Falcon News May 1, 2015

FLATIRONS SCHOOL HOURS:
8:15 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.
FLATIRONS OFFICE HOURS:
7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
If your child is absent: Please call the Flatirons attendance line at
720-561-4602 by 8:15 a.m. Always notify the office of an absence, not just the classroom
teacher. When emailing absence notices please email Rhonda Simpson, Principal’s Assistant @
[email protected] and Suzy Arata, Registrar/School Administrative Assistant @ [email protected] and
your child’s teacher. Click here for a pre-arranged absence form (required for absences more than 3 days).
Click Here to See All Calendar Events on the Flatirons Home Page
You can scroll through the entire school year and ALL Events on the Flatirons Calendar of Events on the Home page are Clickable - Click
Event Title to open details. Click "More Details" to see if there is a PDF attachment you can open to view a flyer. From the PDF
there may be links for sign-ups such as conferences, Feed The Teachers, Fall Festival Volunteers, etc.
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2015:
7:30 am – 3:30 pm: PTO Gift Card Orders Due to the office – See Flyer
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2015:
8:30 am – 9:30 am: PGA Golf during 2nd Grade PE
10:35 am – 11:35 am: PGA Golf during 3rd Grade PE
12:15 pm – 12:45 pm: Spellbinder Storytelling in 2nd Grade Gallagher’s Class
12:45 pm – 1:15 pm: Spellbinder Storytelling in 2nd Grade Roth’s Class
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2015:
10:35 am – 11:35 am: PGA Golf during 3rd Grade PE
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: 2nd Grade Field Trip to CU (Insects)
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015:
8:30 am – 9:30 am: PGA Golf for 2nd Grade in PE
1:35 pm – 2:35 pm: PGA Golf for 3rd Grade in PE
10:00 am – 10:30 am: Spellbinder Storytelling in 3rd Grade Spear’s Class
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Spellbinder Storytelling in 3rd Grade Crawford’s Class
10:30 am – 11:00 am: 1st Grade Underwater Museum in Classrooms
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015:
7:30 am – 3:30 pm: PTO Gift Card Order Pick-up in the office if you turned in an order by May 1 – See Flyer
8:30 am – 9:30 am: PGA Golf for 2nd Grade in PE
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2015:
11:30 am – 2:30 pm: Pebble Pebble and End of the Year Picnic at Flatirons (Rain Date: May 16th)
MONDAY, MAY 11, 2015:
2nd Grade Garden to Table Harvest Lesson
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm: PTO Meeting in the Library (Childcare and Pizza for Children Provided)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015:
8:30 am – 2:30 pm: 5th Grade Field Trip to CU Water Festival
11:05 am – 12:20 pm: Flatirons Rainbow Lunch Day
4:45 pm – 6:45 pm: 5th Grade Band/Orchestra Festival at Boulder High
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2015:
8:45 am – 11:30 am: 2nd/3rd Grade Golf Field Trip to Flatirons Golf Course
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015:
School Spirit Day: Crazy Hair Day
MONDAY, MAY 18, 2015:
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm: The Kitchen Next Door PTO Fundraising Dinner, 1035 Pearl Street, Boulder
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015:
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm: 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Choir Concert in the Gym
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015:
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm: 5th Grade Government Play in the Gym
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015:
9:00 am – 1:00 pm: Kindergarten Field Trip to Fiske Planetarium
9:30 am – 2:00 pm: 1st Grade Field Trip to the Denver Aquarium
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015:
9:00 am – 11:00 am: 3rd/4th/5th Grade Skills, Fun and Fitness Day
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm: K/1st/2nd Grade Skills, Fun and Fitness Day
MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015:
Memorial Day – No School
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2015:
9:00 am – 5th Grade leaves for Outdoor Ed Highlands Field Trip
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015:
All Day: 5th Grade at Outdoor Ed Highlands Field Trip
9:45 am – 1:45 pm: 4th Grade Bike Field Trip to Scott Carpenter Park
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm: 2nd Grade Catamounts (Songs of India) Concert
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015:
2:15 pm: 5th Grade returns from Outdoor Ed Highlands Field Trip
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015:
Last Day of School
11:35 am: Teddy Bear Picnic
1:30 pm – 2:35 pm: 5th Grade Continuance Ceremony
HAPPY SUMMER!
WATCH FOR AUGUST REGISTRATION INFORMATION
AND 2015-2016 BEGINNING OF SCHOOL YEAR DATES IN
THE FINAL NEWSLETTER OF THE YEAR AT THE END OF THE MONTH!
The Party – Flatirons Most Successful So Far!
If you attended The Party you’ll know what a fun evening it was – full of great food, conversation, music
and camaraderie. We had more Flatirons supporters than ever…over 200 attendees. The event was also
our most successful in raising funds to support PTO efforts for our children. We raised a net of more
than $51,000 dollars – over $17,000 more than last year! This tremendous result could not have been
possible without our incredible event leaders, volunteers, donors and supportive families.
A few highlights include more than $8,000 to directly support reading and literacy and over $1,200 for
outdoor education. As we move into next year, the PTO and all our programs, para-professionals,
project-based-learning teacher training and school events continue to be solidly funded. As BVSD
struggles to provide the budgets to make our schools outstanding, we know that through our teachers,
staff and highly supportive PTO we can continue to bring exceptional opportunities and resources to
Flatirons Elementary.
On behalf of your PTO, we thank you and wish you a successful end of the school year and summer. We
look forward to another effective and impactful year next fall!
Warmly,
Jessie and Seth Frankel
2014-2015 Upcoming PTO Meetings:
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the Library! Childcare and Pizza for Children provided!
Monday, May 11, 2015
Flatirons PTO Web Page
Help Wanted Ad – 2015/2016 PTO Committees
PTO Minutes – April 13, 2015
PTO Budget – April 13, 2015
PTO Budget Draft – 2015/2016
Internet Safety Tips and Resources
2014-2015 What’s So Great About Flatirons
From the Principal’s Desk
May 1, 2015
Dear Flatirons’ Families:
May is an exciting time of year. In the classroom our students are finishing up projects and we are
seeing examples of their growth and learning during the year. During the day and evenings there are
culminating performances that celebrate hard work by both students and staff. It is a busy time too
because as we close out this school year, the staff and I are busy making plans for the 2015-16 school
year. Here are a few things I want to highlight as we head into May and the final nineteen days of
school.
Pebble Pebble and End of Year Picnic: May 9th, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
This is one of the biggest events of the spring. Come and run in our annual Pebble Pebble course with
your family around the school grounds. After the races stick around and have a picnic on the grounds
with family and friends.
Final PTO Meeting: May 11th, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
We have had another fantastic year and it is due in large part to the PTO working behind the scenes
and supporting important initiatives through fundraising. This final meeting would be a great way to
hear about this year and needs we still have to fill for the coming year.
Choir Concert: May 19th, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Please come and join us for a great evening of music performed by our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade choir.
This concert is always a highlight of the spring and there is always audience participation.
Fun and Fitness Day: May 22nd, all day
On this day all the students spend half the day outside and in the gym doing fun activities around
fitness. Third, fourth and fifth participate in the morning with parents running the stations, and in
the afternoon kindergarten, first and second participate with fifth grade students running the
stations.
Lost and Found
Our lost and found is growing! We collect everything from shoes to water bottles to books to jackets
and clothes every day. Please come and take a look in the hallway by the Art room across from the
cafeteria. We will be sending all the lost and found items to the goodwill right after school lets out at
the end of the month.
Scott
BVSD Day at the Boulder Farmers Market
May 2, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
13th Street between Arapahoe and Canyon
The schedule of events includes:
8 a.m.-2 p.m. Munchie Machine (BVSD Food Truck)
Visit the Munchie Machine for Boulder’s Best Breakfast including market-sourced breakfast
sandwiches, green smoothies and more. Stop by the School Food Project table for a Harvest of
the Month food tasting and healthy eating activities.
9-11 a.m.: Meet BVSD Farmer Partners
Get your farmer and harvest cards signed by the local farmers who provided beautiful produce
for BVSD school meals and salad bars this year. All students who attend this portion of the day
will receive a Market Sampler bag filled with produce from BVSD Farmer Partners (while
supplies last) and can enter our raffle drawing for $100 Market Bucks.
Enjoy Fun Activities & Live Music Throughout the Day! Learn more at the School Food
Project Facebook and Twitter (@SchoolFoodProj) pages!
Trip Tracker – The Annual Silent Auction (Online)
The Trip Tracker program will hold its Annual Online Silent Auction from May 4-16. All of those Trip Tracker
dollars getting spent at local stores need to be bought back at 50 cents each and the funds to do that come from
fundraising. The Annual Trip Tracker Auction is the program’s major source of parent fundraising.
Do you have something to donate to the auction? Our auction last year included wonderful parent donations
such as professional services (home remodeling and repair, home design, marimba and dance classes, therapies
of all sorts, de-cluttering, massage and other body work), fine dining, vacation lodging weekends, arts and
crafts, and treats like gourmet ice cream and locally roasted coffee.
The Auction’s opening on May 4th will be announced to participating parents and staff at all 31 Trip Tracker
schools. Your donation supports the work of Trip Tracker and is a great opportunity for you to present your
professional services, artwork or other products and services to a sizable audience.
If you would like to donate one or more items to the auction, please email: [email protected].
Pebble Pebble Fun Run
Saturday, May 9, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Organized by Charity Sevian, Caleb Sevian and Katie Gallagher
Pebble Pebble - What You Need to Know
Click Here to Volunteer for the Pebble Pebble!
The Pebble Pebble Fun Run will be Saturday, May 9th at Flatirons Elementary. The Fun Run
will start at 11:30 a.m. The End of Year Picnic will follow.
The rain date for the Pebble Pebble is Saturday, May 16th.
There will be three waves for the Pebble Pebble. The Kindergarteners and the First graders
(along with younger siblings) will compete in the first wave. They will have the option of
running one lap (1/2 mile) or two laps (1 mile). The second wave will follow for the 2nd and
3rd graders. The 4th and 5th graders will complete in the last wave. The course overview and
the first wave will begin at time TBD! Please arrive at 11:30 a.m. to register for the fun run.
* The Pebble Pebble is a Flatirons Community Event and is not just for the children in the
Running Club!
Volunteer Needed for
Rainbow Day on May 13, 2015
during lunch!
If you are able to volunteer for Rainbow Day on Wednesday, May 13th
during lunch from 10:55 am to 12:25 pm please contact Liz Vaillancourt
for details at: 720-980-3971 or [email protected]!
SKILLS, FUN AND FITNESS DAY – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
On May 22nd every Flatirons student will participate in Skills, Fun and Fitness Day. During this time
the students will demonstrate the skills they have learned in P.E., their fitness level, and participate in
other fun activities. This is the schedule:
THIRD GRADE, FOURTH GRADE, FIFTH GRADE 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
KINDERGARTEN, FIRST GRADE, and SECOND GRADE 12:30 PM-2:30 PM
Note: AM Kindergarteners who do not attend Kindergarten Enrichment will need to come to school in the
afternoon if they would like to participate in the Skills, Fun and Fitness Day.
Family volunteers are needed! The fifth graders will be running the stations for the kindergarten, 1st,
and 2nd grade Skills, Fun and Fitness Day, however for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Skills, Fun and
Fitness Day. I will be relying on family volunteers to run the stations (I need at least 23
volunteers). If you are interested in volunteering please email me at [email protected].
Everyone is welcome to join us for this end of the year celebration. Hope to see you there.
Loren Tillotson
Make a Rainbow on Your Tray with
Lettuce from the School Garden!
Students, Parents, Teachers and Staff
Coming to Flatirons – May 13, 2015!
Who:
Elementary school students will be charged with the task of creating colorful creations from their salad bar using
lettuce that was planted and harvested by students, right in the school’s backyard! Interns, volunteers, and
parents stationed at the school will encourage students to try a new food at the Salad Bar, take pictures of great
looking salads and hand out “I made a Rainbow at the Salad Bar Today” stickers after students have proved that they
not only put colorful foods on their tray, but ATE them as well!
What: The “Make a Rainbow on Your Tray” campaign will encourage all of BVSD’s Elementary
students to create colorful dishes from the salad bar and help guide them in the creation of a healthy salad. Our
hope is that through this event, students will be more comfortable and excited with the salad bar and its contents at
their school.
When and Where:
Flatirons Elementary – May 13, 2015
How much will it cost? It’s FREE Chef Ann and the Growe Foundation are so excited about the “Make a Rainbow on Your
Tray” campaign that they are giving EVERY student and school staff member the chance to make a rainbow. If a student or
staff member has not purchased lunch from school on the day of the event, they will be given a FREE side-salad option. (Side
salads are normally $1.50) Students who are already purchasing meals from school that day will automatically participate if
they so choose.
Summer Garden Patrol Needed
June 1, 2015 – August 22, 2015!
Please Click Here to Sign-up!
Families are needed to monitor the garden for a week (Mon-Sun) and will to assist
with light weeding and harvesting. Click here for the Summer Patrol instructions
which includes information on what can be harvested and some helpful Garden
information (Weed ID Guide, Pest ID Guide etc.) that families might find helpful
with their own gardens.
Are you a LONGMONT DAIRY customer?
Deposit your Longmont Dairy Caps in the box near the office as part of
a new “Milkcaps for Moola” program!
Also- keep on clipping those BOX TOPS!
Thank you!
Erica Meyer (Your Box Tops and Milk Caps Gal)
[email protected]
Three Ways to Give Free Money to Flatirons!
Grocery/Gas Card Rebate Program
#1. Have cashier check amount on the rebate card- if sufficient funds skip to #4
#2. If needed, ask cashier to add whatever amount you want (up to $500)
#3. Pay for added funds (can use credit card/cash/check)
#4. Have cashier ring up your cart
#5. Pay with rebate card
Still confused? See the video of kindergartners showing you what to do:
Instructions for Reloading your Safeway/King Soopers Gift Cards
Thank You! You just contributed 5% to Flatirons 
Gift Card Rebate Program
#1. Go to Flatirons website/parent tab/drop down list: Gift Card Rebate Program
#2. Click on Gift Card Rebate Order Form
#3. Print out order form, fill in with your name, info and which cards you want
#4. Pay with a check delivered to the office or via Pay Pal button at site listed in #1
#5. Turn in order form/pick up your cards at the office by dates listed below
2014-15 Orders due to the Flatirons office or to [email protected] by :
Oct 3, Nov 7, Dec 5, Jan 9, Feb 6, Mar 6, Apr 3, and May 1
Pick up cards at the office on or after:
Oct 10, Nov 14, Dec 12, Jan 16, Feb 12, Mar 13, Apr 10 and May 8
Still confused? Call or email Mara Kuczun at 720-219-8546/ [email protected]
Thank you! You just contributed 3-16% to Flatirons 
Amazon Smile
When you shop at smile.amazon.com, AmazonSmile http://smile.amazon.com is a simple and automatic way
for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop
at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience
as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite
charitable organization - Flatirons Elementary PTO!
Flatirons Elementary YMCA Website
YMCA Programs for K-5th at Flatirons
YMCA School Day Off Camps 2014-2015
For more information on the YMCA of Boulder Valley: www.ymcabv.org
Mapleton Center 28th & Mapleton, Boulder, CO 80301, 303.442.2778
Arapahoe Center 95th & Arapahoe, Lafayette, CO 80026, 303.664.5455
Visit the Flatirons YMCA Page for information on Before and After School Care
or call Shirley Koehler at the Flatirons YMCA at (303) 909-2975.
Flatirons Elementary, YMCA of Boulder Valley
(VM) 303-443-4474, ext. 4201 (C) 303-909-2975 (E) [email protected] (W) www.ymcabv.org
Parent Engagement Network presents:
Thriving During the Elementary Years
Transitioning into Middle School
By Dr. Jan Hittelman
As parents we are always looking for effective strategies to deal with the many challenges that we face. Due to
our busy harried lives, we often lose sight of some very basic yet critically important parenting responsibilities.
One of our most important responsibilities is making sure that our children know how much we genuinely care
about them and how much they’re loved. We often assume that our children know how we feel and therefore it
is not really necessary to let them know in intentional ways.
Several years ago the National Parent Teacher Organization did a study that found that the ratio of negative to
positive statements made by parents to their children was 18:1. That’s eighteen negative statements to every
positive one! This dynamic is more common in our own homes than we might like to think. As a result, our
children may not be as clear about our unconditional love as we may like to think.
Strengthening our children’s sense of our parental love during the elementary years can have a very positive
impact on their emotional well-being, self-esteem, and our relationship with them during the teen years.
As we decompress from the school year and find opportunities to relax with family, this is a great time to
reconnect with our children in a positive way. To purposely schedule time to go for a walk, share a meal, go out
for coffee, or go on vacation, and make a real effort to simply share and catch up. To discuss and heal from the
challenges of the past, while beginning to brainstorm ways to increase our successes in the future. To make sure
our children know how much we love them and to provide genuine praise for the very many things that they do
right. To let our children know that we will always be there to support them and welcome them to seek us out
whenever they’d just like to talk. To let them know how honored we are to be their parents. While we often
assume that our children know that we love them, it is important to try and balance the necessary negative
feedback that our children require, with the unconditional love that they need most of all. Make this summer a
time of rejuvenation and strengthening your relationship with your child.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPCOMING PEN EVENT:
13th Annual PEN Celebration Luncheon!
Guest speaker: Nancy Buck, author, Peaceful Parenting
www.peacefulparenting.com
Tuesday, May 5, 11:00am-1:00pm
Boulder Elks Lodge (3975 28th Street)
To Register: www.penbv.org/luncheon
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Learn more about PEN by visiting their website: www.parentengagementnetwork.org or by contacting Paula
Nelson ([email protected], 303-880-6030)
Dr. Jan Hittelman, a licensed psychologist, is Director of Boulder Psychological Services and the Founder of
the Boulder Counseling Cooperative. Questions or comments for this monthly column can be sent via email to:
[email protected], or by phone: 720-217-3270
Community Connections: Resources for Kids & Teens
BVSD Community Connections: Resources for Kids & Teens
BVSD's online resource guide, Community Connections: Resources for Kids & Teens, helps you
find fun, enriching activities that your child will love and support services that will help your
child succeed.
Community Connections connects the BVSD community with groups and individuals offering
youth-oriented activities and services. In Community Connections, families can find listings in
the following categories:
• Academics
• Adventure
and Tutoring
• Arts
(Arts & Crafts, Dance, Game Design, Music, Theatre)
• Camps and Classes
• Childcare and Preschools
• Clubs
• College Planning
• Cooking
• Family Assistance
• General Services
• Health and Support Services (Therapy & Counseling, Speech-Language, Learning
Challenges, etc.)
• Languages
• Sports and Fitness
• Teens
New listings are added each week, so be sure to revisit the guide throughout the year.
Please note: BVSD does not endorse organizations and individuals listed in Community
Connections (other than BVSD programs). Individuals and organizations pay a fee to advertise in
this guide and have not been screened in any way.
Community Connections can be found at http://guide.bvsd.org. To learn more or to discuss
advertising options, please contact Marla Riley at 720-561-5977or [email protected].
School has started and BVSD Kids Lifelong Learning has some amazing
after-school enrichment opportunities at Flatirons Elementary...
Classes will fill quickly so register early...
- online at www.bvsd.org/LLL
- or call 720.561.5968
Flatirons Website - Click here to go to the main page of the Flatirons Website
and view All Falcon News Newsletters!
Flatirons Elementary School - Scott Boesel, Principal
1150 7th Street - Boulder, CO 80302 - USA
Phone: 720.561.4600 - Fax: 720.561.4601