Family Handbook

Greetings Husky Family,

Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! 

My name is Georganna Rapaport and I am thrilled to be Ridgeview’s new principal.  Previously, I was the Coordinator of Literacy Performance for District 49. I have also served as a district instructional coach and an elementary classroom teacher.  Connecting with students and families is the best part of my job! Blake Hesselberg, our Assistant Principal, is beginning his third year in his role at Ridgeview.  Mr. Hesselberg comes to us from Remington Elementary where he was a fifth grade teacher and administrative support. He previously served as an Academic Coach in Rifle, Colorado. Together, Blake and I are excited to build upon the strong foundation in place at Ridgeview and continue to build strong relationships with our stakeholders and community. 

Ridgeview has been recognized as a Capturing Kids Hearts National Showcase school for the past EIGHT years!  We believe that building strong relationships is the foundation to all we do with students, families and staff.  We will continue this focus again this school year.  We also are a High Reliability School certified in School Safety and Culture (HRS Level 1) as well as Effective Teachers in Every Classroom (HRS Level 2). We are proud to have earned the Level 3 certification, Viable and Guaranteed Curriculum, in the 24-25 school year. This process entails, in part, documenting all the great work that is already happening within our classrooms.

There is a lot of useful information within this Family Handbook.  It is an expectation that parents/guardians have read through and discussed it with their child, so they are familiar with the safety and behavior expectations.  Please pay close attention to the arrival and dismissal information as it can be frustrating if you aren’t familiar with this information. It is our hope that by putting this information in your hands we can partner together to have a safe and successful school year. 

We are looking forward to a terrific school year.  One of our goals is that every student is challenged yet supported academically as they learn new things this year.  We also strive to serve our community and make them feel welcome. As educators, we thank you for your support as we know that raising children is a hard job. Together we can change the world!

In Partnership,
Georganna Rapaport and Blake Hesselberg

At Ridgeview Elementary School we AIM:

To Achieve
To Inspire
To Motivate
Every learner, every time!

Ridgeview Elementary has an “AIMS” focus, which is:  Arts, Inquiry, Mathematics, and Science.  The goal is to highlight these areas when possible, and to provide hands-on, engaging opportunities through theme days, assemblies, special guest speakers, etc.  As an elementary school, of course, reading and writing are embedded into most of what we do.  Literacy proficiency is imperative as we send our students on to middle school, and it is a district-wide focus.   

 

Ridgeview Elementary School
6573 Shimmering Creek Drive
Colorado Springs, CO  80923

Hours: 8:20 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
A.M. Preschool:  8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
P.M. Preschool: 12:15 – 3:15 p.m.

Main Office: 719-494-8700
Attendance Line: 719-494-8705 (please leave a message)    
Base 49: 719-495-1182
Transportation Dept.: 719-495-1159

 

Student and Staff Allergies

* Please note that some classrooms are nut protected due to life threatening allergies - your child can bring nut contained items to school but will only be allowed to eat them in the cafeteria (designated nut free area). 

* Latex balloons are not allowed at the school due to latex allergies

• 1.1 Assessments 4
• 1.2 Standards and Proficiencies 5
• 1.3 Curriculum 5
• 1.4 Field trips 5
• 1.5 READ Plans  6
• 1.6 Response to Intervention (RtI) and Student Success Team (SST) 6
• 1.7 Promotion and Retention

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1.1 Assessments

A wide variety of assessments are used throughout the year to form a “body of evidence” that indicates a child's instructional growth. Some assessments are given in the form of traditional tests, but others can be done through performance observations and engaging students in conversations.

At Ridgeview, students will be given a variety of tests throughout the school year. Your child may be tested with one or several of the following standardized assessments:

• DIBELS 8 - a validated tool for early identification of children with potential problems and an assessment for response to intervention.  
• CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success) - CMAS measures student performance in four key content areas and are aligned to Colorado’s academic standards and is administered in the spring. 
• CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test)- CogAT measures a student’s reasoning abilities and the efficiency of the strategies they use to solve problems. This test is given at the end of a student’s second grade year. CogAT data assists in identifying students who are gifted and talented.
• Teaching Strategies GOLD (TS Gold) – This assessment is an authentic, ongoing observational system for assessing children from birth through kindergarten. It helps teachers to observe children in the context of everyday experiences, which is an effective way to learn what they know and can do. The objectives are aligned with the Common Core State Standards. 
• STAR 360  -  These assessments include Star Reading, Star Math, Star Early Literacy. Guide students toward greater reading growth with K–12 computer-adaptive assessments that are fast, accurate, and easy to administer. 
  •  All STAR assessments are computer-adaptive tests (CATs). Computer-adaptive tests continually adjust the difficulty of each child’s test by choosing each test question based on the child’s previous response. If the child answers a question correctly, the difficulty level of the next item is increased. If the child misses a question, the difficulty level is decreased. CATs save testing time and spare your child the frustration of items that are too difficult and the boredom of items that are too easy.  
• iReady Math - Instructional online program designed for differentiated instruction based on the student performance on the diagnostic assessments.
   

1.2 Standards and Proficiencies

Standards are defined as specific statements, focused on learning and what students should know and be able to do. Teachers post daily learning targets to help students become more aware of what they are learning and why.  The standards are quite rigorous and embed 21st century skills.  Feel free to explore them on the Colorado Department of Education website.

1.3 Curriculum

At Ridgeview, we utilize research-based programs and instructional strategies to promote student achievement. 

We utilize:

• Core Knowledge Language Arts is our core ELA resource which is rich in social studies and science.
  • Lexia is a personalized online supplemental resource used by all students
• Ready Math is our core math resource.
  • iReady is an online supplement to Ready Math.
• Camp Timber is our social emotional curriculum.

For more specifics regarding the particular curricula being used in your child’s classroom, talk to his/her teacher or school administration. You can also visit the district’s homepage at www.d49.org or our school website at d49.org/ridgeview

1.4 Field trips

Field trips during the 2025-26 school year will be very limited throughout the entire district due to the lack of bus drivers and rising costs.  If this situation changes, we will let you know.

Field trips are encouraged as a means of expanding the educational opportunities of our students. The administration approves field trips that supplement the curriculum. Students participating in a field trip shall be supervised and acceptable classroom conduct is expected of the students at all times. Fees to cover actual costs will be charged for field trips. Fees must be paid and permission slips turned in on time in order to attend a trip. If needed due to behavioral or safety concerns, a parent may be asked to accompany their child on a field trip. Ridgeview administration maintains the authority to withhold a student from field trip attendance if his/her behavior could create an unsafe or disruptive environment. Only a limited number of parent volunteers will be requested, per teacher discretion, and younger siblings may not be brought on field trips.  Any parent who wishes to attend an RVES field trip will need to be approved through the District 49 background checking process in advance. If parents choose to shadow the field trip by meeting at the destination without being considered a chaperone, they may not interact with the students attending the field trip. 

1.5 READ Plans

A READ Plan (RP) is written for kindergarten through third grade students who meet the criteria for students showing a significant reading deficiency based on a body of evidence. A READ Plan identifies the student’s area(s) of deficiency, specific goals to work towards, and what the teachers and parents will do to try to increase the student’s reading skills.  While the classroom teacher initiates this plan, the RP is developed and supported by a team – the parents, school administrators, and other staff as needed. Each member of the team has a significant role to play in supporting the student’s success with literacy. No member of the team can assure a student’s literacy achievement.

1.6 Response to Intervention (RtI)

The purpose of Response to Intervention (RtI) is to ensure that ALL students can learn and achieve high standards. Any staff member or parent who has concerns about a student academically, behaviorally, or emotionally is encouraged to refer a student to the process of RtI by contacting their child’s teacher, the school counselor or administration.

1.7 Promotion and Retention

Promotion and retention shall be based on educational research and on factors that contribute to the benefit of the student. Administration will take the team’s recommendations to include parent input into consideration when determining the need for retention of a student. Retention will only be considered if it is an intervention that will potentially close the achievement gap for the child. Retention is sometimes considered when absences and tardies are excessive.

• 2.1 Arrival and Dismissal Procedures 6
• 2.2 Procedures for Early Dismissal, Absences, or Tardies

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Regular attendance is essential to learning! 

School Hours
A.M. Preschool 8:30 a.m. –11:30 a.m.   
P.M Preschool 12:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Kindergarten & Grades 1-5   8:20 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Attendance: 719-494-8705 (please leave a message)

For the safety of our children, parents will be notified if a child is absent and the attendance office has not received notification of the absence. Please assist us by calling in absences prior to 9:00 a.m. 

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2.1 Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

1. Bell Schedule – Our line-up bell rings at 8:05 a.m. Students will be let in the building at this time  to wait in a designated area.  Kindergarten students wait near the shaped windows in the front of the school. First through fifth graders will go directly to their classrooms when the bell rings, not to the gym. We ask that parents say their goodbyes outside of the school.  We are working hard to make our students confident and responsible for their own routines and classroom responsibilities. Our bell for class rings at 8:15 a.m. Students are considered tardy after 8:20 a.m. Tardy students MUST be signed in by a parent or designated caregiver! 
2. Arrival Time – 8:05-8:15 a.m. Please do not bring your child to school before this time unless they are in a prearranged, supervised program with a staff member, or they are eating breakfast on site. If a child is seen on school grounds prior to 8:05 a.m. without an approved reason, parents will be called to pick the child up.
3. Breakfast Arrival - Students should arrive through the front door, between 7:45-8:10a.m. 
4. Morning Drop-Off - 
   • Drivers will proceed with extreme caution and S-L-O-W speed; move up as far as possible as this helps with the flow of traffic - making sure to not block crosswalks or other driveways.   The extra few steps your child may take will help get their blood flowing and prepare them for a day of learning!
   • All children will exit from cars on the passenger side for safety reasons - keeping them out of the flowing side traffic.
   • Quickly drop off your child. Cars may NOT be parked and left unattended.
   • If you need to park your car, please do so on the curb of the main street as the parking lot will be closed for parking purposes from 8:05 a.m. until 8:20 a.m. for the safety of our students.
   • At no time is the handicap parking area or fire lane to be blocked or utilized by unauthorized vehicles. 
   • Ridgeview has taken extra precautions regarding safety, security, and minimizing instructional disruptions/distractions. Parents should “kiss and go” at the school exterior door or from the drive- thru/drop lane.
   • Dogs and other pets (i.e. cats, lizards, birds etc.) are NOT ALLOWED to be walked onto school property. Due to allergies, fears, and the ever present uncertainty of animal reactions, it is a district safety policy that animals stay off of school grounds. Dogs, and other animals, are allowed to be in vehicles as long as they are safely restrained from exiting the vehicle or reaching far out of windows. Documented and clearly marked service animals are exempt.
   • Student Walkers - For safety reasons, please only use the crosswalks. Do not walk across any school driveway. All pedestrians are to walk on the sidewalks only. 
   • Bicycle and Scooter Riders - Once you arrive at the school driveway, walk your bike or scooter. Students are encouraged to lock their bikes and non-motorized scooters during school hours and to wear helmets. Bikes and scooters may not enter the building.  Skateboards, ripsticks, motorized scooters, “heelys,” and skates are not allowed on school grounds.
   • Bus Parking - The bus parking lot is off limits to cars from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., with the exception of our limited STAFF ONLY parking. This is to ensure enough room for the buses to safely pick-up and drop-off students.  Parents and students are solely responsible for understanding designated stops and exiting at correct stops.
5. Dismissal Time - All students are dismissed at 3:30 p.m. Please be prompt in picking up your child. All students who have not been picked up by 3:40 p.m. will be taken to the office and held until a parent or guardian physically signs them out.
6. Pick-up Locations - The students and their families will predetermine the designated area (i.e.: meeting spot, lane 1 or lane 2). Older siblings are asked to meet their younger siblings outside rather than inside the building. We ask that you please rehearse your family’s after-school plan so that your children know where to go after dismissal.
7. Base 49 - If your student must arrive before or after the designated times, you may want to consider enrolling them in our “Base 49” before and after school care program. For information about seasonal break or full-day care rates, and other details, visit the Base49 page.  
8. Severe Weather Dismissal Plan - In a severe weather situation, notification of the implementation of severe weather dismissal will be made on the marquee and Facebook and if time allows a mass email will be sent to parents/guardians.  

2.2 Procedures for Early Dismissal, Absences, or Tardies 

Procedures for Early Dismissal, Absences, or Tardies
If a student must leave class early, you may send a note to the teacher stating the time the child should be dismissed from school. For security reasons, all staff members have been instructed NOT to release students from the classroom without notification from the office. The student must be signed out at the office. Only a parent/guardian or other person listed on the child’s approved pick-up list can sign a child out at Ridgeview.  Official photo identification will be requested. The office will then notify the classroom teacher to send the child to the office. Due to end of day routines and carpool traffic, there will be no early dismissals after 3:15 p.m. Falcon School District 49 and Ridgeview Elementary request that parents make appointments and schedule trips out of town during non-school hours.  Truancy laws apply. 

If your child has been (or will be) absent or tardy, please notify the attendance secretary at 494-8705 within 48 hours of the absence. Absences must be verified so it is very helpful when parents call ahead of time.  Parents may access this number before, during, and after school hours - please leave a message as this line is not always answered by a live person but messages are routinely checked. Excessive absences and tardies may impact a child’s grades and learning, and truancy laws have to be followed. That being said, please do not send a child showing symptoms of a contagious illness (i.e. fever, vomiting, diarrhea). Such precautions greatly assist in controlling communicable diseases at school. All district policies related to student attendance may be reviewed in their entirety in the Student Conduct and Discipline Code Handbook.

Student Attendance and Excuses  / Board of Education Policy
One criterion of a student’s success in school is regular and punctual attendance. Frequent absences may lead to poor academic work, lack of social development, and possible academic failure. Regular attendance is of utmost importance for school interest, social adjustment, and scholastic achievement. No single factor may interfere with a student’s progress more quickly than frequent tardiness or absences.

According to state law, it is the obligation of every parent/guardian to ensure that every child under his/her care and supervision receives adequate education and training. And, if of compulsory attendance age, attends school.

Each year the Board establishes the school attendance period by adopting a school calendar. Students are expected to be in attendance in accordance with the district or zone-adopted calendar.

Parents are expected to take the responsibility for determining whether it is safe to send their children to school due to severe weather, within reason.

Continuity in the learning process and social adaptation are seriously disrupted by excessive absences. In most situations, the work missed cannot be adequately made up. At the elementary level, much of the learning is hands-on and interactive. Students who have good attendance generally achieve higher grades, enjoy school more, and are more employable after leaving school. For at least these reasons, the Board believes that a student must satisfy two basic requirements in order to earn full class credit: 1) satisfy all academic requirements and 2) exhibit good attendance habits as stated in this policy.

Attendance at Elementary Assessment Day is expected. Students who do not attend at their scheduled time will be marked absent. 

Excused Absences 
The following shall be considered excused absences according to board policy:

1. Absences because of temporary illness or injury; the school may request a written doctor’s statement.
2. A student who is absent for an extended period due to physical, mental, or emotional disability; the school may request a doctor’s statement.
3. A student who is pursuing a work-study program under the supervision of the school.
4. A student who is attending any school-sponsored activity or activities of an educational nature with advance approval by the administration.
5. Absences by those who are in the custody of the court or law enforcement authorities.
6. Those determined by the school administration to be excusable, such as doctor’s appointments or juvenile court appearances.

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

Unexcused Absences
An unexcused absence is defined as an absence that is not covered by one of the foregoing exceptions. Each unexcused absence shall be entered on the student’s record. The parents/guardians of the student receiving an unexcused absence will be notified orally or in writing by the district of the unexcused absence whenever possible.

Attendance contracts may be required and grade level retention could occur.

Make-Up Work
Students are expected to complete all work missed when they have been absent from school. Academic work may be made up according to the teacher’s instructions. Call or email the teacher to request make-up work so the teacher can get the assignments together when they are between lessons, without disrupting class. 

Students will be allowed two school days to make up work for each day of an excused absence (i.e. if a student is absent for two days, he/she will be allowed four days to make up work). All major long-term projects are due on the day specified, regardless of an absence. Out-of-school suspensions will not count as absences and work may be made up at the discretion of the building administrator. Family vacations during school time are strongly discouraged, as they may result in the total student absences exceeding the specified limit.  Vacations are NOT excused absences.

Prearranged Absences
Absences should be pre-arranged through the main office whenever possible. Parents should plan vacation for times when school is NOT in session. Our school calendar offers many breaks that can be used for vacations. A request for a prearranged absence should be made at least a period of time equal to the length of time the student will miss school (i.e. one day absent = one day notice). Missed assignments will be given to the student upon their return. Excused/prearranged absences in excess of the district-designated number of allowable absences may become unexcused.  Vacations and family trips, whether pre-arranged or not, are NOT excused absences.

Absence Regulations 
Elementary students will be allowed 10 excused absences per year. Absences will be documented in half or full day increments. Once students have exceeded the number of allowed absences, a doctor’s, dentists, etc. excuse may be required for subsequent absences or the absence may be considered unexcused. After an accumulation of 7 days of excused absences for elementary students, parents will receive a letter notifying them of the district’s attendance concerns, and an administrative review of the student’s attendance record and IEP (if applicable) will occur. A second letter of notification will be sent after 10 days of excused absences.

Below is a breakdown of the truancy procedures:

	1st Letter of Concern	2nd Letter of Concern	Notice of Noncompliance	Truancy Petition
Unexcused	3	5	7	10
Excused / Combination	7	10	12	14
Tardies	4	10		10+

 

Tardiness 
Tardiness is defined as the appearance of a student without proper excuse after the scheduled time that school begins. Elementary students with excessive tardies to class or who habitually leave school early for reasons other than those listed under reasons for an excused absence may be placed on an attendance contract or referred for truancy proceedings.

Withdrawing and Enrolling 
The enrollment process is completed online. If you do not have access to a computer/internet, you are welcome to enroll students at the Central Enrollment Office, located at 3850 Pony Tracks Drive in Colorado Springs phone # (719) 494-8911. If you must withdraw your child from Ridgeview, please send a note or call the school office as soon as you know you are leaving, so records may be brought up-to-date and sent upon request to the new school. 

• 3.1 Communication Between School and Parents 
• 3.2 Visiting the School 
• 3.3 Parent Volunteers 
• 3.4 Watch D.O.G.S.

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Court Documents
*Update contact information either online or in the office. Please provide any and all court documents to the office regarding custody and restraining orders - without actual documentation on file, the school is unable to follow parent requests that are only made verbally.

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3.1 Communication Between School and Parents

It is important for the school and parents to keep lines of communication open and respectful at all times. Parents are encouraged to contact teachers with concerns or questions. If you need an in person meeting, please make an appointment to visit with a classroom teacher so that instructional time is not interrupted. We are here to serve our students and families!

1. Home/School Folders -  Students will bring home reminders, school communications, and class work in folders. Additional important items might come home on any given day, so please check your child’s folders and backpack daily.
2. Newsletters/Website - Ridgeview general education teachers are expected to keep parents updated through frequent (monthly at a minimum) email newsletters. Our enrichment team and special education providers send out quarterly communication.  In addition, school activities are announced in advance through office emails, in correspondence that comes home with students, and on our website. Other special notices will be sent home or emailed out as needed, by the office.  Please be sure to read all school communications thoroughly.
3. Digital -  Most of our communication is digital rather than in paper form, so please make sure the office and your child’s teacher always have your current email address. 
4. Parent/Teacher Conferences -  Two formal conferences will be held during the school year. The first set of conferences will be in October and the second set of conferences will be in February. These conferences provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and learning needs with the classroom teacher. All parents are invited and encouraged to attend the conference in October.  February conferences are reserved for those parents that request a conference and those students that teachers feel a conference is necessary.  
   • In addition, feel free to call the school and make an appointment with the teacher, school counselor, assistant principal, or principal any time the need arises. We ask that you attempt to problem solve directly with the teacher before involving administration. We expect all communication between RVES staff and parents to remain respectful and professional at all times. Only when a child feels that there is understanding, appreciation, and active collaboration between home and school can he/she do his/her best work. 
5. Report Cards - Report cards are available through the Power School. The standards-based report card gives parents information about their child’s skills. Please review report cards with your child and make goals for achievement for the upcoming grading period. Any time you have questions about your child’s progress, we will be happy to schedule a conference.  In order to cut waste, we are no longer printing and sending home report cards since they are available online. 
6. Student Placement Information - If you would like to provide student information for class placement for the next school year, be sure to write a letter to the principal by March 15 of the current year. Your input will help us make the most appropriate placement for your student. Assignment of students is the responsibility of the administration, with the support and input of staff members. We will not accept requests for specific teachers; if your letter requests a specific teacher. 
7. Telephone Use by Students - Students may use the classroom telephone to contact parents/guardians with teacher permission or in case of an emergency. Please help by seeing that your child has homework, books, supplies, lunch, and special activity money, and has made after school plans before coming to school. In the event of early dismissal because of weather or other emergencies, the plans parents/guardians have designated for their child and which have been placed on file in the school will be followed. Arrangements for such emergency situations should be reviewed regularly at home.

3.2 Visiting the School

All visitors must check in at the office immediately upon entering the building. If you need to drop off a lunch or other item, or need to check on your child, come to the office and we will call your child to the office to see you. You are welcome to eat lunch with your child, but you must be prepared to present valid ID for a visitor’s badge. Please call the office by 8:45 a.m. if you would like to order a hot lunch.  Lunch times are listed on our website on the front page under quick links.

Parents are an important part of our school. We invite you to visit our school with a pre-arranged appointment or pre- arranged volunteer assignment. 

Classroom teachers are unable to discuss your child’s progress during instructional time. Please make an appointment during non-instructional time should you want to confer with the teacher.

Children not enrolled at Ridgeview Elementary may not visit the school unless accompanied by an adult. Brothers, sisters, and other family or friends may not be brought to school when parents are volunteering in the classroom. Siblings may attend class parties as space allows and per the teachers’ discretion. We do not allow student visitors to “shadow” other students.  All visitors to the school must check in at the office before going to the classroom area, and to wear their “visitor badge” at all times. We want our school to be a safe place for everyone.

3.3 Parent Volunteers

The volunteer program's purpose is to provide support to the instructional program for all students through the collaborative efforts of the staff, students, and community.  

The goals of the volunteer program are:

1. to support children's learning
2. to provide assistance to the staff in a variety of ways
3. to support school and district goals
4. to provide enrichment and intervention within the school program
5. to increase communication, collaboration, and understanding within the school community

There are numerous school-wide opportunities for volunteers:  library, book fair, special events, school-wide projects, PTA, school pictures, enrichment classes, tutoring, SAC, and in the office (flyer distribution, copying, etc.). If you would like to help with either at-home projects or in the classroom (i.e. preparing materials, etc.), please contact your child’s teacher. All volunteers will need to have a background check and complete the district 49 volunteer approval process. The entire process can now be completed online. 

Volunteering in your child’s classroom may include: supporting small groups or individuals, reinforcing skills via drill and practice, listening to students read, preparing materials for class activities, reading stories to a group, assisting with hands-on activities, distributing materials, accompanying students on field trips, and sharing hobbies/interests with a class. Confidentiality regarding student information is expected of all Ridgeview volunteers.  

3.4 WATCH D.O.G.S

Watch D.O.G.S. is recognized nationally for its unequalled success in bringing male role models into the educational process. We have received phenomenal feedback and look forward to enlisting more volunteers this school year. Feel free to contact the main office if you are interested in learning more about this great program!

• 4.1 Family Orientation
• 4.2 Parties/Student Birthdays

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4.1 Family Orientation

Ridgeview’s will host a FAMILY ORIENTATION DAY before school starts. This is in lieu of the traditional "Meet Your Teacher" evening event. You will receive a sign up genius link, via email, from your child's assigned teacher in late July.  You will choose one 1-hour slot to bring your student to meet his/her new teacher and to hear a short presentation from the teacher.  Teachers will talk about classroom and grade level expectations, arrival/dismissal and other safety procedures, and lots of other topics!  If you have more than one child, you will sign up for a session for each child; four sessions in all will be offered.  

We hope that you can make arrangements with work schedules, childcare for younger children, etc. since we are giving you the date in advance.  

4.2 Parties/Student Birthdays

At Ridgeview we love to celebrate student birthdays! In order to best maintain nutrition requirements we will celebrate birthdays with non-food treats. Please feel free to send your child in with something fun to share with all of his/her classmates. For his/her birthday, a child might bring in a small fun item for each classmate or he might bring in an idea for something easy and enjoyable to do for 10 minutes at the end of the instructional day. Please talk to the teacher, in advance, about a good date and time for celebrating your child’s birthday at school, and please let the teacher know what you intend to provide for the celebration.

No Latex balloons.

Non-Food Celebration Ideas

• Toy tops/spinners
• Fun-shaped erasers
• Card games
• Read a book to the class
• (Can donated the book to the library.)
• Bookmarks
• Finger puppets
• Coloring books
• Play a game, like Simon Says or Follow the Leader
• Smencils (smell-good pencils)
• Glow sticks
• Stickers
• Listen to music
• Chapstick
• Post-its in fun shapes
• Play dough
• Stress balls
• Seeds for planting
• Lead a dance break

Invitations
Whole class birthday party invitations can be sent to school to be handed out/ placed in Home/School  Folders at the teacher’s discretion. Private invitations for smaller celebrations are to be handed out before or after school on an individual basis - not in the school or at recess.

• 5.1 Health Para 
• 5.2 Registered Nurses 
• 5.3 Health Room 
• 5.4 Illness guidelines 
• 5.5 Medication Policy 
• 5.6 Personal Care Items 
• 5.7 Use of Crutches and Wheelchairs 
• 5.8 Immunizations 
• 5.9 School Wellness Policy

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Student and Staff Allergies

* Please note that some classrooms are nut protected due to life threatening allergies - your child can bring nut contained items to school but will only be allowed to eat them in the cafeteria (designated nut free area). 

* Latex balloons are not allowed at the school due to latex allergies

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5.1 Health Para

Your child’s school has a Health Para in the health room every day.  Health Para’s are not nurses.  They have received training in basic first aid, CPR, and medication administration only.

5.2 Registered Nurses

Nurses in our district cover more than one school and are in each school at least once a week.  The nurse at your school has regular communication with the Health Para and is available if any health care need or emergency arises.   

5.3 Health Room

Any student entering the health room will be allowed to remain there for up to 10 minutes.  If there is a need to contact parents, we will use the phone numbers provided at the beginning of the school year.  Please provide the school with current emergency phone numbers and update this information as it changes throughout the year.  

5.4 Illness guidelines

Falcon School District 49 is following the Illness Guidelines from the Colorado Department of Education/Children’s Hospital Colorado.  The guidelines can be found on the d49.org website.

5.5 Medication Policy

Please be aware that Colorado State law governs our medication policy.  If your child must take medication during school hours, you must provide the following before we administer it:

1. A written doctor’s order (including drug name, dose, route, time, duration of treatment, doctor’s and parent’s signature).  This includes all over-the-counter, prescription, and homeopathic medications. The only exception is cough drops, which are supplied from home, and may be given with written parent permission.  The physician may fax or email medication orders to the school.  PLEASE NOTE: The pharmacy label applied to the medication bottle will not suffice for a doctor’s order. 
2. Medication must be in the original bottle, complete with a label.  Medication cannot be given if it comes in a baggie, envelope, plain bottle, etc.
3. All medications must be kept in a secure cabinet in the health room.  If a student must carry a medication on him or her, such as an inhaler, Epipen or Diabetes supplies, a physician order is required, and the student must sign a self-carry contract.  

5.6 Personal Care Items

The following items may be applied to your child if needed: Vaseline (for chapped lips), lotion (for dry skin), saline drops/eye wash (for irritated eyes).  Please inform your school nurse if you do not want these items applied to your child.  

5.7 Use of Crutches and Wheelchairs

Each health room has a wheelchair for emergency use only.  If your student requires temporary use of their own crutches or wheelchair, please provide a doctor’s note to the health room and accommodations will be made.

5.8 Immunizations

All students must have current immunizations in order to participate in school.  The only exception to this is if the parent files an exemption for medical, religious, or personal reasons. Effective July 1, 2021, there will only be two ways to file a non-medical exemption for religious or personal beliefs per Colorado law (SB 20-163). 

1. Submit the Certificate of nonmedical exemption WITH a signature from an immunizing provider in Colorado who is a medical doctor, doctor of osteopathic medicine, advanced practice nurse, delegated physician’s assistant, or pharmacist.
2. Submit the Certificate of nonmedical exemption received upon the completion of CDPHE’s Online Immunization Education Module. This link can be found on the D49 website under Nursing Services. 

Please note that all non-medical exemptions must be filed annually as they expire on June 30th every year. 

All students need to be compliant with their immunizations before fall break or they can be excluded from attending school.  Your nurse or health para will contact you to inform you if your child is out of compliance, meaning he or she is missing immunizations.  New students enrolling after Fall Break, have fourteen days to be in compliance or they may be excluded from school.

If you have any questions regarding these policies or immunization requirements for Colorado students, please call the health room at your child’s school.  

5.9 School Wellness Policy 

Federal law requires all school districts receiving federal funding for child nutrition programs to adopt a policy on “school wellness”. Falcon School District 49 recognizes that students need to be physically active and eat nourishing food to grow, learn, and maintain healthy development.  The District has adopted the following goals:

1. Goal #1: Nutrition -The District will support and promote proper dietary habits contributing to student’s health status and academic performance to include the federal government guidelines.
2. Goal #2: Wellness Education - The District will provide a comprehensive learning environment for developing and practicing lifelong wellness behaviors.
3. Goal #3: Physical Activity - The District will provide opportunities for students to engage in physical activity.

Four exemption days are granted per year, in order to accommodate classroom parties. With the exception of these four days, all classroom treats must be pre-approved by the classroom teacher and must fit the wellness policy guidelines and store bought (not homemade) preferably individually wrapped.

• 6.1 School Advisory Council (SAC) 
• 6.2 Parent/Teacher Association (PTA) 
• 6.3 Parent Coffees 
• 6.4 PBiS (Positive Behavior Intervention Support)

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6.1 School Accountability Committee (SAC)

Please get involved in your child’s school! Our SAC is a group of parents, staff members, and community members who represent the community’s point of view at large. The SAC concerns itself with the improvement of education in general; studies the educational needs of our school, monitors the implementation of our Unified Improvement Plan, and advises the administration. The SAC works with the principal and staff members to achieve excellence in education for all our children. The Ridgeview Elementary SAC generally meets quarterly. For more information call the school office and watch our website/emails for meeting dates.

6.2 Parent/Teacher Association (PTA)

The Ridgeview PTA promotes parent/guardian involvement in the education of children and a close relationship between parents/guardians and the school. Your membership supports not only the school, but also your own children. Please get involved! The PTA meets monthly and sponsors many fundraising activities and special events. Profits from fundraising directly support our students. This fundraising allows us to provide things for our students that we otherwise could not. For membership information, feel free to ask at the school office. Look for additional information that will come home with your children throughout the school year about the many wonderful PTA activities for parents as well as students.

6.3 Parent Coffees

Ridgeview administration will host one parent coffee each quarter. These get-togethers are designed for parents to come, while children are in class, to learn about what is going on at our school. There’s also a time for questions at each parent coffee.  We hope to see you at each of these gatherings!

6.4 PBiS (Positive Behavior Intervention Support)

PBIS is a proactive systems approach to school-wide discipline. It enhances the capacity of schools 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 guides decision-making.

It has an instructional focus where emphasis is placed on teaching behavioral expectations directly, teaching social behaviors the same way we teach academic skills, and maximizing academic engagement and success.

It is a school-wide system that includes:

• a common purpose and approach to discipline,
• a clear set of positive expectations and behaviors,
• procedures for teaching expected behavior,
• a continuum of procedures for encouraging expected behavior,
• a continuum of procedures for discouraging inappropriate behavior 
• procedures for ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

Our school motto is:  Be safe, kind, and responsible. 

• 7.1 Board of Education 
• 7.2 Abuse 
• 7.3 District Office Phone Numbers 
• 7.4 Inclement Weather 
• 7.5 EEO/Non-Harassment for Students 
• 7.6 Sexual Harassment 
• 7.7 Expectations of School Visitors

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7.1 Board of Education

The Falcon School District 49 Board of Education meets on a monthly basis. Please refer to the Falcon District 49 website at http://www.d49.org/ for information regarding dates, times and locations of the Board meetings.

7.2 Abuse

Any school employee who has reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect must report this immediately to the El Paso County Department of Social Services. The school is barred from contacting the parents before the authorities are called.

7.3 District Office Phone Numbers

• Receptionist: 719-495-1100
• Transportation: 719- 495-1159
• Special Services: 719-495-1114

7.4 Inclement Weather

1. D49 Weather Page - Please see the District 49's weather page for information on weather decisions and how you can be informed. 
2. School Cancellation – If the decision is made to cancel school check the D49 website or D49 Facebook page for the status of the district. 
3. Two-hour Delayed Start – If adverse weather conditions appear to be developing during the decision time frame, the district may delay the start of school for two hours. Meaning that school will start at Ridgeview at 10:20 a.m.  
   There will be no A.M. preschool or breakfast service on delayed start days. School will begin at 10:20am on delayed start days. The lunch schedule will run as usual.
4. Early Release – If school is in session and a storm or other emergency develops during the day, a decision may be made to send students home early. Please make prior arrangements for your child’s care if you will not be at home. The early release directions you provide Ridgeview will be followed. Students will be released at any time to parents who feel the weather conditions warrant that the child be taken home.
    

7.5 EEO/Non-Harassment for Students

School District 49 Policy JB - The Board of Education is committed to providing and maintaining a safe learning environment for all students that is free from harassment. Further, the district affirms the right of all students to be treated with respect and protected from intimidation, discrimination, physical harm, and or harassment. Respect for the dignity and worth of each individual shall be paramount in the establishment of all policies set forth by the Board of Education and in adherence to and enforced of the policies by administration.  Please see District 49 Board Policy JB.

7.6 Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment is recognized as a form of sex discrimination and this is a violation of the laws, which prohibit sex discrimination. A learning and working environment that is free from sexual harassment shall be maintained. It shall be a violation of policy for any school district employee to harass another staff member or student or for students to harass other students or an employee through conduct or communications of a sexual nature.

7.7 Expectations of School Visitors

Anyone entering our school grounds, who is not an enrolled student, is considered a visitor. We will treat all of our visitors with respect and provide excellent customer service, and we ask that all visitors treat staff members and other visitors with dignity and respect. We expect our visitors to be outstanding role models for all Ridgeview students.  If a visitor is creating a disruption or an unsafe or uncomfortable environment at any time, they may be asked by school /district personnel to leave school grounds and/or law enforcement may be called. If these types of behaviors are repeated, the disruptive person may be restrained from school grounds on a temporary or permanent basis.

• 8.1 Entrance Age 
• 8.2 School Supplies 
• 8.3 School Records

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8.1 Entrance Age

Falcon School District 49 provides kindergarten for all children who have reached the age of five years on or before October 1.  Enrollment generally begins in the late winter prior to the child’s kindergarten year.

8.2 School Supplies

A list of suggested school supplies and fees for students is available in the school office or on the school’s website. These supplies are listed by grade level. Individual teachers may have additional items needed for their respective classes throughout the school year. It is extremely helpful for your child to have these supplies as soon as possible after the start of the academic year.  The fees are essential for various consumable resources as well as online resources. Please pay the activity fee with cash or check at “Family Orientation” or electronically using a credit or debit card.

8.3 School Records

Records for each student enrolled at Ridgeview Elementary are maintained in the school office. These confidential records contain test data, achievement test results, and are open to a child’s parents and are regularly updated. 

• 9.1 Address, Phone, and Other Emergency Information 
• 9.2 Child Custody 
• 9.3 Discipline Policy and Procedures 
• 9.4 Disciplinary Action 
• 9.5 Parent Communication in Disciplinary Situations 
• 9.6 Fire Drills/Tornado/Evacuation/Lock Down Drills 
• 9.7 Injuries 
• 9.8 Playground Behavior Expectations 
• 9.9 Jared Jensen Park

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9.1 Address, Phone, and Other Emergency Information

It is vital that every child have on file current emergency phone numbers where parents can be reached. Please designate an individual or individuals for the school to call in the event of an emergency if a parent cannot be reached. Contact the school office if your address, phone, or the name and phone of the person you want contacted in an emergency changes during the school year. A change of student information form is available for your convenience in the office should you need to update information.

9.2 Child Custody

In most cases, when parents are divorced, both mom and dad continue to have equal rights where their children are concerned. It is our hope that divorced parents can work together for the educational sake of their child/children. Please understand that we have many divorced families and we cannot always accommodate separate conferences and requests for duplicate information.  Multiple email addresses can typically be used for general correspondence. If you have a court order that limits the rights of one parent in matters such as custody or visitation, please bring a copy to the office. Unless your detailed and specific court order is on file with us, we must provide equal rights to both parents.  All legal paperwork is reviewed by district safety and security and lawyers.

9.3 Discipline Policy and Procedures

The staff of Ridgeview Elementary is dedicated to positive and consistent discipline. We believe in coupling logical consequences with empathy to support meaningful life lessons for our students.  We approach discipline situations as learning opportunities. Behavior problems are handled with dignity and respect and in a manner, which does not create problems for others in the school. Most behavioral problems are minor in nature and can be dealt with best by the classroom teacher. Consequences are imposed in order to teach students self-discipline and problem solving skills. There is a strong connection between appropriate school behavior and the quality of the partnership between staff members, students, and parents/guardians. Thus, staff members will generally involve parents/guardians if a student’s behavioral problems either in or out of the classroom begin escalating or are continuously troublesome.

Students will be referred to the administrative team if a pattern of misbehavior or classroom disruption is demonstrated despite the best ongoing, cooperative efforts of the teacher and parents/guardians. Students will also be referred to the administrative team for further action should a sudden serious infraction occur. We ask that every parent/guardian review in detail the district’s Student Conduct and Discipline Code Handbook.

The school-wide discipline policy consists of the following procedures:

School-wide Discipline Plan

School Rules - Be safe, kind, and responsible

Discipline Steps

Reminder/re-direction/reinforce

• Students are given a reminder about inappropriate behavior.

Thinking time/recovery in room:

• Following a reminder, a brief time-out or thinking time will be arranged for the student to gain self-control, after which the student will return to the activity. The student may complete a reflection sheet during this time period and then process with the teacher. The reflection sheet may or may not be sent home at the teacher’s discretion.  If it is sent home, the parents will generally be contacted in person, by phone, or via email regarding the form.

Send to office with disciplinary referral:

• Should a student become disruptive in the classroom or continues to misbehave, the classroom teacher will issue a disciplinary referral and the student may go to the office. The student will develop an action plan and apology to the teacher/students involved and the administrator will determine when the student is ready to re-enter the classroom. In this case, parents will generally be notified in an attempt to collaborate with parents to help work to resolve the issue. Administration will consider the severity and pattern of the behavior when determining disciplinary action.

In extreme situations, where a student may be physically out of control, a teacher may remove her/his class from the situation and ask for assistance from the office.

If a student is visibly upset or agitated, he/she will not be sent from a classroom, but will be escorted by an adult. Adults will not use physical restraint to escort a child and will resort to such measures only in instances where the physical well-being of another person or that child is threatened. These procedures are utilized for out-of-control behavior in order that children regain their self-control in the shortest time possible.

For some children, these steps to self-control may not be enough or may not be successful. In such cases, specific behavior management plans may be developed with the knowledge and assistance of parents, teachers, specialists, and administrators. School staff will be responsible for upholding the behavior plan.

9.4 Disciplinary Action

The severity and pattern, if any, of the behavior shall be taken into consideration when disciplinary decisions are made. Students may lose recess minutes or other privileges, or may be suspended, either in-school or out-of-school. In extreme situations expulsion may be recommended. If the infractions are considered “harassment”, district harassment policies will apply. If a student is habitually disruptive, he/she may be placed on a “habitually disruptive plan.”  This plan will specify exact expectations and consequences for future situations.

9.5 Parent Communication in Disciplinary Situations

We recognize the importance of communication with parents in disciplinary situations and we will contact you, if it is warranted, based on the intensity of the situation. Please note that there may be times when your child is corrected for something minor, or your child is spoken with as a witness to an occurrence, and you might not be contacted. When parent communication regarding discipline is needed, we will do our best to contact you in a timely manner. Based upon other needs that arise within the building, the parent contact may not happen right away, it might happen after the school day has ended, or perhaps it might take place the next school day.  Thank you for your understanding and patience.

9.6 Fire Drills/Tornado/Evacuation/Lock Down Drills

Safety drills will be practiced and conducted throughout the school year. Please remind your student that the purpose of these drills is to ensure the safety of all students, staff, and visitors, and appropriate behavior is expected at all times.

9.7 Injuries

If a student is injured, it shall be his/her responsibility to inform a teacher or the office of the injury as soon as it occurs.  Head injuries and serious illnesses at school will be reported to parents. Minor injuries and “not feeling well” may not warrant a phone call home. If home contact is needed, an attempt to contact parents/guardians will be made first. If there is no response, the emergency number will be called, followed by the hospital if necessary.

Please allow efficient communication by keeping your work, cell and home telephone numbers current in the school office.  At any time the school deems necessary, we will call 911 emergency services.

9.8 Playground Behavior Expectations

Recess is a fun and important part of our school day! Our goal is for your children to have fun, get some exercise, and practice social skills.

Please review these specifics playground rules on a regular basis with your child:

1. Play safely.
2. Always be respectful, and listen to and obey the playground monitors. 
3. Don’t do anything that will create a problem for someone else 
4. Keep your hands and feet to yourself - always.
5. Bullying or harassment of any kind will NOT BE TOLERATED!
6. Take turns while playing games.
7. Use appropriate language.
8. Use playground equipment properly.
9. Return all equipment (balls, jump ropes, etc.) to the correct place.
10. Rocks, sticks, sand, and snow stay on the ground!
11. Do not leave the playground unless permission is given.
12. Line up promptly when the bell rings or whistle blows.

Additional playground expectations may be added at a later time, and privileges may be revoked, as needs arise. Students not following expectations may lose recess privileges or be subject to other disciplinary actions.

9.9 Jared Jensen Park

Teachers and staff may utilize Jared Jensen Park with their students for various occasional activities such as our annual Boosterthon Fun Run, Field Day, etc.

Travel to Jared Jensen Park does not involve crossing a street and will always be supervised.  Play at the park will also be supervised.  Since the park functions as an extension of our outdoor area, parent permission for park use is assumed.  If parents do not want their students to participate in park events, a Jared Jensen Park denial form must be completed and submitted to the office.  Parents can contact the office if they need a copy of the denial form.  Students denied access to Jared Jensen Park will most likely wait in the office for the class to return.

• 10.1 Behavior Standards 
• 10.2 Cafeteria Procedures 
• 10.3 Dress Code 
• 10.4 Homework 
• 10.5 Lost and Found 
• 10.6 Pets 
• 10.7 Textbooks/Library Books 
• 10.8 Toys and Personal Items 
• 10.9 Use of Electronic Devices

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10.1 Behavior Standards

Our school rules include: be safe, kind, and responsible.  In developing self-responsibility, we aim to give students the following: (a) a clear understanding of what is expected of them, (b) specific feedback when behavior is and is not appropriate, (c) an opportunity to apply problem solving skills and correct an unwise choice related to a specific situation, and (d) a clear understanding of the consequences of a given choice.

10.2 Cafeteria Procedures

A breakfast and hot lunch program is available to all students. Free meals are being funded. Adult lunches cost around $4.00. Students may bring their own sack lunch if they desire. If needed, milk can be purchased separately for $0.60.  Microwaves are not available for student use. All students are required to eat in the cafeteria where there is supervision.

Free and Reduced Meals Application - EVEN THOUGH MEALS ARE FUNDED, PLEASE FILL OUT THE FREE AND REDUCED PAPERWORK TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR OTHER RESOURCES.

The easiest way to complete this form is to do it online through the district website; a paper version can be obtained, completed, and turned back into the front office.

The children are to talk using “indoor” voices, and have good table manners and consideration for others, in order to provide a pleasant lunchroom atmosphere. The rules for our lunchroom are consistent with the rules utilized in most homes at the dinner table. We also ask that students NOT share food with others due to serious food allergies and stay seated during the whole lunchtime unless granted permission by a monitor.

The following are behavior guidelines that should be adhered to daily:

1. Don’t do anything that will create a problem for another person.
2. Use inside voices at all times.
3. Stay in your seat until you are dismissed.
4. If you need something and need to leave your table, raise your hand first and ask an adult.
5. Walk at all times.
6. Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
7. Hold on to the tray with both hands to avoid dropping food.
8. Use good manners while eating.
9. Sit with your class unless alternate directions are given.  No saving seats, unless the adults on duty give special permission. 
10. Clean up after yourself and throw away all your trash.
11. If you spill and it requires a mop, raise your hand for an adult’s assistance.
12. Pretend your parent or teacher is watching! ☺☺

Please be aware that we have many students with peanut allergies and some of these allergies are quite severe. We are a nut-protected environment, which means we discourage nut products. Please save nut-ingredient foods for home whenever possible. We encourage you to be sensitive to the well-being of all Ridgeview students! 

 If your child has a nut allergy, please make sure the health office and their teacher is aware.  Please be sure that he/she knows how to manage this and when to ask for help. A nut-free table is available for all grade levels; please instruct your child to utilize this table if he/she needs to. The child must be somewhat self-directed in regards to his/her own needs.  We do not claim to be peanut free!

10.3 Dress Code

We encourage our students to dress in a clean and neat manner that reflects pride in themselves and their school. We feel that the prime responsibility in dress belongs with parents/guardians and children. We do ask your cooperation in compliance with a few student dress guidelines:

1. Weather conditions should determine a child’s apparel. Please be sure your child dresses adequately for cold weather. We will have outside recess outside unless it is below 17 degrees with wind-chill and/or it is raining or snowing. All students are expected to participate in recess unless there is a documented reason stating otherwise.
2. Apparel that is excessively short, tight, low/high cut, or substantially disruptive may not be worn. 
   • The following shall not be worn in school buildings, on school grounds or at school activities:
   • Any clothing, paraphernalia, grooming, jewelry, accessories, or body adornments that: are disruptive, or potentially disruptive, to the educational environment as determined by the administrator; including but not limited to items that:  refer to drug, tobacco, or alcohol;  are obscene, profane, vulgar or defamatory in design or message;  advocate drug use, violence, disruptive behavior; threaten the safety or welfare of any person, or is suggestive of gang affiliation may not be worn. 
   • Clothing that: reveals all or part of the stomach, buttocks or chest; or is backless; or reveals underwear; or has holes at or above the pant pockets; or is inappropriately sheer, short, tight or low-cut. 
   • Hats, hoods, and sunglasses may not be worn in the building unless it is a designated dress up day. - School District 49 Policy: Student Dress Code JICA
3. Apparel that has writing or pictures that display alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, suggestive or obscene language or violent acts, or is suggestive of gang affiliation may not be worn.
4. Heelys/wheelie “shoes” are a safety issue and may not be worn at school.

10.4 Homework

Regular homework assignments help students learn good study habits such as responsibility, perseverance, self- discipline, and time management. Homework also supports our emphasis on community collaboration and partnership. We believe that homework can only help students. Homework will be limited over weekends, holidays or breaks, but reading will generally be required. There may be times when homework assignments are given over weekends. There are three basic types of homework:

1. Daily Reading – may include silent, oral, or shared family reading
2. Daily Practice and Review – may include drill, practice and review in spelling, math, or other content areas.
3. Assignments and Projects – may include a variety of assignments by the classroom teacher in addition to the completion of unfinished regular classroom work.

Ridgeview Elementary recommends that students spend an average of 10 minutes on homework per grade level per night, in addition to nightly reading. Please check with your child’s teacher for the grade level specifics.

10.5 Lost and Found

Please clearly label all items of clothing, lunch boxes, backpacks, and school supplies. A lost and found bin is located near the art room. Small items such as glasses, keys, jewelry, etc. are kept with the office secretary. If you cannot find an item, please have your child check the lost and found area.  We typically lay lost items out on tables in the foyer during Parent/Teacher Conferences.  Unclaimed items are donated to a charitable organization at the end of each quarter. The school and staff are not responsible for lost, broken, or stolen items, so we recommend leaving valuables at home. 

10.6 Pets

For safety reasons, animals are not permitted on school grounds. This includes during arrival and pick up times.

Dogs/Pets on Campus: Due to health and safety concerns for the children we cannot allow ANY dogs or other pets (ie birds, cats, lizards etc.) on campus during drop off and pick up times. Please keep pets at home. Documented and clearly marked service animals are exempt. This is School District 49 policy (Policy EJ). 

10.7 Textbooks/Library Books

Textbooks are furnished by the school district. Library books may be checked out by students. It is the responsibility of the student to take good care of these books. A fine will be assessed for lost or unreasonably damaged books. If the school has made a reasonable effort to obtain payment for lost or damaged textbooks or library resources to no avail, the district may then withhold the grades (report card) and transferring the files for any student who fails to return or replace such textbooks or library books at the end of the semester or school year.  Alternative payment methods, such as installment plans or school service, shall apply to students who are unable to pay.

10.8 Toys and Personal Items

Students should not bring toys or other personal items to school (i.e. handheld gaming devices, trading cards, expensive jewelry, etc.) Toys may be taken from students at school, as will other items causing a problem or distracting students from their educational program. These items will be held by the teacher or administration until picked up by a parent.  The school will not be held responsible for these items. Teachers may occasionally allow special items to be brought to school. 

Fidgets - Fidgets are to be pre-approved by the teacher and parents before sending them in with your child to school. Fidgets are to be used as a means of helping students remain focused and not to be used as toys. Fidgets that are used in a manner consistent to a toy may be taken from the student. 

10.9 Use of Electronic Devices

The Board of Education recognizes the value of electronic devices in the learning process as well as the vital communication role they can play during emergency situations. However, the ordinary use of devices such as cell phones in school situations can be disruptive to the educational environment, which is not acceptable. Students may bring cellphones to school, but these devices must be turned off and kept in the student’s backpack during the school day (8:05 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. including during breakfast (7:45 A.M. - 8:05 A.M., recesses, and lunch).  Smartwatches may be worn but these and other electronic devices may be used only during emergencies or with teacher consent.  If a staff member feels an electronic device is disrupting instruction in any way, it may be confiscated and given to administration. In the event that a cell phone is confiscated, it is required that a parent come to the school to pick it up. 

Photos should not be taken at school, whether with cameras or cell phones, unless explicit permission has been given by the Ridgeview staff member in charge of supervision.