high plains highlights · (author of life’s little instruction book) once said “strive for...

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High Plains Elementary March 2014 H H HIGH IGH IGH P P PLAINS LAINS LAINS H H HIGHLIGHTS IGHLIGHTS IGHLIGHTS 2248 Vintage Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 Phone: 719-234-4700 Fax: 719-234-4799 Website: www.asd20.org/hpe Chris Saip, Principal Jan Schneider, Assistant Principal M ARK YOUR CALENDAR : Tuesday March 4: KidPower 6:00 - 8:00 pm │ Gym Wednesday March 5: Marco’s Pizza Night Monday March 10 - Thursday March 13: TCAP Testing 3rd– 5th Grade Book Fair Coin Collection Tuesday March 11: PTO Meeting 6:00 - 7:00 pm Friday March 14 : Elementary Teacher Workday NO SCHOOL Monday March 17 - Thursday March 20: Spring Book Fair │ HPE Library Wednesday March 19: PRIDE Assembly 8:50 - 9:30 am Staff Appreciation Dinner Evening Parent Teacher Conferences 4:00 - 8:00 pm Thursday March 20: Parent Teacher Conferences 8:00am - 8:00pm NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS Friday March 21: NO SCHOOL Monday March 24 - Friday March 28: SPRING BREAK NO SCHOOL 2014 Dear Parents and Guardians, Colorado weather at this time of year can vary day to day. As the days get nicer, please revisit some of our morning procedures. Our first bell rings at 8:05. Students enter the building and proceed to breakfast and/or their classrooms. Our tardy bell rings at 8:15. So please plan accordingly when sending or dropping your child off. Students may be on school grounds at 7:55 when we have supervision. Some days due to weather conditions, indoor entry will occur at 7:55 in the morning which means that students enter school through the front doors and proceed to their classroom. Breakfast will be served at 7:55 unless it is a late start. A blue flag will be flying in front and our snowflake poster will be displayed in the Science room window in the back of the school. Please dress your child appropriately for this changing weather. This includes coats, boots, hats and gloves/ mittens Child safety is number one. Our Kiss and Drop can be very busy on severe weather days. Please be patient waiting in line and following the staff directions. I have seen cars moving in the school zone way too fast, going around vehicles, or picking their child up in the middle of the street. Vehicles may not leave the parking lot or go around buses when buses are present and/or unloading. If your child attends a club/activity before school, please be aware of the start time. When a child arrives too early or too late, there will not be staff supervision for your child. Your child is being asked to “show what they know” during parent-teacher conferences. These conferences are scheduled for Wednesday evening, March 19 th and Thursday, March 20 th . You are your child’s first and most important teacher. Your child’s teacher and you both want your child to learn and do well. When parents and teachers communicate, you each share valuable information about your child’s strengths and needs. Please take time to have this shared conversation. I look forward to seeing our families at Parent-Teacher conferences. Respectfully, Chris Saip Principal

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Page 1: HIGH PLAINS HIGHLIGHTS · (Author of Life’s Little Instruction Book) once said “Strive for Excellence, not perfection.” Last month, STEM fair projects came in and it is so fun

High Plains Elementary March 2014

HHHIGHIGHIGH PPPLAINSLAINSLAINS HHHIGHLIGHTSIGHLIGHTSIGHLIGHTS 2248 Vintage Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Phone: 719-234-4700 Fax: 719-234-4799 Website: www.asd20.org/hpe

Chris Saip, Principal Jan Schneider, Assistant Principal

MARK YOUR CALENDAR :

Tuesday March 4: KidPower

6:00 - 8:00 pm │ Gym

Wednesday March 5:

Marco’s Pizza Night

Monday March 10 -

Thursday March 13:

TCAP Testing 3rd– 5th Grade

Book Fair Coin Collection

Tuesday March 11: PTO Meeting 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Friday March 14 : Elementary Teacher Workday

NO SCHOOL

Monday March 17 -

Thursday March 20: Spring Book Fair │ HPE Library

Wednesday March 19: PRIDE Assembly 8:50 - 9:30 am

Staff Appreciation Dinner

Evening Parent Teacher

Conferences 4:00 - 8:00 pm

Thursday March 20:

Parent Teacher Conferences

8:00am - 8:00pm

NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

Friday March 21:

NO SCHOOL

Monday March 24 -

Friday March 28:

SPRING BREAK NO SCHOOL

2014

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Colorado weather at this time of year can vary day to day. As

the days get nicer, please revisit some of our morning

procedures.

Our first bell rings at 8:05. Students enter the building and

proceed to breakfast and/or their classrooms. Our tardy

bell rings at 8:15. So please plan accordingly when

sending or dropping your child off.

Students may be on school grounds at 7:55 when we

have supervision.

Some days due to weather conditions, indoor entry will

occur at 7:55 in the morning which means that students

enter school through the front doors and proceed to their

classroom. Breakfast will be served at 7:55 unless it is a

late start. A blue flag will be flying in front and our

snowflake poster will be displayed in the Science room

window in the back of the school.

Please dress your child appropriately for this changing

weather. This includes coats, boots, hats and gloves/

mittens

Child safety is number one. Our Kiss and Drop can be

very busy on severe weather days. Please be patient

waiting in line and following the staff directions. I have

seen cars moving in the school zone way too fast, going

around vehicles, or picking their child up in the middle of

the street.

Vehicles may not leave the parking lot or go around

buses when buses are present and/or unloading.

If your child attends a club/activity before school, please

be aware of the start time. When a child arrives too early

or too late, there will not be staff supervision for your child.

Your child is being asked to “show what they know” during

parent-teacher conferences. These conferences are scheduled

for Wednesday evening, March 19th and Thursday, March 20th.

You are your child’s first and most important teacher. Your child’s

teacher and you both want your child to learn and do well.

When parents and teachers communicate, you each share

valuable information about your child’s strengths and needs.

Please take time to have this shared conversation. I look forward

to seeing our families at Parent-Teacher conferences.

Respectfully,

Chris Saip

Principal

Page 2: HIGH PLAINS HIGHLIGHTS · (Author of Life’s Little Instruction Book) once said “Strive for Excellence, not perfection.” Last month, STEM fair projects came in and it is so fun

High Plains Elementary March 2014

This month our character trait is excellence and H. Jackson Brown Jr.

(Author of Life’s Little Instruction Book­) once said “Strive for

Excellence, not perfection.” Last month, STEM fair projects came in

and it is so fun to see the excitement and pride on each of their faces

as they turned in their project. Each project is unique. Even if the

students chose the same topic, the presentation came out different.

What a great opportunity for our students to show excellence. To me

the definition of excellence is doing your best and through STEM fair

our students are able to shine.

We have TCAP starting this month, remind your child (over a healthy

and nutritious breakfast) if they are nervous about taking the test all

that is expected is that they do their best.

Julie Moser and Libby Wagner School Counselors

[email protected] [email protected]

Page 3: HIGH PLAINS HIGHLIGHTS · (Author of Life’s Little Instruction Book) once said “Strive for Excellence, not perfection.” Last month, STEM fair projects came in and it is so fun

High Plains Elementary March 2014

TCAP TESTINGTCAP TESTINGTCAP TESTING

TCAP (Transitional Colorado Assessment Program) was referred to as CSAP a few years ago. The change in title has occurred because of the state’s transition to new academic standards.

The purpose of the TCAP is to determine levels of student achievement in the Colorado Model Content Standards. It also allows us to measure the progress of Colorado students over time. This year the High Plains testing theme is “Cool Cats” High Plains staff is proud of our students and we encourage the children to do their very best to show off what they know.

This year we will administer the TCAP during the following periods of time: February Reading Grade 3 March 10 - 13 and March 17 Reading, Writing Math Grades 3-5

Parents and families can help to create a positive test-taking experience and help students prepare for tests. Here are some ideas:

Make sure that your child is well rested and eats breakfast. See that your child arrives at school on time and relaxed. Comfort counts. Send a sweater if it's a cool day. Dress in layers for a warm day. Encourage your child to do the best work possible and to have a positive attitude. Encourage your child to listen/ read carefully to all test-taking directions and to ask questions if any directions are unclear. Remind your child not to get stuck on any one item.

*** Additional state testing will occur in April for 4th grade (Social Studies) and

5th grade (Science). Dates to be announced. ***

Page 4: HIGH PLAINS HIGHLIGHTS · (Author of Life’s Little Instruction Book) once said “Strive for Excellence, not perfection.” Last month, STEM fair projects came in and it is so fun

High Plains Elementary March 2014

To report an absence or tardy, please remember to let our main office know by calling (719)234-4700. Leave a message if it’s before/after school hours with your students name and reason for absence or tardiness. Parents: For safety reasons, you must come into the office to sign in your student if they arrive after 8:30am. It is very important for your child to be in school every day. Excessive absences can interfere with his/her learning and result in a negative impact for them. We realize family time is important and emergencies do sometimes occur. However, family vacations should try to be taken during your child’s summer vacation. It is your responsibility to give your child every opportunity possible to be on time and in school every day.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Don’t forget to attend Parent-Teacher Conferences on

March 19 and 20. Your attendance is vital

to your child’s success. Watch for further

information from teachers on your

scheduled time.

Page 5: HIGH PLAINS HIGHLIGHTS · (Author of Life’s Little Instruction Book) once said “Strive for Excellence, not perfection.” Last month, STEM fair projects came in and it is so fun

High Plains Elementary March 2014

Parents! Typing is so important for your 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders since part of our TCAP testing will be online this year. Your child can practice by going to our school website – www.asd20.org/hpe - click on Class Research – Click on Typing and there are 5 websites to practice typing.

ATTENTION

PARENTS!

CHECK THE LOST

& FOUND Our “lost and found” is overflowing

with many items. Please make sure to check for child’s missing items when

you visit the school for Parent Teacher Conferences

Prevent Lost Coats! Please write children’s names

on tags inside coats. If possible, put names on initials

on hats and gloves as well.

Come check out educational

games and resources from our

Title I Parent Resource Library!

Hours:

Monday 8:15-9am

Wednesday 8:15-9am

Friday 2:15-3:15pm

Or make an appointment to come

any time that works for you!

Rekha Fowler

Title I Coordinator

719-234-4700

[email protected]

Parents of Title I Students

~Resource Library~

Page 6: HIGH PLAINS HIGHLIGHTS · (Author of Life’s Little Instruction Book) once said “Strive for Excellence, not perfection.” Last month, STEM fair projects came in and it is so fun

High Plains Elementary March 2014

From the School Nurse . . . .

October is typically National Dental Hygiene Month; however, dental hygiene is important year round! Here are several tips from the National Dental

Hygienists web site (www.adha.org).

Brush: 2 minutes, 2 times a day Research shows that brushing for two minutes is the single most important

method for reducing plaque and preventing cavities, gingivitis, and other

plaque-related diseases. Brushing for two minutes twice a day is crucial to maintaining healthy

smiles. Proper brushing

technique cleans teeth and gums effectively.

Floss: every day Daily flossing (or other methods of interdental cleaning) removes plaque and food particles that

cannot be reached by a toothbrush, particularly under the gum line and between teeth. Plaque that

builds up in these areas can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Getting into the routine of daily flossing can be a challenge. Making flossing easier can improve

compliance with recommendations for daily flossing. If you resist flossing, try to determine why

and tell your dental hygienist. Knowing the precise reason you are not flossing will enable them to

recommend floss with the right thickness, coating, or filaments so you might be encouraged to floss

more often.

Rinse: with mouthwash Rinsing your mouth each day with an anti-microbial mouth rinse is another important step you can

take to prevent gum disease (gingivitis). Brushing and flossing cannot get all plaque and germs. Be

sure to finish your oral care routine with an antiseptic mouthwash with the ADA Seal of Ac-

ceptance. Speak with your dental hygienist for more information on which mouth rinse is right for

your

student.

Chew: sugar-free gum after eating (although NOT during school hours!!) Chewing sugar-free gum after eating is clinically proven to be an important part of good oral health.

It stimulates the most important natural defense against tooth decay (saliva) which in turn helps

fight cavities, neutralizes plaque acids, re-mineralizes enamel to strengthen teeth, and washes away

food particles. Scientific evidence clearly shows that chewing sugar-free gum, especially after

eating and drinking, has a positive impact on oral health. Please remember that gum chewing during

school hours is prohibited, despite its potential dental benefits!

Page 7: HIGH PLAINS HIGHLIGHTS · (Author of Life’s Little Instruction Book) once said “Strive for Excellence, not perfection.” Last month, STEM fair projects came in and it is so fun

High Plains Elementary March 2014

7th Annual

Science STEM Fair

Winners are ...

3rd Grade

1st place: Aidan Trippel

2nd place: Ty Snyder

3rd place: Jacob Meza

Honorable Mention: Tisha Uythoven

4th Grade

1st place: Owen Larmour

2nd place: Cooper Smock

3rd place: Bryson Smith

Honorable Mention: Rebecca Gros

5th Grade

1st place: Maxwell Hart

2nd place: Teagan White

3rd place: T.J. Maciel

Honorable Mention: John Powers

Congratulations!

Page 8: HIGH PLAINS HIGHLIGHTS · (Author of Life’s Little Instruction Book) once said “Strive for Excellence, not perfection.” Last month, STEM fair projects came in and it is so fun

High Plains Elementary March 2014

CLUB NEWS

Choir Club – Meetings are on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings starting at 7:25 am. Be on time!

Drama Club – We meet at 3:15-4:15pm every Tuesday and Thursday. We are working on staging for the new play in April.

News Club - We meet on Wednesdays at 7:15 a.m. We are starting with a new group of students for News Club. They will be learning how to report the news and videotape the newscast.

Tech Club – We meet on Mondays after school. We are working on our website. We will also start making a movie.

Sports Club – We will be doing Dodgeball through the month of March. Cup Stacking will be coming in April. Tuesday: 4th grade│ Wednesday: 3rd grade│Thursday: 5th grade

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS - Meetings are held Friday mornings from 7:20-7:55am in the Library at High Plains. Any questions, please contact Ms. Smith ([email protected]) or Mrs. Edgar ([email protected]).

STEM & Jr STEM Club are enrichment clubs that focus on how science, technology, engineering, and math all work together. Jr STEM (K-2 grade) Meets Tuesdays at 7:15 -7:55 a.m. starting January 14th. STEM (3-5 grade) Meets Wednesdays at 3:20 - 4:15pm,

starting January 15th. (Each group is limited to 24 students)

Page 9: HIGH PLAINS HIGHLIGHTS · (Author of Life’s Little Instruction Book) once said “Strive for Excellence, not perfection.” Last month, STEM fair projects came in and it is so fun

High Plains Elementary March 2014

P T O H A P P E N I N G S

~ March 2014 ~

Another month of 2014 has come and gone, with February behind us and March beginning. February was another great month of fun events at High Plains! Thank you to all who came to Muffins with Mom! We hope those who came enjoyed the scrumptious muffins and time with loved ones. We were happy to see so many of you there helping us start the day in such a wonderful way. Skate City night was fun, as always, too! Thank you to those who came to participate and support the school there. We hope you had a great time! Mark your calendars for Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, March 5th ~ Marco's Pizza Night. Take a night off from cooking and let Marco do the cooking instead! This is a fantastic way to support the school and give your family a delicious meal for dinner from Marco's Pizza. Tuesday, March 11th – 6:00 pm ~ PTO Meeting. Come share your opinion and make your voice heard as we plan important events and activities that impact your child! Wednesday, March 19th ~ Staff Appreciation Dinner. Help us thank our amazing High Plains staff by providing part of a meal for them during their long evening of Parent Teacher Conferences. More details to come – watch for the specific meal request (entree, side, or dessert) based on the first letter of your last name. Monday, March 17th – Friday, March 21st ~ Spring Book Fair. Enhance your child's love of reading and support the school by buying fun, educational books from the book fair! Be sure to look at your child's classroom wish-list and pick up a book for their class, if possible. Hope to see you there! March 24th – 28th ~ Spring Break!!! Enjoy the time off with your family! Keep reading! If you'd like to know more about upcoming events, e-mail [email protected] and we will add you to the PTO Members email list. Thank you again for all you do! High Plains PTO

Page 10: HIGH PLAINS HIGHLIGHTS · (Author of Life’s Little Instruction Book) once said “Strive for Excellence, not perfection.” Last month, STEM fair projects came in and it is so fun

High Plains Elementary March 2014

Monday, Mar. 17th 2:30pm to 5:00pm

Tuesday, Mar. 18th 8:00am to 7:30pm

Wednesday, Mar. 19th & Thursday, Mar. 20th 8:00am to 7:30pm

(shop online any time 3/6/14 thru 3/21/14)

New for Spring 2014 Book Fair proceeds will be used to purchase

books to enhance student’s home libraries

with each High Plains student being given a

free book in May 2014 for summer reading.

1 for $5 Family Reading Challenge activity

where students have a chance to earn a $5

scholastic certificate to spend at the Book Fair

by reading with a family member (see separate

flyer for more details).

Book Fair Raffle Baskets (one Pre K – 2nd

grade basket and one 3rd - 5th grade basket)

students can earn one raffle ticket for

attending parent/teacher conferences.

Winning students’ teacher will also receive a

matching basket.

Support our school’s

Every cent collected will help build classroom libraries by going towards the purchase of new

books our students want to read from the Scholastic Book Fair.

(Coin Collection Goal = $400)

In addition, for every dollar donated Scholastic

will donate a book to a needy child.

Shop online at http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/highplainselementary

Page 11: HIGH PLAINS HIGHLIGHTS · (Author of Life’s Little Instruction Book) once said “Strive for Excellence, not perfection.” Last month, STEM fair projects came in and it is so fun

High Plains Elementary March 2014

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31

SPR ING BREAK

NO SCHOOL

KidPower 6:00 - 8:00pm

Marco’s Pizza Night

PTO Meeting 6-7 pm

Elementary Teacher Workday

NO SCHOOL

S P R I N G B O O K F A I R

PRIDE Assembly

8:50am

Staff Appreciation Dinner

Evening P/T Conferences

NO SCHOOL

P/T Conferences

NO SCHOOL Office open

till noon

T C A P T E S T I N G

TCAP TESTING

Page 12: HIGH PLAINS HIGHLIGHTS · (Author of Life’s Little Instruction Book) once said “Strive for Excellence, not perfection.” Last month, STEM fair projects came in and it is so fun

High Plains Elementary March 2014

Registration: Summer School online registration begins Friday, April 11, 2014. Go to www.asd20.org/sse for information and instructions or to www.payforit.net to register.

Page 13: HIGH PLAINS HIGHLIGHTS · (Author of Life’s Little Instruction Book) once said “Strive for Excellence, not perfection.” Last month, STEM fair projects came in and it is so fun

High Plains Elementary March 2014

Summer School 2014 Continued….