Student Handbook

Student Attendance

Consistent school attendance is one of the main predictors of student success in school.

It is incredibly important that students are here every day.

Only keep your student out of school if it is absolutely necessary. Some things to consider:

• Schedule appointments after school when able.
• Students should return to school after non-serious appointments like routine dental visits.

District Policy 5020 provides specific guidelines regarding student attendance. 

Early Departure/Late Arrival

Students who must leave school during regular school hours must be signed out through the office by a parent or legal guardian. A student may not be dismissed from their classroom until someone has signed the student out. Students cannot be released to leave school alone. Students are involved in instruction until the end of the school day.

We request that you do not pick your students up early unless it is extremely necessary. Students who arrive late to school must check in at the office. If the student arrives after 7:50 a.m., a parent/guardian must sign them in at the front desk.

Students riding a bike or scooter to school must take it directly to the specified bike rack area and leave it there until the student is ready to return home.

For safety reasons, students are not permitted to ride their bike/scooter on school grounds. They must walk their bike/scooter to the designated bike rack area once they arrive at school.

A lock is required to be used to secure bikes and scooters to the bike rack. Bicycles and scooters will not be guarded by the school at any time, so it is the student’s responsibility to lock the bike/scooter up safely.

Birthday Treats

Each classroom teacher may have their own classroom policy toward birthday celebrations.

Please coordinate birthday celebrations for your student directly with their classroom teacher at least a week in advance.

Birthday Invitations

We understand that school is the easiest place to distribute birthday invitations; however, doing so can cause many hurt feelings which disrupt the learning environment. Please have students pass out any party invitations after school is dismissed.

There are certain basic rules that students will be expected to follow when they are in the lunchroom. 

• You must get your jacket before you come to lunch. You will not be permitted to be in the halls or go to your classroom until the lunch period is over. 
• All food must be eaten in the lunchroom unless otherwise approved. 
• When you are finished eating, you are expected to leave the table and surrounding area clean for the next person. This includes the floor and table. 
• After you have finished eating, you should talk quitely until you are dismissed. 
• Remember that others are in class. Please stay away from the building and classroom windows during recess. 
• If you have been assigned lunch detention by a teacher, you must have a pass from the teacher to leave the lunchroom. 
• Should a student cause a disturbance in the cafeteria or be found in the halls without a required pass, the student may be put on a clean-up work crew or some other similar activity. Constant misconduct may result in loss of the privilege of using the cafeteria.

The district’s policy on student cell phones and other personal technology devices (PTDs) is as follows:

• PTDs must be in the “off” or “silent” position and stored out of sight at all times during the school day, including lunch and recess.
• In non-academic settings outside the school day, including before or after school activities or on school transportation, PTDs may be used in “silent mode” provided the use of the PTD, as determined by the supervising staff member or bus driver, in no way disrupts, poses a safety concern or otherwise violates the District’s Student Code of Conduct.
• Students with an IEP/504 plan/health care plan are permitted to have access to their cell phone or other PTD in accordance with their plan.

District Policy 5030 defines the term “Personal Technology Devices” to include any privately-owned portable technology device, including but not limited to cell phones and wearable technology such as smart watches, smart glasses, wireless earbuds, and wireless headphones.

The school is not responsible for any lost, stolen or destroyed PTDs on school property or at a school-sponsored activity away from campus. School administration, teachers, or staff will not investigate incidents.

Students who violate the district’s policy on student use of cell phones and other personal technology devices may be disciplined in accordance with District Policy.

A summary of commonly requested information is available on the District’s website. For the most complete information, please refer to the latest version of each District policy (if applicable), available here. 

“Commonly requested” information includes topics such as:

• complaints or grievances
• consolidated billing
• service animals on District property
• student transportation
• video and audio monitoring
• visitors to schools

Connect with your school and teachers.

The free Adams 12 Five Star Schools mobile app makes it easier than ever to stay connected with your school community. Get the latest school and district news, event updates, student highlights, and important alerts—all in one place. Learn more.

The Adams 12 App newsletter will be sent out on Fridays and will have information regarding important dates and events. Please consult this before calling the front office.

All teachers will be using the Adams 12 App to communicate directly with families regularly or provide announcements that apply to the whole class.

Download the app:

Telephone Usage

Students will be allowed to use the phone only in the following situations:

• When requested by their teacher
• When requested by an administrator
• When requested by the health aide, nurse, or office staff

School office staff will only deliver emergency messages to students. Please assist us by making arrangements for after-school pick-up and daycare prior to your child leaving for school in the morning. Response to parent phone calls/emails will be made within one business day.

Communication with your student's teacher

Although teachers have telephones located in their classrooms, the ringers are turned off during instructional time. If you want to reach your child's teacher, you may do the following:

• The most efficient way to communicate with teachers is through the Adams 12 App or email. You may expect to hear back from them within one business day.
• You may call the classroom teacher and leave a voicemail.
• You may call the office, and they will deliver messages to your student's teacher at the end of the day.
• You may call the classroom teacher before or after school.

Field trips to nearby points of interest may be scheduled by various classroom teachers throughout the school year. These trips are designed to supplement different aspects of the classroom curriculum and to introduce students to resources within the community. Parents will receive notice of scheduled field trips well in advance.

Parents must sign a permission form for all field trips. Students without a permission slip will not be allowed to accompany their class on the field trip.

Participation in these activities is a privilege and is based on:

• Attendance
• Behavior
• Classwork
• If a student is not performing their responsibilities in these areas consistently, they may not be allowed to attend field trips. These expectations will be communicated clearly to families ahead of time. Furthermore, if an issue arises, the classroom teacher and administration will communicate concerns to families.

Free and Reduced Benefits help families and their schools.

Here's How:

• Boosts School Funding: Schools receive additional funding from the state to enhance the educational experience for all students. Your child's school can receive more than $1,100 per qualifying student, directly enhancing the educational experience for all.

• Reduces School Fees: Families can receive 50% off select fees or not have to pay them at all. These include athletic fees, course fees, and activity and field trip fees tied to the curriculum. See the Fees Schedule
• Supports High Schoolers: High school students can receive discounts and/or tuition-relief when preparing for their future; which may include course fees, post-graduation planning, scholarships, state and national testing (including SAT, ACT, AP and IB), and post-secondary enrollment.

• Access to Community Resources: Families can qualify for additional resources, such as medical, food and cash assistance, and discounted services like internet

Families must reapply for free and reduced benefits every new school year.

Learn more & apply today!

Indoor recess will be called if:

• snow, rain or sleet is falling
• temperature with the wind chill is 20 degrees or less
• playground conditions are poor (mud, snow or standing water)

Students must be prepared for all types of weather. They should bring warm coats, gloves or mittens, hats, weatherproof footwear and an extra pair of shoes for PE.

If your child misplaces an item, we encourage you to look in the lost and found by the main office. Often it is difficult to identify what they have lost. Please label coats, jackets, mittens, etc.

Remaining articles are donated to a local charity several times a year.

We highly discourage students from bringing valuables and toys to school. Items having value for one individual usually have an attractive appeal for others and unfortunately sometimes disappear. The school cannot be responsible for these items. Teachers may have a special celebration which allows students to bring in a favorite game, stuffed animal, etc. but please remember, at no time is it appropriate for students to bring toy guns, toy knives, or toy weapons of any kind.

All students enrolled in Adams 12 Five Star Schools can receive a FREE breakfast and lunch. Additional items such as snacks, beverages, and extra servings of our healthy entrée and side items are available for purchase a la carte.

Access menus and/or add funds for a la carte items:

SchoolCafe Family Hub

For more information about dietary needs, wellness policy and more, visit Nutrition Services.

There are many opportunities for parents to be involved in their students' education here at McElwain.  

Volunteer Opportunities 

You can volunteer during school hours, special events and even from home.  Please contact Jesus Borunda Juarez and/or Halima Saddiqi if you are interested in volunteering at McElwain.

FEC (Family Engagement Committee)

The mission of this group is: “To create a space where teachers, parents, and staff can meaningfully collaborate to help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”

Meetings for all parents are held 4 times a year from 2:45-3:45 p.m.  If you are interested in serving in a leadership capacity on this team please contact Jesus Borunda Juarez at Jesus.R.BorundaJuarez@adams12.org or (720) 972-5515. 

Community Coffee and Tea

This is an informal opportunity for parents and the community to meet with the principal for important school-wide updates and ask questions. Spanish, Dari and Pashto translation will be provided at the coffee and tea. Meetings will be held at regular intervals throughout the year.  

In an effort to keep our school feeling safe for all students and families and in accordance with District Policy 1220, only service animals and therapy dogs are permitted on school property. District policy requires prior authorization from the principal to have a therapy dog on school property. We ask that all other pets remain off school grounds during school hours. We appreciate your cooperation with this request.

Students will be provided opportunities to engage in physical education (P.E.) classes. If a student is unable to participate in P.E., the student must present to the principal or principal’s designee a statement from a licensed health care practitioner stating the reason for the student’s inability to participate. A licensed health care practitioner means a physician (MD, DO), nurse practitioner or physician assistant who has prescriptive authority and is licensed to practice in Colorado.

Your child’s progress will be reported at individual parent conferences at least twice a year. Academic progress can also be found via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

In our ongoing efforts to provide the safest and most secure environment for our students, an additional security measure has been installed, which requires the following safety measures.

• ALL exterior doors will be locked at all times.
• Please do not open the door or hold the door open for others.
• In order to enter the building, you will need to press the button located to the right of the main doors.
• An office member will release the doors, allowing access to the building.
• Once entering the building, ALL visitors must check in at the office, show ID, and obtain a visitor pass.
• If you would like to wait with your child before school or wait for your child after school, you will need to wait outside.

Your child’s safety is of utmost importance to us. It is imperative that students are dropped off no earlier than 7:35 a.m. and picked up at 2:35 p.m. Adult supervision is only available starting at 7:35 a.m. and for 10 minutes after 2:35 p.m. If you arrive after 7:50 a.m., you are considered tardy.

Please help us keep students safe:

• Always use sidewalks and crosswalks.
• Drop off and pick up of students is along the curb only, so they don’t have to cross traffic other than at the crosswalk. The Hug and Go lane is located on the south side of the school.
• Avoid picking up or dropping off students in the parking lots.
• Avoid parking within 15 feet of school crosswalks.
• Parents should encourage children to adhere to all safety rules established for pedestrians. This emphasis on safety is also a concern of the school’s staff, and is an important part of the instructional program.
• Students are expected to go directly to and from school. They are to respect the rights and property of all people in the neighborhood.

Departure Procedures 

Students being picked up at school:

Your student should know the plan for pick up each day. If someone is responsible for picking them up, they need to be on school grounds no later than 2:35 p.m. at the designated pick-up location.

If families need to make alternative arrangements for pick-up, those should be done ahead of time. If it is prior to the end of the school day, make sure to bring your driver's license to pick up your child. Anyone other than the designated parent/guardian must be listed on a Student Authorization Pick Up Form and bring their driver's license to pick up your child. 

Students may only exit via their designated doors. Grade levels will communicate this to students and parents. Students in PEAK or extracurricular activities must directly report to PEAK or the extracurricular activities. Staff will assist K-2 students. Students and parents are not able to re-enter the building.

Students taking the bus:

Students taking a bus must line up at the appropriate sign and stay by the sign. Staff are present to assist and ensure safety. Parents must communicate with the main office if their child is/isn’t taking a specific bus.

There are a variety of ways for McElwain students to engage outside of the classroom.  Clubs that have been sponsored in the past have included:

• Girls on the Run
• Student Council 
• Intramural Sports
• Yoga Club
• Jewelry Club
• Game Club 
• Multicultural Club
• Yearbook Club

Clubs meet after school, and no transportation is provided. Students who are interested in joining an after-school club must return a signed permission slip. More information about future clubs and intramurals will be available in the weekly newsletter.

A summary of the Student Code of Conduct for Adams 12 Five Star Schools is available on the District’s website. For complete information, please refer to the latest version of each District policy, available here. 

This summary includes information such as:

• student conduct
• student attendance
• cell phones and personal electronics
• District technology and Internet usage
• student dress code
• bullying and harassment

Information about student health and wellness, including immunizations, health screenings, and when to keep your child home from school, is available on the District’s website. Too sick for school?

District Policy 1200 requires that all parents and visitors must present a drivers license/I.D. at the front desk and sign in at the office upon entering the building. Your license will be scanned through our Raptor system and a visitor’s badge/sticker will be provided. You will be asked to wear a visitor’s badge/sticker at all times.

If you would like to spend time with a teacher, please call and make arrangements prior to visiting. Also, if anyone other than a parent or legal guardian will be visiting the school (such as a grandparent coming for lunch) you must call the office ahead of time to let us know.

In the event of bad weather, Adams 12 Five Star Schools uses a variety of resources to determine if conditions exist that warrant a 1-hour delayed start or closure of schools. Information is available on local television stations. Please listen for announcements concerning Adams 12 Five Star Schools. Information on closures may also be obtained by calling the District information number at 720-972-4000 or check the District website. Delayed start is 8:50 am and ending times remain the same. Please note that school is rarely canceled.

Every effort will be made to announce a decision by 5:30 a.m. to close or delay opening schools. 

Alerts are ONLY sent if schools are closed or operating on a 1-hour delay. If schools are operating on a normal schedule you will not receive an alert.

Learn more about the district’s 1-Hour Delay and School Closure process.