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Peyton School District is a community partnership between students, staff, families, and patrons; providing an educational opportunity for individuals to attain their potential in a safe and trusted, family-like environment.

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05.11.20

Dear Peyton Jr.-Sr. High School Parents and Guardians,

Due to the transition from in-person learning to e-learning, students will not be given final exams at the end of the 4th quarter.   

We have implemented the following deadlines in regard to the completion of student work-       

• Seniors- New instruction ceased on Wednesday May 6, all work is due on Wednesday May 13 by 10:00 pm.  Grades will be posted on Monday May 18 by 4:00 pm.

•  7-11 grades- New instruction will cease on Tuesday May 12, all work is due on Tuesday May 19 by 10:00 pm.  Grades will be posted on Friday May 22 by 4:00 pm.  

 Please read the following for specifics on student checkout- 

• Class of 2020 Checkout- Thursday 5/14 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.-Seniors will be able to pay outstanding lunch dues, return textbooks, or any other materials checked out by teachers and the library.  If a student has personal belongings in the locker room or classrooms, they will be able to retrieve their belongings during this time.  Some seniors have expressed interest in getting their cap and gowns for photos and family celebrations.  Caps and gowns can also be picked up from 10:00 am-3:00 pm, if families so choose.  We will follow CDC and El Paso County Public Health protocol for this process.
  

• JH Student Checkout-Wednesday 5/20 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm- JH students will be able to pay outstanding lunch dues, return textbooks, or any other materials checked out by teachers and the library.  7th grade students will complete the checkout process from 10:00am-12:30pm, 8th grade students from 12:30pm-3:00pm.  If a student has personal belongings in the locker room or classrooms, they will be able to retrieve their belongings during this time.  We will follow CDC and El Paso County Public Health protocol for this process.
  

• HS Student Checkout-Thursday 5/21 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm- 9-11 grade students will be able to pay outstanding lunch dues, return textbooks, or any other materials checked out by teachers and the library. Juniors will complete the checkout process from 10:00am-12:00pm, Sophomores from 12:00pm-2:00pm, and Freshmen from 2:00pm-4:00pm. If a student has personal belongings in the locker room or classrooms, they will be able to retrieve their belongings during this time.  We will follow CDC and El Paso County Public Health protocol for this process.
  

Important- If a student does not possess school property, owe lunch dues, or have personal effects at the school. They will be considered checked out and will not need to come in.  We have assigned checkout times for each grade level in order to keep numbers low, and allow for the safety and well being of students, parents, and staff. 

If a family has siblings in multiple grades, you only need to attend one of the assigned checkout times to sign out all of your students.   

We will be mailing letters out to the parents of 7-11 students this week if they possess school property or have outstanding lunch dues.  

If you have any questions, please contact Marla or Mr. Burnside.

Thank you.  

04.22.20

Dear Peyton Families,

On April 20th, the governor announced a phased easing of the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. In his announcement he outlined that schools will remain closed for the first phases of the lifting of the order. As a result of this announcement, we cannot say for sure that we’ll be able to offer any substantial in-person instruction this school year. Rather than prolong that uncertainty, Peyton School District has decided to extend suspension of in-person instruction (similar to our neighboring districts) and continue
distance learning through the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Our current school calendar concludes on Thursday, May 21st, with high school seniors ending their year on May 13th.

It is discouraging to think about finishing the school year without physically returning to school, where students experience traditional rites of passage that go along with the conclusion of a school year. However, it is encouraging to see the pride of the Peyton school community and its commitment to stay strong and connected during this crisis.

Please be mindful the stay-at-home order is in effect through April 26.  During that time, Peyton School District buildings are closed to all students
and staff, with the exception of permitted necessary employees. We will update families and employees later this month with more information about building access procedures to pick up belongings prior to summer vacation.

We know extending distance learning through the end of the school year brings many questions, and also many emotions. We will continue to communicate with you often, and provide updates as information is available.

Thank you once again for your support and partnership as we work to continue making decisions in the best interest of our students, staff, and families.

Sincerely,
Tim Kistler
Superintendent
Peyton School District

04.20.20

Dear Peyton High School Students and Parents, 

During this time, we are facing a lot of uncertainty.  The student-centered traditions and celebrations that are normally set for this time of year are being postponed or cancelled.  I understand this upheaval is extremely difficult and disappointing for students, parents, and our community.  We will do our best to provide an opportunity, in the future, for our students to experience the traditions that they may be missing due to COVID-19.

As we await updated guidance from Governor Polis and supporting health agencies regarding the current stay-at-home order, the decision has been made to postpone prom set for Friday, May 22.  At this point an alternative date has not been set, but we will work to hold prom when it is safe and allowable.    

We will communicate any further updates or changes as soon as possible.  Thank you for your continued support and partnership.  We wish the best to all of our Peyton families.  Be Well. GO PANTHERS!!!

Yours in Partnership, 

Derek Burnside  
Principal,  Peyton Jr-Sr. High School

04.16.20

Dear Class of 2020 and Parents,

I know that we are facing uncertain times and that so much is in flux for everyone.  Today the decision was made to officially postpone the May 17^th Graduation ceremony.  This decision was not taken lightly and was made based on the current guidelines set by both the State and Federal government.  We want families to have the opportunity to adjust travel plans as well as communicate the change with family.  

We have no way of knowing when our state will “reopen.”  There has been no timeline for when we will be able to hold gatherings of more than ten people or even what stipulations may be set in place when we can hold larger gatherings again.  In order to try and allow for the unknown and what the future may look like, we have scheduled a June date for the Graduation Ceremony, as well as a backup date in July.  The rescheduled date is Sunday June 28 at 2:00 pm.  The backup date for June will be Sunday July 26 at 2:00 pm.    

Class of 2020, I know this is not ideal, and I am very proud of how you are pushing forward and handling this unprecedented situation.  Parents, I appreciate your continued support and understanding as we work through these trying times.  There are many districts throughout the state and country that are looking to go to a virtual platform for graduation.  Class of 2020, we are committed to providing you the opportunity to walk across that stage front of your loved ones, staff, and community.   Keep pushing forward.  Be well.  GO PANTHERS!!!  

Yours in Partnership, 

Derek Burnside  
Principal  

Peyton Jr-Sr. High School 

04.01.20

Dear Peyton Parents and Guardians,

Earlier today, during a press conference, Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced the suspension of in-person learning across our state through April 30, 2020. This order aligns with the President’s guidelines announced earlier this week.

At this time, we do not know if we will return after April 30, 2020, or if the suspension of in-person learning will continue. We will share updates as we learn more. We will continue to provide E-learning for students moving forward and will continue to follow all protocol set by the State and Federal Government. Thank you.

03.19.20

Dear Peyton High School Parents and Guardians,

Due to the ongoing closure of eating establishments and entertainment venues,   the 2020 Peyton High School Prom has been rescheduled from Friday April 24 to May 22nd from 7:00-11:00 pm.  This was the best available date from the venue, The Loft, which is located off of Colorado Avenue in Colorado Springs.  

03.18.20

To help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Colorado, on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, Colorado Governor Jared Polis ordered all public and private schools across the state suspend in-person learning from March 23 to April 17.

The executive order directs Colorado school districts and the Charter School Institute to make every effort to provide alternative learning opportunities during this time while taking into account the needs of local communities. This order also directs the Commissioner of Education to issue guidance to support P-12 school systems in developing and implementing plans to assist families and students in accessing alternative learning, providing free and reduced lunch and breakfast, and offering waivers for instructional time as appropriate.

“Protecting the health of all Coloradoans is our top priority, and moving to online learning and other ways to support learning at home is absolutely the right thing to do,” said Education Commissioner Katy Anthes. “We know school leaders, educators and families will have a lot of questions about how to support their students’ learning at home during this unprecedented time. The department is working on guidance and developing resources to support our schools and students, and it will be available very soon.”

The Governor made this order via press release this evening. Read it online here: https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/colorado-takes-further-action-address-public-health-threat-covid-19 

School districts in the Pikes Peak Region had already decided to close school buildings through March 27. This order will extend that timeframe. At this time, and per this order, students will return to school on Monday, April 20.

“We appreciate the Governor’s guidance and leadership during this challenging time. Our local districts are meeting tomorrow and in the coming days and will provide individual communities more specifics after those meetings,” said Dr. Walt Cooper, a representative for the Pikes Peak Area Superintendents.

Educators and leadership in the Pikes Peak Region have already started working on how to provide educational resources for students and families, and school districts are planning for how to ensure that students can continue to receive breakfast and lunch while schools are closed.

Pikes Peak Area Superintendents emphasize this is a new reality for all and it will require all of us working together in support of children in the Pikes Peak Region. We know that this information brings both certainty and uncertainty for the weeks ahead. We’d ask that we allow each other a measure of grace, as we develop plans for what school looks like in the weeks ahead. Now, more than ever, we must work together for the benefit of our children and our community. We thank you for being patient as we navigate this new reality.

Dear Peyton Families,

As you are aware, Peyton School District has made the decision to close our schools as a precautionary measure to combat the potential spread of Coronavirus.  It is always a difficult decision to close schools as we recognize the impact of interrupting your child’s education and the impact of having to adjust your schedules because of an unanticipated interruption to the school calendar.

We have decided to close Peyton School District for the week before and the week after spring break.  This will include students enrolled in AVP (Career Start) and concurrent-enrollment classes at PPCC and UCCS.  Students enrolled in college-level courses will receive additional directions via email.  This will have Peyton students returning to school on Monday, April 6th.  This is an additional week beyond the media release you may have read on March 12th.  We believe this extra time is necessary to get us comfortably beyond recommended incubation periods and/or if we encounter any unforeseen issues in sanitizing the facilities.

On Monday, March 16th, the schools will be open from 8:00 a.m. to noon for students to retrieve anything they may need for the next three weeks.  This is NOT the time to clear out all of their belongings, nor is it intended for students to congregate and socialize.  It is intended for students to retrieve items they need.

On Tuesday, March 17th, district personnel with begin the process of deep cleaning the facilities.  As of March 18th, all district facilities will be closed to students, parents, and personnel until the start of business on Monday, April 6th.

We will be asking teachers to provide students with work to do for the period of the closure.  However, we anticipate this work will be limited to activities that will help students maintain skills and/or completion toward long-term assignments and projects.

Additionally, we are looking to the Colorado Department of Education for flexibility in mandatory attendance time along with the upcoming state testing.

As any new information becomes available, we will keep you updated.

Peyton Online Academy Parents and Students,

With our courses being online, students are expected to continue working on their online courses throughout the school building closure.  POA staff will be grading assignments and deadlines are firm and will not be extended.  Students who need assistance can email Ms. Esser.  If direct-instruction or tutoring is needed, we will set up an online-conference through Schoology.  Parents, if you need information on what your child should be working on, please contact Ms. Esser.

Thank you for working with us during the school building closure.

Your POA Staff

Click here for a file with many resources about COVID 19.  It includes ways to talk to your students about COVID 19, activities to do with your kids and general knowledge regarding this stressful time.  If you have any questions or concerns,  please reach out to your school counselors:

• Mary Krisko, POA Counselor
• Charine Chase, Peyton Jr/Sr High School Counselor
• Jamie Justice, Peyton Elementary Counselor
• Deb Pope, School Psychologist

Hello Peyton Families

Below is some information for food and other services that are available for those of us in our community that may need additional assistance.  Here is the website for El Paso County Human Services.  About half way down the page click on the Programs and Services tab on the left side of the page.  In the middle of the page are the links to utility assistance (LEAP) and food stamp assistance (under assistance programs).

Here is the direct link that provides a variety of services such as baby items, clothing, counseling and emergency services.  Be sure to call first to assure that the information is still accurate.

Here is a list of the various food banks in El Paso County. Again, please call first to ensure they are open.

El Paso County Area Food Banks

• Call 211 from your home phone or call 955-0742 from your cell phone for resource referrals within El Paso County.
• American Charities (3608 Galley Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909) – 646-2748
• Black Forest Lutheran Church (12455 Black Forest Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80908) – 495-2221
• Care and Share Food Bank (2605 Preamble Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80915) – 528-1247
• REACH Pikes Peak (31 N Tejon St #310, Colorado Springs, CO 80903) – 358-8396
• Catholic Charities Marian House Soup Kitchen (14 West Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903) – 475-7314
• Catholic Charities Family Services (917 East Moreno Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903) – 578-1222
• Corpus Christi Catholic Church (2318 N Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907) – 633-1457
• Crossfire Ministries (2120 E La Salle St, Colorado Springs, CO 80909) – 447-1806
• Deerfield Hills Community Center (4290 Deerfield Hills Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80916) – 385-5996
• Divine Redeemer Catholic Church (926 Farragut Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909) – 633-5559
• Eastborough Food Pantry (4123 E Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909) – 596-1929
• Ecumenical Social Ministries (201 N Weber St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903) – 636-1916
• Ellicott/Calhan Helping Hands (23355 Highway 94, Calhan, CO 80808) – 683-4724
• Salvation Army (208 Cunningham Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80911) – 382-1182
• Good News Foundation (125 N Parkside Dr # 105, Colorado Springs, CO 80909) – 638-8985
• Good Shepherd United Methodist Church (1201 Leta Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80911) – 392-5782
• Holy Cross Lutheran Church (4125 Constitution Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909) – 596-0661
• Life Support Program Catholic Charites (228 N Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903) – 578-1222
• Manna Ministries (500 W Bijou St, Colorado Springs, CO 80905) – 635-1057
• Marian Soup Kitchen (14 W Bijou St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903) – 475-7314
• Meadows Park Community Center (1943 S El Paso Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905) – 385-7940
• Mercy’s Gate (4360 Montebello Dr #300, Colorado Springs, CO 80918) – 277-7470
• Mountain View Presbyterian Church (2520 Arlington Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80910) – 632-9664
• REACH Pikes Peak Fountain Office (501 E Iowa Ave, Fountain, CO 80817) – 382-8515
• Rural Area Meals Program (RAMP) Fountain (5745 Southmoor Dr, Fountain, CO 80817) – 520-6471
• Salvation Army (910 Yuma St, Colorado Springs, CO 80909) – 636-3891
• Salvation Army Fountain Valley (208 Cunningham Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80911) – 382-1182
• Seventh Day Adventist Comm. Center (1305 N Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909) – 578-5616

Stay safe and know we are all in this together and will take care of one another.

INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES ABOUT FOOD SERVICE IN CALHAN DURING SCHOOL CLOSURE

During the closure of Peyton Schools support in providing food for children is available from the Eastern Plains Community Pantry at 701 4th Street, in Calhan.  The pantry is open Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Thursday and Friday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am to noon.  The pantry can provide provisions for a family for 3 days.  Additional assistance may be available as conditions develop.  The Pantry will remain open unless impacted by the COVID-19 virus.  If you have questions, please contact the Pantry at 719-347-3062.