Quick Tip List

Welcome to Marshdale!!  Here is a quick list to help make your transition to Marshdale a little easier. The office and PTA welcome questions and are alway​s willing to help you out!
  • Jeffco Connect - This is where you set communication preferences and provide important information about your child.  Please be sure to provide at least 2 parent  /emergency contacts.    You can decide whether you would like to receive a phone call, email, or both when school and district communications are sent.  Set your preferences in Jeffco Connect under "Contacts > Notifications Preferences".  Make sure the email and phone numbers are up to date throughout the year.  Be sure to view the "Agreements" tab to electronically sign authorizations and information.
  • Absences - If your child will be absent or tardy, please report this to the office in one of three ways:  1) call 303-982-5150, Option 1 and leave a message, 2) use the “Attendance” quicklink on the marshdale.org homepage to send an email or 3) call the office directly at 303-982-5188,  If a child    is not at school and we have not heard from a parent, the office will make follow-up calls. Absences can be reported in advance.  Students participating in remote learning will report attendance on their teacher’s Google Classroom, or other virtual platform.
  • Student fee payment - This is located from a link in the bottom left of your JeffcoConnect account.  “OPT” on the fee means the fee is optional and may not pertain to your child.  Pay bus fees only if your child will be a full time rider (partial rider fees are available by   calling the office).  The office is always happy to accept cash, check or credit cards for fee payments.
  • Lunch accounts - Lunches are free to all students this year.  Lunch menus and online lunch accounts are available through SchoolCafe (see marsdhale.org homepage for the link).  If you don’t want to pay the $2.95 processing fee, cash or checks may be sent with your student to their classroom or office.
  • Assessment days - Your child will be assigned a time on one of the 2 days to come to complete some assessments with his/her teacher.  Your child otherwise will not attend school those days.  Buses do not run on these days.
  • Friday folders - Are sent home every Friday (or Thursday if there is no school on Friday) and have important papers from the school.  Please review, empty the folder and return it on Monday.
  • Shutterfly sites - These will be set up for your class.  The site is used to coordinate classroom activities, post volunteer needs, and house many photos throughout the year for the  yearbook.    You may opt out, if you choose - please let the Front Office know.
  • School communications - A weekly email will be sent from the main office on Sunday evening. If the school calls during school hours, please answer as it is not a general information phone call.
  • Recess - We go outside in all types of weather and temperatures.  Please make sure your child is ready for mountain weather every day.
  • Hug & Go - Marshdale students that do not ride the bus and will be dropped off or picked up by a parent will use what we call "Hug and Go."  "Hug and Go" will be in two locations - the parking    lot up Ocelot Street by Marshdale Park (in the back of the school) OR the parking lot in front of the school.   For all students in 1st-5th who DO NOT have a kindergarten sibling, they will be dropped off / picked up in the back of the building (off of Ocelot).  Cars must enter the first (lower) entrance and circle around the back dirt lot (to make room for more cars).  Proceed to the cone area next to the playground. Parents should remain in their vehicles.  Do not let your student exit your vehicle unless you see a staff member there to keep a watch and guide them across the crosswalk.   All kindergarten kids and their siblings will be dropped off and picked up at the front of the school.  For pick up beginning at 3:35 pm dismissal, follow the same pattern.  Wait in your vehicle by the cones until a staff member escorts your child to your car.
  • Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students) - Parents (moms and dads), guardians and family members can volunteer to be an extra pair of eyes at the school.  Sign up prior to volunteering and check with the office for security screening.  IF the day you want is taken,   still ask if you can volunteer.  Often two DOGS will volunteer on the same day.  
  • Snacks - Check with your teacher, but most classes allow a snack time during the day. 
  • PTA Main Events:
    • Mustang Trot - In the fall the school does a fun run.  Students will be asked to raise  money and have the opportunity to earn prizes. Fliers will come home with lots of information; read them to stay informed.
    • Spring Silent Auction - In the spring, PTA hosts an adult only silent and live auction.  Classes create projects that are auctioned off, along with other amazing items. 
  • Reflections - In September and October an art contest called Reflections will take place.   This is a National PTA sponsored event. Students create pieces in different categories representing a theme for that year.   Information will be sent home.  All students are encouraged to participate.   Work is done at home by the student. 
  • Science Fair - In January and February the school will have a Science Fair.  All students are welcome to participate.  
  • Talent Show - Open to students in grades 3-5. 
  • MAC Meetings (Marshdale Accountability Committee) - Parents, staff, and community members are welcome to join the accountability committee.  Meetings happen the first Tuesday of each month from 4:15-5:15 pm.  This is a great way to learn more about the school and a place to have your voice heard.  This year, meetings will be held via Zoom.
  • PTA Membership:  Joining the PTA is a great way to support Marshdale.  Part of your dues will go directly to Marshdale and your membership gives you a voice.  PTA members can vote on decisions that will affect our school. By joining the PTA you are not required to do anything,  but volunteers are always welcome!
  • Amazon Smile:  Always shop on smile.amazon.com and select Marshdale Elementary as your charity of choice.  A portion of your purchase will be donated back to Marshdale.
  • BoxTops:  Marshdale earns money from the BoxTops Program  BoxTops has gone digital so make sure to download the BoxTop app and scan your receipts (and remind friends and family to do the same).​