April 2016 - Littleton Public Schools
Transcription
April 2016 - Littleton Public Schools
The FALCON FLIER Page 1, April 2016 T H E FALC O N FLIE R Euclid Middle School, Littleton Public Schools Letter from the Principal Welcome incoming sixth grade parents! I met over 100 of you at our Coffee and Conversation parent orientation meetings. I was pleased to see strong Parent Survey Results We are very proud of the following results. These results show strong support from an engaged and perceptive community. The Euclid Accountability Read more...pg 2 Read more...pg 7 This optional form is being made available to all 2016-2017 EMS students and parents. In order to make quality decisions, it is our desire to gather as Dates and information regarding the 8th grade panoramic picture, the 8th grade party and 8th grade continuation. 8th Grade Spring Info SLP Read more...pg 6 National History Day The Denver Metro Regional competition at CU Denver on Saturday March 12th yielded 13 finalist projects and seven 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, place entries. Read more...pg 9 Read more...pg 6 Art News & GT News Read more...pg 10 EAC Application Littleton Public School Foundation If you are interested in being on the Euclid Accountability Committee please fill out the application and return to the main office. Spirit Celebration Read more...pg 12 Read more...pg 14 Page 2, April 2016 The FALCON FLIER T H E FALC O N FLIE R Euclid Middle School, Littleton Public Schools April 2016 2015-2016 Dates at a Glance April 5 - 14 CMAS Testing April 6 Euclid Accountability Committee 3:30 - 5:30 P.M. April 18 Non-Student Day April 19 District Show Choir Festival 6:30 P.M. LHS April 21 PTO Meeting 9:30 - 11:00 A.M. April 27 PLC Late Start Day Classes begin at 9:54 A.M. May 2 - May 6 Staff Appreciation Week May 2 7/8 Grade Choir Concert 7:00 P.M. Gym May 3 6th/8th Grade Band Concert 7:00 P.M. Gym May 4 Euclid Accountability Committee 3:30 - 5:30 P.M May 5 8th Grade Party 2:45 - 4:15 P.M. 7th Grade / Jazz Band Concert 7:00 P.M. Gym Dear Parents, Welcome incoming sixth grade parents! I met over 100 of you at our Coffee and Conversation parent orientation meetings. I was pleased to see strong parent interest and support. Our final parent orientation meeting will be held on April 7th from 7:00 - 8:00 P.M. in the cafeteria. This meeting is for parents and is identical to the previous Coffee and Conversations. At the beginning of March, we sent a letter via US Mail to every incoming 6 th grade student in our enrollment records. This letter outlined the transition events occurring between now and the first day of school. If you did not receive this letter, please contact Nalisha Cotter at 303-347-7811 so we have an accurate postal address and email address for you. There are a number of opportunities for incoming 6th grade students to learn about Euclid. Registration at the elementary schools and a visit to Euclid will occur this spring. Incoming 6th grade students will attend a Where Everyone Belongs (WEB) program on August 17 from 8:00 – 11:00 A.M., the day before school starts. This program is hosted by 60 eighth grade student leaders. It is always a community building time for both grades. In this newsletter you will see some of the data from our annual parent survey. We believe this is the most important evaluation of our success. Our parent survey results came back overwhelmingly positive. The accountability committee evaluated the data and read every comment submitted. Most of the questions elicited an over 90% agreement. This is remarkable for any service organization. We will use this valuable feedback to improve our school. Another avenue we use for communication is the Student Learning Profile (SLP). This optional form is included in this newsletter in an electronic version. We will use the information you provide, along with assessment data and teacher recommendations, to guide us as we meet your student’s academic and developmental needs for the next school year. In addition, we will use it to match your student’s needs with the profile of an appropriate core team. Please remember this isn’t a required form and we’ll individually place every student in classes for next fall based on all the information we receive from the previous year. Thank you for your partnership in making Euclid a great school. Sincerely, Gary Hein Principal The FALCON FLIER Page 3, April 2016 PTO News Julie Hopson PTO President [email protected] https://sites.google.com/site/euclidpto Missed any newsletters? Please check out the PTO Website! Euclid Accountability Committee Parent committee members for 2015 - 2016 Parent committee members for 2015 - 2016 Michelle McMurray, 720-283-6979 Teri Carlson, 720-934-1474 Erin Weaver, 303-861-7967 Lula Guilbert, 303-917-4078 Julie Hopson, 720-570-9752 Gary reported the District visited Euclid for the site visit. They presented the unified improvement plan to the district visitors. PTO is moving forward on funding for the library changes next year. Tomorrow (3/3) is the all-school party. There will be a professional photo booth. At the last PTO meeting they discussed resources parents have for mental health, safety and cyber safety. The LPS Foundation Spirit Dinner will be held on April 16, 2016. Those interested in attending should check out the LPSF website for ticket information. Gary showed attendees the new LPS website and asked folks who have navigated it for their feedback. Gary showed a slide of teaching assignments for 2016-2017 (as of 02/23/16). Community Survey Data: EMS has stayed consistent over the years. The questions with biggest changes were #9 (positive jump with Chromebooks), #12 (drop – after school activities) and #18 (drop – parent involvement). One parent noted that #19 is unchanged at 81% for respondents believing EMS’ “Every Student a Leader” has positively impacted their student. Gary handed out a one-page budget summary for 2016-2017. The FALCON FLIER Page 4, April 2016 EUCLID AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Brain Bowl: Mind Benders! Work in teams to solve brain teasers in a game-show environment. All grade levels are invited. Congratulations to our sixth and seventh grade teams who qualified for state this year! Sponsor: Mr. Richardson Spelling Club: All students are welcome to join Math Olympiad: Sixth and seventh grade stu- Technology Student Association - TSA Club: the Spelling Club. Three Euclid students occupied the top six spots in LPS, qualifying for the Colorado State Spelling Bee held in March. Congratulations Katie, Devon, and Henry! We are finished meeting for this school year. Sponsor: Mrs. Fast dents are working in teams monthly to problem solve high level math questions. Teams from each class will compete in the Euclid Math Olympiad in April. Sponsor: Mr. Claussen and Mrs. Grenawalt Meets: Tuesday Room: Wood Tech/Modern Tech Sponsors: Mr. Grimes and Mr. Biddulph Soccer Club: 6th Grade meets on Thursday How do I get involved?: Information about after school events is on the daily announcements that are made every morning. There are bulletin boards in the cafeteria and posters announcing starting dates are displayed in the halls. Watch here for announcements about new clubs and activities. Club fee is due at the beginning of attending one club. After the initial payment, the club fee includes unlimited attendance at any clubs. mornings at 7:00 AM. 7th and 8th grade meets on Friday mornings at 7:00 AM. Come join the fun! Meets: 6th Grade Thursday or 7th & 8th Grade Friday Room: Gym Sponsor: Mr. Mena / Ms. Fidler Interested in other sports and activities? Click here to see what other district approved opportunities are available. Euclid Intramurals By Clint Borel, Intramural Director 7th Girls Volleyball: 7th grade girls wrap up their season on April 20 @ Newton. Come and support our Falcons! Special thanks to the coaches; Marissa Broyles and Cheryl Remkus. 8th Girls Volleyball: 8th grade girls season ends with the tournament at Powell Saturday, April 30. New this year is a ‘C level’ tournament on Wednesday, April 27 @ Newton. Each ‘C team’ will play to determine seeding for Saturday's tournament. Come cheer on the Falcons! Special thanks to the coaches; Terry Otte and Teresa Vigil. 6th Co-ed Track and Field: All 6th graders are welcome to participate in Track and Field. Practice begins the first week of April. Special thanks to Steve Coll and Suzanne Neufeld for coaching these trackstars! The FALCON FLIER Page 5, April 2016 S t u d e n t S e r v i c e s N e ws Co u n s e l o r s : M e l i n d a Mo r r i s : 3 0 3 - 3 4 7- 7 8 2 0 T a r a K o l ke r : 3 0 3 - 3 4 7- 7 8 1 9 Anne Keely, Secretary: 303 -347-7810 COLORADO MEASURE OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS (CMAS) This year the State of Colorado has combined all of our testing, including PARCC, testing under the umbrella of CMAS. All of our testing will be done on the students individual Chromebooks. Please help remind your child each night to fully charge their Chromebook so they are ready during testing. They can also bring their chargers to school those weeks in case they need to use them. Testing this year has been set for the week of April 4th and April 11th. It is very important that your student be in school during this critical testing time. Please mark your calendars. If you have questions regarding our Standardized Testing Program, please call Student Services at 303-347-7810. Thank you. IMMUNIZATIONS The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment requires these vaccines for students entering 6th and 7th grade. This includes the Tdap Vaccine, MMR and Varicella. Hepatitis B vaccine is required for students entering 7th grade. If students have not completed the three dose series of Hepatitis B vaccine, or the Tdap and Varicella, parents need to fill out a plan for completion with Student Services. Please continue with updating these vaccines. Parents may also sign an exempt status with Student Services yearly. Please keep your plan up to date and communicate with Mrs. Keely. If you do not have a regular family physician, you can call Tri County Health at 303-761-1340 for information about immunizations. 1-800-757-3999 is a centralized number for making appointments for immunizations with Tri County Health. If you have any questions, call the Student Services Office at 303-347-7810. REGISTRATION FOR THE 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR: 8TH GRADE PARENT-HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION HHS-Freshman registration began in February. If you have not already registered your student please contact HHS 303-347-7610. LHS- Freshman registration began in February. If you have not already registered your student please contact LHS 303-347-7710. AHS-Freshman Registration Night, Monday, April 4th, 2016 at 6:00pm. Honors auditions: March 1, March 8-10, April 19 and April 26, 2016. Website WWW.litttletonpublicschools.com and go to level transition and click on the specific High School 6th and 7th GRADE PARENT Counselors will begin to register current 6th and 7th grade students during the weeks of April 19th and April 25th. At this time your student will bring home registration materials related to grade level course offerings. Please review these materials carefully with your child. It is important for students to make appropriate course selections for the next school year. It is recommended that parents assist their student(s) with these choices. Parents indicate their input and approval when they sign the registration card. This signed registration card must be returned to the Student Services Office for processing. 5TH GRADE (ELEMENTARY PARENT) Euclid counselors will visit the elementary schools to register current 5th graders the week of March 28 thru April 5. Parents are asked to carefully review registration materials. Parents must indicate approval of course selections by SIGNING the completed registration card. Please return the registration cards to your elementary school and they will be picked up during the weeks of April 4 and April 11. Please note the “return date” that is listed on your student’s registration card and assist your student to return the registration card on time. The last Coffee and Conversation for parents of current fifth graders will be held Thursday, April 7. We look forward to working with 5th grade students and their parents throughout this process. Please call Student Services at 303-347-7810 if you have questions or information for us. REMINDER There is no school on Monday April 18, 2016. The FALCON FLIER Page 6, April 2016 S t u d e n t S e r v i c e s N e ws Co u n s e l o r s : M e l i n d a Mo r r i s : 3 0 3 - 3 4 7- 7 8 2 0 T a r a K o l ke r : 3 0 3 - 3 4 7- 7 8 1 9 Anne Keely, Secretary: 303 -347-7810 Student Learning Profile Tell Us About Your Student This optional form is being made available to all 2016-2017 EMS students and parents. In order to make quality decisions, it is our desire to gather as much educational information as possible. This link will take you to the online Student Learning Profile you may complete should you desire. The process for placing your child is very comprehensive and personalized. Whether or not this Student Learning Profile is completed, all students at EMS are individually placed. Adhering to the due date for this document is critical in order for us to have this valuable information prior to placement. The due date is Friday, April 10. We have the greatest confidence that any CORE at EMS can meet the needs of your child. All students will be notified of their CORE placement during schedule pick-up in August. ATTENTION 8th GRADERS Panoramic Picture Get your smiles ready! The 8th grade Panoramic Picture will be taken on Friday, April 8. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to remember your 8th grade year at Euclid. Order forms will be sent home before the picture is taken on April 8. 8th Grade Class Party Thursday, May 5 Eighth graders, mark your calendars now for the final class party of your middle school career. The party will be held in the Cafetorium on Thursday, May 5, from 2:45-4:10 pm. Join your friends, eat, dance and play games. Activity buses will run that day. This party is free. Awards and Continuation Ceremony The date for 8th Grade Awards and Continuation Ceremony is Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 1:00 - 2:40 p.m. in the EMS gym. Reception following. On Friday, May 20th, the eighth graders will go to Elitch Gardens for the day. 8th Grade Continuation Dress Code It’s a Euclid expectation and tradition that students dress up for their continuation ceremony. If you are going shopping, here are some guidelines to keep in mind: Girls usually wear dresses or nice slacks. Girls dresses NEED STRAPS and BACKS and bra straps need to be not visible. That said, we relax the 2” shoulder strap rule on this day. Spaghetti straps are okay. No bare midriffs. Brand new shoes or very high heels are uncomfortable and make “walking the line” hard; wear something safe and comfortable. Boys wear nice pants, shirts with collars, and dark shoes. Suits and sport coats are NOT required, but we strongly encourage neck ties. The FALCON FLIER Page 7, April 2016 2015-2016 EMS Parent Survey Results We are very proud of the following results. These results show strong support from an engaged and perceptive community. The Euclid Accountability Committee read every comment and evaluated this data. They observed many areas for celebration and some for improvement. 6th/7th/8th Parents Parents % Agree % Disagree Parents N/A Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of instruction in the CORE academic subjects at EMS. 95 5 0 Overall, I am satisfied with the exploratory/elective program at EMS. 94 6 0 The overall climate at EMS is a positive learning environment. 96 4 0 The EMS campus is safe. 96 2 2 Overall, the EMS staff is responsive to the academic needs of the students. 93 7 0 The assigned homework supports student learning. 90 9 1 The "No Late Work" policy encourages students to turn work in on time. 91 6 3 Access to a computer, outside the classroom, is sufficient to complete assignments. 97 1 2 Internet access is available at home. 98 2 0 The EMS Staff communicates information in a timely manner. 91 7 2 I am satisfied with the after school activities (clubs & intramurals) offered at EMS. 77 15 8 Euclid's discipline policies and procedures contribute to a positive learning environment. 85 4 11 Students are prepared to transition from one grade level to the next (elementary-6, 6-7, 7-8, 8-HS). 84 7 10 Students can talk comfortably to at least one adult at Euclid. 88 6 6 The FALCON FLIER Page 8, April 2016 6th/7th/8th Parents Parents % Agree % Disagree Parents N/A As a parent, I feel comfortable communicating with the EMS staff. 93 6 1 As a parent, I feel welcome at EMS. 94 6 0 As a parent, there are adequate opportunities for parents to get involved at EMS. 88 5 7 The Euclid leadership focus, ‘Every Student a Leader’, has positively impacted my student. 2015 81 7 12 Parent Survey Responses - 419 Total Student Population - 686 Important Fee Information Spring Dress Code Reminder All fees and fines need to be paid by the end of the year in order to receive your student's semester report card. As we head into the spring, we often see a spike in dress code violations. Students forget they have grown over the past 7 months and the shorts which fit at the beginning of the year are too small and are often times no longer appropriate for school. Euclid’s dress code is designed to maximize personal expression and style, while maintaining a positive atmosphere that allows everyone to feel comfortable and do their best learning. Students who do not come to school dressed appropriately will be asked to change clothes or, if that is not possible, parents will be called to bring different clothes. Please check in Infinite Campus and verify that your student's fees are paid. For 8th graders, all fees and fines need to be paid in order to attend the end of the year Elitch Gardens Reward Field Trip. All outstanding fines and fees past due must be paid by schedule pickup or schedules will not be released until all outstanding payments are received. Please contact the bookkeeper, Jill Kelley, at 303-347-7800 or stop by the office between 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM. Answers to commonly asked fee/fine questions: *Club fee is due at the beginning of attending one club (this includes Jubilation, after school plays and clubs). After initial payment, the club fee includes unlimited attendance at any clubs at EMS. *Sport fees are due at the beginning of the sport being played. There is a two sport maximum fee per student. *Fines are assessed by the classroom teacher for lost and or damaged books and are due at time of issuance. If a book is found, a reimbursement will be issued. *Registration fees are due at the beginning of the school year. These fees include your student’s agenda, vocabulary book and exploratory fees. *Library Fines are assessed after 6 weeks overdue. No other books can be checked out until the fines are paid or the book is returned to the library. As a reminder, here are key points to remember regarding our dress code. Please see the student handbook for a full description of Euclid’s dress code. a. Unacceptable dress includes: spaghetti straps, halter-tops, pajamas. b. Shorts or skirts must be fingertip length. c. Students may not sag their pants. d. Undergarments must be covered. e. No low-cut shirts. f. T-shirt straps must be at least 2” wide. g. Appropriate footwear is required at all times. The FALCON FLIER Page 9, April 2016 National History Day Regional Competition News By Lisa Sutterer The Denver Metro Regional competition at CU Denver on Saturday March 12th yielded 13 finalist projects and seven 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, place entries. Congratulations to all 42 students who participated and defended their historical research before adult judges. State competition is Saturday, April 30 at CU Denver. Total Euclid Middle School 42 students 30 projects 13 finalists 7 projects that go on to State 1st Place Connor Hudson - documentary "Walt Disney and the Exchange That Started it All" Charles Rubey - paper "Ghetto in Greenwich: The Oppression of the LGBT Community, and the Encounter that Freed It" Mia Henderson - exhibit "Jim Crow Laws: Encountering 'Segregation Today...Segregation Tomorrow...Segregation Forever." 2nd Place Jessie Billelo, Lauren Little, Alexa Purdum - performance "Exploration of Sex Discrimination: Title IX" 3rd Place Ruki Patrick- paper "Auguste Escoffier: Revolutionizing the Kitchen and Diner's Experience Through Explorations, Encounters, and Exchanges" Amelia Sacco, Anna Bajaj - performance "Miles Davis: The Exploration of New Jazz and the Encounter of Jazz Lovers" Rachel Adams, Autumn Lopez - website "Martha Graham: Exploring Modern Dance" Photo 1 - Anna Bajaj & Amelia Sacco Photo 2 - Jessie Bilello, Lauren Little, Alexa Purdum Photo 3 - Mia Henderson Photo 4 Connor Hudson The FALCON FLIER Page 10, April 2016 GT News By Valerie Grenawalt 8th Grade Language Arts Audition 7th grade students interested in taking a high level, challenging, and advanced language arts class, auditioned for the 8th grade Language Arts Seminar and Advanced Language Arts classes. Selection for advanced classes are based on a body of evidence: 1) the two part audition, 2) CMAS and MAPs scores, and 3) core teacher recommendations. The audition took place during 6th, 7th and 8th periods in the double classroom on Tuesday, March 15, 2016. Students will receive notification NJHS On Thursday, April 28, qualified sixth and seventh graders will be inducted into the National Junior Honor Society in an evening ceremony at Euclid. These students will also be invited to attend the last NJHS meeting for this school year to be held at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, May 6. Congratulations to all! Art News By Tammy Andersen Congratulations to the students with their artwork on display this quarter in the library. This month we are featuring 6th grade realistic and abstract drawings and 7th grade pencil animal portraits. Exhibiting artists: Joe Amaya, Josie Anderson, Daisy Crowell, Katy Deonier, Skyler Kennedy, Eden Morgan, Grace Paquette, Alexis Parus, Marisa Radow, Abigale Royther, Irene Russon and Annabella Williams. LPS Gifted Services Littleton Public Schools sponsors various minisymposiums on current topics in gifted education. All parents and teachers are welcome to attend. Watch the Falcon Flyer for announcements concerning these presentations. The LPS Gifted and Talented Advisory Council studies current issues in gifted education and make recommendations to the school board regarding gifted services in our district. The council meets 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Educational Services Center Board Room once a month during the school year. All parents are welcome to attend. Watch the Falcon Flyer for notification of next year’s meetings. We would like to thank our EMS G/T Advisory Committee Representatives, Pam Iken and Robyn Tripp, for their involvement at the school and district level. Pam and Robyn are happy to answer questions about gifted services at EMS, as well as carry concerns or questions to the district advisory council. Littleton Association of Gifted and Talented (LAGT), our local GT affiliate of the Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented, sponsors periodic programs as well as a state conference. Watch for announcements of these events or check the organization website at www.coloradogifted.org. Enrichment Activities Join in! Check the “Euclid After School Activities” section for additional information on the many clubs offered at Euclid. Clubs sponsored by gifted services include Brain Bowl and Math Counts. Letter from the Kitchen Dear Parents, With the end of the year coming up so quickly, we are trying to make sure that all of the charges on student accounts are paid. To accomplish this, we will no longer be able to allow students to charge meals. Please be sure your student has the appropriate funds for meals being purchased daily. Thank you for letting us serve your kids, Diana McCubbin Kitchen Manager The FALCON FLIER Page 11, April 2016 Parents of Incoming 6th Grade Students Euclid Middle School Year 2016-2017 COFFEE AND CONVERSATION Join Gary Hein, Euclid Middle School Principal, for coffee and information about Euclid Middle School. Final Conversation April 7, 2016 7:00 p.m. Conversations are identical in content and include: Overview of the school academic program Presentation of elective and exploratory program Review of programs for Gifted and Talented Information on a safe learning environment Explanation of exemplary math acceleration program Overview of the Student Activities Program (Intramurals/Clubs) Question/Answer session Tour of the building This session is especially helpful for parents who are still undecided about where to educate their middle school child. Although a R.S.V.P. is helpful in order for us to provide refreshments, you are most welcome as a drop in visitor. You may R.S.V.P. to 303-347-7811. EUCLID ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE “EAC” 2016-2017 APPLICATION What: Join the 2016-2017 EAC as a committee member. Vacancies: Parent and non-parent community members. Who: A group of parents, staff, and a non-parent community member work together to plan, evaluate, and provide feedback to improve our school. How long: If student is 6th grader 2-3 year commitment If student is 8th grader 1 year commitment When: Monthly meetings, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m., one Wednesday a month During January – March two meetings per month may be necessary. Why: The committee fulfills the accountability responsibilities of the planning and implementation process mandated by the State of Colorado, as well as LPS Board Policy ABA. How: Complete the application on the next page and return it to the Euclid School office no later than April 22, 2016. School improvements at the school level are achieved through the process of school-centered decision making. Successful goals in education are the result of careful planning. The purpose of the Euclid Accountability Committee is to reduce the discrepancy between what current programs are accomplishing and what is needed to meet state goals of student achievement, attendance, and graduation. The work of the committee is in compliance with the state of Colorado accountability requirements. EAC membership includes six parents, a PTO representative (parent), one non-parent community member, the Principal and staff. We are looking for new members selected from the community-at-large. Please give thoughtful consideration to joining. Please complete the application and mail or return it so that it is received at the school no later than April 22, 2016 to: Euclid Middle School Attn: EAC Nomination 777 West Euclid Avenue Littleton, CO 80120 EUCLID ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE “EAC” 2016-2017 ______________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________ Phone: _____________________ ________________________ *Name: Home Work Please list name(s) of child(ren) and present grade(s): __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Are you able to commit to a minimum of one two hour meeting per month? □Yes □No *Please state the reason you wish to serve on this committee: __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ *Please list strengths/experiences you would bring to this committee: __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Please limit your comments to the space provided. Please return to Euclid Middle School by April 22, 2016. *This information will be published in the May newsletter in order for the community to vote on representatives. Please Join Us on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center for a fun filled evening of celebrating LPS schools! Come socialize with friends, stroll along the art walk, eat a fabulous dinner, enjoy a short program, bid on awesome auction items and dance to That 80’s Band! Parents, staff, and community members are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information or to register visit www.spiritdinner.com or 303-347-3478