Student & Family Handbook

School Closings  

School closure decisions are made at the district level and will be communicated as timely as possible.  To learn more about the school closure process click the following link: School Closure FAQ. 

Staff will not be on site should our school close, so please be sure to have a plan for your students to stay home when RRHS is closed.  All activities scheduled to take place at school will be canceled as well, including all Athletics and Activities scheduled.  Exceptions to canceled events may be made by the principal and athletic director on a case by case basis and only if students can access and utilize the facilities safely.  

Delayed Start

During the winter and spring months, a possibility always exists of school closure and/or schedule changes due to inclement weather. The decision to change school schedules because of adverse conditions is based on one factor; the safety of all students and staff.  School closure or delayed start decisions are made at the district level and communicated via Social Media, News Outlets, In-touch, and Web-Site postings.  Please check these outlets before heading to the bus stop or school when the weather is creating hazardous transportation conditions.

Riverdale Ridge High School expects that all students and staff members will dress in a way that is appropriate for the school day or for any school sponsored event. As noted in 27J district policy JICA, the primary responsibility for a student’s attire resides with the student and their parent(s) or guardian(s). 

School district policy notes that student attire, hairstyles, and personal grooming habits will be accepted provided they are not disruptive and/or distracting to the educational process or are not detrimental to the health, safety, or morals of individuals.  Additionally, RRHS is responsible for ensuring student attire does not contribute to a hostile or intimidating atmosphere for any member of our learning community. Any restrictions to the way a student dresses must be necessary to support the overall educational goals of Riverdale Ridge High School and must be explained within this dress code.

I. Basic​ ​Principle:​ ​Certain​ ​body​ ​parts​ ​must​ ​be​ ​covered​ ​for​ ​all​ ​students​ ​at​ ​all​ ​times.

Clothes must be worn in a way such that genitals, buttocks, breasts, and nipples are fully covered with opaque fabric.  Additionally, students should limit the exposure of the upper thigh (region above the area where a person’s fingers reach on the upper leg to the hip or waist area) and stomach areas out of respect for all community members.  All items listed in the “must wear” and “may wear” categories below must meet this basic principle.

II. ​All Students​ ​Must​ ​Wear all of the following*​ (while adhering to the Basic Principle above):

• A​ ​Shirt or “top” 

• Pants/jeans​ ​or​ ​the​ ​equivalent​ ​(for example, a skirt, sweatpants, leggings, a dress or shorts)

• Shoes​

* Courses may include assignment-specific dress.  Activity-specific shoes requirements are permitted (for example, athletic shoes for PE).

III. ​All Students​ ​May​ ​Wear ​(as long as these items do not violate Section I above):

• A face covering/mask (strongly recommended for unvaccinated students)

• Hats that do not inhibit the ability to see the face of the student  (Note: Staff may request the removal of non-religious headwear during instruction)

• Religious headwear

• Sweatshirts with or without a hood as long as the student’s face is visible

• Fitted pants, including opaque leggings, yoga pants, and skinny jeans

• Ripped jeans, as long as underwear and buttocks are not exposed

• Tank tops; halter tops, etc. in compliance with Section I above

• Athletic attire

IV.  ​Students​ ​Cannot​ ​Wear:

• Clothing  or accessories that reasonably can be construed as being or including content that is racist, lewd, vulgar or obscene, or that reasonably can be construed as containing fighting words, speech that incites others to imminent lawless action, defamatory speech, or threats to others.

• Images or language depicting drugs or alcohol or any illegal item or activity

• Clothing that reveals undergarments which are covering the areas of the genitals, buttocks, breasts, and nipples

• Swimsuits (except as required in class or athletic practice)

• Pajamas or other nightwear

• Sunglasses

• Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon
         

V. Dress​ ​Code​ ​Enforcement

To ensure effective and equitable enforcement of this dress code, school staff shall enforce the dress code consistently using the requirements below. School administration and staff shall not have discretion to vary the requirements in ways that lead to discriminatory enforcement.

• Students will only be removed from common areas, hallways, or classrooms as a result of a dress code violation as outlined in Sections I and IV above. Students in violation of Section I and/or IV will be provided three (3) options to be dressed more to code during the school day:

  • Students will be asked to put on their own alternative clothing, if already available at school, in order to comply with the dress code for the remainder of the day.

  • Students will be provided with temporary school clothing to comply with dress code for the remainder of the day.

  • If necessary, students’ parents may be called during the school day to bring alternative clothing for the student to wear for the remainder of the day.

• School staff shall not enforce the school’s dress code more strictly against transgender and gender nonconforming students than other students.

• Students should not be shamed or required to display their body in front of others (students, parents, or staff) in school. “Shaming” includes, but is not limited to:

  • kneeling or bending over to check attire fit

  • measuring straps or skirt length

  • asking students to account for their attire in the classroom or in hallways in front of others

  • calling out students in common areas, hallways, or classrooms about perceived dress code violations in front of others; in particular, directing students to correct sagged pants that do not expose their undergarment, or confronting students about visible straps and waistbands on undergarments

  • accusing students of “distracting” other students with their clothing. 
    
    

Such conversations should take place in a respectful manner and setting aside from other parties. 

These dress code guidelines shall apply to regular school days and summer school days, as well as during any school-related events and activities such as graduation ceremonies, dances, and performances. Students who feel they have been subject to discriminatory enforcement of the dress code should contact Riverdale Ridge’s Administration.

Click the following link for the entire policy: RRHS Dress Code

Only students with a confirmed medical issue with a special pass may use the elevator. Student helpers/escorts may not ride with the injured student unless specifically approved by an administrator or health professional.  The student and the helper will each have their own pass, which they are expected to show upon request.

Important Note: In order to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment, all students are expected to properly dispose of trash from food and beverages. Failure to do so may result in the loss of privilege to consume items outside of the Student Commons (cafeteria).

We ask that students restrict food consumption to the designated seating areas in the Student Commons. Students should not eat on the floor in the main entry area or the main stairs.  Any eating and drinking outside of the Student Commons or designated areas will be at the discretion and approval of the classroom teacher or school staff. Students are expected to ensure that the consuming and/or sharing of food will not cause a disruption or distraction within the learning environment. Additional specific expectations, such as no food during lab-based lessons in science classrooms or when playing instruments in music classes, is at the discretion of the teacher.

During school hours, students should not be released from class to access the school store, student commons, or to the main office or any entrance to pick up food or beverages. Food items brought from home for student or community consumption must be purchased, ready-to-eat, and be wrapped in the original packaging with ingredients listed in order to reduce the risk for food-related allergic reactions and foodborne illness.   

PE Lockers

PE lockers are issued by the PE teachers during the first days of class.

Hallway Lockers

Lockers are available on a limited basis for students to store school-related materials and clothing.  School lockers are the property of Riverdale Ridge High School/SD27J and may be searched at any time, without notice and at the discretion of the school administrators.  Use the following link to complete a request for a locker: Hallway Locker Request Form

Students are responsible for their lockers and can be held liable for the contents and for any vandalism which occurs to their lockers.  Riverdale Ridge HS is not responsible for items lost or stolen from student lockers.

Students requesting and using lockers are expected to:

• Ensure lockers are kept clean and free from damage

  • Use of removable stickers, shelves, bins, etc. is permitted but if not removed properly or if damage occurs to the locker from such items, students may be assessed a fine

• Report any problems with their locker or combination lock to a campus supervisor

• Secure their lockers after each use (spin the dial on the lock to ensure the lock is secure)

• Prevent others from using or damaging their locker

  • Students are responsible for the content of their lockers even if it is stored/placed in the locker by another party

• Remove and clean their locker at the end of the school year

  • All articles left in hallway lockers after the close of the school year will be donated or discarded

• All articles left in hallway lockers after school closes in May will be discarded/donated

The RRHS Campus Security team and Main office maintains a lost and found for misplaced items found around campus, and also for some items left on 27J School buses. The most commonly located items include keys, wallets, glasses, cell phones, and student ID cards.

Reporting Lost Items

If you have lost an item on campus, you can check the school’s lost and found by filling out and submitting the Lost Property Report Form. The RRHS Campus Security team will check all existing lost property upon receipt of your form and will contact you if they have an item matching your lost item’s description. If there is nothing matching your lost item, they will continue to check your report with all
future items that are turned in during the course of the school year.

Reporting Stolen Items

If you believe your lost property has actually been stolen, you will need to speak to a Campus Supervisor team member in person to make an official incident report, in addition to filing a Lost Property Report. In the event of suspected theft, parents/guardians and students can also file a report with the Thornton Police Department.

Retrieving Lost or Stolen Items

Anyone claiming lost or stolen property must have proof of submitting a Lost Property Report Form and must show a current, valid form of identification such as an RRHS student ID, passport, or a driver’s license. Anyone claiming stolen property also must have proof of submitting an official incident report with the Campus Security team.

Turning In Found Items

If you have found an item on campus belonging to someone else, please turn it in at the Main office or a Campus Security staff member during school business hours, or to a Safety booth at Entrance 2 (South Wing) or Entrance 3 (Athletic/ P.E. wing).

Unclaimed Property

Unclaimed items will be held for at least 60 days, after which time items may be discarded or donated to a charitable organization.

RRHS does not assume responsibility for any lost, damaged, or stolen personal property brought to school or to a school activity.

Open campus is a privilege that can be suspended/revoked for any RRHS student who violates Riverdale Ridge High School and/or 27J Schools policy. When on campus during academic hours, students must always be in class and/or under the supervision of an adult. Students who need to leave campus early are required to follow the procedures for leaving early through the attendance office.  

Students in grades 9th through 12th can leverage off-campus privileges as follows:

During Lunch 
Eligible students have the option of eating in the cafeteria or leaving campus during their assigned lunch period. Please remember that our food service team provides meals at no cost to students.  There is no need for delivery of meals to students remaining on campus.

Reminder: lunch periods are 35 minutes in length--if you depart campus you MUST return in time to attend your class after lunch.

During Unscheduled Periods (a.k.a. “Open Periods”)
Eligible sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have an unscheduled period have the option to be off campus for the period(s).  If you choose to stay in the building, your unscheduled time must be spent in the student commons, learning commons, or outside in the seating area near the south entrance, and the basketball/picnic table area. STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BE IN OR HANGING OUT AROUND THEIR CARS DURING FREE TIME. 

Students are not permitted to be in the hallways after passing periods at any time during the school day without a valid hall pass - this includes lunch periods and unscheduled time.

Students need their current, valid student ID to enter or exit the building during the school day. If you leave the building during lunch, you are still considered “in school” and must return to the building after lunch or your unscheduled period immediately following lunch/unscheduled period. If you fail to return, regardless of the reason, you will be marked absent.

Students who violate open campus rules may receive a restricted lunch or suspension. Students who violate the off-campus rules may lose this privilege for one month if they have an unexcused absence to the class following their unscheduled period.

Parents/caregivers may contact the Dean to request that their child’s off-campus privileges be revoked for 30 days up to one full year.

Students with a valid driver’s license who fulfill the requirements noted below are permitted to register a vehicle and obtain a parking permit. Students will need to complete the forms required to secure a parking permit PRIOR TO PARKING ON CAMPUS.  Parking permits can be secured by completing the permit form and paying the fee.  Please note: All outstanding school fees MUST be paid PRIOR to being issued a parking permit. 

Link to the form: RRHS Student Parking Permit Request and Guidelines Form  

Infractions of parking policies, including parking on campus without a permit, are $20.00 per violation.  Parking permits  can be obtained by completing the RRHS Student Parking Permit Request and Guidelines Form and paying the fee. 

Parking on school grounds is a privilege that can be revoked for failure to comply with all school guidelines.  Students should be aware that personal property brought to school and stored in spaces on school grounds are subject to search and view by others, and prohibited items discovered during the course of a search  may result in discipline, including but not limited to, expulsion from school. Please help us keep our learning community safe and free from distractions.

Parking Guidelines

• Students must be in good standing (attendance, academic performance, behavior) to secure and maintain parking privileges

• Parking lot speed limit and posted speed limits around the campus are to be observed by student drivers at all times

• Students must comply with the Colorado Graduated License Laws

• Any unsafe driving or misuse of a student’s vehicle will result in revocation of parking privileges

• Students observed texting while driving on campus may have their parking privileges revoked

• Riverdale Ridge High School is not responsible for damage to vehicles or loss of stolen items

• Students must park in our designated student parking lot (South Parking Lot)

• Parking permits must be hung on the rear view mirror at all times the vehicle is on campus

• Students are not permitted to “hang out” in their cars during off-hours, lunch, etc.

In order to limit disruption to the classroom, RRHS employees will not deliver messages to students except in cases of extreme emergency. Students will not be allowed to use school phones for personal use except in cases of extreme emergency and with staff permission. 

Students may receive deliveries for appropriate school-related items (i.e. homework, textbooks, Chromebook, calculators, athletic equipment, musical instruments, etc.) at the Main Office on school days from 8:20am-4:20pm. Cash, credit/debit cards, checks, and any other form of currency will not be accepted for delivery. Flowers, gifts, and inflated balloons may not be brought to school, delivered to school, nor carried around. Instructional time will not be interrupted to accommodate deliveries.

All posters and announcements must be approved by an administrator prior to being displayed.  The Administration will approve only those posters/announcements publicizing school related events or services related to supporting the RRHS purpose.  The authorizing administrator  will sign the corner of the poster to indicate its approval. Avoid hanging posters on windows or display cases and remember to use blue painter’s tape to avoid damage to surfaces. Students should remove posters no later than a week following the event.  

Redirect Process

To address student behavoir that is disruptive to the learning environment and/or violates school or board policy, RRHS teachers and staff use a restorative process to redirect student behavior.  Students who exhibit such behavior will receive "redirects" to address students' behaviors, remind them of school/classroom expectations, and a chance to change their behavior.  Each redirect increases in magnitude, with consequences including a hallway conversation with the teacher or staff member, a call home, written reflecction, and/or referral to administration. 

Consequences and Suspensions

The following consequences apply to behavior on and off campus, in school vehicles, and at school-sponsored activities and events. These are recommended guidelines in the disposition of discipline situations.  Depending on the circumstances of the behavior and the history of the student, responses may vary at the administrator's discretion.  Parents will be contacted for each offense. 

A violation of any rule may result in discipline including, but not limited to:

• After School Detention

• Community Service/Service Learning 

• Out-of-School Suspension

• Expulsion

• Compensatory payment of damages 

• In-School Suspension

• Loss of Bus Privileges 

• Assigned work related to the offense 

• Other as determined by administration

• Restorative Practices

Out-of-School Suspension

1. Students will be responsible to make up all classroom work or tests missed while serving a suspension

2. Parents will be notified of the suspension and may be asked to take the student home immediately. The student may not attend school, or school sponsored activities, or be on school grounds through the length of the suspension. 

3. Suspensions may cross semester lines and may be carried from one school year to the next. Students may not attend any school functions, home or away, while serving a suspension. 

4. Students are not permitted on school grounds while serving a suspension. 

5. Depending on the infraction, an alternative to suspension may be used.

Within the first 4 school days of a new quarter, students may request a schedule change if it meets the following criteria:

• Adding classes if students do not have a full schedule or duplicate courses

• Changes due to a student not meeting the prerequisite 

• Changes for courses the student has already completed and earned credit for the class 

The following are change requests that will not be accommodated:

• Changes that create a negative impact on course balance will not be allowed

• Changes requested due to teacher preference will not be permitted

• Changes requested to accommodate jobs, sports or off campus courses

• Changes requested for specific off period or lunch period

• The second quarter of a two quarter long class may not be dropped

A student may only add a class after the first 8 school days of a quarter with teacher and counselor permission. 

All students must be enrolled full time across two quarters (6 classes for 9th and 10th graders; 5 classes for 11th and 12th graders). If seniors are on track for graduation, they may take less than a full schedule in the spring quarters. However a student who is participating in a CHSAA activity must take a minimum of 5 classes +advisory over two quarters for each semester to be considered eligible.

After the first 4 days of a quarter and before the end of the first 2 weeks, withdrawals will be handled as follows: 

• A student can drop a class prior to the end of the first two weeks of a grading period if teacher approval, counselor approval, and parent/guardian approval are obtained and the student remains enrolled full time.

• If a student is passing a class at the time of withdrawal, he/she will receive a WP (Withdraw Pass) on their transcript and it will not affect the student’s grade point average (GPA). 

• If a student is failing a class at the time of withdrawal, he/she will receive a WF (Withdraw Fail) and it will be averaged as an “F” into the student’s GPA. 

• Any withdrawal from a class between weeks 3 through 7 will result in a WF and must also be approved by an administrator in addition to the parties mentioned previously. 

• Students taking AP (Advanced Placement) or Honors Classes will NOT be allowed to drop the course as they have made a full year commitment when signing up for the class. 

• Exceptions from this policy MUST be approved by your counselor. 

• SENIORS: Seniors may not receive a W/F after week 7. During quarters 2 and 4, seniors who drop a class after week 7 will receive an F on their transcript. 

Fees are incurred quarterly for all students attending Riverdale Ridge High School. They may include, but are not limited to, course fees, technology fees and/or damaged or lost materials.

Students are required to pay fees in full in order to participate in all extracurricular activities (sports, clubs), attend field trips, attain a parking permit, as well as to walk in graduation ceremonies. All student fees must be paid in full prior to a student withdrawing from Riverdale Ridge High School. Please make plans to settle all student fees, in full, once allocated.

Student fees may be paid online by using either student or parent Infinite Campus portal, or payments can be made in person at the finance office at RRHS by card, cash or check. 

For Free/Reduced lunch applications and information, please see the district webpage under Nutrition Services. Make sure you completely fill out the forms, especially the check boxes on the back regarding the waiving of school fees.

Athletic participation fees are due prior to the start of the first practice for each sport.

RRHS Complete School Fees Policy

All students are expected to carry a school issued ID at school during school hours and at school events--including school dances. Student IDs help to identify students on school grounds, allow students to check out materials from the learning commons, are needed for food services, etc. Because RRHS is now an open campus, students will be required to show their Student ID to an adult any time it is requested.

IDs will be given out free of charge the first time.  Students that have lost or damaged their IDs can buy replacements for $5.00 each in the main office during lunch or after school. Students that cannot afford a replacement ID will work with administration for alternatives to payment such as community service. 

Each student is responsible for all loaned items borrowed from the school.  Students are expected to return items at the end of his/her participation in the course or pay for any lost item(s), destroyed, stolen or mutilated. Report cards, records, transcripts or diplomas will NOT be issued until all books are turned in and/or fees paid.

Students may be subject to searches, including personal, bookbag, cell phone/electronic device, and locker searches. School property such as desks, lockers, and parking lots is owned by RRHS and may be searched by school authorities any time reasonable grounds exist, including random searches/canine searches. searches do not require advance notice, student consent, or search warrants. Vehicles on school property or at a school function may also be searched. 

Seizure of Property​
If a search produces evidence that a student has violated or is violating either the law or the 27J rules or policies, evidence may be seized and impounded by school authorities and disciplinary action may be taken. When appropriate, evidence may be transferred to law-enforcement authorities. 

Student Personal Property​ 

RRHS/27J does not assume responsibility for any lost, damaged, or stolen personal property brought to school or to a school activity. Students should ensure that their lockers are fully locked, and are advised not to bring valuables to school. 

School Property - Restitution
Students will be held responsible for the replacement cost of any damage they cause to school property. 

Academic Dishonesty Defined

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Submitting any work, or part thereof, that is not the student’s own work

  • Group projects and classwork may require their own unique submission, and students should seek clarity from their teachers for such assignments

• Using electronic devices to cheat, including but not limited to looking up/searching, photographing, recording, or texting/chatting/posting information

• Copying another student’s classwork or assignment

• Copying the work of an author and representing it as the student’s own work, including the use of websites and other sources to construct an essay for a class

• Allowing another student to copy your work or your assignment

• Putting your name on another student’s paper/project/work/submission/ assignment/etc.

• Using a “cheat sheet” or any unauthorized resource on a quiz/test/assessment

• Giving another student help on an assessment (quiz/test)

• Using any material from the internet without proper citation or appropriate credit

• Tampering with the teacher’s gradebook/records or tests (this offense will result in a suspension and may be grounds for expulsion)

• Stealing and/or selling quizzes or exams (this offense will result in a suspension and may be grounds for expulsion)

Consequences for Academic Dishonesty

Once an educator has determined that an act of academic dishonesty has occurred, the following disciplinary consequences will be applied:

First Offense

• A score of zero (0) on the assignment/assessment

• The student will be asked to redo the assignment or assessment

  • Student can replace the mark of 0 with up to 75% of the value of the grade earned on the submission

• Referral to corresponding Administrator

• Teacher will contact the guardian

Second Offense

• A score of zero (0) on the assignment/assessment

• The student will be asked to redo the assignment or assessment

  • Student can replace the mark of 0 with up to 50% of the value of the grade earned on the submission

• Referral to corresponding Administrator

• Teacher will contact the guardian

• A lunch detention 

Third and subsequent Offense(s)

• A score of zero (0) on the assignment/assessment

• In-school suspension

• Referral to corresponding Administrator 

• Teacher will contact the guardian & family meeting with administration

• May result in out-of-school suspension and up to expulsion for continued violations

All offenses will be documented in the behavior section of Infinite Campus (IC) and maintained throughout the student’s attendance at RRHS.

Students who allow other students to plagiarize or “cheat” from their assessments will be subject to the same consequences outlined above.  Plagiarism may impact a student’s eligibility to participate in National Honor Society, academic honors and recognitions, as well as participation in school sponsored extracurricular athletics and activities.

Academic lettering is another way in which RRHS students can be recognized for outstanding school work. A student will be awarded an academic letter when earning a weighted GPA of 3.5 or better for two consecutive high school semesters.  Once a semester has been used for a letter it cannot be used again.  Senior academic letters will be mailed out and freshmen, sophomores and juniors will receive their awards in the semester following the earned letter.  Students may use a semester from the school they attended prior to enrolling at RRHS towards earning their letter.  A student may also “trade in” an earned academic letter from a prior high school for a RRHS letter.

As part of our commitment to creating productive and self-directed lifelong learners, RRHS expects all students to maintain academic integrity in completing their coursework (including homework and classroom assignments), assessments, and in all submission of original work.  Our high academic standards include an expectation that students will not cheat and that every student will deny any request to copy class work, homework, and assessments (e.g., quizzes and tests).

The valedictorian will be the student(s) with the highest adjusted GPA and outstanding citizenship.  The salutatorian will be the student(s) with the 2nd highest adjusted GPA and outstanding citizenship.  This proven system rewards students for successfully completing a most rigorous course load. The adjusted GPA will be calculated using the following procedure:

1. Final cumulative unweighted GPA will be determined at the end of the second semester of the student's senior year.
2. Additional academic points will be awarded based on:
   • 1 point for each semester of an Honors, Accelerated, PLTW Pathway Courses successfully completed
   • 2 points for each semester of Advanced Placement, Concurrent Enrollment, and Post-Secondary Education option classes successfully completed.
3. Each academic point acquired will add .01 to the final cumulative unweighted GPA to determine adjusted GPA.

The final selection of the valedictorian and salutatorian will be based on the above criteria and administrative discretion related to outstanding citizenship towards the end of second semester.

Honor Rolls

Honor rolls are determined following the conclusion of each semester.  Weighted term grades are used to compute honor eligibility for students enrolled in 5 or more courses.   

Honor Rolls recognition

• High Honors --weighted term GPA of 3.66667 and above

• Honors--weighted term GPA of 3.000 to 3.66666  

The Advanced Placement (AP) program is a national academic program sponsored by the College Board. Classes are equivalent to introductory college courses that provide opportunities for high-achieving students to complete certain college requirements while still in high school. Most AP courses are two quarters and culminate in a required national exam in May. Passing grades in AP courses are weighted in students’ cumulative GPA. Students may not drop Honors/AP/Concurrent Enrollment courses once they have committed to the course in May.

The following is a summary of the key points to the RRHS Grading Policy for 2023-24.  

Purpose:  To align our student feedback practices with our school’s statement of purpose and ensure clarity for educators, students, and family members related to the grading practices at Riverdale Ridge High School.  To this end, Riverdale Ridge High School’s faculty is committed to implementing consistent feedback practices and continually refining our feedback practices to ensure the full potential of this aspect of instruction is realized in our learning community.

Teacher Managed Feedback Systems

Gradebook Categories

Grade books within Infinite Campus will be set up to calculate the following categories and percentages for each category:

Evidence - 70%: this includes summative assessments/common course team assessment (i.e. projects, presentations, tests, essays, portfolio, etc.)

Learning Experiences - 30%: this includes formative practices graded for completion and/or graded for correctness. Can be teacher, peer, or self graded

Frequency of feedback

Teachers will enter a minimum of at least one artifact of student learning, either in the evidence or learning experience category, per week to ensure communication of progress is maintained and seen by stakeholders. 

Projects or larger evidence grades will be given an extension in time to be graded, within a reasonable timeframe. The graded deadline must be determined/discussed by the content team and communicated to stakeholders upfront and prior to submission.

RRHS Rubric

Using common rubric categories and scoring levels, teachers will evaluate and score students' work based on standards based learning goals being assessed for all evidence tasks. The rubric and method of grading for Assessments/Evidence Grades will align within each department/content team/subject team.  

Late Work  

In an effort to support students’ demonstration and development of skills and responsibility, students will be allowed to submit late assignments at the teachers discretion. Each teacher’s late policy should be aligned within their department/content teams and communicated to students and parents through the course syllabus. Students may be asked to complete an end of unit assessment, final exam, project, capstone, or other such culminating learning experiences at the conclusion of a Quarter. These items will be due prior to the final day of the quarter as outlined below.Students are responsible for ensuring they are present and complete their final activities prior to the last day of the quarter. Make up days are for students who have an excused absence impacting the ability to have completed the final evidence/learning experience for the quarter.  

NOTE: A teacher may require students to follow a specific procedure on turning in late work (i.e. written request, late work form submission, etc.) that will be communicated with all stakeholders prior to the course/quarter. 

Time Limit: The opportunity for students to utilize the make-up work policy stated above must be completed within a time frame designated by the instructor and communicated in the course syllabus. 

Special Circumstances: Students with school identified plans (IEP, 504, MTSS, etc.) may have modified due dates that must align with what is stated in the student’s school identified plan and in collaboration with the student’s support team (counselor, Special Ed coordinator/case manager, or school administrators).  

Retakes, Redos, and Corrections 

Students will be offered opportunities in all classes for retakes/redos/corrections, but will be required to show proof of practice and/or learning beforehand. The proof of practice procedure will be determined by the department/content team. Teams will have the autonomy to determine what type of retake/redo/revision opportunities that will be allowed in their courses.

Students will have one calendar week from the grade return date to schedule a retake/redo/make corrections. Teachers have the discretion to modify this time period, and changes will be communicated with students in advance. 

NOTE: Proof of Practice procedures, deadlines, expectations will be communicated with all stakeholders prior to the start of the course/quarter.

Extra Credit

Extra credit will not be offered in any class. As stated above, RRHS teachers will support continuous student learning followed by opportunities for students to demonstrate they have attained the knowledge/skills required through retakes, redos, and corrections.

Riverdale Ridge High School and the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) encourage all fans to engage in and promote positive sportsmanship and school spirit at all times. Fans are encouraged to cheer and support their own teams, but refrain from taunting, mocking or engaging in any behavior that is negative to opposing athletes, coaches, fans, and/or referees. Any crowd involvement cheers should exclude the use of inappropriate, rude, or suggestive language or motions. Students are encouraged to become educated in the respective sports and become familiar with the rules to understand why situations take place. 

All patrons must wear appropriate attire. Face painting is allowed.  Banners, Big Heads and other signage is allowed as long as it is sanctioned by game management/administration. Signage should not cause line of sight issues for other patrons and must not use inappropriate language or graphics.  Any banners or posters that are hung must be approved by game management/administration and need to be removed prior to leaving the event unless otherwise permitted.  Artificial noisemakers are not allowed,  including but not limited to the use of: cowbells, drums, whistles, horns, plastic clackers, and thunder sticks. The only exception for fans/spectators are sounds made by bleacher stomping. The use of megaphones are only permitted to cheerleaders.  

Tailgating or any other public gatherings prior to the game require pre-approval from the RRHS Athletic Director. Please remember to respect the property, space and game workers and pick up all trash before leaving the premises. If the trash cans are too full, please notify a game manager/administrator. 

Purpose: 27J Schools and our athletic departments feel very strongly about the core values we instill in our student athletes. Being present and prepared is a lifelong value that aligns with 27J Schools Values. Through this approach, we hope to build attributes that will value education and prepare our student athletes to be successful. 

Excused Absence: In order for an absence to be excused, a Prior Approved Excuse should be given to a member of the coaching staff before the fact and not after. If an athlete must attend an appointment (doctor, dentist, etc.), a note is to be given to a coach in order for the missed practice to be excused. If an athlete must tend to academic issues that are not due to a neglect of their studies, it will be excused. Students should make every effort to complete make-up tests and other assignments during the regular school day (e.g., during lunch). Emergency situations communicated from parents or guardians to the coaching staff will be excused. 

*Even excused absences can carry a consequence. If an athlete is not at every practice, they may not be prepared to participate in the next event/contest.

Unexcused Absence: An unexcused absence is one with no Prior Approved Excuse and/or is not accompanied by a note from appointments or communication from a parent or guardian in an emergency situation. Listed below are some examples of unexcused absences:

1. Missing a required event without an accepted prior approved excuse will count as an unexcused absence.

2. Flagrant disrespect of a coach, resulting in an athlete being sent home, will be treated as an unexcused absence.

3. Leaving practice without a Prior Approved Excuse will be treated as an unexcused absence.

4. An athlete neglecting her/his studies and who misses practice will receive an unexcused absence. 

Required team events, activities, practices, etc.., will be communicated verbally to the athlete by the coaching staff. 

Consequence for Unexcused absence:

1. One (1) unexcused absence will result in the athlete missing the next contest.

2. Two (2) unexcused absences will result in the athlete missing the whole week of events.

3. Three (3) unexcused absences will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, and could result in suspension from the team. To become eligible to participate, the athlete must meet with the head coach. 

4. Four (4) unexcused absences could result in removal from the team. This will be handled on a case by case basis as determined by the head coach.

All scenarios not covered in this document will be evaluated by the coaching staff and athletic director to determine appropriate actions. 

School Day Attendance:

Please understand that if you have ONE unexcused absence during the week, you will miss the first available event the following week.  If you have TWO unexcused absences during the week, you will miss the following week's events.  You should still attend practice.  (3 tardies=1 Partial Absence; 3 Partial Absences=1 unexcused absence)

*Parents/Guardians have 2 school days to excuse an absence*

CHSAA requires that every student-athlete meet the minimum academic requirements in order to participate in high school athletics.   

1. Students wishing to participate are required to meet standards of personal behavior and academic performance which are related to school purposes.

2. Weekly grade checks: with our current quarter system, 27J Schools student-athletes must be enrolled in a minimum of 2.5 full credit courses each quarter and must be passing a minimum of 2.5 credits.  Students not passing a minimum of 2.5 credits when grades are checked for eligibility once a week on Thursdays (12:00 p.m.) are ineligible for the next full week (Monday - Saturday).   

3. Quarter  grades: 27J Schools student-athletes must be enrolled in and passing a minimum of 5 full-credit courses in a semester.  Students who are not enrolled in and passing a minimum of 5 classes at the close of the semester are ineligible for the start of the following semester up until the CHSAA designated regain date. Students must be eligible on the regain date to resume weekly eligibility. Please make sure you touch base with each athlete to ensure they will receive credit in at last five (5) classes to maintain their eligibility.

Please Note: 27J employs a two (2) D’s equal one (1) F equivalence system.

Example (Weekly):

Science    F

English     F

Math         D

History     D

Advisory   P

This student has 2 F’s and 2 D’s, so would be ineligible for the following week unless the proper petition procedure is met and accepted (student is not passing 2.5 classes with 2-D’s=1F).  Athletes must meet with Ms. Korneychuk to initiate the petition process.

Coaches may implement more stringent academic standards for their programs, but must have the policy approved by the Athletic Director and have the policy listed in their team handbook.

Regaining academic eligibility: Students must pass and earn credit for a minimum of five (5) classes in each semester to be eligible at the start of the next semester.  Students who do not pass 5 classes in a semester will be ineligible until the date set by CHSAA for regaining athletic eligibility.

RRHS school sponsored dances are open to all RRHS students with the exception of prom.  Guests over the age of 14 (9th grade) and under the age of 21 are permitted with ADVANCED approval from school administration. Student IDs will be checked in order to gain admission into any Riverdale Ridge High School student activity or school dance. 

In order to attend an RRHS dance, you are expected to have:

1. 90% or better attendance from the beginning of Quarter 1 or Quarter 3 until the date of the dance.  

2. No violations during the current school year of any of the RRHS/27J drug, alcohol, physical altercations, or weapons policies–this also applies to RavenFest. 

You must complete a guest form when bringing a guest to a school dance.  Please understand you are responsible for yourself as well as your guest and are expected to engage in behavior that reflects mindful actions as they pertain to the purpose and space.  Behavior should also be aligned with both the school and 27J policies. 

School District 27J’s Attendance Policy can be found at the following link: 27J Attendance Policy.  The following are key highlights often requested by families: 

Excused absences are defined as absences due to one or more of the following: 

• Illness, injury, or disabling condition. 

• Family emergency such as a serious illness or death of an immediate family member 

• Legal proceeding 

• School suspension 

• Approved pre-arranged absences (requires advanced approval by school administration)

• Religious observations 

• Classes missed due to participation in a school sponsored activity are considered “exempt” absences. Such absences do not impact the student’s attendance record. 

Unexcused absences

• All absences not otherwise excused as noted above will be considered unexcused. 

For an absence to be excused, a telephone call or signed note from the custodial parent/legal guardian, medical practitioner(s), or other authorized official must be submitted within two (2) school days of the school day absent. In the case of multiple consecutive absences, the excuse must be submitted within two (2) school days of the last school day absent. 

Makeup Work 

• Students shall be given the opportunity to make up assignments for credit for excused absences. Makeup assignments should be requested on the day the student returns from the absence. Once provided by the teacher, makeup work should be completed within the same number of school days after the absence that the student originally missed. 

For example, a student who misses three days of school should have three school days to complete the makeup work after the teacher provides the work. 

• For excused absences, including suspensions, makeup work completed within the allotted makeup window will be awarded full academic credit. 

• Credit for makeup work for unexcused absences may result in reduced credit or in no credit being awarded at the discretion of the teacher with approval of school administration. 

• Some assignments such as labs or group projects are not conducive to makeup work. In such situations for excused absences only, teachers may provide an alternate assignment or may adjust the student’s grade accordingly to avoid placing an undue burden on the teacher without otherwise penalizing the student.

Absences and Extracurricular Activity 

Students who are absent for part or all of a school day may be restricted or prohibited from participation in after school or extracurricular events on the day of absence.  Any student athlete who has 1 unexcused absence in a week will be suspended from the first contest the following week.  Any student athlete who has 2 unexcused absences in a week will be suspended from the next week's contests.  We will follow the rule of 3’s for tardies and partial absences: 3 tardies=1 partial absence; 3 partial absences=1 unexcused absence.

Students, by district policy and state law, are expected to attend school daily.  Absences should be minimized, as missing a day of school has a significant negative impact on the student’s ability to develop mastery of course material. For the rare occasion when a student must miss a full or partial day of school, please report absences in a timely manner as outlined below.

Tardies

Arriving to class on time and prepared are core expectations for students at RRHS. Late arrivals impact not only the tardy student, but also disrupt the learning experience for the rest of the students in the classroom.  A student arriving late should go directly to class and will be marked tardy by their teacher. 

Students who are late to class more than 10 minutes will be directed to the attendance office to receive a partial absence.  Three partial absences are equivalent to one unexcused absence.

Reporting Absences

The Student Attendance Line is available twenty-four (24) hours a day to receive messages regarding attendance. Parents or legal guardians should report all absences to the school as soon as possible prior to 8:35 a.m. on the day of the absence.  To report a partial or full-day student absence, please call the Riverdale Ridge High School Attendance Line at 303-655-6935. Parents or guardians who have not called the attendance line  by 8:35 a.m. will be called by the automated dialer to be informed of their student’s absence.  (Note: This notification is for information purposes only and does not automatically excuse the absence.) Please see the “Attendance” section for complete guidelines on Absences and Tardies. 

If a student will be arriving late or leaving early, please follow the check in/check out procedure below. Phone calls regarding late arrivals and early dismissals must be received the same day prior to the student’s late arrival or early departure. 

When calling in, the parent/guardian must provide the following information:

• The student’s name and ID number

• The date(s) of the absence and period(s) to be missed

• Valid reason for the absence

• Parent/guardian name

• Their relationship to the student 

Link to full 27J Attendance Policy

Pre-Arranged/Excused Absence Form

If a student becomes ill while at school, they need to inform their teacher who will call the main office to secure support for the child. Sick students will be allowed to rest for ten minutes and then make arrangements to go home or return to class. Clinic personnel will arrange for the student to receive an excused absence for the time he/she is in the clinic, or for the remainder of the day if the student goes home. 

Any accident occurring on the school grounds must be reported to the office. Parents will be notified by the school when accidents occur.

Counselors are accessible to students during emergencies. Students should have their classroom teacher reach out to the counseling center to secure help.

For non-emergencies, students should request a meeting with their counselor via the Counseling webpage: RRHS Counseling Office.

Safety drills are required by law and are an important safety precaution.  When clearing the building, it is essential for students to do so immediately and in an organized manner.  Activating any fire alarm/lockdown falsely will result in severe school disciplinary action and/or filing of charges with the proper authorities.  

27J and RRHS use the Standard Response Protocol , and students are trained and drilled on this protocol annually. Shelter (tornado), Evacuation (fire), and Lockdown drills will be practiced several times each year.

Safe2tell provides students with a way to report threats to their own safety or someone else’s safety. Safe2Tell has no Caller I.D., no call recording, and no call tracing and that anonymity is protected by state law.  You do not have to give your name when you make a report.  

In 81% of violent incidents in U.S. schools, someone other than the attacker knew it was going to happen, but failed to report it. In Colorado, Safe2Tell gives kids a safe option. 

Students may use cell phones and ear buds before and after school, as long as they do not create a distraction or disruption.  Students may also use cell phones and ear buds during passing periods and during the lunch break, as long as they do not create a distraction or a disruption or cause the student to be tardy for the next period.  Student use of cell phones and ear buds are not permitted during the entire class period–including in hallways–and will be secured in lockers, backpacks, or vehicles.

Violations of our cell phone/earbud policy will be handled through our school restorative redirect process. Consequences may include verbal reminders/reprimands by the teacher, calls home, and/or referrals to administration, depending on the nature and frequency of the infractions.

No student, at any grade level, shall use a cell phone or electronic device to engage in, promote or facilitate any other conduct that violates the student code of conduct, other superintendent policies or regulations, or state or federal law. If the building principal or designee believes a student’s possession or use of a cell phone or other electronic devices may involve a violation of the law, the building principal or designee may also refer the matter to law enforcement.

27J Superintendent Policy JICJ

Use of Cell Phones/Electronic Devices on Buses
The use of cell phones and/or other electronic devices while riding to and from school, or to and from school-sponsored activities, is at the discretion of the bus driver.  Distracting behavior that creates an unsafe environment will not be tolerated.

Part of preparing students for their future is to ensure they understand and act appropriately in a digital learning environment as well as in the workplace.  Students will be held to high expectations of behavior and interactions equivalent to in-person environments.  Please take a moment to familiarize yourself and your student(s) with 27J Schools’ policies and procedures that outline our expectations for digital citizenship. These policies include: 

• Superintendent Policy - EHC - Use of the Internet (English) & (Spanish)

• Superintendent Policy - JS - Student Use of the Internet & Electronic Communications (English) & (Spanish) 

• One-2-Web Resources & Handbook

• 27J Digital Learning Resources

Parents/Guardians/Caregivers of participating students have the following responsibilities: 

1. Ensure your student safely engages in online learning opportunities in accordance with 27J Schools’ digital citizenship policies referenced above.

2. Ensure all members of your household respect the work of peers and adults participating in the 27J Schools’ online instructional learning plan, just as you would as a visitor to the classroom in accordance with Superintendent Policy KI - Visitors to School (English) & (Spanish). This means ensuring that you and other members of your household act in a manner that is not disruptive to the learning environment or otherwise compromises the safety or security of the staff and students participating in the 27J Schools’ online instructional learning plan. This is especially important when your student is participating in group activities involving live participation, such as video or conference calls. 

3. Communicate to your building administrative team any concerns related to online instructional opportunities. 

Purpose and Student Expectation

RRHS, along with School District 27J, utilizes a One-2-Web platform for instruction and learning for our young scholars to ensure they have access to the tools and resources essential to learning.  Every student will be issued a Chromebook on the first day of school, providing our young scholars with access to all educational tools in and outside of the classroom.  For most classes, students will not be issued textbooks as all the materials for core content classes are being migrated to digital resources in 27J.  Students are required to bring their fully charged Chromebooks to school each day in order to get the most from this learning tool.

As part of our safe school actions, students CANNOT substitute a school/district issued Chromebook with a personal device as they will not have access to the materials necessary to support classroom learning, nor will they be able to connect to the district wifi network.

Instructional Use

Teachers will leverage the One-2-Web platform to enrich, engage, & develop student learning through the appropriate, and relevant, use of technology.

Technology will be used when it is the best educational tool. However, not all learning happens on a screen.  Teachers will use the best research-based instructional practices (high-tech, low-tech, no-tech) to expose students to a variety of learning experiences and to prepare them for future post-secondary endeavors (careers/college/armed services/etc.).

A $60 per year fee for use, maintenance, insurance and licensing will be assessed to all students.  To offset this fee, many core class fees have been eliminated or reduced. 

Detailed information on 27J issued Chromebooks, including information on Chromebook Damage/Repair Insurance for families, is available by clicking on the following link: One-2-Web Family Guide

Digital Citizenship Expectations

Part of preparing students for their future is to ensure they understand and act appropriately in a digital learning environment as well as in the workplace.  Students will be held to high expectations of behavior and interactions equivalent to in-person environments.  Please take a moment to familiarize yourself and your student(s) with 27J Schools’ policies and procedures that outline our expectations for digital citizenship. These policies include: 

• Superintendent Policy - EHC - Use of the Internet (English) & (Spanish)
• Superintendent Policy - JS - Student Use of the Internet & Electronic Communications (English) & (Spanish) 
• One-2-Web Resources & Handbook
• 27J Digital Learning Resources

Parents/Guardians/Caregivers of participating students have the following responsibilities: 

1. Ensure your student safely engages in online learning opportunities in accordance with 27J Schools’ digital citizenship policies referenced above.
   
   
2. Ensure all members of your household respect the work of peers and adults participating in the 27J Schools’ online instructional learning plan, just as you would as a visitor to the classroom in accordance with Superintendent Policy KI - Visitors to School (English) & (Spanish). This means ensuring that you and other members of your household act in a manner that is not disruptive to the learning environment or otherwise compromises the safety or security of the staff and students participating in the 27J Schools’ online instructional learning plan. This is especially important when your student is participating in group activities involving live participation, such as video or conference calls. 
   
   
3. Communicate to your building administrative team any concerns related to online instructional opportunities.