2026-2027 Shadow Ridge Middle School Student Handbook

Your student’s schedule contains six classes, four of which are considered core content classes. These classes consist of math, language arts, science and social studies. Teachers collaborate with their grade level content partner as well as their grade level team to ensure that your student’s academic, social, and emotional needs are met. Each grade level meets regularly to discuss student concerns and plan instruction. It is important that you contact a core content teacher or counselor as soon as possible if you have concerns about your student’s academic performance or school engagement in order to establish appropriate, timely interventions for your child to be successful. Your student will also have two elective classes and Advisory every day.

Throughout the school year, assemblies are scheduled for the student body. Students will be advised by way of the school announcements of scheduled assemblies. Although we want all students at assemblies, there are situations which would exclude students from attending (especially previous poor assembly behavior).

Student Attendance

Absences must be reported on the school’s attendance line, even if the student’s teacher(s) have been informed of the absence. The school’s attendance line may be called at any time to report an absence or tardy. Attendance is taken at the beginning of each class period.

District Policy 5020 provides specific guidelines regarding student attendance. 

As a safety precaution and due to limited space, students will not be allowed to take backpacks or book bags to the classroom. Backpacks of all sizes, book bags, and purses need to be kept in the student’s locker. Students may carry a computer bag as long as it is no larger than a trapper keeper.

In order to ensure a positive and safe learning environment that helps facilitate self-discipline, encourage academic success and promote school wellness, school staff will enforce District policies and school rules related to expected student behavior. Consequences will be administered by staff in those circumstances where a student exhibits behavior contrary to these policies/rules. Each teacher/staff member will have a set of specific guidelines of acceptable behavior, in addition to the school rules and District policies. 

A summary of the Student Code of Conduct for Adams 12 Five Star Schools (the District) is available on the District’s website. For complete information, please refer to the latest version of each District policy on the District’s website.

This summary includes information such as:

• student conduct
• student attendance
• cell phones and personal electronics
• District technology and Internet usage
• student dress code
• bullying and harassment

In-School Suspension 

For certain infractions, a student may be assigned to in-school suspension (ISS) instead of being assigned out-of-school suspension. In this case, the student will be expected to complete all assignments that are provided by teachers. Students assigned to ISS may not attend nor take part in any extracurricular or after school activities on days of suspension, unless special arrangements are made.
 

All bikes, scooters, and skateboards ridden to school need to be locked in the racks inside the cage on the south side of the school in front of the tennis courts. There is also a cage for skateboards in between the doors of the south activities entrance. The cages will be locked during the day. Bikes, scooters, or skateboards must not be locked to trees on or near school property. 

Due to safety concerns, bicycle/scooter riding and skateboarding are prohibited on school property. The school does not assume liability for bicycles, skateboards, or scooters
 

All textbooks are provided by the school. Lost or damaged books must be paid for by the student before another book will be issued. If a lost book has been paid for and then found, the student will be given a refund. School equipment damaged by a student because of carelessness will be paid for at the time it occurs. 

All students have also been given a district issued Chromebook. Lost or damaged Chromebooks must be paid for by the student.
 

Breakfast is free for all students and is served daily in our cafeteria from 8:10 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Breakfast students can enter the cafeteria doors on the south side of the school at 8:10 a.m. Students not eating breakfast will be allowed to enter the school at 8:30 a.m.

Per superintendent policy, cellphones and other PTDs must be in the “off” or “silent” position and stored out of sight at all times during the school day. This includes hallways, restrooms, and the cafeteria during breakfast and lunch.

We expect all students to adhere to the following guidelines.  

• All teachers and staff have the authority to collect electronic devices from any student immediately upon request. 
  • 1st offense: The student will receive a warning and the PTD will be properly secured by the student in their locker.
  • 2nd offense: The PTD shall be confiscated, secured and transferred to the appropriate school administrator. The student’s parent/guardian shall be notified and the PTD may be released to the student at the end of the school day, upon review of this policy with the student.
  •  3rd offense: The PTD shall be confiscated, secured and transferred to the appropriate school administrator. The student’s parent/guardian shall be notified and the PTD may be released only to the parent/guardian, upon review of this policy with the parent/guardian.
  • 4th offense: The fourth offense shall be considered disruptive behavior and defiance of authority, and the student will no longer be allowed to bring their PTD to school or turn into office for the remainder of the semester. Any additional offenses may also result in learning modules and/or in-school suspension.
• Students not feeling well should report to the nurse’s office and call parents if needed from there – not from a personal technology device.  
• Parents/guardians needing to communicate with a student should contact the main office.  
• Students are only allowed to use wired earbuds/headphones with their chromebooks.
• Students with a 504 plan/health care plan are permitted to have access to their cell  phone in accordance with their plan.

The school is not responsible for any lost, stolen or destroyed PTDs on school property or at a school-sponsored activity away from campus. School administration, teachers, or staff will not investigate incidents.

Connect with your school and teachers.

The free Adams 12 Five Star Schools mobile app makes it easier than ever to stay connected with your school community. Get the latest school and district news, event updates, student highlights, and important alerts—all in one place. Learn more.

Download the app:

Oehlert Alert

An alert through Appetgy from the school (Oehlert Alert) will be sent home on a weekly basis to remind parents of important school dates and events. Please make sure to keep your email address updated through Infinite Campus so you receive these important messages.

Use of School Phones

Students will not be allowed to use the office phone to make after school social arrangements. Students will be allowed to use the phone only in the following situations: 

• When requested by their teacher 
• When requested by an administrator 
• When requested by the health aide, nurse, or office staff 

School office staff will only deliver emergency messages to students. Please assist us by making arrangements for after school pick-up prior to your child leaving for school in the morning. Response to parent phone calls/emails will be made within one business day.
 

Communication with your Student's Teacher

Although teachers have telephones located in their classrooms, they have been directed to keep their ringers turned off during instructional time. If you want to reach your child’s teacher, you may do the following:

• Call the classroom teacher and leave a voicemail. Teachers have been asked to check voicemail before and after school, and during their off blocks.
• You may call the office, and they will deliver messages to your student’s teacher at the end of the day.
• You may call the classroom teacher before or after school.

You may also reach your student’s teacher via email (check Staff Directory on our website). You may email them at your convenience. You may expect to hear back from them within one business day.
 

Students are not allowed to express affection through holding hands, kissing, inappropriate embracing or walking in the halls with arms around each other’s waist or shoulders.

Students who must leave school during regular school hours must be signed out through the office by a parent or legal guardian. A student may not be dismissed from their classroom until someone has signed the student out. Students cannot be released to leave school alone. Students are involved in instruction until the end of the school day. 

We request that you do not pick your students up early unless it is extremely necessary. Students who arrive late to school must check in at the office. 

The primary purpose of the grading system is to clearly, accurately and consistently communicate learning progress and achievement to students, families, staff and postsecondary institutions. In accordance with District Policy, our school reports student progress using letter grades with the following numerical scale:

A  89.5 – 100%

B  79.5 – 89%

C  69.5 – 79%

D  59.5 – 69%

F  Below 59.5%

Grades entered into Infinite Campus as either summative or formative assessments. Summative Assessments consist of tests, reports, projects, etc., while Formative Assessments consist of class work, practice, homework, etc. The lowest grade a student can receive for attempting the assignment is a 60%. 0’s will not be given. All unsubmitted assignments may initially reflect a grade of missing in the Infinite Campus Gradebook. At the end of the grading period, if still unsubmitted, the grade will reflect 50%. Please don’t hesitate to inquire how grades for your child were determined if you are unsure. 

Student grades can be accessed through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal at any time. 

If a teacher feels that it is necessary for a student to leave class, the student must create a hall pass in Minga. Students in the halls during class time without a pass will be sent back to the classroom. Students must make visits to the restrooms and drinking fountains during the passing periods and not expect to use class time for these purposes. 

Homework should be used for practicing of skills learned in class or preparing for the next class, not of teaching of new material or as motivation. Therefore, while homework is not calculated in the final grade, it is critical in helping teachers drive their instruction and identify student weaknesses. This could be compared to sports in that practice (homework) prepares the athlete for the game, but does not count toward the final outcome of the game. Homework is any assignment given by the teacher that is required to be completed outside of class. Homework is not an assignment that is done in the classroom. Homework is in addition to class work. 

Types of homework: 

• Practice – The goal is to master a skill, not to acquire new information; 
• Preparation – The goal is to access prior knowledge about a new topic; 
• Elaboration – The goal is to require students to engage in activities that extend their knowledge.

Information on emergency school closures due to severe overnight storms or other emergency situations is available on local television stations. Please listen for announcements concerning Adams 12 Five Star Schools. Information on closures may also be obtained by calling the District information number at 720-972-4000, then press 7 for school closure information or check the District website. Please note that school is rarely canceled. 

Parents and students have up-to-date access to class marks, attendance and fees through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Please contact the school registrar with any questions or concerns. 

The school is proud to offer a variety of student activities outside the regular school program. Students are encouraged to become involved in such activities. Involvement fosters school pride, a stronger sense of belonging at school, and better appreciation of the total school program. 

Because of this, we encourage every student to participate in at least one activity outside of the regular classroom. These activities are held before or after school and may require parents to sign permission forms or provide transportation to and from the activity. For safety and supervision reasons, it is important that students arrive and be picked up promptly at prescribed times. To contact club sponsors, visit our clubs and activities webpage.

School-sponsored clubs are designed based upon student interest. A student must attend at least four full classes during the school day to take part in student activities. Any student with an unexcused absence will not be permitted to appear at or in a school activity of any type. A suspended student may not attend or participate in any student activities during the period of suspension. 
 

Lockers are the property of the District. The school may search student lockers on a periodic basis to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all students. Lockers are supplied to students free of charge to store books, coats, backpacks/bags, school supplies and school related items. 

Students may decorate their lockers with appropriate pictures, mirrors, shelves, magnets, etc., as long as such items can be easily removed without permanent damage to the locker. Writing in or on the locker is not permitted. All pictures and posters hung in lockers must meet District standards. Students having troubles with lockers should report problems to the school office before or after school. 

It is suggested that you do not keep valuable items in your locker. Your combination should not be shared and should remain private. Moving to another locker without permission of the registrar is prohibited and will result in assignment of consequences. Private locks are prohibited, unless approval is given by school administration, and will be cut off the locker. The school is not responsible for items contained in lockers. Items found in lockers not assigned to students will be discarded. 
 

Colorado law allows all students to receive FREE breakfast and lunch this school year. 

We offer a variety of a la carte items for students to purchase. These include 2nd entrées, milk, and a variety of snack items that meet federal Smart Snacks in School guidelines. Because student meals are free, no "charging" is allowed. This means a la carte purchases must be funded at the time of service either with money in the account or cash or check in hand.

Money can be deposited into lunch accounts in the cafeteria or lunches may be purchased via the Internet on School Cafe. Assorted ala carte items will be made available during lunch time as well as additional items for purchase.

There are certain basic rules that students will be expected to follow when they are in the lunchroom: 

• You must put your books away in your locker and get your jacket before you come to lunch. You will not be permitted to be in the halls or go to your locker until the lunch period is over. 
• All food must be eaten in the lunchroom unless otherwise approved. 
• When you are finished eating, you are expected to leave the table and surrounding area clean for the next person. This includes the floor and table. Tables of students will be excused by an administrator or teacher. 
• When you leave, take your tray to the return counter and exit the lunchroom through the assigned doors. 
• After you have finished eating, you will go to the assigned area outside. 
• Remember that others are in class. Please stay away from the building and classroom windows. 
• If you have been assigned lunch detention by a teacher, you must have a pass from the teacher to leave the lunchroom. 
• Should a student cause a disturbance in the cafeteria or be found in the halls without a required pass, the student may be put on a clean-up work crew or some other similar activity. Constant misconduct may result in loss of the privilege of using the cafeteria.
   

Parent and family involvement are critical to the success of our students and our school. Families can be involved and engaged by reviewing their child’s work and assignments, talking with their child about their day and learning, volunteering, attending school events, and functions, belonging to PTA, etc. If you are looking for ways to become more involved and engaged, please visit the school’s website.

In an effort to keep our school feeling safe for all students and families and in accordance with District Policy, only service animals and therapy dogs are permitted on school property. District Policy requires prior authorization from the principal to have a therapy dog on school property. We ask that all other pets remain off school grounds during school hours. We appreciate your cooperation with this request.

Your student’s progress will be reported at individual parent conferences at least twice a year. Report cards are sent home at the end of each grading period. Academic progress can also be found via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

Student Safety

Please help us keep students safe:

• Remind your child to use sidewalks and crosswalks. 
• Drop off and pick up of students is along the curb only, so they don’t have to cross traffic other than at the crosswalk. Hug and Go lanes are located on the NORTHEAST side of the school. Please do NOT use the SOUTHEAST parking lot for drop off or pick up, as this lot is used for our buses and families with special needs students. (See MAP)
• Avoid parking within 15 feet of school crosswalks. 
• Parents should encourage children to adhere to all safety rules established for pedestrians. This emphasis on safety is also a concern of the school’s staff, and is an important part of the instructional program. 
• Students are expected to go directly to and from school. They are to respect the rights and property of all people in the neighborhood. 

Reminders for Parents

 
Please keep the following traffic safety information in mind as you are driving near our school: Refer to the map of our school for designated drop-off locations. 

• Watch for children running into the street, particularly from between parked cars. 
• Be alert for children at designated school crossings and other crosswalk locations. 
• Obey speed limits, especially school zone speed limits during school hours. Take your time! 
• Do not stop or park on or near crosswalks or other designated “NO PARKING” zones. 
• Do not block school bus loading zones, crosswalks, intersections, or traffic lanes while waiting to pick up your child. 
• Respect the “NO PARKING” and “NO STOPPING OR STANDING” signs. They are there to ensure the safety of your children. 
• Do not make U-turns in school zones or within crosswalks. 
• Consider carpooling to reduce the amount of congestion around the school.

Safety Concerns

In any event where you have safety concerns for yourself or others, you can: 

• Contact school Administration 
• Contact a member of the school’s Social Emotional Learning Team 
• Contact a trusted adult 
• Submit a Safe2Tell report at 1-877-542-SAFE (7233)

School Security System

In our ongoing efforts to provide the safest and most secure environment for our students, an additional security measure has been installed, which requires the following safety measures. 

• Please do not open the door or hold the door open for others. 
• Once you enter through the main entrance doors, you will need to stop at the window in the foyer located on your left.
• ALL visitors must check in at the office, show ID, and obtain a visitor pass.
• If you are picking up your student during school hours, show the office clerk your ID. Your student will then be called down to meet you. 
• If you would like to wait with your child before school or wait for your child after school, you will need to wait outside.
   

We are proud of our school and show our pride by taking care of our building. You can add to our pride by keeping classrooms, lockers, halls and restrooms clean. You can help make the school a pleasant place to be by respecting student’s and staff’s personal property. 
Large amounts of money, expensive jewelry or watches and other valuable possessions should not be brought to school. At no time will the school assume responsibility for valuables. All lost and found items (other than clothing) are to be turned in to the school office. Clothing items should be placed in the box in the cafeteria and any unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity. 
 

We will offer boys and girls cross country, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls basketball, and girls volleyball this year for 7th and 8th grade students. 6th grade students may compete in cross country and/or participate in intramural sports offered. For registration information or to contact coaches, visit our athletics webpage.

Students are required to wear their school-issued ID on a lanyard around their neck and visible to school personnel at all times while on school property. Refusal to wear their ID will result in consequences as outlined in the District’s student discipline matrix. Students who fail to wear their IDs will be required to come to the office for a temporary ID. A replacement ID will be issued after three temporary IDs were issued in one school year. Replacement IDs are $5.00. 

District Policy 1200 requires that all parents and visitors must present a drivers license/I.D. at the front desk and sign in at the office upon entering the building. Your license will be scanned through our Raptor system and a visitor’s badge/sticker will be provided. You will be asked to wear a visitor’s badge/sticker at all times.