New school Facebook page adds to communication

    Ready or not, here comes the 2018-19 school year. The first day of school in Holyoke School District Re-1J is Thursday, Aug. 16.
    The district is pleased to promote the new Holyoke Re-1J School District Facebook page that incorporates athletics, organizations and the district itself.
    Prior to the implementation of the Facebook page last spring, there were multiple Facebook sites for information. Each sports team/club and organization had its own page, and it became apparent that there was a need to combine the efforts to get the word out to the public.
    Additional sources of school information are the website which was launched a year ago at www.hcosd.org, as well as the app, “Holyoke School District, CO,” available in the app store for free for use on smart devices.
    A weekly list of Dragon activity schedules is sent via email from the school district. To sign up for the list, send an email to baumgartnerjo@hcosd.org.
    The school district’s digital presence, combined with a computerized calling system, will keep parents and students informed throughout the year. The calling system and homepage of the website will be the primary methods of communication for school closures and other announcements.
    
1. Back-to-school night is Wednesday, Aug. 15
    Students at both the elementary school and JR/SR high have an opportunity to prepare for school at back-to-school night Wednesday, Aug. 15, from 5-6 p.m.
    Kids can visit with teachers and principals, get activity passes, prepay lunches, pay fees and practice opening their lockers. The night is especially helpful for younger students who can locate classrooms and unpack school supplies.
    Students will be receiving school supply lists, and they are also available online at www.hcosd.org and can be found at local retailers.
    At back-to-school night, parents can also gather important information about the upcoming year, such as a login and password for the Parent Portal to access grade and attendance information from home.
    
2. Credit cards now accepted for payment options
    Holyoke School District now offers the capability to accept credit card payments. Both the elementary school and JR/SR high, as well as the administration office, can accept credit cards for lunch accounts, activity and athletic fees, and activity passes. There is also an option to pay online through the Parent Portal.
    Credit card machines will be utilized for concessions for inside games, as well as outside at the football field.
    In order for more students to attend events, support their classmates and show school spirit, annual activity passes are now free for JR/SR high students.
    Activity passes are also available for K-6 students, adults and families to purchase. They can be used for all JR/SR high home games except post-season high school events.
    Local resident seniors (60 and over) may pick up a complimentary activity pass at the school administration building, 435 S. Morlan Ave.
    
3. Monday late-starts continue
    Late-start days will continue on Mondays this school year. Every Monday there will be a staff meeting beginning at 7:30 a.m.
    At Holyoke JR/SR High, the school day will begin at 8:55 a.m. on Mondays. At Holyoke Elementary School, students will start at 9 a.m. on Mondays.
    On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, both schools will start at 8:05 a.m. The JR/SR high will dismiss at 3:37 p.m., while the elementary will let out at 3:40 p.m.
    Late-starts may be called on occasion due to inclement weather. In these instances, school will begin two hours later than normal, with buses running two hours later than the regular pickup time.
    The local radio station (Star 92.3) and the school website will also announce school closures and late-starts.
    A detailed community calendar sponsored by the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, Holyoke School District and area businesses will be made available at back-to-school night as well as at local businesses and in the school offices starting Aug. 16. Since school activities are subject to change, check the school website for updates.
    Feel free to call throughout the year with questions or concerns: elementary, 970-854-3411; JR/SR high, 970-854-2284; administration, 970-854-3634; and bus garage, 970-854-3107.
    
4. School security policies to be enforced
    Being mindful of students’ safety and well-being, Holyoke schools will continue to implement procedures to curb outside threats.
    Visitors to the school will need to ring the doorbell outside the building once the schools are locked at the beginning of the school day. Upon entering the building, all visitors must report to the office and sign in to receive a nametag.
    Students will also practice tornado, fire and lockdown drills to prepare them for emergencies.
    
5. Breakfast, lunch offered
    Because kids learn better when they are not hungry, the district continues to offer a comprehensive breakfast and lunch program through Chartwells School Dining Service.
    Free and reduced-price meals are available to those who qualify. Guidelines and an application are available at the school during registration or by calling 970-854-3634.