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| Columbine Elementary
Newsletter |
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JOIN OUR LIST
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December
Calendar |
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December 4
Earth Promise Day
Chess Club, Cafeteria
3:50-4:45 PM
December 7-11
December 9
WPHS Madrigals Assembly, Tri-space
10:00 AM
December 10
K-Kids Meeting, Rm 210
4:00-5:00 PM
December 11
Spirit Day
K, 1st, 2nd Grade Field Trip to Catamount
December 14
3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Field Trip to Catamount
December 15
WPMS Jingle All the Way
Assembly, 10:30 AM
Pizza Hut Pizza Night
December 18
Holiday Sing-a-Long, 2:30 PM, Gym
Followed by Classroom
Holiday Parties
Chess Club, LMC
3:50-4:45 PM
December 21 -
January 1 Winter Break
January 4
No School
Staff Work Day
January 7
K-Kids Meeting, Rm 210
4:00-5:00 PM
January 11
PTO Meeting, LMC
6:00 PM (SIT 5:00)
January 15
Spirit Day
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| From the Principal's Desk |
 Dear Parents,
Our partnership with the Catamount Institute is making two special events happen this month at Columbine. First of all, we have twenty-six Colorado College students coming to provide four blocks of instruction for the entire school on December 4th. The lessons will revolve around trees, conservation, the ecosystem process and renewable energy. We love to see our students working with learners at another level. It leaves everyone motivated and energized. In addition, we expect this day to lay the foundation for a school wide field trip that will take place across two days - December 11th and December 14th. One half of the school will go to Catamount on Friday and the other half will go on Monday. Please watch for a parent note to come home with all of the details. As always, we would love to have parent support for our field trip days. If you are willing, please let your child's teacher know. Learning is always exciting at Columbine!
There are many other events happening this month, so please check the attached calendar so that you can plan to be a part of as many of them as possible. We love to have you here.
Thanks again for your continuous involvement in our wonderful school!
Cris Gammill
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CSAP 2010 Testing Dates |
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 We know it's still a few months away, but we want you to be aware of CSAP testing dates this year. Third grade will be taking their CSAP Reading Test between February 16 and February 26. The remaining 3rd grade tests and all 4th and 5th grade tests will be given between March 1 and March 17. This includes the three days right before Spring Vacation.
We would appreciate every effort you can make to have your children in school on these dates. While some absences can't be avoided, we know kids do better if they take the test with their class and not at a make-up time.
If you are not able to avoid pulling your child out during these test dates, please let your child's teacher know so we can plan for alternative testing times. Thank you for your help! |
| Inclement Weather |
 Cold weather is here! Please be sure to send proper clothing with your children. Layers work best. Also, please listen to local television and radio stations or call 686-2300 to hear messages about possible delayed starts of snow days. You can also get this information by calling the district information line at 687-6137 or go to our district wesite at www.wpsdk12.org and click on weather alert. |
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New After School Enrichment Opportunity |
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Are you interested in getting involved with a program that teaches:
problem solving creativity
teamwork leadership 21st century skills
Destination Imagination
It is one of the best (and most fun!) programs available for these skills
Includes competing with other teams in challenges and presentations
Woodland Park School District is exploring the possibility of forming teams at all grade levels for Destination Imagination (formerly Odyssey of the Mind.)
Come to the Informational Meeting featuring:
Candis Mowery, Regional Director for Destination Imagination
December 14th, Monday, 4:05 pm
Gateway Elementary School
Cottage Classroom, 1st right after office
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Columbine Student Council News |
 Student Council has been very active this year with many projects!
Students are still collecting change for the "Save the Redwoods Project." We will be wrapping this up mid-January.
Student Council is sponsoring a "Columbine Food Drive." We will be collecting non-perishable food from classrooms every Friday. The food will be evenly distributed to needy families in our community. The class that contributes the most food will get a "free" Physical Education time with Mrs. Cutting and choose the activity they would like to do!
There are more families among us that could use help this year. So, please be generous with your donations.
Student Council is also planning on several school wide clean-up days.
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News From PE |
Submitted by Julie Cutting, Physical Education Specialist
Have you ever wondered what your child's report card grade for physical education (PE) is based on? The answer is assessments and tools used to measure student learning. In physical education, there are six national standards that define what students should know and be able to do. They include:
- Learning how to perform motor skills;
- Understanding the concepts, principles, and strategies of movement;
- Participating in regular physical activity;
- Building a health-enhancing level of physical fitness;
- Using responsible personal and social behaviors in physical activity settings;and
- Valuing physical activity.
These standards form the basis of what should be taught in physical education and what students should be learning.
Assessment in physical education takes many forms. Motor skills are often assessed based on the correct performance of movement skills. Students may be asked to correctly execute a volleyball serve where the outcome, whether or not the ball was in, may or may not be considered.
Cognitive information such as rules, strategies, and using correct exercise techniques can be assessed during class time and question and answer at the end of class.
Health related physical fitness is particularly important because it leads to more healthy, economical, and productive lives.
Finally, the last two standards are often assessed in class using guidelines related to how a student is engaged, both with the activity and with his or her classmates.
In the past, you may have been assessed in physical education based upon whether you were appropriately dressed and participating. However, these elements do not guarantee a student is learning the skills necessary to be active for a lifetime. Today's physical education hopes to prepare your child for an active future filled with skillful activity!
Please do remember that your child needs clean dry tennis shoes for P.E. Several times throughout the year, I need help administering certain assessments, particularly the physical fitness test. If you are interested in helping with this, please let me know. I encourage you to volunteer. And, as always, any time you are visiting our school, please stop into the gym to say hi and see our fun program in action.
Remember to be active daily and enjoy some outdoor activity this winter!
If you would like to order Speed Stacks for Christmas please go to www.speedstacks.com go to Group Order-Columbine Elementary. Please do this by Dec 11, so all orders will be in before Christmas. There are catalogs and order blanks in the office and the gym. If you do not want to order cups online then fill out an order form and make checks to Speed Stacks Inc and return to Mrs. Cutting. |
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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.
WINTER DAY AT THE PARK
Join us at Memorial Park for a brisk, winter wonderland. This is a family event and all ages are welcome. The more the merrier! Bring your ice skates, sleds and any other winter games. A campfire will be built in the fireplace for roasting marshmallows and to keep us warm. Hot chocolate and cider will be provided.
Date: Friday, December 18
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
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
WINTER INDOOR SOCCER CLINICS - NEW!
Skills, games, professional coaching, video analysis, and futsal games (Brazilian Indoor Soccer), 8 week program.
Program Instructor: Mark Perdew of Rocky Mountain Soccer Camp
Day: Monday
Session: January 4, 11, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 22, Mar. 1, 8
Class Fee: $80
Class Times: Kindergarten - 2nd, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
3rd - 5th, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
6th - 8th, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
9th - 12th, Call 687-5225 if you are interested. Enough interested will start a class!
Location: Columbine Elementary Gym
What to Bring: A learning Attitude, a soccer ball, shorts and shirt, full water bottle, wear shin guards under soccer socks, indoor gym shoes, NO CLEATS!!
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 III: December 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17 (Pro-rated)
Ages: 5 - 13 years old
Class Fee: $54.00 per session/$30.00 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.
Registration Deadline: December 14
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.
ICE SKATING LESSONS
Instructor: Kate McSwain
Location: MWSC Hockey Rink
Session: Jan 11, 13, 20, 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
Beginner: 5 years - Adult
4:14 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Intermediate: 7 years - Adult
4:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Class Fee: $80
Class Size: 5 - 15
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Here Is What Is Happening
In YOUR Columbine Parent Teacher Organization |
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Volunteer Spotlight ~ Kallie Pivonka |
My husband, Scott and I moved our family from Denver to Woodland Park in 2004. I am a native of Colorado, however it wasn't until I moved to this beautiful mountain town, that I felt like a true Coloradoan. When my oldest daughter, Autumn entered kindergarten I was excited at the opportunity to volunteer in her classroom and be able to share in her day. Her teacher and other Columbine staff members greeted me with kindness and gratitude. I kept wondering why they were so appreciative of my volunteering time. Couldn't they see that I was volunteering strictly for selfish reasons? This was my first child in kindergarten and I wasn't ready to let go. It was then that I realized that the Columbine staff is made up of some of the most caring and dedicated individuals I have had the pleasure to get to know. They don't care if you only help out once a year, every week or only for your own selfish "separation anxiety" issues. They are committed to your child's education and they welcome any assistance they receive to improve upon it.
This year my daughter, Autumn is in 4th grade. I also have a 4 year old son, Jacob and a 3 year old daughter, Paige. I feel very fortunate that all my children will have the opportunity to attend Columbine Elementary School. I am currently helping with the pizza night fund-raisers, the student directory and the yearbook. Working with the students has helped me tremendously with my own children. I love to observe the teachers and I try my best at implementing those little "teacher tricks" as I call them. You know... the claps or rhymes that they use to get the students' attention. I am so proud of myself when I can get the attention of 27 yearbook students and they actually do what I need them to do. That is when I go home and parenting my three children seems all that much easier.
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Pizza Propaganda |
Thank you to all you Pizza Lovers!
The Pizza Nights have been a success and earned the school over $135 for just those held in October. Mr. Briggs-Hale's 3rd grade class won a pizza party from October Domino's pizza night and Mr. Gillette's 4th grade class won one from the November Domino's pizza night.
Domino's next pizza night will be on Thursday, December 3rd.
As a special Christmas gift, Pizza Hut will also be giving away a pizza party to the class that has the most orders on the next Pizza Hut fund-raiser night on Tuesday, December 15th.
Don't forget that EVERY NIGHT is a Columbine fund-raiser night at Papa Murphy's. Use any coupon - any night. Have your fund-raiser card stamped for each pizza. Once your card is filled up, turn it into Papa Murphy's and Columbine will receive $3.00 for every card turned in. |
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Student Directories |
The Columbine Student Directories are finally here, I apologize for the delay. We provided one directory per family. If you have more than one child at Columbine, a copy would have been sent home with your youngest child. If for any reason you did not receive a copy for your family, please contact me at kallie_pivonka@urscorp.com or 499-4098.
I would like to thank those business owners that advertised in the directory this year. Thanks to you we were able to pay for the printing of the books and still have some money go back to the school.
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Great Box Top $New$ |
Our first contest was a huge success. So far this year we have collected 6,369 Box Tops -that equals $636. Added to the $378 we already had in our account this year, we get $1,014 for our school. We have already passed our goal of $800 for the year! Hooray!
This year the classes get to keep 50% of what they bring in; money was given out to the classroom teachers at the end of October. The top 3 classes were: Mrs. Briggs-Hale- $29.30, Mrs. Crouse- $29, and Mr. Uher- $24.70. Great job!
Also, the smiley J face drawing winners were: Isabella Bachura- mini basketball, Colton Toth- gumball machine, and Cora Spalding- giant pen. Congratulations to the winners and remember to keep clipping those Box Tops. Our next contest has already begun and the drawing/payday will be in February. Let's make this the best Box Tops year Columbine has ever seen! |
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Want Great Deals & Convenient Shopping This Holiday Season? Shop the 2009 Columbine Holiday Shop & Craft Fair! |
The shop will be open Dec. 7th-11th from 8:30am to 4:30pm and is open to all staff, students and their families.
This year we have great gift ideas that can be viewed at our website at www.ColumbineHolidayShop.weebly.com. All items are priced at $12 or less and are discounted up to 75% off of retail prices. We will also have several local crafters that will be selling their items.
Please look for a flyer and envelope coming home with your child after the Thanksgiving break that can be used as a wish list and budget guide for all of your gift giving needs! Each child will have volunteers helping them shop and will be provided with a receipt and packaging for their gifts.
This event is a fundraiser to help support Columbine PTO's efforts. Please help make it a success by encouraging your child to shop, by stopping by and shopping yourself, or by volunteering your time to help the children shop!
Please contact Paige Tanis (paigetanis@gmail.comor 237-4823) if you have any comments or questions.
Happy Holidays! | |
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