Welcome to Wingate Elementary Family Resource Guide Family Resource Guide for new and returning families
School Year 2025-26
School Year 2025-26
District Calendar District Calendar
A Message From Principal Amie Schraeder
Welcome to Wingate Elementary!
We are excited to kick off another amazing school year filled with learning, growth, and connection. Whether your family is new to Wingate or returning for another year, we’re thrilled to have you as part of the Wingate community! I’m Amie Schraeder, proud principal of Wingate Elementary, and I have the honor of working alongside an incredible team of educators and staff who are dedicated to supporting every child’s success. Together, we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where students can thrive and feel a strong sense of belonging.
This Family Resource Guide is here to help you navigate the school year with ease. Inside, you’ll find important information about school hours, attendance, drop-off and pick-up procedures, meal programs, and ways to stay connected. Our goal is to provide a consistent, helpful resource so every family feels supported and informed throughout the year.
We value the partnership between school and home and know it plays a vital role in every child’s success. If you have questions at any time, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here for you. Thank you for being part of our Wingate family. We’re looking forward to a wonderful year ahead!
SCHOOL HOURS SCHOOL HOURS
Information about Wingate breakfast, start times, dismissal times, and early release.
Bell Schedule
Soft Bell - 8:35 a.m.
First Bell - 8:50 a.m.
Tardy Bell - 8:55 a.m.
School Hours
Breakfast Begins 8:35 a.m.
Monday 8:55 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday 8:55 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 8:55 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday 8:55 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Friday (early release) 8:55 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
School Drop-Off Begins/Doors Open
Starting at 8:35 a.m., students may enter the building for a “soft start.” Students arriving between 8:35 and 8:50 a.m. can head straight to their classrooms to settle in and connect with their teacher and classmates before the day begins.
Enrollment and Registration
WhetheryouarenewtoWingateoryouarea returningstudent,eachyear,ourD51familiesneed toregistertheirchildrenbeforetheycanbegin attendingDistrict51schools.Registrationisaseasy asone,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.
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
Verficiation/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.
E N R O L L M E N T & R E G I S T R A T I O N E N R O L L M E N T & R E G I S T R A T I O N
Attendance at Wingate
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 3 or more days, parent(s) must email Ms Schraeder for absence approval
How to report absences, late arrivals, and early pickups School Numbers & Contact Information SCHOOL CONTACT
Phone: (970) 254-4960
Fax: (970) 254-0748
ADMINISTRATION
Principal: Amie Schraeder
Phone: (970) 254-4960
Email: amie schraeder@d51schools org
Assistant Principal: Kevin Hoskin
Phone: (970) 254-4960
Email: kevin.hoskin@d51schools.org
OFFICE STAFF
Principal Secretary: Beth Allen
Phone: (970) 254-4960 (Ext. 66113)
Email: beth.allen@d51schools.org
Attendance Secretary: Kristen Buckley
Phone: (970) 254-4960 (Ext. 66105)
Email: kristen.buckley@d51schools.org
School/Student Expectations
Visiting the School
At Wingate 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 and receive a visitor ba entering any classroom or the cafeteria Please remember to return your printed badge to the front office before leaving, so we know you’re no longer in the building in case of an emergency.
Student Expectations
DRESS CODE: Our primary focus at Wingate Elementary is to provide all students with a safe and positive learning environment A student’s clothing may influence his/her attitude as well as how much he or she learns It is not our purpose to dictate specific dress, but rather to ensure that our students are dressed in such a way as to contribute to their success and help generate a positive learning environment throughout our school In general, students should not to be wearing clothing that compromises safety or modesty or is disruptive to the educational process If a student’s clothing creates a substantial disruption for the student or for the school, parents will be contacted and the student will be required to change into more appropriate clothing that may be provided by the school or the parent. School administration will determine if attire is inappropriate
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.
TOYS FROM HOME: In order to keep our day focused on learning, we are asking students not to bring toys. Pokemon cards, etc to school. If your child is bringing a toy for his/her share day or for Extended Hours, she/she may leave it in his/her backpack until share time or once Extended Hours begins
SCHOOLMOTTO:“GrowingTogetherwithCuriousMindsandKindHearts”
SCHOOL-WIDEEXPECTATIONS:Schoolrulesandexpectationsareintendedtoinspireallschool communitymemberstowardkindness,respect,responsibility,peacefulnessandcollaboration Thebest schoolrulesnotonlyguideschoolbehavior,butalsostimulatebroadthinkingabouthowtolearnand livepeacefullyinthelargercommunityaswell.“Discipline”originatesfromtheLatinworddisciplinawhich means“instruction”andderivesfromtherootdiscerewhichmeans“tolearn”Ourgoalistoteachstudents howtofunctionasacontributingcitizeninthelargercommunity.Ourgoalistoensurethatchildren: Feelphysicallyandemotionallysafeinschoolsotheycanlearntheirbest ·Learntheskillsforworkingandlearningcooperativelywithothers.
Thevaluesthatdriveourschoolwidebehaviorexpectationsare: Safe,Respectful,ReadytoLearn
Fordetailedinformationaboutexpectationsinsettingsthroughouttheschool,clickhere S C H O O L & S T U D E N T E X P E C T A T I O N S S C H O O L & S T U D E N T E X P E C T A T I O N S
Breakfast & Lunch Programs
AboutD51NutritionServices
Costs,menus,cafeteriaexpectations,etc.
At Wingate 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. 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/WingateElementarySchool
Having Lunch With Your Child
We love welcoming families to join their children for lunch it's a special time that students always enjoy! If you plan to visit, please be sure to sign in at the front office when you arrive. 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
Doesyourchildhaveafoodallergyordietaryrestriction?
Learnhowtonotifytheschoolandhowwewillsupportyourstudent.
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.
Before & After School Care
Safe,affordable,enrichingcareforkids.
Before- and after-school care is essential for many families, offering a safe, supportive space where students can learn, play, and connect outside of regular school hours. These programs help working families while giving students opportunities to grow, socialize, and thrive
The Extended Hours Program provides safe, affordable before-and after-school care for elementary students across District 51
Hosted at several school sites, including Broadway Elementary, the program offers a fun, structured environment where students can participate in activities, complete homework, and enjoy social time with peers.
EXTENDED HOURS PROGRAM
Offered at Wingate Elementary and other D51 schools. Fun, supervised activities, homework help, and social time.
QUICK DETAILS
FULL DAY CARE
Care is available on school days as well as during select non-school days, such as teacher workdays and certain holidays. Check schedule for details.
HOURS
6:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. INCLUDES
Full-day care includes snacks, though students must bring their own lunch.
Visit extendedhoursprogram.com or call 970-241-3603 for more information.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures
Tohelpkeepthingssafe,smooth,andfocused,weaskthatfamiliesfollow ourdrop-offandpick-upprocedures.Thisensuresstudentsgetwherethey needtobe,staffcanstayonschedule,andeveryonestartsandendstheday readytolearn.
Arrival
Fordropoff,familieshaveseveraloptions.Youmaydropyourstudent(s)offnearthegazeboin themainparkinglotwhereateacherwillhelpdirectkidsandkeepeveryonesafe.Or,youcan parkyourcarintheschoolparkinglotandwalkwithyourchildtothemainschoolgrounds
Dismissal
Intheafternoon,youcanwaitoutsideyourstudent’sclassroomdoor,rainorshine,orpickup usinganyoftheoptionsfordropoff.PleaseDONOTparkinthebusloop.Forsafety,thebusloop isstrictlyforbusesonly.IfyourchildhasanoldersiblingatWingate,he/shemaypickupyour childandescorthim/hertotheappropriatelocation.Unfortunately,duetosafetyandtrafficflow concerns,youareunabletodropofforpickupyourchildnearthefrontdooroftheschool, locatedneartheparkinglotcrosswalk
BusRiders
ThebuswilldropoffandpickupstudentsinthebusloopTofindyourchild’sbusnumberand pick-up/drop-offtime,pleasevisittheTransportationpageontheDistrict51websiteorclickhere. Thereisnoneedtosignupforbuses;yourchildwillsimplyneedtoarriveattheirscheduledstop onthefirstdayofschool.Thereisschoolstaffavailableoutsidebeforeandafterschoolto superviseandassistyourchildinfindingthecorrectbus.Youcanviewthetransportationpagein thisguideforadditionalinformation.
Pick-UpLoopGuidelines
PleasestayinyourvehiclewhileintheloopYourchildshouldbeabletoloadandunloadyour vehicleindependently.
Pullallthewayforwardinthelooptopreventtrafficfrombackingup.
CrosswalkSafetyforWalkers
PLEASEusethemarkedcrosswalkswhenwalkingfromtheparkinglottomeetyourchildand returntoyourcar.
Thankyousomuchforyoursupportandunderstanding.Yourhelpmakesabigdifferencein keepingourstudentsandfamiliessafeduringarrivalanddismissal!
Transporation Information
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.
Bussing
SchoolBusServices(STA-StudentTransportationofAmerica)
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 twomilesormore from their home school
Middle School and High School students who live threemilesormore from their homeschool
Pay-to-RideProgram
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.
BusSafetyRegulations&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.
ImportantReminders:
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. T R A N S P O R T A T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N T R A N S P O R T A T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N
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
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. WEBSITE
ALERTS ALERTS
Email and text notifications offer direct communication, keeping you wellinformed about school activities, emergency notices, and other essential matters.
WEEKLY UPDATES WEEKLY UPDATES
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.org
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 TEXT ALERTS
Opt in to receive text messages directly to your mobile device. Text "YES" to 67587.
EMAIL EMAIL
Check your inbox for important updates. Ensure your contact information is up-to-date in our system to receive timely emails.
SOCIAL MEDIA SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow us on social media for instant updates.
WEBSITE
Visit our official website for real-time updates and announcements: www.d51schools.org
Parent-Teacher Communication
Howtocontactteachers,parent-teacherconferences
Contacting a Staff Member by Phone
To reach a staff member with a phone extension, call Wingate’s main number at 970-254-4960. 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 Wednesday, important information is sent home in your child’s “Wednesday Communication Folder.” The office also emails a monthly newsletter with key updates. To stay even more connected, be sure to watch our monthly “Principal Updates” video, shared via email and posted on our Wingate Facebook page.
Scheduling Time With Your Child’s Teacher
We value strong partnerships between families and teachers and encourage open communication throughout the year. If you’d like to have a longer or more in-depth conversation with your child’s teacher, we kindly ask that you schedule an appointment in advance. This allows our teachers to give you their full attention without taking away from valuable classroom time. Quick check-ins are always welcome, but for anything that requires more time or privacy, please reach out to set up a meeting. We appreciate your collaboration and 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://wingate.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 Wednesday Folder & your inbox!
NEWSLETTER: Check your child’s Wednesday 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 @Wingate Elementary and on Instagram @wingate_elementary
SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow us on Facebook at @Wingate Elementary and on Instagram @wingate elementary S C H O O L N E W S & U P D A T E S S C H O O L N E W S & U P D A T E S 13
How can my student get involved?
Students at Wingate Elementary have many opportunities to get involved, learn new skills, and build connections with their classmates and school community:
✅ Clubs & Activities:
We offer a variety of after-school clubs and enrichment programs throughout the year Options may include STEM clubs, art activities, running clubs, or other interest-based groups, depending on student interest and availability
✅ Student Leadership Opportunities:
Older students can take part in leadership roles such as Student Council, classroom helpers, or other school-wide leadership programs that encourage responsibility and teamwork.
✅ School Events & Spirit Days:
Throughout the year, students can join in fun school events, assemblies, and themed dress-up days that foster community and school spirit.
✅ Classroom Involvement:
Students are encouraged to participate in classroom jobs and group projects that promote leadership, collaboration, and responsibility.
✅ Family & Community Projects:
Students and families can take part in schoolwide service projects, food drives, fundraising efforts, and family nights that strengthen connections between home and school
For specific details about current programs or activities, we encourage our families to watch for announcements in school newsletters and flyers throughout the year, or reach out to your student’s teacher for additional information and opportunities.
How can I get involved?
At Wingate Elementary, we know that strong family partnerships make a big difference! Parents and guardians are encouraged to get involved in a variety of ways throughout the school year.
Whether you have just a little time or want to take on a bigger role, your involvement helps support our students, staff, and the school community
Ways to Get Involved:
✅ Join the Wingate PTO:
Our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) plays a huge role at Wingate, organizing events, fundraisers, and schoolwide projects. It’s a great way to connect with other families and directly support our school.
✅ Classroom Support:
Help in classrooms by assisting with small groups, reading with students, or supporting classroom activities.
✅ 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.
✅ Take-Home Projects:
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.
Sprit Wear
For more information on volunteering, please call the school office at 970-254-6460 or visit wingate.d51schools.org. PTO sells youth and adult size Wingate Explorer t-shirts and sweatshirts, and other swag is available as well. Items can be ordered through PTO or you can pick up an order form at the front office. V O L U N T E E R I N G & P A R E N T I N V O L V E M E N T V O L U N T E E R I N G & P A R E N T I N V O L V E M E N T
Wingate Elementary School is a community of learners committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and challenging environment in which each student experiences growth and success on his/her journey as a life-long learner.