Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost for COMPASS Day enrichment programs?

They are no cost thanks to a 21st Century Learning Grant (this is a three year grant, and we plan to apply for future years if families see value in the offerings/program). COMPASS Day programs are free for CCSD students from 8am-12pm at the Carlson and King-Murphy learning centers. The Middle and High School Learning Center COMPASS Day programs are also free and will have a flexible schedule based on the 8am-12pm model depending on the activity. Make sure to stay updated through our website.

Where do I register?

Registration can be completed through our COMPASS Day website on the events page. Programs offered through our community partners require registration through their respective websites and might require additional documentation (ie. Waivers, Emergency Contacts, etc.). Please make sure you complete all requirements before sending your child, otherwise participation might be restricted until all requirements are met.

If I did not register my child for Child Care but I cannot pick up my child when the enrichment program ends, can they just stay for the wrap around care?

No, licensed child care requires enrollment documents in order for children to participate. We recommend all families sign up through your designated child care provider (Rocky Mountain Kids (King-Murphy) or CCMRD (Carlson) so that in case of an emergency, your child can stay for the wrap around care once it is approved by the child care provider.

Will 5th day activities be all day?

It depends. At the elementary level, we are holding COMPASS Day activities from 8:00am-12:00pm. Kids Korner is offering afternoon care (with a cost) for students in the Idaho Springs area. We are offering similar afternoon care (with a cost) through Rocky Mountain Kids in the Evergreen (King Murphy). At the elementary level, there will be days that sponsored activities last longer than the morning and afternoon “care” won’t be needed.

At the Middle School and High School, the learning center hours are activity driven. Students and families should check the calendar of events for more specific details.

Is lunch available for students on the 5th day?

No. We are not able to provide a typical cafeteria-style lunch on Fridays, the 5th day as it’s not an official day of school so doesn’t qualify for federal funding. Students who participate in 5th day activities will need to bring a sack lunch.

Is transportation available for students on the 5th day?

Transportation will be provided for field trips and off-site activities leaving from each school site on COMPASS Day. Based on feedback from families, transportation will not be provided to and from school sites on Fridays. Survey responses indicated there is not a large need for busing on Fridays; further, those who indicated they’d use the buses wouldn’t benefit from the condensed routes that would be offered.

What about the start and end times for school?

Carlson Elementary and King-Murphy Elementary will start at 8am and end at 3:30pm.

Clear Creek High School and Clear Creek Middle School will start at 8am and end at 3:50pm.

What do we know about the impact of a 4 Day school week on student performance?

Research is varied on this topic, likely because there is variability in how it is implemented. CCSD is aspiring to increase instructional hours for students, even with this shift in calendar. This isn’t what a typical district calendar change accomplishes. (we just know it is important) Additionally, there are many factors associated with student academic performance. Therefore, making an explicit connection to a four day school week is challenging. No matter what, we will monitor student learning and growth and adjust instruction & interventions accordingly.

How will my child benefit from a 4 Day Week schedule?

Educators having time to collaborate, learn, and plan will have a positive impact on teaching & learning. Additionally, a Four Day School Week is a proven strategy for recruiting and retaining educators. COMPASS Day (Friday) provides opportunities for students to experience different kinds of learning, or enjoy family time. Some students are seeking out fifth day enrichment opportunities and thriving in a different learning environment. Other students are benefiting from having a fifth day with no direct instruction, and instead have time to complete homework and seek extra help as available (depending on need/demand, we may provide extra academic support for students in the form of tutoring or homework help). Some students are simply enjoying more time with family, and might be using the time to ski, bike, hike, or other seasonal activities available because of our mountain location.

Will the district save money by switching to a 4 Day Schedule?

No. While some districts embarked on a 4-day schedule with the intent of saving money, research shows that it is not typically a large cost-saving measure. We are saving some due to decreased fuel and maintenance costs. We do anticipate savings in terms of less staff turnover (training new employees is costly in terms of time and money). But our “drivers” for shifting to a Four Day School Week are focused on delivering the best instruction to students.

Why did CCSD Switch to a 4 Day Schedule?

A 4 day school week schedule aligns with CCSD priorities: Best Educators, Empowered Learners, and Visionary District.

Best Educators: The research clearly shows that a 4 day school week attracts and retains educators. Further, teachers have the single most important impact on student learning. Teachers need solid blocks of time to plan and engage in professional learning so they can deliver the best instruction. A fifth day provides this opportunity.

Empowered Learners: We are moving towards a more experiential learning model at our elementary schools. At the secondary level, we are engaging students in more career and community connected learning. Across the district, we want to see a shift from compliance-driven learning to relevant, engaging, meaningful learning experiences. Educators are excited about these shifts, but again, it takes time to learn and plan for such essential work. We are also providing student-driven enrichment opportunities on the fifth day through community partners and district-connected staff. Internships, job shadows, college level courses, and more could be part of the offerings available to students. Outdoor activities connected to science, social emotional learning, community service, and more will be offered over time.

Visionary District: we’ve learned a lot during the pandemic. How we use time, technology, and outdoor spaces are more flexible than anyone ever thought. We aspire to deliver the very best, most engaging, most thought-provoking learning experiences. And, we aspire to do this in collaboration with our community partners. We are rich in Clear Creek with people and organizations who care deeply about student success. Let us work together to provide incredible, innovative experiences for our kids. If we do this right, we believe this will also attract more students to our district.

Click on the links below for video messaging on the Four Day School Week from our superintendent Karen Quanbeck.

1 - The Why

2 - The When

3 - The What

4 - What Else?

Are other school districts in Colorado are on a 4 Day Schedule?

112 (63%) of Colorado's school districts are on 4-day weeks. They are predominantly, although not exclusively, rural districts. Some charter schools as well as 1 BOCES are on a 4-day week. Neighboring districts to Clear Creek that are on a 4-day week include West Grand, East Grand and Gilpin County School District. Jefferson County School District has some schools on a 4-day week schedule.