Jessica Ridgeway, 10, attends Witt Elementary school in Jefferson County. Her mother last saw her when Jessica left for school around 8:30 on Friday morning.

Jessica usually walks to a park a few blocks away where she meets a group of students. Together, the group walks 1.3 miles to school.

Jessica never arrived at the park Friday.

Lynn Setzer, Communications Director for the Jefferson County school district told 9NEWS that all procedures were followed when Jessica's absence was noticed.

The school district checked to see if anyone had called in her absence. Then they called the contact number on her contact sheet.

Westminster police said Jessica's mother received a phone call from the school district at around 10 a.m. Friday morning. Jessica's mom did not hear the message until after 4 p.m. when she woke up. That is when police were notified that Jessica was missing.

Setzer says that teachers and staff at Witt elementary will watch the kids closely, but try to have a normal school day. Counselors and crisis teams will be on hand if any students or staff need them.

The school district has also requested extra Westminster police patrols for students walking to and from school.

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