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Summit Press
Happy Valentine's Day!
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February 2009
Volume 5, Issue 6  |
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Greetings!
Welcome to our February Issue of the Summit Press! We hope you enjoy this month of love and giving. Our reporters have been giving it their all, bringing you new Summit highlights and articles! We hope you enjoy all that this issue has to offer.
Happy Reading,
The Summit Press Staff
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 Principal's Corner
By Mr. Owen
Principal's Corner:
It is obvious that our children are encountering things in their world that are significantly different than you or I may have dealt with when we attended school. YouTube and Facebook; Moodle, Wikis, and Blogs; podcasts and vodcasts are all things that sound like gibberish perhaps to you and me, but are ways to engage students that weren't available 20 years, 10 years, or even 5 years ago. Technology is a reality in today's world, and providing students the opportunity to interact and really utilize some of the tools available to them is part of the goal that Summit is striving to undertake. As we work to prepare students to be successful in this new world, it is important that our school, our teaching, and our student learning evolve to reflect these changes.
This is not a process that will take place overnight, but it is a process that we will steadily work to improve. I think that we'll find students, in some instances, more comfortable in utilizing these new tools than the adults. Make no mistake that technology will not be intended to replace good teaching. Our teachers will continue to work hard to develop rigorous lessons that are relevant to students, and provide kids the opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of those skills in a variety of settings. Nor will the technology component be an "add-on" intended to be merely "decorative" to the classroom instruction. Our goal will to be to enhance the already exemplary teaching and learning that takes place at Summit through the use of these 21st Century skills.
The easiest way to really get a feel for how technology is already being implemented in the teaching and learning at Summit is to talk with your child. Ask them what they did in school today, and better yet, how they did it? I think that you'll find that in many cases you'll hear about how they worked on a writing assignment, or a reading lesson. I encourage you to dig deeper to find out how their teacher showed their work on the LCD projector to highlight descriptive language, or how the teacher had them watch a brief video on thunder and lightning to highlight a story in their reading textbook on "Extreme Weather," or how it is cool that they can make up work that was missed when they were absent by hearing the lesson that was given (in their teacher's words) on the computer/iPod/MP3 player. Technology is not necessarily a "good" or "bad" thing, but how we use it to engage student learning is the way of today (it's not the future anymore).
Thanks for allowing us the opportunity to work with your children each and every day,
Eric Owen Back To Top |
Inauguration of Barack Obama
By Caitlan Thorne and Kelsey Moore
Did you watch the Inauguration? If you did, what did you think about it? Did you want Obama to be our new president? How did you feel when you watched it? Now we are going to talk about our perspective of the Inauguration.
Kelsey: I almost cried because it is a once in a lifetime experience to see the first African-American President of the United States of America.
Caitlan: I would have much rather had McCain as our president. But I think that Obama will be just fine as president, and I trust him to make great choices for our country.
Kelsey: I noticed that John Roberts misplaced the word "faithfully" during the Inaugural Oath, which made Barack Obama hesitate. John Roberts was the person who was tellling Obama what to say in the Presidential Inaugural Oath.
Caitlan: Even though John Roberts misworded the oath, Barack Obama is still confirmed as our President of the United States of America. Whether you wanted Obama as president or not, he is our president.
Kelsey: I hop that you enjoy the next four, or possibly eight years, with Barack Obama as the 44th President of the U.S.A.!
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Summit Highlights
CSAP is on the Way!
CSAP testing will begin this month, with 3rd grade starting the CSAP reading test on February 18-19. The rest of the tests are scheduled to begin Tuesday, March 3rd. Testing will be finished on Thursday, March 12th.
As a school, we ask our parents to team up with Summit to allow our students to perform at their best. Please make sure that your child is prepared in the following ways:
* Punctuality is essential. Be sure to have students present at the beginning of the school day. Our academic day begins at 8:45 a.m. and our scheduled testing begins at 9:00 a.m. Once testing begins we cannot let students, who have arrived after 9:00 a.m., into the classroom until the test is complete.
* Please do not plan personal appointments or any vacation during that time.
* Help your child by providing time for plenty of rest each evening.
* Provide a nourishing breakfast each day.
* Encourage your child to wear comfortable clothing.
If you have any questions regarding the 2009 CSAP assessments, please contact Mary Giegerich or Eric Owen at 686-2401.
CSAP Testing Tips
By London Varalli
Around this time of year there is a lot of buzz aobut CSAP testing; here are some tips:
* Wear a strong smelling lotion when preparing and studying for tests.
* Eat a lot of protein for breakfast, even sausage, pepperoni, or supreme pizza will help. (A great reason to eat pizza for breakfast!)
* When your are doing math and stuck on a problem, lightly tap your foot or hand.
These tips can help you score higher on the CSAP test, they will work!
Jump Rope for Heart
By Rebecca Mijares
I bet you remember the performance of the Summit Sky Skippers at the Jump Rope for Heart assembly, right? Why did they work so hard to put on a great assembly? Four words will answer that question: Jump Rope for Heart. It is a special activity that we do here at Summit Elementary, in addition to numerous schools nationwide. Jump Rope for Heart is an activity to raise awareness about heart disease. Also, it helps kids learn different styles of jump rope. To sum it up, Jump Rope for Heart is awesome!
MICROWORLDS
By Lauren Mitchell
Fifth Grade is beginning a new unit in science....MICROWORLDS!! They are starting to use microscopes. The new scientists of Summit are going to look at simple objects like yarn, then work their way up to bacteria. Everybody gets to use a microscope, but they don't get to keep it. Some of the students are going to bring in their own microscopes. Good Luck Scientists!
A Millions Pop Tops?!
It all started with a question...what does a million look like? It was a question posed by Mrs. Frick's 3rd grade enrichment students. In order to see what a million really looks like, the 3rd grade enrichment students are making it a goal to collect one million pop tops by the end of the school year. The students will be donating the pop tops to Ronald McDonald House Charities. They use the tabs to raise funds for families in need. The pop tops are pure high quality aluminum, unlike the cans, which have other alloys. One pound of tabs is worth 57 cents, and one gallon pop tabs (4,175 tabs) is worth $1.49. What a wonderful way to teach kids about recycling and giving, plus they finally get to see what one million really looks like!
Award Winning Teachers
Writing grants can be a wonderful way to obtain additional resources for students and staff. We have had several
"Award Winning Teachers" here at Summit Elementary, that have written and received grants for a variety of resources and activities:
* Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Keefer-Star Grant Recipients
This is the third Star Grant that Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Keefer have received to purchase $500 worth of books for classroom endeavors. This year the books will be used to complete an experiential learning lab highlighting the history, flora, and fauna of Chico Basin Ranch.
* Mrs. Brown-$1000 Summer Books in a Bag
* Mrs. Brown - $1000 Corrective Math Program
* Mrs. Baker-$1000 Summit Studio
These grants were funded through WPSD Foundation Grant Awards and were made possible by last year's fundraising dinner at the Swiss Chalet Restaurant.
* Mrs. Keefer - Target Field Trip Grant - $800 toward an environmental field trip--including transportation, resources, books and supplies. This grant was made possible through Target Field Trips: Scholarship America. Mrs. Keefer will be using the funds for the annual fourth grade field trip to Cripple Creek, to visit CC&V and the Mollie Kathleen Mine.
Thelma Pett Continuing Education Scholarship
By Claudia Miller
Out of all the nominations from the state of Colorado, Mrs. Keefer was chosen as the elementary recipient of the distinguished Thelma Pett Continuing Education Scholarship. Mrs. Keefer was awarded $1000 at the CCIRA Literacy Conference in Denver, on February 6, 2009. She is pursuing her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, with an added Special Education Endorsement through UCCS.
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Poetry Corner
Would you like an opportunity to write your very own poem and win an award? Then you need to go to the library and ask Mrs. Battin for an entry form for the Young American Poetry Digest. Although all poetry forms are encouraged, haiku is the featured poetry form for the 2009 edition. Haiku is a short poem in seventeen syllables, usually arranged in three 5-7-5 syllable phrases, that attempts to capture a mood or a feeling. All poems must be no more than 80 words in length. Submissions can be handwritten or typed. The deadline for submission is MARCH 9TH, 2009, so get your poems to Mrs. Battin today!
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Reader's Corner--Book Reviews
Hatchet
By Rebecca Mijares
I just finished the book Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen. It is about a boy named Brian traveling in a small plane above the Canadian wilderness. Suddenly, the pilot complains about aches and pains. After a while the pilot clutches his chest and becomes still. Brian doesn't know what to do, so he keeps the plane flying. Soon, the aircraft runs out of gas and crash lands. Now all the boy has is his hatchet and he has to survive in the wilderness. Will he get rescued or fail? To get the answer, read the book!
Tuck Everlasting
By Rebecca Mijares
I recently finished Tuck Everlasting, by Natalie Babbitt. While Winnie is sitting outside, a stange man in a yellow suit comes along. He asks a bunch of questions about the neighborhood. In addition to that, Winnie meets up with some strange people in her woods. She finds Mae Tuck, Miles Tuck, and Jesse Tuck. They seem to act strange and seem to be hiding something. With the odd family and the bizarre man in the yellow suit, something is bound to be an adventure. What will happen to the Tucks? What is with the guy in the suit? Read the book to find out!
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Water: A Lesson Worth Learning
By Jessica Newman
Until I woke up to no water in my home during the water line break, I took this resource for granted. Everyday I would get up, brush my teeth, take a shower, and drink water from the tap. But on Wednesday, January 21, all that changed when there was a water line break in Woodland Park. There was a concern that the water that comes into our homes might be contaminated. We even had school cancelled. Instead of my usual routine, these past few days have been rough. We have to boil all our water, and use this water even for my tooth brushing. When my mother cooks food, instead of using it from our kitchen faucet, we have to pour it from our boiled water container. It has made me realize how much water we really use. After going through this, I think we should all conserve more water. Here are some tips:
* Turn off the water when you are brushing your teeth.
* Don't stand a long time in the shower, like my brother.
* When you take a drink of water, only take what you are going to drink.
* When you see a friend wasting water, tell them about how you are saving water!
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WEBSITE UPDATE
The new Summit Website will be up and running starting February 17th. The new website link is:
http://summit.wpsdk12.org/
Make sure to check out the District Quick Links at the top of the home page. There is also an Events Calendar link that has all upcoming Summit events.
Thank you!
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The Weather in Divide
By Chris Helland and Trent Foky
Average High: 34 degrees
Average Low: 6 degrees
Record High: 60 degrees (1979)
Record Low: -33 degrees (1985)
Average Precipitation: 0.72 inches
What to do when you have a breakdown:
* Move the vehicle to the right side of the road out of the flow of traffic, if possible. Stopping on the left side of a divided highway is extremely dangerous, but sometimes unavoidable. Do not leave the vehicle stopped in a traffic lane.
* Move the vehicle as far away from the traveled portion of the roadway as you can. At the very least, you should be far enough away that you can open the door without stepping out into traffic. You also want to be visible enough so that people can see you.
* Show clear signs that there is a problem and you need assistance by raising the vehicle hood. This is an internationally recognized sign of distress.
* In addition, turn on your emergency flashers and display any signs you have that indicate you need helps (such as shade screens with distress messages.)
* If you remain with the vehicle, another motorist will likely report your disabled vehicle to the police, and it will be easier for the police or others to provide assistance.
* Always exit the vehicle by the passenger side, unless you are on the left side of a divided highway.
* Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
* Stay off of the road and away from the vehicle and do not stand in front of or to the rear of the vehicle.
* Do not attempt to make repairs on a vehicle while it is in an area exposed to other traffic.
Be prepared for problem situations:
* Keep items in the vehicle such as flares, flashlights, blankets, and a first aid kit. Mobile phones in the vehicle also become valuable safety tools during breakdown situations. In addition, have water available in hot climates, especially for children.
* Know where items such as your spare tire, jack and other tools are in the vehicle and how to use them. Check periodically to make sure they are in working order.
Be familiar with the operation of your vehicle:
* Read your owner's manual. A motorist who understands how his/her vehicle operates is better able to detect and address problems with the vehicle.
* Conduct periodic and regular maintenance of the vehicle.
* If you hear or sense that something is wrong with the vehicle, have it checked.
Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and North Carolina Department of Transportation
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Summit Sports Pages
Did You Ever Think About Joining Parks and Rec.?
By Zak Hess
If you like basketball, baseball, volleyball, hockey, football, soccer, tennis, or wrestling, then you should think about joining Parks and Rec. This is your chance to have fun or just get better at sports, while meeting new people. It is very inexpensive, it is fair, and it will be worth it!
We Need Volleyball!
By Kelsey Moore
Are you signed up for volleyball? Well, if you are, I have some bad news for you. Did you know that volleyball may not be going on this year? Do you know why? This is all happening because adults and parents aren't volunteering to become coaches. Woodland Parks and Recreation doesn't have enough people who want to become coaches for volleyball. Maybe some parents that read this would like to become coaches for volleyball.
Volleyball is a competitive sport and is it played with a soft, striped leather ball, and you hit, or serve, the ball with the upper part of your wrist. When you serve, you can either serve upper-hand, or lower-hand. Upper-hand is when you throw, or toss the ball into the air and hit it when it reaches the top, or the point of the height that you threw, or served it. Volleyball is for all ages and in my opinion, is super fun! You should try to play volleyball sometime; it helps your eye-hand coordination, and your upper and lower body strength. If Parks and Rec. can get enough volunteers, you may be able to play, and volleyball will go on!
THE STEELERS WON!
By Lauren Mitchell
The Pittsburgh Steelers won the Superbowl! The super team won by 4 points in the last 49 seconds. The team won on January1, 2009. What a way to start the New Year! Mrs. Rhea, a fourth grade teacher must be very proud of her favorite team. The score was 27 to 23. Mr. Lang and his Colts plan to make a comeback next year. We will see about that! Hopefully, we can see the Steelers win again next year! What a game!
Polamalu Leads the Steelers to Their Sixth Superbowl!
By Matt Cox
"Here we are 14-13, Flacco drops back, throws....interception by Troy Polamalu. He's smellin' the end zone from 40 yards out! Polamalu running...oh! Touchdown! From 40 yards out!"
Troy Polamalu plowed the Ravens. With one mind-blowing interception that he returned for a touchdown. Two saks and two knockdowns. But Troy wasn't the only interesting person in the game.
Ryan Clark makde a MIND-BLOWING hit to Willis Mcgahee. Both Willies and Ryan were on the ground Ryan actually got up and went to the sidelines. But Willis had to be taken to the hospital. The 24-13 win over the Ravens helped them go to their sixth Superbowl. They played the Cardinals and won by 4 points! Way to go Steelers!
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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.
Watch for Upcoming "Guess Who" Clues!
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Comics-Excellent Artwork!
By Ryan Curtis
By Connor Klug
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Art News-By Mrs. Ratzlaff
Watch for upcoming news!
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Music Notes-By Miss Baker
February 2009
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.
1st grade March 12th 2009
Kinder April 23rd, 2009
February is Black History Month, so bring out your jazz, mo-town, rap and rhythm and blues albums for listening at home.
We are studying African American contributions to music this month. We will be singing spirituals and listening to music from some famous black composers and musicians, including Miss Baker's favorite singer, Ella Fitzgerald.
February 3 was the 100th day of school, too. Kindergarteners and I are learning "1-0-0," a song celebrating 100 days here at Summit Elementary.
February means a time for love and friendship, so the students will be singing songs, dancing and playing instruments for Valentine' Day. The 5th graders had a blast composing Candy Heart rhythm raps and loved eating the candy hearts when they were finished!
February means it's just one month until March, which is Music In Our Schools Month all across the nation. There are lots of extra fun things in the works to make March a very special month of music at Summit Elementary! Watch for next month's newsletter for all the activities, concerts, contests and more!
* 2nd graders take a music field trip Feb. 13, 2009 to attend "The musical Adventures of Flat Stanley" at the Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs!
E-I-E-I-Oops!
The first grade
music performance
will feature barnyard animals
in a rootin' tootin' hoedown that is bound to bring a smile to your face. Join us for our show Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
The chickens, dogs, pigs, roosters, sheep, and donkeys are ready, but what's wrong with the cows? They won't moo! Oh no, what should we do? Come and find out for yourself in this fun music program featuring our first graders.
"If music be the food of love, play on."
-- Shakespeare, Twelfth Night
****Summit Singers "Celebration of Music in Our Schools Month Concert" will be March 31, 2009*******
Summit Elementary music department has received a $1,000 grant from the Woodland Park Education Association for the creation of "The Summit Studio-an interactive music lab and library." I just received the exciting news last week and attended this month's district school board meeting for the presentation. Plans are already underway to get books, magazines, iPods, CD players, instruments, and hands-on interactive games for the Studio. It will launch in fall 2009, so stay tuned for more details in the coming months. I can't wait to have a place where students and staff can come and explore all kinds of music, and even take music home!
It's RECORDER time!
Third, fourth and fifth graders have begun their recorder unit. Recorders are great beginning instruments for students to learn to play. Our unit will include learning about breathing, posture, playing the correct fingerings, reading printed music, counting, making good sounds, and more. The third graders are always my most excited grade level. They will focus on three notes, all using their left hand. Fourth and fifth graders will expand on their knowledge by adding their right hand for some new notes, and fifth graders will add more notes for both left and right hand.
Each student will need their recorder for music classes, so please remind your child to remember their recorders. We are again using "Be a Recorder Star" by Dr. Ed Sueta, so there are also books and neck straps available.
If you have any questions or need help buying a recorder for your child, please contact me. I have some wonderful sponsors who are ready to help!
This year's annual Colorado Music Educator's
conference, held at the Broadmoor Hotel
was inspirational and motivating.
I am grateful to the district for the
opportunity to learn and grow with
fellow music teachers from the state.
I will also be attending the Kansas music
Conference at the end of this month,
and hope to bring back lots of new ideas.
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.
Wanna Volunteer?
Have you been interested in getting involved with the music program at Summit? I have some fantastic volunteers on Tuesday and Friday, but I could use a few more helpers on other days of the week and before music concerts. Please let me know if you want to help in the music room. No musical ability required!
Summit will now be collecting Tyson Project A+ labels from Tyson frozen foods products. The labels are worth 24 cents each and the program is similar to "Box Tops For Education." Please cut and bring in your labels to Summit and put them in the jar outside the music room. Then, when we have collected a lot of labels, we'll redeem them for money that will be divided equally between Music, Art and P.E. for equipment, supplies and student needs in the specials areas. This will be an ongoing project that we hope to continue each year. Miss Baker is the contact person if you have any questions about the fundraiser.
* Russell Warner and Henry Netherton joined 160 other boys from Colorado Springs and the surrounding area for a the All-City Boychoir Festival January 31, 2009 at Mitchell High School sponsored by the Colorado Springs Children's Chorale.
BRAVO, BOYS!
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PTSO Meetings
Future PTSO meetings will be held at 4:30 in the Summit Library.
The dates are as follows:
March 9
April 13
May 11
We hope to see you there!
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Community Events
Watch for upcoming community events in the Teller Country area.
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Upcoming Calendar of Activities
For a calendar of events click on the link below:
This link will take you to the Events Calendar which is a link on our new Summit web page.
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In Our Next Issue:
* Students' Perspectives
* Editorials
* Current Events-Spring Break
* Weather
* Sports
* Summit Highlights
* 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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