Student Handbook 2024-2025
GENERAL INFORMATION
Calendar Highlights 2024-2025 (Dates subject to change)
Aug.12 First Day of School
Aug.14 Back to School Night-6
Aug. 21 Back to School Night-7/8
Sept. 2 Labor Day - No School
Sept. 19 Parent/Teacher Conferences
Oct. 11 End of First Quarter
Oct. 14-18 Fall Break – No School
Oct. 30 Parent/Teacher Conferences
Nov. 1 Parent/Teacher Conferences
Nov. 27-29 Thanksgiving – No School
Dec. 20 End of Second Quarter
Dec. 23 – Jan 3 Winter Break – No School
Jan. 6 In-Service Day – No School
Jan. 20 MLK Day – No School
Jan. 23 Parent/Teacher Conferences
Feb. 17 Presidents’ Day – No School
Feb. 18 In-Service Day – No School
Mar. 5 Parent/Teacher Conferences
Mar. 6 Parent/Teacher Conferences
Mar. 7 Non-Contact Day – No School
Mar. 14 End of Third Quarter
Mar. 17-21 Spring Break – No School
May 2 In-Service Day – No School
May 23 Last Day of School – End of Fourth Quarter
Daily Time Schedules
6th Grade
8:50 - 9:17 Advisory
9:21 – 10:15 Core 1
10:19 – 11:13 Core 2
11:16 – 12:16 Lunch
12:18 – 1:00 Elective 1
1:03 – 1:45 Elective 2
1:50 - 2:48 Core 3
2:52 - 3:45 Core 4
7th Grade
8:50 - 9:43 Core 1
9:47 – 10:10 Advisory
10:13 – 11:13 Lunch
11:16 – 12:10 Core 2
12:14 – 1:13 Core 3
1:17 – 2:11 Core 4
2:16 - 2:58 Elective 1
3:03 - 3:45 Elective 2
8th Grade
8:50 - 9:32 Elective 1
9:36 - 10:18 Elective 2
10:23 - 11:22 Core 1
11:26 - 12:19 Core 2
12:22 – 1:22 Lunch
1:26 – 2:19 Core 3
2:23 – 3:16 Core 4
3:20 - 3:45 Advisory
Storm/Emergency Information
Should inclement weather or emergency situations occur, which would result in the closing of school or in an adjustment to school start or dismissal times in the Cherry Creek School District, parents will be notified via the Connect-Ed phone message system. The information will also be posted on the district web site, recorded on area hotlines, and conveyed to local radio and television stations for broadcasting.
Delayed Start
When early-morning conditions are not serious enough to close school, but are likely to cause delays, announcements will be made on radio and television stations. Additionally, parents will be notified via the Connect-Ed phone message system.
Ø Elementary Schools: Start time and morning bus pickup will be delayed 1 hour.
Ø Middle and High Schools: Start time and morning bus pickup will be delayed 90 minutes. Campus MS will begin the day at 10:20am.
School Closure
If the storm closure is in effect, all activities scheduled in district facilities will be cancelled, and in-district sports events and team practices are postponed. Host district determines postponement for out-of-district events.
Telephone Policy
Students have use of a “Student Phone” by the CMS Main Office for making calls home. Personal calls should be made during lunch and passing periods only. Office phones are used by students with permission of staff for emergency calls only. In order to encourage students to be responsible, please make arrangements with your child in advance about after-school activities.
Telephone Messages
If an emergency occurs in your family, the CMS Main Office will assist you in every way possible. In an emergency, the Main Office will deliver messages to the classroom from a parent or guardian, or call students out of class. We are unable to deliver non-emergency individual messages to students or disrupt teachers and students by paging into classrooms. Please make arrangements with your student prior to school in order to avoid disrupting the academic day.
Teachers are available during various periods of the day and before and after school for parent contact. Teacher planning time is as follows:
6th Grade 12:16 – 1:50
7th Grade 2:11 - 3:45
8th Grade 8:50 - 10:23
Electives 10:48 – 12:18
Lost and Found
The CMS Lost and Found is located in the upper cafeteria near the Security Desk. Students should inquire in the Main Office and Dean’s Office to claim any small or valuable lost items. It is helpful if student’s clothing, lunch bags, personal items and school supplies are clearly marked with their name for easy identification. Lost items not claimed within a reasonable length of time are donated to charity.
Visitor Policy
Adult and student visitors to CMS must check in at the Security Desk, present a government issued photo ID and receive a visitor’s tag.
It is our experience that visiting friends disrupt the educational process; therefore, students are not allowed to bring visitors to class.
Schedule Changes
Students are encouraged to plan their course selection carefully during course registration so that schedule changes will not be necessary. Elective classes will not be changed after the first week of each quarter of school. If a situation arises which causes parents to consider a schedule change, they need to contact their child’s counselor to discuss the issue. Requests for course changes may require teacher and administrative approvals.
Withdrawal or Transfer
If a student wishes to withdraw or transfer from CMS at any time during the school year, the parent or guardian of that student must provide written notification to the Counseling Office prior to the last day of attendance. The student will be given a checkout form to be signed by appropriate teachers and staff, indicating that all textbooks/library books have been returned and all fines and fees are settled. Student records cannot be transferred to any persons or agencies outside the school district without the proper withdrawal procedure and the written permission of the student’s parents or guardians.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance is critical to student success in school interest, social adjustment and scholastic achievement. No single factor may interfere with a student’s progress more quickly than frequent tardiness or absence, therefore, regular and punctual patterns of attendance shall be expected of each student.
According to School Board Policy JH, the following are “Excused” student absences:
1. Temporary illness or injury
2. Extended physical, mental or emotional disability
3. Attending a work-study program under the supervision of the school
4. Attending any school-sponsored activity or activities of an educational nature with advance approval by the administration
5. Observance of an established religious holiday
6. Approved absence by the building principal at the request of the parent or guardian
7. Suspension
The district may require suitable proof regarding the above exceptions, including written statements from medical sources. It is recommended that copies of a doctor’s visit be submitted to the attendance office whenever possible.
An unexcused absence is defined as an absence that is not covered by one of the aforementioned items.
Illness and Emergency Absence
On the morning that a student is absent due to illness or an emergency situation, the parent or guardian should telephone the school at 720-554-2888. Please leave a message on the recording before 10:00 a.m. If the absence continues for more than one day, parents are asked to call each morning until the student returns. Your call is important not only for the effectiveness of our attendance procedure, but for the safety and welfare of your student.
Dismissal During the School Day
If it is necessary that a student be excused during the school day, the parent/guardian must check-in at our front security desk. Once the parent/guardian is verified
with a photo ID, the student will be called down to meet the parent/guardian at the front security desk to be signed out.
For reasons of safety, students will be dismissed early only to the care of parents or guardians, and will not be dismissed from class until the parent arrives at school.
If a student returns to school after being released, she/he must check in at the security desk for a pass before going to class.
Absences from school during lunch are discouraged. Students may not leave the CMS facility for lunch with anyone other than a parent or guardian.
Prearranged Absence
Certain types of absences are commonly excused: religious instruction; religious services and holidays; surgery; and medical or dental appointments (although these should be arranged outside of school hours when possible). When a parent is planning to take the student out of school for an extended trip, please, notify your grade level Administrator prior to the desired time off.
Tardy Policy
CMS teachers expect students to attend all classes on time. This means students are to be in their seats when class is scheduled to begin. Tardiness to class is inconvenient to the teacher and other students and disruptive to the learning process. In addition, tardiness fosters poor habits that impede a student’s success in the adult working world. Any student not seated in class on time is considered tardy.
Ø After the 1st tardy, the teacher issues a warning to the student.
Ø After the 2nd tardy, the teacher calls parents.
Ø After the 3rd tardy, the teacher assigns one period of detention to be completed within two days of the assignment.
Ø After the 4th tardy, the teacher writes a referral to inform the Dean, who then proceeds with appropriate consequences, i.e., parent conference,lunch detentions, followed by after-school detentions if the problem persists.
Attendance Review Process
According to state law, “Every child who has attained the age of seven years on or before August 1 of each year and is under the age of seventeen … shall attend public school for at least one thousand fifty-six hours during each school year.” It is the parents’ responsibility to see that the child complies with this law. We ask for parental support in reinforcing attendance expectations. In the event that an excessive pattern of absences develops, a doctor’s verification of illness may be required.
Ø With the 10th excused full day of absence, 4th unexcused full day of absence, or the equivalent number of class periods, a “Care and Concern Letter” will be mailed home clarifying CMS and CCSD Attendance Policies.
Ø With the 20th excused full day of absence, 8th unexcused full day of absence, or the equivalent number of class periods, the parents will be notified that a doctor’s excuse will be required for any and all further absences from school.
Ø A conference will be scheduled with parents to discuss the student’s attendance issues and an “Attendance Improvement Plan” will be formulated.
Ø With persistent absences beyond 20, the student will receive a “Sanction Letter” from the District Law Office, a referral to the Student Attendance Review Board (SARB), or referral to Truancy Court.
A student absent without the consent of his/her parent and the school administration is considered truant.
Repeated truancy may be cause for referral to the Cherry Creek School District Student Attendance Review Board (SARB) and subsequent legal action through the truancy court process. Students are truant if they:
1. Leave school for any reason without signing out in the main office or obtain a pass. Campus Middle School is a closed campus, and once students are on school grounds, they are required to stay unless signed out by parent/guardian.
2. Are absent from school without parent and school administration permission.
3. Are absent from class without teacher permission.
4. Obtain a pass to go to a certain place and do not report there.
5. Become ill and go home without authorization or stay in the restroom instead of reporting to the nurse’s office.
6. Come to school, but do not attend classes.
STUDENT SERVICES
Locks/Lockers
Students are assigned a locker at the beginning of the year. Switching to another locker is against school rules. The lockers are school property and do not belong to any individual student. Each student is responsible for all contents of the assigned locker. The student is expected not to tell the combination to any other student or agree to share the locker without staff approval. Students need to purchase school-issued locks for their hall and gym lockers. These locks must be purchased at CMS for security reasons. Be careful when operating your lock by making sure no one is watching over your shoulder. Remember, lockers are not safes; therefore, we discourage you from storing items of value such as wallets, purses, electronics, and/or money in your locker. The school is not responsible for lost, misplaced, or stolen items. School officials may lawfully inspect any locker at any time. Restitution for damages is a consequence for locker abuse, vandalism, or theft.
At the end of a grading term students will be expected to clean out their lockers and at the end of the year all contents must be taken home
Clinic
Our school clinic is staffed with a registered nurse and/or Health Liaison. If a student becomes ill while at school, they must request a pass to come to the clinic and phone a parent.
All students who go home sick are checked out through the front security desk. When a parent/guardian arrives at the front security desk, they are to let the security guard know they are picking up their sick student and show proper identification. Parents will then be asked to sign out their student and wait at the security desk. Students waiting to be picked up should remain in the clinic; they may not wait outside the building for the parent.
Colorado law requires that every child in a Colorado school system have a certified record of immunization on file with the school. Students must comply with the immunization requirement or may be excluded from school. One dose of Tdap is required for students in 6th through 12th grade.
Colorado law requires every 7th grade student and all students new to the district to undergo vision and hearing screening. Any parent who wishes to opt out their student should contact the school clinic at the beginning of the school year.
Parents are urged to contact the nursing staff about their child with any concerns, questions, or information which will impact his/her school experience. Parents are also requested to keep their child’s emergency contact information correct and up to date.
Concussions
With our increased awareness related to concussions and the effects of concussions on students, we are careful to make sure that we respond in a timely and effective manner to help students through concussion related symptoms until they have fully recovered. It is extremely important that parents notify the school of any concussion incident. Once informed, we will put into place a Temporary Mental and Physical Support Plan for the student. This plan will be in place until a student no longer experiences concussion related symptoms (typically one to three weeks).
Medication Policy
The school nurse or delegated school personnel must administer all medication in the clinic. Certain medications (e.g., inhalers or epinephrine) may be kept in the student’s possession if arranged with the nurse and a physician completes the medical order forms. Forms are not required for cough drops. Students may carry their own cough drops.
Over-the-counter medications: Electronic parental permission is required for nonprescription medication. Medication other than acetaminophen, ibuprofen,
antihistamine, and topical ointments must be provided from home in the original manufacturer’s container with directions attached. A physician’s authorization is required for dosages that are not within the manufacturer’s directions. The exception is aspirin, because of its association with Reye’s Syndrome. Aspirin may not be administered without a physician’s authorization.
Prescription medications: Prescription medications require a physician’s authorization, as well as the pharmacy-labeled medication instructions. Label instructions must read the same as physician authorization instructions. No more than a one-month supply of the medication should be kept at school. A new form must be completed with any changes in dosage or type of medication made by the physician. New medication forms must be submitted annually and are available on the Cherry Creek School District website under the Health Services Department.
Homeopathic medication: Homeopathic medication is treated as a prescription medication. It requires both a physician’s signature and parent signature. In addition, the medication must be approved by the Cherry Creek School District Medical Advisory Board before it can be administered at school, which may take 2-4 weeks. Homeopathic medications may not be carried by students due to the fact that they are unregulated substances.
Transportation of medication to school: The safest procedure is for the parents to bring the medication directly to the nurse. The medication should not be sent with the student. In the event an adult is unable to bring the prescription to school, an arrangement can be made with the school nurse where the parent calls and notifies the nurse the day the medication is to arrive. The parent must give the name of the medication and the quantity sent. The pharmacy or original manufacturer’s container must arrive in a sealed envelope. If this procedure is not followed, the medication will be kept in the office of the nurse or principal until the parent can identify the medication and verify the quantity that was sent.
Counseling
The middle school years are characterized by physical, emotional, social, and intellectual changes. Campus Middle School counselors are available to help students with the challenges that arise with these changes. Counselors work closely with families and other staff members in identifying and meeting student needs.
The counseling program focuses on helping students to improve self-understanding, self-discipline, problem solving, and interpersonal skills. Other components of our counseling program include testing, scheduling, college preparedness, conflict resolution, and conferences.
Counselors meet often with teachers, deans, and grade level administration to discuss academic and social/emotional needs of students.
Library
The CMS Library provides an excellent environment for focused study, research, and quiet reading. Students have a rich variety of resources available to them. Information needs are met with multiple databases in the computer lab, as well as an established collection of reference materials, books, and magazines. A truly integrated approach to library research is taught through the access and use of books and computer resources. The substantial collection should satisfy a wide range of interests and reading levels for recreational reading or research needs.
The library subscribes to many databases that provide an organized and reliable approach to research. We encourage our students to use these resources rather than browsing the Internet.
Online media center resources are available at home from our website http://www.cmslibrary.org. Passwords for these resources are available on the library website.
To maintain a proper learning environment in the library, students are expected to behave in a courteous and respectful manner. All school rules apply to the library. Students may come to the library after school when in compliance with after-school rules. The library is open most days before school at 8:00am.
Library checkout rules:
1. Students may check out up to five items.
2. Charges will be incurred for damaged or lost materials.
3. Books are checked out for two weeks.
4. Fines may be assessed for overdue items.
5. Checkout privileges may be withheld for overdue or lost materials.
6. No food or drinks are allowed in the library at any time.
As in any library environment, the respectful use and prompt return of books and materials is expected and appreciated so that all students may be given the opportunity to obtain needed materials.
Student I.D. replacement is done in the library. A $5.00 fee is charged for this service.
If you have any questions about books or online resources, please contact the library at 720-554-2728.
Student Computer and Internet Use
The Cherry Creek School District has provided all students with a computer to be used both at school and at home. Students are expected to bring their assigned computer and charger to school daily. Students will retain their assigned computers until they enter Cherry Creek High School or leave the district. Students may opt to bring a personal computer for school use. It is important to note that the Cherry Creek School District is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal computers. Students must use district-assigned computers for the school, district, or state assessments.
Students are expected to use Campus computing resources according to the NETWORKED ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES (EHC) as seen in the district Student Conduct manual.
https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/cms/lib/CO50000184/Centricity/Domain/1410/EnglishSCDG.pdf
Students who violate the agreement may be subject to consequences such as fines for vandalism or revocation of computer privileges.
Cherry Creek Schools use Active Directory for user access authentication. This means that students use their Active Directory username and password to access a wide variety of district resources, such as PowerSchool, Schoology, computers, and email. Students should not share their passwords with anyone. Students are not permitted to download applications (e.g., games, music, videos) or other non-school-related files on the district computers.
For questions about computer and Internet use at school, please contact the technology office at 720-554-2736.
ACADEMICS
Homework Policy
According to School Board Policy IKB, “It is recognized that all learning cannot be accomplished with the limited amount of time allotted for classroom instruction. Therefore, homework is routinely assigned to students in the Cherry Creek Schools.” Homework is an extension or reinforcement of the class work attempted by students at school. It is designed to enrich and reinforce the student’s learning. The work will vary from daily assignments to research papers, book reports, and special projects. The time spent at home will vary from student to student depending upon the individual’s organizational ability, work habits and aptitude for particular subjects.
Hints for success:
Ø Use an assignment notebook to write down
assignments from each class.
Ø Check your assignment notebook before going home so that you take home all the books and materials you will need.
Ø Use binders, folders, and dividers for organizing your work. Keep notes, completed assignments, quizzes, and tests in a special place at home for review at test time. Avoid stuffing assignments, handouts, or worksheets in your locker, bags, or books.
Ø Check Schoology.
Make-Up Work
Students will have a reasonable length of time to prepare and submit make-up work. One day to make up work for each excused day of absence is the general rule. Work that has been assigned prior to and due during an absence must be submitted upon return; however, students should determine or check for specific guidelines from their teachers.
Homework Request
For assignments and homework while absent, students need to check their PowerSchool and Schoology accounts and/or contact the teachers via email. On the third consecutive day of a student’s absence, a parent may request homework assignments by calling the main office at 720-554-2740.
Assignments will be compiled and left in the main office by 4:15pm. Parents need to make arrangements to have the assignments picked up. Upon their return to school, students have one extra day for each day absent to complete assignments. Please notify your student’s counselor with any information to be shared with teachers regarding your student’s needs in the event of an extended absence.
Grading Periods
First quarter ends October 11, 2024
Second quarter ends December 20, 2024
Third quarter ends March 14, 2025
Fourth quarter ends May 23, 2025
http://my.cherrycreekschools.org
Parents are required to update each child’s information at the beginning of each school year before student’s can begin the check-in process and start school. Additionally, it is the parent’s responsibility to update this information as needed throughout the year. Updates include items such as phone numbers, email addresses, emergency contacts, medications, adding persons authorized to pick-up students, etc. Should an emergency arise, this information is what is available to us in order to contact you and help your child.
PowerSchool
PowerSchool is a web-based and secure information system that provides information to school administrators, teachers, parents, and students. Parents can check their child’s attendance and grade history by logging in to PowerSchool using their unique parent user ID and password. Parents can also view the school bulletin, fee balance information (when available), and read notes and comments from teachers. Printed grade progress reports are available by request to those parents and guardians without Internet access. For PowerSchool questions and information, please contact our technology office at 720-554-2736.
Schoology
Campus Middle School teachers utilize Schoology as an extension of the classroom experience. Students sign on to Schoology to view class updates, assignments, class calendars, assessments, discussion boards, etc. Parents can also access Schoology to view what their students are currently working on in their classes. Classroom teachers will inform students and parents about accessing Schoology at the beginning of the school year. For more information about Schoology, go to this website: https://cole.cherrycreekschools.org/course/110714281/materials?f=5525107
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/teacher conferences are available for every parent during the school year. Parents are scheduled with individual teachers or teams of teachers to discuss their child’s academic progress. Parents of students who are performing well may wish to decline the invitation to participate; however, all parent requests for a conference are honored. Parents may leave a voice message or email for any teacher and request a meeting. Parents and/or teachers may also schedule conferences throughout the year as needs arise.
Grade Reports
Report cards using letter grades are issued at the end of each quarter. Approximately one week after the end of the quarter, a link will be emailed to parents with a time sensitive passcode to access the report card. Grades are also available in PowerSchool under “Grade History.”
Honor Roll
The Honor Roll recognizes students whose grade point average for the quarter is 3.5 or higher. A special designation is given to those who achieve a 4.0.
Cherry Creek High School Classes
Each year some Campus Middle School students enroll in classes at Cherry Creek High School. Please be aware that courses taken at the high school are included in the middle school grade report cards, but do not earn credit towards high school graduation.
For student safety, students attending classes at Cherry Creek High School must check in and out each day at the security desk.
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