By state law, boards of education are required to adopt written policies setting forth attendance requirements. PCKCS complies with all Douglas County and Colorado State policies and procedures regarding attendance.
Law requires school attendance for every child between the ages of seven and sixteen years. Attendance in class is an integral part of the successful educational process. Students are required to be in attendance every day school is in session during each academic year. Parents, guardians, and legal custodians of students between the ages of seven and sixteen are obligated by state law to ensure the child’s attendance. Students who have four or more unexcused absences in a one-month period, or ten or more unexcused absences from school or from class in a school year are considered to be “habitually truant” under state law.
(1) If a student is absent, the parent should:
a. Call the school office at 303-840-7070 before 8:00 A.M. to inform the school regarding the absence, stating the reason for the absence such as illness, or for an appointment.
b. If the student is absent due to illness more than three consecutive days, a note from a medical doctor stating the medical reason for the absence will be required.
(2) Regular attendance is important to academic achievement. Parents are strongly discouraged from planning vacations, trips, doctor appointments, etc. when school is in session.
(3) An absence consists of failure to appear and remain at school throughout the entire school day unless dismissed by the proper authority.
(4) Excused absences are those resulting from: temporary or extended illness, injury, or physical, mental, or emotional disability; family emergencies, absences excused by the principal through prior requests of parents and guardians; absences pursuant to school release permits; absences which occur when a student is in custody of a court or law enforcement authority, and any other absence approved by the principal.
a. Students are responsible to make up work covered or assigned during his/her absence. Assignments that are not made up will negatively affect the student’s grades. Teachers are NOT obligated to have work prepared for the student beforehand as it interferes with teaching responsibilities and is often not possible due to the nature and content of the subject. All make-up work will be assigned on the day the student returns from the absence.
(5) Unexcused absences are those with or without prior knowledge and approval of the parents but for reasons not acceptable to the principal. Unexcused absences also include those resulting from suspensions and expulsions. Missed work during an unexcused absence will not be made up, thus negatively affecting the academic standing of the student.
(6) Tardiness is a failure to appear on time in class and is considered a form of absence. Repeated tardiness shall be reported to the school office and a conference scheduled with the parents.
The school charter states that:
“Students shall be considered for admission into Parker Core Knowledge Charter School on a first-come, first-serve basis, and without regard to race, creed, color, gender, national origin, religion, ancestry, disability or need for special education.”
The detailed manner in which this statement is adhered to is outlined as follows:
Position on Waiting List: The position on the waiting list is determined by the date and time that the completed Letter of Intent (LOI) is submitted to the school’s office. Exception being preferences in the order as stated below:
1. Retention/advancement of currently enrolled students
2. Children of full-time teachers and directors
3. Siblings of currently enrolled* students (in order of family’s first student start date, then by LOI date)
Exception: When a student has chosen to voluntarily leave the school and then wishes to return, their new sibling status is based on the new letter of intent date (not sibling date of entry).
Sibling Defined (PCKCS operating council 2/21/08): For the purpose of assigning sibling status to a student on the PCKCS waiting list, the student in question must have a brother or sister currently enrolled* at PCKS and one or more of the following criteria must be met:
a) The siblings share at least one common biological or adoptive parent
b) If the siblings bear no blood or equivalent adoptive relationship, they are related by the marriage (a legally recognized union in the State of Colorado) of the enrolled student’s parent to the parent of the other sibling
c) Two or more students are legally recognized as siblings because the parent or guardian of these siblings has permanent custody with full parental rights
* This includes students enrolled for coming school year (i.e. incoming kindergarten class). The original child must attend PCKCS for the entire 1
st trimester of the school year to retain sibling status for any other siblings.
2. One Spot per child: A child may not occupy more than one spot on the waiting list. School age children are put on their current grade level waiting list at the time of the LOI submission. Younger children are put on the appropriate kindergarten list as determined by their birthday (must be five(5) by September 15th of year starting kindergarten.)
3. Non-district Residency: If the applicant is a non-district resident, the child will be offered an opening if there are no Douglas County district residents on the waiting list at the time of the opening. Non-district residents may be placed on the waiting list in anticipation of moving their primary residency to Douglas County. However, at the time enrollment is offered, the applicant will have 48 hours to offer proof of residency (Deed of Trust, Rental Agreement, Contract for Purchase). If the applicant fails to provide proof of residency within the 48-hour period, the application will be considered “declined” by PCKCS. In such event, the applicant may submit a new LIO and begin the process as any other parent or guardian.
- If a child on the waiting list becomes a non-district resident, the child will be treated as a non-district resident and enrollment will be in accordance with the policy for enrolling non-district residents as stated previously.
- If a child enrolled at PCKCS becomes a non-district resident, they will not forfeit their enrollment status.
4.
Age Requirement: An application must be five (5) years of age by September 15
th for admission to Kindergarten.
5.
Information on Letter of Intent: Parents of the applicant are responsible for updating
Letter of Intent prior to a child’s entry (i.e., notifying the school of change of address, phone number, etc.) If the school cannot contact the applicant’s family because the telephone number has been changed, disconnected, etc., the school is not responsible to continue their search. The applicant will be dropped from the waiting list.
6.
48-Hour Decision: If enrollment is offered to an applicant, the school requires a decision within 48 hours (excluding the mid-year decision).
7.
Mid-Year Decision: If an opening becomes available after the first quarter of a given school year, the applicant will be allowed to decline the open position but will be allowed to remain on the waiting list and retain their waiting list position. This option is
not offered when we are placing students for the upcoming school year or during the first quarter of any school year.
8.
Declining Spot: If an applicant is offered a spot but declines, the student’s name will be removed from the waiting list. If they wish to reapply, a
new Letter of Intent must be submitted. The new date and time on this form will determine the student’s new position on the waiting list.
9.
Withdrawal from PCKCS: If a parent withdraws his/her student from PCKCS and later decides to reapply, they must complete a new LOI. If the student who is reapplying has a sibling currently attending PCKCS, the reapplying student’s sibling status
date will
not be the enrolled sibling’s start date, but rather the date of reapplication (new LOI date.) Please note: this differs from the above mentioned sibling status policy and only applies to those who have previously attended PCKCS.
10.
Birth Requirement: Letters of Intent will not be accepted for unborn children.
11.
District Open Enrollment Policy: Once a student enrolls in a charter school (or any other school), that school becomes his/her assigned school and s/he must apply for open enrollment into any other district school including his/her former neighborhood school.
There is no automatic acceptance of a student back into a neighborhood school once they have enrolled elsewhere. Therefore, charter school students are considered open enrolled students and the charter school becomes the school of choice. Open enrollment is not required when the student changes levels and schools, (i.e., moves into middle or high school.)
Students attending PCKCS must maintain a decorum of behavior that is polite, respectful, and compliant with school regulations. Courtesy toward classmates, teachers, staff and visitors is vital to an effective educational environment. As a school, we teach and reinforce three Core Behaviors that all students are expected to demonstrate: Respect, Responsibility and Ready to Participate. In the event these Core Behaviors are not demonstrated by students, we will apply a Love & Logic approach to student discipline issues. Our goal is to get the student involved in his/her own behavior correction by letting natural consequences teach the student valuable life lessons about behavior. Our staff has been trained in Love & Logic techniques and will, in most cases, use these techniques to help a student learn from his/her own mistake or poor behavior choice. Categories of behavior infractions at PCKCS include Minor offenses, Major offenses and Extreme offenses. All will involve a consistent and appropriate level of disciplinary intervention as outlined below:
Minor:
Disciplinary Intervention -
Level I: Teacher - Student
Most minor behavior offenses will be handled by the classroom teacher or staff member involved in/observing the incident. In the elementary school, these behavior corrections will be noted on the student’s behavior log in their weekly Thursday folder. In the middle school, these behaviors will be addressed and resolved between the teacher and student. In the event the teacher and student are unable to resolve the behavior issue(s), parents will receive a written note or phone call.
Examples - Minor or repeated classroom disruptions, aggressive actions, foul language, disrespect, defiance or non-compliance with classroom/school rules, and damage to school property.
Parent Response - Parents are asked (1) to initial each offense in the log after talking with their student about the inappropriate behavior, and, in the case of repeated misbehavior, (2) to conference with the classroom teacher (by phone or in person) to develop a plan of action that will eliminate the inappropriate behavior(s).
Major:
Disciplinary Intervention - Level II: Teacher - Parent - Student
Examples - Major classroom disruption, assault of any person, willful destruction of school property, theft or willful destruction of personal property belonging to someone else, abusive or profane language, cheating, or bringing weapons to school.
It is unacceptable to bring real or toy guns, knives or other weapons to school.
Parent Response - Parents will be contacted for a meeting with the teacher/staff member involved and the student. The purpose of the meeting will be to address the undesirable behavior(s) and jointly develop a plan of action to eliminate such behavior(s). Student will be required to participate in solving the problem, which may involve some loss of privileges. Full parental support is expected to support the desired change(s) in student behavior.
Extreme:
Disciplinary Intervention - Level III: Administration - Parent - Student; may also include notification of law enforcement authorities.
Examples - Excessive violence, threatening behavior, illegal or dangerous activities.
Parent Response - Parents will be required to meet with the School Director to discuss student’s misconduct and to develop an appropriate solution. In extreme cases, specific disciplinary action(s) will be imposed by PCKCS Administration and/or mandated by DCSD’s Student Code of Conduct. Full parental support is required to help get the student back on track.
In accordance with the Charter Application approved by the Douglas County School District for Parker
Core Knowledge Charter School (PCKCS), a dress code has been established to minimize economic and competitive differences among students. All students will be required to follow the dress code. Dennis Uniform (www.dennisuniform.com) has been selected as the provider of our uniforms.
Items not purchased through the chosen uniform provider must be the same style specifications and colors, with all outer brand labels removed. However, the khaki shorts/pants (MS only), Christopher Plaid and the V-neck cardigan, vest and v-neck, and crew neck pullover sweaters may only be purchased through Dennis Uniforms.
If you choose to buy clothing at other retailers, please keep in mind your choice may not meet code.
The School Director has final determination of acceptability for ANY dress code issues in question.
Dennis Uniform
8600 Park Meadows Drive
Lone Tree, CO 80124
303-738-2255
School Code:
C32
In addition PCKCS hoodies (hooded/logo sweatshirt) may only be purchased through the PCKCS PTO. Order forms are available at the front desk.
Uniforms may be passed on or resold to other students as your child outgrows them. PCKCS traditionally has a Used Uniform Sale at Back to School Night before school starts in August and, as supplies permit, during fall/spring parent-teacher conferences.
In addition to the specified clothing, a neat appearance is mandatory. The following guidelines have been established:
Sec. (A) School Attire for Students
1) Jewelry - A minimum amount of jewelry is acceptable. Girls may only wear one post earring per earlobe. For safety reasons, no dangling or hoop-style earrings are allowed at school (including dress down days). Boys may not wear earrings. Nose rings, other facial jewelry and visible tattoos are STRICTLY PROHIBITED. One necklace and/or one bracelet may be worn.
2) Hair - must be kept neat, groomed, and clean cut. Hairstyle and accessories must be non-distracting. Hair color must be a natural color. Hair should not be dyed any color that is not considered ‘natural’ for hair; stripes; carvings or other distracting hair color changes are not permitted.
a. Boys’ hair must be neat and well-trimmed at all times and fall above the shirt collar; bangs cannot cover eyes. Boys hair may not be worn in a ponytail, braids, Mohawk, rat tails, tall spikes or shaved with words, symbols or initials.
b. Girls may wear non-distracting hair accessories, i.e. headbands, ribbons, scrunchies, or barrettes, of the school colors (forest green, navy blue, white, yellow, light blue, or Christopher plaid). Gold and silver barrettes are also acceptable.
3) Hats - are not allowed to be worn in the school building as per DCSD policy, and may only be worn outside for weather protection e.g. cold weather, strong sun protection, etc.)
4) Shorts, skorts, and skirts - must be no shorter than mid-thigh.
5) Pants – must be navy blue, uniform style (pleated front, side pocket, flat front, side pocket) pants. Middle School (6-8) may also wear DENNIS UNIFORM KHAKI pants/shorts. Khaki pants and shorts MUST be purchased from Dennis Uniforms: NO OTHER BRAND/COLOR OF KHAKI PANTS OR SHORTS ARE PERMITTED. (O/C clarification 12/16/02) Dennis Uniforms is the only supplier for khaki pants (MS only), but navy uniform style pants/shorts may be purchased from other suppliers as long as the style is the same as Dennis Uniform pants. Pants with torn knees or other visible rips MAY NOT be worn; pants that have faded excessively or appear overly worn are also not permitted. Pants with belt loops must be worn with a belt; a belt is not required for flat-front uniform pants. Pants may not be worn lower than the waist, or in other manner that allows underwear to show. Pants are to be appropriately fitted to the student. Overly large or baggy pants are not permitted.
6) Shirts – Polo style knit shirts and turtlenecks in the following school colors are acceptable: Navy, White, Forrest Green, Pale Yellow and Light Blue. Oxford, button-down shirts are also acceptable in the appropriate colors as sold by Dennis Uniform. Please refer to PCKCS uniform display for clarification on style and color.
7) Sweatshirts and Sweaters (PCKCS approved only) - In addition to the specified uniform tops, students may also wear the Dennis uniform sweaters, the PCKCS hoodie sweatshirts or the PCKCS embroidered crewneck sweatshirts only. Sweatshirts may not be worn without an approved uniform shirt underneath. Sweatshirts need to be the correct size for the student, not oversized and free of holes and tears. Jackets, sweaters, and any other non-uniform sweatshirts may not be worn in the building except on designated dress down days.
8) Shoes - must be in a matching pair. No sandals or open-toe shoes are permitted. Acceptable styles are loafers, oxfords, saddle shoes, and two-tone tennis shoes; snow boots, hiking boots and rain boots are ONLY permitted during extreme weather, but are not suitable for PE. Be sure to send another appropriate pair of shoes for student to change into once they arrive at school. The following colors and color combinations are allowed: Black, brown, navy/light blue, hunter/forest green, light yellow, grey and white. Minimal logos are allowed in the specified colors. Shoe soles must be non-marking. The following are unacceptable on uniform approved shoes: flashing lights, electronics, or character logos (i.e., Spider Man, Disney, Barbie) of any kind, plaid, checkered, striped, camo or polka-dotted patterns, glitter, “bling” or any other designs (including writing or drawings on shoes). Shoes featuring any of the following colors are not allowed – red, orange, pink, purple, lime green or turquoise. Athletic shoes are required for P.E. and as such are the preferred shoe of PCKCS. To receive an exemption regarding footwear, the student will need a medical excuse and/or an exception granted by the Director.
9) Socks/Tights - must be worn in a coordinated color with the school uniform and worn in a matching pair of the same color. Tights or skin-colored nylons may be worn in place of socks. Leggings, spandex, or otherwise, are not permitted.
10) Belts - First grade through eighth grade students must wear a black, brown, white, navy or light blue belt with uniform pants and shorts; chain belts are not allowed. In kindergarten, belts are optional if your child cannot buckle/unbuckle without assistance.
11) Nail Polish – Nails shall be neat in appearance and well-groomed. Girls are permitted to wear clear or natural looking nail polish. False nails of any kind (including acrylic) are not allowed.
12) Make-up - Only ‘light, natural looking’ make-up may be worn in grades 6-8. No dark or Gothic style make-up is allowed. Make-up may not be worn by students in grades K-5.
13) Shirts and blouses MUST be tucked into pants, shorts, skorts or skirts AT ALL TIMES to maintain a neat appearance.
Sec. (B) Dress Code for
Dress Down Days and Other School Functions
Dress Down days are a privilege and must be treated as such. Cleanliness and neatness of appearance are important at all times. The School Director has final determination of acceptability for ANY dress code issues in question. The School Director schedules all school
“Dress Down Days” Typically, there is one all-school "Dress Down Day" per month and Middle School has one additional dress down day per month. Additional dress down days may be scheduled for various rewards, holidays, or incentives at the discretion of the School Director. "Dress Down Days" will be announced at the end of the day as a reminder to all students. In addition, the Thursday newsletter will also note any all-school dress down days. Individual classroom dress down days that are approved by the School Director will not be communicated via the Thursday Newsletter; teachers will generally announce this to the class or communicate it to parents in their Classroom Newsletter. Dress code for other school functions, social events, and evening school activities, i.e., Middle school socials and athletics, also follows this policy.The following dress down guidelines have been established:
No torn or ripped clothing
No overly loose or tight clothing (no larger than 1 size larger or smaller than normal fitting)
No underwear visible at any time.
No clothing that features alcohol, drug, or gang references
No halters, mesh or otherwise ‘see-through’ tops or bare midriffs
No spaghetti straps or tank-tops.
No slip-on shoes. Sandals, clogs, etc. must have a strap that securely fastens the shoe to the foot.
Shorts, skorts, and skirts must be no shorter than mid thigh. No micro-mini skirts.
Jeans & t-shirts are acceptable if the above guidelines are followed.
No clothing that is offensive or disruptive to the learning environment.
No hoops or dangling earrings (safety concern)
Compliance with the dress code is mandatory. Parents are encouraged to help students monitor dress code compliance. Violations of the dress code will result in the loss of dress down day privileges for the student.
Dress code violations will be tracked in the following manner:
1. If a student arrives at school, or later in the day is noted with a dress code violation, the student will be sent to the front office to have the violation logged. After three dress code violations, the student will lose their dress down day privilege during the month the third violation occurred.
2. Students who lose their dress down day privilege for the month will be expected to arrive in full uniform on the designated dress down day. Students who fail to arrive in proper attire will sit at the front office until a parent brings their uniform. If a parent cannot be reached, or if a parent is unable to bring a uniform, students will spend the day at the front office (class work will be brought to them).
3. Students who repeatedly lose their dress down day privilege due to daily dress code violations will lose their dress down privilege for the remainder of the school year after four (4) lost dress down days (or 12 dress code violations.) Adopted: Revised July 2006
