Taylor Elementary Family Resource Guide_2025

Welcome to Taylor Elementary Family Resource Guide for new and returning families

School Year 2025-26

What’s Inside: Welcome to Taylor! We hope this guide helps your family navigate our school with ease and quickly access important information and key resources for the year ahead.

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Index

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District Calendar

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About Taylor & Principal Welcome

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Enrollment & Registration

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Attendance Policy & Contact Information

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Nutrition Services

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School & Student Expectations

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Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures

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Transporation Information

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District Communication & Engagement

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School News & Updates

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Extracurricular Programs & Clubs

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Volunteering & Parent Involvement

District Calendar

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ABOUT TAYLOR ELEMENTARY

YRATNEMELE ROLYAT TUOBA

A Message From

Principal Shawn Wilson Welcome to Taylor Elementary!

We’re gearing up for what promises to be a fantastic school year at Taylor Elementary! Whether you’re new to our school or returning for another year, we’re so glad to have you as part of the Taylor Tornadoes. I’m Shawn Wilson,

proud principal of Taylor Elementary. Now in my third year at this amazing school, I’m more excited than ever to partner with our families and staff to make this a great year for every student.

At Taylor, we’re focused on creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where students feel a strong sense of belonging and are supported in their learning and growth.

Our staff is dedicated to helping each child succeed, both academically and personally.

This Family Resource Guide is designed to help you feel confident and connected as we move through the school year. Inside, you’ll find key information about school hours, attendance, drop-off and pick-up routines, meal programs, and how to stay informed and involved.

We believe in the power of strong school-home partnerships and truly value the role families play in student success. If you ever have questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for being part of our Taylor community. We’re excited for a great year ahead with our Tornadoes!

SCHOOL HOURS Information about Taylor breakfast, start times, dismissal times, and early release.

Bell Schedule First Bell - 8:55 a.m.

Tardy Bell - 9:05 a.m.

School Hours Kindergarten: Monday - Thursday 8:55 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Friday (early release) 8:55 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.

1st-5th: Monday - Thursday 8:55 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Friday (early release) 8:55 a.m. - 3:55 p.m.

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Breakfast Begins 8:35 a.m.

School Drop-Off Begins/Doors Open The office opens at 8:15 a.m. and closes at 4:30 p.m.

Please ensure that students do not arrive at school before 8:35; there is no adult supervision on the playgrounds or crosswalks until 8:35 a.m.

Whether you are new to Taylor or you are a returning student, each year, our D51 families need to register their children before they can begin attending District 51 schools. Registration is as easy as one, two, three!

Find Your Neighborhood School Students must attend the school in the attendance area where they reside, unless they have been accepted into a choice program or have chosen to do School of Choice. To find out which school your child should be attending based on your home address, click here or scan the QR code.

Sign Up for a ParentVUE Account All parents/guaradians must register their student through our ParentVUE account portal. You can access ParentVUE by clicking here, or scanning the QR code.

If you are new to District 51, follow the instructions to create a ParentVUE account and complete your child’s registration. If you are a returning D51 family, simply sign into your ParentVUE account and complete your child’s registration.

NOITARTSIGER & TNEMLLORNE

Welcome to the Taylor family!

ENROLLMENT & REGISTRATION

Enrollment and Registration

Bring Documents to Your Child’s School All registration forms are completed online via the ParentVUE account portal. Once you have completed your online registration, gather the required documents and please submit them to the school your student will be enrolling in. Parents/guardians will need to provide the following documents when enrolling their student: Birth Certificate Immunization Record Verification/Proof of Residency Copy of rental, lease or mortgage agreement or Copy of utility bill

Stay Connected with ParentVUE ParentVUE is an essential tool used by schools across District 51 to keep families informed. It allows you to view report cards, register for school, and receive important updates from your child’s school and teachers. A ParentVUE account is required to receive school emails and other communications, so be sure to activate yours during registration.

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ATTENDANCE POLICY & SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION

NOITAMROFNI TCATNOC LOOHCS & YCILOP ECNADNETTA

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Attendance at Taylor How to report absences, late arrivals, and early pickups Attendance Policy There’s a strong connection between regular attendance and student success. Students who consistently attend school tend to earn better grades, develop stronger responsibility, and get more out of their overall school experience.

While missing an occasional day might not seem like a big deal, those absences add up quickly over time. If a student misses just 2 days each month, by the end of the year they will have missed: 20 days of school 20 hours of math instruction 30 hours of reading and writing And by graduation, more than a full year of learning!

Attendance Matters & Every Day Counts—thank you for your support!

Important Reminders: Students must be in class by 8:55 a.m. to avoid being marked tardy.

Parents must notify the front office if a student will be late or absent.

Excused absences: Illness (call daily), medical/legal appointments.

Unexcused: Vacations, sibling sports events, etc.

To report an absence, contact the office by phone, email, or ParentVue. Extended Absences: If your student will miss three or more days, parent(s) must email the school for absence approval.

School Numbers & Contact Information SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: (970) 254-4870 Fax: (970) 464-7503

Address: 689 Brentwood Dr, Palisade, CO 81526

ADMINISTRATION

OFFICE STAFF

Principal: Shawn Wilson Phone: (970) 254-4870 Email: shawn.wilson@d51schools.org

Principal Secretary: Kristie Clark Phone: (970) 254-4870 (Ext. 63105) Email: kristie.clark@d51schools.org

Assistant Principal: Megan Hill Phone: (970) 254-4870 Email: megan.hill@d51schools.org

Attendance Secretary: Anneliza Barnes Phone: (970) 254-4870 (Ext. 63104) Email: anneliza.barnes@d51schools.org

Costs, menus, cafeteria expectations, etc.

At Taylor Elementary, every student has access to nutritious meals at no cost through the Healthy School Meals for All program. This means all children can enjoy a free, well-balanced breakfast and lunch each school day, helping them stay focused, energized, and ready to learn.

Cafeteria Opens at 8:35 a.m.time for breakfast.

Menus: Daily breakfast and lunch menus can be found on our website by visiting the menu button or this link: https://schools.mealviewer.com/school/TaylorElementarySchool

Cafe Behavior Expectations

SECIVRES NOITIRTUN

About D51 Nutrition Services

NUTRITION SERVICES

Breakfast & Lunch Programs

1. Talk in quiet voices (level 0 or 1).

2. Use good manners at the table. Practice restaurant behavior.

3. Stay in your seat, no walking around or visiting others. Raise your hand if you need something.

4. Leave your eating area the way that you found it!

5. Please bring a healthy lunch. No soda, candy, or energy drinks.

We love welcoming families to join their children for lunch! If you plan to visit, please be sure to sign in at the front office upon arrival. You're welcome to bring a special meal for your child, but we kindly ask that you only bring food for your child and avoid items like pizzas or large shareable meals. This helps us keep all students safe, especially those with food allergies. For current lunch schedules, please check the school website. We look forward to seeing you in the lunchroom!

Food Allergies & Dietary Restrictions Does your child have a food allergy or dietary restriction?

Learn how to notify the school and how we will support your student.

If your child has a food allergy or dietary restriction, it’s important to notify District 51 as soon as possible to help ensure their safety and well-being at school. Families should complete a “Diet Modification Form” with their child’s healthcare provider and submit it to the school nurse or front office. This form provides details about your child’s specific needs and is shared with the Nutrition Services team to accommodate meal plans appropriately.

District 51 schools work closely with families, nurses, and Nutrition Services to provide safe and supportive dining experiences for students with allergies or dietary restrictions. Once the proper paperwork is submitted, the school will create a care plan, which may include special meal substitutions, allergy-safe dining areas, or staff training on how to respond to allergic reactions.

Communication is key, and schools encourage parents to stay in touch throughout the year to ensure their child’s needs continue to be met.

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SCHOOL & STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

SNOITATCEPXE TNEDUTS & LOOHCS

School/Student Expectations Visiting the School At Taylor Elementary, we believe in engaging our families in their students’ academic journeys. Parents always have the option to visit their students during lunch or volunteer in their child’s classrooms.

All visitors must sign in at the front office with a photo ID and receive a visitor sticker before entering the building. Please remember to exit through the front office, so we know you’re no longer in the building in case of an emergency.

Student Expectations DRESS CODE: At Taylor Elementary, we believe that dressing for success sets the stage each day for your child to learn. Children should dress according to the weather. If it is cold, please send your child to school with warm clothing. We believe students should get lots of exercise and fresh air, and go outside all year round. Unless it is raining/snowing hard, there is lightning in the area, or the temperature is below 20 degrees, we will be outside.

Please help your child make choices that will be conducive to a positive learning environment.

Shorts and Skirts should be longer, approximately 3 inches or less above the knee.

Shirts should have at least 3 inches of material covering both shoulders (spaghetti straps and halter tops are not appropriate for school).

Clothing with references to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gangs, weapons, or of an adult nature or violent is not permissible.

Open-toed, flip-flop, high-heeled/wedge, or Heely-type shoes pose a safety risk when children are involved in physical activities, such as P.E. and recess. Those types of shoes are best left at home.

Baseball caps, stocking caps, and visors may be worn to and from school, and during recess, but must be removed when in the school building.

No make-up or long fake nails please! Let’s keep the focus on learning.

ITEMS/TOYS FROM HOME: In order to keep our day focused on learning, we are asking students not to bring toys. No electronics, toys, or items of value at school. They should stay home as well to keep them from being damaged or stolen. No tobacco, drugs, or weapons of any kind are allowed on campus, real or fake.

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PLAYGROND EXPECTATIONS: 1. Rocks, sticks, snowballs, and all other objects stay on the ground. No throwing or kicking things at each other.

2. Stay off of fences, trees, and backstops.

3. Hands and feet stay to yourself; no tackling, punching, kicking, or any physical contact with each other.

4. Students who bring playground equipment outside are responsible for returning the equipment.

5. No eating/food on the playground for student safety and playground cleanliness.

6. Use all equipment as planned. Basketballs are not to be kicked, do not walk up the slides, or jump off the swings.

7. No inappropriate language of any kind.

8. Students will line up immediately once the whistle is blown or the bell rings.

9. Students will let adults know if they need support with anything.

SCHOOL HEALTH OFFICE: Taylor Elementary Health Assistant: Sarah Kuhn, sarah.kuhn@d51schools.org Our Health Assistant is on-site during school hours and is trained in First Aid, CPR, and medication administration. If your child becomes ill or injured, basic care will be provided and you’ll be contacted if needed. Medications can only be given with written permission and a supply on file. A Registered Nurse is on campus weekly and available on call. Please notify the office if your child has a contagious illness like strep, chicken pox, or lice.

If a student has a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, a parent will be expected to come and pick the child up as soon as possible. A student must be free of these symptoms (without the use of Tylenol, Motrin or Advil) for 24 hours before returning to school.

IMMUNIZATIONS: Immunization records for your child must indicate appropriate immunizations of DPT, Polio, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, as well as THREE DOSES OF HEPATITIS B VACCINE BEFORE SCHOOL ENTRY. See your health care provider or the Mesa County Health Department now in order to complete the process before the new school year. For the current immunization requirements, call our office and ask for our Health Assistant.

SNOITATCEPXE TNEDUTS & LOOHCS

CELL PHONE POLICY: As we strive to create an optimal learning environment for all students, we would like to share an important update regarding our policy, which aligns with D51 Board Policy (JICJ) on cell phones and other communication devices, including smartwatches. To minimize distractions and ensure that students are fully engaged in their educational activities, we require that all cell phones and communication devices be turned off and stored in backpacks during the entirety of the school day. This policy applies from the moment students arrive at school until they leave for the day. If you need to get a message to your child during the school day, please call our office (970-254-4870). Please note: Any phone used during the school day will be taken away. If it is taken away twice, a parent will have to come and pick it up.

SCHOOL & STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Expectations Continued

SCHOOL MISSION: “We care. We learn. We make a difference.”

SCHOOL-WIDE EXPECTATIONS: Professional Learning Communities (LCs) focused on student learning through data collection and decision making.

W.I.N (What I Need) Time ~ Taylor Intervention and Extension Support for all students to make at LEAST 1 year of growth from where they begin the year with us.

Using “Best Practices” of teaching through professional learning and latest research while allowing for creativity within the D51 Curriculum.

Planning and Teaching with the Colorado Academic Standards.

Maintaining high school-wide behavior & academic expectations for all students.

Building strong Relationships with students, families, staff and the community.

Building a strong foundation and passion for learning.

We believe all children can learn through providing authentic, purposeful and relevant learning opportunities.

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DROP-OFF & PICK-UP PROCEDURES

SERUDECORP PU-KCIP & FFO-PORD

Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures Arrival Your cooperation is imperative to Taylor’s pick-up and drop-off plan. Please familiarize yourself with this plan as student safety is our #1 concern.

Please drive slowly and cautiously around the school and have your cell phones turned off.

Please use the designated safety drop-off area located on the north side of the school to drop off or pick up students. If you choose to physically pick up your child or walk them to the gate, you must park in the parking lot.

When dropping off, please drive through the loop, give your kids a quick hug and/or a high five, and then continue.

Please do not park in the drop-off area or hold up traffic.

The front of the school is designated for bus drop-off only. NO parking.

Dismissal Parents are welcome to pick up their child in the designated pick-up/drop-off line or by parking in the parking lot and walking to the designated pick-up area. Parents of Kindergarten students are welcome to join the pick-up line before 3:45 (1:45 on Fridays), while parents of older students may start after 3:45 (1:45). This allows our younger students to be picked up safely first.

Pick-Up Loop Guidelines Please stay in your vehicle while in the loop. Your child should be able to load and unload your vehicle independently.

Pull all the way forward in the loop to prevent traffic from backing up.

Bus Riders The bus will drop off and pick up students in the bus loop. To find your child’s bus number and pick-up/drop-off time, please visit the Transportation page on the District 51 website or click here.

There is no need to sign up for buses; your child will simply need to arrive at their scheduled stop on the first day of school. School staff is available outside before and after school to supervise and assist your child in finding the correct bus. For additional information, refer to the transportation page in this guide.

Crosswalk Safety for Walkers Walkers will use the flashing crosswalk located across from the Palisade Fire Department and proceed down the fenced area to the back of the school. Individual students will be responsible for using the crosswalk safely when our staff is not there.

Use the crosswalks.

Walk in a group whenever possible.

Walk facing traffic on sidewalks if possible.

Look both ways before crossing a street and at the crosswalk.

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Bussing School Bus Services (STA - Student Transportation of America) District 51 partners with Student Transportation of America (STA) to provide school bus services.

Families who qualify for transportation based on their home address and school enrollment may ride the bus free of charge.

Elementary students who live two miles or more from their home school Middle School and High School students who live three miles or more from their homeschool Pay-to-Ride Program Families who are not eligible for free transportation may apply for the Pay-to-Ride program if space is available on the route. Fees are set annually and must be paid before bus service begins.

Please call STA at 970-697-1050 for specific details, rates, and application deadlines.

Bus Safety Regulations & Requirements For the safety of all students: Riders must follow all posted rules and instructions from the driver.

Students should remain seated, speak quietly, and keep aisles clear.

Unsafe behaviors, including standing while the bus is moving, throwing objects, or inappropriate language, may result in disciplinary action.

Bus stops and routes are carefully planned; families are encouraged to arrive at least 5 minutes early to the stop.

NOITAMROFNI NOITATROPSNART

Getting students to and from school safely is a top priority in District 51. Families have several options for student transportation, including school buses, parent drop-off/ pick-up, and walking or biking for those who live nearby.

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Transporation Information

Important Reminders: Students should always know their bus route number and driver’s name.

Any changes to daily transportation plans must be communicated to the school in advance.

Late buses or delays due to weather or traffic will be communicated through the district’s notification systems.

For additional transportation details, including routes and pick-up and drop-off times, please visit the Transportation Services page at d51schools.org/transporation or call STA at 970-697-1050.

Safe Routes to School District 51 is proud to partner with the Safe Routes to School program to promote safe, active transportation for students. Through this partnership, D51 works with local organizations and city officials to improve sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike paths near schools, making it safer for students to walk or bike. Schools also participate in safety education efforts to teach students and families about traffic rules, safe walking and biking practices, and the importance of being alert near roadways. For more information on this program, please contact our school office.

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DISTRICT COMMUNICATION & ENGAGEMENT

TNEMEGAGNE & NOITACINUMMOC TCIRTSID

District Communication Channels District 51 is committed to fostering transparent and effective communication with our families. We use a variety of channels to share important information including district news, emergency alerts, and updates in an effort to ensure you receive timely and relevant information. All communication is sent in the language in which you register through your ParentVUE account.

SOCIAL MEDIA

WEBSITE

ALERTS

WEEKLY UPDATES

Follow our active social media channels, where we share news, highlights, and important updates.

Our user-friendly website, d51schools.org, is the central hub for announcements, event calendars, and resources.

@schooldistrict51

www.d51schools.org

Email and text notifications offer direct communication, keeping you wellinformed about school activities, emergency notices, and other essential matters.

Our Superintendent's weekly updates provide an overview of district happenings, shoutouts of our amazing students and staff, and upcoming events to look forward to.

@d51schools

Want to sign up for Emergency text alerts? Text “YES” to 67587!

Hazardous Weather Updates As we enter the winter season, unpredictable weather may impact our daily routines. Your safety is our top priority, and we want to ensure you are well informed about any weather-related changes affecting school operations.

In the event of hazardous weather conditions such as heavy snowfall, icy roads, or severe storms, D51 is committed to providing timely updates regarding delays, closures, or any other pertinent information. Stay connected with us through the following channels:

TEXT ALERTS

Opt in to receive text messages directly to your mobile device. Text "YES" to 67587.

EMAIL

Check your inbox for important updates. Ensure your contact information is up-to-date in our system to receive timely emails.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow us on social media for instant updates.

@schooldistrict51

WEBSITE

@d51schools

Visit our official website for real-time updates and announcements: www.d51schools.org

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Stay connected and never miss important communication by keeping your contact information up to date. Call your school or log in to your ParentVUE account to update our contact information today!

Contacting a Staff Member by Phone To reach a staff member with a phone extension, call Taylor’s main number at 970-254-4870. You’ll be prompted to enter their extension, and the call will go directly to their office phone. You are always welcome to call the front office if you need assistance.

Finding Staff Email Addresses All D51 employee email addresses are available on the District 51 Staff Directory, which can be found on the district website.

You can search by first name, last name, school building, or department.

You can also find staff email addresses on Wingate’s web page.

School-Wide Communication Each Thursday, important information is sent home in your child’s “Thursday Communication Folder.” The office also sends a monthly newsletter via email with key updates. To stay even more connected, be sure to follow us on social media and our website.

Scheduling Time With Your Child’s Teacher Teachers’ hours are from 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday.

SETADPU & SWEN LOOHCS

How to contact teachers, parent-teacher conferences

SCHOOL NEWS & UPDATES

Parent-Teacher Communication

We value strong family-teacher partnerships and encourage open communication. For longer conversations, please schedule a time with your child’s teacher so they can give you their full attention.

Quick check-ins are always welcome, but meetings are best for more in-depth discussions. Thank you for your support!

School News & Updates Where to find announcements, school newsletters, website, social media, and more!

Stay connected with the latest school news and updates by checking out multiple sources!

Visit our school website regularly for important announcements, calendar events, and helpful resources.

WEBSITE: https://taylor.d51schools.org/ Be on the lookout for our monthly newsletter and monthly principal updates with highlights, reminders, and upcoming activities.

NEWSLETTER: Check your child’s Thursday Folder & your inbox!

For real-time updates, photos, and celebrations, follow us on our Facebook page and on Instagram. It’s a great way to stay in the loop and see what’s happening at school each week!

SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow us on Facebook at @Taylor Elementary School

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EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS & CLUBS

SBULC & SMARGORP RALUCIRRUCARTXE

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How can my student get involved?

At Taylor Elementary, we believe in helping students grow not just academically, but socially and emotionally, too. Our Tornadoes have lots of ways to get involved, try new things, and build strong connections with their peers and school community:

✅ Clubs & Activities

Throughout the year, we offer a variety of after-school clubs and enrichment programs based on student interest and availability. These may include art, STEM, running club, and other fun opportunities to learn and grow outside the classroom.

✅ Student Leadership

Our older students can take on leadership roles through the National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS), serve as classroom helpers, or participate in school-wide initiatives that promote responsibility and teamwork.

✅ School Events & Spirit Days

We love bringing our school community together! Students can participate in assemblies, spirit days, and special events that celebrate learning, friendship, and Taylor pride.

✅ Classroom Involvement

From classroom jobs to collaborative group projects, students have regular opportunities to practice leadership and build cooperation skills in their daily routines.

✅ Family & Community Engagement

We’re proud of our strong school-family partnerships. Taylor students and their families can take part in service projects, food drives, fundraising, and family events that connect school and home.

For the latest on current programs and events, please keep an eye on school newsletters and flyers, or reach out to your child’s teacher. There’s always something exciting happening at Taylor Elementary!

Ways to Get Involved:

✅ Join the Taylor PTO:

Our Parent-Teacher Organization plays a key role in building school spirit and supporting students. The PTO helps organize fundraisers, school events, and community-building efforts. It’s a great way to connect with other families and make a difference at Taylor.

✅ Classroom Support:

Assist teachers with small groups, classroom activities, or by reading with students.

✅ School Events:

Volunteer at events like book fairs, family nights, fun runs, and holiday celebrations.

✅ Field Trips:

Serve as a chaperone for classroom field trips.

✅ At-Home Help:

Help with projects from home, such as prepping classroom materials.

How to Get Started: All volunteers must complete a brief application and background check through the district. Once approved, you can work with your child’s teacher or the front office to find volunteer opportunities that match your interests and schedule.

For more information on volunteering, please call the school office at 970-254-6460 or visit taylor.d51schools.org Visitor & Volunteer Expectations To support student learning and ensure safety, we have clear guidelines for all visitors and volunteers. These expectations help create a positive, distraction-free environment.

All Visitors & Volunteers Must: Sign in at the front office and wear a visitor badge at all times Complete the D51 background check form before volunteering Follow staff direction and stay in designated areas Refer student behavior concerns to the staff Silence and avoid using cell phones during your visit (no calls, texting, photos, or social media) Maintain confidentiality—please refrain from discussing students, teachers, or school matters outside of school or on social media.

Be present and focused while volunteering.

Coordinate with staff in advance by scheduling your visit or volunteer time with the classroom teacher or school administrator.

TNEMEVLOVNI TNERAP & GNIREETNULOV

At Taylor Elementary, we know that strong family partnerships help our Tornadoes thrive! Whether you’re able to volunteer once in a while or want to take on a regular role, your involvement makes a meaningful impact on our students, staff, and school community.

VOLUNTEERING & PARENT INVOLVEMENT

How can I get involved?

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Taylor Elementary, home of the Toronadoes!

We care. We Learn. We make a difference.