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| Attendance Line Number - 490-3062 | April 30, 2004 |
As we approach Staff Appreciation Week, I must begin with high praises for the Shepardson team! Being gone for 10 days was indeed the best of tests of how well a team operates. While it was no surprise, I am deeply impressed with their efforts, their relentless focus on what the students need, and their willingness to go the extra mile. Several positive press coverages (shoes for children in Iraq and the choir singing for returning troops) and celebrations occurred. While the first part of the week was relatively calm and typical, the latter part had a few unexpected surprises. The bottom line is this staff works hard for kids every day...whether I'm here or not. I am so proud and grateful to be a part of this incredible team! Seeing the team, the students and the many parents upon my return reminds me of why I love to work for you at Shepardson! Thanks to all for doing your best for the Shepardson students!
It is that time of year when we celebrate all the learning and accomplishments of the students. This week, for example, I watched Mrs. Caren Everett's choir perform along with three instrumental soloists who were phenomenal. The talent, the interest in the arts, and the encouragement to grow in unfamiliar areas speaks highly of Shepardson. Mrs. Lori Pibal's art show has just finished its annual display of creative samples of talented student art work at the mall. Now you can find penguins and seals throughout the building. Meanwhile, students in 4th, 5th and 6th grade are preparing for the district track and field day. Mr. Greg Neal has helped them reach new heights in physical fitness and endurance. I am so pleased to work with a staff and community that values the richness found in all areas of learning. Problem solving, creative thinking, and other lifelong skills are enhanced through these "special" activities. It is time to celebrate all of the learning from academics to the arts!
This is also my time to simply say THANKS to all of our volunteers! There are so many and without YOU we would not be able to meet the diverse needs of our students. I am thankful every day for working with the Shepardson parents and extended community. YOU truly care about each child and make this famous quote come alive....It takes a whole village to raise a child!
Weekly newsletters begin to make sure you have the information you need through this busy month of May. We look forward to your joining us for as many of these events that you can. Your children have worked hard all year and especially enjoy performing for you.
| - | Mary Kay Sommers |
| email: msommers@psd.k12.co.us |
| CALENDAR | April 30, 2004 |
| APRIL 2004 | APRIL 2004 | ||||
| Sa | May 1 | Cindy Mueller Shepardson 4K Run/Walk | Th | May 6 | SIT 4:00-6:00 pm |
| M | May 3 | PE Pride/Lifetime Fitness Week | F | May 7 | Sock Hop 5:30 - food served; 6:00-8:00 - dancing |
| M-F | May 3-7 | Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week | Sa | May 8 | Track Meet (rest of events) |
| Tu | May 4 | PTO Meeting 7:00 pm | Th | May 13 | Kindergarten Music Program 10:30 am |
| Th | May 6 | Track Meet | |||
By Sandy Winters Do you know the name of the country that borders the Caspian Sea and has Baku as its capitol city? How about the country that is separated from Finland by the Gulf of Finland? Just ask Peter Chen, a sixth grader in Ms. Winters' class, as he was able to correctly answer these questions and more at the State Geography Bee held at the University of Denver on April 2. Peter competed against 100 other students from around the state in grades 4-8. Peter tied for second place in the preliminary round in the morning. Three people in Peter's group tied for first place, moving onto the final competition that afternoon. It was exciting to watch the 10 finalists compete for the first, second, and third prizes. Congratulations, Peter, for making Shepardson proud! |
Mariel Salais is a hard-working, cheerful student at Shepardson Elementary School. Although she has not been here long, her dedication to school is apparent daily. She often arrives at school early to seek extra help if needed, and she never gets discouraged. She has been learning English steadily and has made vast progress in, not only speaking, but reading and writing as well. In addition to achieving academic success, she works at being a local leader. She is involved in student council and took a special part in a committee to collect gently used shoes to send to the poor Iraqi children. Her selflessness is easily noticed and has impacted many students that she has come in contact with. Overall, Mariel is a wonderful, well-rounded citizen and an excellent example for everyone. Aaron Lucero is a student like no other. He always has a bright smile and is eager to help anyone that needs it. His enthusiasm for life is infectious despite the many personal/family obstacles he has dealt with through the years. Not only does he have a positive attitude, but he also strives to be the best he can be in school. School has not always been easy, and yet, he does not let that stop him. When he learns something new, he still gets excited and beams with delight. Hard work is normal for him and he does not think twice about coming in for extra help when needed. In fact, he is one of the hardest workers in the sixth grade at Shepardson Elementary. It has been incredible seeing the progress Aaron has made throughout his years here at Shepardson. His natural ability to be a leader is amazing and we consider ourselves fortunate to have a student like him. |
These Shepardson students submitting winning handwriting samples for the 2004 Annual Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest. They each received an award at school for being the finalist for their grade level. Their sample is now entered into the state level competition. Congratulations and thanks for doing your best work! You are STARS!
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Special thanks to all of these volunteers! None of these folks are paid anything but "thank you's" for their extra time and dedication to enrich the learning program at Shepardson.
PTO (who expands our ability to provide services, materials, and programs for the students)
| President: | JoAnn Caddoo | ||
| Vice President: | Jennifer Burkhart | ||
| Treasurer: | Tia Oblender | ||
| Secretary: | Jennifer Kelley | ||
| At Large Members: | Maria Smailes, Bobette Slawson, Jamie Mekelburg | ||
| Past President: | Mary Ann Michels | ||
| School Store: | Cheryl Chvatal, Linda Hobaugh, Rhonda Hansen, Giang Hoang | ||
| New Family Rep: | Michelle Murray | ||
| SIT Rep: | Cathy Hager | ||
| VIPS Coordinator: | Kathy O'Donnell | ||
| Pod Reps: | Michelle Murrary, Julie Baker, Claudia Wilson, Marcie Dietrich, Erin Brace, Karen Gogela, Sandra Cole |
Special Events Coordinators:
| Tia Oblender, Marcie Dietrich, Suzanne Liringis, Debbie Ramsey, Claudia Wilson, Jennifer Kelly, Diana Rubesne, Jamie Mekelburg, Maria Smailes, Jean Pearson, Nancy McConnell, Becky Woodcox, and others we no doubt missed. |
SIT (focus on higher level decisions related to teaching, learning, budget)
| Teresa Ablao, Cathy Hager, Debbie Bostak, Chuck Hubbeling, Rosie Goetz, Rand McConnell, Marcia Burns, Jo Boyd |
Newsletter (ensures a quality production in print and online)
| Kevin Smith (publisher); Jennifer Burkhart (translator); Dave Roschke (webmaster); Ladeane Cutter (typist) | |
| Copiers: Tia Oblender, Deb Ramsey, Cynthia Bush, Sonia Vanzyl, Jean Pearson, Kathy O'Donnell |
Special thanks to the 3rd and 4th graders who performed so well in their music concerts. Their hard work and high energy creates a musical production that warms your heart. This week the choir sang their finale! Over 60 students committed to the early morning practices twice a week. Their special event to sing for the troops returning from Iraq was truly a lifetime memory for the community. Special thanks to Music Director Caren Everett and parent accompanist Linda Stacey! What an awesome year, Choir!! |
We will be reviewing VOICE and FLUENCY throughout the month of May. As in April, we will be focusing on these traits in classroom activities, through S.T.A.R. News, and bulleting boards.
| VOICE: | Personal stamp, personality, style, or flavor | |
| FLUENCY: | Listen to the way the sentences flow together, especially for clarity, variety and how easy it is to follow and understand. |
***Check out some of our fabulous writing displayed on the bulletin boards and on the bookcases in the library.
The last PTO meeting for this school year is Tuesday, May 4
7:00 p.m. in the Shepardson Library
All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend!
By-Law Changes
Attached to this newsletter you will find a notice of changes PTO is proposing to make to the PTO by-laws. It is stated in the by-laws that any changes must be pre-published before being voted on. We will vote on these changes at the next meeting. If you have questions or input to the changes, please contact JoAnn Caddoo at 226-3103 or coloradocaddoo@msn.com prior to the May 4th meeting.
Board Member Nomination
Board Members will be voted on at the next PTO meeting, May 4th. The following members have been nominated for the position listed next to them. It is stated in the PTO by-laws that the Nomination Committee shall pre-publish the slate of proposed nominees for each elected position.
| Jennifer Burkhart | PTO President | ||
| Tia Oblender | Treasurer | ||
| Jennifer Kelly | Secretary | ||
| Maria Smailes | Board Member at Large | ||
| Jamie Mekelburg | Board Member at Large | ||
| Kathy O'Donnell | Board Member at Large |
SOCK HOP
Friday, May 7
Food will be served starting at 5:30
Music 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
A FUN EVENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
Due to the size of our gym, we ask that only Shepardson families attend the event.
All children need to be accompanied by an adult
SUMMER VACATION LEARNING
The Learning Company
You will be receiving a brochure from The Learning Company full of educational software programs. This is a PTO sponsored program designed to help parents and children continue to learn in a fun way during the summer months. If you wish to preview this program please return the form on the back to your child's teacher. After previewing the program you may have the option of purchasing it or returning it. There will also be copies of each grade level program in the office for you to preview.
Questions? Call Jennifer Kelly at 229-0256.
The Poudre School District Elementary Track and Field Meet is an opportunity for fourth, fifth and sixth grade students to compete with their peers in an organized fashion. The intent of the meet is to allow students the opportunity to test their physical skills, to experience the social part of team and school spirit, and to feel the thrill of competing on J. Ray French Field.
The 1600 meter run will be held on Thursday, May 6 with fourth graders starting at 5:30 p.m., fifth grade at 6:15 p.m., and sixth grade at 7:00 p.m. All other events will be held on Saturday, May 8 starting with sixth grade at 8:00 a.m., fifth grade at 10:00 a.m., and fourth grade at noon. All participants should arrive at least thirty minutes before their scheduled time to warn up and find their event locations.
Since we can only take three students per event at each grade level, we are currently qualifying for the meet during PE class. The students that qualify in the 1600 meter run will be notified on Friday, April 30 and qualifiers for the other events will be notified on Monday, May 3. Each student will receive a schedule of events, map and event name tag that must be worn to compete in the meet. If your child qualifies and cannot attend the meet, please let Mr. Neal know as soon as possible so that I can make substitutions.
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