Student and Family

Handbook 2019-2020

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Welcome to DCIS Montbello

Dear Families, We are so pleased to have you and your student as part of our learning community. To ensure that our students learn in a supportive and safe environment, we follow all of the policies and procedures outlined in the DPS Student Conduct and Discipline Procedures and in the Annual Notification of Parent and Student Rights. In addition, we have developed expectations, policies, and procedures that are specific to DCIS at Montbello. This Student and Family Handbook provides the current versions these guidelines and expectations and replaces any previous handbooks. Please take the time to review this Handbook with your student and make sure that he or she understands our school expectations. If you need further clarification about any information in this Handbook, or did not find information that you needed, please do not hesitate to contact us at 720-423-5900. Thank you for your continued support. We wish you and your student(s) an exciting and successful school experience at DCISM! Sincerely, Mr. Julio Contreras Principal

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TABLE OF CONTENTS FAST FACTS…....…………………………………..…………………...………………………………1

2019-2020 CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS……….……………………………………………...………..2

INTRODUCTION……………………………………………...………………………………………….4

INTERNATIONAL MODEL AT DCISM………………………………………………………………..4 WORLD LANGUAGES AND ELECTIVES CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT COURSES ADVANCED PLACEMENT SEAL OF BILITERACY STEM NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS…………….…………………………………………………………...5 COMMUNITY CENTER TRANSLATION SERVICES FACE

ENROLLING AT DCISM………………….……………………………………………………………..5 CHOICE PROCESS FEES

STUDENT SAFETY………………………………….……………………………………………….….6 IDENTIFICATION BADGES HIGH SCHOOL OPEN CAMPUS EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND DRILLS SAFE AND WELCOMING SCHOOLS PROTECTING CHILDREN AND REPORTING ABUSE RESTRAINING ORDERS AND OTHER COURT DOCUMENTS SAFE-2-TELL HOTLINE

ATTENDANCE…………………………………………….……………………………………………..7 REPORTING ABSENCES/TARDIES SCHOOL CLOSURES / DELAYS NORMAL SCHOOL HOURS BELL SCHEDULE ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL TARDIES LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY EARLY RELEASE DAYS NON-STUDENT CONTACT DAYS TYPES OF ABSENCES

DRESS CODE………………….…………………………………………………………………….…10

TRANSPORTATION………………………….…………………………………………………….….10 SCHOOL BUSES STUDENT DRIVING

INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS……………….………………………………………………….….10 MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMIC PROGRAM HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC PROGRAM MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL GRADING

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MYTECH ONE-TO-ONE PROGRAM INFORMATION TNLI DESIGNATION AND SERVICES FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS STUDENT EXCURSIONS (FIELD TRIPS) STUDENT TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES

SPECIALIZED LEARNING PLANS……………………………………..……………………………12 GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS MULTI-TIER SYSTEM OF SUPPORTS (MTSS) REFERRALS TO STUDENT SUCCESS TEAM SPECIAL EDUCATION AND 504 PLANS

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING………………………………….…………………………….…13 POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS STUDENT DISCIPLINE

EXTRACURRICULAR ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES………………….…………………………....14 ATHLETICS CLUBS AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL…………………..………………………..14 CONTACT INFORMATION VOICE MAIL AND EMAIL MONTHLY NEWSLETTER SCHOOL WEBSITE REPORT CARDS CONFERENCES CAMPUS MESSENGER PARENT COMMUNICATIONS WITH STUDENTS DURING SCHOOL DAY

CONFLICT RESOLUTION………………………..………………………………………………..….16

HEALTH AND MEDICATIONS…….……………….…...………………………………………...….16 HEALTH PROCEDURES MEDICATIONS SENDING CHILDREN HOME IMMUNIZATIONS AND VACCINES

FOOD AT SCHOOL………………………….…………………………………………………...……17 BREAKFAST PROGRAM LUNCH SNACKS FOOD ALLERGIES OR ADVERSE REACTIONS ELECTRONIC DEVICES

CELL PHONE/PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES POLICY…………..……………..………..18

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES……..……………………….19 SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE (SAB) VOLUNTEERS

VISITORS AT SCHOOL….……………….……………………………………………………………19

OTHER……………………………………….…………………………………………………………..19 PERSONAL ITEMS AT SCHOOL LOCKERS PETS OR OTHER ANIMALS AT SCHOOL

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FAST FACTS OUR MISSION The Denver Center for International Studies at Montbello’s mission is to create a diverse, respectful, and socially responsible community of learners where students and teachers are challenged and honored as individuals. We are committed to inspiring and empowering students to make critical decisions about their futures without fear of remediation. We believe it is the combined responsibility of teachers, parents, students and community members to create a safe and stimulating school environment. OUR VISION The Denver Center for International Studies at Montbello (DCISM) will be nationally recognized for our academic achievement, student empowerment, innovative educational program, vital community partnerships, and global impact. SCHOOL ADDRESS: 5000 Crown Boulevard, Suite # B

Denver, CO, 80239 United States

SCHOOL OFFICE PHONE: 720-423-5900 WEBSITE: https://www.dcismontbello.org/ SCHOOL HOURS: Soft Start/Breakfast: 7:30 am – 7:44 am Instructional Day Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:45 am – 3:15 pm Wednesday: 7:45 am – 1:30 pm After-school Activities & Tutoring: 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm Saturday School: 8:30am to 11:00am OFFICE HOURS: 7:00 am – 3:30 pm ADMINISTRATORS: Mr. Julio Contreras (Principal) Dr. Moira Coogan (Assistant Principal)

Mrs. Ria Gill (Assistant Principal) Mr. Jason Ortiz (Assistant Principal) ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM Mrs. Gayle Egloff (Dean of Instruction) Mrs. Sara Ochoa-Lozoya (Dean of Culture) Mr. Michael Truswell (Communications) Mrs. Lilian Pereira (Family Services Liaison) Mrs. Raisa Cedillos (Attendance Liaison) SCHOOL OFFICE STAFF: Mrs. Ellene Hernandez Ms. Bertha Fajardo-Jacome Ms. Roxana Navas SCHOOL COLORS: Crimson and Gold

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2019-2020 CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS August 19 First day of school for 6th Grade and 9th Grade August 21 First day of school for 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades August 26 Concurrent Enrollment Parent Meeting and Back to School Night

for 11th and 12th graders August 29 Back to School Night for 6th through 10th grades September 2 Labor Day (No school for students) September 7 First day of Saturday School September 9 School Advisory Board Meeting (SAB) September 12 Senior Parent Meeting September 27 Student Picture Day October 2 October Count Day October 7 School Advisory Board Meeting (SAB) October 16 Parent-Teacher Conference October 17 Parent Teacher Conference October 18 Non-Student Contact Day (No school for students) October 19 No Saturday School October 21 TEAL Day (No school for students) October 22 TEAL Day (No school for students) October 28 School Advisory Board Meeting (SAB) November 4 School Advisory Board Meeting (SAB) November 23 No Saturday School November 25-29 Thanksgiving Break (No school for students) December 2 School Advisory Board Meeting (SAB) December 16-20 High School Final Exams December 21 No Saturday School December 22-January 3 Winter Break January 6 School Advisory Board Meeting (SAB) TEAL Day (No school for students) January 13-31 ACCESS Testing January 18 No Saturday School January 20 MLK Day (No school for students) January 23 Fall Academic Awards Ceremony February 3 School Advisory Board Meeting (SAB) February 14 Non-Student Contact Day (No school for students) February 15 No Saturday School February 17 Presidents’ Day (No school for students) February 27 Parent-Teacher Conference Day March 2 School Advisory Board Meeting (SAB) March 5 Parent-Teacher Conference Day March 28 No Saturday School March 30-April 3 Spring Break (No school for students)

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April 6 TEAL Day (No school for students) School Advisory Board Meeting (SAB) April 7-24 CMAS/PSAT/SAT Testing May 4 School Advisory Board Meeting (SAB) May 4-8 Teacher Appreciation Week May 9 Last Saturday School May 13 DCISM Club Awards Day May 14 Senior Award Ceremony May 20 8th Grade Continuation Ceremony (Last day for 8th Graders) May 21 Awards Ceremony for 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th Grades May 21-28 Final Exams May 25 Memorial Day (No school for Students) May 26 DCISM Graduation Ceremony at 9:00 am May 29 Last Day for Students (Half Day) During the following time periods, there will be no approval of student absences except for documented emergencies that follow DPS policy:

December 16-20 High School Final Exams January 13-31 ACCESS Testing April 7-24 CMAS/PSAT/SAT Testing May 21-28 Final Exams

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INTRODUCTION DCIS-Montbello is a 6-12 innovation school within the Denver Public Schools and, therefore, DCISM students are expected to abide by all of the policies outlined in the DPS Student Conduct and Discipline Procedures which is available at: https://www.dpsk12.org/languages/#1474567227716-038ba928-f506 In addition, DCISM students and families are also expected to comply with policies and procedures that have been developed to govern the daily instructional and operational activities of the school. This Student and Family Handbook provides the current edition of these DCISM-specific guidelines and expectations.

INTERNATIONAL MODEL AT DCISM DCISM prepares students in Grades 6-12 for college, career, and life by helping them understand how to seize the countless opportunities the world has to offer. By graduation, every DCISM student will be an outstanding communicator, global thinker, and agent for change who is multilingual, inter-culturally competent and prepared to solve problems and lead communities worldwide with knowledge and compassion. DCISM strives to serve our diverse student population by creating an inclusive school culture that provides opportunity for all stakeholders to engage in learning opportunities that will impact our community and world. Our school supports high achievement, personal growth and taking action on issues relevant to becoming globally competent. We are committed to the work of living our mission as an international studies school with a vision for global competency that is rooted in equity and social justice. DCISM expects the learning culture to have a significant and positive impact on student achievement, attendance, and college and career readiness. WORLD LANGUAGES AND ELECTIVES DCISM offers French, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and Italian, and High School students can choose from electives such as Drama, Mythology, Digital Media, and Global Arts. In Middle School, students participate in semester courses including French, Spanish, Art, Technology, Creative Writing, and AVID. CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT COURSES DCISM works collaboratively with local universities to provide college credits to students in core subjects and electives. These are courses that students can take on the DCISM campus to gain college credit at no cost during their high school career as they work to fulfill their graduation requirements. ADVANCED PLACEMENT DCISM offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses to give students the opportunity to experience college level courses in our campus during their high school career. Students have the opportunity to gain college credit through Advanced Placement testing at the end of each year. . SEAL OF BILITERACY The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by DPS in recognition of students who have attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. The Seal appears on the transcript and diploma of the graduating senior and is a statement of accomplishment for future employers and for college admissions. STEM The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math program at DCISM will serve middle school and high school students. STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in the four specific

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disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. It does not teach the four disciplines as separate and discrete subjects; STEM integrates these disciplines into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications. NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL With the support of the DCIS Foundation and a school-wide program, students have the option to apply for travel scholarships to further their experiential learning whether it’s here within the United States or as far away as China, Brazil, and Austria.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS COMMUNITY CENTER The Community Center at DCISM provides parents support with services and programs available to students and parents. Parents are encouraged to visit the Family Center at DCISM to receive support and information regarding academics, social-emotional matters, and other matters that affect student and family well-being. A parent may set up an appointment during the day by calling our Family Services Liaison. TRANSLATION SERVICES DCISM will provide translation services to families as much as possible for teacher, counselor, and administrator conferences. Our aim is to provide the most effective methods of communication with parents and students. Families in need of translators can request translation services before meeting with school personnel in school. FACE (FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT) The Office of Family and Community Engagement Office provides assistance to students and families. For more information on the Office of Family and Community Engagement support for students and families go to the following link: http://thecommons.dpsk12.org/Page/135. The Family and Community Help Line is 720-423-3054.

ENROLLING AT DCISM CHOICE PROCESS As an innovation school within the Denver Public Schools, DCISM participates in the DPS SchoolChoice process. Information about the choice enrollment process can be found at: http://schoolchoice.dpsk12.org/ FEES Consistent with State law and District policy, DCISM charges fees only for expendable school supplies for core classes as well as supporting school activities (e.g. field trips, enrichment activities). In addition, DCIM is a MyTech 1:1 Chromebook school and students are expected to pay an annual fee for the Chromebooks. Fees are as follows:

• Supply/Activity Fee: $20 • Chromebook Fee: $15

Charges will be assessed for destruction or damage to DCISM property based on the value of the item.

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STUDENT SAFETY DCISM is a secured entry building. Exterior doors remain locked at all times. Anyone entering the building—whether parents/guardians or visitors—must use the front door (Unit B) located north of the main parking lot and must be “buzzed in” by the School Office staff. IDENTIFICATION BADGES All members of the DCISM community---staff, students, and visitors---are expected to wear a visible ID at all times. Staff and students will be issued identification cards by the school which should be worn around the neck at all times. Students will be issued their ID cards and lanyards at Registration. The cost for a replacement ID will be $2.00. The cost for a replacement lanyard will be $2.00. All visitors to the building are expected to sign in at the School Office and receive visitor’s badge. HIGH SCHOOL OPEN CAMPUS DCISM has an open campus policy for high school students only, High school students may leave campus during their lunch period and any open periods in their schedules. If students elect to leave campus during an open period in their schedule, they must return before the start of the next class period. All High School students must return to 6th Period after lunch by 1:23 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On Wednesdays, High School students are dismissed to lunch at 12:49 pm. Middle school students may not leave campus at any time without being signed out by a parent/guardian. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND DRILLS In order to ensure the safety of students, DCISM follows the DPS guidelines for safety and security. Information about these procedures can be found here: http://www.dpsk12.org/wp-content/uploads/Emergency-Guide-for-parents_Long_English-2.pdf SAFE AND WELCOMING SCHOOLS (Special Note Regarding Immigration: We will do everything in our lawful power to protect our students’ confidential information and insure this school is not disrupted by immigration enforcement actions.) As a DPS school, DCISM is committed to helping every student succeed. DCISM embraces the diverse students, families and communities and is committed to building a culture that embraces the unique identity and potential of every child. DPS has put a number of policies and practices (https://www.dpsk12.org/policies-procedures/) into place to make sure that everyone in the DPS community has the opportunity to learn and work in an environment where they are treated with dignity and respect, free from bullying or harassment. DPS does not discriminate on the basis of color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, veteran status or disability. In order to learn more about some of the ways we strive to make all of our students and families feel safe and welcome in DPS:

• Supports for All Students and Families • Immigration Rights Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) • Transgender Student Support • Board Resolution – Safe and Welcoming School District • FAQ for Muslim Families

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PROTECTING CHILDREN AND REPORTING ABUSE Consistent with state law and district policy, all DCISM staff are mandatory reporters and are required by law to report child abuse or neglect if they reasonably suspect abuse or neglect is occurring. All DCISM staff are required to complete Mandatory Reporter training every year. To report child abuse or neglect, contact the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 844-244-5437 RESTRAINING ORDERS AND OTHER COURT DOCUMENTS For the safety of students and their families, DCISM staff will comply with all court orders that are on file in the School Office, including, but not limited to: restraining orders, custody agreements, legal name changes, adoptions, etc. Copies of these documents should be submitted to the School Office in a timely manner. SAFE-2-TELL HOTLINE Safe-2-Tell is the statewide, anonymous safety reporting tool. Sponsored by the Colorado Attorney General's Office, Safe-2-Tell is a Colorado Student Crime Stoppers Program designed to allow individuals to anonymously report anything that threatens or may endanger them or their friends, family, or school. The number is 1-877-542-SAFE. For a brief overview of how the program works, please see: http://safe2tell.org/

ATTENDANCE It is the shared responsibility of the parents/guardians, students, and the school to guarantee that students are regularly attending school. A significant body of research indicates that regular attendance at school is correlated with increased student achievement. In order to ensure that students have the maximum learning time in school, parents/guardians are encouraged to schedule vacations, medical/dental appointments, and special events for dates and hours when school is not in session. REPORTING ABSENCES/TARDIES To excuse tardies and absences please call the automated attendance line at 720-423-5901. This line is for leaving messages only. Parents/guardians must contact the school within 48 hours to excuse an absence from school. In order to excuse a tardy, parents/guardians must contact the school by 2:30 the same day as the tardy occurred. SCHOOL CLOSURES / DELAYS DCISM will follow the DPS closure policies and decisions. When Denver Public Schools are closed (or have a delayed start) due to inclement weather, this information will be broadcast on all the major radio and television stations. Information about school closures in DPS is also posted on the DPS home page (www.dpsk12.org). NORMAL SCHOOL HOURS Unless otherwise communicated to families, normal school hours are:

• Soft Start/Breakfast 7:30 am – 7:45 am • Instructional Day (M, T, Th, F) 7:45 am – 3:15 pm • Instructional Day (W) 7:45 am – 1:30 pm

Students should not be on school grounds before 7:30 am because there is no adult supervision until 7:30 am.

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Students are expected to leave school grounds immediately after the school day ends unless they are in an afterschool club, tutoring, or sports. There is no adult supervision after 3:30 pm. BELL SCHEDULE

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL Entrance/Exit Procedures Between 7:30 and 7:45 am, all students will enter through the front door of the building (Unit B) and will proceed to their first period class. Breakfast will be served in the classroom Students in Afterschool Activities All after-school activities begin at 3:20 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Students are responsible to report to their coordinators, club advisors, or coaches in a timely manner after school hours are over. All school expectations and DPS regulations are in effect in all after-school activities at DCISM. TARDIES Students are expected to report on time to school in the morning, and to their classrooms. If a student demonstrates a pattern of tardies either to school or between classes, students are subject to school consequences; parent conferences, student contracts, and/or intervention plans. Tardies to School Students are expected to arrive in a timely manner every day. Students who arrive after 7:45 am will be considered tardy to school. Tardies will be unexcused unless a parent/guardian escorts the student into the school or contacts the school by 2:30 pm the same day. Students will be considered absent from first period class after 7:55 am. Tardies during the Day Students are expected to move in a timely manner between each class and arrive on time to his/her next class. Students who arrive after the bell rings will be marked as tardy. If a student arrives after 10 minutes into the class period, the tardy will become an unexcused absence. LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY If a student must leave school early (e.g., for a medical appointment), parents/guardians or other person(s) authorized on the emergency contact card to pick up the student must come to the School Office to sign out the student. For protection of the child, a picture ID must be presented to the School Office staff before the student will be released.

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The office will call the classroom to release the student and s/he must come directly to the office. In the interest of minimizing classroom interruptions, parents/guardians may not go to the classroom. This sign-out procedure applies even if a parent/guardian is already in the building (e.g., serving as a volunteer). EARLY RELEASE DAYS Each Wednesday during the school year, DCISM will dismiss students at 1:30 pm to provide time for staff professional development. These dates are listed on the DCISM school calendar which has been sent to DCISM families and is posted on the DCISM website. NON-STUDENT CONTACT DAYS There are days throughout the school year which are dedicated to parent-teacher conferences and staff professional development. On these days, there is no school for students. These dates are listed on the DCISM school calendar which has been sent to DCISM families, is posted on the DCISM website, and is located at the beginning of this Handbook, TYPES OF ABSENCES Excused Absences State of Colorado law obligates parents and guardians to ensure that every child under their care and supervision receives adequate education and training and, if of compulsory attendance age—six to seventeen—attends school. To read the DPS Attendance policy, including what types of absences are considered to be excused, please see the following link: https://www.dpsk12.org/attendance/ To be recorded as an excused absence, parents/guardians must contact the school within 48 hours of the absence. Parents/guardians may be asked to provide documentation, including written statements from a medical provider. Please Note: Absences for family reasons not specified in DPS policy (e.g. travel/vacations) will not be considered an excused absence unless the parent/guardian has received prior approval from the principal. Unexcused Absences (Truancy) Any absence from school for any other reason than those listed above or any absence that occurs without notice to DCISM by the parent or guardian is considered unexcused. Habitually Truant If a student has four unexcused absences in a month or ten unexcused absences during the school year, s/he shall be considered “habitually truant.” Attendance Contracts and Truancy Notifications The school may notify parents or guardians of absences by one or more of the following methods: telephone call, letter, parent conference, home visit, or Truancy Notice after the student is habitually truant. In order to support the family of a student who is habitually truant, DCISM will attempt to understand reasons for the student’s absences. To do so, DCISM will provide support that could include meeting with the student, counseling, tutoring, meeting with both parent and student, referral to support programs and/or implementing an attendance plan or medical plan. A truancy court proceeding may be initiated if the student continues to miss school.

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DRESS CODE The intent of the DCISM dress code is to create a simple and easy to understand policy that maintains the learning environment and creates a welcoming space for all students. Student dress must meet the following requirements:

• ID & Lanyard: Students must wear lanyards with IDs around the neck at all times. Student IDs must not be altered or defaced in any manner.

• Clothing: Students must wear both a top and bottom at all times (a dress may act as both) o Tops: Shirts/tops must cover the stomach, back, and shoulders o Bottoms: Bottoms must cover all undergarments

• Head Gear: Students may not wear any headgear (hats. hoods, scarves, du-rags) except those worn for religious observance.

• Shoes: Shoes must be worn at all times All items of dress must be free of any visuals or language---logos, prints, drawings, photos, writing, sketches---which contain offensive or intolerant language (racist, sexist, biased, anti-religion) or promote the use of drugs, alcohol, illegal substances, or criminal activity. The final decision regarding school attire and proper school grooming standards is left to the discretion of the School Principal.

TRANSPORTATION

SCHOOL BUSES Schools in the Far Northeast, including DCISM, are part of the DPS Success Express bus system. Students residing in Montbello or Green Valley Ranch can get a Success Express bus to the school before and after school. For full schedule please see http://transportation.dpsk12.org/eligibility-and-routing/success-express-shuttle/ Students receive a +Pass Card at the beginning of the school year that grants them access to the buses. More details on the +Pass can be found at http://transportation.dpsk12.org/pluspass/ STUDENT DRIVING Students with a valid driver’s license may drive to school. In order to park in the student parking lot (located off Crown Boulevard), students must obtain a parking permit from the DCISM School Office. They must complete the Parking Pass Agreement (including parent signatures) and must provide the following information and documentation:

• Copy of student ID • A valid driver's license • Vehicle Make, Model, Color and Year • License Plate Number • Registered Owner Information and Relationship to Driver • Insurance Company and Policy Number

INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS

MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMIC PROGRAM All students in middle school will be enrolled in a course of study that includes Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Most students will be enrolled in a second language (Spanish or French) as well as at least one elective course. Elective options include: Physical Education/Health, Technology, Music, Art, Creative Writing, or AVID. Some students will be enrolled in a reading or math intervention

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class or English Language Development (ELD) course as needed. Special education intervention classes are provided for those students who qualify. HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC PROGRAM All students in high school must follow a course of study which fulfills the Colorado graduation requirements. This course of study includes: Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies, as well as Foreign Language and Electives. Beginning with the class of 2021, students must also demonstrate, through either assessment or through a body of work, that they have proficiency in English and Math. For the specific graduation requirements, including the specific number of credits needed in each content area, please see: https://collegeandcareer.dpsk12.org/graduation-requirements/ Students in high school will earn transcripted credits for each course that they take. The number of academic units earned--not age or years in high school---determines the grade level classification for each student: Freshman 0 to 6 units Sophomore 6-12 units Junior: 12-18 units Senior: 18 units and up Students are eligible for a DPS diploma at 24 units. To be considered a senior the student must have a minimum of 18 units. Students can earn up to 7 units in any given year by taking a full schedule of classes. Thus, if a student falls behind on units earned in their freshman, sophomore, or junior year, they could still graduate on time by successfully completing 7 or more units their senior year. MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL GRADING Students in both middle school and high school will receive final grades for courses at the end of each semester. DCISM uses a letter grading systems for courses. The breakdown for each grade is as follows:

Description Value on 4-pt scale

Percent Based

Letter Grade

The student consistently and independently demonstrates proficient and advanced understanding in course competencies, concepts and skills in a variety of contexts and assessment opportunities.

4.0 93-100 A

3.67 90-9 A-

The student independently demonstrates proficiency in course competencies, concepts and skills in a variety of assessment opportunities.

3.33 87-89 B+

3.0 83-86 B

2.67 80-82 B-

The student demonstrates proficiency in course competencies, concepts and skills with limited teacher support in order to complete tasks.

2.33 77-79 C+

2.0 73-76 C

1.67 70-72 C-

The student demonstrates basic knowledge and skills with support but does not yet demonstrate concepts and skills independently.

1.0 60-69 D

Lack of evidence and/or unsatisfactory work performance on assessment opportunities.

0 0-59 F

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MYTECH ONE-TO-ONE PROGRAM INFORMATION DCISM is committed to preparing students for the technological demands of the 21st century’s “Digital Age.” Classroom teachers will provide opportunities for students to use technology to access information and to facilitate critical thinking and creativity. DCISM participates in the DPS MyTech program which is a one-to-one (1:1) computer device program for select 6-12 schools Students at MyTech schools, including DCISM, will be issued Chromebook laptop computers for use both at school and at home. Each year, parents/guardians must attend a mandatory Chromebook information session and both parents/guardians and students must sign the annual MyTech Contract. More information about the MyTech program can be found at: https://mytech.dpsk12.org/ TNLI DESIGNATION AND SERVICES FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS DCIS at Montbello is designated as a Transitional Native Language Instruction (TNLI) school. DCISM offers a variety of services to English Language Learners. All students who are designated as English Language Learners will receive English Language Development (ELD) courses in addition to their Language Arts courses. Parents/guardians of students who speak Spanish and have limited English proficiency can choose to have students in core content areas designated as ELA-S meaning that Spanish supports will be provided in these classrooms. In addition, DCISM has both a middle school and a high school Newcomer Center. These classrooms serve are part of the English Language Acquisition (ELA) Program. They are designed for eligible students who are new to Denver Public Schools and new to the United States. The Newcomer Centers serve English language learners identified as SIFE (Students with Interrupted Formal Education) and have minimal literacy skills in both their native language and English. Students in the Newcomer Centers are served for one or two semesters to prepare them to access grade level content instruction. STUDENT EXCURSIONS (FIELD TRIPS) Throughout the school year, there are a variety of opportunities for students to participate in excursions. These trips can happen for various purposes: 1) to provide experiential learning opportunities which enhance the content learning in the classroom; 2) to reward students for academics and behavioral success; or 3) to participate in school or district activities. During registration, parents/guardians are asked to sign a general permission form which allows for their student(s) to participate in these excursions. STUDENT TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES As an international studies school, DCISM is committed to offering opportunities for students to travel both domestically and internationally. Traveling while attending DCISM is not a requirement but it is encouraged. DCISM staff and faculty understand that traveling can be expensive and so many efforts are made to find scholarships and other low-cost ways for students to see other parts of the country/world.

SPECIALIZED LEARNING PLANS GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS DCISM provides specialized learning plans for students who are identified as Gifted and Talented. Students are identified through a body of evidence which includes assessment information, work samples, and feedback from both parents/guardians and teachers. An Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) is developed to provide students with a challenging and rigorous learning experience. More information about ALPs can be found at: http://gt.dpsk12.org/about-us-2/advanced-learning-plans.

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MULTI-TIER SYSTEM OF SUPPORTS (MTSS) DCISM implements the Multi-Tier System of Supports (MTSS) which is a three-tiered model for academic and/or behavioral learning. In Tier One, all students receive high-quality, research-based instruction that is differentiated. Students who are not progressing adequately are provided with one or more research-based interventions (Tier Two). Finally, in Tier Three, if a student is still struggling, then s/he receives one-on-one targeted intervention that speaks to his/her specific skill deficits. REFERRALS TO STUDENT SUCCESS TEAM The Student Success Team (SST) is a problem-solving team to address academic or behavioral concerns which are interfering with a student’s ability to meet grade level standards. Classroom teachers, special educators, administrators, interventionists, and families work together to develop learning and intervention plans to meet the student’s unique needs. Either school personnel or parents/guardians may refer students to this problem-solving team and all are active team participants. Some students who are referred to the SST team may be further referred to determine eligibility for either ADA Section 504 plans or Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) SPECIAL EDUCATION AND 504 PLANS Students who have been previously identified as needing a 504 Plan or an IEP will receive the specialized services, accommodations/modifications, and learning supports outlined in their individual plans in accordance with district policy and state and federal law. If at any time, a disability is suspected by school personnel or a parent/guardian, a student may be referred for a special education evaluation. More information about the eligibility determination and planning process can be found at the following links:

• Information about 504 Plans: https://studentequity.dpsk12.org/section504/ • Special Education/IEPs: https://studentequity.dpsk12.org/special-education/

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING

POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS DCISM is a Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) school. PBIS is a systemic approach to proactively developing positive, school-wide behaviors among all students. It has been implemented in thousands of schools in more than 40 states and has shown dramatic reductions in disciplinary interventions and increases in academic achievement. PBIS applies evidence-based practices that decrease problem behavior and establish a positive school culture. Within the PBIS framework, faculty and staff develop clearly defined expectations and consequences for student behaviors that are consistent across the school. The expected behaviors are explicitly taught, practiced, and reinforced. STUDENT DISCIPLINE As a Denver Public Schools innovation school, DCISM is expected to comply with DPS Board Policies related to student discipline: specifically, policies JK (Student Discipline) and JK-R (Student Conduct and Discipline Procedures). The purpose of the District policies is to ensure a safe learning environment, to help create a school climate that promotes academic achievement, to reduce out of-school suspensions, and to increase effective prevention and intervention efforts. The policy stresses fairness and uniformity, with a real concern for racial disparities, and the procedures focus on developmentally appropriate disciplinary techniques. There is an emphasis on Restorative Practices and law enforcement personnel should only be involved in school discipline when there is a serious or immediate threat to safety. . In order to standardize discipline among all schools, a detailed “matrix” is used. The matrix is divided into five categories, ranging from minor misconduct that should be addressed within the classroom (Type 1 to

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major misconduct that would result in a recommendation of expulsion (Type 5). The matrix and discipline ladder are attachment B & C in JK-R, Discipline Procedures. Copies of the Student Discipline Policy and the Student Conduct and Discipline Procedures are available at: https://www.dpsk12.org/policies-procedures/

EXTRACURRICULAR ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES ATHLETICS High school and middle school students have the opportunity to play a variety of sports throughout the school year. Sports offerings include:

• Soccer • Football (flag in middle school, contact in high school) • Baseball • Softball • Wrestling • Cheerleading

High school athletics are part of the Far Northeast Warrior teams which play through the Regional Area Athletics Program (RAAP). Middle school athletics are a part of the DPS Prep League. Athletics fees are required for all sports and are currently $25 for middle school students and $60 for high school students. There is financial aid for families who are not able to pay the athletic fee. CLUBS AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Both middle school and high school students have the opportunity to participate in afterschool activities and clubs through DCISM and through other partnerships with schools in the Regional Area Athletics Program (RAAP). The list of available after school activities will be updated annually and posted on the DCISM website.

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL Effective, two-way communication between teachers and families enriches the home-school partnership that is an essential element of the DCISM learning experience. CONTACT INFORMATION It is essential that parents/guardians keep all contact information up-to-date. This information is used by DCISM and DPS to send informational messages to parents/guardians; to report a student’s serious illness or accident, and to notify families if any emergency incidents occur. Parents/guardians have 24-hour access to Parent Portal to change personal data and emergency contact information. Information about Parent Portal can be found here: http://communications.dpsk12.org/parentportal.html. Parents/guardians who do not have computer access may contact the School Office to make any necessary changes to their contact information. VOICE MAIL AND EMAIL DCISM faculty and staff regularly use email to communicate with families. All teachers and other staff members can be contacted by email and/or by leaving a phone message on their voicemails. DCISM does not require teachers or other staff to use their personal cell phones for school-related communications and, therefore, does not require them to publish their personal cell phone numbers.

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However, parents/guardians can still send text messages to staff from their cell phones by using the DCISM staff member’s email address. A list of email addresses and voicemail numbers for all DCISM staff is available on the DCISM website. . MONTHLY NEWSLETTER The Principal publishes a monthly newsletter which contains procedural reminders, short informational briefings about current relevant topics, announcements about upcoming activities and deadlines, and other items of interest to all students and families. The newsletter will be emailed to families, posted on the school website and social media sites (Facebook). SCHOOL WEBSITE For ease of access by families, the school website at www.dcismontbello.org contains the current school year calendar, important announcements, and electronic copies of priority documents. These sections of the website are dynamic and updated on a regular basis. REPORT CARDS DCISM uses the DPS Secondary report card. Report cards are sent home twice a year (following each semester). Report cards will be sent home in early January following the Fall semester and in early June following the Spring semester. CONFERENCES Conferences with teachers are helpful in clarifying their instructional objectives for students and in keeping parents/guardians informed of their student’s progress. During the school year, there will be two evenings in the Fall and two evenings in the Spring dedicated to parent-teacher conferences. Parents/guardians are always encouraged to schedule phone or in-person conferences at any time they have questions or concerns about their students’ progress. CAMPUS MESSENGER Campus Messenger is a communication tool which uses phone messaging, email, and text messages to communicate with families and is a communication channel used by the District and DCISM to provide many types of information. Campus Messenger can contact families 24 hours a day. PARENT COMMUNICATIONS WITH STUDENTS DURING SCHOOL DAY Calls from Home To avoid interrupting classes, students will not be called to the School Office to receive telephone calls except in emergency cases. If parents/guardians call the school, the School Office staff will take a message and will deliver it to the classroom at the end of the day prior to dismissal. Parents/guardians should not call or text students on their cell phones during the school day because student cell phones are to be turned off during instruction. Calls to Home At the teacher’s discretion, students may use the telephone in the main office to make important calls to parents/guardians. When children are ill, the School Nurse or the personnel in the School Office will call the parents/guardians.

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Forgotten Items If a student has forgotten an item at home, it may be left in the School Office with the student's name clearly marked. Items will be delivered when it is least disruptive to instruction.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Every member of the DCISM community is responsible for contributing to a positive and welcoming environment for students, faculty, families, and community members. It is expected that all members of the DCISM community will be treated with respect, in a professional manner, and with the assumption that they are acting with positive intentions. Nonetheless, problems, misunderstandings and/or frustrations may sometimes arise among stakeholders. In these cases, it is always the intent at DCISM to be responsive to the concerns of all individuals involved. Therefore, a concerned stakeholder (parent/guardian, teacher, etc.) should first meet with the other party and attempt to resolve the problem. If a mutually satisfactory outcome cannot be reached, the Principal will schedule a facilitated conversation with all individuals involved.

HEALTH AND MEDICATIONS HEALTH PROCEDURES The Montbello Campus offers the following health services to all students:

• Denver Health school clinic (located on the upper level of the Montbello campus facility) • Health and Development Advisor • School-Based Therapist • Social Workers • Psychologist

In order to access the Denver Health School Clinic, parents must complete paperwork available during registration at the beginning of the school and in the School Office throughout the school year. Sports physicals are also offered at the clinic. To contact the clinic, please call 720 423 5808. Parents/guardians are asked to be considerate toward others by informing the School Office if their student(s) is being kept at home with a diagnosed contagious disease or if the student has been exposed to a contagious disease. This information remains anonymous but permits DCISM to take extra sanitation precautions if appropriate. MEDICATIONS DCISM follows the DPS Policy for medication administration which is as follows: Nurse practitioners who support our School-Based Health Centers may prescribe medication for a student, but school nurses may not. Medication can be given at school when a parent or guardian requests and completes the Student Medication Request Release Agreement/Physician’s Order for Medication. This form provides the parental consent required for a nurse or delegate to give medication on school property. All medications must be provided in the original pharmacy container, labeled with your child’s name, name of the medication, dosage and frequency, and date for the medication to be discontinued. Students may be permitted to carry their own emergency medications such as an asthma inhaler or epinephrine (epi-pen) with the corresponding medical order and parental consent.

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SENDING STUDENTS HOME Parents/guardians will be asked to pick up their student from school if s/he is sent to the School Nurse for any of the following reasons:

• Fever above 101°F • Repeated diarrhea or vomiting • Any other conditions judged by the School Nurse to warrant immediate removal of the child from

the school. IMMUNIZATIONS AND VACCINES The DPS policy regarding immunizations and vaccines can be found here: https://www.dpsk12.org/policies-procedures/

FOOD AT SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM DCISM participates in the School Breakfast Program, a federally funded program that makes breakfast available to all students. Breakfast is served in the classrooms from 7:30-7:55 am. All students are eligible to eat breakfast free of charge. LUNCH Lunch in the School Cafeteria Students in all grades may either bring a cold lunch from home or may purchase a hot lunch. Students have the option to purchase a meal through the school lunch program. Families may access information about the school lunch program, including costs, monthly menus, various payment methods, and information about lunch loans at: http://foodservices.dpsk12.org/ . The following options are available for purchasing hot lunch:

• Purchase lunch on a single day and pay by cash or check (payable to DPS Enterprise Services). The cash or check should be delivered by the student to the Cafeteria Manager, not to the School Office or to their classroom teacher.

• Set up a student account online at: www.mealpayplus.com and preload funds using VISA or MasterCard.

• Set up a student account online at www.mealpayplus.com and deliver cash or checks (payable to DPS Enterprise Services) to the Cafeteria Manager who will load this amount into the student account.

If the cost of lunches is a financial hardship, parents/guardians can apply online for Free or Reduced price meals at: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application. SNACKS Snacks may be made available for purchase in the cafeteria through the DPS Enterprise services during lunch periods. Snacks may also be sold by organizations within the school for fundraising purposes. Snacks can be purchased before and after school or at lunch time. Snacks cannot be purchased during passing periods or during instructional time. Individual teachers will set the policies for eating snacks in their classrooms.

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FOOD ALLERGIES OR ADVERSE REACTIONS Parents/guardians should share with the School Nurse if the student has any food allergies or adverse reactions to food by completing the DPS Student Health Information form contained in the registration packet. The form is also available from the School Office. This information will determine if a Health Plan is appropriate. DCISM cannot guarantee that classrooms or the cafeteria, or the food provided at the school, are allergen free. During breakfast and lunch, students are discouraged from trading or sharing food items to minimize the possibility that a student will consume potential allergens.

CELL PHONE AND PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES The purpose of the cell phone policy at DCISM is to

• Create a productive and efficient learning environment for students • Focus on teaching students 21st Century skills such as self-monitoring and professional courtesy • Contribute to the construction of healthy relationships

Classroom Expectations • As soon as the tardy bell rings, students will have phones/headphones put away unless the teacher

explicitly mentions otherwise. • Students must demonstrate professional courtesy during directed instructional time.

o Directed Instructional time: Directed Instructional time is determined by the teacher. It may include, but not be limited to, teacher presentation, student or guest speakers, presentations, collaborative work, or small group instruction

o Professional courtesy is defined as: Cell phones are in backpacks/pockets (not on desk or in lap) and headphones are

out of ears (earphones are not hanging over ear lobes). Chromebooks tabs are on the assigned materials or closed to 45 degrees.

• The teacher will determine how electronic devices may be used during independent instructional time. The teacher will determine the length and time of usage permitted. A teacher may stop the use of electronics at any time during class.

o Independent Instructional time: Independent Instructional time is determined by the teacher. It may include, but not be limited to, independent work, essay writing, or silent reading.

• Failure to follow teacher direction will result in disciplinary consequences. Other General Expectations • Remove headphones when talking to adults or peers in all environments. • NO videos or photos should be taken during class time without teacher permission. • While in school, cell phones should always remain in silent mode and inaudible as not to disrupt the

educational environment in and outside the classroom. • It is the responsibility of the student to bring charged cell phones. Students may not charge cell

phones in class or other place in the school. • Personal phone calls may not be conducted during class time. • Cell phones shall not be used in a testing environment unless authorized and must be used in a

manner that does not violate cheating/plagiarism policy. • Parents are asked if they need to contact their child during the school day to phone the office and the

student will be notified and may call from the School Office or other school phone. The final decision regarding cell phone policy is left to the discretion of the school’s Principal.

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FAMILY ENGAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE (SAB) The SAB serves as a representative voice to provide school leadership with multiple perspectives when making decisions related specifically to the implementation of our vision, budget, and staffing as well as the innovation plan. Parent/guardian voices are a critical component to the work of the SAB and DCISM encourages all interested families to apply for the Board. The SAB includes at least two parent/guardian representatives from middle school and two parent/guardian representatives from high school. Parents/guardians who are not official voting members of the SAB are welcome to attend any of the monthly meetings. VOLUNTEERS Volunteers offer a variety of valuable services to DCISM, including but not limited to providing instructional support, performing clerical activities, developing and conducting after-school enrichment opportunities, or assisting with schoolwide celebrations or activities (e.g., dances, assemblies, fundraisers, etc.). All volunteers are required to complete the DPS Volunteer Application and Background Check form, which can be found here: http://face.dpsk12.org/volunteer-services/#1478234668663-65006aee-220d. Volunteers will receive the training necessary for their particular assignment (e.g., appropriate use of school equipment, how to read to small groups, etc.). For the safety of students and staff, DCISM doors remain locked at all times and volunteers must follow the same procedure required for other visitors. After receiving a visitor’s badge, volunteers must check-in at the School Office before proceeding to their assignment.

VISITORS AT SCHOOL Parents/guardians are not only welcome, but encouraged, to visit their student’s classroom. Other adult relatives and/or friends also may visit if they are on the student’s contact list or are authorized by parents/guardians for a visit. Since the needs and schedules of each classroom differ, parents/guardians must contact principal to schedule time for a visit that is mutually convenient. To minimize distraction in the classroom, no relatives or friends of the student who are younger than 18 years, including siblings, are permitted to visit classrooms during the instructional day except for celebrations or other special events.. For the safety of students and staff, DCISM doors remain locked at all times. Therefore, visitors must enter the building through the front door, by signing-in at the front desk, receiving a visitor’s badge, and check-in with the School Office personnel before heading to classrooms. Finally, visitors must abide by all DPS policies regarding public conduct on school property. These policies may be found at: https://www.dpsk12.org/policies-procedures/

OTHER PERSONAL ITEMS AT SCHOOL All items brought from home—whether clothing, books, cell phones, electronic devices, and/or other personal property—should be well-marked with the student’s name. Neither DCISM nor DPS is liable for damaged, lost or stolen personal items.

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Articles that are found throughout the building at the end of the school day will be placed on the Lost and Found area on each floor. Unclaimed clothing is donated to a needy organization periodically. LOCKERS Every student is assigned a shared locker at the beginning of the school year. Parents must sign a Locker Permission Form prior to the student being given their locker code. Generally, lockers are shared between two students, but in rare cases, a student may have an individual locker. Given that lockers are shared, students are encouraged to leave valuable items at home. PETS OR OTHER ANIMALS AT SCHOOL In the interest of student and adult safety, no pets or other live animals are allowed on school property at any time, including during drop-off and pick-up times. Teachers may use live animals in the classroom for a clear instructional purpose provided they secure approval from the Principal.