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Resources & Policies

Student and Family Handbook

Welcome to Explore PK-8. The faculty and staff have written this handbook to answer any questions you might have about how our school works. After you have read it, please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns.

We have developed these policies and procedures to support our mission and vision. It is our goal to build integrity, trust and respect among members of our school community. These common expectations of conduct, academic responsibility and communication will help us create a healthy academic and social community.

All parents and students are expected to read this handbook before the first day of school and to abide by its policies. This Handbook is the most current at this time and supersedes all previous policies, manuals or handbooks issued by Explore. Further, the provisions of the Handbook are subject to modification at any time, at the sole discretion of Explore, with or without notice.

2025- 2026 School Year: 

Explore PK-8 Family Handbook

Explore PK-8 Manual de familia

Dress Code

Explore students will follow the Mapleton District Student Dress Policy JICA.

Please note:
The Board of Education allows each school to establish their own dress code consistent with the school’s individual identity as long as the dress code meets the minimum standards and expectations outlined in policy JICA.

The Board of Education recognizes that students and their parents/guardians are primarily responsible for determining the students’ personal appearance.

Schools are responsible for ensuring that a student’s personal appearance does not interfere with the health or safety of any student.

Non-Allowable Dress:

  • Items that expose private parts of the body (genitalia, nipples, or buttocks)
  • Items that are typically associated with activities that are outside of the school environment, such as swimwear or biking shorts
  • Items with sexually suggestive language or messages
  • Items that promote illegal or violent conduct, including but not limited to, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, weapons and/or gang affiliation
  • Items that depict hate speech, intimidation, or intolerance toward protected groups
  • Items that are profane or legally libelous
  • Items that make the students face unidentifiable such as dark sunglasses, cinched hoodies, or hats (religious and medical purposes are excepted)
  • Students at Explore may not wear hats, beanies or hoodies with the hood on their head while in the building. Hats, beanies and hoodies with the hood on their head may be worn outdoors for weather protection purposes. Sunglasses will also be permitted outside for weather protection purposes.

Students that are in violation of the dress code will have the following options to comply with the dress code for the remainder of the day:

  • Wear their own alternative clothing, if available at school
  • Wear school provided clothing
  • Call a parent or guardian to bring alternative clothing


Violation of this policy will result in parent/guardian notification and a possible parental conference. More severe consequences may result from repeated or serious violations.

Cell Phone Policy

Cell phone use at Explore is prohibited in classrooms, bathrooms, and school offices. During the day of instruction, cell phones must be turned into their Crew teacher. Every classroom and office space has a landline to use if needed. Once students arrive in their classrooms, they must hand over their cell phone or any other electronic device to their classroom teacher. All phones will be secured in an enclosed place within the classroom. 

  • First offense - The device will be kept in the main office until the end of the school day. The cell phone will be handed over to the student along with a review of the cell phone policy with the student. 

  • Second offense - The device will be kept in the main office until the end of the school day. The cell phone will be given to the parent/guardian. The student will attend detention after school on an assigned day from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm. 

What are the benefits to this expectation?

  • Reduced Distractions: Without cell phones, students are less likely to be distracted by social media, games, and messages, allowing them to focus better on their studies.

  • Improved Academic Performance: Increased focus on classroom activities and reduced distractions can lead to better understanding of the material and improved academic performance.

  • Enhanced Social Interaction: Without the distraction of phones, students are more likely to engage with their peers and teachers, fostering better communication and social skills.

  • Better Classroom Management: Teachers can manage the classroom more effectively without the need to monitor and address phone usage, allowing for smoother and more efficient lessons.

  • Increased Participation: Students are more likely to participate in discussions and activities without the distraction of their phones, leading to a more interactive and engaging learning environment.

Frequently asked questions:

  1. What if I need to get in touch with my student? 
    You may contact the front office at 303-853-1170 and request a message to be given to your student. 

  2. What if my student needs to get in touch with me?
    Your student may request to use the classroom phone or the phone in the front office to call you. 

  3. What if there is an emergency?
    Your students’ safety is our number one priority. There is a landline in every classroom and every office. 


Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Personal Technology Devices Board Policy JICJ: The District shall not be liable for the loss, theft, or destruction of personal technology devices brought to school or district property or while the student is attending activities or events sponsored by the District or school.