25-26 Student Handbook

Our mission is . . .

To inspire excellence in every student, every day.

Sky Vista is focused on high behavioral and academic expectations. This mission cannot be accomplished without your commitment. We expect each and every student to enter the building each day ready to learn.

Sky Vista is a special place. Our expectations are built on the foundation of our four Cornerstones:

Respect -Treat others as you would want to be treated

Honor - Live up to being your best and seeing the best in others

Safety - Keep our school safe, mentally and physically

Excellence - Do your personal best every day; go above and beyond

You will be enrolled in five core subjects. Those classes are Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science and Extended Core/ACC/Lab. In addition, each student will take two elective classes to supplement the core curriculum and will participate in Cornerstones. Elective classes include Spanish, Physical Education, Health, Choir, Band, Technology, Engineering, Drama and Art classes.

The structure of the school day will vary by grade level.

time into reasonable chunks to give your mind a stretch break.

· If you are feeling overwhelmed by your homework on a consistent basis, let your teachers know

Our school day begins at 8:50 a.m. and ends at 3:45 p.m. Students will be allowed to enter the building at 8:00 a.m. to have breakfast, study, or visit with friends in the cafeteria. If you are involved in a before school activity, you must have a pass to access any other part of the building.
After school activities, sports and academic support are available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Students involved in any of these activities are expected to be in their activity location by 3:55 p.m. Late buses leave at 4:45 p.m. Students need to be participating in an activity and supervised to stay afterschool.

Our academic calendar is divided into 2 semesters, with each semester consisting of two 9-week quarters. To help you keep track of your academic standing, you should make it a practice to review PowerSchool. This resource is great to use to know what work needs to be completed and your rating of your work. We will send end of the year report cards via email to parent accounts.

To show you are ready to learn, teachers will assign schoolwork to you based on the content. It may be necessary to extend the learning and have homework or need time at home to finish schoolwork. To get the most value from these experiences, it is essential that all work is completed consistently and turned in on time.
Tips:
• Set up a regular time and place for homework.
• Choose a well-lit area with all the supplies you will need regularly for homework.
• Make sure you have enough space to study and do projects.
• Study the most difficult assignments first, when your mind is the most alert.
• Break large projects into manageable tasks to keep from getting overwhelmed.
• Make sure that everything you do reflects your best effort.
• If you have a lot of homework, break your time into reasonable chunks to give your mind a stretch break.
• If you are feeling overwhelmed by your homework on a consistent basis, let your teachers know.

Backpacks are a great resource to bring items to and from school each day. You will be able to request a locker to use but it is not required. Keep your backpack organized with your supplies to set yourself up for success. You are responsible for what is in your backpack and keeping track of all your items. Valuable personal items should be carefully considered if it is necessary to bring to school.

Students will be assigned a district issued laptop to be used at school and at home. Students will be expected to show up each day with their laptop charged and ready for use.

While it is not recommended that students bring electronic communication devices (ECD’s) to school, if you choose to do so you are expected to use them ethically and responsibly. Personal ECD’s that have academic applications may be used in class at the sole discretion of the teacher. No electronic devices are to be used in school locker rooms or restrooms at any time. Students are responsible for the safekeeping of their ECD’s. Sky Vista is not responsible for loss or theft of any personal electronic item.

 

Students may access the district’s wireless network at school using their own personal ECD’s. This permission in no way obligates parents to provide ECD’s for their students. Access to the district wireless network is allowed for applications and activities of an academic nature. Students are responsible and accountable for their own machines. Sky Vista does not assume responsibility for laptops that become damaged, misplaced or stolen. Sky Vista is not able to provide technical support or ECD repair beyond connectivity.

nternet access will go through the Cherry Creek School District filter that is designed to block sites that are inappropriate for the educational environment. Students are expected to follow and adhere to all Cherry Creek School District and school policies regarding acceptable use. Appropriate use of technology is defined by policy JICJ and JS. Inappropriate use of ECD’s may result in consequences according to district policy. These policies are located on the District’s website.

CCSD Middle Schools promote a positive dress code where students are encouraged to wear clothing that is comfortable and appropriate for an educational environment. A common dress code cultivates a safe and disciplined learning environment, which is essential to a quality educational program.

CCSD Policy JICAB on student attire is intended to help students concentrate on schoolwork, reduce discipline problems, and promote school order and safety. It is designed to ensure that all students are treated equitably regardless of race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body type/size. Clothing, accessories, paraphernalia, or body adornments may not:

· Be profane, obscene, lewd, suggestive, libelous, or vulgar

· Denote gang involvement

· Promote the use of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, or weapons

· Intimidate or threaten any individual or group

· Expose certain body parts (i.e. genitals, buttocks, midriffs, and breasts)

· Disrupt the learning environment

· Promote any activity prohibited by the student code of conduct

Additional Clothing Guidelines include:

· Clothing shall be sufficient to conceal all undergarments at all times (undergarments are any garments that are under the exterior layer of clothing).

· Shoes must be worn at all times; slippers are not to be worn at school.

· Pajama sets are not to be worn at school.

· Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon may not be worn at school.

· Any costume items that obscure the face or ears may not be worn at school.

If clothing or accessories are inappropriate, disruptive, or outside the expectations, students will be asked to change; parents will be contacted and/or other disciplinary consequences may take place

You will use library materials at some time during the year. Books checked out to you are your responsibility. We will ask you to pay for books damaged or lost. Students can access instructional materials and equipment in the library. Our Librarian will assist you with your class needs.

Attendance Line

When you are absent from school, your parent/guardian should call the Attendance line 720-886-4705 and listen to the attendance prompt prior to 7:55 a.m. on the day of the absence. Please be prepared to give the following information: the date, student’s name, grade of student, the reason for the absence or tardy, and the length of absence if known.

Make-up Work

You are expected to complete work assigned while you were absent. You will have two days for each day of absence to complete work assigned while you were gone. It is your responsibility to see your teachers to find out what you missed and what was assigned while you absent.

Early Dismissal

If you need to be dismissed early from school parents need to call the attendance office or you must bring a parent-signed note to the Attendance office prior to the absence. The note must include your name, date, duration and reason for the absence. You will be issued a pass to leave class at the appropriate time to meet your parent at the Security office.

 

Tardies

Students are expected to arrive on time to each class and with all appropriate class materials. If you are not, you will receive a consequence from your teachers and when tardies are excessive, you will be referred to the Dean.

 

Truancy

If you are absent without consent, your absence is unexcused. Your Dean will meet with you and take appropriate actions including but not limited to detention, suspension, referral to the District Student Attendance Review Board or Truancy Court. You are truant if you do the following:

· Leave school without signing out at the Attendance Office.

· Leave school at lunch without a pass.

· Are absent from school without prior permission from your parent.

· Are absent from class without permission.

· Obtain a pass to go to a certain place and do not report there.

· Become ill and go home or stay in the restroom instead of reporting to the nurse’s office.

· Come to school but do not attend class.

Safety for all students is our primary concern. The privilege of using the transportation services of Cherry Creek School District is provided if you live beyond one and one-half miles from the school. If you are uncertain about whether you are eligible for bus transportation, or have questions about bus rules or disciplinary procedures, please call the district transportation department at 720-886-4109.

 

Students are asked to follow all school rules and specific transportation rules in order to maintain the privilege of riding the bus. Parents also will be asked to sign a document explaining the expectations of the transportation system and the consequences of failing to do so. All students must have a valid RFID card in order to ride the school bus.

 

Activity Buses

An Activity bus will be provided for those of you who are assigned transportation and are staying after school for a club activity, sport, or an appointment with a teacher. Students must be present in one of these events in order to ride the bus. Buses will leave Sky Vista at 4:45 p.m.

 

Cherry Creek School District Bus Rules

1. Follow the bus driver’s directions the first time they are given.

2. Be in your seat whenever the bus door is closed.

3. Keep hands, feet, books, and objects to yourself.

4. No fighting.

5. No weapons or facsimiles of any kind.

6. No swearing, rude gestures, cruel teasing, or put-downs.

7. Use classroom voices on the bus.

8. Do not throw anything off the bus or have any part of you outside the bus.

9. Do not smoke, chew tobacco, eat or drink while on the bus.

10. Do not bring anything alive or dangerous (i.e., glass containers, sharp objects,) onto the bus.

11. No skateboards, roller blades or scooters allowed on the bus.

 

Note: Bus stops are considered part of the school grounds; therefore, all school rules apply while waiting at the bus stop.

 

OTHER TRANSPORTATION

Parent-Drop Off

Parents may drop off students in the drop-off lane on the North or South side of the building.

 

Bicycles

You may ride your bike to school. You are encouraged to wear a helmet and to ride safely and in a courteous manner. Please walk your bike on school grounds. Once at school, bikes are to be locked in the bike rack area. You must provide your own lock. The school assumes no responsibility for any bicycle stolen or damaged.

Skateboards, Roller blades & Scooters

Skateboards, roller blades and scooters may be ridden to school but must be left in your locker or designated area during the school day. Please carry your skateboard on school grounds. The school assumes no responsibility for any skateboard stolen or damaged or injuries that result from your choice to ride your skateboard to school. You may not bring skateboards onto school buses unless the board is in a manufactured board bag.

Lunchtime is a great time for you to visit with friends. Daily lunches and breakfast are provided for all students. Your student ID will need to be scanned to purchase items from your account. You may also pay for additional lunch items and snacks using cash.

We do not allow outside deliveries (DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc) for student lunches. Parents/Guardians can deliver lunch for students that are from home or a restaurant.

When students are done eating lunch and have cleaned up their area, they may go outside to play, stay in the cafeteria and socialize or visit the media center; however, students should not go into the academic halls during lunch times as other classes are in session.

Students at Sky Vista Middle School have many opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities. They are encouraged to become part of the many activities and athletic teams that are available throughout the school year.

Athletics

Mascot:Nighthawks

Colors: Maroon and Silver

You will compete against other CCSD Middle Schools at your own grade level and with similar athletic ability. At the middle school level, there is a “no cut” policy, which means that every participant who attends practice regularly and demonstrates positive sportsmanship will play.

Participation on any team requires an emergency and insurance form signed by your parent/guardian and a permission form. In addition, there will be a fee to participate in each sport. Announcements will be made during the year regarding times and dates for each sport. Sky Vista will be offering the following sports:

 

Sport Grade

Coed Track All grades= $60

Aug.-Sept

Boys' Basketball 6th & 7th=$30 8th=$60

Oct.-Dec

Girls’ Basketball 6th & 7th=$30 8th=$60

Dec-Feb

Coed Wrestling All grades= $60

Feb.-Mar

Girls' Volleyball 6th & 7th=$30 8th=$60

Apr-May

Clubs

Club activities are an important part of Sky Vista’s overall school program. All of our activities support the middle school curriculum and allow students a chance to develop skills in the areas leadership and academics. Please visit our website to learn what clubs are offered this year.

Other clubs will be developed according to student and faculty interest.

To participate in any of these clubs, watch the student announcements for meeting times and sponsor information. While clubs do not require a participation fee, some activities may ask for a materials fee.

Illness and Accidents
A registered nurse is on duty during the school day. Our clinic is located off the main hallway on the first floor. Unless it is an emergency, you will need a pass from your teacher to be admitted to the clinic. The nurse will evaluate the nature of your problem and assist in contacting your parent for transportation if necessary.

Medication
Prescription medication may only be taken at school if it is brought to the clinic in its original container, accompanied by a “Permission to Administer Medication at School” form. This form is available in the clinic, and must be signed by the student’s physician and parent/guardian. If your child needs an occasional over the counter (OTC) medication such as Tylenol, please complete the medication parent form on my.cherrycreekschools.org. According to School Board Policy, verbal permission will not be accepted as authorization to administer medication to the student.

Inhalers
Students with asthma, severe allergies or other conditions requiring the personal possession and use of an inhaler must complete an Asthma Health Management Agreement and file it with the clinic.

Colognes/Perfumes/Body Sprays
Aerosol sprays and pump sprays may create health risks for students and staff and may not be brought to school. This includes, but may not be limited to, colognes, perfumes, body sprays, hair spray, breath spray and spray or pump deodorants.

School Immunization Law (JKD-1-E #9)
Colorado School Immunization Law requires that all students must be in compliance to attend school. A certificate of immunization from a physician or the department of public health must state that your child has received immunization against communicable diseases as specified by the state board of health. If a medical exception is required, it must be signed and dated by a physician. If a personal or religious exception is selected, a form must be signed and dated by a parent or guardian.

The nurse can be reached at 720-886-4822.

Counselors and Deans

Our Counselors and Deans are here to help you with your day. The Counselor Office is located upstairs. If you need to see a Counselor, you can sign up by scanning the QR code. The Deans Office is by the Main Office. If you need Deans or Counselors, be sure to check in with your teacher to receive a pass to come to the office.

Locks and Lockers (JIH)

Lockers are optional for students. When all required forms have been completed and turned in, you will be issued a small locker for the storage of books and equipment. It will be equipped with a combination lock. Please keep your lock combination confidential. Do not give it out to your friends. Students may not put personal locks on lockers. Any non-school issued locks will be removed. Board of Education Policy JIH clearly defines student lockers as school property subject to school official searches. Therefore, school authorities may search your locker at any time. Random locker checks are held periodically and may be conducted with the assistance of the Arapahoe County Canine Unit.

Lost and Found

If you find lost or misplaced articles, please turn them into the security office. Do not keep items belonging to someone else. Lost articles will be given to charity if not claimed by the end of each semester. The school and district are not responsible for the loss of personal property brought to school. The staff at Sky Vista encourages you to leave valuables at home.

PTCO

The Parent-Teacher Community Organization is an excellent parent group, formed to support and aid the positive growth of Sky Vista Middle School, and promote effective communications and understanding between the school, home, and community. Parent participation is greatly needed and encouraged. PTCO supports school activities, donates funds to promote the educational environment, and provides “people power” for many worthwhile programs. The school store is managed by PTCO volunteers who donate their time to provide a service to students.

Schedule Changes

Schedule changes are made to support the academic needs of students and only where space in a class permits. If your schedule needs to be changed, you should make an appointment with your counselor. Your parents, teacher and counselor must agree to your schedule change and the Principal must approve. Change requests may only be made during the first week of each semester.

School Closure and Storm Delays

The Cherry Creek School District administration will announce cancellation or delayed schedule of all schools via ConnectEd message, tv stations, social media sites and/or radio stations. On delayed schedule, bus schedules will be changed as follows. Morning buses will run approximately 90 minutes later than usual. Activity buses will not run on days of inclement weather. School delays or cancellations will be announced as Cherry Creek School District #5. You may also receive a Connect Ed message from the district. You may also call the snow line at 720-554-4703 or visit the district website at www.cherrycreekschools.org

Student I.D. Cards

You will be issued a student I.D. card. I.D. cards will be required for purchasing lunch, riding a school bus, and checking out library books. It is a good idea to take a picture of your I.D. if you have a phone so you have access to the bar code. If you lose your student I.D., you must purchase another from the bookkeeper and obtain it from security. The cost for a replacement I.D. is $5.00.

Videos

To assist in our safety measures, the building is monitored by video surveillance equipment 24 hours a day. Information on the video recording may be used to assist in resolving disciplinary situations and may be shared with law enforcement agencies when necessary.

Visitors to Sky Vista

Parents are encouraged to visit the building and classrooms. Due to security concerns, parents will be asked to sign-in at the Security Office. Please be mindful that classroom visits are not intended to be conferences and observations. You may set up an appointment to meet with a teacher or team at any time. We are not able to accommodate student visits from other schools.

If your behavior is contrary to these expectations or against school/district policy, you will be subject to disciplinary action. These disciplinary actions may include the loss of certain privileges, detention (in-school, after-school, lunch), out-of-school suspension, and expulsion. In situations where you face one of these disciplinary actions, you have a right to due process.

 

Due process means that each student has several rights when faced with disciplinary action. First of all, you have the right to make a written statement concerning an event that has taken place. This statement is most often written on an "Incident Report" form. You have the right to contact your parents or guardians. Your side of any situation will be heard fairly by your Dean and any decisions reached may be appealed. Special Education students have additional rights as stipulated by their Individual Educational Plan.

 

Detention/In-School Suspension

A teacher or Dean may assign after school or lunch detention. If it is assigned by your teacher, it is important for you to ask where you are to meet for that detention, and what materials, books, etc.; you will need during the detention time. When your Dean assigns a detention, you will report to the Dean’s Office and be instructed where to go. After School detention is held from 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. During your detention you are expected to sit quietly and complete homework the entire time. Students will be closely monitored and expected to work on homework or read a book.

Students in In-school detention may not participate in extra-curricular activities for the days they are serving detention. The teacher or Dean may assign lunch detention. Failure to attend your detention will result in additional detentions or other consequences.

Suspension – Out of School

Suspension out of school requires that students are not permitted to be on campus during the term of their suspension. Out of school suspension always requires parental notification, parent pick-up, and a re-entry conference with the student, parent, Dean, and Special Education case manager (if applicable). Students may not be on any school property or attend school sponsored events while suspended.

Additional Consequences

Students may be given consequences as alternatives to suspension. Alternatives to suspension may include Extended After School Detention or loss of privileges. These consequences are designed to minimize time lost from school.

 

Police Contact

Sky Vista Middle School works closely with local authorities to maintain a safe and secure learning environment. The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Department regularly assigns a school resource officer (SRO) to assist the staff with legal issues, complaints, questions and concerns. Students who violate local, state or federal laws are subject to police contact.

 

Safe2Tell Hotline

Anonymously report anything that concerns or threatens you, your friends, your family or your community.

 

Safe2Tell Colorado Provides:

· An anonymous way for students, parents, school staff and community members to report concerns regarding their safety or the safety of others.

· Resources and materials for schools and communities to educate and promote the Safe2Tell Colorado initiative.

· Technical assistance to schools and communities before and after tragic events.

· Expertise in creating safer schools and communities through prevention and early intervention.

· Education, awareness and outreach to encourage reporting and breaking the code of silence.

 

Call 1-877-542-7233 (SAFE)

or make an anonymous report at www.safe2tell.org.

 

Colorado Crisis Services 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255

Cherry Creek School District No. 5 (“District”) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability in admission to its programs, services, or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of their operations. Sky Vista Middle School does not discriminate in enrollment or access to any of its available programs. The lack of English language skills shall not be a barrier to admission or participation in District activities and programs. The District also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.

This notice is provided as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of

1990. Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding these laws may be forwarded to the designated compliance coordinator, Ms. Kathy Vining, District Compliance Officer, Educational Services Center, 4700 S. Yosemite St., Greenwood Village, CO 80111, telephone (720) 554-4471, or directly to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Region VIII, Federal Office Building, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO.