Red Hawk Elementary provides a robust, comprehensive elementary school education to our students. We promote rigorous instruction in math, science and technology with an emphasis on integrating the arts into all curriculum areas. Celebrating multiple perspectives along with developing a sense of environmental responsibility that includes personal development and physical well-being are at the heart of our learning.
Q: Will art, music and PE be offered at Red Hawk Elementary
Answer:
Art, Music and PE will be offered and will play an integral role in supporting the work of classroom teachers. The arts offer a wonderful way to pique student interests and to reinforce curriculum content. Additionally, the arts provide an alternative forum for students to make connections, demonstrate their knowledge, and gain access to academic content. Afterschool enrichment activities in the arts will also be offered at Red Hawk Elementary.
Q: Is it possible to attend Red Hawk Elementary if we live outside of the school’s boundaries?
Answer:
Through open enrollment it is possible to attend Red Hawk Elementary if you live outside of the school’s boundaries or live outside of the St. Vrain Valley School District. Open Enrollment Forms should be completed in advance to save time and will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
Q: Is preschool available? What kinds of programming will be offered?
Answer:
Preschool will be offered at Red Hawk Elementary. The exact nature of the preschool program has not been determined; however, we are planning on offering preschool for both three and four year olds. Typically programming of this kind might look like:
- Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs (mornings for three and four year olds)
- Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs (afternoons for three and four year olds)
Q: Will there be support for gifted and talented students?
Answer:
Red Hawk Elementary and its teachers will offer many opportunities to challenge students at their inpidual level. We are committed to meeting the needs of all of our students, including our GT students. We will have a GT teacher to support student learning both in and outside of the classroom. Whether the teacher is full or part time is dependent upon enrollment and student need. Students will be grouped according to need. This may look different depending on the grade level; however, we will always find ways to insure your child is challenged.
Q: Safety – what kinds of safeguards will be in place to insure my child is safe? Both in the school as well as while traveling – specifically, the crossing of Erie Parkway.
Answer:
The safety of our students is always our top priority. The building itself is equipped with many safety measures such as controlled entrances (visitors will have to walk through the main office before gaining access to the school) and fencing around the play areas. Special care will be taken to make sure there is ample supervision at recess and in the lunchroom. School-wide policies and procedures will be written in kid friendly language to insure students are easily able to understand expectations. Bullying behavior will not be tolerated.
The Transportation Department is evaluating the bus and walking routes for each of the three boundary scenarios. Chief Operating Officer, Rick Ring, has begun talks with Erie town officials about crossing guards and putting up school zone lights at the Erie Parkway and Meller intersection as well as on Telleen.
Q: My child has severe allergies. What sort of precautions can the school take? How does this process work?
Answer:
Together we will collaboratively develop a detailed plan outlining the precautions necessary to keep your child safe. The first step in this process is to communicate early with the school about your child’s specific needs. From here, we will include one of the district nurses who will help to assemble all of the pertinent medical information into a healthcare plan. The nurse will also help to train teachers and staff.
In some instances the health care plan is attached to a 504 plan, which looks directly at the impact allergies have on your child’s learning. Once we have a written plan, we will meet periodically to assess the effectiveness of the plan and look at any possible changes. You can always request a meeting at anytime.
Q: What kinds of before and after school programming will be offered?
Answer:
We will be partnering with Community Schools to provide licensed before and after school child care. Additionally, we will offer a variety of enrichment activities based on interest of the parents and students. Some examples of possible offerings include: math club, science club, chess club, foreign language, robotics, Discovery Imagination, running club, art classes, and computer club.
Q: What will be unique about Red Hawk Elementary’s library?
Answer:
The library at Red Hawk Elementary will use the “book store” model to catalog all of its books. This involves categorizing books by genre and topic much like one finds in a bookstore. The rationale behind using this model is to empower students using a word search much like Internet keyword searches. Non-fiction books are labeled and categorized by words. A child can browse the shelves for topics from animals through transportation.
Libraries grouping fiction books by genre experience significant increase in book check-out statistics. By using this new configuration, a student who likes to read only Harry Potter books can discover a host of other fantasy books from which to choose.
Q: How will Red Hawk Elementary insure a positive school climate?
Answer:
Special attention will be given to the creation of a caring school community where inpidual differences are honored and respected. Classroom teachers will schedule regular community meetings where monthly topics will be the point of departure for conversations on how to build a caring community along with addressing specific issues as they arise.
The school promise will be reinforced with a school-wide system for reinforcing positive behavior. Students will take an active role in recognizing the accomplishments of others through morning announcements and student council. Clear behavior guidelines and a strict no bullying policy will be established from the start. Service projects in combination with community speakers and volunteers will help to add an additional layer of support towards continually building a positive school climate.