Mammoth Heights Elementary

Student/Parent Handbook

It is our mission to cherish and nurture the unique qualities of all children, fostering compassion and respect, inspiring children to dream of the possible and strive for the extraordinary.

DREAM!  

STRIVE!  

BECOME!

Daily Life at MHE

        Schedule…………………………………………………………………..3

Absences…………………………………………………………………..3

        BASE (Before and After School Enterprise Programs)......................3

Car Lane (Arrival & Dismissal)...........................................................3

Health Room………………………………………………………………3

        Late Arrivals……………………………………………………………….4

        Leaving School Early……………………………………………………..4

        Lost and Found…………………………………………………………...4

        Lunch and Nutrition Services……………………………………………4

        Pledge of Allegiance……………………………………………………...4

        Recess……………………………………………………………………..4

        School Days - Hours……………………………………………………...5

        Snacks……………………………………………………………………..5

        Specials…………………………………………………………………....5

        Telephone Use…………………………………………………………….5

        Thursday Folders………………………………………………………....5

Learning at MHE

        Colorado Academic Standards………………………………………….5

        Counselor………………………………………………………………….5

        Field Trips………………………………………………………………….5

Homework…………………………………………………………………6

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)...........................................6

        Report Cards……………………………………………………………...6

        Response to Intervention (RtI)............................................................6

        Special Education………………………………………………………...6

        Standardized Testing……………………………………………………..6

Conduct and Discipline

        Energy Bus School……………………………………………………….7

Positive Ambassador Expectations……………………………………..7

Bicycle, Skateboards, Scooters…………………………………………7

Bullying and Harassment………………………………………………...8

Cell Phones and Smart Watches………………………………………..8

Internet Use Policy………………………………………………………..8

Student Dress Code……………………………………………………...8

General Information

        Birthdays and Classroom Parties……………………………………….9

        Cancellation of School……………………………………………………9

        Change in Contact Information………………………………………….9

        Classroom/School Visits………………………………………………..10

        Communication with Teachers…………………………………………10

        Community Bulletin Board……………………………………………...10

        Delayed Dismissal………………………………………………………10

        Delayed Start…………………………………………………………….10

Early Dismissal…………………………………………………………..10

Family and Custodial Records…………………………………………11

Fines and Replacement Costs…………………………………………11

        Grievance Policy………………………………………………………...11

        Health & Safety…………………………………………………………..11

        Mandated Reporting…………………………………………………….11

        Medication………………………………………………………………..11

        Newsletters……………………………………………………………….11

        Office Hours……………………………………………………………...12

        Parent Portal - Infinite Campus/EngagED……………………………12

Parent/Teacher Conferences…………………………………………..12

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).................................................12

Parent Volunteer Opportunities………………………………………..12

        Personal Property……………………………………………………….12

        School Accountability Committee (SAC)..........................................12

        School Supplies/Book Fees…………………………………………....13

        School Visitors…………………………………………………………...13

Transportation……………………………………………………………13

        Tutoring…………………………………………………………………...13

This handbook is meant to serve as a guide for students and families.  Not every circumstance or event can be anticipated; therefore, students are subject to all district rules and policies and the interpretation by school officials thereof.  A copy of all Douglas County School District board policies is available on the district’s website: www.dcsdk12.org. 

Lunch Schedules

Absences

Parents are to leave a message on the 24-hour attendance line: 303-387-8927 to report the absence of their child.  

Parents should leave the following information:

• Parent’s name
• Child’s name
• Teacher
• Date(s) of absence
• Reason for absence

Parents are encouraged to schedule vacation and/or doctor’s appointments during school breaks.  There is a significant, negative impact on a child’s education when he/she misses school or is chronically tardy.  

Before and After School Enterprise Programs (BASE)

An on-site before and after school child care program is provided at Mammoth Heights from 6:30 am - 6:00 pm.  This program provides recreational activities, arts, and crafts.  Intersession is for all grades and runs during school breaks.  For more information, please contact Kim Coquet at kkcoquet@dcsdk12.org or 303-387-8948.

Car Lane (Arrival & Dismissal)

To ensure the safety of our students, staff, and visitors, please adhere to the following guidelines at arrival and dismissal:

• If leaving your car to walk with your child, always park in a legal zone.  Parent parking is located in the west parking area.  Parking in this area will allow you to safely walk to the building without crossing in the student drop off lane.
• Student Drop Off Lane: Parents using this area must drop their child off along the curb.  This area is two lanes wide so parents can stop along the curb and then pull out into the left lane when exiting.  Students should only exit the car on the passenger side.  Parents using this area should always drive as far forward in the lane as possible before stopping.  When picking students up in this area, parents should not double park or leave the car unattended.  
• A separate bus loop on the east side of the school is provided for buses and daycare vans only.  Under no circumstances may parents park in this area.
• Parents are encouraged to use alternate locations for meeting their child (i.e the adjacent pool and church parking areas).  

Health Room

The health room is available to deal with minor injuries and to care for sick children until parents can pick them up.   If your child requires medicine to be administered during the school day, please contact the Health Assistant for required forms. Students with a fever of 100 degrees or more, vomiting, or diarrhea must remain home from school for 24-hours symptom free without medication before returning.

Late Arrivals

Students who arrive after 8:45 am must check in with the office before going to class.  The student will be given a late pass to take to her teacher.  If your child arrives later than 8:45 am, a parent needs to come into the school to sign-in the student. 

Leaving School Early

Anyone picking-up a child before the end of the school day must check the child out from the office.  The child will be called to the office upon the parent’s arrival.  If anyone other than the parent or guardian is to pick-up a child from school, prior arrangements must be made through the school office.  Otherwise, only those individuals listed as an emergency contact are allowed to sign out a child from school.  Anyone checking a child out of school early is expected to come into the school and show identification at the office.  

Lost and Found

Please be sure that all of your child’s personal items (coats, gloves, backpacks, etc.) are clearly marked for identification.  A “Lost & Found” rack is located near the cafeteria, which can be checked at any time.  Items that are unclaimed are donated to charity four times a year (Fall Break,  Winter Break, Spring Break and end of the  school year).  Small items such as glasses, jewelry, keys, etc. are kept in the office.  

Lunch and Nutrition Services

Lunch menus with pricing are available HERE. 

Student lunch accounts can be accessed here: My School Bucks.  Any amount of money can be deposited in a child’s lunch account.  Each time the child goes through the lunch line, this account is automatically debited.  

Your child may qualify for free or reduced meal prices.  For more information, please call 303-387-0306.

In addition to the lunch choices, Nutrition Services also offers a la carte option for an additional cost (students on a free & reduced plan will be charged for a la carte items).  Many students bring in cash, however students can purchase a la carte snacks with their lunch accounts as well.  Parents can view a child’s lunch account activity and add money to the account at any time.  By viewing the account regularly, you can see what lunch options your child has purchased as well as any a la carte items.  We encourage you to talk with your child about your expectations for purchasing or not purchasing a la carte items.  If you do not want your child to purchase a la carte items, please contact our kitchen manager.

Pledge of Allegiance

The recitation of the Pledge is initiated through our daily TV show, “Good Morning, Mammoth Heights!”  Any student who objects on religious grounds, or who a parent has provided a written objection, may be excused.

Recess

Students participate in outdoor recess twice daily for 20-minutes.  Because fresh air and exercise are so important for children, we will only stay indoors during severe weather conditions (rain, snow, “feels like” temperatures below 20 degrees).   Please dress your children according to the weather.  Warm, waterproof shoes and clothing are essential when we have snow.

School Day - Hours

Mammoth Heights is in session 8:40 am - 3:30 pm.

Students can enter the building and go to their classroom beginning at 8:25 am.  Teacher supervision in the classroom is provided.  All students enter through the main office doors.  

There is no supervision of students inside or outside of our campus prior to 8:25 am.  Parents are asked not to drop off students before 8:25 am.

Snacks

In order to promote healthy eating habits, snacks are limited to nutritious foods only.  Granola bars, fruit, veggies, nuts and cereal are suggested snacks.  “Sweets” such as cookies, chips, and cake should be saved for lunchtime.  Classroom teachers will build a snack time into their daily schedule.  NOTE: Some of our classrooms are NUT FREE due to allergies.

Specials

We believe that children learn through a variety of experiences and disciplines.  In order to provide a balanced curriculum, the following specialist classes form part of our learning: Art, Music, PE, STEM, Library, and Wellness.

Telephone Use

Students are asked to use the office telephone only in case of emergencies.  Arranging to visit a friend’s house after school is not considered an emergency.

Thursday Folders

Every Thursday, a folder is sent home with your child which contains schoolwork, classroom news, and news of school events.

Colorado Academic Standards

Mammoth Heights Elementary is a “standards-based” school.  Our teachers plan lessons and learning experiences to meet the Colorado Academic Standards which define what students should know and be able to do in a specific content area.  Teachers assess each child’s performance based on the process he/she is making toward each standard.  To view the Colorado Academic Standards per grade level, click HERE. We use Benchmark Advance and Ready Math for our Tier 1 instruction.

Counselor

Our school counselor, Mrs. Weiss, supports students emotionally and socially in all aspects of the school environment.  She is also available to discuss issues of concerns with parents on a private and individual basis.  

Field Trips

Field Trips give our students an opportunity to learn through play and explore the world in a fun, unique, educational environment.  Each grade level plans field trips throughout the year to extend student learning.  Families may be asked to pay fees for admission and to cover transportation expenses.  

Homework

Homework is assigned primarily to develop each child’s responsibility and to reinforce the home/school connection.  Classroom teachers will provide information at the beginning of the year in regards to their classroom’s specific homework expectations.  This may be in the form of an assignment organizer, daily planner, or Google calendar.  Please be aware that homework may vary by teacher within each grade level.

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a systematic, continuous improvement framework in which data-based problem-solving and decision making is practiced across all levels of the educational system for supporting students.  The framework of MTSS is a “way of doing business” which utilizes high quality evidence-based instruction, intervention, and assessment practices to ensure that every student receives the appropriate level of support to be successful.  

A Multi-Tiered System of Supports helps MHE and DCSD to organize resources through alignment of the following supports: Health and Wellness, Behavior, Family and Community Engagement, Academic and Mental Health.  These are implemented with fidelity and sustained over time, in order to afford opportunities for every student to reach his or her potential.  

Report Cards

Student Elementary Progress Reports (EPRs) will be posted electronically twice a year in December and June.

Response to Intervention (RtI)

Response to Intervention (RtI) is a process used by educators to help students who are struggling with a skill or lesson.  Every teacher will use interventions with any student to help them succeed in the classroom.  If a student is struggling, his or her teacher will use test scores and other measures of progress to choose a researched and proven intervention suited to help the child learn.  If a child does not respond to the initial intervention, more focused interventions are used to help the child master the skill.  RtI strategies address both learning and behavior.  

Special Education

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that defines and regulates special education.  The law requires public schools to provide special education services to children ages 3 to 21 who meet certain criteria.  To qualify for special education services, a student must:

• Have a documented disability that is covered by IDEA, and
• Need special education in order to access the general education curriculum.

Standardized Testing

The Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) is the state summative assessment for language arts, math, science and social studies.  CMAS is aligned to the Colorado Academic Standards and designed to gauge how well students are mastering the standards and are prepared for their next grade.  CMAS takes place in spring for 3rd through 6th graders.

i-Ready is our online standardized diagnostic tool that students complete three times per year (August, December, April) to demonstrate mastery of grade level standards.  i-Ready allows teachers to dig deeper into student understanding of literacy domains: phonological awareness, phonics, high-frequency words, vocabulary, and comprehension and math domains: number and operations, algebra and algebraic thinking, measurement and data, and geometry.    

Energy Bus School

The Energy Bus for Schools Leadership Journey is a transformational, multi-year approach for schools to create and sustain a positive school culture and develop positive school leaders based upon Jon Gordon’s book, The Energy Bus.  Research clearly shows that culture and leadership greatly influence a schools’ learning environment and students’ academic success.

Positive Ambassador Expectations

The purpose of the Positive Ambassador Crew is to positively influence and invest in relationships with students, create building-wide expectations and lay the foundation for a safe, academically successful environment.

We believe that when all members of the MHE Family:

• Communicate clear and consistent expectations
• Build positive, supportive relationships
• Teach self-discipline and collective responsibility

We ensure a safe, secure, and effective learning environment.

Bicycles, Skateboards, and Scooters

It is the responsibility of the parent to determine whether or not their child can safely ride a bicycle, skateboard, or scooter to and from school.  Bicycles, skateboards, and scooters must be walked on school property at all times.  Students must obey all safety/traffic rules when riding to and from school, including wearing a helmet.

Bullying and Harassment

Mammoth Heights strives to provide a safe environment for all students.  Verbal or written threats made against the physical or emotional well-being of any individual are taken very seriously.  Harassment of any type is not tolerated.  If you have concerns about bullying and/or harassment, please contact the administration who will investigate all complaints.

Cell Phones and Smart Watches

Cell phones and Smart Watches are to be turned off and stored in student backpacks.  Cell phones and smart watches should NOT be used in the hallways at any time during the school day, including lunch and recess.  If parents need to contact their student during the school day, they should call the office - not text the student.

Per DCSD Board Policy JIHA, Mammoth Heights assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to personal property of students, including cell phones and other portable electronic devices.

Internet Use Policy

Students are responsible for good behavior when using District IT to travel through cyberspace.  Thus all rules and expectations regarding student conduct, as well as all provisions of the student conduct code, apply to student conduct involving District IT.  In addition to general behavior expectations, additional expectations apply when students use school technology devices and internet.  Examples of prohibited use of District IT include the following:

• Searching, viewing, editing, or retrieving materials that are not related to school work, community service, employment, or further education;
• Downloading or loading software without permission, or using software in a way not permitted by its license;
• Assessing, viewing, or altering any official record or file of the school or district;
• Damaging District IT;
• Violating copyright laws;
• Using the passwords of other users;
• Trespassing in the folders, work, or files of other users;
• Any malicious use or disruption of the District’s IT or breach of security features;
• Using District IT after losing the privilege to do so.

Students are required to turn portable electronic devices over to school personnel when requested.  Students who refuse to do so may be subject to school discipline in accordance with District policy.  

Student Dress Code

Students are responsible for daily appearance and for the clothes they wear.  Students need to dress appropriately for school.  Clothes should be neat and clean with shoes required at all times while in the building.  Clothing that does not adequately cover the body and shows undergarments is not allowed.  Examples that should not be worn to school include but are not limited to: tops that show midriff, super short shorts, sagging pants, etc.  Hats, hoods, and sunglasses are not allowed in the building unless approved by a school administrator.

Additionally, clothing that can cause a disruption to the school environment or poses a safety concern is not allowed at school.  School staff determines if clothing is suitable for the school environment.

If students are unsure if their clothing meets dress code requirements, other attire should be worn to school.  If students are wearing clothes that do not meet the dress code, the opportunity to change clothes will be given to the student.  Repeated violation of the dress code will result in further disciplinary consequences.  

For detailed information on policies regarding student conduct and discipline, see the Douglas County School District Code of Conduct.

Birthdays and Classroom Parties

There are four classroom parties scheduled for the year, which last approximately one hour each:  Halloween, Valentine’s Day,  Winter, and End-of-Year parties.  It is recommended that treats be balanced and nutritious with limited “sweets.”

To maximize instructional time, the classroom teacher will determine the best time in their schedule for birthday celebrations.  Parents will need to coordinate with classroom teachers for the best time to bring in treats.  The end of the day is recommended.

Invitations to private parties are NOT to be distributed at school unless all members of the student’s class are being invited.  By law and district policy, we are unable to provide parents with names, addresses, or phone numbers of our students.

Cancellation of School

In the event of inclement weather or other circumstances, school may be canceled for the day.  An announcement will be made on major radio and television stations when school is canceled.  Parents and guardians will also be notified through our school messenger system which will email and text contacts noted in the parent portal.  For up-to-date information on weather related changes call 303-387-7669 or check the district website: www.dcsdk12.org.  

Change in Contact Information

Please notify the office immediately of any change in street address, email address, or telephone number.  It is critical that we have emergency contact telephone numbers on file at all times.  If children are staying with other family members, caregivers, or friends while parents are temporarily out of town, please provide the office with this contact information.

Classroom/School Visits

We welcome you to visit our classrooms at any time during the school year.  We do request that you give the teacher the courtesy of advance notice.  In order to maintain an uninterrupted learning environment for students, guests (i.e. cousins, out of town guests, etc.) may join a student for lunch only with adult supervision.

Communication with Teachers

Open and ongoing communication with parents is one of our top priorities.  Please call or contact us by email if any questions or concerns arise.  If you need to meet with a teacher please contact them in advance to schedule a mutually convenient time.  Only after all attempts have been made to resolve a concern with the teacher will an administrator assist in the resolution (see Grievance Policy).

Community Board

As a courtesy to parents, there is a bulletin board located in the front entry with filers from local businesses and groups offering activities and services to our community.  These are not necessarily companies affiliated with Douglas County School District, but we provide the information for our families if they are interested.

Delayed Dismissal

In the event of inclement weather (i.e. lightning, tornado, etc.), school administration may determine to delay dismissal.  Parents and guardians will also be notified through our school messenger system which will email and text contacts noted in the parent portal.  

During delayed dismissal the following procedures will occur:

• BASE - report to the cafeteria
• Bus Riders/Daycare - Listen for dismissal announcement - when released walk to the preschool doorway.  A staff member will escort students to their busses when there is a break in the weather
• Car Riders - Remain in the classroom.  Listen for names to be called via walkie - dismiss to car lane.
• Walkers -  Remain in the classroom.   Parents will come into the building to pick-up students from classrooms.  When weather clears, walkers will be dismissed to walk home.

Delayed Start

In the event of inclement weather, school may be on a delayed schedule beginning 90 minutes later than usual (10:10 am).  Announcement of a delayed start will be made on all major radio and TV stations.  Parents and guardians will also be notified through our school messenger system which will email and text contacts noted in the parent portal.  For up-to-date information on weather related changes call 303-387-7669 or check the district website: www.dcsdk12.org.

Early Dismissal

In the event of inclement weather or other circumstances, school may be dismissed early.  Parents have been asked to complete a dismissal form to indicate what their child is to do should school dismiss early.  Please make sure that an updated form is on file with your student’s classroom teacher.  Announcement of an early dismissal will be made on all major radio and TV stations.  Parents and guardians will also be notified through our school messenger system which will email and text contacts noted in the parent portal.  For up-to-date information on weather related changes call 303-387-7669 or check the district website: www.dcsdk12.org.

Family and Custodial Records

In the case of separation or divorce, MHE requires that the parents provide a certified copy of the court order stating the custody arrangements for the student.

Fines and Replacement Costs

Students are assigned instructional resources such as math reference books, templates, calculators, and other textbooks.  If a resource assigned to a student is lost or damaged, the cost to replace the resource will be requested of the student and parents.  Student Elementary Progress Reports (EPRs) and permanent records (if transferring to a different school) are held until all fines and/or replacement costs are paid in full.  This also includes missing library books and overdrawn lunch accounts.    

Grievance Policy

In order to secure equitable solutions to concerns or school related issues, please follow this procedure:

• Step 1: Contact your child’s teacher and make every effort to resolve the issue.
• Step 2: If a solution has not been reached with the teacher, contact Mrs. Coveney or Mr. Holtvluwer.
• Step 3: If the above contacts have been made and the problem is not resolved, contact Kristin Drury, Director of Parker Schools.
• Step 4: If the issue is not resolved, please contact DCSD Assistant Superintendent, Danny Winsor.

Health and Safety

When a child enters school, parents must complete a medical record of their child’s medical background and immunizations.  The school nurse maintains these records.  The health office should be notified of any changes in the health of a student, such as allergies or new medical conditions.  All instances of communicable diseases should be reported to the school nurse.  Please contact our school nurse, Andrea Olson,  if you have any questions regarding our health and safety policies.  

Mandated Reporting

Mammoth Heights Elementary personnel are mandated by law to report suspected abuse or neglect of children.  This includes physical, sexual or emotional abuse, and abuses of child custodial arrangements.  

Medication

Only medication prescribed by a doctor can be administered to students.  It must be taken to the office in its original container along with a liability form completed and signed by the child’s physician.  Please contact one of our health assistants for more information.

Newsletters

All families will receive an electronic newsletter to their email ever Thursday.  We encourage all families to read about our upcoming events, success stories about MHE, PTO news, and volunteer opportunities.  All newsletters are available on our MHE website.

Office Hours

The school office will be open from 8:15 am - 4:00 pm on regular school days.  These times may be adjusted on days that are not on a regular schedule, such as weather impacted days or staff-meetings.  Summer and school breaks will have adjusted office hours which will be posted on our website.

Parent Portal - Infinite Campus/EngagED

Parent Portal allows parents to view their child’s school records at any time.  As a parent or guardian, you will be able to see attendance data, cafeteria balances, our school calendar, and grades for 6th graders.  If you have not signed up, please drop by the office with proper identification (drivers license) to set-up your parent portal account.  

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Mammoth Heights Elementary hosts formal conferences twice a year, in the fall and spring.  A positive parent/teacher relationship enables both to have a better understanding of the child.  Parents are encouraged to keep in touch with the child’s teacher during the school year.  If you find that additional conferences with your child’s teacher would be helpful, please contact the teacher by email or through the office to schedule a meeting.

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

The Mammoth Heights Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a local self-governing unit whose main purpose is to promote the welfare of children and youth in the home, school and community.  General PTO meetings are held once a month.  The PTO Board meets monthly.  For more information about PTO email: mhepto@gmail.com.  

Parent Volunteer Opportunities

Parent volunteers are always needed and welcomed at Mammoth Heights!  Volunteers may work in the classroom with small groups of students or perform clerical tasks at school or home.  Volunteers also help in the library, workroom, or with special events.  

Please be sure to fill out the volunteer contract during Express Check-In and contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Amanda Santiago: 303-387-8928, to discuss which opportunity you would be interested in.

Personal Property

Personal objects of value are to be brought to school only during special occasions when a teacher has given permission.  Toys and electronic games are not permitted at school.  Students must assume sole responsibility for loss or damage of any personal property, including cell phones and ear buds.  

School Accountability Committee (SAC)

The School Accountability Committee (SAC) is comprised of parent representatives who assist in defining MHE’s goals and developing our school improvement plan.  The committee is a branch of our overall school governance which reviews the school program and assists in making decisions which benefit our students.  The MHE SAC meets four times each school year.

Schools Supplies/Book Fees

The district requires a $20 book and materials fee per child to be collected by all elementary schools.  This money assists in purchasing textbooks and instructional materials for each classroom.  Students are expected to provide basic supplies.  Supply lists for each grade level are available on the MHE website or in the office.    

School Visitors

Anyone entering the building is required to use the main entrance and report to the school office to sign-in and receive a visitor’s badge.  All visitors must scan their driver's license through our RAPTOR system which quickly completes a background check to ensure the safety of our students and staff.  

Transportation

Transportation is typically provided for students who live one mile or more from school.  Please check the DCSD website for your student’s bus stop times and locations.  Whenever possible, it is always best if any adult can accompany their elementary child to the bus stop and wait with them until the school bus arrives.  

It is recommended that students be at the bus stop five minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.  Occasionally, a school bus may run late, students are asked to wait at the stop for at least 15 minutes after the scheduled departure time.  When this occurs, please call Transportation Dispatch office at 303-387-0571 for more information on your child’s bus.

There is a district transportation fee for all students that ride the bus.  You can submit a new or replacement ZPass application through the EngagED Parent Portal.

If your child is planning to ride the bus home with a friend, he/she will need to have a bus pass to do so.  Both children involved are required to bring a note to the office giving parental permission.  At that time, the office staff will fill out a bus pass that your child will give to the bus driver.  If you have questions concerning this procedure, please call the office: 303-387-8925.  All students riding the bus must have a ZPASS card.  For more information, please contact DCSD Transportation at 303-387-0447.

Tutoring

Teachers cannot tutor “for pay” or give private lessons to a student in their own class.  Because our district does not screen, perform background checks, or consult references of potential tutors, a “tutor list” is not maintained.  Parents are welcome to approach other teachers about the possibility of tutoring.  However, the tutoring session cannot occur during the teacher’s contracted day.