I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for an amazing first week of school. The time we have spent getting to know your children and learning alongside them has been truly wonderful. We are appreciative of the trust you have placed in us to be a part of your child's educational journey. It is an honor that we hold in the highest regard and we are committed to creating a nurturing and enriching environment for your child.
Please note of the following information:
You may notice some changes at the front desk in the upcoming weeks. Ms. Yocom, our KP Assistant Director, will be in San Diego for her youngest son's Boot Camp graduation next week, and she will be in New York for her older son's wedding the following week. She has some major life events coming up, and we are very excited for her.
In addition, I will be absent for one day due to a half marathon, which I have been preparing for since February. Fortunately, our dedicated long-time staff and the fantastic KP team will be taking care of everything in our absence, so rest assured that your children will be in excellent hands with our wonderful staff.
Carpool- New Procedures
Thanks to our AA families for their patience and understanding with carpool. As a prior charter school parent, I understand your confusion and (sometimes) frustration. I truly appreciate your support. It takes a little time but it gets better.
*Families utilizing Extra-Care: Please ensure that you arrive before the carpool starts at 7:30 am. If you arrive during an active carpool, you will need to join the carpool line. Make sure that your carpool tag is visible so that the attendants know you need a parking space. A yellow carpool tag will be attached to your child’s cubby in the morning.
*Combo Families (Families with children in KP and Elementary/Middle School):
Please remember the following instructions for dropping off students for KindiePrep and grades K-8:
"After dropping off your K-8 child, please proceed to Lane 6 and line up along the curb in our little parking lot. Look for signage and a staff member and who will direct you. Please remain in your car as the K-8 carpool will still be running. Once the K-8 carpool is complete, you will then be able to proceed and park by KindiePrep."
*Families with KindiePrep only: Please do not arrive at the school prior to 8:20. This will ensure that you will be able to find safe and adequate parking.
*Friendly reminders:
- Please be aware that the playground will be closed during school hours. Thank you for your understanding.
- School starts at 8:30 am.
- The back row in the parking lot is designated as a "No Parking" zone. Staff need to have access at all times, so please avoid parking there. We want to ensure that we have staff in the building and ready to go when your children arrive at school.
- Unfortunately, we have limited parking spots. For this reason, we ask that families with a K-8 sibling priority card, attach their card to their visor. This will help us identify you more easily.
- Once again, the back row in the parking lot is a no parking area, to ensure staff can get in and out smoothly. Thank you!
Spirit Days
Spirit Days happen every Friday, and all Spirit Gear shirts and hoodies (except where noted) are allowed for AA Spirit Days. Just a reminder: All Spirit Gear should be worn with uniform bottoms on Spirit Day. Check out all the great Spirit Gear items HERE!
WHEN WILL THE STORE BE OPEN THIS YEAR?
Back-to-School/Fall: August 15 - September 2
Winter: October 25 - November 3
Spring: February 21 - March 2
Orders placed during the Back-to-School/Fall store opening will be ready during the week of September 23-27. You can choose either to a) pick up your order from your campus's front office or b) have it shipped directly to you. You'll receive email notifications when your order has been shipped or is ready for pickup. You'll also be notified if you have an item on backorder.
Remember, the proceeds from all *PTO EXCLUSIVE* purchases will go back to your campus's PTO. If you have questions about Spirit Wear vs. Uniform, you can view the Student Uniform Policy on the BOD Policy page by clicking here. For questions about Spirit Gear items, please email Johanna Campbell. Thank you for shopping and supporting American Academy - GO REBELS!
Dress of Choice
On Dress of Choice Day, students may wear casual, school-appropriate clothes—no uniform is required on this day! However, no costumes, pajamas, crocs or boots, please!
Lunch
Reminder: DCSD will be offering FREE LUNCHES for the 2024-2025 school year.
"This year, school lunches are FREE once again thanks to a federal program. While this is great news for families, there have been some challenges. Some students have mentioned that the portions may not be quite enough, so we suggest packing additional snacks for your student or considering sending a sack lunch. Please note that we contract with DCSD for our school lunches, so certain aspects are beyond our control. Nevertheless, we will continue to advocate for full and adequate lunches." In KindiePrep, there is one choice for the day and milk is included and there is not a milk-only option.
Please note that we are unable to remove unwanted items from your child's lunch. This program requires that students have a balanced lunch meeting Department of Agriculture guidelines.
Back to School Night
Parents are invited to attend an informative night to hear from teachers and staff. Please take note of the following dates and expect to receive more information from your child's teacher.
K-5 & KP Back to School Nights
August 22: All Middle School - 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
August 29: LM & MB KindiePrep - 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
September 4: K & 1 - 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm, 4th - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
September 5: 2 & 3 - 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm, 5th - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
PTO
"Our PTOs play a vital role in our American Academy community by fostering connections between families and teachers/staff. One of their main responsibilities is to organize both small and large school events to bring our community together. This is a significant undertaking, and any support is greatly appreciated. To get involved, please visit our Volunteer Page and click on your campus PTO button. Interested in staying updated on upcoming PTO events at your campus? Click on your campus below and visit the NEWS page where you can find information about upcoming events and access printable monthly newsletters."
Want to know what PTO events are coming up (in just a glance) at your campus? Click your campus below, and check out the NEWS page. You'll either see upcoming events, and/or a printable monthly newsletter:
This Week:
26th Monday- K-2 Testing (Not KP)
PTO Meeting
Restaurant Night- Chipotle
29th Thursday- Back to School Night
PTO Room Parent Meeting
30th Friday - Dress of Choice
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Dear American Academy KindiePrep Families,
It is hard to believe how quickly the summer has gone. I hope that you have had the opportunity to spend quality time with your families and create many wonderful memories with your loved ones.
Staff is beginning to set up their classrooms and prepare for the new school year. I speak for all of us in KindiePrep when I say that we are eager to welcome each of you and your children to KindiePrep.
Dates to Remember
July 26 Deadline to order school supplies online
Summer date TBD: DCSD Online Registration for K-8 (Express Check-in)
August 1st First Tuition Payment Due
August 8: NEW FAMILY Parent Information Meetings and PTO Receptions 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm (K-8 only)
August 14: K-8 and KP front offices open for the school year
August 15: Orientation for grade 6 and any new 7 & 8 graders (includes photos)
August 15: 7-8 grade photos and schedule pickup
August 15: Open House & PTO Social (KindiePrep and K-5) 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
August 15 & 16: K-5 & KindiePrep Student Photos Individual (9am-3pm)
August 16: First day of School for returning MS students in grades 7-8 (includes photos)
August 19: First day of School for K-5 & KindiePrep Back to School Nights:
August 22: All Middle School - 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
August 29: LM & MB KindiePrep - 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Sept. 4: K&1 - 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm, 4th - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sept. 5: 2&3 - 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm, 5th - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
(*Dates are subject to change, and advance notice will be given)
KindiePrep or Kindergarten
Please note that KindiePrep is American Academy's preschool program and will be indicated with a (KP) in American Academy correspondence. Kindergarten is typically indicated with a (K) only.
DCSD Registration
KindiePrep parents will not participate in the Douglas County School District Registration. is only to be completed for K (kindergarten)-8th grade students.
Smart Care Account
American Academy KindiePrep uses SmartCare for our registration paperwork, billing, and student check-in/check-out procedures. When enrolling your child into the KindiePrep program, you utilized the SmartCare system, and an account was established. Please download the SmartCare app to your phone (or uninstall/ reinstall if you are a previous family) as soon as possible. The app is the most efficient way to sign your child in/out of the facility.
A four-digit code is also assigned to each pickup/drop-off person listed on your child's registration, and this code may be used at one of our kiosks. Parents will find this code listed on the app and under your profile. If you do not have your phone available during drop off or pick up, you must use the four-digit code and one of our kiosks. To ensure your family is ready for the first day of School, the check-in/check-out QR codes will be available at Open House. You must not share your code with anyone for your child's safety.
First Tuition Payment
American Academy tuition is based on a yearly amount depending on the number of days your child attends School (2,3 or 5 full days). For your convenience, we provide three options for payment.
If you choose the monthly payment plan, tuition will be invoiced on the 25th of each month, and charges will occur on the 1st business day of the following month for ten monthly payments. The first payment will be due on August 1. Please ensure that "autopay" is enabled.
The KindiePrep Parent Handbook has specific information regarding tuition refunds and withdrawal from the program; however, refunds for unused days are given with a 30-day notice in most situations. This includes families who choose to pay the yearly tuition payment upfront.
Open House
Open House will be held in KindiePrep on Thursday, August 15, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. This will be an opportunity to meet your child's teacher and see your child's classroom. If your child has any medical needs, please bring the appropriate documentation at that time as well. You will receive your child’s KindiePrep bag at that time and receive specific classroom information from your child's teacher. PTO typically has a school-wide social event during Open House.
*an up-to-date physical/ health appraisa
*immunization record
*medication with physician documentation
*a list of any extra-care days that your child may need for August and September
*roll-on sunscreen
*School supplies
Picture Day(s)
The school has set aside two days for you to bring your child in for school pictures at the beginning of the year. Children must wear the dress code (a solid red, white, or navy blue shirt for pictures) or the school uniform. The photographer will be available in the gym from 9 am-3 pm on August 15 and 16. If you cannot attend during this time, a make-up picture day will be during the school day in September. The picture make-up date will be announced once it is determined.
Physical / Health Appraisal
The State of Colorado Department of Early Childhood licensing requires an up-to-date (dated within one year) Health Appraisal (also known as a physical) AND an immunization record to be on file at the School. The Health Appraisal must state that your child is in good health, may attend an early childhood program, AND is signed by a physician. Unfortunately, the State of Colorado licensing does not allow a "Summary of Visit" instead of a Health Appraisal. The physical and immunization records must be submitted before a student attends School.
Teacher/ Classroom
You will be notified of your child’s teacher and classroom via email at the end of July. Your family will be invited to meet your child's teacher and see their classroom at Open House on August 15. All classroom-specific information will be covered by your child's teacher at Open House.
School Supplies
Order Online: To order online, visit the My Tool Box website and search for the correct American Academy campus. Parents may shop the complete list or choose just a few individual items. Orders will be delivered to their homes within 10-14 business days. The deadline for online ordering is July 28 to ensure enough delivery time; parents will need to shop locally after July 28.
Shop Local: Download the school supply list below for your campus, find your grade level, choose your favorite local store, and enjoy. Shop Local
Dress Code
KindiePrep students are NOT required to wear the K-8 uniform.
Students in the American Academy K-8 program must wear uniforms supplied by our K-8 uniform vendors. Instead, KindiePrep students follow a KindiePrep “dress code”.
*The above dress code items may be purchased from any vendor.
*KP students may wear the Dennis Uniform and Tommy Hilfiger
Spirit Days
Most Fridays, students may wear any school-appropriate American Academy spirit top from any American Academy activity. Please refer to the school event calendar for exact dates. This includes extracurricular clubs, sports, or trips (examples are the annual Field Day, a STEM trip, a musical theater event or play, or a broadcasting club). Spirit tops must be worn with regular uniform bottoms (skirts, skorts, pants, shorts, etc.) -- parents are encouraged to read the Student Uniform Policy and be aware of any other Spirit Day limitations. American Academy has lots of opportunities and activities for students to acquire spirit tops throughout the year! Additionally, we have a Spirit Gear Store where parents can purchase branded American Academy clothing and other items (only tops can be worn to School on Spirit Days).
*Spirit Days are optional—for students who wish to wear regular uniform tops on Spirit Days instead.
Dress of Choice Days
American Academy has one Dress of Choice Day each month, and it typically takes place (though only sometimes) on the last school day Friday of the month. Please refer to the school event calendar for exact dates. On Dress of Choice Days, students may wear school-appropriate street clothes (head-to-toe!) of their choice for School instead of their student uniform. All other student grooming rules apply. Parents should refer to the Student Uniform Policy for specific Dress of Choice Day limitations.
*Dress of Choice Days are optional students who wish to wear regular uniform tops on Dress of Choice Days instead.
Outdoor Recess
Students will play outdoors daily, provided the temperature is above 32 degrees Fahrenheit and below 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and they must be dressed appropriately for outdoor play each day.
Sunscreen- The State of Colorado Department of Early Childhood licensing now requires all children to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside. All parents and caregivers must (a) apply sunscreen to their children before dropping them off at School and (b) provide a roll-on sunscreen. Please label your child's sunscreen with their name and your child's teacher.
Carpool
Drop Off
School for the K-8 building begins at 8:05 am. Morning Carpool for the K-8 school begins at 7:30 am and ends at 8:05 am.
If you are utilizing AM care for your child, we suggest arriving at School before 7:30 am to avoid the carpool line.
*If you need to utilize AM care for your child, we suggest arriving at School after 8:05 to avoid the carpool line. (KP doors do not open until 8:15 am)
Pick Up
School for the K-8 building ends at 3:35. Afternoon carpool for the K-8 school begins forming at 3:10.
*If you are utilizing PM care for your child, we suggest arriving at School after 4:05 to avoid the carpool line.
*If you are not utilizing PM care for your child, we highly suggest arriving promptly at 3:00 to avoid the carpool line.
Morning Drop Off
The KindiePrep school day starts at 8:30 and ends at 3:00. Families with siblings in the K-8 school may drop off at 8:10, and our doors open to all other students at 8:15. Parents will take their children directly to the classroom where the teacher will be ready to greet your child for the day. Please place your child's belongings in their cubby, sign your child in with the app on your phone, ensure that you have applied sunscreen to your child, and use the app to sign your child in for the day and choose a lunch option.
Arriving on Time
Please remember that KindiePrep is an academic preschool program, and class starts promptly at 8:30 am. When your child arrives late, they will miss a proper morning greeting from the teacher, as she will have started classroom instruction. Arriving late can be especially difficult for many children, and we highly encourage families to arrive on time. Keep in mind that KP doors open at 8:15 am.
Leaving Early
American Academy has an open-door policy and parents are welcome to pick up their child at any time, however, we request that you not pick up your child from 11:45-1:00. This is rest time for the children and lunch breaks for our teachers. Unfortunately, we do not have staff covering the door from 11:45-1:00.
KindiePrep Bags
At Open House, every child will receive a KindiePrep bag for personal belongings. These bags fit perfectly in our cubby system, which each child will use at School. The following items should be in your child's KP bag every day. (If your child is attending five full days, you may leave some of these items in their cubby until Friday.) Please, no backpacks.
Make sure that your child has the following in their tote bag each day:
Extra-Set of Clothes AND shoes
Crib Sheet and crib-sized Blanket
Lunch (if brought from home)
Water bottle
Snack
Roll-On Sunscreen (if not left at School)
Extra-Care
KindiePrep offers AM care, which runs from 7:00 am-8:30 am, and PM care, which runs from 3:00-5:30. If your child is on the five full-day with extra-care tuition plan, they are automatically enrolled in both AM and PM care. If your child is not enrolled in that plan, you must complete a monthly calendar indicating the days that you will need extra care for your child. Due to state licensing, we cannot accommodate drop-in childcare and require a 30-day notice to secure a spot for your child in extra care. The only guaranteed before or aftercare spots are for children on the EC+5FD (extra-care, five full-day package).
Extra-care calendars are due by the 1st of the month for care needed the following month and can be found at the front desk. Please note that extra care first coms, first served, and no refunds or transfers exist. AM care costs $12.00 daily (7:00 am-8:30 am), and PM care costs $18.00 daily. (3:00 pm-5:30 pm)
Lunches
KindiePrep families can bring a lunch from home or purchase a school lunch. Lunches are served in the classroom between 11:15 and 11:45, depending on the classroom schedule. KindiePrep students are offered one meal choice for the day, or parents may choose to bring lunch from home. Lunches are free and provided by the Douglas County School District. A monthly calendar of meals will be listed outside of each classroom, and parents must indicate if their child needs lunch before signing their child in for the day.
Snacks
Families are asked to provide a healthy snack for their children from home. The three-year-old program has two snack times scheduled throughout the day, and the four-year-old program has one snack time scheduled. Your child will need an additional snack if they are staying for aftercare.
Rest Time
Licensing requires that we schedule a rest time into our day. Rest time is right after lunch and lasts for approximately 1 hour. We ask that parents supply a crib sheet and a small blanket as they fit nicely on the school-provided resting mat.
Classroom Placement and Teacher
You will receive an email with your child's homeroom and teacher name by the end of the first week of August.