Class Placement Information

Creating balanced class lists that meet the needs of all students is a difficult endeavor.  This process involves hours of thoughtful dialogue between classroom teachers, administrators, and other additional staff members. We take this responsibility very seriously. The process for creating class lists is as follows:

· Teachers identify the social and academic needs of each student.  They refer to existing data and record pertinent information to assist them in their decision-making.

· Teachers then meet as grade level teams to form class lists that are balanced.  Balanced classrooms meet each student’s academic, social and emotional needs.  Teachers consider each child’s personality, academic strengths and needs, as well as friendships, when they place each child. Learning specialists and the specials’ team also collaborate with classroom teachers and share their insights.

· Each grade level team types a draft of their class list which is then submitted to me.  I review each child’s placement and ensure that all parent input shared with me has been considered. Classroom teachers approve any additional changes to ensure balanced classes are maintained.

· Class lists are finalized in August to reflect all new students.

This process is consistent across grades K-4.  In addition to working with Gold Rush faculty, our 5th grade team collaborates with teachers at Cimarron Middle School to ensure students’ success in 6^th grade.

We strongly believe that this detailed and collaborative process creates learning environments that benefit all students. It is a delicate balancing act that takes tremendous thought by professionals who know and care about your child. Please remember that our ultimate goal is always to create balanced class lists that promote the success of each child. Please also know that your child is placed in a classroom for very specific reasons and that our process benefits all students.  Because of the input and thought given by teachers, parents, and administrators, we are reluctant to make changes once this process is complete.  While it may seem difficult to imagine, moving one child can disrupt the balance of an entire classroom.

We do value parent input and welcome any insight you wish to share about your child’s strengths, needs, and learning style.  We will take into consideration all pertinent information that you share with me either on or before THURSDAY, May 1st . While we welcome your input, we cannot take specific teacher requests. Please put your thoughts in writing and address them to me (Jenny Brown).  I will accept either a hard copy letter or email (jjbrown@dcsdk12.org).

I cannot express enough how important it is that your thoughts are in writing. As you can imagine, we receive a great deal of parent input and verbal information is nearly impossible to track. Further, please direct all of this communication to me as I am ultimately responsible for reviewing final class lists in July when teachers are not working.

CMAS - Colorado Measures of Academic Standards

CMAS is an online standardized assessment for 4th and 5th graders.  4th graders will take Social Studies and 5th graders will take Science.  Assessments are composed of selected response, constructed response, simulations (Science) and performance events (Social Studies).  4th graders will be tested April 14 - 18.  5th graders will be assessed April 21 - 28.

Community Events

Safeguarding Children: Building Resiliency (click for the flyer)

The District is offering three regional forums for parents about students safety.  These sessions will cover efforts made to improve physical safety and psychological wellness.  If you were unable to attend the session in Parker this past Wednesday please consider attending on April 16 at ThunderRidge High School or April 23 at Castle View High School. 

DCSD Art Show (click for the flyer)

The District's Art Show will be held on April 10-13 at the Outlets at Castle Rock. Come and celebrate our students' amazing talent!