WESTGATE - Jeffco Public Schools
WESTGATE
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Family Handbook
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2018-2019
Mission
Westgate is a diverse community working together to provide students with the skills necessary for success in a changing world.
Respectful, Responsible, Safe
The Westgate community is built on relationships that foster a collaborative engaging environment that supports risk-taking and where positive thinking is contagious. There are high expectations for students and staff to ensure that all students will be career ready or college bound upon graduation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page Number
School Calendar 3-5
General Information 6-7
Student Behavior Policy Standards and Expectations 7
General School Activities: A-Z 7-8
Absences/Excuses 8-9
Pre-Arranged Absences 9
Accountability Committee 7-8
Adverse Weather Conditions 8
Attendance 8-9
Before and After School Programs – Childcare 9
Bicycles 9
Birthday Policy 9
Breakfast 9
Bus Transportation 9-10
Cafeteria/Lunch Rules 10
Cell Phones 10
Choir 10
Classroom Interruption Policy 10-11
Classroom Volunteers 11
Communication Methods 11
Conferences 11
Crossing Safety 11-12
Dress Code 12
ESL 12
Emergencies 12
Fees 12
Field Day 12
Field Trips 13
Halloween Parties 13
Health Room/Medication 13
Homework 13
Immunizations 13-14
Instrumental Music Instruction 14
Library Information Center (LIC) 14
Lost and Found 14
Make-up Work 14
Physical Education 14
Parking 14-15
PTA 15
Report Cards 15
School Supplies 15
Special Education Services 16
Telephone Use 15
Title IX 15
Toys/Electronic and Recreational Equipment 15
Visitors 15
Watch D.O.G.S. 15-16
Withdrawal/Transfer of Students 16
Family Calendar
August 2018
8/1 Registration 12pm-7pm (Spanish Interpreter available 4-7pm)
8/2 Registration 8am-12pm
8/2 PTA/Accountability Meeting 6:30-8:00 PM
8/3 Registration 8am-12pm
8/13 Kinder Info Night 5-6pm
8/14 Open House 3:30pm- 6pm
8/16 First Day of School (1st-5th Grade students)
8/16-8/17 Kinder Screening (Students attend by appointment slot)
8/17 Kinder Ice Cream Social
8/20 Boo Hoo or Woo Hoo Kindergarten Send Off 8:15-9:00 am
8/28 Watchdog Pizza Night
September 2018
9/3 No School-Labor Day
9/6 PTA/Accountability Meeting 6:30-8:00 PM
9/7 Muffins for Moms
9/12 Fall RISE Night
9/14 Field Day
9/21 No School- Professional Planning Day
October 2018
10/1 School Picture Day
10/4 PTA/Accountability Meeting 6:30-8:00 PM
10/6 Fall Festival 10:00-3:00
10/10 & 10/11 Fall Conferences
10/11 Fun Run
10/12 No School-Fall Break
10/19 Field Trips (2nd Grade and Kinder), Colonial Day 5th Grade
10/26 Halloween Dance pm (Time TBD)
10/31 Halloween Party and Parade
November 2018
11/1 PTA/Accountability Meeting 6:30-8:00 PM
11/2 No School- Professional Planning Day
11/14 Picture Retakes
11/16 Kinder Thanksgiving Feast
11/19-11/23 No School- Thanksgiving Break
11/28 Vision and Hearing (K-2)
December 2018
12/6 PTA/Accountability Meeting 6:30-8:00 PM
12/7 Family Art Night
12/11 Holiday Choir Musical 6:30 pm
12/18 Kinder Info Night 19’-20’ SY
12/19 Choir Caroling
12/24-01/08 Winter Break
January 2019
12/24-01/08 Winter Break
01/09 Students report back
01/10 PTA/Accountability Meeting 6:30-8:00 PM
01/11 Pastries for Pops
01/21 No School- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 2019
02/01 5th Grade Museum to School
02/07 PTA/Accountability Meeting 6:30-8:00 PM
02/08 100th Day of School
02/09 Craft Fair
02/12-02/13 Spring Conferences (Winter RISE)
02/15 No School- Professional Planning Day
02/18 No School- Presidents Day
02/22 3rd Grade Market Day
Monthly Assembly
Talent Show
March 2019
03/07 PTA/Accountability Meeting 6:30-8:00 PM
03/08 5th Grade Museum to School
3rd Grade Day in Denver
Choir Field Trip
03/14 Class Picture Day
03/15 No School- Professional Planning Day
03/19 5th Grade Growing and Changing Meeting
03/25-03/29 Spring Break
April 2019
04/04 PTA/Accountability Meeting 6:30-8:00 PM
04/25 ESL Field Trip to Carmody
04/26 No School- Professional Planning Day
May 2019
05/02 PTA/Accountability Meeting 6:30-8:00 PM
05/04 3rd Grade Field Trip to Museum
05/06 Westgate Family Night (tLIM, Multicultural, Spring RISE Night)
05/09 Spring Musical 6:30 pm
05/10 Kinder Field Trip
05/11 Mother’s Day Plant Sale
05/22 5th Grade Continuation
05/23 Kinder Continuation
Last Day of School- ALL Students
GENERAL INFORMATION
8550 West Vassar Drive
Lakewood, Colorado 80227
Office – (303) 982-9130
Fax – (303) 982-9131
Attendance – (303) 982-9090, Option #1
Web site: westgate.
ADMINISTRATION: Dave Weiss, Principal
Virginia Lindemann, Assistant Principal
SCHOOL HOURS: 9:10 a.m. - 3:50 p.m. (9:00 a.m. 1st Bell)
TRADITIONS: School Colors: Blue, Yellow and White
School Mascot: Roadrunner
STUDENT BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS AND POLICIES
We all know that a good school must have guidelines and systems in place to ensure that its energies and attention can be on learning. Westgate has developed Student Behavioral Standards, which are summarized in the following Roadrunner Rules: Be Respectful, Responsible, and Safe!
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Westgate is proud to be a Leader in Me school. The Leader in Me provides our school with the vision and language to lead the school in a way that addresses all areas of development. As each child discovers and develops his or her unique gifts and talents, they are given opportunities to lead. As leaders, they become active, engaged partners in their own education and their self-confidence, responsibility, and initiative grows. The children quickly understand the benefits of different gifts and talents; they learn to listen to new ideas, work together to achieve results, and motivate one another to be the best.
Our school philosophy is that each teacher works with his/her students on a group and individual basis to teach and apply problem solving and group social skills. In so doing, the teacher provides clear expectations, models the expected behaviors and uses positive incentives and logical consequences. In most cases, this positive attention and reinforcement with learned skills is effective in producing behaviors which are appropriate to a school setting and lead to optimum learning. However, there may be times during this learning process when problems occur. We would like to clarify behaviors that are appropriate and ones that are not appropriate to meet the standards listed above. All of our rules fit within one of these areas.
On the following pages, you will find a list of specific behavioral expectations, rules and procedures. Also included are possible consequences and processes for improving behavior, which will be used depending on the situation. Please go over these rules with your child(ren) and discuss them. The Westgate website contains a link to the district student conduct code. Please review this information with your children. Teachers will also speak with students regarding conduct code expectations. Our purpose is to ensure an environment where your child(ren) can learn to socialize in safety and with attention to the rights and responsibilities of all. We ask that you support our endeavors and direct your child(ren) should they need to improve their behavior.
Westgate uses a behavioral support program called “Brainwise.” Teachers instruct students in all aspects of
accepted behaviors using common language that stems from the “wizard brain” (prefrontal cortex) vs. the “lizard brain” (limbic system). Brainwise teaches students to “Stop and Think” and refocus so that they act from their wizard brain, not their lizard brain. These guidelines are the expected norms for each area of the school. They include different areas of the students’ day that may be impacted by student behaviors. Use the common area matrix to ensure systemic expectations for the common areas. If students need reminders, or are not meeting the expected standard, use this as an opportunity to “reteach” the behavior and follow the “Student Behavior Management Process” flowchart.
STUDENT BEHAVIOR STANDARDS
Roadrunner Rules: Respect, Responsibility, and Safety
BEHAVIOR PROCESS
The standards and policies outlined in the preceding pages represent the expectations at Westgate. Should behavior problems occur the following procedures may be administered. All policies outlined in the Jefferson County School Code of Conduct apply at all times for students, staff and community members. All families should ensure they review the district Student Family Handbook (Code of Conduct) which can also be found on our website or the district website.
Westgate's Behavior Referral System: We try hard to work with the child at school to develop strategies for success. However, when a child has repeated incidents we will notify the family so we can work together to improve behavior. Depending on the behavior, administration will work with families to carry out appropriate consequences.
INTERNET USE POLICY
Internet use at Westgate must be in support of education and research, and consistent with the educational objectives of Westgate Elementary School. Student access is strictly monitored for instructional alignment. Students and others who use our online connection assume responsibility for ethical use as defined by the Internet Usage policy signed by family and student at the beginning of each year. Students accessing social media during school hours or with school devices are disallowed. Misuse or abuse of online privileges will result in individuals losing access rights.
Westgate Personal Device Usage Guidelines
Why Bring Your Own Device to Westgate Elementary School?
Westgate is currently not a 1-to-1 school; therefore, families should collaborate with teachers if they are interested in sending their student to school with a personally owned device. All parties should understand that it is the child’s responsibility to care for the device. Westgate will not be held responsible for lost or stolen devices; this includes cell phones, or handheld gaming devices. Please contact your child’s teacher if you are interested in this opportunity or if you have any questions.
GENERAL SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION
A through Z
ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE
Westgate’s accountability team consists of family members, community members, school administration, and teacher representatives. A copy of our school’s Unified Improvement Plan is available online. Westgate will provide standards
based instruction in all content areas. The accountability committee focuses on curriculum, budgets, calendar & dates. This group is an important group to discuss the day to day workings at Westgate. Our Accountability Chairperson is Jean Morrison. Mrs. Morrison’s e-mail address is: jeanmmorrison@
ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS
The district makes every effort to announce school closures before 6 a.m., but sometimes weather conditions change rapidly and a late decision must be made. Once a decision is made, a phone call, e-mail and text message will be sent to Jeffco families via School Messenger. The local media is notified regarding school closings and asked to announce the information as soon as possible. The district’s telephone hotline at 303-982-6600, and the school district Web page at are also updated. Should schools need to be closed during the day every attempt will be made to notify families.
When the temperature is below 20 degrees, there is rain or wet snow, or if the wind chill brings the temperature below 20 degrees, we will have an inside day known as a “Green Circle” day. Green Circles will be posted on the front, east and west doors. Students arriving AFTER 8:55 a.m. who are not attending breakfast should proceed directly to their classrooms. Indoor recess will be provided. On any cold or wet day, it is very important for students to dress appropriately for weather conditions.
ATTENDANCE
Promptness is crucial to a smooth start of each school day. Students are expected to arrive at school between 8:55 and 9:05 a.m. Under no circumstances should children be dropped off at school prior to 8:55 a.m. unless they are here for breakfast or a special teacher planned activity. Students should line up at designated areas until the teacher leads them to the classroom at 9:00 when the first bell rings. Students are encouraged to go directly to class after 9:00 a.m. before the final bell rings at 9:10 a.m. Students arriving after 9:10 a.m. need to check-in at the office and collect a tardy slip.
When possible, please try to make medical appointments for students before or after school hours.
Teacher attendance: Teachers will complete classroom attendance within 10 minutes of the start of the school day as measured be the “tardy bell”.
Attendance Line: The purpose of this program is to ensure the safety of your child. If your child will be late or absent from school, you must call the school attendance line at 303-982-9090, option 1. These calls must be made by 10:00 a.m. of the day your child is absent. You must call each day your child is absent. When you call, you will reach a recorded message that will ask you to give the following information:
• Your child’s first & last name
• Your name and relationship to the child
• Child’s grade and date
• Reason for the absence
If no call has been received from you by 10:00 a.m., a school secretary will make an attempt to notify you of your child’s absence within 3 hours of the start of the school day. Please note, as stated in the truancy policy, if school initiates this contact, the absence will be marked unexcused. If your child is late to school, he/she must report to the school office prior to going into class. He/she must sign in to obtain a pass for admittance to class. Tardiness will be specifically noted. If a student arrives at school after 10:20 a.m., a morning absence will be assessed. If a student leaves school before 2:40 p.m., an afternoon absence will be assessed. If tardies become excessive, administration will request a meeting with the family.
ABSENCES/EXCUSES/TRUANCY
Regular daily attendance is critical to student success. All students are expected to attend school for all days of the established school year in compliance with the Colorado School Attendance Law.
The following information can be found in the Jefferson County Schools Conduct Code and related policies. District Policy for Student Absences and Excuses.
Absences resulting from illness, injury, or family emergencies will, under normal circumstances, be excused with
documentation. Any other absences must be excused through prior arrangement with the school office and with permission of administration and families. When the school does not receive previous notification, it is the policy of the District that school personnel will notify family member of the student's absence as an unexcused absence. Where the school is required to initiate contact with families regarding an absence, this absence will be marked unexcused in line with the Jeffco Public Schools Truancy Office. It is the responsibility of the family to initiate contact with the school regarding any student absences.
Unexcused absences and tardies are a safety concern for the school, and negatively impact student success. Habitually absent students may be subject to disciplinary measures including truancy court. District policy states, “The maximum number of unexcused absences a student may incur before judicial proceedings are initiated to enforce compulsory attendance is four days in one month or 10 days in one year.” If tardies or absences become excessive (based on the district policy), administration will request a meeting with the family.
Families must fill out and submit a Pre-Arranged Absence Form to the office three days prior to a scheduled absence. It is strongly recommended that students vacation only during Westgate Elementary vacation times. It is the responsibility of the student and family to obtain any assignments immediately after returning to school. Absences, as a general rule, are excused only in cases of illness or family emergencies.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS – CHILDCARE
Jefferson County provides a School Aged Enrichment (SAE) for students age 5 through 6th grade. This program offers families childcare in a safe and secure environment that is enjoyed by the children and licensed by the Colorado Department of Social Services. The program is located in the cafeteria. Hours are 6:30 a.m. until school begins (9:00) and after school (3:50) until 6:00 p.m. For further information, call Julie Gier at 303-982-9079.
BICYCLES/SKATEBOARDS/SCOOTERS
BICYCLES: In agreement with the recommendation of the Jefferson County Safety Council, it is recommended that only students in grades 3-6 should ride bicycles to school. Bicycles must be parked in the racks provided in the bicycle pad on the west side of the school. They should be locked when not in use. Bicycles that are damaged or stolen are not the responsibility of Westgate Elementary School. Students must walk bicycles on school grounds for the safety of all students.
SKATEBOARDS AND SCOOTERS: Skateboards and scooters may be used as transportation to and from school if they can be safely locked in the bike racks, and must also be walked when on school grounds. As with bicycles, the school is not responsible for damage or theft.
BIRTHDAY POLICY
Birthdays are not celebrated in classrooms at Westgate. In accordance with Jeffco Healthy Schools Policy, families may not provide treats or snacks to classrooms for child’s birthday. Additionally, birthday invitations should not be distributed at school.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast is served daily from 8:40 – 9:00 in the cafeteria. Breakfast will NOT be served after 9:05. Students will be dismissed from the cafeteria at 9:05.
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Students should be on time at the designated school bus stops and should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to enter. While on the bus, students should keep hands and heads inside the bus at all times. Remember that loud talking and laughing divert the driver's attention and make safe driving difficult. Buses are equipped with cameras and drivers are authorized to issue misconduct reports. Persistent problems may result in suspension of bus riding privileges.
Signed permission slips are required for guests to ride the bus. Please call transportation at (303) 982-9057 if you have concerns or questions. The cost of transportation is $75 per semester, per student. Choice enrolled students are $100 per semester, per student.
CAFETERIA/LUNCH RULES
Jefferson County schools serve lunch for $2.85 to students in Grades K-6. Reduced price lunch for Grade 6 students only is $ .40. Adult lunches are $4.15 without beverage. Cash or checks made out to Jefferson County Schools for the exact amount only will be accepted. Westgate will use a system of lunch marks for purchasing school lunches. These lunch marks are credits recorded in the kitchen. Your child should fit into one of the following categories:
Children on free lunch will not have to do anything except go through the lunch line and receive their lunch. An application must be completed for consideration of acceptance to this program. Link to application here. Until you receive the Approval Notification Letter from Jefferson County Food Services, you will be responsible for providing your student with a sack lunch or money for lunch every day. No exceptions.
Children on reduced lunch in grades K-5, no fee is required. For grade 6, the reduced lunch price is $0.40.
Children who bring money for daily/multiple lunches should give the money to their homeroom teachers to be turned into the lunchroom. The money will be recorded as credit and will enable them to buy lunches. When all credit is used, your child's hand will be stamped, which will be a signal to you that your child needs to bring additional money for the next day.
Children who bring their lunch and buy milk may purchase milk for $ .85.
Children may bring their lunches from home. Please be aware of allergies as you pack lunches.
Children whose families pay online @ will be given credit for the amount purchased by credit card.
Breakfast - Westgate will serve breakfast beginning at 8:40 a.m. The regular price for breakfast is $1.85.
Children on reduced lunch will have no cost for breakfast. Only students eating a school breakfast may be in the cafeteria before school starts.
Lunch Loans - Children who forget their lunch or lunch money will be allowed to call home from the classroom. If no one is available to bring them lunch, their account will be debited and they will receive up to three lunches. On the fourth lunch, and thereafter, they will receive a sack lunch. No food may be taken from the cafeteria. Courteous behavior and appropriate table manners are expected by all students. Students who are unable to participate in the dining room appropriately will be required to sit separately from their peers.
CELL PHONES
Cell phones have become a wonderful way of communicating with children, but they have also become disruptive and a major distraction in the classroom and at recess. If you choose to have your child bring a cell phone to school, it must be turned off and remain in the student’s backpack. If a cell phone is seen or heard in the classroom or out at recess, it will be taken and can only be returned to an adult family member. Students accessing social media, texting, or calling during the school day will lose the privilege of having a cell phone at school. If there is a pressing matter that requires you to contact your child during the school day, please contact the office at 303-982-9130. The school is not liable for lost or stolen cell phones brought to school.
CHOIR
Students in Grades 4-6 may participate in choir under the direction of the music teacher. Rehearsals are held before school. The choir has various opportunities in the fall and spring to perform including the Bear Creek Area Vocal Festival.
CLASSROOM INTERRUPTION POLICY
Please read carefully (
In order for your child to get the most from the instructional time allotted to the classroom each day, we must put into practice the following rules. Please read them carefully, and note that they will be strictly enforced to help avoid
interruptions to valuable class time.
1. Be sure your child has everything necessary for the day before leaving home such as backpacks, homework, lunches, snacks, sharing items, band instruments, permission slips, jackets, etc. Students WILL NOT be allowed to call home for these items.
2. NO CALLS will be made to the classrooms regarding items which are dropped off after the bell rings, within reason.
3. Please instruct and remind your child often to check in the office and lost and found if he/she is missing his/her backpack, homework, lunch, band instrument, etc.
4. Family members may not bypass the office by going directly to the classrooms to drop things off for your child. Everyone is required to check in at the office – No Exceptions. This is for the safety of your student(s) and all Westgate students.
5. If “Pick-up” arrangements change unexpectedly for your child; you must call the office at least 30 minutes before the dismissal bell. Otherwise, we do not have enough time to notify the teacher and your student of the change. Again, please try to make these arrangements and let your child know before school starts so that we do not have to interrupt the classrooms.
6. If you need to speak to your student’s teacher, you may leave a message or e-mail the teacher and the teacher will try to get back to you within 24 hours. Calls will not be put through to the classroom during instructional time.
CLASSROOM VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are welcome to assist in the classrooms. The amount of help needed varies by grade level and teacher. Be sure to arrange volunteer times with teachers in advance. All volunteers must sign in at the office with a photo i.d. before going to the classrooms.
COMMUNICATION METHODS
In order to keep families informed, the following communication methods are used:
Roadrunner: Monthly school newsletter via email listing upcoming school activities.
School Messenger: School and the District email/phone/sms messaging system.
Friday Folder: Each week students will bring home written work completed at school. This should help
families monitor progress of students on a weekly basis. Families should review work and then return folder, with any comments or questions, the next school day.
Voicemail/Email: Email is preferred contact for teachers however teachers also have voicemail numbers.
Web Site: E-mail addresses are available for all staff through the school web site.
Marque: Located south-west of the building and main entrance, the marquee will list important school activities.
Social Media: Westgate Elementary is also on Facebook and Instagram.
CONFERENCES
Conferences are scheduled in October and February. However, you can expect several conferences during the year. These are definitely our most informative communication method. While formal conferences take place in October and February, families are welcome to contact teachers regarding progress and behavior at any time.
CROSSING SAFETY
We urge all drivers to observe speed limits on streets surrounding Westgate Elementary. It is important for families to discuss with your child/children the importance of crossing streets at cross walks! No adult crossing guards are
available. Please do not park on or near to cross walks for the safety of all our students.
DRESS CODE
If a student’s dress or appearance is judged to be disruptive, offensive promotes discrimination, is inappropriate for school, unsafe, vulgar or unhealthy, the student will be asked to correct the situation and can incur disciplinary action. Inability to remedy the situation will result in family contact and the student being sent home. Refusal to comply with this request may result in suspension for insubordination.
Our Dress Code includes:
• No hats worn inside Westgate.
• Hair styles may not distract from the learning environment.
• Students must wear shoes, no Heelys or cleats.
• Skirts and shorts must be appropriate length (skirts and shorts must go past the students’ fingers when their arms are at their sides).
• Students may not wear clothing that advertises alcohol, drugs, violence, or that includes sexual innuendos or vulgar language.
• Spikes or pointed studs and wallet chains are not permitted.
• The wearing of bandanas, sweatbands, rags, skull caps, and other headwear is not permitted without prior approval.
• Underwear is to be covered and not showing. Clothing should fit appropriately.
• Clothing identified with gang association/affiliation, may not be worn at Westgate or school events.
• Females may not wear halter tops or have bare backs, strapless shirts, or shirts that show any skin between the shirt and shorts, pants, or skirt. Shirts that are low cut and revealing may not be worn.
• Decisions regarding the appropriateness of student dress will be at administrator discretion. All Dress Code rules include Halloween costumes and dress-up days.
*ADULTS visiting the building or attending field trips are expected to adhere to the same dress code as our students.
ENGLISH LIMITED LANGUAGE (ESL)
The English as a Second Language coach supports our learners. This includes children who have a second language spoken in the home. Interpreters for families and school staff are also provided. The coach works one-on-one and in small groups providing classroom support, and works collaboratively with staff to provide instruction that is best for each student.
EMERGENCIES
Please check the accuracy of phone numbers and information on Jeffco Connect. Make changes immediately. It is imperative we are able to contact you during school hours. A Building Emergency Response Team has been implemented in case of school evacuation. Should a school-wide evacuation be necessary, the District will enact a reunification process to safely reunite families with students. Click link here.
FEES
Westgate collects a $10.00 technology fee and a grade level fee as indicated in your Jeffco Connect account. We encourage families who believe they may need financial assistance to apply for free or reduced lunch status. If families qualify for free or reduced lunch all school fees are waived. (Free/Reduced Lunch Application Linked Here)
FIELD DAY
Held in the fall for this school year for grades K-6, students participate in various events on Field Day. The Physical Education teacher plans and organizes the day and families are encouraged to attend.
FIELD TRIPS
Throughout the year, each grade level may participate in field trips. Teachers will notify families in advance of these excursions with their attached cost. Please return permission slips and money in a timely manner. ADULTS attending field trips are expected to adhere to the same dress code as students.
HALLOWEEN PARTIES
The Westgate Halloween parties are held near Halloween. Westgate students participate in a Halloween Parade. Families planning to attend Halloween parties may not dress in costume and must dress in accordance with the Westgate student dress code. This includes no make-up, masks, or extreme hair styles. ALL visitors who come into the building will be required to show a photo ID and sign-in at the office. Visitor names must appear on Jeffco Connect unless accompanied by a custodial family member. Older Siblings are not allowed to attend parties, even if accompanied by an adult. With the high volume of family members who usually attend, please be aware that this check-in process may take longer than normal so please plan accordingly. Family members volunteering to help with parties will be allowed in the classroom at 2:45.
Students should not come to school in costume. They will be allowed to change into costumes brought to school at 2:45 pm. Costumes will not be displayed during the instructional day. Students must be identifiable on the day of Halloween. Absolutely NO WEAPONS of any kind will be allowed, even if they are artificial or part of a costume. Students may not use fake blood or any product that gives the impression of blood. All costumes must conform to the current Westgate dress code. Bare shoulders, exposed under clothing, short skirts or shorts of inappropriate length, or clothing with inappropriate advertising will not be permitted. The dress code policy applies to students K-6. For further clarification on the Westgate dress code please go to the “DRESS CODE” information in this handbook. We look forward to a safe and fun Halloween!
Please be on the lookout for communication from the school leading up to Halloween.
HEALTH ROOM/MEDICATION
Westgate has a trained, full-time Health Room Aide. The aide observes students for health needs, uses appropriate basic first aid for sick or injured students, maintains individual student health records, and assists in providing mandated health screening procedures. Families will be called if the child has a temperature, or requires medical treatment. All medication including Tylenol, cough syrup, etc., taken at school must be prescribed by a doctor. Tylenol will not be administered at school without a doctor’s note. All prescribed medication must be delivered to the office in the current prescription bottle and accompanied by Form 924. This form may be obtained from the office or by clicking on the link here. Children are not permitted to keep medication of any type with them in the classroom.
HOMEWORK
Homework policies vary by classroom and grade level. Please communicate with teachers regarding classroom specific policies.
IMMUNIZATIONS FOR 2017-2018
By Colorado Law, your child must have had the following immunizations by the first day of school, or face exclusion from school:
Kindergarten – 5th Grade:
• DTaP #5 (DiphtheriaTetanusacellularPertussis)
• IPV #4 (Polio)
• MMR #2 (MeaslesMumpsRubella)
• Hepatitis B #3
• Varicella (Chickenpox) #2 -- (if student has had chickenpox, we need medical documentation and a note for confirmation)
6th Grade:
• DTaP #5 (DiphtheriaTetanusacellularPertussis)
• Tdap #1 (Tetanusdiphtheriaacellularpertussis)
• IPV #4 (Polio)
• MMR #2 (MeaslesMumpsRubella)
• Hepatitis B #3
• Varicella (Chickenpox) #2 -- (if student has had chickenpox, we need medical
documentation and a note for confirmation)
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC INSTRUCTION
Instrumental instruction for band and orchestra is available for interested students in the 5th and 6th grades. Classes are held twice per week for one-half hour. Students participating in band or orchestra will miss academic learning which may need to be made up at home. Students are expected to make up all missed work.
LIBRARY INFORMATION CENTER (LIC)
Students are able to check books out from the library. Books that are not returned will result in a fee on the student’s account. Unpaid library fees are required to be paid and will follow students throughout their Jeffco academic career. Replacing missing books can impede improvements to the library collection.
LOST AND FOUND
Items found at school are placed in the cafeteria lost and found. Glasses, jewelry, keys, small items, or things of value are kept in the office. At the end of each trimester the unclaimed items are donated to charity.
MAKE-UP WORK
Students who are absent from school for any reason will be expected to make-up work missed in class. This work will be assigned after a student returns to school. We request that families complete a pre-arranged absence form prior to taking students out of school for vacation. This form is available in the office or at the link here. Families traveling are welcome to request work prior to travel however we cannot guarantee that work will be available due to daily planning.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
All students are required to participate in physical education classes. In accordance with Jeffco Policy students are required to wear appropriate footwear and clothing during PE. Students unable to participate for medical reasons, ongoing or temporary, must provide a doctor’s note.
PARKING
When you drive your child to or from school, please follow these guidelines:
1. Prearrange with your child where he/she is to meet you and be consistent.
2. The yellow curb areas in front of the school are reserved for buses. Please do not park in these areas! You may NOT park in front of the school between the hours of 8:30-9:30 and 3:00-4:00. Parking in the bus lane is a ticketable offence and Lakewood Police may be contacted.
3. Do not stop or park within 20 feet of crosswalks. This blocks the view of children who are walking. Pay attention to the orange cones near the daycare buildings. We ask that you not park in front of our neighbors’ driveways.
4. Use the north side of Vassar Drive or the east side of Dover. Children walking to waiting cars on Vassar
should cross Vassar Drive at the corner of Vassar and Dover, not mid-block between buses and cars.
Children walking to waiting cars on Dover should walk on sidewalks and not cross the parking lot.
5. Stopping in the parking lot is a tremendous safety hazard. In the morning you may drive into the marked Hug and Go Zone, hug your child and drop them off. Please do not stop and watch your child stand in line or walk to the school. Never leave your car parked in this zone. In the afternoon pull up as far as you can in the zone. Once your child gets into your car, carefully pull away. If you want to meet your child or if they do not come out of the building,
please pull into a parking spot.
6. Family members are able to park on the north side of Yale. This is a safe place for you to pick up and drop off your
child.
*Staff members on duty in the parking lot are working very hard to keep all students safe. Ill treatment of staff members is highly disruptive. Please be respectful and understand that the parking lot presents logistical challenges and is difficult to manage.
PTA
The Parent Teacher Association at Westgate is an active and vital part of the school. Every parent with a child at Westgate and the entire Westgate staff are automatically members of the PTA, once dues have been paid. The PTA board, and the many chairpersons and their committees, assist and support the students in a variety of activities. Activities focus on community involvement and school improvements. PTA meetings are the 3rd Thursday of every month and accompany Accountability at 6:30 p.m. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Arianne Green at arianne@
REPORT CARDS
Westgate uses the district adopted, Standard Based report card. Report cards for grades K-6 are sent home at the end of each trimester. All fines for damaged or lost books must be paid before students may receive their final report card. If a student is not making satisfactory progress families are encouraged to schedule a meeting with their child’s teacher.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Supply lists are located on our website. Your child's supplies may need to be replenished during the year.
TELEPHONE USE
Students will only be allowed to use school phones in an emergency. We try not to interrupt classrooms with messages to students unless it is absolutely necessary. Please be sure to communicate with your child regarding schedule changes or special circumstances where their normal routine may change PRIOR to them leaving for school in the morning. A note regarding changes is encouraged to minimize confusion.
TITLE IX
Title IX protects students from discrimination based on gender and is often thought to only apply to athletics. In reality it applies to much more than just athletics. It is important for families to understand their rights under Title IX. Please take a moment to review your rights by clicking on the following link… Title IX Rights.
TOYS/ELECTRONIC AND RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT
Toys, trading cards (Pokémon), laser pens, radios, tape recorders, trading items, video games, I-Pods, personal sport equipment, computer games, and recreational equipment are not to be brought to school unless the teacher has sent home a written note requesting the child to do so.
VISITORS
Family members are welcome to visit our school. All outside doors are locked and visitors must be buzzed in. All visitors must show a photo ID. NO EXCEPTIONS. All visitors must check in at the office before proceeding to the classroom. ADULTS visiting the building are expected to adhere to the same dress code as our students. Students are not allowed to have friends visit during the instructional day. Former students and older siblings are not allowed at school during the school day.
WATCH D.O.G.S.
The Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program was implemented to encourage positive adult role models to
volunteer their time at our school because they understand the importance of putting kids first. These individuals are asked to volunteer one day out of the school year in order to make Westgate a safer and welcoming environment. Throughout the day, these family members engage in conversations which promote positive interactions with students. At the beginning of each year there is an informative meeting where all interested adults are encouraged join.
WITHDRAWAL/TRANSFER OF STUDENTS
If your child will be leaving Westgate permanently, please notify the office ahead of time. If he/she will not be returning the following school year, please notify the office. This will help us to prepare necessary records for your child's new school.
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
EDUCATIONAL CLASSROOM
All students identified as having special educational needs will receive the appropriate Special Education and Related Services. Major goals focus on helping students:
• Grow and develop educationally to meet grade level expectation.
• Acquire basic skills and study habits necessary to succeed in regular education and/or to function independently in society.
• Overcome or compensate for their educational disability in their daily lives.
Special Education Team Includes:
• Certified Learning Specialists
• Social Worker
• School Psychologist
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Occupational Therapist and Physical Therapist
*If families are concerned that their child may require special services, please contact the school directly.
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