We believe students are volunteers; what they have to volunteer is their attention and commitment.
Trail Elementary Vision
Our vision is to create an engaging environment that inspires and nurtures our students while preparing them for the future.
1. We believe all students can learn more than they are presently learning and at higher levels.
2. We believe students are volunteers; what they have to volunteer is their attention and commitment.
3. We believe teachers can directly affect student learning through the design of work that has those qualities that are most engaging to students.
4. We believe in collaborating with parents and community members in making decisions that positively affect student learning.
5. We believe in providing school and classroom environments that are physically and psychologically safe.
6. We believe in structuring resources-time, people, space, information—to support the core business of schools.
7. We believe all members of the school district must model engagement in teaching and learning.
8. We believe respect and trust must exist among members of the organization.
9. We believe high standards must exist for everyone in the school district.
Please feel free to contact us.
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT--all grades: All parents are asked to attend our "Back to School Night" on Thursday, September 3rd, at 6:30 in the Trail gym.
DIBELS READING TESTING: Every year at the start of school, our teachers meet with each student individually to measure his or her reading fluency and comprehension. This is one valuable piece of information we use to track every student's reading growth. We are currently conducint these assessments and hope to be completed by Wednesday, September 2nd.
SCHOOL PICTURES: September 15th
EARLY RELEASE: Students will be released from school at 1:00 on Wednesday, September 16th. The next early release day will be on Wednesday, October 14th.
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Your thoughts, ideas, suggestions, and concerns are VERY important to us. We want to know what you're thinking about YOUR school. We gather this information in the following ways:
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Your thoughts, ideas, suggestions, and concerns are VERY important to us. We want to know what you're thinking about YOUR school. We gather this information in the following ways:
- Formal surveys
- On-going and informal questionaires sent home with your student periodically. These questionaires can always be found on this website and they can be filled in and returned ANY time.
- Meetings with teachers, administrators, parents etc.
A formal survey of Trail parents was conducted in October. 12 Hispanic parents, 65 White parents, 1 Native American parent, and 2 other parents were surveyed who did not identify their ethnicity. As a group, the following areas were identified as as the "Top Five" positive areas--areas in which this group thought we were doing well.
As a group, the following areas were identified as as the "Bottom Five" areas in which this group thought we should be doing better.
- "Our school and grounds are clean and well maintained."
- "In our school, students have access to a variety of resources to help them succeed in their learning, such as technology, media centers, and libraries."
- "Cheating is strongly discouraged at our school."
- "Our school's facilities are adequate to support students' learning needs."
- "The education offered to students at our school is of high quality."
As a group, the following areas were identified as as the "Bottom Five" areas in which this group thought we should be doing better.
- "There are no problems with bullies at our school."
- "Our school is preparing students to deal with issues and problems they will face in the future."
- "Our school is doing a good job teaching career/vocational courses."
- "The quality of schools influenced my decision to live in this community."
- "Students see a relationship between what they are studying and their everyday lives."
This is important information and it will be used as we plan for the future. We will continue to gather information from our parents, our students, and our teachers and we will share this information with you at this site.
All students were surveyed and, as a group, ranked the "Top Five" areas as follows--areas in which this group thought we were doing well.
As a group, the students identified the following as the "Bottom Five" areas --areas in which this group thought we should be doing better.
4th grade student, Delaney, in Mrs. John's class, created this work during her study of Plain's Indians!
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Under Construction--Please try back later.
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All students were surveyed and, as a group, ranked the "Top Five" areas as follows--areas in which this group thought we were doing well.
As a group, the students identified the following as the "Bottom Five" areas --areas in which this group thought we should be doing better.
- "There are no problems with bullies at our school."
- "Students are rewarded when they do a good job in my school."
- "I use a computer at school to help me learn."
- "I am learning things at school that I will use in the future."
- "My family feels welcome at my school."
Both parents and students wrote specific comments during this survey which were especially helpful. The following concerns were brought up frequently and by multiple corespondents. This information will be used as we evaluate our programs and as we plan for the future.
- Not enough time for recess
- Not enough time for lunch
- Equity issues concerning student treatment based on their family's financial status and on a student's ethnicity
- Parent choice in selecting a teacher for their student
- Bullying
4th grade student, Delaney, in Mrs. John's class, created this work during her study of Plain's Indians!
4th grade student, Tyler, in Mrs. John's class, created this work during his study of Plain's Indians!
5th grade student, Amelia, in Mrs. Orr's class, created this work during her study of land forms!
5th grade student, Briana, in Mrs. Orr's class, created this work during her study of land forms!
5th grade student, Madison, in Mrs. McManamen's class, created this work during her study of land forms!
5th grade student, Ryan, in Mrs. McManamen's class, created this work during his study of land forms!
5th grade student, Ryan, in Mr. Vower's class, created this work during his study of land forms!
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Our very own Dani, pictured here with her sister, won the sectional "Punt, Pass, and Kick" competition in Greeley, Colorado! She will now advance to the next level which includes an appearance at an upcoming Denver Bronco game. You go, Dani! We're cheering for you!
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WE ALL NEED TO WORK TOGETHER TO IDENTIFY, UNDERSTAND, AND STOP BULLYING BEHAVIORS AT TRAIL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!
Students: You will be reading and going over this with your classroom teacher. After you have gone over it with your class, please take the information home and show your parents. Have them sign the last sheet and then bring it back to school for a small treat.
What Bullying Is
Bullying can be lots of things. It is hitting, pushing, name calling, teasing, threatening, sending mean e-mails, taking or ruining another person's things, leaving someone out--and lots of other nasty stuff.
How can you tell if something is bullying? Just remember this:
It's bullying if...
Someone is hurting another person on purpose
and
The kid who is doing it has more power.
What Bullying Isn't
Bullying isn't okay, fair, kind, or acceptable. No one deserves to be bullied.
Who Does It--and Why?
Kids who bully come in all shapes and sizes. They can be big or small, older or younger, rich or poor, boy or girl. They can be any color and come from any kind of family. They can live in any kind of house. They can be popular or unpopular. You just can't tell who bullies by how they look or where they live.
So how can you spot a kid who bullies? Look for these clues:
They want to have power and control over other kids. They do this by making kids feel bad in one way or another.
They might feel bad about themselves. Some kids who bully think the only way they can feel better about themselves is to make someone else feel worse than they do. They might think highly of themselves. Some kids who bully think they are better than others and that it's okay to be mean.
Remember, bullies think they have all the power--but they don't
Who Is Bullied and Why?
Lots of kids are bullied--and NONE of them deserves it. Why does it happen to some kids and not others? Let's peek inside a bully's head and find out!
Kids who bully want to feel powerful and in control, right? So what do you think would make them feel that way? Let's take a look:
What a Bully Looks for
Differences
Why? Kids who bully need something to pick on, so they start by looking for someone who is different in some way. Maybe it's a kid's hair color, or disability, or accent, or clothes, or--anything!
Helplessness
Why? Kids who bully need more than a difference to pick on. They also need a target who will feel scared or upset, maybe even cry. They love it when you feel helpless. It makes them feel powerful and in control. Bullies feel good when you feel bad.
Isolation
Why? Kids who bully love it when their target is alone. All the easier to bully! And all the more likely that no one will know. Bullies love secrecy.
In short, kids who bully want someone who is different, will become upset, and is alone. So that's what's going on in a bully's head!
What You Can Do
Now that you know how a bully thinks, you are in control. There's a lot you can do to protect yourself from bullying.
What a Bully Looks for: Differences
How You Can Protect Yourself
Respect differences.
Example
Everyone has differences. Just look around you. When you value and respect differences, you let the bully know that being different doesn't bother you a bit. In fact, you like it! If a bully makes fun of your red hair or wheelchair or how you talk, just smile and agree.
"Yes, I do have red hair."
"Yes, I do use a wheelchair."
"Yes, I do stutter."
Then walk away!
What a Bully Looks for : Helplessness
How You Can Protect Yourself
Don't react.
Example
Kids who bully want you to be upset. They're counting on it.
So DON'T give them what they want. Even if you feel scared or upset, try not to show it.
Crying, showing fear, or acting mad encourages the bully to pick on you again.
At recess, a kid starts calling you names.
You probably feel upset and hurt. You might even feel like crying. That's just what the bully wants.
Instead of acting as upset as you feel, do something unexpected. Laugh. Walk away.
What a Bully Looks for: Isolation
How You Can Protect Yourself
Be with others.
Example
Kids who bully love to target kids who are alone. They love it when no one knows what they're up to.
You can do two things to change the situation.
First, try to hang out with other kids or be within sight of a grownup. Most bullying happens when adults are not around.
Second, tell your mom, dad, teacher, or other grownup you trust. Adults can help you stop the bullying.
A kid waits until you're alone in the hall, then shoves you against a locker and threatens to beat you up after school.
What can you do? Plenty.
First, remember that bullies want you to feel scared and to cry. Instead of acting as upset as you feel, keep your voice calm and steady. Hold your head high. Look the bully straight in the eye, and say, "No! Leave me alone."
Second, bullies want you to be alone so make sure other people are around. When you say "No! Leave me alone," say it strong and say it as loud as you can, over and over to attract attention.
Third, tell a grownup that you are being bullied and ask for help.
Other Tips
Trying to get even with someone who bullies is never a good idea. When you fight back, there is a good chance that the bullying will continue and even become worse. Also, the adults at school may see you as a part of the problem.
If you see bullying happen, you can help stop it. How? Speak up! When someone is willing to speak up about what they think is wrong, they can make a difference. If you tell other kids that bullying is not cool, they will be more willing to speak up, too.
Spot It!: Are You a Target?
Not sure what bullying is? Or if it's happening to you? Lots of kids wonder about that! Just answer the questions below. (Your mom or dad can help you!)
1. Are you called mean names by other kids?
2. Do other kids ever hit, kick, push, or punch you?
3. Do kids leave you out of groups on purpose?
4. Do other kids make fun of the way that you look or act?
5. Is it hard for you to make friends?
6. Are you sometimes afraid to go to school?
7. Do you often feel nervous, anxious, or worried?
8. Do you blame yourself when other kids pick on you?
9. Do you think you deserve what happens to you?
10. Have you felt mad or cried when someone has been mean to you?
Kids who are bullied answer "yes" to lots of these questions. The more times you answered "yes," the more likely it is you are being bullied.
Plan how you can react if someone bullies you.
Include your mom, dad, teacher, or other grown up you trust. They can help you come up with a great plan!
Put bullying in its place!
Spot It! Do You Bully?
Bullying is teasing, upsetting, and threatening other people. It also is kicking, hitting, pushing, gossiping, and lots of other things that hurt kids on purpose.
Do you do any of those things?
Take a look at the questions below.
1. Do you try to hurt other kids on purpose?
2. Do you tease other kids about how they look or act?
3. Are other kids afraid of you?
4. Do you hit, threaten, or leave kids out on purpose?
5. Do you hurt or tease kids mostly when adults are not around?
6. Do you take or ruin other kids' stuff?
7. Do you blame other people for your problems?
8. Do you think that some people deserve to be bullied?
9. Do you enjoy it when you upset other kids?
10. Do you say mean things about others-in person or by cell phone or the Internet?
You may be acting like a bully if you answered "yes" to lots of these questions. The more times you answered "yes," the more likely it is you are bullying.
Kids who bully can stop. If I’ve been bullying I might try some of these ideas:
Write in a journal to figure out different ways to deal with feelings.
Talk to my mom or dad.
Think about how kids feel when I pick on them.
If You are a Target
So, you are being bullied. The first thing you should know is, it's not your fault. Nope. Not one little bit. No one deserves to be bullied, never, ever, ever. No way. No how. Uh-uh. Never.
When a meanie tries to put you down, pipe up with a quick comeback!
(Warning: Using these tips may result in bullies running away and leaving you alone!)
"Hey! Stupid!" or other name calling.
Ignore the bully.
Bullies want to upset you.
If you ignore them, they don't get what they want. And that's good for you!
"I'm gonna beat you up!" or other threats.
Yell as loud as you can.
Bullies don't want others to know what they're up to.
If you attract the attention of someone nearby, the bully will back off.
Just you wait 'til I find you alone!"
Stick with others.
Kids who bully hate a crowd.
If you hang out with a friend or an adult, bullies are less likely to do anything to you.
"Ha. Ha. What a crybaby!"
Smile-or at least don't look upset.
Bullies feel powerful when they upset you.
If you look cool as a cucumber, the bully has no power.
"You'll be sorry at recess!" or at lunch, or on the bus...
Stay away from where bullying happens.
Bullies want to get you into unsafe areas where they can be in control.
If you avoid danger spots, you'll be safer.
If bullying happens:
by your locker, ask a teacher for one in a new location.
on the bus, sit up front by the driver.
in the lunch room, ask your teacher if you could change seats or sit closer to the adults.
on the playground, stay near adults or other kids that you trust.
"You're a shrimp!"
Agree with the bully.
"Yes, I know that many of the kids in the class are taller than me."
Bullies count on you to argue with them.
If you just agree, there's nothing more for the bully to say.
"You're still a shrimp!"
Make a joke-then make like an egg and beat it.
"I might be small, but I am tall enough to touch the ground."
Humor takes the power out of bullying-and shows that you are in control.
"Hey, four-eyes!" or other comments about your disability.
Give the bully some facts.
"I wear glasses because I have an eye disease that has hurt my vision. With my glasses, I can see and read better."
Sometimes kids bully because they don't understand why someone is different.
If you give the bully some facts, you do two things:
you show you're not upset
you might take away the bully's reason for picking on you
"Time for your daily punching!"
Say "stop it!"
Bullies want targets who won't stand up to them.
If you stay calm and tell them to leave you alone, they are more likely to stop picking on you.
"What a dopey outfit!" or other insult.
Laugh. Sing. Dance. Yodel.
Bullies count on you acting upset.
If you do something unexpected instead, it shows you're not bothered in the least.
"We don't want you to play."
Be direct.
"I don't like being left out. I want to play."
Bullies want you to just accept what they say.
If you tell them directly how you feel and what you want, you let them know they aren't in charge.
Stop It!
When You See Bullying
You know the feeling. You see someone being bullied and you feel scared. Or mad. Or sad. Or helpless. Did you know you're not alone? Everyone feels bad when they see bullying.
Want to make bullying disappear and not feel bad anymore? Here are some things you can do if you see someone else being bullied:
Speak up-for the target!
Let the kid being bullied know you want to help.
Reach out-to the target!
Let the kid being bullied know that no one deserves to be treated that way.
Be a friend-to the target!
Invite the kid being bullied to play with you.
Speak up-to the bully!
Tell the bully to stop.
Reach out-to the bully!
Let the bully know you'd rather be friends than enemies.
Be a friend-to the bully! (Really!?!)
Be honest. Tell the bully that hurting others isn't cool.
Speak up-to others!
Tell an adult when you see bullying.
Reach out-to others!
Ask your friends to join you in being a Kid Against Bullying.
Be a friend-to others!
Create a "bully-free zone" on the playground where everyone is welcome.
Reasons Kids Bully
Feel bad about themselves.
Have been bullied by another kid.
Feel scared and angry.
Don't know how to handle feelings.
Feel powerful and in control when hurting others.
Cool Ways to Stop Bullying
Learn new ways to handle your feelings (fear, anger).
Talk with your mom and dad.
Do something else instead of bullying (ride a bike, write down feelings, draw pictures, talk to someone who cares about you, walk away).
Buy a treat when you DON'T bully.
Role-play with your mom or dad to understand how kids who are bullied feel.
Think up different ways you could act in a situation.
PARENTS AND GUARDIANS:
All students throughout the district took an on-line school survey about 3 weeks ago. Fears of bullying behaviors were identified as a major concern in all of our schools. We are working hard to make our school a place where all children feel safe and secure. Your child’s teacher has gone over the information in this packet with their entire class. Please, review all of this information with your child. We need your help to adress this problem. Let us know if your child is being bullied or for some other reason does not feel safe at their school!
Please sign, date, and return this form with your child. Your signature simply indicates that you have received and will read this packet of information. Thanks—Mr. Riddle
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- "My teachers want students to learn."
- "My teachers tell us the school rules."
- "The principal and teachers at my school care about the students."
- "Our school does a good job teaching students."
- "I am able to take part in many things at school, such as music, plays, and sports."
