News from Columbine Elementary

Columbine Elementary

Newsletter

In This Issue

Columbine Calendar

From the Principal's Desk

Inclement Weather

CSAP 2010 Testing Dates

News from PE

PE Activities Before and After School

Woodland Park Parks & Rec

Pizza Winner

2009-2010 Yearbook

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January
Calendar

January 11

PTO Meeting, LMC

6:00 PM (SIT 5:00)

January 13

School Board Meeting, 7:00 PM, Central Office

January 14

PTO Dominos Pizza Night

January 15

Spirit Day

January 18

No School Vacation Day

January 19

No School

All Day Staff Collaboration

January 20

DARE Graduation 2:30 PM

January 26

PTO Pizza Hut Pizza Night

February 8

PTO Meeting, LMC
6:00 PM (SIT 5:00)

January 8, 2010

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the second half of our school year! Hopefully you all had an opportunity to rest and spend time with your children during the winter break. We are glad to have them back in the building - ready to learn and grow.

Your child has earned their second quarter grades and you should expect to receive them by Friday, January 15th. This naturally provides an opportunity for you to discuss your child's progress with them. Start with asking them what they feel they are most proud of during the second quarter and then help them grow by discussing the goals that they should set for the next quarter. Research has taught us that the more specific you can be with a goal the more productive it will be in creating a positive change. So rather than determining that your child needs to "be more responsible", try helping them set a two week goal of making sure that their homework is in their backpack every day. Once experiencing success, build the next goal to grow from there. If you have any questions about how to select the most appropriate next steps for your child, don't hesitate to contact your child's teacher. We expect to be partners with you in making the next quarter as positive and productive as possible for your child.

Our third graders will be taking the first round of state assessments on February 160in Fourth and Fifth grade students will begin later on in March. All of our students have worked hard to acquire the skills that will help them be better readers, writers and problem solvers. These assessments are an opportunity for them to demonstrate this hard work. Please support them with a good night of sleep and a healthy breakfast.

Finally, I would like to thank you on behalf of the staff for all of the many ways that you expressed your gratitude to them during the holiday season. Our Columbine parents are so generous with their appreciation and it is wonderful for everyone that works here.

Thank you,

Cris Gammill

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.

CSAP 2010 Testing Dates

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!

News from PE

Submitted by Julie Cutting, Physical Education Specialist

Dear Parents,

Happy New Year! Our physical activity theme for January is Creative Outdoor Fun! Columbine will be getting showshoes to use in our nature area and we will be using them during Physical Education! I am very excited about this new addition to our curriculum. In the spring we will be implementing, "The First Tee Golf" program. I am a certified instructor and students will learn the game and the positive life time sport of golfing. A special thank you to Ann Cummings and Teller County Public Health for receiving the grant to purchase this wonderful equipment for our school.

Winter is a wonderful time to enjoy the great outdoors in new and different ways! Get outside with the family this month. Bundle up - be sure to include hats, scarves, gloves and boots - for a fun, interactive experience built around dressing for winter play. Go outside and create your own family's game, with everyone participating. Combine your imaginations to have some physically active fun.

The first step is to look around your own yard, local school grounds, or community playground. Is there an object that you can go over and under? Do you have a ball to throw and catch? Can you create new goals for running and jumping? Decide on a purpose for your game and then look for some existing features that you can use in your game.

Are there natural landmarks you can use to create a game? Frisbee� golf is a game that uses landmarks-think of other equipment you can use in a similar fashion. Design a purpose for the game. Make up simple rules and then play it. See what happens. If it's not working, how can you change it?

Whatever game your family creates, remember how much fun it is to be together and to be physically active. Send your family game in to me, and I will be happy to share with everyone at our school. We can create a collection of games developed by our families and play them during recess and after school physical activity periods. Remember to take time this month to explore some creative, outdoor fun!

PE Activities Before and After School

Submitted by Julie Cutting, Physical Education Specialist

Before school Physical Education Activities will begin January 20^th at 8 AM in the Columbine gym. Please look for informational fliers to be coming home. Sport Stacking will be Monday and Wednesday mornings for 1^st - 5^th grade students.

Please do not be concerned if your child is signed up for art class and wants to come to Sport Stacking, students can do both. Art on Monday and Sport Stacking on Wednesday. When Art class ends they can come both days.

I will also be offering some after school activities starting February 1. They will go one full week-everyday from 3:50 to 4:50. Students can choose from jump roping, Omnican and wall ball games. These classes will be on a first come first serve basis, so get your registration forms in quickly. Jump rope will be for 1^st - 5^th grade and all the rest will be 3^rd - 5^th grades. There will be a $15 dollar fee for each class. Please make checks out to Woodland Park School District.

If you have any questions about any of these activities please call me at school-686-2300.

Woodland Park Parks & Rec

Woodland Park Parks & Recreation is offering the following programs and sports. Please sign up at least a week prior to 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 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 - 2^nd, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

3^rd - 5^th, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

6^th - 8^th, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

9^th - 12^th, 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!!

ICE SKATING LESSONS

Instructor: Kate McSwain (Member of USFSA & PSA, 14 years experience)

Meadow Wood Sports Complex Hockey Rink

4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Beginner

4:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. Intermediate

Jan 11, 13, 20, 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24

Beginner: 5 yrs to Adult

Intermediate: 7 yrs to Adult

Class Fee: $80

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 IV: January 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28

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

Instructors: Amy Elmont and Chris Konczak

Location: Parks & Recreation Classroom

Day: Friday's

Session: Jan 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26

10 a.m. - 11a.m. 3-5 years old

4 p.m. - 5 p.m. - K-2 grade

Session Fee: $60

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: January 8, March 5, March 12

Class Fee: $10.00 per workshop

Class Size: 6-15

LEARN TO SWIM

Instructors: Connie Knowles and Sandy Struble

Location: Gold Bell Camp

Day: Monday

Session: Jan 25, Feb 1, 8, 22, Mar 1, 8

Times: Guppies 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Level 1 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Level 1/2 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Level 2 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Level 3 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Level 4/5/6 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Class Fee: $40/$36 additional family member

Class Size: Guppies: 3 - 6

Levels 1-3: 4 - 8

Levels 4-6: 5 - 11

START SMART FOOTBALL

Instructors: Parent with staff assistance

Location: Gateway Elementary

Day/Time: Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Registration Deadline: January 25

Session: February 23, 27, March 2, 6, 9, 13

Parent Mtg: Monday, February 22, 7 p.m.

Parks and Recreation Classroom

Age: 3 - 6 years old

Class Fee: $18 + $26 required kit

Class Size: 8 - 12

Required Kit: 1 football, 1 red or yellow flag belt, 4 cones, 1 kicking tee and 1 participants manual

VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE

Divisions (current grade during the season):

3^rd & 4^th Grade

5^th & 6^th Grade

7^th & 8^th Grade

9^th - 12^th Grade

Registration Deadline: Friday, January 22

1^st Practice Skills Assessment: Saturday, January 30

Season: February - April

Program Fee: $43.00/$39.00

After Deadline Program Fee: $480.00/$44.00

Players Receive: A Long Sleeve T-shirt.

Required Equipment: Knee pads and Non Marking Tennis Shoes.

PTO NEWS

Here Is What Is Happening
In YOUR Columbine Parent Teacher Organization

Pizza Winners

Congratulations to Mr. Briggs-Hale's 3^rd grade class! They won the pizza party from Domino's last month!

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.

2009-2010 Yearbook

The school year is almost half over and the yearbook committee has been working hard on this year's yearbook. From the first day of kindergarten through fifth grade, each year is a chapter in your child's life. A yearbook captures and preserves those memories.

We are now taking pre-orders for the 2009-2010 Columbine Yearbook. PRE-ORDER YOUR YEARBOOKS NOW & SAVE!!! If you pre-order now, you will only pay $12 per yearbook. On March 1, 2009, the price will increase to $14. You can fill out the order form below and attach an envelope to enclose your payment and have your child turn it into their teacher or to the school office. To avoid confusion please do not combine this order with any other payments.

Please keep in mind during the school year, if you have photos you would like to include in the yearbook, you can submit them in the following ways. In each case, please indicate the grade, the teacher(s), students pictured if possible, and the occasion or event.

Drop a copy of the printed picture(s) off in the red yearbook folder in the school office.
If you would like the picture returned, put your name and phone number on the back.
Copy digital pictures to a CD and drop the CD off in the red yearbook folder in the
school office.
E-mail digital pictures to ckorzekwa@gmail.com or kallie_pivonka@urscorp.com.

Sincerely,

Yearbook Committee

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Yearbook Order Form

1. Complete all sections of this order form.

2. Make checks payable to Columbine PTO and indicate "Yearbook" on the memo line.

3. Insert your payment inside. Please do not combine with any other school payments!

4. Seal and return to your child's teacher or the school office

Student: ____________________________

Teacher: ____________________________

q $12 each through 2/8/2010

q $14 each starting 3/1/2010

Quantity: ______ Amt. enclosed: _________

q Cash q Check Check #___________

Thank you for your order!

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I purchased a Columbine 2009-2010 yearbook:

Date paid: __________ Amt. paid: __________ q Cash qCheck #_____________