typically provided for students who live one mile or more from school. Allstudents are required to complete and return a “School Bus Contract” atthe beginning of the school year to ensure that all students are aware of thebus rules, since all will be riding a bus at least once during the school yearfor a field trip. If you have any questions regarding the buses and their schedulesyou may call the Transportation Department (Highlands Ranch) at 303-387-0422.

PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS WHEN THEIR SCHOOL BUS
DOESN’T ARRIVE

Douglas County School Transportation Department strives to provide safe and punctual service. Our ability to run on time has become increasingly difficult due to inclement weather, traffic congestion, accidents, and train delays. Occasionally, a bus will run late due to a mechanical malfunction or a relief driver may miss a stop. Use the weather hot line or the school district web site to check on weather-caused schedule changes in your area.
It is our goal to address these concerns in a proactive, positive manner and provide suggestions that your children could use when their school bus does not arrive at their stop.
1. We recommend students be at the bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.
2. Students are asked to wait at the stop for at least 15 minutes after the scheduled departure time.
3. Parents should have an alternative plan in place when the bus is more than 15 minutes behind schedule. On bad weather days it is unreasonable for Transportation to predict how late any given bus may be. Arrangements for carpooling should be made if the parents are unable to take their own children to school. After waiting at the stop, children should go home and call informing their parents that they missed the bus. Implement your prearranged plan. When the weather is bad our buses will probably be running late so be sure your child is dressed appropriately and that he/she will always have a way into their home, and that they have the appropriate phone number(s) to reach you.
4. Occasionally in good weather a school bus may run late. When this occurs call the Transportation Dispatch office for Highlands Ranch (303-387-6150) for more information on your child’s school bus. Dispatch will send another bus, if possible, and will tell the parent what time to expect the bus to return to the stop. Use the prearranged plan to assure your child gets to school.
5. It is best if parents know the regular school bus’ route number so dispatch can quickly check on the cause of the delay. Whenever possible, it is always best if an adult can accompany their elementary child to the bus stop and wait with them until the school bus arrives. It is also best if an adult can meet the school bus when an elementary student returns home.
Our goal is to provide safe and on time transportation. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Transportation office at 303-387-0410 or 303-387-0411.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Revised 06-01-04

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Cancellation of School

In the event of inclement weather or other circumstances, school may be cancelled for the day. Announcements will be made on major radio and television stations when school is cancelled. Please do not call the school office for information about weather-related schedule changes. You may call the Weather Hotline number for up-to-date weather-related schedule changes (303-387-7669) or check the district website at www. dcsdk12.orgCell Phones
Students may have cell phones at school. However, cell phones must stay in backpacks during school hours and are not to be used during the school day.

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Due to the number of checks that students deliver to the school on a daily basis, parents are expected to write separate checks for each fee and include the following information:
• Write the student’s name on the check
• Write the purpose for the check (lunch, book fee, field trip, etc.) on the check
• For lunch accounts, write the student’s account number on the check
All checks sent to school with students should be in envelopes with the student’s name on the outside of the envelope.

An on-site childcare program is provided at Coyote Creek from 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. This program provides recreational activities, arts, crafts and field trips. Registration is available for before and/or after the school day, and during the school day for off-track Coyote Creek students. For more information, please contact Jodi Laures, Director, at 303-387-6200.

Coyote Creek welcomes parents to visit their child’s classroom at any time during the school year. We expect parents to contact the teacher prior to your visit to ensure that the class will be available (not in specials, engaged in formal assessment activities, etc.). In order to maintain an uninterrupted learning environment for students, other guests (preschoolers, cousins, out-of-town friends, etc.) may join a student for lunch only (not including recess) with an accompanying adult. These visitors must inform Coyote Creek’s Nutrition Services no later than 9:30 a.m. to ensure that enough food is prepared for our students and guests.

Effective communication is essential to the fostering of collaborative teamwork. To ensure that formal and informal suggestions or complaints are resolved respectfully and equitably, parents will be expected to maintain communication with their child’s teacher. Any concerns about classroom issues should be resolved at the lowest possible level. For example, if a concern arises, every effort should be made to first resolve it with the teacher. Only after all attempts have been made at that level will an administrator assist in the resolution.

A content standard is a statement that describes what a student should know and be able to do in a specific subject. Teachers assess each child’s performance based on the progress s/he is making toward each standard. A list of all academic standards will be provided upon request.

Classes will not be dismissed prior to the dismissal bell. Upon dismissal, teachers will accompany their classes to the designated outside door to ensure that students move calmly through the halls.
• Walking students will exit through assigned doors.
• Bus students will report to the library, where a staff member will escort them to the bus at 3:30.
Parents who are dropping students off before school or picking up students at dismissal, and who are using the circle drive to the north of the building, must follow these rules: pause, drop off or pick up students, then continue to the Westridge exit in a timely manner. There is no parking allowed at any time in the circle drive—it is designated as a Fire Lane. At no time should a vehicle park diagonally. At no time should a vehicle block the crosswalks being used by students and staff.
When using the front parking lot, please follow the directional signs. There is no double parking allowed at any time. It is illegal to park in areas designated for “handicapped parking”; it is also illegal to block access to these areas. Vehicles may load or unload passengers along the front entrance curb by pausing to drop off or pick up students, then continuing to the Baneberry exit. The loading zone time limit is two minutes; if waiting longer than two minutes, the vehicle must be parked elsewhere to keep the parking lot traffic flowing.

Douglas County School District has a student dress code. Consequently, students are encouraged to dress appropriately for all school activities and to maintain a high standard of dress. We encourage parents to guide youngsters in exercising good judgment in their choice of appropriate attire. Children should come to school looking clean and neat and dressed in a manner which is accepted as being in good taste. Shirts advertising inappropriate products or with inappropriate language or messages will not be permitted. Hats are not to be worn in the building. Muscle shirts, short shorts, bare midriffs, halter tops, net shirts or other beach wear are not to be worn at school. Tank tops with straps that are less than two-fingers wide are also not allowed. Any manner of grooming or apparel, including clothing, jewelry, chains, emblems and badges, bandanas, baggy and saggy clothing which by virtue of color, arrangement, trademark, or other attribute is associated with or denotes membership in, or affiliation with, any gang will not be allowed. It is also essential that students dress according to weather and safety considerations. We strongly encourage parents to help students develop the habit of checking the weather report before choosing their dress for the day.

In the event of inclement weather or other circumstances, the Douglas County School District may decide to dismiss school early. Office personnel will initiate the Parent Phone Tree to inform parents of the early dismissal; parents may learn about the Early Dismissal through the media before the phone tree can reach them. It is necessary for each student to have a current Early Dismissal form on file with the school, which will provide staff members with current information about where a student is to go in the event of an early dismissal.

It is required that a minimum fee of $5.00 be collected from each student before each field trip, to cover transportation expenses. An additional fee may be necessary to cover extra costs, such as admission to events or venues. Parents must send a check (rather than cash) to cover these fees, made out to Coyote Creek Elementary.

Before tracking off, students will receive a flyer telling them which pod their classroom will be in when they return to school, and where they are to line up with their class. When the bell rings, teachers will lead students to their new classrooms.

The purpose of homework at Coyote Creek is to accomplish the following:
• complete unfinished work assigned in class;
• make up assignments missed because of an excused absence;
• provide independent practice to reinforce skills learned in class;
• complete research projects or long-range assignments;
• provide activities to encourage family involvement with the school.
An Assignment Notebook will be available to each student in grades 4-6 for $2.75 (this is below the school’s cost).
Unless the assignment is specifically stated as one that requires parent involvement, it will be assumed that the child can complete the task without parent assistance. Parents are reminded that their role in their children’s homework is to monitor and support, not to provide answers. Unless prior arrangements are made with a students’ parent, homework will not be assigned during weekends or during off-track time. Make-up homework will be provided for students when they return from absences. If parents wish to pick up this homework at the end of the day of absence, they must request it before the school day begins (when calling the Attendance Line to report the absence). This make-up work must be turned in to the teacher no later than the number of school days after the student has returned to school.
Completion of homework will be reflected on the Progress Report. Assignments such as spelling practice, math fact practice and daily reading might be included as homework assignments. In some grades, all homework for the week will be sent home with the child on one day. In these cases, parents are encouraged to work with the child in coming up with a plan for pacing the assignments on a daily basis. The amount of homework and the time a child should spend on daily homework will vary and may be differentiated according to the needs of the child. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher if the child is consistently exceeding the following amount of time when completing homework assignments:

Kindergarten an average of 5 minutes daily
1st grade an average of 10minutes daily
2nd grade an average of 20 minutes daily
3rd grade an average of 30 minutes daily
4th grade an average of 40 minutes daily
5th grade an average of 50 minutes daily
6th grade an average of 60 minutes daily

These times may not include assignments that were to be completed during class time. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher if a child is consistently completing schoolwork at home that was to be completed during the school day. The parent is also encouraged to contact the child’s teacher if homework assignments are not coming home.
Frequently, students will return to school after school hours, asking our night custodians if they can get into their classroom to get material needed for an assignment due the next day. Coyote Creek is dedicated to helping students learn life skills as well as academics; one life skill is to make sure one has all the material one needs before leaving school or office. Consequently, classrooms will not be opened for students to retrieve materials for homework.

Students who arrive after the starting time (8:35 a.m.) must check in with the school office before going to class. The student will not be allowed to enter class without a late pass from the office. Tardies are considered to be part of a student’s attendance record.
Late Start of School Day
In the event of inclement weather, school may be on a delayed schedule, beginning 60 minutes later than usual (9:30 a.m.). Buses also run their routes on a 60-minute delayed schedule. Announcements will be made on major radio and television stations when a “Delayed Start” is in place. Please do not call the school office for information about weather-related schedule changes. You may call a hotline number for up-to-date weather-related schedule changes (303-387-7669) or check the district website at www. dcsdk12.org.

Anyone picking up a student before the end of the school day must check the student out from the school office. Your child will be called to the office at that time. If anyone other than the parent or guardian is to pick up a student from school, prior arrangements must be made through the school office. According to district attendance guidelines, students leaving school early after being present for at least a half day will be recorded as having an “Early Dismissal”.

Lightning has by far the most fatalities of any severe weather event in Colorado. In our District’s history, two children at an elementary school were killed by lightning while playing outside at recess several years ago. Colorado is second in the nation for lightning strikes, and Douglas County is near the top of the list within the state for lightning strikes.
The general guidelines followed by Coyote Creek are suggested by national weather experts, and include checking the number of seconds between a lightning flash and the resulting thunder. If thunder is heard within 30 seconds, the lightning is within 6 miles and, therefore, poses a threat to the safety of anyone outside. Additionally, weather experts suggest that it is not safe to venture outside until 20 to 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard.
If lightning is present prior to school dismissal, a delayed dismissal will be enacted. Bus students will be allowed to load the bus as close to normal dismissal time as is safely possible. Students who are walking, however, will not be dismissed until the building administrator announces that it is safe for dismissal. Prior to this announcement, students may be dismissed to their parents at the classroom. In this case, teachers are responsible for maintaining a checkout list of parent signatures.
Lightning-Delayed Dismissals demand a change in routine for parents, students, and staff alike. We do appreciate the understanding of parents when we must delay dismissal due to lightning.

Coyote Creek’s Lunch Program is a part of the Douglas County School District’s Nutrition Services department and is self-supporting. Prices and procedures are established by this department. Hot lunches, including milk, can be purchased for $1.75. Additional milk may be purchased for $.35; seconds (when a student goes back for more food after the first serving) are available for $.80.
Any amount of money can be deposited in a student’s lunch account. Every time the student goes through the lunch line, his/her account is automatically debited. The district’s Nutrition Services has an established policy regarding the handling of these accounts and how we are allowed to handle accounts that are overdrawn. A student may “charge” only one lunch; this is considered a “meal loan”, according to the district. This is how Coyote Creek will be handling situations in which a student no longer has money in his/her lunch account:
No student will go hungry at Coyote Creek
• When a student’s account has only two lunches’ worth of money remaining, the kitchen manager (or designee) will send home a reminder slip that day.
• If a deposit is not made before the next time a student purchases a lunch, the above process will be repeated.
• If a student desires to purchase a lunch when the account is empty, the student will be able to charge that lunch. However, at this point the school kitchen manager (or designee) will call the parent—leaving a voicemail, if necessary—as a reminder that the student no longer has money in his/her lunch account and has just used the only charged lunch allowed.
• If no money is deposited, and the student desires to purchase a lunch, s/he may access a special account that has been set up which can cover up to two additional lunches. Parents will be contacted as above. Withdrawals from this special account must be repaid before the student’s lunch account will be considered active again. School administrators will be monitoring all activity in this special account.
• If the student’s account is still not activated with a deposit, the student will not be allowed to have a full lunch, but will be allowed to choose from the foodbar. This activity will also be monitored to ensure that parents will activate their child’s account as soon as possible. A school administrator will call parents if three calls from Coyote Creek Nutrition Services have not been successful.
• If assistance with payment for lunches is needed beyond these two additional lunches, the parent may apply for extended funding for up to one month. If, during this time period, parents feel that more assistance will be necessary, they may apply for “free or reduced lunch” status. Application forms are available from the school kitchen, or from the school district at 303-387-0306.
While these steps may seem rather stringent, they are Coyote Creek’s attempt to balance district policy with our philosophy that students do not need to be unduly embarrassed about not having money for lunch. Other choices of implementing the policy included having hands stamped and/or lunch trays being taken away from children in the lunch line. We hope our modifications will allow us to do what needs to be done in a more child-centered way.

Any questions regarding your child’s account should be directed to the kitchen staff prior to 11:00 a.m. at 303-387-6210.

Only medication prescribed by a doctor can be administered to students at school. It must be provided to the office in its original container, with a liability form (available from the school office) which is signed by the student’s physician and parent.
Whenever a student is running a fever of 100 degrees or more, parents are contacted and expected to pick up their child.

The school office will be open from 7:55 a.m. to 3:55 p.m. on regular school days. These times may be adjusted on days that are not on a regular schedule, such as weather-impacted days or staff inservice days.

Students who are off-track are not allowed on school grounds unless participating in the intersession DayCamp program or a school activity supervised by a staff member.

Parent volunteers are always needed in our school. Please contact Stephanie Stewart, our Volunteer Coordinator, at 303-387-6239 to discuss how you can become a volunteer.
The Coyote Creek Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a local self-governing organization; its main purpose is to promote the welfare of students in the home, school and community. General PTA meetings are held four times each school year. The PTA Board meets on the first Thursday of every month. For more information, please contact Michelle Walker, President, at 303-791-6949.
The Coyote Creek School Advisory Council (SAC) is comprised of parent and staff representatives. The purpose if this council is to inform, encourage, and to provide opportunities for parent and community members to be involved in the planning and evaluation of the school’s instructional program and quality improvement processes. By definition of law, this council is an advisory body. Please call the school office for more information (303-387-6175).

Parking at Coyote Creek is limited, and traffic and driver behaviors have been a continuous safety concern. To ensure the safety of our students, staff and visitors, all are encouraged to adhere to these guidelines:
• When dropping off or picking up students before and after school, please use the circle drive on the north side of the school, near the playground. Cars are expected to pause, drop off or pick up students, then continue to the Westridge exit in a timely manner. There is no parking allowed at any time in the circle drive—it is designated as a Fire Lane. At no time should a vehicle park diagonally. Traffic may not block the crosswalks being used by students and staff crossing guards.
• When using the front parking lot, please follow the directional signs. There is no double parking allowed at any time. It is illegal to park in areas designated for “handicapped parking”; it is also illegal to block access to these areas. Vehicles may load or unload passengers along the front entrance curb by pausing to drop off or pick up students, then continuing to the Baneberry exit. The loading zone time limit is two minutes; if waiting longer than two minutes, the vehicle must park elsewhere to keep the parking lot traffic flowing.
• Leaving a vehicle parked in designated Fire Lanes is illegal.
• Do NOT call to your child to have them cross Westridge Parkway, Baneberry Court, or any part of the parking lot. Please take the time to escort them across these very busy areas.

Two parties are held each year at Coyote Creek: Winter Holiday and Valentine’s Day. In addition, a PTA-sponsored Fall Festival is scheduled on a Saturday at the end of October, in lieu of classroom Halloween parties.
To maximize instructional time, birthday treats will be shared only during the last 15 minutes of the school day, beginning no sooner than 3:00 p.m. In addition, invitations to private birthday parties are not to be distributed at school, unless all members of the student’s class are being invited.

Personal objects of value are to be brought to school only during special occasions when a teacher has given permission. Playground equipment is provided by the school. Toys and items such as electronic games and radios are not permitted at school. The school is not responsible for any loss or damage to students’ personal property.

Student Progress Reports are sent home three times per year. Two formal Parent-Teacher Conferences are also scheduled during the school year. Parents should feel free to make an appointment with their child’s teacher if they wish to have additional conferences to discuss progress.

Students will be held responsible for the loss of, or damage to textbooks, library books, and other school property. Intentionally causing or attempting to cause damage to school or private property will result in disciplinary measures, which can include suspension, expulsion, and/or notification of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, depending upon the severity of the damage.

In these days of custody disagreements and general child safety concerns, it is absolutely necessary that the school does not release a student without verifying the legitimacy of the adult asking to take the child. During school hours, parent(s) or legal guardians must check their child out through the office. The office will, in turn, call to the classroom for the child to be sent to the office. Under no circumstances will a child be released to a parent who comes to the classroom; if a parent does appear at a classroom requesting to take a child out of school, the teacher is expected to direct the parent to the office.

We have several students in our school who are seriously allergic to peanut products and nuts, including one who is fatally allergic to these items. This particular child has had a severe reaction from digestion, skin contact and smell of these products which places her at a higher risk than other students who have similar food allergies. To ensure the safety of all students we serve, we have asked that peanut and/or nut products are not brought to school.
How is this enforced? A “nut free” environment will be in effect in the lunchroom during the total lunch period. If a child brings a nut product into the cafeteria during this time, the product is removed and the child is offered an alternative from the school lunch program. Children who bring nut products are kindly reminded about the situation and requested to wash their hands if they have handled or consumed a peanut product.
What products are not to be brought to school? Please do not send the most obvious nut and peanut products for lunch or snacks: peanut butter and nuts (i.e., Reeses' Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers, Peanut M & M’s, Trailmix, Pecan Rolls, Turtles). We are NOT asking parents to read labels, as items with “traces of peanuts” or items cooked in peanut oil are not offensive to smell.
Resources are available at the school including six pages of suggestions for lunch ideas; information from the Food Allergy Network; and an article describing other schools that have gone through a similar issue. Please feel free to request a copy of any of these materials through the office.

Student cumulative files are those maintained in the school office, and "move" with the student as s/he moves from school to school. These files contain only material provided by the parent for the purpose of enrollment (immunization records, proof of residence, etc.), any legal documentation regarding custody or restraining orders, and information provided to the parent by the school (Progress Reports, Suspension or Expulsion letters, etc.) There is nothing in these files that a student's parents does not already possess. However, if there is a need for a replacement copy of some document (for example, a Progress Report), the parent may request one copy. At least 48 hours' notice must be given to allow the school to process the request, and a charge of $1.25 per page will be assessed. More detailed information about student records can be found in the school district's Student Code of Conduct, which is provided to each family.

A regular school day begins at 8:30 a.m. with the first bell; school is in session from 8:35 a.m. until 3:25 p.m. In the mornings, students are to line up outside the door closest to their classroom before school. Parents are asked not to drop off children before 8:20 a.m., or expect children to wait for them at school after 3:40 p.m., because there is no supervision outside of those times. In addition, students will not be allowed to enter their classrooms after school (to get forgotten homework, for example) unless it is before 4:30 and the teacher is present in the classroom.

Students will be allowed to use the office telephone only in cases of an emergency, and must ask permission from the office staff to do so. Arrangements for visits to friends after school are not considered emergencies.

Every Thursday a folder is sent home with students which contains schoolwork, classroom news, and news of school meetings and events. (Monday/Wednesday kindergarten students will bring their folders home on Friday.) Please feel free to write comments, ask questions, or voice concerns on the form provided on this folder.

New families are assigned to a track according to space availability. This original track assignment is temporary through the first year of enrollment. Requests for track changes are accepted on an ongoing basis and prioritized according to the date and time that they are received. Track changes are only made between school years. To request a track change, complete and return the appropriate form to the school office.

In these times of increased concern for the safety of children, the staff at Coyote Creek is becoming more watchful of people in our building. All visitors are required to sign in at the main office as soon as they enter the building. A visitor is anyone not employed by Douglas County Schools. This includes all volunteers. Visitors must wear a Visitor’s Badge whenever they move beyond the main office area. When staff members encounter someone in the building who is not an employee and is not wearing a Visitor’s Badge, they will direct that person to the office to sign in.
While in the school building or on school grounds visitors’ behavior should be regulated according to school and district rules and policies. For example, loud talking in hallways during the school day is disruptive to the learning taking place in classrooms. Likewise, young children should be restrained from loud noisemaking and running in hallways.

Bicycles, roller blades, scooters, etc. pose safety concerns at school. It is the responsibility of parents to determine whether or not their child can ride these items safely to and from school. These items are not to be used on school grounds; bicycles, scooters, etc. are to be walked on school grounds; roller blades, skateboards, etc. are to be removed at the edge of the school grounds and placed in the bike racks until the end of the school day. The security of these items is the responsibility of the student: for example, students are responsible for locking their items in the school bike racks. Students are encouraged to learn and obey all safety/traffic rules, and to wear a helmet when using these items.

			2005-06 Parent Handbook
			PDF Version
Our Mission Coyote Creek is dedicated to a partnership between community and school which promotes academic excellence and fosters the development of strong morals and values. Within an accepting and supportive environment, our children will develop their diverse abilities and become confident and responsible citizens with a life-long love of learning.
School Motto (Adopted June, 2005) Coyote Creek—where tomorrow’s leaders are today’s learners
Attendance Audience Manners Behavior Expectations Book Fees/School Supplies Buses Cancellation of School Checks Written to the School Child Care – Before and After School, and Intersession Classroom Visits Communication Regarding Concerns Content Standards Dismissal Procedures Dress Code Early Dismissal of School Field Trip/Bus Fees First Day Back Homework Policy Late Arrivals (Tardies) Late Start of School Day Leaving School Early Lightning Lunch Program Medications Office Hours Off-Track Students Parent Involvement Opportunities Parking Policy Parties (including birthday treats) Personal Property Progress Reports Property Damage Releasing Students Restriction on Nut Products Request for Student Records School Day Telephone Use Thursday Folders Track Assignments and Changes Visitors Wheeled Items			Attendance Student attendance is an important issue that we have been trying to address for several years. We must enforce Colorado state law which mandates that students attend school, yet want to honor the fact that there are often situations (other than illness) which legitimately cause students to miss school, or to be late to school. Parents are to leave a message on the 24-hour attendance line (303-387-6177) to report the absence of their child. Please leave the following information no later than 8:45 a.m.: •Parent’s name •Date(s) of absence •Child’s name •Reason for absence •Teacher’s name Today's instructional practice is much more interactive than that of a generationand more ago. Worksheets are not as prevalent, and dialogue between teacher andstudents is now critical to ensure that students have a quality understandingof concepts. This is one reason school attendance in Colorado is mandated bylaw, and that schools are charged with maintaining attendance records for allstudents. Children cannot maximize their learning if they are not present intheir classroom. This includes students who are tardy, or who leave school early(referred to as "early dismissal"), because they are also missing valuableinstructional time. Coyote Creek monitors absence, tardy, and early dismissal rates of students ona weekly basis. When a student's rate of missing school reaches 10%, we senda letter of information to parents. If that student's rate increases, we senda second letter to parents that includes an opportunity to work with the schoolto decrease their child's absence, tardy, and/or early dismissal rate. When a student is absent and we cannot reach a parent to determine if the studentis in their care during that day, the absence is considered unverifiable. Thesesituations cause concern for the student’s safety, so a school administratorwill continue to attempt to contact parents. If a pattern of unverified absencesbegins to appear, parents will receive a letter asking for cooperation in verifyingtheir child’s whereabouts in the future. Thank you for your help in assuring that your child has every opportunity toachieve at his or her highest potential. Back to the Top Audience Manners Douglas County School District and Coyote Creek Elementary have formally adopted Behavior Expectations with the understanding that these characteristics (andall school rules) are present at all times and during all activities at school.These expectations include words like “polite”, “courteous”,and “sensitivity toward others”. Programs, assemblies, and any activity in which people are presenting to a groupare excellent opportunities to encourage and instill these characteristics inour students. Consequently, adults who attend such presentations at school whereCoyote Creek students are present are strongly encouraged to model these characteristics. “ Audience manners” suggests that there are some appropriate waysto behavein an audience situation. These include: • supervision of all children to ensure their quiet and respectful attentiontothe presentation; • parents should have their children sit with them, unless the presenterhas specificallyasked young children to sit “down front”—parents are askedto maintain a watchful eye to ensure that their children in front are not disruptiveor hampering the presenter; • an occasional trip to the restroom is understandable—however, itis disrespectful to the performer to be moving around and in and out of the roomduring the presentation; • applause at appropriate times; • no loud negative reactions (for example, “booing” is notappropriateaudience manners). Back to the Top Behavior Expectations One of the keys to a positive school experience is a discipline structure which promotes the development of responsible behavior. The emphasis at Coyote Creekis on maintaining an atmosphere which is conducive to learning, working, achievingand developing basic moral values. The following values are developed in allstudents and supported by all school personnel: Honesty Respect Responsibility Self-discipline Compassion Perseverance Giving When a student does not exhibit behaviors that demonstrate these values, appropriateconsequences will be provided. Depending on the nature, seriousness, and/or frequencyof the problem, appropriate action will be taken. This may include loss of recesstime or other privileges, replacing broken or stolen property, taking a time-outin the office, “community service”, parent contact or conference,in-school detentions, and out-of-school suspensions. While the staff prefersto focus on the positive, it is important to know that certain behaviors willnot be tolerated (according to state law), and will be met with strong consequences.These behaviors include: inappropriate language or obscene gestures; harassmentof any kind; intentional attempts to injure or actual injury; intentional damageto property; defiance or disrespect to adults; possession of a weapon, tobacco,or drugs. Coyote Creek also has two general school rules: • Safety of self and others (physically and emotionally); • Be in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing. When school values or rules are not followed, the student may be referred tothe office, and an administrator will investigate and determine appropriate consequences.A “Behavior Referral” does not become part of a student’s permanentfile. It will be kept in a confidential file until the end of the school year,then purged before the beginning of the next school year. For more detailed information on policies regarding student conduct and discipline,see Douglas County School District Codes of Conduct and Discipline (a copy hasbeen provided to each family in the school; additional copies may be requestedfrom the school office) Back to the Top Book Fees/School Supplies Douglas County School District requires a $6.00 book and materials fee per student to be collected by all elementary schools. This money assists in purchasing textbooksand instructional materials for each classroom. Students are expected to providebasic supplies. Supply lists for each grade level are available in the schooloffice. Back to the Top Buses Routes and bus stops can be obtained from the school office. Only students who are assigned to each bus may ride – bus passes are not granted. Transportationis typically provided for students who live one mile or more from school. Allstudents are required to complete and return a “School Bus Contract” atthe beginning of the school year to ensure that all students are aware of thebus rules, since all will be riding a bus at least once during the school yearfor a field trip. If you have any questions regarding the buses and their schedulesyou may call the Transportation Department (Highlands Ranch) at 303-387-0422. PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS WHEN THEIR SCHOOL BUS DOESN’T ARRIVE Douglas County School Transportation Department strives to provide safe and punctual service. Our ability to run on time has become increasingly difficult due to inclement weather, traffic congestion, accidents, and train delays. Occasionally, a bus will run late due to a mechanical malfunction or a relief driver may miss a stop. Use the weather hot line or the school district web site to check on weather-caused schedule changes in your area. It is our goal to address these concerns in a proactive, positive manner and provide suggestions that your children could use when their school bus does not arrive at their stop. 1. We recommend students be at the bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. 2. Students are asked to wait at the stop for at least 15 minutes after the scheduled departure time. 3. Parents should have an alternative plan in place when the bus is more than 15 minutes behind schedule. On bad weather days it is unreasonable for Transportation to predict how late any given bus may be. Arrangements for carpooling should be made if the parents are unable to take their own children to school. After waiting at the stop, children should go home and call informing their parents that they missed the bus. Implement your prearranged plan. When the weather is bad our buses will probably be running late so be sure your child is dressed appropriately and that he/she will always have a way into their home, and that they have the appropriate phone number(s) to reach you. 4. Occasionally in good weather a school bus may run late. When this occurs call the Transportation Dispatch office for Highlands Ranch (303-387-6150) for more information on your child’s school bus. Dispatch will send another bus, if possible, and will tell the parent what time to expect the bus to return to the stop. Use the prearranged plan to assure your child gets to school. 5. It is best if parents know the regular school bus’ route number so dispatch can quickly check on the cause of the delay. Whenever possible, it is always best if an adult can accompany their elementary child to the bus stop and wait with them until the school bus arrives. It is also best if an adult can meet the school bus when an elementary student returns home. Our goal is to provide safe and on time transportation. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Transportation office at 303-387-0410 or 303-387-0411. Thank you for your cooperation and support. Revised 06-01-04 Back to the Top Cancellation of School In the event of inclement weather or other circumstances, school may be cancelled for the day. Announcements will be made on major radio and television stations when school is cancelled. Please do not call the school office for information about weather-related schedule changes. You may call the Weather Hotline number for up-to-date weather-related schedule changes (303-387-7669) or check the district website at www. dcsdk12.orgCell Phones Students may have cell phones at school. However, cell phones must stay in backpacks during school hours and are not to be used during the school day. Back to the Top Checks Written to the School Due to the number of checks that students deliver to the school on a daily basis, parents are expected to write separate checks for each fee and include the following information: • Write the student’s name on the check • Write the purpose for the check (lunch, book fee, field trip, etc.) on the check • For lunch accounts, write the student’s account number on the check All checks sent to school with students should be in envelopes with the student’s name on the outside of the envelope. Back to the Top Child Care – Before and After School, and Intersession An on-site childcare program is provided at Coyote Creek from 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. This program provides recreational activities, arts, crafts and field trips. Registration is available for before and/or after the school day, and during the school day for off-track Coyote Creek students. For more information, please contact Jodi Laures, Director, at 303-387-6200. Back to the Top Classroom Visits Coyote Creek welcomes parents to visit their child’s classroom at any time during the school year. We expect parents to contact the teacher prior to your visit to ensure that the class will be available (not in specials, engaged in formal assessment activities, etc.). In order to maintain an uninterrupted learning environment for students, other guests (preschoolers, cousins, out-of-town friends, etc.) may join a student for lunch only (not including recess) with an accompanying adult. These visitors must inform Coyote Creek’s Nutrition Services no later than 9:30 a.m. to ensure that enough food is prepared for our students and guests. Back to the Top Communication Regarding Concerns Effective communication is essential to the fostering of collaborative teamwork. To ensure that formal and informal suggestions or complaints are resolved respectfully and equitably, parents will be expected to maintain communication with their child’s teacher. Any concerns about classroom issues should be resolved at the lowest possible level. For example, if a concern arises, every effort should be made to first resolve it with the teacher. Only after all attempts have been made at that level will an administrator assist in the resolution. Back to the Top Content Standards A content standard is a statement that describes what a student should know and be able to do in a specific subject. Teachers assess each child’s performance based on the progress s/he is making toward each standard. A list of all academic standards will be provided upon request. Back to the Top Dismissal Procedures Classes will not be dismissed prior to the dismissal bell. Upon dismissal, teachers will accompany their classes to the designated outside door to ensure that students move calmly through the halls. • Walking students will exit through assigned doors. • Bus students will report to the library, where a staff member will escort them to the bus at 3:30. Parents who are dropping students off before school or picking up students at dismissal, and who are using the circle drive to the north of the building, must follow these rules: pause, drop off or pick up students, then continue to the Westridge exit in a timely manner. There is no parking allowed at any time in the circle drive—it is designated as a Fire Lane. At no time should a vehicle park diagonally. At no time should a vehicle block the crosswalks being used by students and staff. When using the front parking lot, please follow the directional signs. There is no double parking allowed at any time. It is illegal to park in areas designated for “handicapped parking”; it is also illegal to block access to these areas. Vehicles may load or unload passengers along the front entrance curb by pausing to drop off or pick up students, then continuing to the Baneberry exit. The loading zone time limit is two minutes; if waiting longer than two minutes, the vehicle must be parked elsewhere to keep the parking lot traffic flowing. Back to the Top Dress Code Douglas County School District has a student dress code. Consequently, students are encouraged to dress appropriately for all school activities and to maintain a high standard of dress. We encourage parents to guide youngsters in exercising good judgment in their choice of appropriate attire. Children should come to school looking clean and neat and dressed in a manner which is accepted as being in good taste. Shirts advertising inappropriate products or with inappropriate language or messages will not be permitted. Hats are not to be worn in the building. Muscle shirts, short shorts, bare midriffs, halter tops, net shirts or other beach wear are not to be worn at school. Tank tops with straps that are less than two-fingers wide are also not allowed. Any manner of grooming or apparel, including clothing, jewelry, chains, emblems and badges, bandanas, baggy and saggy clothing which by virtue of color, arrangement, trademark, or other attribute is associated with or denotes membership in, or affiliation with, any gang will not be allowed. It is also essential that students dress according to weather and safety considerations. We strongly encourage parents to help students develop the habit of checking the weather report before choosing their dress for the day. Back to the Top Early Dismissal of School In the event of inclement weather or other circumstances, the Douglas County School District may decide to dismiss school early. Office personnel will initiate the Parent Phone Tree to inform parents of the early dismissal; parents may learn about the Early Dismissal through the media before the phone tree can reach them. It is necessary for each student to have a current Early Dismissal form on file with the school, which will provide staff members with current information about where a student is to go in the event of an early dismissal. Back to the Top Field Trip/Bus Fees It is required that a minimum fee of $5.00 be collected from each student before each field trip, to cover transportation expenses. An additional fee may be necessary to cover extra costs, such as admission to events or venues. Parents must send a check (rather than cash) to cover these fees, made out to Coyote Creek Elementary. Back to the Top First Day Back Before tracking off, students will receive a flyer telling them which pod their classroom will be in when they return to school, and where they are to line up with their class. When the bell rings, teachers will lead students to their new classrooms. Back to the Top Homework Policy The purpose of homework at Coyote Creek is to accomplish the following: • complete unfinished work assigned in class; • make up assignments missed because of an excused absence; • provide independent practice to reinforce skills learned in class; • complete research projects or long-range assignments; • provide activities to encourage family involvement with the school. An Assignment Notebook will be available to each student in grades 4-6 for $2.75 (this is below the school’s cost). Unless the assignment is specifically stated as one that requires parent involvement, it will be assumed that the child can complete the task without parent assistance. Parents are reminded that their role in their children’s homework is to monitor and support, not to provide answers. Unless prior arrangements are made with a students’ parent, homework will not be assigned during weekends or during off-track time. Make-up homework will be provided for students when they return from absences. If parents wish to pick up this homework at the end of the day of absence, they must request it before the school day begins (when calling the Attendance Line to report the absence). This make-up work must be turned in to the teacher no later than the number of school days after the student has returned to school. Completion of homework will be reflected on the Progress Report. Assignments such as spelling practice, math fact practice and daily reading might be included as homework assignments. In some grades, all homework for the week will be sent home with the child on one day. In these cases, parents are encouraged to work with the child in coming up with a plan for pacing the assignments on a daily basis. The amount of homework and the time a child should spend on daily homework will vary and may be differentiated according to the needs of the child. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher if the child is consistently exceeding the following amount of time when completing homework assignments: Kindergarten an average of 5 minutes daily 1st grade an average of 10minutes daily 2nd grade an average of 20 minutes daily 3rd grade an average of 30 minutes daily 4th grade an average of 40 minutes daily 5th grade an average of 50 minutes daily 6th grade an average of 60 minutes daily These times may not include assignments that were to be completed during class time. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher if a child is consistently completing schoolwork at home that was to be completed during the school day. The parent is also encouraged to contact the child’s teacher if homework assignments are not coming home. Frequently, students will return to school after school hours, asking our night custodians if they can get into their classroom to get material needed for an assignment due the next day. Coyote Creek is dedicated to helping students learn life skills as well as academics; one life skill is to make sure one has all the material one needs before leaving school or office. Consequently, classrooms will not be opened for students to retrieve materials for homework. Back to the Top Late Arrivals (Tardies) Students who arrive after the starting time (8:35 a.m.) must check in with the school office before going to class. The student will not be allowed to enter class without a late pass from the office. Tardies are considered to be part of a student’s attendance record. Late Start of School Day In the event of inclement weather, school may be on a delayed schedule, beginning 60 minutes later than usual (9:30 a.m.). Buses also run their routes on a 60-minute delayed schedule. Announcements will be made on major radio and television stations when a “Delayed Start” is in place. Please do not call the school office for information about weather-related schedule changes. You may call a hotline number for up-to-date weather-related schedule changes (303-387-7669) or check the district website at www. dcsdk12.org. Back to the Top Leaving School Early Anyone picking up a student before the end of the school day must check the student out from the school office. Your child will be called to the office at that time. If anyone other than the parent or guardian is to pick up a student from school, prior arrangements must be made through the school office. According to district attendance guidelines, students leaving school early after being present for at least a half day will be recorded as having an “Early Dismissal”. Back to the Top Lightning Lightning has by far the most fatalities of any severe weather event in Colorado. In our District’s history, two children at an elementary school were killed by lightning while playing outside at recess several years ago. Colorado is second in the nation for lightning strikes, and Douglas County is near the top of the list within the state for lightning strikes. The general guidelines followed by Coyote Creek are suggested by national weather experts, and include checking the number of seconds between a lightning flash and the resulting thunder. If thunder is heard within 30 seconds, the lightning is within 6 miles and, therefore, poses a threat to the safety of anyone outside. Additionally, weather experts suggest that it is not safe to venture outside until 20 to 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard. If lightning is present prior to school dismissal, a delayed dismissal will be enacted. Bus students will be allowed to load the bus as close to normal dismissal time as is safely possible. Students who are walking, however, will not be dismissed until the building administrator announces that it is safe for dismissal. Prior to this announcement, students may be dismissed to their parents at the classroom. In this case, teachers are responsible for maintaining a checkout list of parent signatures. Lightning-Delayed Dismissals demand a change in routine for parents, students, and staff alike. We do appreciate the understanding of parents when we must delay dismissal due to lightning. Back to the Top Lunch Program Coyote Creek’s Lunch Program is a part of the Douglas County School District’s Nutrition Services department and is self-supporting. Prices and procedures are established by this department. Hot lunches, including milk, can be purchased for $1.75. Additional milk may be purchased for $.35; seconds (when a student goes back for more food after the first serving) are available for $.80. Any amount of money can be deposited in a student’s lunch account. Every time the student goes through the lunch line, his/her account is automatically debited. The district’s Nutrition Services has an established policy regarding the handling of these accounts and how we are allowed to handle accounts that are overdrawn. A student may “charge” only one lunch; this is considered a “meal loan”, according to the district. This is how Coyote Creek will be handling situations in which a student no longer has money in his/her lunch account: No student will go hungry at Coyote Creek • When a student’s account has only two lunches’ worth of money remaining, the kitchen manager (or designee) will send home a reminder slip that day. • If a deposit is not made before the next time a student purchases a lunch, the above process will be repeated. • If a student desires to purchase a lunch when the account is empty, the student will be able to charge that lunch. However, at this point the school kitchen manager (or designee) will call the parent—leaving a voicemail, if necessary—as a reminder that the student no longer has money in his/her lunch account and has just used the only charged lunch allowed. • If no money is deposited, and the student desires to purchase a lunch, s/he may access a special account that has been set up which can cover up to two additional lunches. Parents will be contacted as above. Withdrawals from this special account must be repaid before the student’s lunch account will be considered active again. School administrators will be monitoring all activity in this special account. • If the student’s account is still not activated with a deposit, the student will not be allowed to have a full lunch, but will be allowed to choose from the foodbar. This activity will also be monitored to ensure that parents will activate their child’s account as soon as possible. A school administrator will call parents if three calls from Coyote Creek Nutrition Services have not been successful. • If assistance with payment for lunches is needed beyond these two additional lunches, the parent may apply for extended funding for up to one month. If, during this time period, parents feel that more assistance will be necessary, they may apply for “free or reduced lunch” status. Application forms are available from the school kitchen, or from the school district at 303-387-0306. While these steps may seem rather stringent, they are Coyote Creek’s attempt to balance district policy with our philosophy that students do not need to be unduly embarrassed about not having money for lunch. Other choices of implementing the policy included having hands stamped and/or lunch trays being taken away from children in the lunch line. We hope our modifications will allow us to do what needs to be done in a more child-centered way. Any questions regarding your child’s account should be directed to the kitchen staff prior to 11:00 a.m. at 303-387-6210. Back to the Top Medications Only medication prescribed by a doctor can be administered to students at school. It must be provided to the office in its original container, with a liability form (available from the school office) which is signed by the student’s physician and parent. Whenever a student is running a fever of 100 degrees or more, parents are contacted and expected to pick up their child. Back to the Top Office Hours The school office will be open from 7:55 a.m. to 3:55 p.m. on regular school days. These times may be adjusted on days that are not on a regular schedule, such as weather-impacted days or staff inservice days. Back to the Top Off-Track Students Students who are off-track are not allowed on school grounds unless participating in the intersession DayCamp program or a school activity supervised by a staff member. Back to the Top Parent Involvement Opportunities Parent volunteers are always needed in our school. Please contact Stephanie Stewart, our Volunteer Coordinator, at 303-387-6239 to discuss how you can become a volunteer. The Coyote Creek Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a local self-governing organization; its main purpose is to promote the welfare of students in the home, school and community. General PTA meetings are held four times each school year. The PTA Board meets on the first Thursday of every month. For more information, please contact Michelle Walker, President, at 303-791-6949. The Coyote Creek School Advisory Council (SAC) is comprised of parent and staff representatives. The purpose if this council is to inform, encourage, and to provide opportunities for parent and community members to be involved in the planning and evaluation of the school’s instructional program and quality improvement processes. By definition of law, this council is an advisory body. Please call the school office for more information (303-387-6175). Back to the Top Parking Policy Parking at Coyote Creek is limited, and traffic and driver behaviors have been a continuous safety concern. To ensure the safety of our students, staff and visitors, all are encouraged to adhere to these guidelines: • When dropping off or picking up students before and after school, please use the circle drive on the north side of the school, near the playground. Cars are expected to pause, drop off or pick up students, then continue to the Westridge exit in a timely manner. There is no parking allowed at any time in the circle drive—it is designated as a Fire Lane. At no time should a vehicle park diagonally. Traffic may not block the crosswalks being used by students and staff crossing guards. • When using the front parking lot, please follow the directional signs. There is no double parking allowed at any time. It is illegal to park in areas designated for “handicapped parking”; it is also illegal to block access to these areas. Vehicles may load or unload passengers along the front entrance curb by pausing to drop off or pick up students, then continuing to the Baneberry exit. The loading zone time limit is two minutes; if waiting longer than two minutes, the vehicle must park elsewhere to keep the parking lot traffic flowing. • Leaving a vehicle parked in designated Fire Lanes is illegal. • Do NOT call to your child to have them cross Westridge Parkway, Baneberry Court, or any part of the parking lot. Please take the time to escort them across these very busy areas. Back to the Top Parties Two parties are held each year at Coyote Creek: Winter Holiday and Valentine’s Day. In addition, a PTA-sponsored Fall Festival is scheduled on a Saturday at the end of October, in lieu of classroom Halloween parties. To maximize instructional time, birthday treats will be shared only during the last 15 minutes of the school day, beginning no sooner than 3:00 p.m. In addition, invitations to private birthday parties are not to be distributed at school, unless all members of the student’s class are being invited. Back to the Top Personal Property Personal objects of value are to be brought to school only during special occasions when a teacher has given permission. Playground equipment is provided by the school. Toys and items such as electronic games and radios are not permitted at school. The school is not responsible for any loss or damage to students’ personal property. Back to the Top Progress Reports Student Progress Reports are sent home three times per year. Two formal Parent-Teacher Conferences are also scheduled during the school year. Parents should feel free to make an appointment with their child’s teacher if they wish to have additional conferences to discuss progress. Back to the Top Property Damage Students will be held responsible for the loss of, or damage to textbooks, library books, and other school property. Intentionally causing or attempting to cause damage to school or private property will result in disciplinary measures, which can include suspension, expulsion, and/or notification of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, depending upon the severity of the damage. Back to the Top Releasing Students In these days of custody disagreements and general child safety concerns, it is absolutely necessary that the school does not release a student without verifying the legitimacy of the adult asking to take the child. During school hours, parent(s) or legal guardians must check their child out through the office. The office will, in turn, call to the classroom for the child to be sent to the office. Under no circumstances will a child be released to a parent who comes to the classroom; if a parent does appear at a classroom requesting to take a child out of school, the teacher is expected to direct the parent to the office. Back to the Top Restriction on Nut Products We have several students in our school who are seriously allergic to peanut products and nuts, including one who is fatally allergic to these items. This particular child has had a severe reaction from digestion, skin contact and smell of these products which places her at a higher risk than other students who have similar food allergies. To ensure the safety of all students we serve, we have asked that peanut and/or nut products are not brought to school. How is this enforced? A “nut free” environment will be in effect in the lunchroom during the total lunch period. If a child brings a nut product into the cafeteria during this time, the product is removed and the child is offered an alternative from the school lunch program. Children who bring nut products are kindly reminded about the situation and requested to wash their hands if they have handled or consumed a peanut product. What products are not to be brought to school? Please do not send the most obvious nut and peanut products for lunch or snacks: peanut butter and nuts (i.e., Reeses' Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers, Peanut M & M’s, Trailmix, Pecan Rolls, Turtles). We are NOT asking parents to read labels, as items with “traces of peanuts” or items cooked in peanut oil are not offensive to smell. Resources are available at the school including six pages of suggestions for lunch ideas; information from the Food Allergy Network; and an article describing other schools that have gone through a similar issue. Please feel free to request a copy of any of these materials through the office. Back to the Top Request for Student Records Student cumulative files are those maintained in the school office, and "move" with the student as s/he moves from school to school. These files contain only material provided by the parent for the purpose of enrollment (immunization records, proof of residence, etc.), any legal documentation regarding custody or restraining orders, and information provided to the parent by the school (Progress Reports, Suspension or Expulsion letters, etc.) There is nothing in these files that a student's parents does not already possess. However, if there is a need for a replacement copy of some document (for example, a Progress Report), the parent may request one copy. At least 48 hours' notice must be given to allow the school to process the request, and a charge of $1.25 per page will be assessed. More detailed information about student records can be found in the school district's Student Code of Conduct, which is provided to each family. Back to the Top School Day A regular school day begins at 8:30 a.m. with the first bell; school is in session from 8:35 a.m. until 3:25 p.m. In the mornings, students are to line up outside the door closest to their classroom before school. Parents are asked not to drop off children before 8:20 a.m., or expect children to wait for them at school after 3:40 p.m., because there is no supervision outside of those times. In addition, students will not be allowed to enter their classrooms after school (to get forgotten homework, for example) unless it is before 4:30 and the teacher is present in the classroom. Back to the Top Telephone Use Students will be allowed to use the office telephone only in cases of an emergency, and must ask permission from the office staff to do so. Arrangements for visits to friends after school are not considered emergencies. Back to the Top Thursday Folders Every Thursday a folder is sent home with students which contains schoolwork, classroom news, and news of school meetings and events. (Monday/Wednesday kindergarten students will bring their folders home on Friday.) Please feel free to write comments, ask questions, or voice concerns on the form provided on this folder. Back to the Top Track Assignments and Changes New families are assigned to a track according to space availability. This original track assignment is temporary through the first year of enrollment. Requests for track changes are accepted on an ongoing basis and prioritized according to the date and time that they are received. Track changes are only made between school years. To request a track change, complete and return the appropriate form to the school office. Back to the Top Visitors In these times of increased concern for the safety of children, the staff at Coyote Creek is becoming more watchful of people in our building. All visitors are required to sign in at the main office as soon as they enter the building. A visitor is anyone not employed by Douglas County Schools. This includes all volunteers. Visitors must wear a Visitor’s Badge whenever they move beyond the main office area. When staff members encounter someone in the building who is not an employee and is not wearing a Visitor’s Badge, they will direct that person to the office to sign in. While in the school building or on school grounds visitors’ behavior should be regulated according to school and district rules and policies. For example, loud talking in hallways during the school day is disruptive to the learning taking place in classrooms. Likewise, young children should be restrained from loud noisemaking and running in hallways. Back to the Top Wheeled Items Bicycles, roller blades, scooters, etc. pose safety concerns at school. It is the responsibility of parents to determine whether or not their child can ride these items safely to and from school. These items are not to be used on school grounds; bicycles, scooters, etc. are to be walked on school grounds; roller blades, skateboards, etc. are to be removed at the edge of the school grounds and placed in the bike racks until the end of the school day. The security of these items is the responsibility of the student: for example, students are responsible for locking their items in the school bike racks. Students are encouraged to learn and obey all safety/traffic rules, and to wear a helmet when using these items. Back to the Top \|Home\|Track A\|Track B\|Track C\|Track D\|Specials\|Special Ed.\| \|Site Map\|Web Site Updates\|Contact The Webmaster\| \| Volunteer Coordinator \| Contact The Leadership Team\|