Attendance & Safety

District 6 Attendance Policy

It is our philosophy that significant learning for all students is provided each time class is held in Weld County School District 6. This educational opportunity is provided because of in-class participation and high-quality instruction. The benefits of this experience cannot be fully replaced. Consequently, regular and punctual attendance is an important criterion for success in school and absences are detrimental to effective learning.

Excused Absences

Excused absences are defined as any absence from school due to temporary illness or injury and any other reason deemed acceptable by the school administrator. In general, prior notice of absence from the student’s parent or guardian is required and the school administrator may require verification, such as a physician’s statement, when appropriate.

The following shall be considered excused absences:

A student who is temporarily ill or injured or whose absence is approved by the administrator of the school of attendance on a prearranged basis. Prearranged absences shall be approved for appointments or circumstances of serious nature only which cannot be taken care of outside of school hours. Approval for a pre-arranged absence(s) may necessitate a parent conference.
A student who is absent for an extended period due to physical, mental or emotional disability. Medical documentation may be required.
A student who is pursuing a work-study program under the supervision of the school.
A student who is attending any school-sponsored activity or activities of an educational nature with advance approval by the administration.
A student who is suspended or expelled.

When a student has reached four excused absences from school in any month or ten excused absences during any school year, the school shall either require a meeting or other form of communication between the student’s parent/guardian and appropriate school personnel to review and evaluate the reasons for the student being habitually absent from school. A plan may be developed for the student with the goal of assisting the student to remain in school. When practicable, the student’s parent/guardian may participate with school personnel in the development of the plan.

The district may require suitable proof regarding the above exceptions, including written statements from medical sources.

If a student is in out-of-home placement (as that term is as defined by C.R.S. 22-32-138(1)(e), absences due to court appearances and participation in court-ordered activities shall be excused. The student’s assigned social worker shall verify the student’s absence was for a court appearance or court-ordered activity.

Unexcused Absences

An unexcused absence is defined as an absence that is not covered by one of the foregoing exceptions. Additionally, an unexcused absence shall be recorded if a student leaves a school or leaves a class without permission of the teacher or school administrator. Each unexcused absence shall be entered on the student’s record. The parents/guardians of the student receiving an unexcused absence shall be notified orally or in writing by the district of the unexcused absence.

When the district is aware that criteria exist to designate a student as habitually truant, the district shall refer the students and his or her parent/guardian to the Weld County Judicial System, Youth and Family Connections and/or the Weld County District Attorney’s Juvenile Diversion Unit.

In accordance with law, the district may impose academic penalties which relate directly to classes missed while unexcused. Penalties may include a warning, school detention or in-school suspension. Academic penalties, out-of-school suspensions or expulsion shall not be imposed for any unexcused absence. The administration shall develop regulations to implement appropriate penalties. The school administration shall consider the correlation between course failure, truancy and a student dropping out of school in developing these regulations and shall implement research-based strategies to re-engage students with a high number of unexcused absences. Students and parents/guardians may petition the Board of Education for exceptions to this policy or the accompanying regulations provided that no exception shall be sustained if the student fails to abide by all requirements imposed by the Board as conditions for granting any such exception.

The maximum number of unexcused absences a student may incur before judicial proceedings are initiated to enforce compulsory attendance is 10during any calendar year or school year.

Tardies

Tardiness is defined as the appearance of a student without proper excuse after the scheduled time that a class begins. Because of the disruptive nature of tardiness and the detrimental effect upon the rights of the non-tardy student to uninterrupted learning, appropriate penalties shall be imposed for excessive tardiness. Parents/guardians shall be notified of all penalties regarding tardiness.

In an unavoidable situation, a student detained by another teacher or administrator shall not be considered tardy provided that the teacher or administrator gives the student a pass to enter the next class. Teachers shall honor passes presented in accordance with this policy. The provisions of this policy shall be applicable to all students in the district, including those above and below the age for compulsory attendance as required by law.

Make-Up Work

Make-up work shall be provided for any class in which a student has an excused absence unless otherwise determined by the building administrator or unless the absence is due to the student’s expulsion from school. It is the responsibility of the student to pickup any make-up assignments permitted on the day returning to class. There shall be two days allowed for make-up work for each day of absence. Make-up work shall be allowed following an unexcused absence or following a student’s suspension from school with the goal of providing the student an opportunity to keep up with the class and an incentive to attend school. However, this work will receive only partial credit.

Unless otherwise permitted by the building administrator, make-up work shall not be provided during a student’s expulsion. Rather, the district shall offer alternative education services to the expelled student in accordance with state law. The district shall determine the amount of credit the expelled student will receive for work completed during any alternative education program.

Who should I call if my child will be late or absent?

Please contact the school office at 348-1500 if your child will be late for school or absent. If you call before or after school hours, leave your name, your child's name, his/her teacher's name, and the reason your child cannot be at school. If your child will come to school late, include what time he or she will arrive. When your child returns to school after an absence, please send a note explaining the reason for the absence.

Jackson’s Office hours are from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Students in District Six are required to attend school daily as established by the school district calendar. Unauthorized absences will be subject to disciplinary action.

Jackson Attendance Procedures

Parents/Guardians are expected to call Jackson School (970-348-1500) if their child is going to be absent/late from school. If no call is received, the School Secretary will make a follow-up phone call.
After a child accrues four absences/tardies an attendance letter will be sent home. (Excused illness will be taken into consideration.) School District Six Attendance Liaisons will make home visits as needed to ensure consistent school attendance
After more than ten absences or tardies, Jackson’s School-Community Facilitator/ Administrative staff will pursue a specific plan to work with the child and the family. A second attendance letter will be sent to parents.
Jackson’s School Community Facilitator/ Administrative staff will work with families in the development of an action plan to address attendance issues.
To resolve attendance issues the court system will be utilized.

Accidents at School

It is the policy of Greeley schools in case of a serious accident to a child to have the school nurse, health clerk or other qualified person administers any first‑aid that is absolutely necessary. Then every possible effort is made to contact parents to find out what their wishes are in the matter. If there is no response, the child will be taken to the North Colorado Medical Center via ambulance. Therefore, it is important that school information sheets are completed and returned to school as soon as possible. If information changes during the year, we urge your cooperation in keeping our office informed.

Dress Code

Be sure your child dresses warmly for winter playground activities. Please mark clothing so misplaced items can be returned to your child.

In an instance where unsuitable clothes are worn to school, the principal or her designee will inform the child that a change of clothes is necessary before he/she can return to class.

Elementary School Dress Code

The following elementary school use an enhanced dress code for students:

Centennial Elementary
Dos Rios Elementary
Bella Romero Academy
Madison Elementary
Maplewood Elementary
Martinez Elementary
Jackson Elementary

A safe and disciplined learning environment is essential to a quality educational program. District-wide standards on student attire are intended to encourage school pride and unity, and thereby help students concentrate on schoolwork, reduce discipline problems, and improve school order and safety. The Board recognizes that students have a right to express themselves through dress and personal appearance; however, students shall not wear apparel that is deemed disruptive or potentially disruptive to the classroom, to the educational process, to the environment or to the maintenance of a safe and orderly school, that presents health or safety concerns, or that contains lettering or symbols that are obscene or profane.

Any student deemed in violation of the student dress code shall be required to change into appropriate clothing or make arrangements to have appropriate clothing brought to school immediately. In this case, there shall be no further penalty.

Shirts

Pants, skirts, jumpers and shorts

Non-negotiable universal student dress code

Any clothing item or accessory that causes a disruption to school safety, personal safety and/or the learning environment may result in discretionary intervention by school administrators.
Tattoos, clothing or accessories that display drugs, including any marijuana reference, sexual innuendos, inappropriate language, alcohol, tobacco products, violence, weapons or gang connotations are not permitted. Tattoos displaying any of these must be covered at all times.
No hats are permitted inside of the school building during the school day. If “hoodies” are worn, the hood may not be worn inside of the school (religious headwear exceptions).
Sunglasses or dark glasses, absent a verified medical condition, are not to be worn or displayed inside of the school building.
Trench coats are not permitted anywhere on school property.
Soled shoes or sandals must be worn at all times (no “bedroom” slippers or similar footwear).
No exposed undergarments.
Inappropriately sheer, tight or low-cut clothing that bares or exposes traditionally private parts of the body including, but not limited to, the stomach, buttocks, back, breasts or cleavage is not permitted.
No shaved or notched eyebrows (absent a verified medical condition).
No red or blue belts or shoelaces.
No clothing or belt buckles that display the numbers 13, 14, 18, 31, 41 or 81.
No solid red or solid blue shirts (other than designated school uniforms).
No red or blue “Dickies” or “Southpole” brand pants, shorts or shirts.
No red or blue bandanas or any color bandana that is draped on clothing or hanging out of a pocket.

Exceptions

Safety

Playground Rules

Jackson's playground needs to be a safe place for children. In order for students to be able to enjoy the playground and play area, the following expectations need to be observed:

Students should not be on the playground before 8:00 AM. Walk on the sidewalks, or in sand and equipment areas. Stay off retaining walls and fences. Bicycle racks are off limits unless you are locking/unlocking your bicycle. Students are not to leave playground without permission, including ball retrieval. No "war/martial arts" type of games. For example: Pretend kickboxing. Only playground balls (soft) should be thrown on the grass field. If there is a question about which balls can be used on the grass field, please see the physical education teacher. Balls should be used away from the building, not bounced against it. Ropes are for jumping only. Students will not have or chew gum or candy on school grounds. iPods, radios, electronic equipment and remote control cars, etc. are to be left at home.

Safety

At Jackson, we take school safety very seriously. Visitors must be buzzed in the front doors in order to gain access to the building. The doors will be locked from 7:50 – 3:10 every day. As the end of the day is a very busy time for the front office, we will not be buzzing visitors or releasing students after 2:50 each day. Please make arrangements to pick your children up from their outside door. Thank you for your cooperation, and for supporting our efforts to keep the children safe at school. Together we make Jackson a safe place!

"SAINTLY" Behavior

Students at Jackson Elementary are expected to demonstrate these behaviors at school.

Safe,
Achieving
Independent,
Neighborly,
Trustworthy

Teachers are working hard to model and teach "Saintly" behavior at school. In addition, families should be reinforcing "Saintly" behaviors outside of school

Behavior at School

School is a special place for children. It is our wish to make every child feel self-worth, develop good relationships with peers and staff members, experience success, and be self-controlled. Our primary objective is to create an environment where students can learn and teachers can teach. We believe that it is up to parents to send their child(ren) safe for school. With this in mind, we feel that all students arrive at Jackson Elementary School with a "ticket" to good behavior and all of the benefits and rewards for behaving appropriately.

Jackson Elementary is a Positive Behavior Support school. We will enhance the capacity of our school to educate all students, especially students with challenging social behaviors by establishing clearly defined outcomes that relate to academic and social behavior, systems that support staff efforts practices that support student success and data utilization that guide decision making. We are the SAINTS. We believe in being Safe, Achieving, Independent, Neighborly, and Trustworthy.

If students are exhibiting these behaviors, they may receive a saint slip. When a student receives a saint slip, they will be sent to the office where they will put their slip on the 200 board and call their parents letting them know the good behavior they are showing at school. When we have a row of 10 filled, there will be a saint slip party. Those ten students will participate in the party and the board will be cleared and we will start over again.

Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior

Level 1 violations will generally be addressed by the staff member supervising the student when the violation occurs. The staff member’s response should teach the correct, alternative behavior so that the student can learn from their mistake and demonstrate safe and respectful behaviors in the future.

Response to Behaviors Matrix
Individuals	Level	Descriptions	Minimum	Maximum
Staff	Level 1	Level 1 violations will generally be addressed by the staff member supervising the student when the violation occurs. The staff member’s response should teach the correct, alternative behavior so that the student can learn from their mistake and demonstrate safe and respectful behaviors in the future. Staff member and student contact parent/guardian and documents in the Contact Log into Infinite Campus (IC) (Teachers/Admin will support with documentation in IC if needed)	Redirect and Reteach	Restorative Action
Staff & Admin	Level 2	Level 2 violations will generally result in interventions or disciplinary responses that involve the school administration. These actions aim to correct behavior by stressing the seriousness of the behavior while keeping the student in school. Staff member and student contact parent/guardian and documents in the Contact Log into Infinite Campus Building administration will communicate disciplinary outcomes with involved staff.	Redirect and Reteach	REstorative Action or up to 2 days ISS
Staff, Admin, & Parent	Level 3	Level 3 violations will generally result in interventions or disciplinary responses that involve the school administration. These actions aim to correct behavior by stressing the seriousness of the behavior and may result in removal (half-day up to five days) from the school environment as well as education opportunities around the behavior. Building administrator contacts parent/guardian and documents in the Contact Log/Behavior Log in Infinite Campus Building administration will communicate disciplinary outcomes with involved staff.	1/2 Day OSS	5 Day OSS
Staff, Admin, Parent & S/S	Level 4	Level 4 violations will generally result in interventions or disciplinary responses that involve the school administration and/or Department of Safety and Security. These actions aim to correct behavior by stressing the seriousness of the behavior and may result in removal (half-day up to 365 days) from the school environment, education opportunities around the behavior and/or district-level behavior interventions. Building administration contacts parent/guardian and documents in the Contact Log/Behavior Log in Infinite Campus Building administration will communicate disciplinary outcomes with involved staff.	1/2 Day OSS	10 Day OSS Potential Referral for Expulsion
Staff, Admin, Parent, & S/S	Level 5	Level 5 discipline infractions have the potential for a referral for expulsion. The school will consult with the Department of Safety and Security and seek a 10-day suspension and refer the student for expulsion. Building administration contact parent/guardian and document in the Contact Log/Behavior Log in Infinite Campus Building administration will communicate disciplinary outcomes with involved staff.	10 Day OSS	Potential Referral for Expulsion

Discipline of Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities are neither immune from the district’s disciplinary process nor entitled to participate in programs when their behavior impairs the education of other students. Students with disabilities who engage in disruptive activities and/or actions dangerous to themselves or others will be disciplined in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), any behavioral intervention plan and this policy.

Nothing in this policy shall prohibit an IEP team from establishing consequences for disruptive or unacceptable behavior as part of the student’s IEP and/or behavioral plan.

Suspensions, expulsions, and provision of services

Students with disabilities may be suspended for up to 10 school days in any given school year for violations of the student code of conduct. These 10 days need not be consecutive. During any such suspension, the student shall not receive educational services.

A disciplinary change of placement occurs when a student is removed for more than 10 consecutive school days or subjected to a series of removals that constitute a pattern of removal under governing law.

Upon the eleventh school day of suspension or removal when such suspension or removal does not result in a disciplinary change of placement, educational services shall be provided to enable the student to continue to participate in the general education curriculum, although in another setting, and to progress toward meeting the goals set out in the student’s IEP. School personnel, in consultation with at least one of the student’s teachers, shall determine the educational services to be provided to the student during this period of suspension or removal.

When a student is expelled or subject to a removal that results in a disciplinary change of placement, educational services shall be provided as determined by the student’s IEP team to enable the student to participate in the general education curriculum, although in another setting, and to progress toward meeting his or her IEP goals.

Prior to expulsion or other disciplinary change in placement, the student’s parents shall be notified of the decision to take such disciplinary action and of their procedural safeguards. This notification shall occur not later than the date on which such decision is made.

Manifestation Determination

Within 10 school days from the date of the decision to take disciplinary action that will result in a disciplinary change of placement, relevant members of the student’s IEP team, including the student’s parents, shall review all relevant information in the student’s file, including the student’s IEP, any teacher observations, and any relevant information provided by the parents, to determine whether the student’s behavior was a manifestation of the student’s disability.

The team shall determine: (1) whether the student’s conduct in question was caused by, or had a direct and substantial relationship to, the student’s disability; and (2) whether the student’s conduct in question was the direct result of the school’s failure to implement the student’s IEP. If the answer to either of these two questions is “yes,” the student’s behavior shall be deemed to be a manifestation of the student’s disability.

Disciplinary Action for Behavior that is not a Manifestation

If the team determines that the student’s behavior was not a manifestation of the student’s disability, disciplinary procedures shall be applied to the student in the same manner as applied to nondisabled students. As stated above, the student shall receive educational services during the period of expulsion or other disciplinary change of placement.

Within a reasonable amount of time after determining that the student’s behavior is not a manifestation of the student’s disability, the student may receive, as appropriate, a functional behavioral assessment (“FBA”). In addition, a behavioral intervention plan (“BIP”) may be developed for the student, as appropriate. If a BIP has already been developed, the BIP may be reviewed and modified, as appropriate.

Disciplinary Action and/or Alternative Placement for Behavior that is a Manifestation

If the team determines that the student’s behavior is a manifestation of the student’s disability, expulsion proceedings or other disciplinary change of placement will be discontinued. However, the student may be placed in an alternative setting for up to 45 school days as discussed below or the student’s placement may be changed for educational reasons as determined by the IEP team or as otherwise permitted by law.

Within a reasonable amount of time after determining that the student’s behavior is a manifestation of the student’s disability, the student’s IEP team shall: (1) conduct an FBA of the student, unless an FBA has already been conducted; and (2) implement a BIP for the student. If a BIP has already been developed, the IEP team shall review it and modify it as necessary to address the student’s behavior.

Placement in an Alternative Setting for 45 School Days

School personnel may remove a student with disabilities to an interim alternative setting for not more than 45 school days without regard to the manifestation determination if:

The student carried a weapon to school or a school function;
The student possessed a weapon at school or a school function;
The student possessed or used illegal drugs at school or a school function;
The student sold or solicited the sale of a controlled substance at school or a school function;
The student inflicted serious bodily injury on another person while at school or a school function; or
A hearing officer or court of appropriate jurisdiction so orders.

Such removal to an alternative setting is permissible even if the student’s behavior is determined to be a manifestation of the student’s disability. The student’s IEP team shall determine the educational services to be provided to the student in the alternative setting.

Students Not Identified as Disabled

Students who have not been identified as disabled shall be subjected to the same disciplinary measures applied to students with disabilities if the district had “knowledge” of the student’s disability before the behavior that precipitated the disciplinary action occurred.

The district is deemed to have knowledge of the student’s disability if:

The student’s parent has expressed concern in writing to district supervisory or administrative personnel, or the student’s teacher, that the student is in need of special education and related services;
The student’s parent has requested an evaluation; or
The student’s teacher or other district personnel have expressed specific concerns about the student’s pattern of behavior directly to the director of special education or other district supervisory personnel.

If a request for evaluation is made during the period the student is subject to disciplinary measures, the evaluation will be expedited. Until the evaluation is completed, the student shall remain in the district’s determined educational placement, which can include suspension or expulsion.

The district shall not be deemed to have knowledge that the student is a child with a disability if the parent has not allowed an evaluation of the student, or the student has been evaluated and it was determined that he or she is not a child with a disability, or the student was determined eligible for special education and related services, but the parent refused services.