Families play an important role in the educational success of children. There are many different ways that you can get involved and support your children’s learning. Whether you attend PTO meetings, volunteer in your child’s classroom or just read with your child at home each night, you are making a contribution that will help your child do well in school.

Family engagement is strong at Southlawn Elementary, but as we are just beginning to create our school culture, we’d like to make it even better and make sure our program meets the needs of families, students, and teachers.

You can help us form a better partnership between school and home by answering the questions on our Parent Culture Survey. Your opinion is important to us. Please take a moment to complete and submit the survey on or before October 13th.

If you haven't already submitted an application for Free and Reduced-Price School Benefits application, you may want to consider it. Although 27J is providing free breakfast and lunch to each 27J student, each Kindergarten through Fifth Grade student will be assessed a Student Fee, Technology Fee and Licensing Fee totaling $65 per student. Also, if your student rides the bus to and/or from the school, the cost per month per student is $40 with a cap of $80 per month per family. That, too, will begin to appear on your student's fee account. This why we are asking each family to complete and submit an Application for Free and Reduced-Price School Benefits application.

Families who would qualify for the free or reduced lunch will have ALL elementary student fees waived. That is quite a savings, especially if your student rides the bus. To complete the application, please click here. You will need your student(s) Student ID numbers to complete the applicatoin. How do you get their number? Simply sign into the Parent Portal to obtain their numbers. If you have not set up your parent portal, complete this form and we will set up the account for you.

The new school year is well underway, but like many other school districts, businesses and organizations, we are facing very severe staffing shortages.

27J Schools is appealing to all parents, grandparents, retirees, neighbors and friends to seriously consider stepping into the role of substitute teaching, support staff, bus drivers and nutrition.
We will provide the necessary training. Some positions offer flexible schedules and can be arranged for parents to have time to take chijldren to and from school while still working a shift. Several employee categories provide FREE healthcare, life and dental insurance coverage, plus they qualify for retirement benefits.

Just another quick note - you have the option to limit accepting positions only at the schools your student attends. It is truly a win:win. To begin the process, please click the apple.

As we have encouraged all of our Southlawn families since the onset of the year, it is suggested students arrive by 7:35-7:45. Even on a sunshiny day, this is recommended in order to avoid any tardies or congestion in the front entry. Our doors do not open until 7:30.

Today was our third day where the snow was falling and the wind was blowing. We apologize for the traffic congestion on our campus. When the weather changes, more and more families are dropping off their students. This, as we all know, causes more congestion. We ask for grace as we continue to refine the arrival plan for those of you who are dropping off your student in the morning. This plan will make the pick-up/drop-off process flow smoother and safer for all involved.

Everything we do is with the safety of everyone in mind. Your thoughts and comments have been heard and we continue to modify the arrival and dismissal plans for inclement or bad weather. Now … as we enter the wintery weather season, this is our protocol for everyone:

For those of you who transport your student:

• The use of cell phones is prohibited. Texting and/or talking on the cell phone has jeopardized the safety of staff, students and families.

• The speed around the school is 20 mph but the speed limit as you enter the school property is 5 mph.

• As you enter the parking lot, you will find safety cones splitting the main thoroughfare in front of the school.

• Hug and Go:

• If you need to get out of the car, please park your vehicle in a parking space (not the handicap or the striped areas). This way your student and you will remain safe from harm and the traffic can continue to flow. More information will be coming (along with a map)

• Kiss and Go:

• Please have your student ready with backpack, coat, etc., prior to reaching the coned area

• Adults are not allowed to exit the vehicle in the kiss and go lane.

• Numbered signs and safety cones will be placed along the sidewalk in the kiss and go lane.

• When you reach one of the numbered cones, then, and ONLY then, will your student exit the vehicle. Be sure your student ONLY exits on the sidewalk side of the vehicle

• Once your student has exited the vehicle, please carefully pull forward and exit the campus.

• Be considerate of staff members (please no swearing or name-calling and no hand gestures).

• Your student must only cross at the crosswalk

• We have a staff member at each doorway until 7:50 to supervise and allow the student to safely enter the building.

We will be contacting the Commerce City Police Department with license plate numbers of those vehicles who are exceeding the speed limit or endangering others.

We are here to provide a service and make sure we are all cared for and safe. This is in hopes we are trying to be courteous and kind to the community – we are demonstrating and setting the example of not only our “tomorrow” but your child’s “tomorrow.”

OCTOBER

13th - Classroom Candy Contest Ends

19th - Fall Picture Retake Day.

27th - Southlawn PTO's Trunk or Treat Spooktacular Night (5-7PM)

NOVEMBER

10th - Southlawn's Veterans Day Celebration

20-24th - Thanksgiving/Fall Break (No School)