The Hawk's Nest
July 15, 2021
Dear Parent(s)/Guardians and Students of Vanguard Classical School:
Welcome to a new year at VCS West! I am excited to see our returning students and parents, and to welcome our new families starting at VCS West for the first time. VCS West is a unique classical school that is dedicated to ensuring the success of every student, and we take very seriously our responsibility to you and your children.
Sincerely,
Keria McCafferty, Principal
Summer Hours
4-Day School Weeks!
School Day
Meet and Greet
Please be sure to visit the school on Thursday, July 28th from 3:00 - 6:00 pm to pick up required registration materials. During this time you will be updating contact information, obtaining schedules, registering for our STARS Before & After Care program, applying for Free & Reduced Lunch, getting locker assignments if in grades 7-8, meeting our staff, and more. You may also drop off school supplies.
STARS Before and Aftercare
For the 2022-2023 school year Vanguard Classical School will be utilizing STARS Kid Care for the MondayCare and Tuesday-Friday Before and After School Care programs.
All VCS Students Must Register with STARS Kid Care
Please note that any VCS student not picked up by 4:00 PM Tuesday – Friday will automatically be taken to the STARS Kid Program. Therefore, all VCS students must be registered with STARS Kid Care. A drop in fee of $10 per day will be assessed.
STARS Kid Care Registration
Students can be registered for the program through the STARS Kid Care website at www.starskidcare.com.
If you have any questions, please contact the front desks at each campus at the following phone numbers:
West Campus – 303-691-2384
East Campus – 303-338-4110
COMPANY CODE: STARS2614
The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
The form can also be completed on line at the following link: https://colorado.gov/PEAK
Kindergarten through 5th Grade
VCS will continue the parent benefit of free childcare for Kindergarten through 5th grade students for Monday Care and for the Before and After School Program on Tuesday through Friday. In order for that benefit families must complete the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) application, as STARS accepts the CCAP subsidy. All parents that qualify for CCAP need to provide verification in the form of an Authorized Eligibility Notice with the requested location that care is needed. This information is provided to a client through an assigned caseworker upon approval. (You will receive the free benefit even if you do not qualify.)
*Failure to provide an approved authorization for the site where care is needed will result in full price charges.
If a parent/guardian does not complete the CCAP application, the following fee schedule applies to each student utilizing the MondayCare and Tuesday-Friday Before and After School Care programs:
Morning Care 6:30 to 7:30 am - $6 per day
Afternoon 3:30 to 6:00 PM - $17 per day
MondayCare – 6:30 am to 6:00 PM - $30 per day
Maximum cost per family is $35 per day for MondayCare.
Sixth through 8th Grade
Students from sixth through eighth grade can attend the MondayCare and the Tuesday-Friday Before and After School Care programs for a fee based upon the following schedule:
Morning Care 6:30 to 7:30 am - $6 per day
Afternoon 3:30 to 6:00 PM - $17 per day
MondayCare – 6:30 am to 6:00 PM - $30 per day
Application Assistance
Vanguard Classical School will provide assistance in completing the CCAP application. VCS will have tables and computers set up during registration night on July 28, 2022 at which VCS personnel will be available to assist with completion either via paper copy or on line. Parents/Guardians can also receive assistance by visiting the school during summer hours from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Apply for Free and Reduced Lunch
It is important for every family to complete a Free and Reduced Lunch Application every school year even if they think they do not qualify. Applications are available at payschoolscentral.com and only take about 10 minutes to complete. If you applied last year, click ‘Login’ to enter the site and apply again for the 2022-23 school year. If you are applying for the first time, click ‘Register’.
Families who require assistance completing the application may contact the Nutrition Services Department at 303-343-0295 or their child’s school.
Why are Free and Reduced Applications Important?
- If your child qualifies for free or reduced price lunches, they qualify for free or reduced price breakfasts at school, free or reduced field trip admissions, and even free or reduced school fees (does not include athletic fees).
- Your child and many others may receive other school benefits. The number of applications that are returned and approved can affect how much funding our school gets to help students meet academic benchmarks, including materials like books and computers.
Some parents are concerned about listing income amounts and social security numbers on the application. Any personal information you provide will not be shared. Free and reduced price meal applications are confidential. Your information will only be used to determine your child's eligibility for the school meal programs. We cannot share your information without your written permission. Students who receive free and reduced price meals are not identified. No other students or staff will know who is and who is not receiving free or reduced meals.
School Uniforms & Dress Code
VCS students wear school uniforms. We will host our used and new uniform sales at Meet and Greet. If you have gently used uniforms that you would like to donate, please drop them off at our front desk.
Click the attachment below to access specific details regarding dress code.
*Please note that hoodies and hooded garments are not allowed during the school day.
Student Supply Lists
Planning for 2022 - 2023
Front Desk: 303-691-2384
Pay 2022-2023 School Fees Online
2022 - 2023 Calendar
Building Updates
Vanguard Classical School's 4 Day school week, aims to provide additional support to our students and families.
Here's how:
- The VCS educational program, measured annually through state testing, is expected to show improvement in growth and achievement.
- “Open Mondays” allow for voluntary morning student tutoring (by invitation only) sessions for students most impacted by pandemic learning loss.
- An appealing schedule will attract and retain Colorado’s top teaching talent.
- Improved work/life balance for teachers, prevents burnout, and improves productivity and satisfaction.
- Student retention and morale will increase.
- The flexibility to make appointments outside of school hours will improve overall attendance.
- Teachers and students will feel more rested.
- Clubs and sports programs attract more student interest, as well as follow-through with home chores and responsibilities.
- The extra day out of school promotes stronger student/parent bonds.
Family Resources
Safe2Tell
Infinite Campus Parent Portal
Contact Ms. Cordero or Ms. Prado for assistance at 303-691-2384.