From The Principal

August 30, 2024

Dear Heritage Families,

There has been so much energy and enthusiasm in the building! We’ve had a fantastic start to the school year, and it’s all thanks to the wonderful students, staff, and families who make up our Heritage community.

Celebrating iReady Testing Success!

Our 1st-6th graders have just completed their iReady testing (and kindergarteners just started), and I couldn’t be more proud of their hard work and perseverance. These assessments provide valuable insights into each student’s learning needs, and the effort they’ve put in sets a strong foundation for their growth this year. Thank you for encouraging your children to do their best—we are excited to build on this momentum!

Fund Run Assembly Excitement

Today we kicked off one of our most anticipated events of the year—our Fund Run! Mrs. Montoya and I had so much fun getting our students excited for this fun and important event. The Fund Run is one of only two fundraisers we hold throughout the year, and the funds raised help support many of the wonderful programs and activities we offer at Heritage. We appreciate your continued support and can’t wait to see our students in action!

Upcoming Events and Reminders

Labor Day Weekend: As we head into the Labor Day weekend, it's a great time to appreciate all the hard work that people do to keep our country running smoothly. Whether it's in our schools, businesses, or communities, the efforts of workers everywhere are what make things happen. Enjoy the break and the extra time with family! Just a reminder—there will be no school on Monday, September 2nd in honor of the holiday.

Donuts with Dudes: Mark your calendars for Friday, September 6th! We’re excited to host Donuts with Dudes, where students can bring their favorite dude—whether it’s Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, or another special person in their life—to enjoy some delicious donuts and great company. We can’t wait to see you there!

Choir Rehearsal: Our first choir rehearsal of the school year will be held on Wednesday, September 4th from 3:30-4:30, under the direction of Ms. Hess. There’s still time to sign up your 3rd-6th grade student if they’re interested in joining. Click this link to sign up! We have to have at least 25 students sign up to be able to run the program. We’re looking forward to a wonderful year of music and performances!

Thank you for being such a vital part of our school community. I’m looking forward to all the exciting events and achievements we’ll celebrate together this year.

Wishing you a wonderful Labor Day weekend and a fantastic start to September!

Sincerely,

Katie Lawson

Principal

In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District's Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Aaron Henderson, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, [email protected], 303-387-0127.

Outside Agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records which have been collected by Douglas County School District related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for the period of five (5) years after special education services have ended for the student. Special education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, or completes his/her educational program at age 21, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Douglas County School District's intent to destroy the special education records of students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records by requesting the records at this link ( Douglas County School District Transcripts and Records Requests ).

From The Principal

Heritage Elementary School