In the Zone

Sand Creek Zone Community -

I am proud to report that all of our Sand Creek Zone schools have had a strong start to the school year. As I visit classrooms in each of our schools, I have been happy to see our staff providing quality learning opportunities and students engaged in class. This is the expectation always and I have certainly observed consistency in each of our buildings.

Thank you to all families who have made concerted efforts to ensure students are in school and on time. As stated in previous communication, attendance in school is important and regular attendance is the most important way to ensure success mastering grade level skills and being prepared for the next grade, level, or beyond. Being on time is important as well; students will always be welcomed but it can be disruptive to them and other students to arrive late. Thank you for your support to ensure students are at school and on time.

As you have all heard by now, District 49 started this school year with new and consistent cell phone protocols. It has been refreshing to visit classrooms, particularly at the secondary level, and not see cell phones and instead students engaged in learning. To this point, there have been very few instances of students not following protocols which is appreciated. Staying consistent with current expectations will ensure learning stays at the forefront all school year and cell phone distractions are not part of the classroom experience.

Later this month, all families will receive a link to our annual Family Engagement Survey. This is an important time to give our schools feedback. Please look for more information, and your specific survey link, to be sent home in late September. This survey will be released to coincide with fall Parent-Teacher conferences.

If you have not applied for free or reduced status yet, please review the information included in this newsletter to do so. This is something that has to be applied for each year. Although school lunches are free for everyone, gaining free or reduced status will eliminate or lessen other school, class, and athletic fees. There are other benefits outside of school that families who qualify can receive. Even if you don't want to take advantage or free/reduced status, your application will help our schools. Five of our six schools in the Sand Creek Zone are Title I schools and receive Federal funds to support instruction and learning. These funds are in addition to state and local funds and can be considered "free" funds to benefit our schools. The funds we receive are based on the free reduced status of families in each of our schools.

Thank you for trusting Sand Creek Zone schools,

Dustin Horras, SCZ Superintendent

Did you know the Free and Reduced Meal application covers so much more than just lunch?

Discounted School Fees: Your student could qualify for reduced or waived student fees for field trips, school supplies, class fees, athletic participation, fees associated with academic testing and transportation fees.

Home Internet Access: Both Comcast and T-Mobile offer free home internet or hot spots with qualified applications.

Additional Funding For Your School: It is important to apply so that your school could receive or continue to receive additional funding for personnel, technology, tutoring, and family resources. This funding is based on the number of students that qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch in our school! It is important for ALL families to fill out the waiver because you never know if you may qualify.

APPLY TODAY at https://payschoolscentral.com/

Instructions:

• Log in/Create Account (You will need your child's student ID Number)

• On the right side menu, click Free/Reduced Benefits Application

• Fill in your contact information then click New Application

• If your student is not listed, click Add Students

• If you see your student(s) or once your student is added, click Start Application

• You will need to know if any members of your household get any kind of assistance and know their income.

• Be sure to check the box to include Transportation and for School Fees

• Email yourself a copy for your records!

Jostens' Renaissance is a framework for building a culture where teachers love their job and students thrive in in school. The Sand Creek Zone is working hard to implement positive cultural practices so that all of our students, staff and families feel welcome. Three of our schools have already earned School of Distinction awards for their work around school culture and the other three schools will be implementing Renaissance this school year. Be on the look out for highlights from our zone around celebrating student success, recognizing staff and showing our school pride!

We are located in the 2nd modular back on the east side of Horizon Middle School. All community members are welcome and we ask that you bring your own bag. To reserve your spot to shop for clothing, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DA5AE2AA1F9C70-50920424-community If you are unable to attend during these hours, please reach out to your Family Engagement Liaison or Lauren Stuart at lauren.stuart@d49.org.

We are not taking clothing donations at this time.

9/2: D49 CLOSED for Labor Day

9/5: Community Resource Center OPEN 4-5pm

9/19: Sand Creek Zone Partners (SAC Meetings) at SCHS 5:30pm

9/26: Community Resource Center OPEN 4-5pm

9/27: NO SCHOOL FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS

Week of 10/7: Parent-Teacher Conferences

10/11: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

10/14-10/25: FALL BREAK: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS