BUE Family Newsletter

This newsletter can be automatically translated into 108 different languages. If you open this newsletter on your phone, look for the "Accessibility Icon" for language options. Press the "translate" button, and select your language.

To translate from a laptop or computer, please watch this short informational video in English or in Spanish:

How to translate Smore Newsletters (English) or Cómo traducir boletines informativos de Smore (Spanish)

Dear BUE Parents,

On Wednesday, February 7th, Bea Underwood Elementary School will be participating in Global School Play Day 2024 (GSPD) after lunch time. GSPD has been promoted by Psychology Today and is being celebrated at schools around the world. You can learn more about the benefits of unstructured play by visiting the official GSPD website: www.globalschoolplayday.com.

We will learn in the a.m. and "play" in the p.m.

Though our play day will be unstructured, it will still be supervised by teachers. It is our hope that this one day of play will inspire families to plan for more unstructured play time during non-school hours.

Play Day is meant to provide students with an opportunity to explore their creativity and have NO ACCESS to electronics during the scheduled play day time. You might be wondering what your child will do on GSPD?

The afternoon is meant to be SUPERVISED, which means adult presence and interaction at all time. However, adults are intended to let students make the choices! Adults will not / should not attempt to organize or structure student play in any way - BUT they will /should provide options and supplies! Adults will / should let students manage their own play and should not interfere except in situations where someone could get hurt or there is a safety concern.

We invite all of our students to bring in things to play with on this very special day. Here are some examples of things your child may bring in (be sure your child’s name is clearly marked on all items):

• Non-Violent Toys (no weapons) that are NOT battery operated (aka no remote cars, planes, robots, drones, etc)

• Legos, blocks, cardboard boxes, etc.

• Play Dough

• Puppets

• Stuffed Animals

• Board Games

• Card Games

• Puzzles

• Drawing supplies

• Crafting Supplies of all kinds

• And more!

*no electronic devices*

***Please do not send toys that are fragile or easily damaged as children are not always as careful with belongings as we would hope.

Dear BUE Families,

We invite you to join us on February 14th, from 2:15-3:15 p.m. to celebrate Valentine's Day! Most classroom parties will include simple treats and a craft time.

Please reach out to your child's classroom teacher for more information about classroom treats. Also, please remember that we can only serve unopened, packaged/store purchased foods to ensure health and food safety. We cannot serve food prepped/cooked at home.

If you are planning on attending you will need to complete a quick background check with our Raptor System. This process may take time, so we encourage you to please stop by before this event with your ID so you are in the system. This will expedite the wait time/process to ensure you get to enjoy all the party time!

Lastly, if you would like to check your student out early from the party, please follow the normal routine of contacting the office for early checkout. Early checkouts are recorded in our attendance system (Infinite Campus). If your child is working towards perfect attendance for the month of the February, an early checkout will automatically exclude them in the system. The attendance reporting system is limited to what it can pull and any absences will exclude them in the end of month report when we pull it out of Infinite Campus for our monthly Perfect Attendance Awards.

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher and/or the BUE Office at (970)285-5703.

BUE will celebrate Read Across America Week with 4 fun filled events!

Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone and for everyone.

Please join us for the following events:

Tuesday, March 5: Dads and Donuts

7:30 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.

Donuts and Coffee with be served!

Wednesday, March 6: Moms and Muffins

7:30 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.

Muffins and Light Refreshment with be served!

Thursday, March 7: Grandparents and Granola

7:30 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.

Granola and Light Refreshment with be served!

Friday, March 8: Families and Fritters!

7:30 - 8:15 a.m.

Fritters and Light Refreshments will be served!

Each morning we invite Dads, Moms, Grandparents and other Family Members to join us as we start each day reading. All guests are asked to grab a book and read to their student (and include surrounding students who might not have a family member present). Refreshments will be served each morning for the adults who attend the event (students are requested to eat the provided school breakfast).

This provides families a wonderful opportunity to start the day with their children reading at school!

RSVP here for each day! English

RSVP here for each day! SPANISH and/or other languages

Reminder: If you plan on joining us for our Read Across America events, you must do the Raptor Background check. The process is super easy, but it does take a minute or 2. It is best if you can check-in early with us so we do not have long lines of parents/grandparents waiting to get in.

IMPORTANT NOTE: While it is fun and clever to have a theme each day, this event is meant to be completely inclusive. We recognize and understand that some families may not have fathers, mothers or grandparents available on the themed days for any variety of reasons.

A "dad" is anyone who is a father like figure in a student's life. It could be a dad, stepdad, brother, uncle, grandfather, friend of the family, or any other adult (regardless of gender) who is available to read with students on this day and time.

A "mom" is anyone who is a mother like figure in a student's life. It could be a mom, stepmom, aunt, grandmother, friend of the family, or any other adult (regardless of gender) who is available to read with students on this day and time.

A "grandparent" is anyone who is a grandparent figure in a student's life. It could be a grandparent, friend of the family, or any other adult (regardless of gender) who is available to read with students on this day and time.

Again, themes are fun, however do let the "theme" keep you or any loved one from from attending any/all of the events. For example, if grandma/grandpa is available each day, we would love to have them attend each day! If mom can only come on Tuesday, come on Tuesday. We just want families to feel invited into our 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:

1. Submit Fingerprints
2. Complete a substitute teaching application Click to Apply
3. Contact Garfield 16 to apply to sub in our district Link to Garfield 16 Application

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.

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.

BUE teachers send home large white envelopes every Tuesday with important information. Please check back packs each week and review the information in these folders. They will include school, classroom, and possibly community information each week. This is also a great way for you to send a note back to your student's teacher.

Please also check for homework!

Make sure to send Tuesday Folders back to school the following day.

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.

February

• 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 (see note above)

• 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)

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.

Click this link for more information.

https://www.garfield16.org/page/volunteer-visitor-and-background-check-procedures

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 are the updated bus routes.

Transportation Website

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

If you are ever looking for the breakfast and lunch menus, please visit our district Nutrition Department Website where you can link directly to each month's menus.

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

Our School Based Family Resource Center does a great job connecting Garfield16 Students and Families with resources. Please check out their Facebook Page and Website for for information about programs and resources, which may benefit you and your family.

FACEBOOK

WEBSITE

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

cflorescruz@garfield16.org

G16 Dress Code Policy JICA

BUE Student Handbook 2023/2024 (see links below for both English and Spanish Handbook)

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.

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/