Page 45 - proof 8 December 2017 The Castle Pines Connection

School Scoop
CastlePinesConnection.com 45 sometimes occurs later in the day. The District always respects
parents’ decisions to keep their students home.
DCSD utilizes a variety of communication tools to quickly share school closure or delay information with the community. In addition to the website, a “school messenger” service is available to send text message noti cations of school delays and closures. To opt-in to this service, login to your Parent Portal account and make sure that “Text (SMS)” is selected
in your contact preferences for any type of message that you want to receive. Select “Emergency” for snow closure updates. Then opt-in for emergency text noti cation on your cell phone by texting “YES” to 68453.
For more information about snow day criteria, the weather closure status of your school, or start times in the event of a delay, visit www.dcsdk12.org/school-closure-status.
In the lane, snow is glistening...
By Susan Helton
Snow can be a beautiful sight, and yet can also be one of the most challenging things about living in Colorado. When snow is expected, parents can have a di cult time predicting whether their schools will be delayed or closed. The Douglas County School District (DCSD) has several procedures in place for addressing inclement weather. Look to the DCSD website
for school closure status and delayed start information. Delay and closure information will also be available on the District’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as from local television and radio stations.
DCSD’s "snow team" of sta members, including experienced bus drivers and grounds people, starts early in the morning monitoring and relaying information about conditions throughout the District and at the schools. Based on the forecast and the team’s recommendation, the superintendent decides whether a closure or delay is warranted. Because the district is divided into three regions, DCSD might only close or delay schools by regional area, rather than the entire district.
Several winter conditions can trigger delay and closure recommendations. If snow is accumulating at a rate of one inch or more per hour or if the wind chill reading poses a danger during the morning walking and bus pick-up period, a closure or delay could be indicated. Other factors, like blizzard conditions or blowing and drifting snow can also trigger a closure or delay. The decision about after-school activities
AMERICAN ACADEMY
American Academy Charter (AA) 6971 Mira Vista Lane
Castle Pines, CO 80108
Grades K - 8, Calendar: Individual www.americanacademyk8.org 720-292-5200
TIMBER TRAIL
Timber Trail Elementary (TTE)
690 West Castle Pines Parkway
Castle Rock, CO 80108
Grades K - 5, Calendar: Conventional www.dcsdk12.org
303-387-5700
SAGE CANYON
Sage Canyon Elementary (SCE) 2420 Autumn Sage Street
Castle Rock, CO 80108
Grades K-6, Calendar: Conventional www.dcsdk12.org
720-433-0110
BUFFALO RIDGE
Bu alo Ridge Elementary (BRE) 7075 North Shoreham Drive
Castle Pines, CO 80108
Grades K - 5, Calendar: Conventional www.dcsdk12.org
303-387-5575
OCKY HEIGHTS MIDDLE
Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) 11033 Monarch Boulevard
Highlands Ranch, CO 80124
Grades 6 - 8, Calendar: Conventional www.dcsdk12.org
303-387-3300
MESA MIDDLE
Mesa Middle School (MMS)
365 N. Mitchell Street
Castle Rock, CO 80104
Grades 7 - 8, Calendar: Conventional www.dcsdk12.org
303-387-4750
DCS MONTESSORI
DCS Montessori (DCSM)
311 Castle Pines Parkway
Castle Pines, CO 80108
Grades Pre - 8, Calendar: Conventional www.dcsmontessori.org
303-387-5625
ROCK CANYON HIGH
Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) 5810 McArthur Ranch Road Highlands Ranch, CO 80124
Grades 9 - 12, Calendar: Conventional www.dcsdk12.org
303-387-3000
CASTLE VIEW HIGH
Castle View High School (CVHS) 5254 N Meadows Drive
Castle Rock, CO 80109
Grades 9 - 12, Calendar: Conventional www.dcsdk12.org
303-387-9000
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Learn more ABOUT DCSD at www.dcsdk12.org