Back-to-school basics help families prepare!

The 2011 Back-to-School Night schedule is now available. These evenings are an opportunity for students and their families to visit the schools, meet teachers and ask questions.

The 2011-12 Student Code of Conduct is available online.

Information on the 2011-12 Federal Free and Reduced Lunch program is also available to interested families.

"Beat the Heat" tips are available to help students and staff deal with potentially warm temperatures in the classrooms.

1. School start dates:
Many PSD schools have a different schedule for the first day of school. Please check with the school your child will attend to confirm the official start date for your child’s grade/class. School start and end times are posted on the PSD website and available at your child’s school.

2. New students register at each school
If your student is new to PSD or if you have moved from one school attendance area to another, please contact your neighborhood school and register as soon as possible. Scheduled elementary student walk-in registration dates are August 8 and 9, please check the school website for times. Secondary walk-in registration dates and times can be found on the school website, or you can contact the school directly.

If you are unsure which schools serve your neighborhood, please call (970) 490-3232 or go to www.psdschools.org and look under School Resources > School Locator > Find My Neighborhood School > Insert your address and it will list the schools that serve your neighborhood.

When registering your child, please bring your child’s birth certificate, original or certified copy (required for new kindergarten students only); emergency contact information; immunization records or a signed State of Colorado Exemption Certificate is required for personal, religious, or medical exemptions to school immunization requirements; and a copy of your student’s academic history or current report card. We encourage you to make an appointment with a school counselor when registering your child at a secondary school.

If your child is transferring from another school within PSD or from another school district, PSD school personnel will request your child’s school records from the previous school after your student is enrolled.

3. Tuition-based preschool program accepting registrations
Registrations are now being accepted for the Poudre School District tuition-based preschool program. Preschool programs will be offered at four locations for the 2011-2012 school year. Preschool programs will be at Kruse Elementary, Bacon Elementary, Shepardson Elementary and Rice Elementary. Half-day sessions will be available in the morning and afternoon at participating schools.

Preschool programs offer:

• Teachers licensed by Colorado Dept. of Education.
• High quality, standards-based preschool environment.
• 16 students per session. Adult to child ratio 1-8.
• Tuition costs are $3150/year or $350 for 9 months if enrolled in a 3 1/2 hour class and $2900/year or $322 for 9 months if enrolled in a 2 hour 45 minute class.
• All enrolled families will need to submit a $50 enrollment fee, upon acceptance to the program.
• To apply go to www.psdschools.org; click on “School Registration;” then click on the left-hand link, “Preschool Registration.” Additional program documents may be required.

For more information, call Early Childhood Education at 490-3204.

4. Bus schedule available online now, at schools August 8
Bus schedules are available on the PSD website and available at schools on August 8.

Route numbers identify busses:

• Students will determine their morning and afternoon bus based on the route number.
• In most cases, the route number for your child’s morning bus will be different than the route number for your child’s afternoon bus.
• The route number will be posted in the window closest to the entrance door of each bus.

Cards/labels help students determine correct bus:

• To help students learn their route numbers, students will be given a card/label when they get off of their morning bus at the beginning of the school year.
• The card/label will have their morning bus route number and the afternoon bus route number and should aid students in finding the correct bus in the afternoon.
• The card can be carried by the student until they remember their route numbers.

Please encourage your child to ride the bus the first day of school so they can learn the new system. School staff members, bus drivers, and additional transportation staff will help guide students to the correct busses the first couple days of school, until students are familiar with the process. If you have questions about bus routes, please contact the PSD transportation department at 970-490-3155 or visit the transportation web page at www.psdschools.org.

5. School supply lists available at schools
Elementary school supply lists are available at each school, are listed in school newsletters, and may be available from local merchants.

Secondary students should bring a notebook, paper, pencil, and pen the first day of school. Classroom teachers will announce specific supplies required.

6. Food service provides many nutritional meal choices, online credit card fee starts Sept. 1
Nutritious lunches and many meal choices are provided daily at all schools. Some schools provide breakfast. Prices vary at secondary schools for a la carte items. Lunch menus are posted on the PSD website at www.psdschools.org and in school newsletters.

Lunch meals cost:
Elementary – $2.05; Reduced – $0.40
Secondary – $2.30; Reduced – $0.40

Breakfast meals at participating schools cost:
Elementary and secondary – $1.25; Reduced – No Charge

On September 1, PSD Child Nutrition Services will implement an online payment fee of $1 per online transaction to cover the cost of credit card fees associated with the online payment of school meals. This fee will only apply to families using the online payment service. Parents will still have free online access to their child’s account and be able to get free activity reports.

7. Lunch program available to qualifying families
Applications for the federal free and reduced-price school lunch program were mailed home to all heads of households in late July/early August. Students participating in the program during the previous school year may be automatically enrolled in the program for the first 30 days of school. Parents must submit a new family application each school year and are required to complete only one application per household. The application may be returned to a school or to the Food Service Office. Identity of students participating is kept strictly confidential.

Eligible families should complete and return the form even if they do not plan to participate in the lunch program. Students who qualify for the federal free and reduced-price school lunch program are also exempt from other fees and charges. A letter of eligibility for free and reduced-price meals will be sent to the parents/guardians of qualifying students. An information release form will be included with the eligibility letter. Complete the information release form and return it to your school office. Information: (970) 490-3557.

8. Student Rights and Code of Conduct distributed electronically
PSD will be distributing the Student Rights and Code of Conduct electronically again this school year. Families will have access to the Student Rights and Code of Conduct via the PSD website, through the Connect parent e-newsletter, and a limited number will be available in print at each school and at the district office, for families who are not able to access it electronically. PSD implemented this change to save paper, printing costs, and staff time. Watch for more details on the Student Rights and Code of Conduct during August registration.

9. Keep immunization records up to date
Students registering for the first time in PSD must present proof of immunizations or a signed State of Colorado Exemption Certificate is required for personal, religious, or medical exemptions to school immunization requirements. Families with returning students must keep their child’s immunizations current. Information on required and recommended immunizations is available on the PSD website at http://www.psdschools.org/school-resources/student-services/health-services.

Immunization requirements will be strictly enforced for all students. Students who do not meet the requirements will be denied attendance according to Colorado Revised Statutes 25-4-902. To learn where to obtain immunizations free or at low cost call the Family Health Line at 303-692-2229 or 1-800-688-7777. You may also contact your healthcare provider, the Larimer County Health Department at (970) 498-6700, or visit www.co.larimer.co.us/health/chs for more information. A walk-in children’s immunization clinic is offered at the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, 1525 Blue Spruce Drive. Call for specific times.

10. Update schools with student health information
Please inform your school’s health care staff if your child has special health concerns, medications, or dietary needs, so a school health care plan can be developed for your child. A complete physical exam by a family physician is required for students entering the preschool program and recommended for students entering kindergarten and 4th grade.

11. Update phone numbers and parent contact information
Parents are encouraged to keep phone numbers, addresses, and emergency contact information updated throughout the school year. Watch for a student information form to come home with your child the first week of school. Provide your email for emergency notifications and communication via email, sign up at www.psdschools.org > Email Alert Sign-up (found on the slideshow at the top of the page).

12. Sports physicals required for athletes grades 7–12
Students playing sports at PSD middle and high schools are required to have sports physicals before the first practice. Authorization for Athletic Participation forms are available at all secondary schools, online at www.psdschools.org, or at the PSD Johannsen Support Services Center, 2407 LaPorte Avenue. Information: (970) 490-3106

13. Practice for fall sports begins mid August
PSD offers 27 competitive sports for boys and girls throughout the school year. Practice for fall high school sports begins August 15. Contact individual high schools for practice times. Practice for 7th- and 8th-grade football begins August 10. Practice for 7th- and 8th-grade girls softball begins August 22.

Sports participation fees are $75/sport for athletes in grades 7–8 and $100/sport for athletes in grades 9–12, with a family maximum of $300 per year. Fees are higher for home-schooled, private school, and charter school students participating on PSD athletic teams. Information: (970) 490-3106

14. Register online to volunteer
PSD’s online volunteer registration is available on the PSD website at www.psdschools.org > Community > Partnerships & Volunteers. The system is easy to use for parents who want to volunteer at their child’s school and for community members who want to be involved in education. Help shape the future – volunteer! If you have previously registered and forgot your log on information, please call the volunteer office for assistance. Information: (970) 490-3208

15. Before- and after-school care available
All elementary schools offer before- and after-school care and/or enrichment programs. Call your student’s school starting August 8 for details. If your student is not in a before-school program, please drop off students only after morning playground supervision begins.

16. Follow PSD on Facebook and Twitter!
Sign up to follow PSD on Facebook and Twitter. Links are now located at the top of the new PSD home page at www.psdschools.org. Check it out!

17. PSD continues to offer computer access at Walmart
You can access PSD information at a computer in the Walmart SuperCenter, 1250 E. Magnolia, Fort Collins. The PSD computer, which is available during regular Walmart business hours, gives you access to the PSD website that includes the latest district news and events, as well as information about school registration, bussing, calendars and district policies. You also have access to specific information about your child through the Parent landing page on the PSD website.
Please know that this computer does not have access to outside email or Internet sites beyond the PSD website. PSD thanks the Walmart SuperCenter for partnering with the district on this project.

18. To idle or not to idle?
PSD has a district-wide ‘no idling’ policy for all district vehicles including buses during drop off and pick up times. Please do your part and help protect our children and environment by turning off your car engine when dropping off and picking your children up from school.

According to the American Lung Association, high concentrations of carbon monoxide occur in areas with heavy traffic congestion, such as school drop off and pick up. Carbon monoxide pollution can be especially harmful to children.

Please turn off your car engine; it’s good for the air our children breathe, it’s good for the environment and it helps save you money at the pump.

19. PSD graduation requirements change for 2011-12 ninth graders
New 21st century graduation requirements will provide students with more post-secondary and work-place readiness knowledge, skills, and abilities. The Board of Education finalized a two-year process in April 2010 by adopting new graduation requirements for students entering the ninth grade in 2011 and beyond.

The new graduation requirements will allow students to participate in career exploration and planning as they move through high school. Changes to graduation requirements will benefit students, families, and the entire PSD community.

The new 21st century graduation requirements reflect:

• A standards-based education that incorporate Colorado state standards;
• Applied mastery of postsecondary and workforce-ready learning skills and content, as defined by Board of Education Policy and Colorado state requirements; and
• 240 credits, of which 175 are earned in required areas and 65 are earned in elective areas.

All credits must be part of an approved program of study and must demonstrate competency of:

• Real World Applications
• Creative Applications
• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making
• Advocacy
• Adaptation to ever-changing personal and global contexts skill

Learning skills and content will be embedded into the curricula of study courses and will be reflected in the classroom grade and performance assessments. Each student will develop an approved program of study that reflects academic, workforce, and postsecondary readiness.

Multiple pathways of study and career planning
Multiple pathways of study will provide a career focus area, or areas, allowing movement among paths. Students will develop a student academic plan, which include a review of graduation requirements, career exploration, and specific student course selection.

Core credit requirements
Credit requirements in each discipline should be completed in an articulated program of study in an approved career pathway. New number of credits required follow (please see the policy for required skills in each discipline area):
Math 30, science 30, language arts 40, social studies 25, humanities 5, world language or world culture 10, fine and applied arts 10, wellness 15, financial literacy 10, and electives 65.

Register for a graduation course
Middle school students can register for courses that count toward graduation. To find out how to register, please contact your middle school counselor or administrator.

Opting out
Middle school students who have taken a high school course and would like to opt out of graduation credit for that course, please contact your high school counselor.

20. Sex offender registry information available
State law (C.R.S. § 22-1-124) requires that all schools notify parents about how to access records on registered sex offenders. Following are ways to obtain information about registered offenders:

• List of offenders living inside city limits is available at City of Fort Collins Police Services: Information about sex offenders via Colorado Bureau of Investigations statewide sex offender list is available at http://sor.state.co.us/ which will take you to the State of Colorado registry. Simply follow the steps and select the city or county of interest for the information which is maintained by CBI. The local Fort Collins sex offender registration list can also be accessed by going to the police station at 2221 Timberline Road, and filling out a request form (no charge to view list; $7.50 to purchase copy).
• List of offenders living outside city limits in Larimer County is available from Larimer County Sheriff: Residents can go to the Sheriff’s Office administration building, 2501 Midpoint Drive, and view books with information and pictures of sex offenders at no charge. Residents can purchase a list for a fee of $7.50 through the records department. A database is online at: http://www.larimer.org/sheriff/sexoffenders/index.htm
• Colorado sex offenders registry from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation: available online at http://sor.state.co.us

21. In case of an emergency…
During an emergency situation, PSD will communicate information and instructions directly with parents through one or more of the following (see below to learn how to sign up for the various communication tools):

• PSD website www.psdschools.org
• Automated phone message delivered to emergency contact number
• E-mail to all parents (sign up at www.psdschools.org)
• Local radio and T.V. stations
• PSD Channel 10 (Comcast and US Cable)
• Parents may call the PSD Customer Service Center at 970-490-3333. Operators will have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

It is vital for parents to keep their emergency contact information current with their school.

If an emergency does occur, please DO NOT:

• Call your child’s school. School personnel will be occupied with taking care of students and will most likely not be able to answer the phone. Call the PSD Customer Service Center at 970-490-3333. Operators will have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
• Go to your child’s school. Parents arriving at the school will cause unnecessary congestion and hinder school personnel from taking care of students. Parents will receive information and instructions on how to pick their children up via the methods listed above.

22. District Communication with Parents
Overview: Poudre School District uses many tools to proactively communicate with parents. Below is a brief description of each tool, how to sign up or access it and a contact for more information.

Note: Although you may give your child’s school an email address in the student information packet at the beginning of the year, you must sign up separately on the E-mail Alert Sign Up (to receive school and/or district emails) and again on the Volunteer Email list (for emails about volunteer opportunities). More information about these email lists is below.

PSD Website (www.psdschools.org): For the latest and most accurate information about PSD, visit the PSD website. The PSD home page features current news, weekly school features, major district initiatives, curriculum information, district calendar items and videos. In addition, information about other resources like transportation, school safety, school lunches and more is easy to access. The website features a “Parent” landing page (located on the upper tool bar of the PSD home page) that includes a Student Snapshot feature that lets parents view personalized information about their child. Information: Deb Hooker, PSD Communications Specialist,dhooker@psdschools.org or 490-3549.

Emergency Communication: PSD uses many methods to communicate with parents in emergencies such as a school closure due to weather. In these situations, parents can expect PSD Communications to share timely, accurate information via the district website front page, SchoolMessenger phone messages, parent email, staff email, and through media outlets.

Please make sure PSD has your correct email (see E-mail Alert Sign-Up below) and phone numbers (see SchoolMessenger Automated Phone System below). Also, familiarize yourself with the 3 weather closure processes below or visit: www.psdschools.org/department/communications. Information: Danielle Clark, PSD Communications Services 490-3427.

E-mail Alert Sign-Up: By signing up to receive PSD and school email, you will receive critical emergency information, the monthly community e-newsletter and important information about district initiatives and current news. You will receive e-news about parent/teacher conferences, calendar changes and other important updates from your child’s school.

To sign up, visit the E-mail Alert Sign-up link located on slide show on the PSD home page and enter your address and school(s). Although you may give your child’s school an email address in the student information packet, you must sign up separately on the E-mail Alert Sign-up to receive PSD emails. Information: Deb Hooker, PSD Communications Specialist, dhooker@psdschools.org or 490-3549.

SchoolMessenger Automated Phone System: PSD uses SchoolMessenger to call parents district-wide or parents at a specific school with emergency information or important upcoming events and opportunities. Parents can list 2 numbers (home and secondary number) for EACH household (not per parent).

School calls: Secondary school student absence calls go to both phone numbers daily from middle schools and high schools. Elementary schools call parents personally about attendance/absence issues at the beginning of the day. Other non-emergency phone calls a school makes go ONLY to the first number listed for the household.

Emergency calls: Only the district can make emergency calls. It calls BOTH those phone numbers for each household.

How parents update their phone numbers, or add the second number: Parents need to contact the school to update or add their home phone and a second phone number. Having 2 phone numbers on file ensures PSD and/or schools can reach parents in an emergency. These phone numbers are updated DAILY into the calling system.

Texting: Although PSD is not yet able to text, PSD is in process of collecting those numbers. Parents may add their number for texting on the Email Alert Sign Up. Information: Amy Agnew, PSD Information Technology, amy@psdschools.org or 490-3404.

Student Snapshot: The interactive "Student Snapshot" is available from the Parent Landing page on the PSD website. The Student Snapshot allows parents and guardians to view individualized information for their student(s) including schedule, grades, upcoming assignments, account balances, and school information. The Student Snapshot’s interactive features are part of PSD’s continuing work to improve communication with parents and guardians.

Current Student Snapshot users may continue to use their existing account. Parents and guardians who do not have an account may create one by clicking the “Create An Account” link, found on the Student Snapshot login page. To access information, parents need a unique activation code for each of their students. Activation codes generated in the Student Snapshot will be e-mailed to the head(s) of household on record in SILK, the PSD student information system. The student’s school may also generate activation codes. For questions or troubleshooting, call 490-3020 or e-mail.

Pinnacle Internet Viewer (PIV): PIV is a secure web page containing information from PSD’s electronic grade book, allows secondary students (grades 6–12) and parents to view grades and missing assignments as teachers update them.

How to access PIV

1. Use information from a letter you will receive this fall from your student’s secondary school. (Contact the school if you didn’t receive the information or have misplaced it.)
2. Open your internet browser to access the PIV viewer at http://www.psdschools.org/school-resources/pinnacle-grade-viewer
3. Enter confidential student information from the letter: student ID, secure PIN code, and select a school name.
4. Request reports such as Report Card, Class Grades, or Missing Grades.
5. If you have questions, ask your student, student’s teacher(s), or school.

Online help/tutorial: www.psdschools.org -> Students -> Pinnacle Grade Viewer

Note: PIV is not available during the summer. You may access it again after the school notifies you of its availability.

Blackboard: Teachers can use the Blackboard online classroom system to post lessons, homework assignments, announcements and other information for students to access. Blackboard is located as a left-hand link on the “Students” landing page on the upper tool bar of the PSD website. Students are assigned Blackboard usernames and passwords, which parents must also use in order to view it.
Information: Ben Johnson, PSD Instructional Technology, benj@psdschools.org or 490-3436.

Volunteer Email List: By signing up on the volunteer email list, you will receive notices about volunteer opportunities at schools and in the district. To be on this email list, you must be a registered/cleared volunteer. To register, visit the Partnerships and Volunteers web page (www.psdschools.org/partnerships) on the PSD website and click the blue Register button under “Individual Parent/Community Volunteer.” Once you’re registered (enter a valid email address!) and have cleared the background check, you will receive emails from the school you have signed up for and/or weekly emails about district volunteer opportunities. Information: Cyndi Gile, PSD volunteer coordinator, cynthiag@psdschools.org or 490 3208.

23. PSD Weather-Related Plan for Schools*
Should the need arise due to inclement weather and/or questionable road conditions, PSD may implement a delayed start of all schools by 2 hours. The following is important information for parents regarding notification of delayed start, as well as a refresher on school closure and early release plans.

1. Delayed Start of Schools Due to Weather, Road Conditions
Should the need a rise, the delayed school start time will be 2 hours, for all schools.

• Delayed start decision: A decision about delayed start will be made by 5:30 a.m.
• Parent notification: Visit the PSD website at www.psdschools.org or tune in to local radio or television stations to find out about delayed start the morning of the day in question. Please do not call schools, district offices, or broadcast media. No announcements by media and on the website means all schools are open as usual.
• Bus pick up times: Buses will pick up students at bus stops 2 hours later than regularly scheduled pick-up times. Buses will make every effort to be punctual, although traffic and road conditions may increase travel time. Please ensure your child is dressed warmly in anticipation of a potentially longer wait time. Parents are encouraged to walk their children to bus stops and avoid walking along the roadways. Sidewalks are safer even if these areas are not cleared of snow.
• Drop off and arrival times: Parents dropping off students, students who walk, and students driving to school should arrive 2 hours after their regular arrival times. Please do not arrive earlier.
• Kindergarten and Early Childhood programs: Morning-only kindergarten programs and morning Early Childhood programs are cancelled when there is a delayed start schedule. Afternoon kindergarten and afternoon Early Childhood programs will run on normal schedules. Full-day kindergarten and full-day Early Childhood programs will start 2 hours later than normal.
• Before- and after-school childcare: B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Enrichment) Camp will open as normally scheduled for students attending these programs. If your childcare provider is other than B.A.S.E. Camp, contact them for start times.
• School dismissal times: School dismissal times will remain on regular schedules, including bus drop-off times in neighborhoods and parent pick-up times at schools.

2. School Closures Due to Weather, Road Conditions
If schools are closed due to inclement weather and/or questionable road conditions, parents should visit PSD’s website at www.psdschools.org for information about school closures or tune in to local radio and television stations the morning of the day in question.

Media outlets are informed if schools are closed. No announcements on the PSD website or by the media means all schools are open as usual.

A decision about weather-related school closures is made by 5:30 a.m., and media outlets are notified immediately. Parents should NOT call schools, district offices, or broadcast media.

The PSD website (www.psdschools.org) and the following radio and television stations will provide information about PSD school closures. We will notify Spanish radio stations KGRE 1450 AM and KJJD 1170 AM for Spanish speaking families.

Note: When PSD schools are closed, B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Enrichment) Camp will be closed.

Television Stations (Comcast Cable channels are listed below; channels vary by provider):
Channel 2, CW2 Colorado/KWGN-TV
Channel 4, CBS4 Denver
Channel 5, CBS 5 (Northern Colorado)
Channel 7, 7News KMGH
Channel 9, 9News KUSA
Channel 10, PSD public access TV (available on Comcast and U.S. Cable)
Channel 13, Fox 31

Radio Stations:
KCOL 600 AM
KCSU 90.5 FM
KFKA 1310 AM
KGRE 1450 AM
KJJD 1170 AM
KVUU 99.9 FM
KKQZ 94.3 FM
KOA 850 AM
KOOL 105 FM
KPAW 107.9 FM
KIIX 1410 AM
KRFC 88.9 FM
KISS 96.1 FM
KUAD/K99 99 FM
KUNC 91.5 FM
TRI 102 102.5 FM

Other Media:
Fort Collins Coloradoan: www.coloradoan.com
Northern Colorado Tribune at www.greeleytribune.com

3. Early Release of Schools Due to Weather, Road Conditions
If the weather forecast suddenly changes to adverse conditions, PSD may put in to action an early release. Parents are urged to develop a plan for your student’s early release to your home. B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Enrichment) Camp will not be available after school if schools release students early.

When PSD makes a decision to close schools earlier than the regularly-scheduled release times due to inclement weather and/or questionable road conditions, parents will be notified by phone. In addition, the PSD website (www.psdschools.org) and media outlets (listed above) will communicate early release information.
Parents are urged to make sure family contacts and telephone numbers are current at your child’s school for such an emergency.

*Each time there is a concerning accumulation of snow or a fear that the roads will be impassable, PSD transportation team members perform roadway checks throughout the district. Each person on this team is assigned to cover areas east of I-25, Wellington, Fort Collins, Rist Canyon, Red Feather and Highway 287 (to the Wyoming border). Each member of the team drives 130 to 160 miles when checking road conditions.

Members consider travel safety for busses and school staff when checking road conditions. It is the individual decision of parents to determine whether they feel their high school aged student(s) are capable of driving in these conditions. Parents may choose to explore other options, like finding alternative transportation, if they do not want their child driving to school. Parents have the option to keep their child at home if they do not feel it is safe for their child to walk or ride to school due to weather and/or road conditions.

For additional information about the policy and procedures, contact the transportation department at 490-3155.