September 26-27

SEPTEMBER 2026
Hello Families!
What a great start to the 2026–2027 school year! We love seeing our building filled with students’ smiles, excitement, and hard work. It’s going to be an amazing year at RRE! 💜🦅
SEPTEMBER IB TRAIT
BALANCED
Balanced students understand the importance of balancing different aspects of their lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for themselves and others. They recognize their interdependence with other people and within the world in which they live.
SEPTEMBER AFFIRMATION
PBIS
We are thrilled to share some exciting news regarding our school culture and positive climate initiative at Rock Ridge.
Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, our dedicated staff and students worked collaboratively to refresh and rebrand our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. We are proud to officially introduce our newly rebranded PBIS initiative: EAGLE!
What is PBIS and What is Its Purpose?
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based framework used to promote a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment for all students.
The primary purpose of PBIS is to:
Teach and Reinforce Expectations: Explicitly teach students behavioral expectations in all areas of the school—just like academic subjects.
Proactively Support All Learners: Create a predictable, consistent environment where positive behavior is recognized and encouraged.
Build a Strong School Culture: Foster a sense of belonging, safety, and mutual respect among students, staff, families, and the wider community.
Introducing EAGLE
Our refreshed EAGLE framework outlines the core values we strive to demonstrate every day at Rock Ridge:
E – Engaged: Actively participating in learning, listening, and contributing positively to our classroom communities.
A – Act Responsible: Taking ownership of actions, caring for school property, and making thoughtful choices.
G – Growth & Grit: Embracing challenges, learning from mistakes, and showing perseverance when things get tough.
L – Leadership: Setting a positive example for peers, demonstrating integrity, and helping others.
E – Empathy: Showing kindness, respecting diverse perspectives, and supporting one another.
Managing Rewards with PBIS Rewards
To help manage and streamline our recognition system, we have adopted the PBIS Rewards platform. This digital tool allows teachers and staff to acknowledge students in real time when they demonstrate EAGLE traits. Through PBIS Rewards, students earn points that they can redeem for exciting privileges, activities, and rewards throughout the school year. We will be reaching out in the future for donations and support in providing these rewards.
Parents and guardians will also be able to stay connected and track their child's progress through the PBIS Rewards Parent App (more details on account setup will be shared soon so stay tuned).
Partnering with Our Community
We know that a strong school environment relies on strong partnerships between school, home, and community. We encourage parents and community members to reinforce these core EAGLE values at home and around town.
Thank you for your continued support as we soar to new heights together under our refreshed EAGLE initiative!
Warm regards,
The Rock Ridge Staff & Administration
1ST-3RD GRADE PARENTS
Screenings - Early Signs of Reading Difficulty
Dear RRE 1st-3rd Grade Families,
Learning to read and write is one of life’s most essential accomplishments. When students develop strong literacy skills, they cultivate a love of learning, strengthen their understanding across all subjects, and build a foundation for future success and a fulfilling life.
This fall, the Douglas County School District is screening current 1st-3rd Grade students for early signs of reading difficulty, including characteristics of dyslexia. This is in alignment with DCSD’s commitment to early literacy and with state law.
The 1st-3rd grade screening window is currently open and will continue through September 30, 2026 at each school, including RRE.
Screenings take approximately 15-20 minutes per student. During this time a teacher sits with your child and goes through short reading risk assessment activities. Your child will perform small tasks such as reading text passages and/or word reading.
PURPOSE OF THE SCREENINGS
The screenings assess key indicators of reading risk or dyslexia, including reading text passages and/or word reading. The purpose of these screenings is to allow us to identify students who may be likely to experience difficulty with reading so we can provide extra, targeted support to those students. Early help leads to stronger reading skills and more confidence. With timely support, most children make strong progress, build confidence, and develop a solid foundation for reading success.
The results from this assessment are NOT intended or designed to diagnose dyslexia.
Learn more in this Frequently Asked Questions document.
If you have questions about the screening process or your child’s participation, please contact us.
Thank you for your partnership as we work together to support strong reading development for all students.
Sincerely,
Alexandria Pierik
ATTENDANCE
Reporting an Absence
Please remember to call the school when your child will be absent and leave a detailed message. This helps us track illnesses and maintain open communication with families.
303-387-5150
COLORADO RAPIDS SCHOOL ATTENDANCE PROGRAM
We have partnered with the Colorado Rapids to reward and incentivize attendance here at Rock Ridge Elementary School by giving students who Achieve 90% or higher attendance, From September 9th - October 9th a complimentary ticket to a Colorado Rapids match.
Students who qualify will receive a ticket link voucher to redeem their complimentary ticket. Additional tickets can be purchased at a discounted rate.Vouchers will be redeemable for qualifying Fall 2026 games.
SCHOOL DRILLS - STANDARD RESPONSE PROTOCOL
Safety Drills at Rock Ridge
We recently held the first of our monthly fire drills, and our students did a great job! These drills help students understand the importance of exiting the building safely, quickly, and quietly so we can ensure everyone is accounted for and safe. Great job, Eagles!
We will also conduct our first lockdown drill on September 14. While this is not an easy topic to discuss, practicing our safety procedures is important for keeping everyone safe. Our staff does a wonderful job preparing students and addressing this topic in a calm, supportive, and age-appropriate way.
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
Hi! Welcome to the 26-27 school year. I am happy to serve as the Rock Ridge Elementary School Counselor. What does a School Counselor do? A lot! School Counselor Roles and Responsibilities
I also want to introduce Kyle Boeglin. She is my intern this school year and will be working alongside me with individual students, groups, and whole class lessons.
988 is the emergency crisis line. Read about 988 here. September is Suicide Prevention Month. Are you familiar with warning signs of someone in a mental health crisis?
Friday, September 4, 2026 is National College Colors Day. At RRE we encourage students and staff to wear college T-shirts or colors to represent any school of their choice or branch of the military. Across the nation, schools are showing their support of post secondary education options.
September 14-18, 2026 is Student Sleep Health Week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau report that 78% of high school students and 34% of children don’t get sufficient sleep on an average school night Read here about understanding the importance of good sleep and how much sleep kids need.
The Faith Lutheran Food Pantry is a gracious partner with Rock Ridge Elementary. If your family is in need of extra support with groceries, please request food assistance here.
Wayfinder is our schoolwide Social Emotional Learning Curriculum. Click here for more information for families about Wayfinder.
Dawna Kerby, RRE School Counselor
GREEN TEAM
Green Team Member Information 2026-2027
Green Team is an environmental club where members care for Rock Ridge Elementary's garden and chicken coop while exploring the outdoors. Students will participate in hands-on activities focused on conservation, stewardship, and making our community a better place.
Meeting Schedule:
- When: Monday afternoons, 3:30–4:15 PM (fall and spring)
- Where: Mr. Rasavage's 3rd grade classroom
- Frequency: Every Monday unless you receive a cancellation notice
Important Details:
- Green Team follows the Douglas County School District calendar and procedures
- If there is a lightning dismissal on a Monday with Green Team, Green Team will be cancelled and students will stay until picked up by an adult or have plans to walk home (when clear)
- Meetings are automatically cancelled due to inclement weather
- November pause: We will pause meetings in November when we put the garden to bed for winter
- Spring resume: Meetings will resume in April when the garden season begins (dates TBD)
- Bonus opportunities: Additional à la carte Green Team events may be offered throughout the
MY SCHOOL BUCKS
What Is MySchoolBucks?
At RRE, MySchoolBucks is where families can sign permission slips and pay school-related fees. Please check your MySchoolBucks account regularly to ensure you have completed any required forms or payments.
If you need assistance accessing or using MySchoolBucks, please contact the school office. We are happy to help!
ROCK WALL PERMISSION
Rock Climbing Waiver Reminder
Don’t forget to sign your child’s rock climbing waiver in MySchoolBucks!
NO DOGS ON CAMPUS
Reminder: No Dogs on Campus
For the safety of all students, families, and staff, dogs are not permitted on school grounds. Please do not bring dogs with you during drop-off or pick-up.
Thank you for helping us keep our campus safe for everyone!
IMMUNIZATION INFORMATION
LATE START FRIDAYS
Late Start Friday Arrival Update
As we adjust to our new Late Start Fridays, we want to clarify our arrival procedures:
Doors will open at 9:15 a.m. Unlike Monday through Thursday, doors will not open 10 minutes before the bell.
Car riders will begin exiting vehicles at 9:15 a.m. and should enter their normal doors. Doors will not close until the car-rider line is complete.
Students eating breakfast should use the back entrance off the playground (Cafeteria Doors)
Families dropping off students by walking from their parking spot or walking to school should be at their door entrance door at 9:15 a.m. - ready to enter when the doors open.
Students arriving after 9:25 a.m. must enter through the front doors as long as the car-rider line is complete.
We will continue monitoring the process. If we find that we cannot get all students out of the car loop and into the building efficiently, we will reflect and make adjustments. Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we establish this new routine!
DOUGLAS COUNTY FOUNDATION INFORMATION
NUTRITION SERVICES
TRANSPORTATION
Visit the DCSD Transportation website for all transportation information and questions
⛔️ 🚌 NO ROCK RIDGE BUS - SEPTEMBER 14-18 ⛔️ 🚌
Before and After School Enterprise - B.A.S.E
Need before- or after-school care? The Douglas County School District Before and After School Enterprise (BASE) program provides a safe, fun, and enriching environment for students before and after the school day. Children enjoy a variety of age-appropriate activities, including games, arts and crafts, outdoor play, homework time, and opportunities to build friendships in a caring, supervised setting. Many BASE locations also offer care during school breaks and professional development days. Programs are staffed by DCSD employees and licensed through the State of Colorado Division of Child Care. For registration information, program availability, and site-specific details, visit the DCSD BASE website or contact your school's BASE program directly.
YELLOW FLAG - LIGHTNING DISMISSAL
In situations where the weather is severe or the threat of lightning exists, Rock Ridge will hang a yellow flag on the front flagpole (if safe to access flag pole). Rock Ridge will hold the dismissal of all students until the weather threat has left the area. Buses will be held until it is safe to transport students. Car loop students, walkers and bikers will be released once the severe weather has passed.
In the event that a parent needs to pick up his/her child before the “All Clear” release has been called, the parent will need to park and go to the school door assigned to their child’s assigned grade level entrance/exit. Parents will not be allowed to enter the building. (Due to safety concerns, we HIGHLY recommend waiting until the danger has passed at which time we will return to a normal dismissal)
-Pre-school will be checked out at their outside classroom doors.
-ALL Kindergarten students, including Ms. Watson's class, will be released from the Kindie doors
-1st & 2nd grade will check out at the 1st grade door (southside “K” door)
- 3rd and 4th, will release from the gym doors
- 5th and 6th grade will be checked out at the playground doors.
- Bussers will wait in their classrooms until safe
-SSN will exit through the front doors
Parents should provide the classroom teacher with an emergency release form that indicates alternate adults that can pick up students in the event of emergency/severe weather.
Rock Ridge students will not be released to middle or high school students during severe weather dismissals UNLESS they are 18 years or older.
CAR LOOP DROP-OFF & PICK-UP
Reminder
Parents and guardians may not enter the building to walk students to their classrooms. We have many staff members stationed inside and outside the building to support students as they arrive.
You are always welcome to walk your child to their designated exterior entrance. During the school day, if you need to drop your child off late, pick them up early, or leave something for them, please check in at the front office. We will make sure your child receives anything they need.
Thank you for helping us prioritize the safety of all students.
Arrival and Dismissal Information
Morning Drop-Off
Families may park in the school parking lot or at the church and walk their child to their designated entrance.
Please use the marked crosswalks at all times when crossing to and from the parking lot/school.
Kindergarten: Enter through doors next to the preschool playground
1st and 2nd Grade: Enter through door K just below the preschool playground
3rd and 4th Grade: Enter through the doors on the ramp by the chicken coop
5th and 6th Grade: Enter through door 5/6 on the playground
Breakfast
Grades 1–6: Students eating breakfast should enter through the playground doors at the back of the school, which lead directly into the cafeteria. After breakfast, students will head to their classrooms.
Kindergarten: Kindergarten students should report to their classroom first. Their teacher will then take them to breakfast.
Afterschool Pickup Routine Reminder
To help dismissal run safely and smoothly, please review our afternoon pickup procedures:
Walkers/Bike Riders are dismissed when the bell rings.
Bussers: Dismissed to the bus location when the bell rings.
Students being picked up—either through the car loop or by an adult walking up—will walk with a grade-level teacher to the front of the building and wait together as a grade level.
Car Loop Pick-up: Students are sent to the location where their car will arrive.
- Enter the car lane.
Follow all directions from staff members.
Pull forward as far as possible until instructed to stop.
Remain in your vehicle while students load or unload.
Wait until all vehicles have completed loading or unloading before exiting the car loop, as directed by staff.
Parent Pick-up On Foot: Students walk out with a grade-level teacher to the front of the building and wait together as a grade level. Meet your child in the front of the school. Please make eye contact with your child. Your child will then high-five the teacher before being dismissed while staff supervise.
If someone other than your child’s regular adult will be picking them up, you must email the classroom teacher to communicate the change.The alternate pickup person will follow the normal process. Once your child sees and identifies that person to the teacher, the child will be dismissed to them.
- Families may park in the school parking lot or at the church and use the designated crosswalks to safely walk to the front of the school.
Thank you for helping us keep arrival and dismissal safe, efficient, and smooth for all of our students and families!
26-27 SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Meeting Dates:
September 22
November 10
February 9
May 11
Time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
We invite all parents, guardians, and community members to join our School Accountability Committee (SAC)! Douglas County School District recognizes that student success is built through strong partnerships among families, schools, and the community. Parent and family involvement plays a vital role in student achievement and creating a positive school environment.
The SAC serves as a collaborative advisory group that:
Provides feedback on school improvement goals and strategies.
Reviews and offers input on how school resources and funding are used.
Strengthens partnerships between families, the school, and the community.
Serves as a voice for parents and community members in supporting student success.
Whether you're interested in learning more about our school, sharing ideas, or becoming more involved, we encourage you to attend. Your voice and perspective are valued, and together we can continue making Rock Ridge a great place for all students to learn and grow!
PTO
LET'S CONNECT!
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Thank you for helping us stay connected!
The Foundation for Douglas County Schools
Attendance
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
Wayfinder
USE WAYFINDER TO BUILD FUTURE-READY SKILLS THAT LAST
Wayfinder helps students develop skills for success in school, work, and life.This curriculum is designed to help students think on their feet and approach problems with confidence.
Wayfinder helps students develop Future-Ready skills like Purpose, Adaptability, Collaboration, and more.
thinkSRSD
SRSD (Self-Regulated Strategy Development) is an evidence-based instructional approach that helps students become confident, organized, and effective writers. Developed through decades of research, this method combines explicit writing strategies with tools for self-regulation, so students not only write better — they take ownership of their process.
think SRSD helps you carry SRSD to your classroom
UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute) is a program designed to support reading instruction, especially for developing strong foundational skills. It focuses on systematic and explicit teaching of phonics, phonemic awareness, spelling, and reading fluency. UFLI provides teachers with structured lessons, activities, and strategies to help students—particularly those struggling with reading—become confident, successful readers.
Builds proficient readers via structured mini-lessons (modeling, guided practice, transfer), whole-group and small-group texts connected by theme or topic and standards.
WANT TO BE A "ROCK" STAR?!
Rent Rock Ridge Elementary’s Spirit Rock and paint positive
messages for all to see while supporting your school!
Love Your Teachers!
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