Washington Elementary School is located on the west side of Colorado One of the oldest schools in the city, Washington is rich in tradition and is proud of its progressive academic program. We take pride in the diversity of our students and our parents.

    We believe in the power of high expectations and take a "no excuses" approach to student achievement. Our school community is relentless in ensuring that all children have access to effective instructional strategies and challenging academic content. The staff continually strives to prepare children for the challenges of tomorrow. We believe that lifelong learners have excellent beginnings at Washington Elementary School.

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to produce citizens who can:

Communicate effectively

Gather and use information

Make responsible decisions

Adapt to the challenges of the future

WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT STUDENTS 

We value and accept differences in children. We strive to create a sense of belonging for all children.

We believe that children are extremely sensitive to what adults actually think of them; how they are perceived by teachers, parents, and administrators. There IS such a thing as "self-fulfilling prophecy"!

We believe that children learn at different rates and in different ways, but ALL children can learn. Our teaching must build on children’s strengths.

We believe that children must understand what is expected of them academically and socially. The school has an obligation to help children learn the consequences of their actions. They must accept logical reactions to what they do.

We believe that we get more from love than we do from fear; that good discipline exists in a climate of affection.

We believe that honesty is the best policy; that the principal levels with students and parents at all times.

SCHOOL HOURS

Teachers are in the building from 7:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Playground supervision begins at 7:45 a.m. For safety, please do not send your child to school before 7:45 a.m. Students should board the buses, be picked up, or walk home immediately after school is dismissed.

For student health and safety during inclement weather, Washington Elementary will comply with School Board Policy which states: "Students will be allowed entry into the building 10 minutes before classes convene when outside temperature at the school site is less than 15 degrees F and/or significant precipitation is present." Wind chill factors will also be considered. The same policy applies to recess.

ENTRANCE AGE

    A child entering kindergarten must be five years of age on or before October 1^st of the school year of registration. A birth certificate or some other document that establishes age is required upon entrance. A birth certificate is also required for a child entering school for the first time in District #11. Children enrolling in first grade must be six on or before October 1st of the school year. A complete immunization history and a Social Security Number are required of all students in District #11 schools.

SCHOOL RECORDS

New registration forms will be sent home the first day of school. It is very important that you fill out the registration form at the beginning of each year. We realize changes take place during the school year so it is very important that we have current telephone numbers where parents may be reached in case of emergency. Please notify the school office of any change of address, telephone number, occupation, or if you have plans to withdraw from our school during the school year.

School attendance is compulsory in the state of Colorado and parents are legally responsible for the regular attendance of their children. The only acceptable excuses are illness, emergency situation or when approved by the principal prior to the absence.  Regular school attendance is essential for each student to benefit fully from the instructional program. Student learning is based upon a step-by-step sequence, so daily attendance is important; no amount of make-up work is a substitute for regular attendance. When the number of absences totals eight, parents will be required to provide a physician’s note or other documentation before they principal will excuse the absence. Students will have one day to make up work for each day they are absent. Please remember that excessive absences may result in lower grades.

    Please contact to school office by 9:00 a.m. on the day of a student’s absence. In every case, a child’s absence must be justified with an excuse from the parent or guardian either in writing or by telephone stating the reason and date(s).

    All students at school will be expected to go outside for recess. Special arrangements need to be made for the very rare circumstances that require a student to stay inside for health reasons. Please keep children at home if they have any symptoms of illness. This will assist in preventing the spread of infections and contagious diseases as well as help improve attendance in general.

An extension of a classroom assignment

An enriching activity

An opportunity for more practice; i.e. math and spelling

An assignment which is not completed during school hours

A make-up assignment for work missed while absent

Showing an interest in the assignment

Encouraging the child

Establishing a regular time to complete homework

Providing a quiet area for study time

Helping the child assume responsibility for assignments and proper care of materials

SCHOOL LUNCHES

     Washington offers a breakfast and lunch program. Each year, prices for meals and beverages are established by the Board of Education before the start of school. Check with the school office to learn about prices. Families can purchase weekly or monthly lunch tickets. The cafeteria manager collects money each morning. Checks should be made to Washington Elementary School. Students may bring a sack lunch if they wish.

     Applications for free/reduced lunches are available in the school office. A breakfast program is available at Washington. If students receive free/reduced lunch, they may also receive free/reduced breakfast.

    Children are expected to observe proper table manners and show courtesy for others in the cafeteria at all times. Cafeteria privileges may be suspended if a child does not observe appropriate behavior.

SCHOOL BUSES

    Riding the school bus to Washington is a privilege and a convenience. The bus driver is responsible for the safe transport of our students to and from school. The bus driver MUST be able to focus his/her attention on driving the bus safely. Students who disrupt or otherwise prevent the bus driver from safely operating the bus are endangering the lives of others. Therefore, for the safety of ALL bus students, the following behavior is expected of all bus students

    Each bus driver will issue rules and regulations for parents and students to read and sign. The first infraction of rules on the school bus is a verbal warning. The second offense will be a parent contact. The third offense will result in a suspension of bus privileges and the student’s parents will see that the student gets to and from school.

    If your child requires medication at school, there are guidelines that must be followed. It is recommended that every possible means to be taken to give children medication at home instead of at school. If, however, it becomes necessary for your child to take any form of medication at school, a blue medication form must be filled out by the physician. It must be signed by the doctor and the parent. These forms are available in the school office.

    The medication MUST BE PROPERLY IDENTIFIED AND IN IT’S ORIGINAL PHARMACY LABELED CONTAINER. The dosage on the label must match what the doctor has written on the medication form.

    Medication must NOT be sent to school in baggies, envelopes or tupperware. Medication cannot be accepted unless you send the completed blue form.

NO MEDICATION CAN BE GIVEN UNLESS YOU FOLLOW THE ABOVE GUIDELINES.

    Inhalers must be accompanied by the blue medication form and be properly labeled. We also CANNOT give cough drops, tylenol, cough medicine, etc. without the doctor’s authorization.

    Your child is responsible for going to the school office at the appropriate time for the medication to be given. The school nurse may be contacted if you have any questions.

Students are required to complete the immunization requirements as established by Colorado law. If a student is not in compliance with the Colorado School Immunization law, he/she will be suspended from school.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES, TEXTBOOKS, LIBRARY BOOKS

    Textbooks are furnished by School District 11. Students are responsible for payment of textbooks and library books that are lost or damaged.

    Our resource center has an excellent selection of library books and other instructional media for the benefit of our students. Please help us by making sure students take care of their library books and return them when they are due.

    School supplies needed by students will vary with individual teachers. Supply lists are available in the school office and online at the school's website.

    Students at Washington Elementary School are entitled to learn in an atmosphere that is safe, conducive to the learning process, and free from disruption. Every student is expected to follow accepted rules of conduct and to show respect for and to obey the persons in authority in the school. Behavior that disrupts the classroom, threatens the health, safety, or well being of others, or damages school property is unacceptable and may result in disciplinary action.

    Self-discipline is of the utmost importance if our goal of providing a quality education for all students is to be met. The staff at Washington Elementary is committed to firm, consistent discipline designed to help students learn to control their own behavior. With students, parents, and school personnel working together to meet this goal, your child will enjoy a safe, rewarding and positive learning experience.

REPORTING TO PARENTS

    Report cards will be issued to students at the end of each quarter, grades K-5. Please see the printed calendar. Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held during the first quarter. However, parents are encouraged to make an appointment with teachers any time they feel a conference is needed. Coordination with the teacher prior to the visit is necessary. Notes and telephone contacts between home and school are welcome and encouraged.

SIGNING OUT

    Students leaving school during times other than normal dismissal times must be signed out in the front office by a parent or authorized adult. Under no circumstances is the student to be excused directly from the classroom or playground. Students will be called to the office and signed out through the office.

WITHDRAWALS

    Students transferring or withdrawing from school must be cleared through the school office. Parents can either send a note with their child or telephone the school stating the date they will be withdrawing. All texts and other materials belonging to the school district must be checked in and fees must be paid before students leave. We will send all records to the new school upon request of that school.

    Washington Elementary encourages parents and community members to become involved in the life of the school by serving as a volunteer. There are many activities in which you may become involved. If you have the time, please check with the school office or contact our Community Liaison, Melody Myrvik-Collins, at 328-4816.

    We value input from our parents. Parents are involved on a daily basis in our classrooms and participate actively in our parent/teacher organization. Please call the school for further information. Our P.T.O. president is Clydette Ingram and you may reach her through the school office (328-4800).

    Specific policy for STUDENT DRESS is found in the Student Conduct and Discipline Code booklet under File: JICA, Student Dress. Please refer to this policy regarding student dress. Below are guidelines that should be followed: