HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS
SCHMITT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Schmitt students soar high above the rest
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND KEEP FOR REFERENCE
DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Schmitt Elementary School
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MISSSION STATEMENT OF SCHMITT ELEMENTARY----------------------------------------------------1
STAFF PLEDGE---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
EXPECATIONS OF PARENTS----------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS GRADES K-2-------------------------------------------------------------4
EXPECA TATIONS OF STUDENTS GRADES 3-5------------------------------------------------------------5
POLICIES AND PROCEDURE-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
DAILY SCHEDULE---------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------6
ECE AND KINDERGARTEN SCHEDULE ---------------------------------------------------------------------6
REPORTING HOME ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
ABSENCES, TARDINESS AND EMERGENCY DISMISSALS --------------------------------------------7
LEGAL CUSTODY--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7
CAFETERIA-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7
SAFETY TO AND FROM SCHOOL-----------------------------------------------------------------------------8
SOME SUGGESTED WA YS IN WHICH PARENTS CAN HELP OUR SAFETY
PROGRAM--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
PARKING - ATTENTION PARENTS!!!!!!!!!!!! ------------------------------------------------------------8
PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
DOGS ON THE GROUNDS----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
TELEPHONE MESSAGES-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
MOVING------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
FIRE DRILLS AND SECURITY DRILLS -----------------------------------------------------------------------9
LOCKDOWNPROCEDURES-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
SPECIAL VISITATIONS AND CONFERENCES-----------------------------------------------------------9
GENERAL PRACTICE AND POLICIES---------------------------------------------------------------------10
DISCIPLINE POLICY-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
DRESS CODE-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
DISCIPLINE REFERRAL LADDER -------------------------------------------------------------------------11
LOST AND FOUND---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
HOMEWORK-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
HEALTH PROGRAM------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
HEALTH PROGRAM CONTINUED------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
REMINDERS - LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT---------------------------------------------------------13
Mission Statement
At Schmitt Elementary we as a community stand by each other to create a caring
community of life long learners.
 We honor and respect individual differences.
 We will create a learning environment where all students can be successful
 We take responsibility for our learning and our actions
 We communicate with each other in a caring, honest and positive way
 We learn with a smile and a joyful attitude.
If you can imagine it, you can achieve it!
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Denver Public Schools
Schmitt Elementary
Staff Pledge
We are committed as a staff, at Schmitt Elementary, to provide a safe, nondisruptive, environment in which students and teachers can achieve their
educational goals by promising to do the following:
 We will arrive at school by 7:45 and remain until 3:45.
 We respect and celebrate student diversity.
 We recognize and celebrate students’ learning on an on going basis.
 We have adequately prepared daily lesson plans based on standards and student
needs in order to differentiate student instruction.
 We use relevant formal and informal assessment on an on going basis to drive
instruction.
 We have high expectations for all of our children both in behavior and academic
areas which are clearly understood by all students.
 We provide a fair, safe and child friendly classroom that is conducive to optimum
student learning.
 We collaboratively work with our students, parents and faculty in order to create
an effective professional learning community for all of our students.
 We will continue to increase our knowledge through professional development of
how to best meet the needs of all of our students.
 We will support student learning by having adequate resources for all our
children.
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Denver Public Schools
Schmitt Elementary
Parental Support
Student’s Name _____________________________________________
Grade ________________ Room ________________
I know that my child will learn best when parents and teachers work together. My support
and involvement at Schmitt this year is important for my child’s educational growth.
I pledge to do the following:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Meet with my child’s teacher for a parent conference at least twice during the school
year
Collaboratively work with the teacher to promote academic success
Expect responsible behavior from my child and hold my child accountable for
his/her actions. This may include After School Detention. Please be advised that no
transportation will be provided.
Attend school activities such as concerts, celebrations, assemblies, programs,
performances. Etc., at least twice a year
Try to help with at least one school activity (field trip, classroom assistance, Cincode-Mayo, Field Day, etc.)
Look over my child’s homework and school work (a consistent time and quiet place
is suggested) as well as information going home in Thursday Folders.
Read with my child daily
My child will be on time (at 8:15 a.m.) and attend school every day unless he/she is
ill or there is a family emergency
Always encourage and support your students accomplishments
The Schmitt School staff has high expectations for my child’s academic achievement. I
pledge to be involved and support my child’s education.
Parent/Guardian Signature _________________________________________
Date __________________________________
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Denver Public Schools
Schmitt Elementary
Grades Kdg. 1-2
The school rules have been developed by parents, students, and teachers in order to provide
a safe, non-disruptive environment in which students can achieve their educational goals. It
is only with parental support that we can maintain this atmosphere.
I promise that:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
I will listen to my teachers and other adults at Schmitt and follow their directions.
I will think before I act.
I will accept the consequences for things I do.
I will tell the truth.
I will be fair.
I will treat everyone as a friend and not fight.
I will be careful of other people’s feelings (name calling, making threats, etc.)
I will be careful with other people’s things (I will not steal).
I will not bring weapons or objects that look like or are used as weapons (may
result in suspension).
10. I will try my best in everything I do.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------•
I have discussed the expectations and consequences stated in the Schmitt Constitution and
will do my best to follow it at all times ____________________________(teacher).
•
I understand the expectations and consequences stated in the Schmitt Constitution and will do
my best to follow it at all times _____________________________ (student).
•
I understand the expectations and consequences stated in the Schmitt Constitution. I will
support my child and the school in their efforts __________________________(parent).
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Denver Public Schools
Schmitt Elementary
Grades 3, 4 & 5
The school rules have been developed by parents, students, and teachers in order to provide
a safe, non-disruptive, environment in which students can achieve their educational goals.
It is only with parental support that we can maintain this atmosphere.
I promise that:







I will be punctual, actively present and prepared daily to learn to the best of
my ability
I will be Respectful for self, others and property in order to not disrupt the
learning environment
I will Strive to achieve my educational goals set by the teacher and myself by
completing schoolwork, projects and homework to the best of my ability.
I will Be part an active learner by sharing strategies, questioning and always
striving to improve myself.
I will independently follow the rituals and routines that have been established
by the class without being reminded.
I will be responsible for my own actions and accept the consequences that
may result from those actions.
I will never take away the learning process from another child because that is
stealing an opportunity from someone else that goes beyond my right as a
fellow classmate.
Refocus - I could receive a refocus if I am robbing the teacher of their time to teach.
I understand the following behaviors may result in an office referral and or suspension.
 Damaging or taking property that does not belong to me
 Verbal or physical harassment or abuse of others, including fighting
 Name calling or slurs based on race, religion, gender, or disabilities
 Gang related activities or dress
 Preventing the teacher from teaching or students from learning
 Possession of drugs, weapons or objects that look like or may be used as weapons
 Actions that endanger the welfare and safety of yourself and or others
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I have discussed the expectations and consequences stated in the Schmitt Constitution
with my students ____________________________________ (teacher).
 I understand the expectations and consequences stated in the Schmitt Constitution
and will do my best to follow it at all times
___________________________________(student).
 I understand the expectations and consequences stated in the Schmitt Constitution. I
will support my child and the school in their effort
_______________________________(parent).-5-
DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Schmitt Elementary School
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
This booklet is designed to give you and your child some helpful information about Schmitt.
It should provide you with a guide for quick and easy references on most questions you
might have concerning school policies and procedures. Please read and discuss these policies
with your children and do not hesitate to call us at 303-935-4651 should you have any
questions.
DAILY SCHEDULE SCHOOL YEAR
Teachers’ Day Begins .......................................... 7:45 a.m.
Breakfast ........................................................ …….7:50-8:10 a.m.
First Bell ....................................................... …….8:15 a.m.
Lunch
………………………………………... 10:55-11:30 ECE
11:40-12:25 KDG
11:25-12:10 1st
11:30-12:15 2nd
11:40-12:25 3rd
11:10-11:55 4th
11:20-12:10 5th
Children dismissed - classes end…………………3:05 p.m.
Teachers' Duty Ends M-F……………………….3:45 p.m.
The last Friday of every month, students will be dismissed at 1:15p.m.-Reminders will go home
REPORTING HOME
Children are to report home immediately after school or to the destination or the
activity you and your children have previously agreed upon. PARENTS WILL BE
NOTIFIED IF A CHILD IS TO BE DETAINED LONGER THAN 15 MINUTES
AFTER SCHOOL.
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DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Schmitt Elementary School
ABSENCES. TARDINESS AND EMERGENCY DISMISSALS
Good attendance is very important. We cannot teach your child if he/she is not here. If your child is
absent we will call you. It is important that we have your correct phone number or a way that we can
reach you. If your child will not be in school, you need to call the office and let them know.
Children will also need to bring a written excuse, signed by his/her parent or legal guardian. This is
required of all children who return to school after being absent or tardy
If a child needs to be excused during the school day, he/she should bring a note to the office before
school starts in order that it may be approved and recorded.
A child cannot be released to anyone other than a parent or guardian unless a note requesting this
release is written by the parent and presented to the school office.
Telephone requests for early dismissal of a child will be made only after a return call by the school to
verify the original request.
In the event of an emergency that will necessitate dismissing children prior to normal dismissal time,
the school will always contact parents or person listed on the emergency card before the child will be
sent home.
LEGAL CUSTODY
The school must have a copy of a child's custody papers for our files when a divorce or separation occurs.
CAFETERIA
Breakfast will be served from-7:40-8:10 a.m.
Lunches may be brought from home to be eaten in the lunchroom or children may purchase a hot
lunch. Gum or canned pop may not be brought in lunches for nutritional reasons. Lunch money is to
be brought daily or children may pay for longer periods. Checks should be made payable to the
Schmitt School lunchroom.
Breakfast Prices
Student: Free for all students
Adult:
$1.50
Milk:
$0.40
Lunch Prices
Student, full price: $1.40
Adult:
$2.50
Milk:
$0.40
Reduced price:
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$0.40
DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Schmitt Elementary School
SAFETY TO AND FROM SCHOOL
Children develop safety habits by practicing them. Please encourage your children to cross streets
only at the crosswalks/corners. If you pick up your children at school, please do so on the school
side of the street or have your children walk to the corners or crosswalk and meet you there.
Please do not pick children up in the school’s parking lot.
Plan with your child the safest route to and from school. Consider the traffic signals and encourage
your child to go straight home. Plan where younger children should meet older ones.
SOME SUGGESTED WAYS IN WHICH PARENTS CAN HELP OUR SAFETY PROGRAM
A. Let your child walk to and from school. In this way we can relieve the traffic congestion
around the school and give your son or daughter the exercise that is important to good
health.
B.
Children may not be loaded or unloaded in the school parking lot.
PARKING – ATTENTION PARENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!
We need extra precaution when picking up or delivering children. Please use only the SCHOOL
SIDE of the CURB to deliver and pick up children – also the RIGHT SIDE DOOR of the car
should be used for children’s exit or entrance to your car. We need to use special care in driving
around the school building. Please do not park across the street and expect your child to cross
mid-block to your car (no jay-walking).
You can help us by discussing with your children that the safest place to cross the street is at the
crosswalk after they have looked both ways.
PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION
The playground is supervised before school in the morning from 8:00-8:15 a.m. and during the
noon lunch time.
Children are not to come to school before 8:00 a.m. unless they are participating in a
special activity and have a pass signed by the supervising teacher. Pupils who eat
breakfast may enter the lunchroom at 7:40 a.m. Only pupils who eat will be permitted in the
lunchroom.
Children on the playground or in route to and from school should show proper respect for the flag, as it
is being raised and lowered.
DOGS ON THE GROUNDS
Stray dogs on the playground can be a serious hazard to the boys and girls; therefore, we are required
to call the Dog Catcher for immediate pick-up of these dogs.
TELEPHONE MESSAGES
Children are not called to the telephone except in an emergency. Children, generally, are not allowed
to use the phone except in case of an emergency.
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DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Schmitt Elementary School
MOVING
If you plan to move from the Schmitt attendance area during the school year, please notify the school
office several days before. It will be necessary for you to give us your new address in order that we
may issue you a transfer and other information relative to your child’s level of instruction and
achievement.
FIRE DRILLS AND SECURITY DRILLS
Regular, periodic drills will be held during the school year in order to accustom the children to
disciplined behavior in case of emergency and to aid them in adjusting to changing conditions with
calmness and understanding. Necessary instruction in connection with School Defense Plans will be
given to all children in the form of a safety training program. As always, we believe it is good
judgment to be prepared.
LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES
There might be a time during the school year that we would be in “lockdown.” This would happen
when an occurrence in the Schmitt neighborhood might pose a threat to the students if they were
allowed to exit the building or if the community was allowed to enter. A lockdown occurs when the
Denver Police Department and/or DPS Safety and Security order us to lockdown.
If we are in “lockdown” there will be signs on every entrance door to Schmitt saying we are in
lockdown. Please understand that your child’s safety is our first priority and if a lockdown occurs no
one will be allowed to enter or exit the building for the safety of your children.
Students will be dismissed when the Police Department or Safety and Security give us the okay that
children will be safe to exit the building. We understand that parents worry about the safety of their
children. Remaining calm during this situation is of the utmost importance. We will remove the
lockdown signs when the situation is resolved and parents can reunite with their children when they
are dismissed. Thank you for your cooperation.
SPECIAL VISITATIONS AND CONFERENCES
Conferences may be requested either by the teacher or by the parent. Arrangements for conferences
may be made by a note or by telephone.
School wide parent/teacher conferences will be held twice a year. It is our school policy that
parents (legal guardians) must pick up their child’s report card for the first and third grading
periods. Report cards will not be sent home with students at these times, as we believe it important
for teachers and parents to discuss student growth together.
Parents are welcome and encouraged to visit classes anytime, but the teacher’s responsibility is to
the children and time cannot be taken from the class for individual parent conferences.
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DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Schmitt Elementary School
GENERAL PRACTICE AND POLICIES
In order to help establish and maintain good health practices, high standards of courtesy, and good
discipline for our children, we are asking that you as interested parents take an active part in helping us.
Children should not have candy or gum at school.
Weapons or drugs are not allowed on school property. Possession of a weapon or drug is cause for
immediate suspension. (Refer to the DPS Discipline Code for specifics)
• Children destroying or mutilating school properties are asked to bring a fine to pay for the
damage. Fine money is turned over to School District #1. Unacceptable behaviors, which
must be documented on the student Discipline card include and could warrant
suspension.
• Disruption to classroom environment which warrants a parent contact.
• Fighting is never acceptable on school property. Each child who is
involved in a fight must be formally written up on the discipline card no
matter who started the fight. The Principal will conduct an investigation of a fighting event if
necessary. A fight which results in a physical injury that leaves a visible mark (bump,
laceration, bloody nose, etc.) will result in an immediate in-school suspension or out
of school suspension.
• Stealing
• Defacing school property
• Disrespect for adults and adult authority
• Sexual harassment
• Threats and bullying behavior
• Racial Slurs
All the above behaviors could result in house or out of school suspension
DISCIPLINE POLICY
We use the model “Time to Teach”. This means that all classes have setup expected behaviors that are
necessary in their classroom. If infractions occur students may receive a “refocus sheet”. This means the
child will have a time out to reflect on his behavior. If a child receives three refocuses sheets within a week
period he/she asked to stay 30 minutes in after school detention. The parent of course will be notified prior
to the detention. In most situations, this has allowed our school to function without disruption. Minor
infractions will be handled within the classroom
DRESS CODE
•
•
•
•
Kakhi, Blue or Black slacks, shorts or skirts. Yellow, Navy Blue or White polo shirts (No
stripes, words, logos or sleeveless shirts are acceptable).
Shorts/skirts should be at the tip of fingers when arms are straight down.
Flip flops and high heeled shoes or wheelies are not to be worn to school.
Saggy pants are prohibited at Schmitt School
If students are not dressed appropriately parent or guardian will be contacted.
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DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Schmitt Elementary School
LOST AND FOUND
Lost articles are taken to The Lost & Found. If clothing is marked with your child's name, it makes
identification easier and it can be returned to the owner. Clothing that is without a name will be held for a
reasonable length of time. Unclaimed clothing will be given to a worthwhile charity at the end of each
school year.
Library Policy for lost books: Student will pay for books checked out in his/her name and not returned. The
student who checks the book out is responsible for that book (even if loaned to a friend). If the lost book is
returned, the student will be refunded the full amount paid minus penalty if the book is extensively
damaged.
HOMEWORK
Teachers can use your support in seeing that children learn to take responsibility for getting their
homework done and turned in. Students have homework K-5 at least 4 times a week - times will vary
according to child and grade level.
HEALTH PROGRAM
1. All students are required to have proof of updated immunizations upon enrollment in school. Children
will not be permitted to enter school without current immunizations. Colorado law immunization
requirements are:
4 year old
-DPTorDT 4
-Oral Polio 3
-Hib 1 after 15 months of age
-MMR 1 after 12 months of age
-Hepatitis B 3
-Varicella Vaccination or have had
Chicken Pox
5 years and older
-DPTorDT 5
-Oral Polio
-MMR 1 after 12 months of age
- MMR 2
- Hepatitis B 3
- Varicella Vaccination or have had
Chicken Pox
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DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Schmitt Elementary School
2. Only prescribed medications will be given to a pupil at school. Over the counter
cough or cold medications, aspirin, etc. are not given, with or without parent
permission, during the school day except with written physician order. All
medication must be kept in the clinic and dispensed by either the school nurse or her
designee. If a pupil MUST receive medication during school hours, the parent or
guardian must furnish the medicine in the prescription container. The container must
be plainly marked with the pupil's name, physician's name, name of medicine,
dosage, and time to be taken. The physician must also fill out a form detailing the
name of the medicine, dosage, timing, and possible adverse reactions. The form,
Request for Giving Medicine at School, must be filled out completely by the parent or
guardian.
3. All students must have a current emergency card that details who is to be called in
the event of an emergency or illness. It is CRITICAL that this card have current
phone numbers. If you do not have a phone, please make arrangements with a
relative or neighbor to be a message center for you. No child will be dismissed from
school until an adult on the emergency card has been contacted. We would prefer
that a child be picked up at school by an adult in the case of an illness or injury.
4. Good attendance is crucial to academic success. Children need to realize that
school is their "job" and they need to be in class and learning. It will help a lot if you
help your children "think healthy". If they are positive thinkers and try to "tough out"
their minor aches and pains, they will actually feel healthier. Also important is
that children eat breakfast so they don't have "hunger" stomach aches, and get
enough sleep so they don't have "tired" headaches. On the other hand, please don't
send your children to school sick and hope they can make it through the day. Keep
your children home for the following reasons:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Fever over 99.5 in the morning.
Vomiting in the last 12 hours.
Persistent cough, this is distracting to the class.
The first 24 hours of antibiotics after strep throat is diagnosed or until the
child feels better.
e. Pink eye- if treatment has not been started or during the first 24 hours of
medication.
5. If your child has a chronic health condition- i.e. asthma, seizures, migraine
headaches, ADHD, etc., please schedule an appointment with the school nurse to
discuss the health condition and develop a health care plan.
6. Hearing and vision screening is done yearly for all ECE, Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd,
and 5th grade students. You will be notified in writing if there are any concerns
about your child's vision or hearing. Please contact the school nurse if you would
like to have your child's vision or hearing tested outside of the time when school
wide screening takes place. The school nurse also has resources available that can
assist families financially with eye exams and glasses and dental care.
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DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Schmitt Elementary School
7. If your child has a communicable disease- i.e. head lice, chicken pox, hepatitis,
etc., please let the school nurse know.
8. In the fall, schools across the country have outbreaks of head lice. Like all
schools, we will have some families who have the annoyance of a head lice
infestation. The home is the answer to controlling the spread of head lice. We must
count on you to check your children at least once every week, and notify the school
immediately if you find nits in your child's hair. The nurse will check all the children
in your child's classroom for nits. Any child with nits is excluded from school until
treatment is complete and all nits are off the hair.
Please feel free to contact the school nurse with any questions or concerns you have about your child or the
school health program.
REMINDERS - LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT
1.
Parents should send their children to school so that their arrival is about 8:00
or 7:50 a.m. if they are eating breakfast. Parents should expect the arrival of their children at
home shortly after dismissal, allowing a reasonable time to walk home. Loitering to and from
school may cause difficulties, which in instances could be avoided.
2.
Encourage your child to be responsible for his clothing, books, and materials.
Be sure their names are on them.
3.
Continually encourage your child's completion of daily class work.
Ask him/her each day what they read, the problems they worked, etc.
4.
Report cards should be signed and returned immediately. Parent comments
are encouraged.
5.
Money should be brought to school only for a specific need.
6.
Make sure your child brings his/her clothing home each day.
7. School notices will be sent home usually in Thursday folders. Please look for these in your child's backpack.
School notices should be carefully read and returned if you are not receiving a Thursday folder please inform
the teacher.
8. CHILDREN ARE NEVER TO GO HOME OR LEAVE THE SCHOOL PREMISES ONCE THEY HAVE
ARRIVED ON SCHOOL GROUNDS UNLESS THEY RECEIVE PERMISSION FROM THE OFFICE.
PLEAS EMPHASIZE THIS RULE TO YOUR CHILD!
9. In case the school district decides to dismiss school early due to extremely
hazardous weather, etc. be sure your child knows where he/she should go.
10. We hope you will always feel welcome at Schmitt School. Children do better
in school when they know their parents support the school. We hope you will
get involved with your child's education and school in whatever way you can.
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