PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR

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SOUTHMOOR ELEMENTARY PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

2015-16 SCHOOL YEAR

Table of Contents________________________________________________________________ Letter from Our Principal…………………………………………………………………………….3 Southmoor Vision.………………..……………………………………………………………...……3 Characteristics of a Southmoor Student …………………………………………………………3 School Day……………………………………………………………………………………………….4 Arrival / Dismissal of Students……………………………………………………………………..4 Breakfast and Lunch Program………………………………………………………………………4 Building Access and Safety…………………………………………………………………………..5 Parking and Street Safety…………………………………………………………………………….5-6 School Policies…………………………………………………………………………………………..7-9 Student Conduct……………………………………………………………………………………….9-10 Communication…………………………………………………………………………………………11 General Information……………………………………………………………………………………12 Educational Services and Special Programs……………………………………………………..12-13 School Partnerships……………………………………………………………………………………14

Southmoor Elementary Quick Facts_____________________________________________ School Address: 3755 South Magnolia Way, Denver, CO 80237 School Phone: (720) 424-3930 School Fax: (720) 424-3955 Attendance Line: (720) 424-3954 School Website: http://southmoor.dpsk12.org/ Kaleidoscope Corner: (720) 424-8291 First Bell: 8:55 a.m. School Hours (K-5): 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Mascot: Moose School Colors: Purple and Green

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Letter from Our Principal_________________________________________________________ Welcome to Southmoor Elementary, home of the Mighty Moose! The 2016-2017 school year will be an amazing journey for our approximately 480 students. In the second year of our renovated space, you’ll see the library has turned into a multi-faceted maker’s space–a room that’s sure to inspire young minds. We have a new math curriculum, Investigations, and we’re still tracking student progress real-time online through iReady. We’re embracing project-based learning, bringing back Passion Projects for the second year, and have calendar chalk-full of community building events. If you’re a returning family, thanks for once again trusting Southmoor Elementary with your student’s education. If you’re new to our Moose herd, welcome into our community of kindness, collaboration, respect and responsibility. Your student’s needs are best met through a positive and supporting relationship between home and school. This handbook will provide you with useful information about school policies and procedures. Please refer to it whenever you have questions or concerns. However, if there’s something we’ve inadvertently left out, or you have a specific question, my door is always open. I look forward to partnering with parents and the community to provide your child the best possible education in a safe and fun environment. Sincerely, Sarina Compoz Sarina_Compoz@dpsk12.org Principal

Southmoor Vision ________________________________________________________________ At Southmoor Elementary, we Celebrate Students’ Character and Achievement! We celebrate:

• The unique diversity of our students’ skills and talents • The knowledge and experience of our teachers

• The support and dedication of our parents and community partners

• The abundance of fun and enriching specials and before-and-after school programs

• The kindness, respect, responsibility and collaboration of our community’s character

Characteristics of a Southmoor Student_________________________________________ At Southmoor Elementary, we pride ourselves on creating and maintaining a “Culture of Kindness.” A Southmoor student’s “Mighty Moose” behavior is demonstrated by always being Respectful, Responsible, Collaborative and Kind.

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School Day_______________________________________________________________________ The school day begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:45 p.m. No supervision will be on the school grounds before 8:30 a.m. or after 3:55 p.m., so please see that your child is dropped off and picked up within these time limits. Students who are not picked up by 3:55 p.m. are brought to the office. ECE Hours (a.m.): 9:00 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. ECE Hours (p.m.): 1:00 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. Full-day K through 5: 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Playground Supervision: 8:30 a.m. – 8:55 a.m. (No students allowed before 8:30 a.m., no supervision) 3:45 p.m. – 3:55 p.m. (No students allowed after 4:00 p.m., no supervision) Arrival/Dismissal of Students__________________________________________________ Each morning upon arrival, students in Kindergarten through 5th grade should report to the playground (unless they are eating breakfast) before the first bell. If weather does not permit outside activity, the doors will be marked “Inside Day,” the playground gates will remain locked, and students will enter through the front doors of the school and gather in the gymnasium. At the first bell, teachers will open the back doors of the school (or come to the gym) to lead their classes inside. ECE students and parents will gather in the hallway outside the ECE classroom for drop-off. Pick-up will take place on the Peach Street side of the building from the exterior classroom door. At dismissal, many (but not all) teachers exit their students from the doors onto Peach Street but that door will automatically lock after exiting. No one is allowed back into the building in the afternoon. Parents will be informed by each teacher what the procedures will be for dismissal, including which door from which they will exit the students in their classes and where parents may wait to meet them.

Breakfast and Lunch Program____________________________________________________ Denver Public Schools provides a free breakfast program to all Southmoor students. Free breakfast is provided daily from 8:30-8:55 a.m. Hot lunch is served daily during the lunch period. Free and reduced lunches are available for qualifying students. Applications in both English and Spanish are available in the office or on the DPS website at http://foodservices.dpsk12.org/menus.html. Lunches may also be purchased at full price ($1.85 including milk). Parents may pay in advance for lunches. Simply go to www.myschoolbucks.com to create an account. Menus, current costs and nutrition information can be found on the DPS website (same link as above).

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Building Access and Safety______________________________________________________ Pursuant to guidelines from the DPS Superintendent, there is only one point of entry into the school—the main front door on Magnolia Way. The doors on Peach Street are not an entrance to the school. Every morning, the gates to the playground open at 6:00 a.m. and will remain open until 9:00 a.m. They are locked from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Main Front Doors: These doors are locked at all times and visitors must be buzzed into the building. A sign is posted on the front door that asks visitors to state their name and reason for entry to school. Visitors must come directly to the office to sign-in at all times. All visitors must wear a Visitor Badge when in the building (available in office at sign-in). Visitors must also sign out when leaving. Secretaries are officially here between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Please note that office staff members are not available after 4:30 to buzz anyone into the school. Students participating in after school activities (including tutoring) are to be dismissed via the front door once the activity has ended. Parents are to wait outside. Playground and Gates: The Peach Street and faculty parking lot “Loop” gates will be open from 6:00-9:00 a.m. daily and then remain locked during the day after that. The doors to the school from the back playground will remain locked until 8:55 a.m. when teachers come to pick up students for the start of school. During the day, one door into the building from the back playground and modular area will remain open for students going between modulars and the main building. The Playground and Loop gates will be unlocked at 3:30 p.m. for dismissal time. Kaleidoscope: Kaleidoscope Corner (KC) provides on-site, licensed before-and-after school care for Southmoor Elementary. (More information in “General Information” on page 11.) Students attending Kaleidoscope enter from the faculty parking lot on the West side of the building, through the Kaleidoscope doors to the lunchroom. These doors will remain locked throughout the day. Only Kaleidoscope parents may enter through the Kaleidoscope doors via a buzzer. If, at anytime, the Kaleidoscope group goes to the playground, staff will leave a note on the outside of the locked doors and tell parents to pick up students from the playground areas.

Parking and Street Safety________________________________________________________ There is no parking, stopping or unloading in the bus zones or fire lanes in the front of the school building (curbs painted yellow on Magnolia) at any time. There is also no parking in the “Drive Thru” zone on Peach Street during pick-up and drop-off. The drive thru zone on Peach is designated as student drop-off and pick-up only. Cars may not be left parked and unattended at any time in this zone. There is also a “Hug & Drop” drive thru in the faculty parking lot (the “Loop”) next to the west gates to the playground. No parking is permitted in this lane.

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Double parking is never allowed on any of the streets around the school and making U-Turns are also highly discouraged as both put many lives in danger. Please do not idle at the curb or leave your car unattended. Violators will be ticketed. If you want to bring your child into to the school, rather than dropping off, please park elsewhere and walk them to the front doors. Please be courteous to Southmoor staff as they direct students and parents during drop off and pick up times. Student safety is one of our highest priorities at Southmoor! Using common sense, observing signs and speed limits, and following the guidelines will help keep all of our students safe. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Bicycles: There is a bicycle rack inside the gates on the West end of the playground. Students are welcome to ride their bikes to school and are encouraged to lock them up each day. (The actual bike parking area is also gated and locked.) And of course, please wear helmets and understand the safety precautions when approaching and leaving the school. For pedestrian and cyclist safety, students will be asked to walk their bikes on the sidewalks flanking the school. Students should mount/dismount as the exit/enter the school property respectively.

Bus Supervision / Procedures: Buses unload at arrival times on Magnolia Way. Staff members greet students upon arrival and direct them to the lunchroom or playground. At dismissal, buses also load from Magnolia Way and staff members are on duty to assist students with boarding buses. PLEASE OBEY THE BUS LANE/NO PARKING SIGNS.

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School Policies___________________________________________________________________ Southmoor Elementary follows all policies set by Denver Public Schools. Please visit: http://dpsk12.org/policies for more detailed information. Attendance: Daily attendance and punctuality are essential to success in school. Students arriving after 9AM will be considered tardy and should report to the office to receive a pass to enter class. If your child will be absent or tardy, please call Southmoor’s Attendance Line (720-424-3954). Please leave a message with your child’s first and last name, teacher and reason for the absence or tardy. If it is after 9:30 a.m., please call the main office (720-424-3930) to report an absence or tardy. Make-up work can be coordinated with the classroom teacher. Early Dismissal: If your child needs to leave school early, please call the school or send a note indicating the reason and time for dismissal. Upon your arrival to pick up your child, you must first sign him/her out in the main office and then office staff will direct you to where your child is, or call your child to the office. School Closures / Delayed Opening / Early Closures: The decision regarding school closures, delayed openings, and early closures are made by the Superintendent and appropriate authorities. Announcements of school closings, delayed openings or early closing due to hazardous weather or other conditions are made on radio stations KOA-AM 850 and KHOW-AM 630, and on local TV stations. Emergency school closures will be posted on the district's homepage (www.dpsk12.org) immediately. Families can also track closure or school delay announcements via the district's Facebook and Twitter pages, or sign up to receive emails from the district communications office. A message denoting the closure or late start will also be left on the school district's closure hotline at 720-423-3200. In the event of a delayed opening, the bus schedule will be delayed and school will start later than normal. Students arriving by car will report at the announced, delayed time. School Emergencies: It is important that we have appropriate information to contact all parents in case of an emergency. Please ensure that the information requested on the registration form is kept current. Please keep us informed of any changes in your address, email, and telephone number(s). In the case of an evacuation, the evacuation points for our school are the Regal Cinema and Calvary Church. The Denver Public Schools emergency phone number is 720-423-3414. School Dress: Student dress is an essential aspect of creating a school environment that is safe and conducive to learning. Student dress and personal appearance shall meet reasonable standards of cleanliness and safety and must show respect for others. Hats or caps must be removed prior to entering the building. Cropped shirts, torn attire, spaghetti straps, short-shorts or flip-flops are not allowed. Tennis shoes are considered the most appropriate footwear, not only for PE but for hallway and playground safety. If inappropriate dress is a disruption to the learning process and classroom environment, a student may be

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sent home to change clothes. Please label all articles of clothing so that lost items may be retrieved from the Lost and Found. Tobacco-Free: DPS is a tobacco-free district. No tobacco products are allowed on school property. Pets: Pets are generally not permitted on school grounds. Special permission must be given by the teacher or principal for any type of pet to be brought on school grounds. This includes dogs that are leashed. Valuables and Toys: Personal belongings such as toys, athletic equipment, etc, should remain at home. The school will not be responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items. Cell Phones / Electronics: Cell phones and electronic devices are not to be brought to school. Exceptions will be made on an individual (extenuating circumstances) basis by appointment with the principal. Again, the school will not be responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items. When parents or visitors are at the school, we ask that cell phones be turned off or switched to silent mode as to not interrupt instruction. Visitors: Parents are always welcome and encouraged to visit the school. In order to provide adequate security, when you come to school for any reason, visiting or volunteering, you must sign in at the school office and obtain a visitor badge. Volunteers: Southmoor welcomes and values our volunteers! There are many ways parents and community members can support the students at Southmoor. Volunteers can assist individual and small groups of students in the classroom, help with classroom parties, field trips and other activities. Room parents may assist the teacher in scheduling other volunteering opportunities in the classroom. Please ask your child’s teacher or inquire at the office as to how you can be of help! More information regarding other types of volunteering can be found in the “PTO” section on page 13. Please note that per DPS policy, background checks may be conducted for volunteers. Illness or Injury: When minor injuries occur at school, the school staff will administer first aid. In the event of a serious accident, paramedics will be called and parents will be contacted. Keeping your phone number and your emergency number current is extremely important. Please notify the school office of any changes to your phone number or address. Parents will be called to pick up a child who has a fever above 100 degrees, or who is obviously in pain, stressed or has a contagious disease. As a general rule, a student ill enough to require several doses of medication during the school day should probably stay home. Medication: If your child requires medication during school hours, please contact the school nurse or principal. No medication will be dispensed to students without the required DPS form signed by both parent and doctor. Copies of this form can be found in the school office. All medications must be labeled. Over-the-counter medication, including cough drops,

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will not be given or permitted at school, unless the signed, required form has been submitted and the medication is labeled properly. If your child has any existing medical problems or allergies, please notify the school. If necessary, an “emergency medical plan” should be on file (such as asthma, allergic to bee stings, etc.). Emergency Drills: Fire drills are conducted monthly. Each class has an assigned escape route that will take them to a safe distance from the school. Additionally, Severe Weather and Lock-Down Drills are regularly scheduled. For a Severe Weather Drill, each class has an assigned place where students will kneel with heads covered facing an inside wall. During a Lock-Down Drill parents will not be permitted to enter or exit the building. Celebrations / Parties in Classrooms: We understand the importance of sharing food in the classroom to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays and holidays. Southmoor's Wellness committee is also working to align our school health and wellness with district-level initiatives. As such, each classroom will have one birthday celebration each month for all students who celebrate birthdays that month, with arrangements made to include summer birthdays throughout the year. Sign-ups for food will be distributed at the classroom level in a timely manner. Teachers will coordinate with parents as to when and how they can support with classroom celebrations. Library Check-out Procedures: Reading with your child everyday is the best way you can encourage your child to become a lifelong reader. In support of that, students will be attending the library once a week for story time and checkout. We will discuss Library etiquette and how to take care of books. Please reinforce this at home. Books will be returned and exchanged for new books weekly. With your permission, each child will be able to check out a book to take home and share with you. There is a $20 charge for lost or damaged books.

Student Conduct_________________________________________________________________ Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS): Schools are successful when they help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. For this to happen it is imperative that we have a safe environment that is supportive and conducive for growth. By setting forth clear social and behavioral expectations and directly teaching students about those expectations, it is our goal is to create a positive atmosphere for optimal learning. Our plan is based on PBIS—Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. Through PBIS, students are taught school-wide expectations and have opportunities to practice them. Staff members teach what behaviors are expected in the hallways, cafeteria, bathroom, playground, classroom, bus, before school, after school, and at assemblies. We launched PBIS as a school in January 2014 by teaching the students our school-wide behavior expectations for being respectful, responsible, collaborative, and kind. These expectations are described in our behavior matrix on the next page of the handbook.

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All Southmoor students will be reintroduced to our Mighty Moose character traits and behavior expectations at the start of the year, and participate in PBIS based lessons and activities throughout the school year for reinforcement. Students who are caught displaying the traits will be recognized with verbal praise, and awards for being a Mighty Moose and displaying Moose PRIDE. While our PBIS approach emphasizes appropriate behaviors, some students may still violate school rules in and out of the classroom. For minor incidents, teachers/staff will conference with the student(s), determine an appropriate intervention, document the behavior on a MIR or minor incident report, and notify parents. In the event that a student receives 3 minor incident reports for the same behavior, it becomes a major infraction. For major behavior infractions, students are referred to the principal or assistant principal for additional support with interventions. The goal is to teach students alternate behaviors to ensure a school environment that is safe, fun, stimulates learning, and helps all students reach their maximum learning potential. The chart below outlines the PBIS program as it applies to all areas of student behavior and desired conduct. The chart can also be found online at http://southmoor.dpsk12.org/pbis.

Discipline Procedures: Denver Public Schools has adopted a formal discipline policy that will be used to promote a safe and respectful school environment. This policy sets forth specific, expected rules of conduct and the manner by which these rules will be enforced. It can be found in detail on the district website: http://www.dpsk12.org/parent_handbook/.

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Communication__________________________________________________________________ There are many ways to stay in touch and be informed of all the great happenings and pertinent information at Southmoor. It is also important to communicate back to the school too! Please keep the school informed of any changes to your family’s phone numbers, address, email addresses, emergency contacts – it is critical that the office always has the most up to date information for each child. Call, email, send a note or drop by and let the office know! Bulletin Boards: Classroom work and art projects are displayed throughout the hallways on the many bulletin boards and in display cases. Additionally, information regarding PTO events is often highlighted as well in some of the display cases and bulletin boards throughout the school. Thursday Folders: Each student will receive a Thursday Folder to bring home on Thursday afternoons. It will contain current information regarding school events and updates. In addition, the school’s weekly newsletter will be emailed Thursdays. All information is posted on the Southmoor website under the “Moose Mail” tab. Website/Emails/App: Southmoor has a website that contains the most current information about school events and enrichment programs. Please visit our website at http://southmoor.dpsk12.org/. Emails will be sent occasionally with important announcements if you are signed up for electronic communications (see Thursday Folders). Additionally, we encourage families to download our APP (search “Southmoor” in iTunes or the Google App stores). The app will translate to the native language on your Apple or Android smart phone and when you “allow” push notifications, will remind you of upcoming school events. Classroom Newsletters/Websites: Communications between teachers and parents regarding classroom news, curriculum and other information is determined with each individual class. Parent/Teacher Conferences: Scheduled conferences are in the fall and spring. Teachers will send home sign-up sheets as conferences approach. All students will have a scheduled conference in the fall. Spring conferences will be scheduled at the discretion of the teacher and parent. The staff at Southmoor is always willing to meet with parents. Due to the responsibilities of our teachers during the instructional day, we ask that you contact your child’s teacher to schedule a time to meet when it is convenient for both of you. Progress Reports (Report Cards): Progress reports will be issued three times per year. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions regarding your child’s progress.

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General Information_____________________________________________________________ Kaleidoscope Corner: Kaleidoscope Corner (KC) provides on-site, licensed before-and-after school care for Southmoor Elementary. Parents should contact the KC on-site administrator at 720-424-8291 for registration, fees and other information regarding this program. No drop-ins will be permitted without enrollment in the program. School Pictures: Individual school pictures are taken early in the school year. Class pictures are taken in the spring. Specific dates will be sent home Thursdays. Lost and Found: We encourage parents to write your child’s name on his/her outerwear, backpacks and lunch containers. Items found on school grounds will be placed in our Lost and Found, located in the school cafeteria next to the stage. Smaller items such as eye glasses or jewelry will be taken to the office. Once a trimester we will donate unclaimed items to charity organizations.

Educational Services and Special Programs______________________________________ DPS Curriculum and Expectations: DPS posts grade level “Parent Guides to Student Learning” online at http://standards.dpsk12.org/standards-resources. Each grade-level guide provides curriculum information including target levels for each subject, by trimester. In addition, Southmoor teachers provide curriculum specifics at Curriculum Night every fall, and communicate about specific areas of study and classroom news in other, individual ways with parents. Specials: Southmoor Elementary is proud to offer students daily “specials” time that rotates between physical education, art and music. School Psychologist: Four days a week, Southmoor Elementary students have access to school psychologist who works with students, teachers and parents to help meet ever-evolving social/emotional needs and provide additional support and insights as needed. Highly Gifted and Talented: The Denver Public Schools Highly Gifted Program provides an educational option for identified students in grades 1-8 whose exceptional intellectual ability and academic potential (in the top 1-3 %), with related social/emotional needs, far exceed those addressed in a regular classroom. Southmoor Elementary is one of nine magnet schools providing this full-day experience. The program is designed for students who have academic needs beyond their grade level and who need the support and challenge provided by a peer group with similar interests and abilities. The application process for the Highly Gifted Program is managed directly by the DPS Gifted and Talented Department. Parents, teachers, students and or others are welcome to nominate a student for the Highly Gifted Program. Parents must sign the nomination form to indicate their permission for the student to be tested. Applications/nominations must be submitted by the deadline, typically during the first week in October. Once the nomination has been received, the child is put on a list

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for testing. Testing takes place at the child’s school, for students enrolled in Denver Public Schools. Results are typically available at the end of December. Gifted and Talented: Southmoor Elementary employs a Gifted and Talented (GT) Itinerant who is able to supplement classroom learning for students who have tested high in one or more areas. In the Denver Public Schools, “gifted and talented children” means those students whose demonstrated abilities, talents and/or potential for accomplishment are so exceptional or developmentally advanced that they require special provisions to meet their educational needs. These students perform, or show the potential of performing, at remarkably high levels in intellectual, specific academic or creative areas when compared with others of their age and experience. ELA: The English Language Acquisition (ELA) Program is designed to teach students who speak languages other than English how to understand, speak, read and write in English. The program is also designed to help other students whose language skills are hindering their academic progress because a language other than English is spoken in the home. While students are learning English, they are also learning math, science and social studies. Teachers in the ELA Program are specifically trained to teach students who are learning English. Southmoor has an ESL Resource model, or pull-out program, overseen by two ESL (English Second Language) teachers. Special Education: Our Special Ed program is characterized as a mild/moderate program, which means it serves students who have been identified as having mild to moderate special education needs. Students are identified for these services through a comprehensive team approach, which includes the child’s parent(s), classroom teacher, speech therapist, school psychologist, school nurse and a special education teacher. The school’s occupational therapist and/or physical therapist are also part of this team if there are concerns regarding the child’s fine or gross motor skills. Once identified, an IEP (Individual Education Plan) is developed based on the child’s needs. The purpose of the plan is to remove barriers to learning. Services may range from consulting with the classroom teacher to direct instruction in the Special Education resource room. After/Before School Enrichment: Southmoor offers many opportunities for enrichment and fun, both before and after school, all year round. A few examples of these programs and clubs include: Artful Journey, CELL Science Club, Club Amigos, Lego Club, Running Club, Semantics Club and so much more! You can link to our Enrichment programs webpage from the Southmoor website, enrichment tab (or go directly to http://southmoor.dpsk12.org/enrichment/) where you will find information about each program, enrollment instructions, fees and contact information. Limited scholarship funds are available for enrichment programs that have fees – please inquire in the office about eligibility and how to access these funds. Passion Projects: Introduced to students the fall of 2015, Passion Projects are opportunities for teachers, paraprofessionals, parents and community volunteers to share their “passion” with students. Each student will have the opportunity to participate in two Passion Projects a

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semester, or four per year. Passion Projects meet concurrently one Friday a month for 45 minutes each, during the school day. (See dates on school calendar.) For more information, see https://sites.google.com/site/southmoorpassionproject/home. School Partnerships______________________________________________________________ Student Government: Student council is a great way for students to take on a leadership role at Southmoor. It is made up of four officers elected from the 5th grade and two class reps from each of the 1st through 5th grade classes, for a total of 14 members. Elections are held each November, and 1st-5th graders vote. Candidates speak to the voters, and students vote on a secret ballot that is counted by teachers. The student council meets twice a month before school and is supervised by a teacher. Student council takes on a variety of issues and projects for example, developing the Mighty Moose program, fundraisers, Valentines Grams, May Day Baskets, and other student philanthropy efforts. The Southmoor Student Council has made some great changes and improvements at our school. Parent Teacher Organization (PTO): Southmoor has a strong voice for parents in its Parent Teacher Organization. The Southmoor PTO has a tradition of upholding and advancing the academic efforts of the school by supporting classroom teachers, hosting social and informational events for parents, students and community members, and raising funds to cover the off-budget needs of the school. Although core funding for Southmoor comes from Denver Public Schools, the PTO provides funding for an additional teacher salary, learning and teaching supplies, equipment, teacher grants, field trips, and teacher appreciation events/gifts. The Annual Silent Auction (spring), Boostherthon Fun Run (fall), and Dollar-a-Day campaign (fall) are the largest fundraisers. PTO also sponsors a Moose is Loose Carnival, Multi-Cultural Night, restaurant nights and more. The board meets the first Wednesday of each month from 4:00-5:30pm in the school library. Information regarding general membership meetings is sent home via Thursday newsletters and is posted on the school website. Collaborative School Committee (CSC): Every school within the Denver Public School District has a Collaborative School Committee (CSC). The CSC brings together staff, parents, and community members to enhance student achievement and school climate by engaging the school community in collaborative efforts supporting the school and district’s goals. Being a part of the CSC is a dynamic opportunity to be involved in the school community. The committee includes the principal, four parent representatives, three teacher representatives, an optional classified staff member and a community/business representative. Southmoor’s CSC operates under by-laws and focuses on the school’s Unified Improvement Plan (UIP). Elections are held each spring for open positions the following school year. The CSC typically meets once per month, following PTO meetings on the first Wednesdays from 5:30-7:00pm.