Dear Columbia Families,
We are excited to soon welcome new and returning students to Columbia for the 2024-25 school year. We hope everyone is having an enjoyable and restful summer. At Columbia we are focused on accelerating student growth and achievement. We want to foster critical thinking and create lifelong learners. We also want to ensure every student feels safe physically, socially, and emotionally when they are at school. We offer strong core academics that align with future high school courses and robust elective and extracurricular offerings. We can’t wait to get started!
Electronic Check-in for All Students
All APS families are required to electronically check-in their students prior to the start of school. aurorak12.org/check-in
If you have any questions about this check-in process please contact us at 303-690-6570 or join us at the Open House on July 29th & 30th. The check-in system is now open so please complete as soon as possible.
Lunch Updates
All Students will receive free one breakfast and one lunch each scheduled school day. Families must complete the free and reduced lunch application. Once again, if you need any help please contact us at 303-690-6570 or join us at the Open House on July 29th and August 1st.
July 29th/August 1st Open House
- Students are not allowed to have fast food brought into the cafeteria due to federal lunch guidelines. Caretakers are always welcomed to take their student out to lunch.
- Students or caretakers can not order food for delivery from a restaurant. Restaurant deliveries, for students, will be turned away by the main office.
Important Updates:
- Cell phones and wireless earbuds/headphones are not allowed during the school day except at recess.
- Students should not arrive to school prior to 8:10 am unless participating in intramurals.
Open House
On July 29th and 30th we will be hosting a self-guided open house between 8am and 3pm. This self-guided open house is intended to welcome any student/family who wants to walk the building, get help with the check-in process and/or lunch applications, and ask questions.
Technology Updates
Students will have access to classroom computers but will not be bringing a computer home. If your student needs a device at home please have them let their teacher/counselor/administrator know.
The cellphone policy will remain the same, cellphones should be on silent and out of sight (ie. in a backpack or pocket). We will no longer allow wireless headphones at school (earbuds, Airpods, etc). Students can bring wired headphones in their backpack to use when needed during class.
Failure to follow expectations may result in confiscation of device and return to student or caretaker at the end of the day.
APS Back to School Kickoff: Saturday, Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Town Center at Aurora.
Aurora Public Schools is excited to host our 16th annual Back to School Kickoff to celebrate the beginning of the 2024-25 school year! APS students and families will enjoy free goodies, food, entertainment and more. This is an event you won’t want to miss!
Free backpacks and school supplies will be provided to APS students while supplies last. The event is also a great opportunity to meet school staff and explore the many resources we provide to students and families. If you are new to the district, you can also register your child for school.
Low- or no-cost immunizations and vaccinations will also be available. Please be sure to bring your child’s shot records.
First Day of School: August 7th
The first day of school will be on August 7th. The school day will run from 8:30-3:30 each day. Students should not arrive before 8:10 am. Free breakfast will be served each morning in the cafeteria for any interested student. On the first day, we will have staff outside to direct students. 6th grade students will enter the building at the gym entrance (off of Columbia Ave). 7th and 8th grade students will enter the building at the bus doors (off of Telluride St).
Back to School Night: August 15th
On August 15th we will host Back to School Night from 5:30-7:00 pm. This will be the first opportunity for caregivers to meet your student’s teachers and learn more about their classes. All are welcome to attend.
We are looking forward to a successful 2024-25 school year!
Thank you,
Katie Law
Principal