The 2012 Back-to-School Night schedule is now available. These evenings are an opportunity for students and their families to visit the schools, meet teachers and ask questions.

1.  School start dates
Many PSD schools have a different schedule for the first day of school. Please check with the school your student will attend to confirm the official start date for your student’s grade/class.  School start and end times are available online and at schools.

2.   Bus schedules are now available for viewing (also, space available and alternative transportation applications are now are now available online and at the Transportation office - applications and more information are posted here.)

Route numbers identify busses:

• Continuing from last year, route numbers will be used to identify bus routes.  Students should not use bus numbers.
• The four digit route number will be posted in the window closest to the entrance door on each bus.
• In most cases, the morning bus route number will be different from the afternoon bus route number. 

Cards will help students find the right bus:

• To help students learn their route numbers, K-8 students will be given a card at the beginning of the school year by staff at their school.  The card will have the morning bus route number and the afternoon bus route number on it.   
• The card can be carried by the student until they remember their route numbers.
• Please note that the card is not a bus pass and is not required to ride the bus.
• Lost cards will not be replaced

Please encourage your child to ride the bus the first day of school so they can learn their route numbers.  School staff, bus drivers, and transportation staff will help guide students to the correct busses the first week of school.   If you have any questions, please contact Transportation Services at 970-490-3232 or visit the transportation web page at http://www.psdschools.org/department/transportation-services.

3.  School supply lists available at schools
Elementary school supply lists are available at each school, are listed in school newsletters, and may be available from local merchants.

Secondary students should bring a notebook, paper, pencil, and pen the first day of school. Classroom teachers will announce specific supplies required.

Supply Our Students Week Begins August 6
Several community groups are joining forces to ensure all PSD students have the necessary school supplies this year. “Supply Our Students” week will be held Aug. 6-10 to encourage donations of school supplies and to raise awareness about the need.

4.  Convoy of Hope
Convoy of Hope will have an outreach day on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at Vine Drive and N. Lemay Avenue in Fort Collins.  Gates open at 10 a.m.  No registration or ID required.  Services provided include free lunch, groceries, haircuts, health care, clothing and shoes, community services, supplies, etc…  For questions or to volunteer call 970-716-0825. 

5.  "Beat The Heat"
• Encourage students to wear lightweight clothing if possible
• Send students to school with water bottles (your school should allow students access to water bottles, even if school policy typically does not allow water bottles in the classrooms.)
• Make sure students remain well hydrated during the day

Facility Services has been preparing for the beginning of school by programming occupied and unoccupied schedules into the HVAC systems. Typically, these systems start one hour prior to the beginning of the school day and shut down at the end of the school day.
Additionally, PSD staff may take the following steps to help students remain cool in classrooms during the first few weeks of school:
• Allow students to sit on the floor where the air is cooler
• Provide water coolers on the playground
• Plan indoor activities as opposed to going outside for recess or PE
• Keep blinds down and closed during midday
• Open windows first-thing in the morning to let the cool morning air in
• Use a fan to spread cool air

Please remember: warm weather conditions are typically temporary. As the days get shorter and night-time temperatures begin to cool down more quickly, daytime temperatures traditionally take longer to reach their highs. This helps reduce the heat load gained in the buildings during the day and should keep inside building temperatures at more comfortable levels.
Thank you for your cooperation as we work together to help create positive learning environments in every classroom during the short warm weather period we can experience in August.  Should you have any questions regarding how your school handles warm weather, please contact your school principal.

6.  Child Nutrition Program
Nutritious meals are served daily at all schools. Menus are posted monthly and are also sent home in school newsletters.  All lunches and breakfasts offered in Poudre School District are nutritious, safe and balanced meals that exceed all federal and USDA nutritional guidelines to promote healthy lifestyles.

Breakfast Meal Costs:

• Full Price:  $1.25  
• Free & Reduced:  No Charge

Lunch Meal Costs:

• Full Price, Elementary:  $2.15
• Full Price, Secondary:  $2.40
• Student Reduced Price (3-12):  $0.40
• Student Reduced Price (PK-2):  No Charge
• Student Free Price:  No Charge

Paying for Meals
Parents and students may pay for meals in several ways.

• Children may bring money to school and pay during mealtime.
• Money may be put on their student account, which will be debited when your child gets their meal.
• Checks for your child’s account should be made out to the school and may be turned into the cashier.
• Parents may also use their credit card to pay for meals online

There is no charge to register online.  There is a $1.00 transaction fee charged to offset the credit card processing fees.  Features of this web site include viewing your student's daily account activity and low balance email alerts.  Payments made before 9:00 am will post that business day, all payments received after 9:00 am will post the following business day.

Lunch program available to qualifying families
Applications for the federal free and reduced-price school lunch program were mailed home to all heads of households in late July/early August. Students participating in the program during the previous school year may be automatically enrolled in the program for the first 30 days of school. Parents must submit a new family application each school year and are required to complete only one application per household. The application may be returned to a school or to the Food Service Office. Identity of students participating is kept strictly confidential.

Eligible families should complete and return the form even if they do not plan to participate in the lunch program. Students who qualify for the federal free and reduced-price school lunch program may also be exempt from other fees and charges. A letter of eligibility for free and reduced-price meals will be sent to the parents/guardians of qualifying students. An information release form will be included with the eligibility letter. Complete the information release form and return it to your school office. Information: (970) 490-3557.

7. Student Rights and Code of Conduct
PSD will be distributing the Student Rights and Code of Conduct electronically again this school year.  Families will have access to the Student Rights and Code of Conduct via the PSD website, through the Connect parent e-newsletter, and a limited number will be available in print at each school and at the district office, for families who are not able to access it electronically.  Several policies have been updated or revised for this year, so please review the information carefully.  Also available in Spanish.

8.  Immunizations
Students registering for the first time in a PSD school must present their proof of immunization or a signed State of Colorado Exemption Certificate is required for personal, religious, or medical exemptions to school immunization requirements.  Families with returning students must keep their child’s immunizations current.  Full details on immunization requirements are available online.
Immunization requirements will be strictly enforced for all students.  Students who do not meet the requirements will be denied attendance according to Colorado Revised Statues 25-4-902.  To learn where to obtain immunizations free or at a low cost, call the Family Health Line at 303-692-2229 or 1-800-688-7777.  You may also contact your healthcare provider, the Larimer County Health Department at 970-498-6700, or visit www.co.larimer.co.us/health/chs for more information.  A walk-in children’s immunization clinic is offered at the Larimer County Health Department, 1525 Blue Spruce Drive.  Call for specific times.

9.  Needed Updates at School:

• Health Information
  Please inform your school’s health care staff if your child has special health concerns, medications or dietary needs.  A complete physical exam by a family physician is required for students entering the preschool program and recommended for students entering kindergarten and 4th grade.
• Phone Numbers and Parent Contact Information
  Parents are encouraged to keep phone numbers, addresses and emergency contact information updated throughout the school year.  Watch for a student information form to come home with your child during the first week of school.  Provide your email for emergency notifications and communication from the school and district.  Sign up at www.psdschools.org > Email Alert Sign Up (found on the slideshow at the top of the page).

10.  Before and After School Care Programs Available
All elementary schools offer before- and after-school care and/or enrichment programs.  Call your student’s school starting August 13 for details.  If your student is not in a before-school program, please drop off students only after morning playground supervision begins.

11.  Communication Protocol
During an emergency situation, PSD will communicate information and instructions directly with parents through one or more of the following avenues:

• PSD Website:  For the latest and most accurate information about PSD, visit the website.  The homepage features articles, school features, district initiatives, calendars, video and more!  The website also has a “Parent” landing page that includes a Student Snapshot feature for parents to view personalized information about their child.  Critical communications regarding school closures, emergencies, etc… are posted on the homepage during events and updated frequently to provide parents with the most current information.
• SchoolMessenger Automated Phone System:  PSD uses SchoolMessenger to call parents district-wide or at specific schools with emergency information regarding their school (such as closures, early release, power outage, etc…) Parents can list 2 numbers (home and secondary number) for each household, not per parent.  Contact your school to add your phone numbers.
• Email Alert Sign-Up:  Register your email to receive PSD and school emails.  You will receive critical emergency information, monthly community e-newsletter and other important updates from your child’s school.  The email system is used frequently during school emergencies, closures, etc… to keep parents’ updated.  Sign up online at www.psdschools.org.  You must sign up separately on the  Email Alert System to receive PSD emails in addition to the school information packet.
• Local radio and TV stations
• PSD Channel 10 (Comcast and US Cable)
• Parents may call the Customer Service Center at 970-490-3333.  Operators will have most accurate and up-to-date information.

12.  Access Your Student’s Information
Student Snapshot:
The interactive "Student Snapshot" is available from the Parents page on the PSD website. The Student Snapshot allows parents and guardians to view individualized information for their student(s) including schedule, grades, upcoming assignments, account balances, and school information. New this year, parents and guardians can view and download district and state assessment scores for their child.  2012 TCAP results are currently available through the Student Snapshot.  The Student Snapshot’s interactive features are part of PSD’s continuing work to improve communication with parents and guardians.

Current Student Snapshot users may continue to use their existing account. Parents and guardians who do not have an account may create one by clicking the “Create An Account” link, found on the Student Snapshot login page. To access information, parents need a unique activation code for each of their students. Activation codes generated in the Student Snapshot will be e-mailed to the head(s) of household on record in SILK, the PSD student information system. The student’s school may also generate activation codes. For questions or troubleshooting, call 490-3020 or e-mail portalhelp@psdschools.org. 

Pinnacle Internet Viewer (PIV):
PIV is a secure web page containing information from PSD’s electronic grade book, allows secondary students (grades 6–12) and parents to view grades and missing assignments as teachers update them.
How to access PIV:
∙ Use information from a letter you will receive this fall from your student’s secondary school. (Contact the school if you didn’t receive the information or have misplaced it.)
∙ Open your internet browser to access the PIV viewer at http://www.psdschools.org/school-resources/pinnacle-grade-viewer
∙ Enter confidential student information from the letter: student ID, secure PIN code, and select a school name.
∙ Request reports such as Class Grades, Missing Grades and Attendance.
∙ If you have questions, ask your student, student’s teacher(s), or school.
Online help/tutorial: www.psdschools.org -> Students -> Pinnacle Grade Viewer
Note: PIV is not available during the summer. You may access it again after the school notifies you of its availability.

Blackboard:
Teachers can use the Blackboard online classroom system to post lessons, homework assignments, announcements and other information for students to access. Blackboard is located as a left-hand link on the “Students” landing page on the upper tool bar of the PSD website. Students are assigned Blackboard usernames and passwords, which parents must also use in order to view it.
Information: Ben Johnson, PSD Instructional Technology, benj@psdschools.org or 490-3436 or Paul Meyer, pmeyer@psdschools.org, 490-3591

13.  Athletics
Sports Physicals Required for Athletes Grades 7-12
Students playing sports at PSD middle and high schools are required to have sports physicals before the first practice.  Authorization for Athletic Participation forms are available at all secondary schools, online or at the PSD Johannsen Support Services Center, 2407 LaPorte Avenue.  Information:  970-490-3106

Practice for Fall Sports Begins Mid-August
PSD offers many competitive sports for boys and girls throughout the school year.  Practice for fall high school sports beings August 20.  Contact individual high schools for practice times.  Practice for 7th and 8th grade football begins August 7.  Practice for 7th and 8th grade girls’ softball begins August 20.
Sports participation fees are $75/sport for athletes in grades 7-8 and $100/sport for athletes in grades 9-12, with a family maximum of $300 per year.  Fees are higher for home-schooled, private school and charter school students participating on PSD athletic teams.  Information:  970-490-3106

14.  Preschool Program Accepting Registrations
Registrations are now being accepted for the Poudre School District tuition-based preschool program. Preschool programs will be offered at twenty locations for the 2012-2013 school year. Half-day sessions will be available in the morning and afternoon at participating schools.  For a school listing, please visit Early Childhood online.
Preschool programs offer:

• Teachers licensed by Colorado Dept. of Education.
• High quality, standards-based preschool environment.
• 16 students per session. Adult to child ratio 1-8.
• Tuition costs are $3150/year or $350 for 9 months if enrolled in a 3 1/2 hour class and $2900/year or $322 for 9 months if enrolled in a 2 hour 45 minute class.
• All enrolled families will need to submit a $50 non-refundable enrollment fee, upon acceptance to the program.
• To apply go to www.psdschools.org; click on “School Registration;” then click on the left-hand link, “Preschool Registration.” Additional program documents may be required.
• For more information, call Early Childhood Education at 490-3204.

15.  Sex offender registry information available
State law (C.R.S. § 22-1-124) requires that all schools notify parents about how to access records on registered sex offenders. Following are ways to obtain information about registered offenders:

• List of offenders living inside city limits is available at City of Fort Collins Police Services: Information about sex offenders via Colorado Bureau of Investigations statewide sex offender list is available at http://sor.state.co.us  which will take you to the State of Colorado registry. Simply follow the steps and select the city or county of interest for the information which is maintained by CBI. The local Fort Collins sex offender registration list can also be accessed by going to the police station at 2221 Timberline Road, and filling out a request form (no charge to view list; $7.50 to purchase copy).
• List of offenders living outside city limits in Larimer County is available from Larimer County Sheriff: Residents can go to the Sheriff’s Office administration building, 2501 Midpoint Drive, and view books with information and pictures of sex offenders at no charge. Residents can purchase a list for a fee of $7.50 through the records department. A database is online at: http://www.larimer.org/sheriff/sexoffenders/index.htm
• Colorado sex offenders registry from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation: available online at http://sor.state.co.us

16.  Register online to volunteer
PSD’s online volunteer registration is available!  The system is easy to use for parents who want to volunteer at their child’s school and for community members who want to be involved in education. Help shape the future – volunteer! If you have previously registered and forgot your log on information, please call the volunteer office for assistance. Information: (970) 490-3208

17.  City of Fort Collins Bus Changes
For several years, the City of Fort Collins Transfort Department has been able to offer youth mobility throughout Fort Collins at no cost in thanks to a grant from the Bohemian Foundation.  Because the free youth fare is so valuable, Transfort is implementing a new policy to verify age and prevent abuse of a benefit designed to enhance the quality of life for youth in our community.

Transfort’s new youth fare policy will be rolled out at the beginning of October 2012.  Youth will be required to present a valid form of ID in order to ride the bus, and the great news for PSD students is that the PSD Student ID card will meet that requirement!  Visit fcgov.com/transfort for more information.

18.  Follow PSD on Facebook and Twitter!
Sign up to follow PSD on Facebook and Twitter. Links are now located at the top of the new PSD home page at www.psdschools.org. Check it out!