We Survived the First Day of School
August 9, 2021
We want to take a moment to thank you, our families, for your patience and cooperation as we worked through the chaos that comes with the first day of school. We all have some relearning to do, and you all are rolling with it. The students were all so polite, and it felt amazing having them back in our building.
Temperature Checks
Visitors
All visitors must provide proof of vaccination and/or wear a mask in the building at all times. Thank you for understanding.
CARLINE
Here's what we need to adjust after the first day:
- We had several families blocking the K-4 (right) lane waiting for a 5-12th grade student. If you are picking up students in grades 5-12, even if you have a younger child, please do not arrive until 3:24 pm. You may have to drive around if you are blocking this lane.
- There will be no more crossing over in the driveway. If you are picking up students in K-4, you will pull into the right lane as you enter the driveway and stay in that lane. If you are picking up students in 5-12, you will pull into the left land as you enter the driveway in that lane. DO NOT form two lines on the main street.
- There are to be NO left turns at the entrance or the exit. Right turns only into the driveway, and right turns only exiting the driveway.
Pedestrians MUST use the crosswalk. Wait until the crossing guard stops traffic before crossing. DO NOT cross between cars.
Following the expectations outlined below will aid in this process.
- 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 800 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.
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
Kindergarten Screening
- Kindergarten teachers will reach out to families to schedule screening appointments.