January 11, 2012
Dear Parents,
Wow, what an exciting time in our school history! Moving in to the new building as been an experience that is hard to put into words for both the students and myself. Thank you, wonderful and supportive parents, for making the transition a success. When I think back over this past month I am in awe by the support and dedication this community has shown. It is a privilege to work in and be a part of such a fantastic community. There are so many to thank, so please forgive me for those I don’t single out, but a very special “thank you” to the Meyrings and Sherrods for their extra effort in helping our classroom get moved. Also thanks to the Blazeks for the hot water warmers and yummy hot drink supplies!
This past week we have spent time getting acclimated to our new surroundings and protocols. For instance: ‘how to behave in the community room’ or ‘how to keep our locker organized’. These are all new things! This week I began working with third graders on “test taking” techniques to help ensure their readiness for the Transition Colorado Assessment Program (or TCAP) that they will be participating in the beginning of February.
Our ski unit is in full swing and we will be going to Hahns Peak Lake on Friday, Jan 13th. The students will need all the proper items for a winter outdoor adventure day including their ski equipment.
To complete our study of watersheds, each of the students will be researching a Colorado river. They will need some assistance at home with this project. It will be part of their homework packet. More details will follow with next week’s homework packet.
In keeping with our energy conscious school efforts, the 3rd – 8th grade classes are holding a ‘reduce energy’ contest. We are engaging the students to see which class can use the least amount of microwave energy. So, we are looking for your support to send less food in need of microwaving in your students’ lunches. The contest will begin Tuesday Jan. the 16th through February break. May the games begin, and the most energy efficient class win! (Prizes to be determined)
I would also like to welcome Teresa De Armas to our classroom. Miss Teresa is our new student – teacher for this spring semester. She is from the Seattle area and has a background in psychology. She is a student at the University of Northern Colorado and is working on her Masters degree in Education. She may look familiar to you since she has worked at the Vista Verde Ranch for three years and coached at the Excel gym in town. We are so excited to have her with us. So please say hello and introduce yourself to her when you see her.
With our new school comes wonderful opportunities for growth and independence for students. For example, the students are now responsible for a new set of behaviors, lockers, and a community lunchroom. To further this growth opportunity, I encourage each of our students to enter the school independently and proceed to class on their own. I believe this will aid our students in increasing their self-esteem and confidence to organize and be responsible for themselves and their belongings.
Thank you once again for on-going support.
Ms. Amy
Dates to remember:
Jan. 13th – Hahns Peak Lake trip
Jan. 15th – no school
Jan. 18th – book order due
Jan. 20th – visit for Ski Corp. and end of the semester
Jan. 21st – Open House for the new school 3:00 – 5:00
Jan. 27th – no school teacher work day
Jan. 30th – report cards sent home
Feb. 3rd – parent-teacher conferences
Feb. 14th – 16th TCSP reading tests for 3rd graders
Feb. 20th -24th February break