Family Handbook

 

Wilmore-Davis Elementary

 

 Family Handbook

 

WILMORE-DAVIS ELEMENTARY

7975 W. 41st Ave.

Wheat Ridge, CO  80033

 

School Phone:  303-982-2890

School Attendance Line:  303-982-2889

School Fax:  303-982-2891

 

Principal:  Janace Fischer

Voicemail Phone:  303-982-6180

Email: [email protected]

 

SCHOOL HOURS

Preschool-5th grade 8:45 a.m. - 3:25 p.m.

 

OFFICE HOURS

7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

 

WEB SITE

Wilmore Davis web sitehttp://wilmoredavis.jeffcopublicschools.org

Jeffco web site:  jeffcopublicschools.org

 

 

WILMORE-DAVIS ELEMENTARY

 

Wilmore-Davis Elementary School was built in 1954, and is named for the W.W. Wilmore and R.T. Davis families, who owned and operated floral greenhouse businesses on the northwest and northeast properties of 38th Avenue and Wadsworth Blvd.  In what was once largely an agricultural area, the Wilmore Dahlia Farm and the Davis Wholesale Floral businesses were two landmarks renowned for their successful commercial flower production.

 

We are proud to offer Project Based Learning (PBL) opportunities to all students in preschool through fifth grades. Our Community Centered Learning model ensures that all students actively participate in authentic learning tasks that are aligned to state standards while enhancing connections to their classroom, school, neighborhood and communities at large. We use the Jeffco Generations competencies to guide our daily work so that students are prepared for their next level of education, each year. Our Blended Learning model of instruction allows students to develop a skill set that will support their ability to communicate, collaborate and innovate.  

 

We have a center-based program that supports students’ with autism in preschool- 5th grade. The Second Step program is used in all classrooms to teach and promote prosocial skills; our 2 mental health specialists support this work in conjunction with our classroom teachers. We use the RISE conference format and home visits to increase family engagement and teacher contact time, allowing us to have stronger family partnerships throughout the school year.

 

Wilmore-Davis is a caring community that takes responsibility for its students’ learning and results. Our highly-qualified staff maintain a growth-mindset and continually work to improve our teaching practice.  We are dedicated to the well-being of our students and understand that our job is to build relationships first, so that students can apply their learning in a variety of contexts.

 

 

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE TIME

Arrival:  There is no supervision outside of school before 8:15 a.m.    

8:00 A.M-8:40 A.M. – Breakfast Program

8:15 A.M. – Yoga, visit with friends on the front lawn, Innovation Space, reading in the library

8:30 A.M. – Soft Start (students enter classrooms)

8:45 A.M. – School Starts

8:50 A.M. – Tardy Bell

 

Departure: 

Preschool and Kindergarten students must be picked up by an adult at the outside door of their classrooms.

 

Bus Riders:  will be dismissed when the bell rings.  Students in preschool through first grade will be escorted to the bus.

 

Walkers: must leave our campus when the bell rings.  Please make sure to have a safety plan in place so you know when your child arrives home.

 

KidsmART students: will gather at a designated place after school and be escorted to the KidsmART classroom.

 

Students picked up by family member in a vehicle: students will gather and be supervised by an adult in the cafeteria.  A supervising adult in our pick up lane will notify the inside adult when your child should be sent outside to your car.

 

PARKING LOT

When dropping off or picking up your student we encourage the use of neighborhood side streets, the drop off zone, or parking lot.  Be mindful of our neighbors by not blocking driveways.  If using the drop off zone we ask that you follow the directions of our staff on duty.  We request that cars pull to the front of the line and as close to the curb as possible.  Please do not get out of your vehicle as this will cause a severe traffic jam.  If you choose to use the Parking Lot, we ask that you use an identified parking space.  DO NOT DROP OFF OR PICK UP YOUR CHILD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PARKING LOT OR IN THE SPACE BEHIND THE HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACES.  Ignoring this requested procedure can cause people to back their vehicle up in our parking lot.  This can be a dangerous action with children coming through parked cars and/or not paying attention to cars backing up.   

SCHOOL SECURITY/VISITING THE SCHOOL

Our front doors have a secure lock system and are locked at all times.  All visitors need to ring in to obtain access to the building.  There is a camera set up at the front door so our office staff can see you before you are allowed inside.  Once inside the building you must check-in at the office.  Wearing a badge will identify all visitors. You are welcome to visit the school and your child’s classroom, however we encourage you to schedule these visits with your child’s teacher ahead of time. 

 

PETS

In order to keep our children safe PLEASE DO NOT bring your pets to school when dropping off or picking up.  Following this request can prevent a safety issue.   

 

We are fortunate to have Abby, a therapy dog, and her owner Anne volunteer at our school a few days each week.  The duo does classroom visits to start off the year and prior to the visits makes sure no one has allergies or a fear of dogs.  If you have any questions about Abby, please contact Mrs. Fischer.

 

Birthday Treats

Student birthdays will only be recognized with non-food celebrations (pencils, small toys and trinkets.) This standard aligns with the district guidance on healthy celebrations and non-food rewards in the District Wellness Policy and Guidelines.

BEFORE and AFTER CARE

The before & after school daycare is provided by Kids Smart, Inc. (www.kids-smart.com). Please contact them for schedule and price information (720) 550-6728. 

 

FIELD TRIPS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Field trips are an integral part of the classroom curriculum.  Written permission to take students on field trips is necessary and required for all field trips.  Special Events/Activities include:  Field Day, Intramurals, Music Programs, Student Leadership, etc… are offered for students to allow them to experience enrichment programs outside of the regular classroom.  Students are expected to behave appropriately, according to school and District policies, when participating in special events/activities sponsored by the school.  Poor behavior, as determined by school staff, could exclude a student from participating in the event/activity. If a teacher decides that a student will not be participating in a school/class event or activity due to behavior the parent will be notified in advance.

 

HAZARDOUS OBJECTS/PERSONAL ITEMS

Jefferson County Public Schools and State Law mandate that tobacco products, alcohol, drugs, or weapons of any kind never be brought to school.  Students face possible suspension and/or expulsion for doing so.  Students may not bring personal items to school, including, but not limited to: Chewing Gum   Electronic Games   Inline Skates   Athletic Equipment   Portable Radios   Skateboards   Toys.

 

The staff understands the need for some parents to give their child a cell phone for emergency reasons.  The child needs to understand that the phone must remain OFF, in their backpack or with the classroom teacher.  If a cell phone is displayed or turned on/used during the school day it will be taken from the student.  A parent will be notified and the phone will be returned at the end of the school day.  If this happens on more than one occasion the student will be required to turn their phone into the office daily.  Please be assured, if there is an emergency that you need to relay to your child the office staff will assist you.  Wilmore-Davis or the school District assumes no liability for lost or stolen items. 

 

LOSS OR DAMAGE TO SCHOOL MATERIALS

Students are expected to assume responsibility for classroom books/materials; equipment and library books/materials and equipment issued to them or checked-out by them.  If these items are lost or damaged the student will be charged the current replacement cost.  Unpaid fines may result in loss of privileges.  Additionally, unpaid fines may follow your child throughout his/her school career.

 

LOST & FOUND

We request that student’s belongings be clearly identified with their names.  There is a lost and found area in the cafeteria.  Unclaimed items are periodically displayed in the hallway and if not picked up donated to a charitable organization.  Please check our lost and found periodically.  We have a large number of clothing articles, shoes and lunch items that are never claimed. 

 

MEDICATION

The school is permitted to give medication only under the following conditions:

  1. A medication form must be completed so that parent permission is received in writing before any medication, over the counter (including cough drops) or prescription, is dispensed.Any medication found in the student’s possession is in violation of state law and carries a minimum mandatory suspension for the first offense.Please see the District Conduct Code booklet for further information regarding a violation of this state law.
  2. Prescription medications will not be given unless the parent and doctor complete a medication form.The medication must be brought to school in the original pharmacy container and check in with the clinic aid.
  3. Over the counter medication must have a doctor signed medication agreement and must be in its original container and must be labeled with the student’s name and dosage schedule.
  4. All prescription and over the counter medication must be brought to the clinic when the student arrives on school grounds.The medication is not to be brought to the classroom under any circumstances.At no time should a student be taking medication in the classroom.Medications will be stored in a locked cabinet in the school clinic.
  5. Multiple medications must be in separate, original containers.If a half dose of medication is required, they must come pre-cut by the pharmacist or parent.
  6. Medications brought to school improperly labeled or without a medication form will not be given by office staff and will be kept in the office for parents to claim.

 

MESSAGES FOR STUDENTS/TEACHERS:

We encourage you to use the voice mail and/or email system to contact teachers.  Teachers check their voice/email boxes daily.  A list of voice/email information is available on the school website, from your child’s teacher or from the office staff.  If possible, notify your child of any changes there may be in his/her regular routine or after school plan.  We will not interrupt instruction to deliver messages but we promise to deliver the message prior to the end of the day.

 

TELEPHONE USAGE FOR STUDENTS

Students are allowed to use the phone for the following reasons: low funds in lunch account, missed the bus, remind parent of after school activity, and emergencies.  Students are not allowed to use the phone for social arrangements.  We encourage them to do this before arriving at school.

 

 

RISE meetings (parent-teacher conferences) & STUDENT PROGRESS REPORTS

Research has repeatedly shown that family-school partnerships are a critical component of student success.  Wilmore-Davis strengthens family-engagement activities by developing and supporting structures that focus on academic learning and achievement.  The RISE model works to reimagine how schools and families interact through traditional conference structures. RISE enhances conferences by providing an environment for families to connect with each other and staff around academic outcomes.  The process includes family meetings and one-on-one time specifically designed to focus on group learning, collaboration, and building a community of support for student success.

 

Wilmore-Davis is on a trimester system.  Report cards for all grades are given to students and parents on a twelve-week schedule.  Report cards are sent home three times per year.  Teachers send out a Friday Folder weekly to notify parents of classroom happenings, teacher communications, classroom work and behavioral issues just to name a few.  School communication, forms and information are also sent home in Friday Folders.  If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher for additional information.

 

SPECIAL SERVICES

Wilmore-Davis has full and part-time staff members who make up our Special Education and Related Services (SERS).  For children with special needs we offer the services of many professionals: Physical Therapist, Physically Handicapped Therapist, Speech and Language Therapist, and an Occupational Therapist.  Additional staff includes a school Social Worker, an Area Nurse, and an English Language Learner Teacher.  Parents and teachers may refer students for assessment of Special Education or 504 Accommodation needs to the Response to Intervention Team by contacting your child’s classroom teacher. 

 

TOBACCO

Jefferson County Public Schools support a healthy environment in its schools.  Therefore, all schools are designated as tobacco-free; the use of tobacco or tobacco products is prohibited for all students, teachers or parents on Wilmore-Davis school grounds or at any school sponsored event.

 

 

VANDALISM

If a person witnesses any vandalism or damage to the school, he/she may call the Jefferson County Public Schools Security Department at 303-232-8688 or the Wheat Ridge Police Department at 303-237-2220.

 

WEATHER/SCHOOL CLOSURES

Jeffco parents will receive notices about closures and emergencies from School Messenger (this contact information is set-up by you in your Jeffco Connect account).  If weather should require that any or all Jefferson County Schools close for the day, parents can also obtain this information from the following radio stations that will announce the closure from 5:30 AM throughout the morning:

 

KHOW 630 AM - KOA 850 AM - KYGO 98.5 FM -KOSI 101.5 FM - KOOL 105 FM

 

News of school closures also will be given on all major local television stations.  If officials decide to close schools, they will relay the announcement to radio and television stations as quickly as possible.

 

During extreme inclement weather, parents may pick-up their children at their discretion; however, we will not close school during the day.  In the event of a tornado warning or other dangerous weather conditions (i.e. hail and lightening), the school will retain students until we receive a safe and clear signal for dismissal.  Parents may pick-up their students at their discretion.

 

Wilmore Davis will have an inside morning if the temperature is 24 degrees or below or if the weather is unsafe for children (high wind or pouring rain).  The Facilities Manager/Adminstration will determine the temperature and the conditions and the office staff will make the final decision re: inside and/or outside days.

 

SCHOOLMESSENGER

Jeffco parents can use School Messenger to receive notices about closures and emergencies, grades, absenteeism and school events delivered via telephone, e-mail and text message.  Parents choose how they would like to these receive important school messages.  This information is set-up in your Jeffco Connect account.  If you have any questions on how to access this account, please call our Main Office.  For additional information, call Jeffco Public Schools Communications Services at 303-982-6808.

 

LOCK-DOWN/LOCK-OUT/EVACUATION OF BUILDING/Fire Drills

The district will notify the school when there is imminent danger in the area.  An example of this is the police searching for suspects that may present a danger to the school.  We will lock-out the building by checking that all outside doors have remained locked as well as locking all classroom doors.  During the lock-out no one is allowed to enter the building or leave the building for any reason.  We will open doors as soon as the district notifies us that the danger in the area no longer exists and we are to resume business as usual.  Please understand that the lock-out procedures are for the safety and welfare of your children.

 

Lock-down of our building will occur if an unsafe intruder is in our building.  If this occurs, the entire perimeter of our building will remain locked and everyone in the building will hide in a classroom or secured room that can be locked from the inside of the room.  We will remain in the lock-down until law enforcement assesses the situation and releases our school from the lock-down. 

 

Evacuation of our building can occur in the case of an emergency such as a gas leak.  Our evacuation site is Wheat Ridge Community Garden parking lot.   In the event of an evacuation, families will be given reunification information through the School Messenger system.

 

Our school will perform monthly fire drills, one lock-down drill, one lock-out drill and every other year, one evacuation drill.

 

WITHDRAWAL OF STUDENTS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR

If you need to withdraw your child during the school year, please notify the school office of their last day of attendance as early as possible.  We will have you fill out a Withdrawal and Tracking Form. All Library and classroom books must be returned no later than the student’s last day.

 

SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM & HOURS

Breakfast is served daily in the cafeteria from 8:00 to 8:40 AM. 

Jeffco Food and Nutrition Services provides a daily “snack carte” during breakfast and lunch.  Items include chips, krispy treats, jerky, fruit-based drinks, ice cream and other snacks.  Parents are able to limit the amount of money spent and quantity of items purchased by signing a snack carte permission slip that will be sent home in Friday folders (is also available at our front office.)

 

 

APPLICATION FOR FREE OR REDUCED PRICE SCHOOL MEALS

The application form for Free or Reduced Price School Meals can be accessed on-line at www.schoolcafe.com/JEFFCOSD.   If you have any questions regarding this program, please call Jeffco Food Service at 303-982-6748.

 

ATTENDANCE

Your child’s prompt and regular school attendance is extremely important; so important that the Colorado Legislature has adopted mandatory school attendance laws which place the responsibility on parents to ensure that every child between the ages of 6 and 17 attend school on a regular basis.  It is also a State, District and Wilmore-Davis goal to have 95% attendance rate on a daily basis. 

 

Frequent absences from regular classroom learning experiences disrupt the continuity of the educational process.  Our experience has shown that the benefit of regular classroom instruction is lost and cannot be entirely regained, even by extra instruction or written make-up work.  Please help us by making sure that your child is here on a regular basis, is on time and ready to learn.

 

We request that parents call the attendance line (303-982-2889) to notify us of a student’s absence.  The attendance line may be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  The attendance line enables us to keep an accurate record of student attendance.  The principal will notify parents whose students have accumulated excessive absences and/or tardies.  If absences continue, the school is obligated to notify the district attendance officer and set up a planning meeting to help your family problem solve these attendance issues.   

 

DEFINITION OF EXCUSED AND UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

*An excused absence is when a parent or guardian calls the attendance line prior to or on the day of the absence for 2 or less consecutive days for the following reasons.

  • Illness
  • Family emergencies
  • Observance of religious holidays
  • Pre-Arranged absences that have been approved by an administrator prior to absence

 

 

A Pre-Arranged Absence Form needs be completed for any absence not specifically covered by another section of the Conduct Code, such as family vacations, college visits, or absences that are 3 or more days in order to be excused.  In order for the absence to be excused, the student must meet one or more of the following conditions:

  • Is in good academic standing
  • Has no unexcused absences
  • Has four or fewer excused absences in a semester or seven or fewer in a school year

This form must be completed and submitted to the school office no later than 3 days prior to the scheduled absence. 

 

Make-up work for excused absences shall be provided and full academic credit will be given for such work when completed in a timely fashion.  A general rule of 2 days of make-up for each day missed is prescribed.  However, the administration may grant an extension of this timeframe.  Excused absences, in and of themselves, cannot result in punishment and/or reduction in a student’s grade regardless of the number of days absent.

 

*An unexcused absence is an absence without notification from parent or guardian within 24 hours of absence.  It is also not covered by the definition of “excused absence”.  All absences will be considered unexcused once a parent is notified by the District Attendance Office that the student has been sent a Notification Letter, Compulsory Letter or a Court Hearing Letter unless medical documentation for the absence is provided.

 

WILMORE-DAVIS ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES

If a student leaves before the school day ends or reports after school has begun the following will apply.

 

HOURS:  8:45 AM – 3:25 PM

 

Students arriving before 10:35 AM                                   Tardy will be recorded

Students arriving after 12:15 PM                                       ½ day absence recorded

Students leaving before 10:35 AM                                    Full day absence recorded

Students leaving after 10:36 AM                                       ½ day absence recorded

Students leaving after 1:55 PM                                         Early Release absence recorded

 

 

DISTRICT TRUANCY OFFICE

*District Truancy Office is a department in the district that is responsible for working with parents and students when the student has excessive absences, truancy, etc.  Our Mission: The Truancy Office will provide support to schools, students and parents to decrease truancy and increase student achievement. 

 

  • Notification Letter sent from your school.  At two to five days of questionable, excessive, or unexcused absences a Notification Letter is sent to the student's home. Issues should be discussed with student/guardian, and a conference can be requested. Documentation will begin on the Truancy Intervention Plan (TIP). 
  • Medical Letter sent from the school.  If the school believes there are questionable excused absences a Medical Letter will be sent.  After that, all absences will require a doctor’s note or they will be unexcused. 
  • Compulsory Letter sent from your school.  At five to ten days of unexcused absences after the Notification Letter is sent we will send a Compulsory Letter to the student’s home. A conference will be requested. Documentation will continue on the Truancy Intervention Plan (TIP). 
  • Request an Initial Hearing (Court Date) from the Truancy Office.  For an initial court hearing, there must be ten or more days of unexcused absences documented. A minimum of one of the unexcused days must occur after the compliance date in the letter. A completed Truancy Intervention Plan will be submitted to the Truancy Office. Schools will be notified of a court date within 30 days.
  • Request a Contempt Hearing from the Truancy Office.  The Truancy Office will be notified.
  • Verification of Questionable Absences. Per District policy a school will require communication from parents or guardian within 24 hours to verify the reason for a student absence. The school may require suitable proof regarding absences including written statements from medical sources. Schools will then notify the parents or guardian if the absence will be considered unexcused pursuant to district policy.

 

CONDUCT CODE

Our Expectations

Our learning community is Respectful, Responsible and Safe so that students have an optimal learning experience.  When conflict and/or poor decision making occurs, students will participate in Restorative Justice practices that allow the victim and offender to participate in a safe process of mediation and accountability.  Social skills training, to support Restorative practices, will occur in all classrooms throughout the school year.

 

Student Conduct and Behavior

As a student of Wilmore-Davis Elementary School and a representative of the school, students will conduct themselves in a manner that is a credit to themselves, their school and fellow schoolmates.  To help ensure that schools are safe and productive learning environments, the Colorado State Legislature has passed laws and the Jefferson County Board of Education has adopted policies and procedures related to student conduct and discipline.  A copy of the Jefferson County Public Schools Conduct Code and Related Policies: A Guide for Parents and Students is available on-line.  The conduct code will be reviewed, with students, when they start school at Wilmore-Davis.  Parent/Guardians are also required to acknowledge awareness of the conduct code, when registering on Jeffco Connect.

 

Serious incidents of misbehavior may warrant suspension or expulsion.  Expulsion is mandatory for the following serious violations:

  • Bringing, carrying, using or possessing a dangerous weapon in a school building or on school grounds.
  • Selling or distributing a drug or controlled substance on school property.
  • Being charged in juvenile or District court with a crime of violence as defined by state law.
  • Being declared as a habitually disruptive student, which means a student who has been suspended three times during the school year for causing material and substantial disruption in the classroom, on school grounds or at school activities.

 

Some additional grounds for suspension or expulsion include (please see Jefferson Conduct Code Booklet for an explanation of all grounds for suspension/expulsion):

  • Behavior on or off school property that is detrimental to the welfare or safety of pupils or school personnel, including behavior that creates a threat of physical harm to the child or to other children.
  • Repeated interference with a school’s ability to provide education opportunities to other students.
  • Continued willful disobedience or open and persistent defiance of proper authority.
  • Willful destruction or defacing of school property.
  • Violation of the District’s policies relating to unlawful discrimination and harassment, sexual harassment and ethnic intimidation.
  • Failure to comply with immunization requirements.

 

Consequences may include, but not be limited to the following:

  • In school suspension
  • Out of school suspension
  • Systematic exclusion/Detention
  • School community service activities
  • Parent conference
  • Behavior contract
  • Loss of recess
  • Loss of privileges
  • Loss of school-wide or classroom activities

 

 Playground

Recess is a time when children have an opportunity to choose how they will use the time within the framework of playground rules.  This is an opportunity to interact with other children, and safely use the playground equipment.  Recess is a time to run, play, interact with others, and become invigorated.  Please make certain your child is dressed appropriately for the weather and the activities they like to participate in.

 

In order to make recess a positive, safe experience for all children, students are expected to follow these rules. These rules are reviewed with students at the beginning of each trimester and as needed:

 

  1. Students are not allowed to stand on top of the bars.
  2. No swinging or sitting on the big soccer goals.
  3. One person should be on a swing sitting down, swinging back and forth.
  4. Do not throw rocks, snowballs or kick sand.
  5. Students must be in full view of an adult supervisor at all times.
  6. There will be no gum, candy or food on the playground.
  7. Follow adult directions the first time given.
  8. Hitting, fighting, play fighting, kicking, tackling, or any other form of physical abuse will not be tolerated.
  9. If rules are not followed on the playground the supervisor will refer student to the office.
  10. When playing team sports (soccer, football, basketball etc…) please play with the understanding that you are having fun.During recess the goal is to have students experience physical activity since they spend a lot of their day sitting down in class.Please encourage your child to save their competitive behavior for the organized sports they play outside of recess.

 

Lunchroom Procedures

The lunchroom is a place where students have an opportunity to chat with their peers and enjoy lunch.  Students are encouraged to use good table manners and adhere to the following procedures:

  1. Use quiet voices in the lunchroom.
  2. Students should STOP, LOOK and LISTEN when the lights are out.
  3. Respect adults and peers.
  4. Leave your space clean.
  5. Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
  6. Do not take food, drinks, or candy out of the cafeteria.Lunch boxes may have uneaten food inside.
  7. Raise your hands to be dismissed.
  8. Ask for permission before leaving the lunchroom.
  9. Enjoy your lunch.

 

 

Dress Code

Going to school daily, and wearing appropriate clothing, is the responsibility of students and parents.  The following is the expectation for student dress: 

  1. Students are to wear pants that are the correct size.Pants that are too big tend to sag are not safe to play in.Students will not be able to participate in P.E. or recess if the clothing is determined to be a safety concern.
  2. Girls may not wear garments that show their bra.
  3. Mid-drift tops are not to be worn to school.The mid-section of the body must be covered.
  4. Shorts must come to the knuckles when arms are down by one’s side.
  5. Pants and shorts with rips may not contain rips above the pockets.
  6. Please ensure that students are dressed appropriately for the weather.The weather changes instantly without warning and students usually go outside during recess in all types of weather.
  7. Students should wear clothing that does not interfere in any way with learning and safety.Students may be asked to turn a shirt inside out.Parents may be called to bring their child a change of clothing if a violation of the dress code policy occurs.
  8. Hats and hoodies are not allowed to be worn inside the school building without staff member permission.

 

It takes parents, students and school staff working together as partners to create and maintain a safe, positive, productive learning environment where every child can be a successful learner. Thanks for partnering with us this school year!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.