Just the Facts...
Lowry Elementary is part of Denver Public Schools (DPS) and serves students
in Early Childhood Education (ECE) through 5th grade.
Q: What is the attendance?
A: For the 2006-2007 school year, there are approximately 436 students. There
are morning and afternoon ECE classes, three kindergartens, three First Grades,
three Second Grades, three Third Grades, and four Fourth/Fifth Grade combination
classes.
Q: What is the general class size?
A: We are fortunate to have an average class size of 25 students, thanks to the
PTO’s fundraising efforts which supplement our school budget.
Q: What are the school hours?
A: For full-day students, school starts at 8:15am and ends at 3:00pm. Half-day
kindergarten and morning ECE end at 10:55am. Afternoon ECE starts at 12:20pm and
ends at 3:00pm. Morning and afternoon ECE students may also participate in Lunch
Bunch, offered through Kaleidoscope Corner. Lunch Bunch runs from 10:55am to
12:20pm.
Q: Is there a dress code?
A: Yes, all students must follow the dress code: red, white, or blue
shirts and blue (including denim), black or khaki pants, shorts, or skirts. The
PTO sponsors a clothing drive to assist students who cannot meet the dress code.
We have seen our dress code lead to school spirit and lessen the emphasis on
socio-economic background among students.
Q: Who is the Principal?
A: Our Principal is Cari Riedlin. She is an alumna of Denver Public Schools and
has been a teacher for over 20 years at various DPS Schools, including Bromwell
Elementary. At Bromwell, she received the coveted Distinguished Teacher of the
Year Award. She also worked as an assistant principal prior to coming to Lowry
Elementary in 2004.
Q: How can I get to know the school and the Principal
better?
The school has at least one Open House per year. It also has informal “Coffee
and Chats” at neighborhood residences attended by the principal, which
interested parents may attend to learn about our school. At the school, our
principal Cari Riedlin hosts monthly “Coffee and Conversation” in our Community
Room. Check the website at www.lowrypto.org for dates,
or call the school at (303) 340-0179. You may also call the school to set up a
tour, visit a classroom or meet with the principal privately.
Special Programs
Thanks to the ‘03 Mill Levy funds, DPS resources, and the fund raising
efforts of the Lowry PTO, Lowry has added special programs such as Physical
Education/Dance, Music, Art, Challenge, Library and Technology. Along with these
programs, the Lowry PTO provides extensive after-school enrichment opportunities
for the students. Activities include support groups in literacy, math, art,
music, and physical education.
Q: How often do students go to gym, music, art, library,
science?
A: Specials rotate every other day through gym, music, art. Library is once a
week.
Q: Will my child learn substantive knowledge in his or her
Special Programs?
A: YES! Come visit our state-of-the-art gym. Our music teacher uses the ORF
method of instruction. Our art program is incredible and includes a kiln. Our
library offers substantive computer and technology training to supplement the
library time.
Q: What do you offer Gifted and Talented students?
A: We have a fantastic Gifted and Talented teacher, Sandi Eckert, who works
part-time in our school. Students will be identified through the process
outlined in the DPS Gifted and Talented Guidelines Handbook.
Q: What if my child is a High Achiever, but does not
participate in the Gifted and Talented Program?
A: All students will be encouraged in areas of high achievement through our
Challenge Program, which strives to provide challenging learning activities for
all students. In-school projects include interschool Spelling Bee, Geography,
and Brain Bowl Contests. During school hours, students will prepare for
International Day, Field Day, and various assemblies. Missoula Theater Company
Productions, Destination Imagination, the Shakespeare Festival, Chess Club, Art
Club, Computer Club, the Basketball Team, Student Council and other
extracurricular programs offer opportunities for students to broaden their
learning experience.
Q: What other learning activities will my child receive?
A: Students learn not only core curriculum, but structured Character Education.
Students are introduced to a character concept (e.g., Responsibility, Caring,
Respect, Kindness, and Encouragement, to name a few). Students are rewarded with
“Eagle Awards” by teachers and staff who witness a student exhibiting the “Trait
of the Month”. Eagle award winners may be recognized in assemblies.
Students may also be recognized for exhibiting the Lowry Way in Super Citizen
Recognition held three times per year each school year.
Q: What technology advantages does Lowry Elementary offer?
A: Lowry has a media center with 32 desktop computers and each room is wired for
internet access for our students to have every technological advantage possible.
Classes rotate through the computer lab once or twice a week, depending on grade
level and any special projects they might be working on.
Other Information
Q: What were the CSAP scores?
A: Lowry Elementary overall scored higher than the district average on CSAPs.
The 2006-2007 fourth grade class will be the first class to have received its
educational foundation at Lowry Elementary School, which is now entering its
fifth year of operation. Our school is developing an aggressive school
improvement plan to ensure that our CSAP scores more accurately reflect the high
quality of education we provide.
Q: What assistance do you have for children with learning
disabilities?
A: We have a mild/moderate special education teacher, as well as speech and
OT/PT.
Q: Is there before and after school care?
A: Yes, before and after school care may be arranged through Kaleidoscope
Corner. If you are interested in registration information, please call the DPS
Community Education Registration Office at 720-424-8291. Kaleidoscope's number
at Lowry is 303-764-7834. Additionally, an After School Enrichment Program is
offered during Fall, Winter and Spring Sessions. The sessions generally last six
weeks each. Representative classes include Spanish, Dance, Cooking, Lacrosse,
Skating, Tennis, Art, Chess, Homework Help and many others. Scholarships and
transportation are typically available.
Q: Is there a bus available?
A: The DPS Transportation Department will mail bus schedules to you in August if
your child is eligible to take the bus. If your child is Choiced into Lowry, you
are responsible for transportation. Call the Transportation Department if you
have questions (303.825-2611).
Q: Can I come visit the school?
A: Absolutely! Tuition-based ECE/Kindergarten start their new student
registration in mid-January. Contact our office at (303) 340-0179 to learn more!
Q: What middle school do students attend?
A: Neighborhood students from Lowry Elementary go to Hill Middle School (at 451
Clermont Street) after fifth grade. Hill has open houses in the fall for fifth
graders and can be reached at (303) 399-0254
Q: Can I choice in?
A: Yes, you can choice into Lowry Elementary. First round choice begins in
January and second round begins in February. If you’re interested, the best
advice is to start early as space is limited.
Parent Involvement
Lowry Elementary School has a variety of ways for parents to get involved:
the PTO, the CSC, room parents, and many other ways.
Q: What does the PTO do?
A: The purpose of the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is to encourage and
promote parent and community involvement in the school, provide support through
fundraising and volunteer efforts, and to enhance the partnership between school
and parents through various parent education opportunities.
Q: What does the CSC do?
A: The Collaborative School Committee (CSC) is a committee consisting of the
principal, elected parent representatives, teachers, support staff, and
community members. Their purpose is to plan and implement strategies for the
achievement of the students. They do this by creating, guiding and evaluating a
school improvement plan (SIP).
Q: What’s a room parent?
A: Room parents are volunteers who work closely with the classroom teacher
coordinating such things as field trip chaperones, parties, special projects,
and their class’ Auction gift.
Q: How else can I get involved?
A: Go to www.lowrypto.org and click on Volunteer
Opportunities. There are many!
Revised: July 10, 2007.
