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Summit Press
We're Going Green!
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October 2008
Volume 5, Issue 2  |
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Greetings!
Thank you for helping Summit Elementary in our effort to "Go Green". The students and staff are very excited about our very first edition of the Summit Press E-Newsletter! The Summit Press reporters and photographers have worked very hard to prepare an informative and entertaining newsletter.
Please remind friends and neighbors to sign up for this electronic version of our newsletter, if they don't have computer access they can contact the office for a hard copy version.
We hope you enjoy the "VERY FIRST" Summit Press E-Newsletter!
Sincerely,
The Summit Press Staff
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 Principal's Corner
By Mr. Owen
It's hard to believe that we are already coming to the end of the first quarter of the school year. August and September seem to have flown by, and I know that our teachers are actively preparing for the Parent / Teacher Conferences that are scheduled next week. I have appreciated getting to know each of our students and families that we are fortunate to work with here at Summit. Let me share with you a couple of things that are coming on the horizon as we look into the rest of October and into November.
First, I have been thrilled with the response of people interested in volunteering at Summit, and at all the schools in the district. Our P.T.S.O. is working to communicate volunteer opportunities and that communication with continue throughout the school year. As a reminder, we are continuing with the policy established last year to have background checks performed for any person working with the students at the schools in the Woodland Park School District. Once the background check is complete I am asking all of our volunteers to attend a brief orientation at to discuss the school's philosophy around volunteerism at Summit. You will be issued a picture ID that will be transferable to any building in the district where you wish to volunteer. Some of the volunteer opportunities that we have available at this time are:
· Read Naturally Lab monitor
· Working one-on-one or in a small group setting with students developing literacy and math skills
· Working in the classroom with students while the teacher provides direct instruction with others in the class
o An example of this available at this time is from 2:45-3:30 in a 1st grade classroom to monitor centers as the teacher conducts reading groups
· Lunchroom or playground supervision
· Inclement weather / Indoor recess supervision
· Clerical assistance to the classroom teachers
· Assisting in the library
· Volunteering at the Holiday Shoppe
There are a number of opportunities to work with the wonderful students and staff at Summit Elementary School. We appreciate the effort that everyone provides to make Summit a SUPER place for kids.
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New Teachers at Summit
Questions for Mrs. Kindt
By Jane Mack and Emily Weeden
We had the opportunity to interview Summit's new first grade teacher, Mrs. Kindt. We asked her several questions, so here are her answers:
Q: What made you come to this school?
A: All of the great students and my family.
Q: What schools did you teach at before?
A: Gateway and Lake George, just to name a few.
Q: What is your favorite part of teaching?
A: I enjoy being with the students.
Q: If you had $100 what would you do with?
A: I would buy books on tape.
Q: What is your favorite hobby?
A: Writing
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: The Chronicles of Narnia
Q: Do you like to play games with your class?
A: Yes, learning games.
Q: What is your favorite sport?
A: Softball
Q: Who is your favorite singer?
A: Jars of Clay
Q: What is your favorite show?
A: The Amazing Race
Q: Do you like the Broncos or The Raiders?
A: Broncos!
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Summit Highlights
Principal's Reading Challenge Kick Off!
The Principal's Reading Challenge has been a tradition at Summit for five years and is a great way to encourage students to read. This year the kick off to the challenge included a skit in which mad scientists tied up Mr. Owen. The only way he can be released is if the students meet the reading challenge of 250,000 minutes by the October 31st deadline. Mr. Owen can then be rescued by Captain Summit (Mr. Owen, himself) and Summit will be saved!
Catamount/Yes Program
By Lauren Mitchell
I am here to tell you about a wonderful nature program. It is called Catamount or, as some of you know it, "YES" Program. I have had an amazing opportunity to be in the YES Program. We get to go on field trips and learn about nature. It is for one semester, so if you were not chosen the first semester you have another chance for second semester. Here are what some of the students say about the YES Program:
" I think that it is funky and fun!" --Tyler Dahlke
"I think that it is a lot of fun!" --Chris Helland
Hey, now you know all about Catamount/YES Program!
Join Summit Singers!
By Jessica Neumann
You should join Summit Singers! Miss Baker still has openings for more Summit Singers, just pick up a form at the little table outside of the music room door. We meet every Wednesday at 8:00 A.M. to practice. You just need to wear black pants (girls can wear black skirts) with plain white t-shirts, when we perform. Our first performance is October 14, 2008. The performance is scheduled for 6:40 P.M. It is at the Community Partnership Resource Center Open House. It is at the corner of Hwy. 24 in Divide. (It is in the same building as the grocery store, just on the backside of the building.) Hope to see you there!
Summit Singers
By Jonathan Schmidt and Christian Cox
Summit Singers is so cool! You can do almost anything that you want to do. You get to be in the Woodland Park Parade. Plus, you can go to the fun day at the end of the year, unless you are absent more than five times, from practice. Summit Singers is a great activity.
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Fourth Graders Study Animals and Their Habitats
Students in fourth grade are learning about prairie animals and their habitats. The students have been designing and building habitats to represent a variety of animals at Chico Basin Ranch, located on the eastern prairie of Colorado. This unit of study includes researching the owl and the dissection of owl pellets, as students become "scientists" for a day!Back To Top |
Fourth Graders Explore Chico Basin Ranch
Have you ever wondered what life would be like as a homesteader? The fourth graders at Summit Elementary had the opportunity to find out, when they spent a day at Chico Basin Ranch. Chico Basin Ranch is one of the largest working ranches in Colorado and is committed to the preservation of nature. This beautiful setting, southeast of Colorado Springs, provides an educational experience like no other. Students "went back in time" to experience what life was like for the homesteaders of the eastern prairie. They hauled gallons of water to help a family of 8 survive on the prairie, in a simulated activity. Teamwork and cooperation were key, as students learned the importance of cattle grazing and ranch work. A tour of the corral and tack room allowed students the opportunity to see how difficult ranch life can be during cattle weaning and branding. Afternoon sessions consisted of the identification of prairie plants and grasses, an authentic spelling bee in a one-room schoolhouse and the exploration of a prairie dog colony. Journal entries, plant samples, and reflective writings helped students to process this wonderful learning experience.
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Are You a Mountain Person? Beach Person? Or a Plains Person?
By Milena Barnes
Are you a mountain person or a beach person? A beach person or a plains person? If you don't know, then you better read this article.
Mountains
Here are 10 facts to get you excited about the mountains:
1. There are 14 mountains that are the world's largest mountains.
2. Mountains make up about one-fifth of the earth's landscape.
3. Mount Everest is the world's tallest land peak, it stands 29,036 ft. tall.
4. Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain, its base is on the ocean floor, at 33,474 ft. tall.
5. The tallest known mountain in the solar system is Olympus Mons, which is located on Mars.
6. The 14 highest mountains are all located in the Himalayas.
7. There are mountains under the surface of the sea.
8. There are 5 different kinds of mountains: dome, fold, fault-block, volcanic, and plateau mountains.
9. The world's largest active volcano is Mauna Loa in Hawaii.
10. Hawaii was formed by 5 volcanoes; Mauna Loa and Kilauea are the only active volcanoes.
Beaches
Here are five facts to get you excited about beaches:
1. A lot of animals like sea lions and elephant seals live on beaches.
2. Beaches are a major part of the ecosystem.
3. Beaches are a great place to go and get a great tan!
4. There are all different kinds of beaches!
5. Beaches are made up of lots of minerals (to make the sand!).
Plains
Here are 4 facts to get you excited about the plains:
1. There are a lot of plains in the United States, Africa, Australia, and Asia.
2. Some states that are a big part of the plains are Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Kansas.
3. Lots of animals live on the plains such as coyotes, prairie dogs, and lot of vultures.
4. Lots of famous Native Americans lived there and still do.
So, which kind of person are you? Now you can decide!
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Why Does Mr. Lang Still Mess Around at Recess?
By Zak Hess
Well, I, Zak Hess, was dared to interview Mr. Lang about his recess behavior. Mr. Lang races 5th grade students everyday. If you are wondering, he ALWAYS gets first place! I asked him why he does this and he replied that it is good exercise and it brings out "the kid" in him. He races whenever he can, and doesn't consider himself a showoff because he can prove how fast he really is when the students give him a hard time. I asked him if he was like this away from school and he said, "Absolutely! I love going to the Sand Dunes, playing sports and sledding!" I guess he is just a "kid at heart!"
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Miss Baker
By Lauren Mitchell
Hey, have you ever wanted to know the 411 on Miss Baker? Well you have come to the right newspaper article. I recently had the opportunity to interview her and here is what she had to say:
Q: Who got you interested in music?
A: My mom, music teacher-Mrs. Yoakum, and last but not least, my sister.
Q: What is your favorite instrument?
A: Saxophone
Q: Which grade is the easiest to teach?
A: I think all of them are easy.
Q: Which grade is the hardest to teach?
A: No particular grade.
Q: When does Summit Singers and Summit Sounds start?
A: We started on September 17 for Summit Singers and September 23 for Holiday Ringers.
Q: How long have you been teaching music?
A: This is my ninth year.
Q: How many students are in Summit Singers and Summit Sounds?
A: We have 10 ringers and about 50 singers.
Q: What are the 50 point day games this year for music class?
A: I have new games, new movies, and everyone's favorite game "Pac Man!"
Q: What is your favorite instrument to teach?
A: Drums and mallet instruments.
Now you know all there is to know about Miss Baker!
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The Basenji Dog Breed
By Rebecca Mijares
The Basenji Dog Breed is part of the hound group. Males can be up to 17 inches and females can be as tall as 16 inches. This breed was developed in Africa as a site hound for hunting purposes. when they are excited they do not bark, but yodel. They are kind of like a cat, they even groom themselves. They can be red, black , or tan with white feet, chest, and the tips of their tail. When you first glance at a Basenji it looks like they are confused because they have a furrowed brow. they also have a very interesting tail that is twisted around! Overall, the Basenji Breed is a beautiful dog breed!
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The Northern Prairie Lizard
By Ryan Curtis
This rare scaled lizard of the prairie is closely related to the Eastern Fence Lizard. Here is a description of this creature:
* Rough-scaled
* Blue and black markings on their bellies and chins, less than 3 inches long
* They eat grasshoppers and lizards.
Habitat:
* They are found in southeastern counties of Wyoming. They live at 6,000 feet elevation.
* They prefer grasslands, cliffs, dry areas with yuccas, and woodlands.
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Summit Sports Pages
Yankees Stadium is Going Down!
By Mcgwire Camp
Did you know that the Yankees Stadium is going to be torn down? So if you are a Yankees Fan you will not see the stadium next summer. They are going to play at other stadiums for the season. The stadium is about 85 years old, and it is where Reggie Jackson hit three home runs in the 1977 World Series! The new stadium will be built near the site of the old stadium.
Famous People Who Played at Yankees Stadium
By Connor Klug
Here are some of the famous people who played at Yankees Stadium:
* Andy Pettitte
* Derek Jeter
* Mariano Rivera
* Aubrey Huff
* Even The Beatles!
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Join Parks and Rec!
By Jessica Neumann and Milena Barnes 
Hey all you people, want to get into sports? Well we do! Parks and Rec. is the place to go, for beginners and advanced sports enthusiasts! The sports they have are : soccer, football, baseball, volleyball, tennis and more! We enjoyed playing soccer and baseball through Parks and Rec. Students at Summit love the activities provided through Parks and Rec. Lauren Mitchell plays socer and baseball and she said, "The coaches are nice." Rebecca Mijares plays soccer. London Varalli plays soccer and volleyball. Trent Fokey likes hockey and baseball. Zak Hess likes baseball, football, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Some come on out and join your friends at Woodland Park Parks and Rec. activities!
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The Infamous Guess Who??
Guess Who has become a tradition here at Summit Elementary, so see how well you know some of our staff members. Can you answer "Guess Who" with the clues
below?
Guess Who?
By Zak Hess
* He or she has grayish hair
* He or she is funny
* He or she is a teacher at Summit
* He or she likes soccer
* He or she wants the students to eat healthy
* The last name ends with a "S"
Guess Who?
By Milena Barnes and Cydney Anne
* I know some French and Spanish
* I have 3 boys
* I have worked at Summit for 15 years
* I love to ski
* I like to bike and hike
Guess who I am?
Guess Who?
By Chris Helland and Terry Rich
* I have taught at Summit for 15 years
* I think everyone at Summit is friendly
* I started at Summit in 1993
* I love Mexican Food
* I worked at Gateway Elementary before Summit
* My favorite book is Summer of the Monkeys
* My favorite color is blue
* I teach third grade
* My favorite song is "Time Passage"
* My favorite artist is N.C. Wyeth
Watch for the answers in our next issue!
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Cars!
ZR 1 Corvette
By Matt Cox
 The '09 ZR 1 Corvette is the car of all cars! First of all, the top speed is 210 MPH! The ZR 1, V8, 3 stroke engine is a devil. It is better than a Porsche 911 Turbo or the Viper GT3, and even the Lamborghini Diablo. It is one of the fastest cars made today. It is the creation of Chevy and is made of power!
Cool Cars
By Tyler Keefer
Some cars are so cool and my favorite car is a Shelby Cobra. This is a very fast car, at its top speed it can go 180 mph! Now that's fast! I also love the Bugatti supercar. It is actually hand-built and it takes 1,200 people to make just one. Some cars can be powered by hydraulics, like lowriders, for example. The 2009 Audi R8 is very cool and is used in the movie "Iron Man". Those are some facts about cool cars!
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Comics
By Joseph Busby
By Andrew Calzadilla
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Art News
Watch for upcoming "ART NEWS"!
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Music Notes
OCTOBER
It's hard to believe the first nine weeks of school is coming to a close. We have learned so much already!
Kindergarten has been learning about their voices--singing, shouting, whispering and speaking voices. They know that music can go fast, medium and slow speeds. They are working on clapping and moving to the steady beat. They love to sing to my bee puppet, "Buzzy" and enjoy learning about a new instrument every day.
First grade has been reviewing their four voices, steady beat, tempo, and high and low. We have finished our songs and activities about bears and we're moving on to apples, just like in their classroom.
Second graders enjoyed their unit on train music and have also learned to play three singing games so far. No more classroom big book, in 2nd grade they each get to look at their own. WOW!
Third graders have been learning all about folk songs, and their composer/song writer of the month was Peter Yarrow.
Fourth graders are busy getting ready for their Heroes concert and their trip to the orchestra.
Fifth graders have learned about early American music, including Sea Chanteys, the Erie Canal and Railroad Work Songs. Woody Guthrie was our composer of the month, and "This Land is Your Land" was our song.
Fall is here now, and it's about to get SPOOKY in the music room, with songs for Halloween.
Ooooooooo----Miss Baker
Summit Music Program Dates and Times
Mark your calendars now for another exciting season of Summit musicals! All grade level programs are on Thursday evenings starting at 7:00 p.m.
4th grade October 23rd, 2008
3rd grade November 20th, 2008
5th grade December 11th, 2008
2nd grade February 5th, 2009
1st grade March 12th 2009
Kinder April 23rd, 2009
"The Hero in Us All"
Real Heroes. No Tights.
Fourth graders will proudly present a musical concert about heroes at 7:00 p.m. on October 23, 2008. It will feature music about sports heroes, community heroes, pioneer heroes and the everyday heroes we hope to be. Please join us for a wonderful evening, and consider inviting your child's hero to attend. The concert will be in their honor.
Parents, permission slips and lyric sheets were sent home with each fourth grader. If you have any questions, concerns or costume needs, please let me know. I would be glad to have help preparing for this concert, too, if you would like to help backstage or behind the scenes.
We'll see you at the show!
2008 Sounds of the Season Holiday Home Tour Performers Needed:
Musicians Wanted! On Saturday December 6 and Sunday, December 7 there will be live music in each venue during the holiday home tour. It's a small, friendly audience and Miss Baker has applications if you are interested in sharing your musical talents in the form of music.
Education Rocks!
The third graders are hard at work preparing their music concert entitled, "Education Rocks" about the power of learning and our mighty minds. The show will be Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.
The concert will feature songs call "information Age, Think, Never Stop Learning, and Education Rocks" as well as some folk songs we learned in September and October, like "Oh Suzanna, When I First Came to This Land, Puff the Magic Dragon and Skip to My Lou."
With the help of the Mighty Minds, third graders will convince audience members that we all have the power to change the world...through education!
This is the same night as the "Empty Bowls" event at the Ute pass Cultural Center in Woodland Park from 5-8 P.M. Fourth graders have mad some of the bowls that will be for sale that night and fifth graders have designed flyers to promote the event. I would encourage you to enjoy a bowl of soup and then head out to the Summit Gym for a concert.
* If the busy school year has already brought a little stress into your life, consider the advice from a recent issue of Redbook Magazine. "According to a study from the University of Frankfurt, singing triggers the body to release hydrocortisone, an anti-stress hormone. Their subjects were a choir rehearsing Mozart's Requiem. But singing along to any kind of music will zap tension and produce endorphins, according to clinical psychologist John Ortiz." Reprinted with permission
Summit Singers perform in Divide
On October 14, 2008 the Summit Singers will make their debut performance at the Community Partnership Resource Center's Open House. The event starts at 6:30 p.m., and Singers plan to perform about 6:40 p.m.
The Resource Center is located behind Divide Venture Foods, and is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of individuals and families within Teller County.
Summit Singers is busy preparing and I would like to extend an invitation to all Summit families to attend the Open House, check out the programs and services available, and to hear Summit Singers perform. There will be cookies and punch served.
HELP WANTED
I need an accompanist for Wednesday mornings
(8:00-8:40 a.m.) and all Summit Singers performances.
If you'd like to apply, or know of someone who would
be great for the job, please contact me. There is a small
salary for this accompanist position.
CONCERT:
Fourth graders will attend the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Young People's Concert on November 6, 2008, at 11:00 a.m., thanks to the generosity of Mr. Arseneau who pays for our bus and Mr. Owen, who is sponsoring the children's tickets through funds from Summit Elementary. In November we will learn about instruments of the orchestra. Two special guest docents will visit music class to help us learn all about attending a concert. Guest musicians will be sharing their instruments with the fourth graders through the month of November, as well. We are really excited about this opportunity!
* Is your child interested in taking private piano, guitar, voice, or woodwinds lessons?
I have a list of names and phone numbers for several private music teachers in the area and I would be glad to send a copy home with your child
* Stop by the music room during Parent/Teacher conferences if you'd like to discuss your child's musical progress.
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Summit Calendar
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Monday, October 13
3:50 p.m. - Maskmaking Class
6:00 p.m. - PTSO meeting - LMC
Tuesday, October 14
7:30 a.m. - Sky Skippers
8:00 a.m. - Summit Sounds
PTSO Book Fair
Wednesday, October 15
8:00 a.m. - Summit Sounds
3:50 p.m. - Maskmaking Class
PTSO Book Fair
Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences
Thursday, October 16
NO SCHOOL - Parent-Teacher Conferences
Friday, October 17
NO SCHOOL - Break
Monday, October 20
Tuesday, October 21
7:30 a.m. - Sky Skippers
8:00 a.m. - Summit Sounds
4:00 p.m. - K Kids - Cafeteria
Wednesday, October 22
8:00 a.m. - Summit Singers
3:50 p.m. - Maskmaking Class
Thursday, October 23
7:45 a.m. - Student Council Meeting - room 201
7:45 a.m. - Yoga for Kids
3:50 p.m. - YES Catamount
7:00 p.m. - 4th Grade Music Program
Friday, October 24
7:45 a.m. - Newspaper Club
Monday, October 27
Tuesday, October 28
7:30 am. - Sky Skippers
8:00 a.m. - Summit Sounds
Wednesday, October 29
8:00 a.m. - Summit Singers
1:50 p.m. - Early Dismissal
Thursday, October 30
7:45 a.m. - Yoga for Kids
10:00 - 2:00 p.m. - Picture Retakes - LMC
3:50 p.m. - YES Catamount
Friday, October 31
2:50 p.m. - Parade/Halloween Classroom Parties
Monday, November 3
Tuesday, November 4
Election Day
NO SKY SKIPPERS THIS MORNING
8:00 a.m. - Summit Sounds
4:00 p.m. - K Kids - Cafeteria
Wednesday, November 5
8:00 a.m. - Summit Singers
Thursday, November 6
7:45 a.m. - Student Council Meeting - room 201
7:45 a.m. - Kidnastics
4th Grade to Young People's Concert at Pikes Peak Center
3:50 p.m. - YES Catamount
Friday, November 7
7:45 a.m. - Newspaper Club
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In Our Next Issue:
* More Teacher Interviews
* Guess Who
* Fifth Graders Scale Pikes Peak
* Prinicpal's Reading Challenge Results
* Much, Much More!
Summit Elementary School
490 Meadow Park Drive
Divide, CO 80814
719-686-2401
www.wpsdk12.org
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Purchase a Summit T-Shirt Today! Check out our new logo designed by Summit Fifth Grader Milena Barnes!
New T-Shirts: $10
(Youth S,M,L, Adult S,M,L,XL)
Old T-Shirts: $5
(Youth S,L)
Old Long Sleeve T-Shirts: $5
(Adult S)
Old Sweatshirts: $10
(Adult S,M)
* Other items for sale through PTSO:
Beanie Eagles: $5
Show your school spirit and pride! Order today!
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