| Attendance Line Number - 490-3062 | November 21, 2003 |
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| Attendance Line Number - 490-3062 | November 21, 2003 |
It's time for Thanksgiving and there are so many people to thank for all they do to make Shepardson be a true learning and caring community. It takes all of us to create a climate for learning that motivates children and entices them to love to be at school. As one "returning" parent just wrote me, her child "is so happy to be back in your school again, and as a parent it is simply wonderful to see her passion and joy for school returning." This compliment belongs to everyone who contributes in any way for any child at Shepardson!
Such a response is due to the energy, commitment and dedication that come from both the staff AND the parents who work together to ensure that all Shepardson students are receiving the services that best address their learning needs. The PTO, for example, through their fundraising efforts and the generosity of the parents, provides over $27,000 worth of extra resources to furnish new materials, more personnel, needed staff development and an incredible enrichment program. Probably over 50% of our parents volunteer to work in classrooms, in Media Center, with special programs (like Student Council), on committees, and with special projects (like newsletters) to provide direct services that would be impossible with our limited staffing. While those things are more visible, the most important part is the role that parents serve to help their children at home with the learning process and to work closely with the teachers to ensure their highest performance. The culture of the school is indeed a result of these extra efforts.
The staff is other part of the equation. I cannot adequately describe what they do each day to provide the students with an engaging, motivating and challenging learning experience in all areas of the curriculum. We also seek to develop their social and emotional skills within a safe environment so that they will indeed be successful learners and producers. This staff is so willing to "step up to the plate" and do extra things to ensure that we remain focused on student learning, continue school-wide improvement, and learn new strategies that address the diverse needs of our students. They epitomize what a "learning community" is for they model continuous learning and hold high expectations for themselves and the students. I know that not every school is so blessed with such a team.
There are not enough words to express my gratitude to the many, many people who make Shepardson work! It is truly a TEAM effort that includes students, staff, parents and many community volunteers. Our vision "Together we can reach the stars" is more than words; it is matched with immeasurable actions that make that statement come alive. The purpose of these efforts is simply for the benefit of all of the students we serve, who are the children you entrust to us, who will be the leaders of tomorrow.
I watched a sixth grade child this week who has been here since kindergarten. Learning hasn't always been easy for him. On this day, I saw the "gleam in his eye"! He was embracing learning, confident to give answers, and eager to ask questions. He knows he can be anything he wants to be and that education will provide the "door to his dreams." It is stories like these that make me so thankful to be a small part of such a special community.
May each of you have a wonderful holiday of Thanksgiving, no matter how or when you might celebrate.
| - | Mary Kay Sommers |
| email: msommers@psd.k12.co.us |
| CALENDAR | November 21, 2003 |
| NOVEMBER 2003 | DECEMBER 2003 | ||||
| Wed-Fri | Nov. 26-28 | NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Vacation | Mon | Dec. 15 | 1st Grade Music Program 6:00 pm. |
| DECEMBER 2003 | Mon | Dec. 15 | 2nd Grade Music Program 7:00 pm. | ||
| Tue | Dec. 2 | Boltz JH Inform. Night 7:00 pm. | Wed | Dec. 17 | Choir performs in Mall 11:00 am. |
| Thu | Dec. 11 | SIT 4:00 - 6:00 pm. | Mon-Sun | Dec. 22 -Jan. 4 | Winter Break |
| Thu | Dec. 11 | Gingerbread House Social in gym 6:30 - 8:00 pm | |||
CONGRATULATIONS TO SHEPARDSON WRITERS!
Many of our students entered writing contests recently and several of them became winners! They are proving that doing your best can produce rewards. Congratulations to all of them for entering and winning! Sylvan Learning Centers Writing Contest "Bubble, Bubble, Sounds of the Sea" These students were recognized at an awards banquet on November 12th. Students from Fort Collins entered this contest but Shepardson had 4 of the 13 students who were recognized! They received a gift card to Barnes and Noble, cookies and a certificate. Congratulations!!!
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ALBERTSON'S "WHAT A PET MEANS TO ME"
Molly Pearson, a fifth grade student, entered this national contest that her teacher Mrs. Brown had shared with the class. She wrote her response and became a National Winner! As a result, she won a $25 gift certificate to Toys R Us, $350 to buy a pet of her own and a starter kit along with one year's supply of bird food. She plans to buy a cockatiel! Writing can certainly pay off! Congratulations, Molly! |
Each year a revision in the Code of Conduct books is made. This new version must be given to each family as a reference. It outlines the expectations, procedures and consequences that are mandated by Colorado state law. Nothing significant has changed for elementary students this year.
December 2nd, 7:00 p.m.
Boltz Junior High School has openings for the 2004/05 school year in the following areas:
We will hold an informational meeting on Tuesday, December 2nd, 7:00 p.m., at Boltz to answer your questions and find out why our school might be the best place for your student.
BJHS invites all parents and students who:
2003/04 is the final year for the 7th grade Core Knowledge program at Boltz Junior High School. We will follow up with an 8th grade Core program in the 2004/05 school year so students who have begun can continue this program at Boltz for one more year. We are also accepting school of choice applications for 2004/05 in 8th Core Knowledge, 8th PSD Curriculum, and 9th PSD Curriculum.
Boltz is currently accepting 7th grade school of choice applications for the 2004/05 school year. Boltz intends to open up a third "block" of PSD curriculum to replace the Core Knowledge program. We anticipate having 30 or more vacancies for this 3rd block.
If you are unable to attend, questions should be directed to Principal Mike Walz at 472-3710.
Next year's sixth grade environmental education program will include a stay at Pingree Park in lieu of our current program of day trips. After researching options, contacting other elementary schools in the district, meetings with SIT, PTO and Policy, the new sixth grade team is excited to be adding a 3 day/2 night stay to our curriculum. Tentative reservations have been made next fall for September 27-29, 2004. The cost will be split between parents, PTO and Shepardson. More detailed information will be sent home each year in the spring to current fifth grade parents to help them prepare for this special learning experience.
Sandy Winters, 6th grade teacher
PEER MEDIATORS ON DUTY
Service is one of the character traits in the Shepardson STARS character education program. (In case you were wondering, the others are Truthfulness, Appreciation, Responsibility and Self-Control. Hint: Using the first letter in each of these words you can spell the word STARS.) There are many ways students can be "of service" while here at school, and one of those ways is to become a Peer Mediator. Being a Peer Mediator means reaching out and trying to help other students solve problems. They need to be willing and available to help, even if that means missing their own recess or parts of classroom instruction. (Note: Availability is the Fort Collins trait for November.) Peer Mediators need to be responsible. Peer Mediators are peace leaders in our school. After a two-hour training last Thursday, we now have 21 fifth grade students serving as Peer Mediators on the 1st/2nd grade playground and the 3rd/4th grade playground during lunch recess each day. They are there to be "of service" to the adults who supervise the playground. Peer Mediators can be called on to help students solve arguments or work on friendships. When things are calm, they can join the games and help younger students with sportsmanship and playing fair. Peer Mediators allow the adults to concentrate on the safety of all the children rather than on the needs of 2 or 3 who might be having a disagreement. Most importantly, these 5th graders are learning very important life skills that will help them relate more effectively with others throughout their lives as students and as adults. Congratulations and thank you to the 2003-04 Peer Mediators at Shepardson! Peer Mediators by name: Amanda Hobaugh, Abby Smith, Maggie McDonnell, Sadia Aziz, Caroline Buck, Joey Heiserman, Sarah Whynott, Anna Isernia, Mollie Pearson, Spencer Hoffman, Collins Wang, Tori Kauffman, Ana Hoffman, Lily Hanks, Zachary Bowman, Erik Hansen, William Bugh, Kyla Taylor, Danielle Cole, Tess Stackhouse, Tawnya Miller, and Miranda Blas. Rea Kreider, Counselor |
Opportunity for Service to Others
Do you have dinner every night? Well, did you know that some kids your age don't get dinner every night like you do? That is why our school is having a food drive for the Salvation Army. Ask your parents if you can bring in non-perishable foods like boxed pasta and things in jars, such as peanut butter. We are also having a hats and mittens tree. Near the library, we will have a tree that is set up for you to decorate with hats, mittens, gloves and scarves. These two events will occur December 1st through 12th. If your pod has the most items, you can earn a popcorn and pop party provided by Shepardson Student Council. Thanks for you help!
Taryn Hunt and Marlena Murray (under the direction and guidance of Art Teacher, Lori Pibal) have made a great video to remind students of expected behaviors. The video aired during the newscast last week. Students were shown the "wrong way," the "almost, but not quite," and the "right way" to walk in halls, line up for the bus and behave in the lunchroom.
Staff continues to share our behavioral expectations of students in individual classrooms as well as in common areas (hallways, lunchroom, playground). Over 200 Shepardson Star Students were recognized during the first quarter. Thanks for supporting our school climate program for STARS:
Self Control
Truthfulness
Appreciation
Responsibility
Service
Recently, Webber JH and Blevins JH had more than 20% of their students and staff ill with flu for several days. As the flu season continues, additional schools are seeing higher numbers of students out with flu symptoms including headache, body aches, fever, sore throat and fatigue.
The flu virus can spread very rapidly throughout a school. It is contracted by touching contaminated surfaces, or can be spread through the air when a person with the flu coughs or sneezes and spreads the virus. Flu shots are the best defense against the flu, but it is also very important to be well rested, eat nutritiously and wash hands FREQUENTLY. Good luck and stay healthy.
Parents can find out about weather-related closures by visiting the PSD Web site at www.psdschools.org or by tuning in to local radio and television media. A decision about weather-related school closures is made by approximately 6:00 a.m. and media outlets are immediately notified.
The following radio and television stations will be notified and will broadcast information of any school closures in PSD. PLEASE do not call the stations directly.
Television stations:
Channel 9 - KUSA
Channel 7 - KMGH
Channel 4 - KCNC
Channel 2 - KWGN
Local Radio Stations:
KCOL 600 AM KIXX, 1410 AM KGRE 1450 AM (Spanish) Bear 107.9 FM KISS 96.1 FM Sunny 97.9 FM KUAD 99 FM TRI 102 FM Z 94.3 FM KUNC 91.5 FM KCSU 90.5 FM
Next PTO meeting is Tuesday, January 6
7:00 p.m. in the Shepardson Library
There will not be a meeting in December.
Gingerbread Social
Thursday, December 11
6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the gym
Mark your calendars and join friends in an evening of gingerbread creativity! Your kids will be thrilled with their creations!
Questions? Contact JoAnn Caddoo at 226-3103
Sponsored by Shepardson PTO
Box Tops for Education
If you are shopping online this holiday season, you can earn up to 10% of your purchases for Shepardson! Simply sign up to support Shepardson at the Box Tops Marketplace at boxtops4education.com and your online shopping trip will earn cash for our school. There are 200+ stores affiliated with this offer, so check it out!
A big THANKS for your support by clipping Box Tops labels. This school year to date, $370.00 has been earned from labels sent in. Keep clipping!
Questions? Contact Claudia Wilson @ 206-0231
'TIS THE SEASON...
It's that time of year again - "shopping time" that is. Just a reminder to those who have, or want to acquire, Target Visa accounts or Target Guest Cards: Shepardson Elementary participates in the Take Charge of Education program offered through Target Corporation. If you haven't already designated a school to receive rewards based on purchases made on your Target card(s), or if you are considering opening an account with Target, please consider choosing Shepardson Elementary to receive their Take Charge of Education rewards. This program costs nothing for participants, but can provide our school with extra funds to support our children's education.
If you have questions, please contact Jennifer Burkhart, PTO Vice President at 225-1873.
Innisbrook
It was another successful year with Innisbrook. Approximately $12,000.00 was earned. You can still order by going online to www.innisbrook.com using our school code - 104621.
Thank you Shepardson students and parents!
Questions? Contact Jamie Mekelburg @ 209-0698
Shepardson Yearbook
Photos are needed for the yearbook! Group pictures work the best; so keep that in mind as you are snapping away. Digital photos can be submitted on a disk. Start sending in photographs now!
Questions? Contact Marcie Dietrich @ 282-9336 or Michelle Murray @ 226-6224
Surprise to Teachers
Last Monday PTO delivered a surprise to the teachers at Shepardson. We gave each teacher $100 to use towards education in their classroom. Due to a tight budget from the district, most teachers spend a great amount of their own money to buy books and supplies. This is one of many things PTO's fund raising can do to support Shepardson and the staff.
Shepardson Directory
The directory is close to print. After many hours of data input and layout, the end is in sight! If you would like to buy a directory but did not send in an order and payment, there will be some extra copies available to purchase. Please contact JoAnn Caddoo at 226-3103 or email to coloradocaddoo@msn.com to place a late order.
If you have questions or comments regarding PTO, contact JoAnn Caddoo @ 226-3103, coloradocaddoo@msn.com or Jennifer Burkhart, at 225-1873.
The character trait being promoted by Character Fort Collins for November is availability; defined as making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I serve. The definition is provided by the International Association of Character Cities (IACC).
Character Fort Collins is a community effort to promote character traits among family, business, education, government, law enforcement, and faith community members. As a community partner, Poudre School District will promote the Character Fort Collins trait of the month. This is in addition to the Character Education programs that are already in place at each school.
During the school year, Character Fort Collins will have a monthly program broadcast on Poudre School District's Channel 10, available through AT&T Cable, U.S. Cable and WANTV (wireless). For the entire searchable program schedule, visit www.psdschools.org/services/channel10/, or check local TV listings.
More information can be found about Character Fort Collins by visiting their Web site at www.characterfortcollins.org.
John Fooks, newly elected Board of Education director representing District F, is inviting parents and community members to attend a Town Meeting at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 10, at Timnath Elementary.
According to Fooks, "This is an opportunity to hear from you about school-related issues, to assure your voice is heard. I'd like to talk about my goals on the Board, and any topics you have, such as future school growth, curriculum, and how to improve the input process to the Board."
The District F covers the following schools: Bacon, Linton, Shepardson, Traut, Timnath and Zach elementary schools, and Preston Junior High.
Fooks can be reached by phone at 223-6198, or by e-mail at: johnfooks@frii.com
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