News from Columbine Elementary

Columbine Elementary

Newsletter

In This Issue

Columbine Calendar

From the Principal's Desk

From the Nurse's Office

French Classes at Columbine

Woodland Park Parks & Rec

Native American Pottery Firing

Columbine Student Council

News from PE

Volunteer Spotlight ~ Paige Tanis

Columbine Holiday Shop and Craft Fair is Coming Soon

Teachers Thank PTO

Thank You to the Following for PTO Conference Dinner

More Than a Day

Jokes for Thanksgiving

JOIN OUR LIST

November
Calendar

November 9

PTO Meeting, 6:00 LMC

(SIT 5:00 PM)

November 11

Board of Education Meeting
7 pm Central Office

November 12

K-Kids Meeting

4:00-5:00

November 13

Chess Club, after school until 4:45 PM, LMC

November 16

3rd Grade Field Trip to Pikes Peak Center

November 20

Spirit Day

November 23-27

Thanksgiving Break

December 4

Chess Club, after school until 4:45 PM, LMC

December 11
Spirit Day

December 18
Chess Club, after school until 4:45 PM, LMC

November 6, 2009

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Parents,
After School Classes

First of all, I would like to thank you all for taking the time to meet with us during parent teacher conferences. Your attendance gives another opportunity to build the relationship that we want to foster with you and your child. We were thrilled with the turn out.

Has your child come home talking about a "Strength Training" group at the end of the day? We want to make sure you aware of this unique structure that we have established to grow our students. For the last thirty minutes of the school day, we have a block of time designated to focus on the individual needs of students. We have named it "Strength Training" because the focus of our planning is to provide an opportunity for students to be able to focus on an area of strength for them. When placing a child in a group we consider the academic, artistic, musical, physical and social emotional needs that they present. Sometimes a group may be offered that isn't necessarily a point of strength, but instead addresses a more immediate need to grow in a challenge area. It is also possible that a child is placed in a group at a parent's request. A few examples of the kind of groups that we offer are - a small music ensemble, a divorce group, an advanced art class, a specialized PE group etc. One of the benefits of this time is that it allows us to pull kids from all over the building into cross age groupings to meet their needs. Students don't feel that there is "something wrong with them" when they are invited to attend a group because there are so many reasons that they are collected into these specialized sections. So, you may be wondering what your child is doing if they are not assigned to a group... We use this time to help all of our students practice their reading abilities. They have most certainly received some direct reading instruction in the day and this block gives them the time to practice what they have been learning. It is most useful for all of us to improve our independence and dive into a good book. New "Strength Training" groups are established halfway through each quarter. If you feel that your child has a specific need that we may be missing, feel free to contact your child's teacher to discuss the possibilities.

Thanks again for your continuous involvement in our wonderful school!
Cris Gammill

From the Nurse's Office

Submitted by Misty McMahan, RN

Health screenings went very well this year. I really enjoy seeing all of the students and working with so many of our parents. I would like to thank all of the parent volunteers that took time out of their week to help out. This screening is so important to our students and staff.

The number one way to prevent illness is to wash your hands frequently. Remind your children to wash their hands before eating, after going to the bathroom, and after coughing or sneezing. All of the teachers are working with your children on hand washing here at school.

Seasonal flu and H1N1 are beginning to have an impact among students and staff in our district. As we move into the winter we anticipate higher than normal rates of influenza illness. Please help us by continuing to follow the CDC guidelines for the flu.

Our district continues to be vigilant with the cleaning of all of our buildings. We are requiring all students and staff that become ill with a fever greater than 100 degrees until they are fever free for 24 hours with no fever reducing medication. The district is closely tracking all students and staff that are ill, and we are working closely with Teller County Public Health. All of our schools will remain open at this time. Please keep your students home if they are ill. If your child becomes ill and has an underlying illness like asthma, diabetes or another chronic illness, or if the symptoms become severe (difficulty breathing, a very high fever) you should contact your doctor for recommendations. Treatment for seasonal flu and H1N1 is the same.

Visit the website below for the latest information.
www.flu.gov

French Classes at Columbine

Dear Columbine Students and Parents,

Beginning in November, Columbine students in grades K-5 will have the opportunity to enroll in French Foreign Language classes. The classes will be held on Thursday mornings beginning at 8:00 am and ending at 8:40 before the school day starts. The first session begins November 12, and continues November 19, December 3, and 10. This initial course is appropriate for students who know little or no French. The topics to be covered will be greetings, beginning numbers, colors, and expressing likes and dislikes. All classes will incorporate French culture. The class location is to be determined.
The cost is $25.00 per four week session. If you have any questions regarding the classes, please contact Ann Cummings at 684-5323 or anncummings@wpsdk12.org. Please fill out the registration below and return it to your child's classroom teacher or the main office. The last day to register is November 10. I look forward to working with your child this year.

Thank you for valuing foreign language education,

Ann Cummings

WPSD Language Teacher

Woodland Park Parks & Rec

Woodland Park Parks & Recreation is offering the following programs and sports. Please sign up at least a week prior to the session starting. Classes may be cancelled due to lack of participants. For more information call 687-5225, stop by our office at 204 W. South Ave or visit our website at www.city-woodlandpark.org.

BASKETBALL LEAGUES - 3rd - 4th Grade Boys & Girls
We still have openings for Boys and Girls Basketball. If you are interested please see us at Parks and Recreation!

BASKETBALL LEAGUES
Divisions (current grade during the season)
1st & 2nd Grade Boys & Girls
5th & 6th Grade Boys
7th & 8th Grade Boys
Registration Deadline: Friday, December 4
1st Practice Skills Assessment (5th - 8th Grade Only): Saturday, December 12
Season:           January 20 - March 17
Program Fee: $43.00/$39.00 additional child
After Deadline Program Fee: $48.00/$44.00
Players Receive: A Short Sleeve T-shirt.
Required Equipment: Non-Marking Gym Shoes.

DENVER NUGGETS BASKETBALL SKILLS CHALLENGE
Boys and girls age 7 - 14 years (age as of April 30, 2010) are encouraged to test their basketball skills in dribbling, passing and shooting. The top boy and girl in each age group will advance to the sectional competition in Colorado Springs. Winners from sectionals will advance and have the opportunity to show their skills during a Denver Nuggets game.
Location:         Woodland Park Middle School
Date:               Saturday, December 12
Time:               10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Program Fee: FREE

TAE KWON DO KIDS
Instructor:      LeeAnn Loss
Location:         Parks and Recreation Classroom
Days:               Tuesday and Thursday
Time:               4:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Little Lions (5 -6 years old)
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Intermediate
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Beginner
Session I:         October 27, 29, Nov. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19
Ages:               5 - 13 years old
Class Fee:        $70.00 per session/$40.00 additional family members
Uniform Fee:   $30.00
Class Size:       4-15

CHILDREN'S THEATER WORKSHOPS
Instructors:                Amy Elmont and Chris Konczak
Location:                     Parks and Recreation Classroom
Day:                            Friday
Time:                           10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 3-5 years old
                                    4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. K-2 grade
Workshop Dates:        December 4; December 11, December 18
Class Fee:                    $10.00 per workshop
Class Size:                   6-15

START SMART GOLF
Instructor:       Parent with staff assistance
Location:         Gateway Elementary Gym
Day/Time:       Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Session I:         January 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30
Mandatory Parent Meeting: Monday, January 11, 7:00 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Classroom
Age:                5 - 7 years old
Class Fee:        $25 + $5.00 required kit
Class Size:       8 - 12
Required Start Smart Kit: $5.00, includes 1 participants Manual.

Native American Pottery Firing

The Columbine Pottery Firing on the playground was a very successful event, building community through art!

American Indian pottery has long been admired for its craftsmanship and beauty. After examining the patterns and details on real Native American pottery, students created a drawing of a pot using ideas inspired by their observations. They then created pottery using traditional tools and techniques, including coil building, scraffito carving, and natural materials of clay, slip, yucca brushes and pine needles. Students were active participants in Native American firing techniques discovered thousands of years ago.

Students, families, and staff collected all the materials necessary to fire nearly 400 pieces of pottery ...at least one from each student at Columbine and some made by staff members.
Firing occurred on the Columbine playground on Wednesday, October 14th. We built the primitive kiln on Tuesday, ceremonial lighting with Native American Dancers on Wednesday, and removal of the pots on Thursday.

Thank you to the Columbine PTO and the Pikes Peak Historical Society for helping sponsor this event!

Columbine Student Council

Student Council has been very busy so far this year. We had a very successful Homecoming Week. School spirit was running high and all students had so much fun dressing up in pajamas, beach clothes, cowboy attire, Hollywood fanfare and last but not least Panther Pride wear!

Student council members worked very hard on our Columbine float and got many rave reviews on how great it looked! Thank you to all parents especially Mr. Thompson, (Ashley Thompson's dad), Mr. Simpson, (Josh Simpson's dad ), Mac and Stephanie McClung-for the use of their trailer, Mrs. Gordon for all her help and artistic expertise and Mr. Cutting for helping bolt screw, re-screw and duct tape!

Currently student council is working on SAVE THE REDWOOD Project, Mr. Briggs-Hale's class presented a plea to raise money to help purchase land that the redwoods are on and student council agreed to take on this project. Students will be collecting small change weekly and the class that has collected the most money will receive a hot chocolate and home made cookie party.

We will also start our Columbine food drive right after Thanksgiving. Get ready for some class competition to see which class can bring in the MOST can goods and non-perishables!
Our next meeting will be Friday, Nov. 13, 8AM in the Columbine Library.

News From PE

Submitted by Julie Cutting, Physical Education Specialist

Dear Parent,

The school year is off to a great start! I hope you have asked your child about his/her physical education class because I am certain that you want to be involved in his/her education and academic success. Exercise builds brain cells!!!!

There are two simple ways to get involved with your child's physical education. The first is to have a conversation with your child about their physical education experience. Ask simple questions, such as:

What did you do in physical education today?
What is your favorite activity?
Why is physical education important to you?
How did you do on your fitness assessments?
Were you in the healthy fitness range on each of your fitness assessments?
What is your goal for daily physical activity?
What can we do as a family to increase our physical activity and family time?

When talking and listening to your child's response, do not accept just a one word answer, such as "nothing." Probe their responses and have a conversation about their physical education class, concerns, likes and fears.

This month in Physical Education third, fourth and fifth graders have been finishing up with FITNESSGRAM testing. Please look for new date coming home. I apologize for the incorrect information that went home during report cards. We had some technology issues to deal with. So please take time to look at the data, and if you have any questions please feel free to call me.

Third, fourth and fifth grade students have started a volleyball unit where we are building the skills of bumping, setting and serving.

Kindergarten, first and second graders are working on the skills of throwing, catching, targets, kicking, and dodging.

On November 12, Columbine students will be participating in the Guinness World Record Stack Up Day! Students will stack during their Physical Education time and if they do not have P.E. that day they can come in during recess time to stack. Please stop in if you would like to see Sport Stacking in true action!

October 29, 30 and 31, I attended COAPHERD-Colorado Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Annual Convention in Colorado Springs. The conference theme was "Practice Your Passion, Make a Difference". I attended many classes to make a difference here at Columbine Elementary. Ideas were shared, classroom practices were given, and this all helps me keep excitement, enthusiasm and the thrill of my profession alive. This convention helps me stay on top of new practices and trends in Physical Education.

PTO NEWS