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Phone: 720-886-8200
Fax: 720-886-8288
Attendance: 720-886-8295

4700 South Memphis Street
Aurora, CO, CO 80015
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Principal's Message



A Message from the Principal, Matthew McDonald






Dear Independence Families,

Welcome! The Independence staff looks forward to another exciting year of numerous successes and achievements. Our family here at Independence thanks our community in advance for your partnership and support in your child’s education, and in their achievement of educational excellence.

As the principal of Independence, I look forward to further supporting and elevating the staff and students of Independence in the achievement of educational excellence. In increasing my role as an instructional leader in the building, I plan on increasing my time in classrooms. I take pride in working with such dynamic and energetic teachers, and being in classrooms where I can observe and collaborate with my staff. I plan to interact with students, which is where I, as the principal, can ensure each child is learning to their full potential.

I am always available to talk or just listen, so please   contact the main office if you have   questions - (720) 886-8200.   If I am not available, please leave a message or schedule a time to meet with me and I’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible. As the school year begins, it is good to review some very important information.

ATTENDANCE:

It is critical that your child arrives on time and remains for the entire day. Learning begins at the bell and continues until dismissal. The habits and attitudes towards attendance that we as adults have, communicates our expectations for the importance of learning to our children. Each day is an opportunity to set the tone and expectation for your child’s success later in life. I will be closely tracking attendance and checking to make sure each student is here and on-time. School starts at 9:00am.

PHONES & VOICEMAIL:

To increase instructional time in the classroom, teachers will not be taking messages during the day. All staff will check voicemail before and after school. All messages for teachers will be directed to voicemail. All messages for students will be collected by the office and delivered to classrooms shortly after 3:00pm. Any messages for students i.e., telling your child to not take the bus and instead wait to be picked up, needs to be done before 3:00pm or they will not be delivered. All voicemails left for teachers will be returned within 24 hours.

FRONT DOOR BUZZER:

The doorbell system is now active and working. Please remember to push the button on the right side of the door,  which will allow the office staff to greet you and buzz you into the building.

EMPTY CARS:

Please do not leave your car unattended and parked in the fire lanes, and/or student pick-up and drop-off lanes. This is not only unsafe for students and parents walking through the parking lot, but it does not value and respect the other parents dropping off their children.  The parking lot in the back of the building can be used before and after school and the visitor spots in front of the building can be used at anytime.  Cars parked in the fire lane along the curb will be ticketed by Aurora police.

We hope to have a great school year!


Matthew McDonald
Principal
Independence Elementary
Copyright © Cherry Creek School District #5, 4700 S. Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 | 303-773-1184
Cherry Creek School District No. 5 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in admission to its programs, services or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of their operations. The lack of English language skills shall not be a barrier to admission or participation in the district’s activities and programs. The Cherry Creek School District No. 5 also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices. This notice is provided as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding these laws may be forwarded to the designated compliance officer: District Compliance Officer or directly to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Region VIII, Federal Office Building 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite #310, Denver, CO 80204.