

BUE Family Newsletter
February 2024
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Come be a substitute at BUE
Come Substitute at Bea Underwood Elementary School
Dear Parents,
Colorado has been experiencing a teacher shortage since 2010. Substitute teachers are also very limited.
Substituting is a great fit for retirees, college students, part-time workers, stay-at home parents, and those with flexible schedules.
Here are some quick facts:
- Substitute teaching is very rewarding. You get to work with great kids, see how our school works, and get a better understanding of what our students are learning and why.
- It provides you the opportunity to set your own schedule and have a great amount of flexibility. It can fit in your schedule as it works best for you and you get to determine the days you work. You can even use it to supplement another job.
- You can easily sub as many or as few days a week as you would like. You can earn a steady paycheck or several hundred dollars here or there.
- You will make a difference in students’ lives and in our school.
- You’ll have fun! Substitute teaching is really an adventure. The variety found in the day, fast pace, and meeting new colleagues and students, are all a recipe for an exciting day.
Pay
- Certified substitute teachers make $130 / day in Garfield 16. (this is subbing for a teacher)
- Classified substitute teachers make $15 / hours in Garfield 16. (this is subbing for a paraprofessional, custodian, food service, etc).
If you do a little math, subbing for a teacher can really add up:
- Working only 2 days a week could earn you over $1000/month ($130x2 = $260 x 4 weeks a month = $1040).
Visit the Step Into Substitute Teaching webpage for additional information about how you can earn money, influence lives and make a difference!
Here is a link to CDE's website on how to apply to become a substitute teacher. LINK
Most people will want to apply for a 1 year authorization.
There are 3 steps:
- Submit Fingerprints
- Complete a substitute teaching application Click to Apply
- Contact Garfield 16 to apply to sub in our district Link to Garfield 16 Application
Please Help your children dress for cold weather.
Guidance on preparing children for cold weather
We go outside for recess, even on cold/snowy days.
Please ensure your child has adequate clothing so they are comfortable when they play outside. If you are in need of coat, hat, gloves, snow pants, boots, etc - please reach out to the BUE Office and we can help you.
According to the National Weather Service, “parents should take the time to learn about the weather conditions they send their kids into every morning and afternoon, whether they are bus riders or walkers. Parents should also teach their children a plan if a child is stranded in inclement winter weather. If a child drives, be sure that there is a winter driving kit in their child’s vehicle. Parents need to be aware that school includes outdoor recess time every day as part of their elementary child’s development, and having appropriate clothing for the day is important. All schools have resources for families who may be financially challenged at purchasing appropriate weather clothing for their kids. Having appropriate clothing before, during, and after school is necessary for a child’s safety and comfort.”
This is great advice, so please take it into consideration when planning for this upcoming winter season.
Snow Day Procedures
As we face the winter months, these are the school closing and two-hour delay procedures. School closing, delay, and cancelation decisions are made based on the weather and road conditions in the Garfield 16 area and neighboring areas.
School Closing/Snow Day
If there is inclement weather, the District will decide to close school by 5:15 a.m., based on the conditions at 5:00 a.m.. Parents will be notified by 6:00 a.m. if there is a snow day or delayed start.
After School Activities for a School Closing/Snow Day
All after school activities will be evaluated throughout the day if the District is closed for weather or weather conditions become hazardous during the day. The District will notify staff, students, and families of after school activities cancellations by 1:00 p.m.
Two-Hour Delay
A two-hour delay will be used when the road conditions are not suitable for travel at 5:00 a.m., but are expected to improve throughout the day. The District will decide to call a delayed start by 5:15 a.m.. This will allow snow plows additional time to clear the roads. On a two-hour delayed schedule, buses will begin their routes two hours late, and all classes will begin two hours late.
Schools will operate on a modified schedule. Start times will simply be pushed back by two hours. Students will have breakfast and lunch. Students will be dismissed at the regular time.
In the event that the District has a two-hour delay and the road conditions do not improve, the District may decide to close schools for the day. The District will make this decision by 7:30 a.m. based on the conditions at 7:15 a.m.
AM Cardinal Club will be canceled on a two-hour delay day. PM Cardinal Club will continue as scheduled on a two-hour delay day.
Early Dismissal
In the event that weather conditions start or worsen once students are in school, the decision to have an early dismissal will be made by 10:00 a.m.
All after school activities will be canceled.
AM Cardinal Club will continue as scheduled on an early dismissal day. PM Cardinal Club will be canceled on an early dismissal day.
Communication
All families will be notified of a school closing through the district messaging system, media outlets, and social media as soon as possible.
Please be sure that your contact information is current by checking in with the secretaries at your child's school so that in the event of school closures, Garfield 16 is able to contact you.
Alternatively, you can login to your Infinite Campus account to ensure your contact information is correct.
Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day
We invite you to join us on Wednesday, February 14th, from 2:15-3:15 p.m. to celebrate Valentine's Day! Most classrooms will have simple treats, a craft time, and may or may not watch a movie while they craft. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student’s teacher.
If you would like to bring treats for the class, we ask that all goodies are store purchased, individually wrapped and prepackaged for individual use. Please reach out to your student’s teacher for more information.
Tuesday Folders
Please always check backpacks for communication in the Tuesday Folder.
Please also check for homework!
Make sure to send Tuesday Folders back to school the following day.
Important Dates
Important Dates
Important Note: BUE will complete a Fire Drill and Safety Lock Down each month. We do not post dates and times of drills for safety reasons.
January
4th Grade Annual Ecology Trips (Jan 24, 26, 31)
Ski Lessons at Powderhorn (4th and 5th Grade Students)
February
4th Grade Annual Ecology Trips (2/2)
Jump Rope for Heart Challenge (month long event)
Global School Play Day (2/7)
Valentines Day Parties (2/14) @ 2:15
Parent Information Night for 5th Grade Camping Trip (TBD)
March
Dr. Seuss Read Across America Morning Family Events March 5-8
Family Art Night (3/8)
Lip Sync Battle (3/15/24)
Spring Break (3/16- 3/25)
Choir & K-Kids starts back up
3rd Grade Field Work (TBD)
School Hours
SCHOOL HOURS
We are a four (4) day school week
Tuesdays to Friday
1st Morning Bell rings at 7:30 a.m.
End of Day bell rings at 3:15 p.m.
Volunteering at BUE
Come Volunteer at BUE
https://www.garfield16.org/page/volunteer-visitor-and-background-check-procedures
Bus and Breakfast/Lunch Info
BUS ROUTES
If you have any questions regarding transportation, please call the our Transportation Director, Steve Gardener, at the Transportation office (970) 285-5700 ext. 5130.
Here is a bus registration form.
Here are the updated bus routes.
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH NEWS
Our free breakfast and lunch program is a yearly grant process. Our district has qualified again for a free breakfast and lunch program for SY 2023-2024.
Breakfast Program: All students can receive breakfast free of charge. It is important that your child arrives at school on time as breakfast is served at 7:30 a.m.
Lunch Program: All students can receive lunch free of charge. If your child brings lunch from home, please make sure it does NOT need to be heated in a microwave as there are no microwaves available.
Please do not send soda pop in your child’s school lunch. We ask that you send a healthier choice such as juice, water, or milk.
Parents wishing to eat lunch with their child may do so, however to be in the school during the school day requires a background check (see the section above on school safety).
Please call the school office by 9:00am if you would like to order a hot lunch. The charge for an adult lunch is $4.25 and for a visiting child it is $2.75. Please remember that the school only accepts cash or a check for payment.
Menus can be found on our school district Nutrition Website.
Meal Prices for Visitors:
Student Lunch $2.75
Milk $0.70
Adult Lunch $4.25
Please keep in mind that menus have the potential to change A LOT depending on staffing issues, and product availability. Our Nutrition Department does their best to honor the posted menus, however they can be heavily impacted for a variety of reasons. If you ever have any questions, please call 285-5701 ext. 4180 with any questions or email jwilliams@garfield16.org
School Based Family Resource Center
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
Please do not hesitate to reach out to our School Based Family Resource Center for more information.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Claudia Flores Cruz
Center Coordinator
970-285-5262
Dress Code
BUE DRESS CODE
G16 Dress Code Policy JICA
Dressing for school in an appropriate and respectful manner is important to limit distractions, encourage kindness among classmates, and enhance school safety and sense of belonging for everyone. The following items are deemed disruptive to the classroom environment or to the maintenance of a safe and orderly school and are not acceptable in school buildings, on school grounds, or at school activities:
Shorts, dresses, skirts or other similar clothing shorter than three inches above the knee cap
Sunglasses and/or hats worn inside the building
Inappropriately sheer, tight or low-cut clothing (e.g., midriffs, halter-tops, backless clothing, tube tops, garments made of fishnet, mesh or similar material, muscle tops, etc.) that bare or expose traditionally private parts of the body including, but not limited to, the stomach, buttocks, back and breasts
Tank tops or other similar clothing with straps narrower than 1.5 inches in width
Any clothing, paraphernalia, grooming, jewelry, hair coloring, accessories, or body adornments that are or contain any advertisement, symbols, words, slogans, patches, or pictures that:
Refer to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, or weapons
Are of a sexual nature
By virtue of color, arrangement, trademark, or other attribute denote membership in gangs which advocate drug use, violence, or disruptive behavior
Are obscene, profane, vulgar, lewd, or legally libelous
Threaten the safety or welfare of any person
Promote any activity prohibited by the student code of conduct
Otherwise disrupt the teaching-learning process
Hats:
Hats may only be worn outside the building (except for special dress-up days)
Shoes:
Wheelie tennis shoes MUST have the wheels removed
Sandals are ok but you must have tennis shoes for PE
Flip flops are discouraged as they tend to get broken at school. Children trip and fall in them often getting hurt on the playground or going up and down stairs.
Students who wear inappropriate clothing will be required to change clothes (BUE keeps freshly washed options in the office) or they can call home for parents to bring a change of clothes. Please don’t allow children to wear excessive make-up, as it is a distraction in school and has resulted in students being unkind to each other.
Student Handbook
Bea Underwood Elementary School
Email: aclark@garfield16.org
Website: http://bue.garfield16.org/
Location: 0741 Tamarisk Trail, Parachute, CO 81635
Phone: 970-285-5703
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Garfield-County-School-District-No-16-216528061787894/