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EducationDear Military Member and Family, It is important to be well informed when moving children to another school system and it is my hope that this guide will open the door of information required to help your children transition easily. There are a number of steps you can take that will help you plan and prepare for a less stressful school transition:
To ensure a positive reception at the new school and gain important information, some things you can do are:
The above mentioned points are emphasized by the Military Child Education Coalition, a non-profit organization in the United States which addresses the transition issues of military children when moving from school to school. We, at the Canadian Community Program Coordinator’s office, wish to provide whatever information and guidance within our means so that your family will have the best start possible here in Colorado Springs. If there are any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to call our office at 719-556-6551 or DSN 834-6551. Sincerely,
Table of contentsSection 1 – Colorado Department of EducationSection 2 – Colleges & Universities in Colorado Springs AreaSection 3 – Registration Requirements for Public SchoolsSection 4 – Schools (Elementary/Middle/High School)Section 5 - Alternative and/or Private Elementary/Middle/High SchoolGlossary of TermsImmunization ChartsMap of School DistrictsSection 1 - National Defence Dependant Education Management (DEM) WebsiteThis website deals with the education and related care of DND dependant students both inside and outside Canada. Colorado Department of EducationPlease note that appropriate e-mail addresses are available via most web sites, provided in the following information. A. General Information
B. Colleges and Universities
C. Accreditation (Accreditation Information on K-12 schools)
D. Student Assistance ProgramState Funding is only available to U.S. citizens. Contact the Support Services Officer 719-556-6328 at the CFSU(C) regarding Canadian Forces Personnel Assistance Fund (CFPAF). The CFPAF, established by the Chief of the Defense Staff, provides financial assistance to serving or former members of the Canadian forces and their immediate families. The Education Assistance Loan Program is available to encourage and assist eligible members and their families to obtain a post-secondary education. Each student is eligible to receive a maximum of $4,000 per year up to $16,000 over a lifetime. Web Site: English http://www.sisip.com/en/ French http://www.sisip.com/fr/ E. Elementary and Secondary Education
F. Distance EducationInformation regarding correspondence courses to complete a high school diploma is available through each provincial board of education. Additional information can be found at the DEM website www.forces.gc.ca/dgcb/educat Part XII. Web Site: http://www.forces.gc.ca/dgcb/educat/engraph/heome_e.asp Select the Distance Education tab. G. Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
H. Special EducationContact the applicable school district office for information concerning ESL (English Second Language) as well as any other special concerns and requirements of your child. It is imperative that when looking for specific language programs, parents ensure the school they are assigned does provide a program for their child and transportation (if required). If your child has an IEP (Individual Education Plan), please bring all documentation for proper evaluation and placement. Section 2 – Colleges & Universities in Colorado Springs Area* In State Tuition Rates for Active Duty Personnel Stationed in Colorado Springs and their Family Members: Active duty members of US and Canadian Forces who are not bona fide residents of Colorado but who are permanently assigned to Colorado, and their family members, qualify for resident tuition rates at state supported institutions (Pikes Peak Community College, The University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, The University of Southern Colorado, and Webster University). The value of this benefit can best be illustrated by observing that the resident tuition rate for the full time freshman student at UCCS is $1,245 plus fees, the non-resident pays $5,598 plus fees. The benefit is not automatically applied. The student, whether a sponsor or a family member must apply for the benefit each term. The applications can be obtained either from the school or from the Base Education Center.* Regardless of where the application form is obtained, the student must come to the Base Education Office (Building 1141, Room 106, phone # 556-4064) to have the form certified by a member of the education services staff. Some schools require that certification of the assignment status of the active duty member, others also require certification of the status of the dependant.* All schools require a facsimile copy of the student’s current ID card be provided when you submit the waiver to the school. What you need to bring with you to expedite the certification process depends on your status:
*Examples of the “Verification of Assignment” form are available at the CFSU (C), and the “Tuition Classification Certification” form is available at the Base Education Office. Each institution has a different form. Colorado Springs Post Secondary Institutions
Section 3 – Registration Requirements for Public Schools
Note: Custody documation is also required if the student does not reside with both biological parents. Contact the appropriate school district office for specific requirements. * The Colorado Immunization Law states that preschool students, kindergarten students, and students currently registering will be denied entry to school unless they meet the minimum immunization requirements. It is recommended that parents review information at http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/immunization/index.html with your family doctor prior to your posting to Colorado Springs. Transfer students must provide immunizations records upon admission. Should their immunizations not meet Colorado requirements, the student(s) will complete an immunization plan and make progress towards compliance within 14 days. One of the following must be provided at registration:
Preschool MedicalsPre-school medicals are required by Colorado State law. Medicals may be obtained prior to leaving Canada but must be current. If a medical has not occurred before registration, the medical must be completed within 30 days of school registration in Colorado. Please check with the appropriate pre-school to confirm specific details. If you require more specific information regarding Preschools, please contact the Canadian Community Program Coordinator’s Office at 556-9269 and we will do our best to assist you. Canadian Dependant Education Allowances for Junior Kindergarten Funding
Enrolment into Kindergarten and Grade 1
* It is not mandatory in the state of Colorado that children attend kindergarten.
Enrolling Middle School and High School StudentsStudents enrolling in Middle School (grades 6-8) or in High School (grades 9-12) may be required to attend a guidance counselling appointment. Testing session's may be required by many school districts to ensure the proper placement of children in their coming year. It is highly recommended that you contact the “the new school” as soon as possible, to schedule any necessary appointments.
* Please check with the appropriate school district for any specific requirements. Note specific immunization requirements for your child. This information is generally available on their web sites. The DEM website may provide additional information. Go to www.forces.gc.ca/dgcb/educat Preparations for Move Outside Canada. Public School Districts in the Colorado Springs AreaSome school districts offer “choice schools”. Choice schools offer programs or opportunities that are different from neighbourhood schools. This may include schedule and/or curriculum focus. An example of a choice school is the International Baccalaureate Program. Currently, District 20 and District 11 offer “choice schools”. Visit the web site or call the appropriate school district for further information. Based on input from other Canadian families, it is strongly recommended that parents visit the district office during their HHT. If the student's mother tongue is not English, the school administrator may want to do a quick language test before finalizing registration. In order to register for High School, the student must select the classes they wish to take with the school guidiance councellor. Classes may be offered on a first come, first serve bases, so it may be wise to register in the spring. The school system is different than in Canada it is important to discuss your child's placement with the guidance councellor. Academy School District 20**Address: 1110 Chapel Hills Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 Telephone: 719-234-1200 Fax Number:719-234-1299 Web Site: http://www.asd20.org Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): 719-536-4817 French Language: French Immersion at Academy International (Grades1, 2, 3,4 and 5). French Courses at the Middle School and High School. Contact ESL program director at 719-260-6600. Summer School Credit Program: 719-260-6600 Social Services: Contact the appropriate school Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-260-6600 (including Speech and Language Services) Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-234-1410 * Registration: Registration of students to attend school in District 20 is a continuous process. Registration can begin for a family once residence has been established within the district. There is a two step process and both steps must be completed before your student is registered.
Cheyenne Mountain School District 12Address: 1775 LaClede Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 - District and Administration Building Telephone: 719-475-6100 Fax Number: 719-475-6106 Web Site: http://cmsd.k12.co.us/ Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): Check with individual school French Language: Courses available at the Middle School and High School. Contact ESL program director at 719-327-2823 Summer School Credit Program: 719-475-6100, or 475-6110 for High School summer credit Social Services: Contact the appropriate school Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-327-2823 (including Speech and Language Services) Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-475-6105 Registration: All students (Grades K-12) enroll at the district administration building with the documentation previously listed.Colorado Springs District 11Address: 1115 N El Paso St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Telephone: 719-520-2000 Web Site: http://www.cssd11.k12.co.us Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): 719-520-2384 French Language: Courses available at the Middle School and High School. Contact ESL program director at 719-328-2978 http://www.d11.org/doi/esl/ Summer School Credit Program: 719-520-2018 Social Services: Contact the appropriate school Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-520-2148 (including Speech and Language Services) Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-520-2940 http://www.d11.org/busschedules.htm Registration: Ensure required documentation provided.Falcon School District 49Address: 10805 E Woodman Rd., Falcon, CO 80831 Telephone: 719-495-3601 Fax Number: 719-495-0832 Web Site: http://www.d49.org Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): Check with individual school French Language: Courses available at the High School Summer School Credit Program: http://www.d49.org/summer_school/ Elementary Department: 719-495-1118 Secondary Department: 719-495-1132 Social Services: Contact the appropriate school Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-495-1114 (including Speech and Language Services) Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-495-0020 Registration: Refer to website for registration packet.Fountain - Fort Carson School District 8Address: Administration Building - 10665 Jimmy Camp Road, Fountain, CO 80817 Telephone: 719-382-1300 Fax Number: 719-382-7338 Web Site: http://www.ffc8.org Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): 382-1300, 382-1490, 382-1400, 382-1340, and 382-1370 French Language: Courses available at the High School. Contact the ESL program director at 719-382-1300 Summer School Credit Program: 719-382-1300 Elementary Department: 719-382-1300 Secondary Department: 719-382-1300 Social Services: 719-382-1300 Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-382-1300 (including Speech and Language Services) Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-382-1300 Registration: Visit the website for details regarding registration dates. Contact either the individual school or call the District Administration Office. Registration forms are available on the website under Parent Info. It is advisable to complete the school registration form as soon as possible.Harrison School District 2Address: 1060 Harrison Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80906 Telephone: 719-579-2000 Fax Number: 719-579-4874 Web Site:http://www.harrison.k12.co.us Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): 719-579-2616 French Language: Courses available at the High School. Contact the ESL program director at 719-579-2986 Summer School Credit Program: 719-579-2067 Elementary Department: 719-579-2068 Secondary Department: 719-579-2067 Social Services: 719-579-2061 Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-579-3240 (including Speech and Language Services) Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-579-4900 Registration: Enrollment is at neighbourhood school based on address of residence. If you are uncertain which school your child should attend call 579-2550 to verify attendance area. Refer to website for specific details and dates.Lewis Palmer District 38Address: 146 Jefferson St., Monument, CO 80132 Telephone: 719-488-4700 Fax Number:719-488-4704 Web Site: http://lewispalmer.org Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): YMCA downtown 481-8728 French Language: Courses available at the High School. Contact ESL program director at 719-488-4700 Summer School Credit Program: Check with Individual School Elementary Department: 719-488-4700 Secondary Department: 719-488-4700 Social Services: Contact the appropriate school Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-488-4700 (including Speech and Language Services) Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-488-4711Manitou Springs School District 14Address: 405 El Monte Place, Manitou Springs, CO 80829 Telephone: 719-685-2024 Fax Number: 719-685-4536 Web Site: http://sd14web.mssd14.k12.co.us Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): YMCA downtown 481-8728 French Language: Courses at the High School General Interest: 719-685-2003 Summer School Credit Program: 719-685-2024 Elementary Department: 719-685-2024 Secondary Department: 719-685-2024 Social Services: Contact the appropriate school Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-685-2013 (including Speech and Language Services) Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-684-9573Widefield School District 3Address: 1820 Main St., Colorado Springs, CO 80911 Telephone: 719-391-3000 Fax Number: 719-390-4372 Web Site: http://www.wsd3.org Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): N/A French Language: Courses available at the High School. Contact ESL program director at 719-391-3000 Summer School Credit Program: 719-391-3020 Elementary Department: 719-391-3000 Secondary Department: 719-391-3000 Social Services: Contact the Wilson Center 719-391-3050 Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-391-3000 (including Speech and Language Services) Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-391-3540Woodland Park District RE-2Address: 151 North Baldwin St., Woodland Park, CO 80866 Telephone: 719-686-2000 Web Site: http://new.wpsdk12.org Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): Check with each individual school Adult Basic Education: Through Pikes Peak Community College French Language: Courses available at the High School. Contact ESL program director at 719-686-2012 Summer School Credit Program: 719-686-2012 Elementary Department: 719-687-6048 Secondary Department: 719-687-6048 Social Services: Contact the appropriate school Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-686-2012 (including Speech and Language Services) Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-687-4411Section 4 – Schools (Elementary/Middle/High School)Refer to Section 3, regarding appropriate School District, for contact information about for specific schools. Section 5 - Alternative and/or Private Elementary/Middle/High SchoolA. Instruction at Home/Home SchoolingParents interested in home schooling must provide a letter of intent to home-school to any Colorado public school district office within 14 days of starting a program. Programs must include at least 172 days of instruction, with an average of four hours of instruction per day.
Additional information can be found on the DEM Web site:(www.forces.gc.ca/dgcb/educat) Part XI – Instruction at Home. Contact the CFSU (C) Orderly Room for more details. B. Parochial Schools (Roman Catholic)Members with entitlement to Roman Catholic education should contact CFSU (C) Orderly Room for details.
C. Other Private Schools:
D. Please Note:
Glossary of TermsCharter Schools – Charter schools were established by Colorado law in the ‘The Charter Schools Act’. A charter school is a public school intended to provide an avenue for parents, teachers and community to create new, innovative and more flexible ways of educating children. Charter schools can seek waivers from school district policies and procedures as well as from state law. The school district grants the proposed charter and the charter school is accountable to the district’s Board of Education. Choice – District 20 and District 11 host a Choice Enrolment period. During this period, students may apply to attend any district school beginning the following fall semester. Once the student is accepted in the choice school, that becomes his/her home school, and the student will follow the feeder system for that school. Space availability dictates the number of applicants accepted into the choice school. If a student wants to move out of the choice school, another application will have to be completed during the next available choice enrolment period. Feeder System – The feeder system is a system for moving students from one level to the next level, to the next (i.e. elementary to middle to high school). Home School – Once you enrol in a school, that school becomes your designated attendance school (Home School), regardless of where you live. Once you enrol in a school, you forfeit any spot you previously held at any other school. Attendance at a Home School means you will attend the middle or high schools in that feeder system, unless you apply during the Choice window to leave that feeder system or strand. Neighbourhood School – A neighbourhood school is the school a family would attend according to their address. Some schools do not serve a specific neighbourhood. For example the following schools in District 20 are not dedicated neighbourhood schools: The Classical Academy, The Black Forest School and Aspen Valley High School. Overflow – Each year, the Board of Education designates one or more schools as overflow schools. When a student moves into a neighbourhood and there is no space available in that neighbourhood school, the student is assigned to an overflow school until space becomes available in the neighbourhood school. The overflow school does not become the student’s home school unless the student “choices” into that school during the January choice enrolment period. Resident – A resident is defined as living within the District 20 boundaries when verified by a warranty deed, a bill of sale, a settlement statement from closing, a current formal lease agreement, a current El Paso County tax notice, or a quarters assignment letter from Air Force Academy Housing, plus Custody documentation if the student does not reside with both biological parents. If the student resides with one biological parent, the documentation must be a court order detailing custody arrangement. School-Within-A-School Models – a particular focus area to interested students (i.e. International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program) while simultaneously offering a standard curriculum to the other students within the same building. These schools also serve neighbourhood areas.
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