VCS East Hawk Talk: Special Edition
August 6, 2021
COVID Protocols...for now
Dear VCS Parents:
Welcome Back! We’re excited to begin another school and doubly excited to return to in-person learning at both our VCS East and VCS West campuses. Your VCS teachers have been busy getting their classrooms ready for the first day of school, which is next Monday, August 9th for students in 1st through 12th grades. Kindergarten starts one week later on August 16th.
As you likely know, we are currently witnessing a “Delta variant” resurgence of the COVID-19 virus in many states including Colorado. Back in June 2021, VCS made the decision to follow the same COVID-19 safety policies and guidelines that Aurora Public Schools (APS) had adopted. This VCS decision to follow APS guidance is still in effect, and includes requiring that all VCS staff members receive the COVID-19 vaccine once it elevates past “emergency” status, which is likely to happen later this month. While certain exceptions are allowed, we want to assure you that all VCS staff will be following the same APS safety requirements for masking, vaccinations, distancing and cleaning.
Two weeks ago, after considering advice from the CDC, Tri-County Health, CDE, and CDPHE, Aurora Public Schools (APS) made the decision to STRONGLY RECOMMEND that face masks be worn by all K-12 APS students. VCS is following this APS guideline and STRONGLY RECOMMENDS that all K-12 students wear facemasks when school begins next week.
It is important to note that after the APS decision to STRONGLY RECOMMEND facemasks, two neighboring school districts just this week increased their making requirements to be greater than APS and VCS. Last week, Jefferson County School District (JeffCo) announced that they are now requiring facemasks on all JeffCo students under the age of 12. Earlier this week, Denver Public Schools (DPS) announced that it will require facemasks on all DPS staff, students and visitors while indoors beginning August 9th..
Please note that it is entirely possible that APS will increase their masking requirements to be more similar to the JeffCo and/or DPS mask requirements. If this is the case, VCS will follow any new COVID-19 policy change that APS makes.
Rest assured, everybody in our VCS family is still taking ample precautions for the safety of our students and community. Thank you for your continued cooperation and support through the COVID-19 pandemic. We are hopeful that VCS will be able to stay “in-person” for the entire 2021-22 school year. Still, there is work to be done and more vaccination and safety progress must be made before we can fully get back to our pre-pandemic ways.
We’re looking forward to having our treasured VCS students back on the first day of school next Monday!
Best regards,
Jay Cerny, Executive Director, Vanguard Classical School
Keria McCafferty, Principal, Vanguard Classical School West
Emily Van Luit, Principal, Vanguard Classical School East
CARLINE
- Left turns into the parking lot during drop-off/pick-up times are NOT allowed. Please approach the entrance from the EAST.
- DO NOT SPEED. The speed limit within our carline is 5 mph.
- If you are parking to drop off/pick up children, you may use the upper lot, however, you must pull completely into an available space. The parking lot is not to be used for drive through.
- Pull up as far as you can in the driveway.
- Please STAY OFF of your cell phones through the carline. This includes texting.
- Students of any grade are dropped off on the sidewalk closest to the school.
- You may drop off at any spot in front of the school, but pull all the way forward if available.
- Do not let children out of the car before passing the handicap parking spots.
Pick-up: 3:15-3:35 pm
- K-4 students are dismissed at 3:15 pm.
- Families picking up youngest and only students in K-4 will pull into the right lane of the driveway, and will be picked up at the sidewalk on the same side as the school.
- 5-12 students are dismissed at 3:24 pm.
- Families picking up youngest and only students in 5-12 will pull into the left lane of the driveway, and students will be picked up at the sidewalk across the driveway from the school.
- Students are picked up at the designated spot for the youngest and only in your family/car.
- We HIGHLY suggest that if you have a child in K-4 AND in 5-12, you wait until after 3:24 pm to pick up your children. This will minimize congestion.
There are approximately 785 students who are being dropped off and picked up at the same time.
Model the character we want to see in our kids.
Though you may feel inconvenienced at times by our system, it is in place to keep your child(ren) safe. We ask that you respect these procedures as well as the people who are stationed out at carline. Your cooperation will ensure safety for everyone in our community.
Please observe the following traffic pattern at all times.
We're Hiring!
If you or someone you know would be interested in becoming a part of the VCS staff, we are looking to fill the following positions:
- Hours: 10:00 am-2:00 pm each school day
- Duties include behavior management and supervision in the lunchroom and/or at recess.
- Required level of education: High School Diploma or higher
- Starting salary: $15.86/hour
In-House Substitute/Paraprofessional:
- Hours: 7:15-3:45 pm each school day
- Duties include covering classes (mainly in grades 7-12) and other duties as assigned when not covering classes.
- Required level of education: Bachelors Degree or higher
- Starting salary: $15.86/hour
Please send resumes to Ms. Van Luit at evanluit@vanguardclassical.org AND Mr. Steele at dsteele@vanguardclassical.org.
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 2021-22 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.
Picture Day is Tuesday, 8/17
Immunizations & Medications at School
You can find the exemption forms below or at this website:
Quick Links
Infinite Campus Parent Portal
Contact Ms. Torres, Ms. Petit, or Ms. Holtz for assistance at 303-338-4110.
Pay School Fees Online
Innovation Learning, Inc.
Safe2Tell
VCS East Events
1st-12th First Day of School
- Dismissal for 1st-4th grade students is 3:15 pm
- Dismissal for 5th-12th grade students is 3:24 pm
Monday, Aug 9, 2021, 07:45 AM
VCS East
Kindergarten Screening
- Kindergarten teachers will reach out to families to schedule screening appointments.