DRAGON WEEKLY
January 15, 2015

 

Monday, January 18
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, January 19
  • Weekly Daytime Tour-9:30AM

Wednesday, January 20
  • PTO General Session-6:30PM

Thursday, January 21
  • PTO K-Cup Donation Driveline Drop-off
  • Coffee with Principal Lowe
    8:30AM and 2:30PM
  • Harvest Day - Spring Carrots
  • NJHS Induction-6:30PM

Tuesday, January 26
  • Weekly Daytime Tour-9:30AM
  • SAC Meeting-5PM
  • Current 5th Grade Parent Night-6:00PM
  • Special BOD Meeting-6PM

Thursday, January 28
  • Middle School Meeting for Current 6th and 7th Grade Parents-6:00PM

DRIVELINE MESSAGE FROM WAYNE GRANGER,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR


YOUR UNDIVIDED ATTENTION, PLEASE!

Your undivided attention - that's what our children need from our parents and guests during our morning and afternoon drivelines. Providing a safe campus is my number one priority for your children, my staff, and our visitors. As the school year continues to unfold, attentiveness can decline in the midst of the humdrum of routines. However, the most dangerous times are during our morning and afternoon drivelines. We have an amazingly safe and efficient process for drop off and pick up, but this process requires everyone to do their part at following our procedures, being patient, and paying attention.

Please follow these procedures to help our driveline operate smoothly and safely:
  • No Cell Phones please! Too many drivers are still looking at their cell phones while driving on our property. Please give your attention to our children during drop off and pick up times.
  • Use crosswalks. With parked vehicles, moving cars, and limited sight distance with the curve of Miller Drive, we continue to see parents and students crossing the street in unsafe locations.
  • Pull all the way to the front. Take your turn. By pulling forward, you allow more cars to get on the property so children can safely get in and out of vehicles.
  • Stay in your car. Our staff is there to help your children with backpacks and getting to the sidewalk safely. Getting out of the car for goodbyes slows down the process for everyone.
  • Be kind. When everyone works as a team, our system is efficient and safe. Being kind to our fellow parents, our neighbors, and driveline staff makes it all run smoother and safer.
I have supervised and worked on traffic issues around dozens of schools, in multiple cities, for over fifteen years. There is no doubt in my mind that we have one of the safest, most efficient systems for safely getting your children to, and from, school every day. I thank you and my staff for doing your part to keep it that way.

Thank you.

Wayne Granger,
Executive Director
Flagstaff Academy

HELLO FROM EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL LOWE


Dear Parents,

Welcome to 2016! Believe it or not, it's time to start thinking about the 2016-17 school year and to fill out your "Intent to Return" form. As you're making this decision, we want to share some of the exciting updates and changes happening at Flagstaff Academy, based on the many conversations I've been enjoying with our Board of Directors, Student Accountability Committee (SAC), staff members, parents, the PTO, and our students. We're so excited about the recommended changes and know you will be as well! Here are some highlights:


  • School-wide, we are revamping our K-8th grade math curriculum to ensure we're vertically aligned from grade level to grade level and adhering to the guidelines for the Core Knowledge Sequence. We have created a new Math Pathways for transparency to allow parents and students to know exactly what we offer, what the curriculum is, and how to advance along the pathway. We'll still be offering all of our current advanced math classes, while insuring that all of our 8th graders are equipped to take Algebra I while here at Flagstaff, or the more advanced Geometry and Algebra II classes.
  • In elementary school, we're rewriting our Science curriculum to include more hands-on labs in the classrooms, with a focus on the Scientific Method and integrating engineering strategies where applicable in grades K-5. We will continue with our weekly Science Lab visits, which are designed to enhance the grade level curriculum and will be looking to include new units such as robotics, animation, and programming within our technology classes. Our new Core Knowledge Language Arts program (CKLA) has definitely provided us with vertical alignment across the grade levels and we will continue to fine tune  it to make it our own program. Additionally, we will begin identifying students for the gifted and talented program in 2nd grade and implementing programming specifically designed to meet the needs of these students.
  • In middle school, we are exploring a move to a modified block schedule.The rationale behind considering this change is: to give students extended time to complete labs, dig more deeply into the material, projects, etc.; give students an additional elective choice; and, give our teachers time to collaborate both as grade level teams and as departments within the school day. With an additional elective, we will be able to offer exciting semester long choices such as: Peacemakers, Astronomy, Forensics, and Equations Math - just to name a few. A modified block schedule means students would attend eight classes three days a week, and then four longer class periods two days a week.If we choose to move forward with this plan, parents will receive the new course catalog at one of our upcoming 2016-2017 Middle School Parent Meetings:   
  • Tuesday, Jan. 26, 6PM: Current 5th graders entering middle school
  • Thursday, Jan. 28, 6PM: Current 6th and 7th grade parents
As you can see, we've been busy over the past few months working hard to ensure we continue to offer you the best possible education for your child. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly. I'm be more than happy to sit down and talk to you at any time.

Please submit your completed 2016-2017 "Intent to Return" (link below) 
form by January 31, 2016. 

As always, we are here for you.

Warmly,

Robin Lowe,
Executive Principal
Flagstaff Academy

2016-2017 WEEKLY DAYTIME TOURS & OPEN HOUSE


Our Weekly Tuesday Tours are going strong! Principal Lowe leads our the tours, joined by other members of our wonderful staff, and continue through May 2016.

Please share this information with a family who would benefit from our educational approach and culture - Enrollment Information.

Weekly Tuesday Tours with Principal Lowe
(January/February 2016 Schedule)


Every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, January 19
  • Tuesday, January 26
  • Tuesday, February 2
  • Tuesday, February 9
  • Tuesday, February 16
  • Tuesday, February 23

Thank you for your support of our school!

PILOT PM KINDERGARTEN IN 2016-2017!



We are very excited to announce that we are piloting a PM Kindergarten Class, starting in the 2016-2017 School Year. This initiative will reduce overall class sizes throughout our Kindergarten program, as well as fulfill the increased demand for a PM Kindergarten class. 

If you are a current pre-kindergarten parent, you MUST apply for Kindergarten enrollment. As a current Flagstaff family, your application will be given priority preference. To apply for the 2016-2017 school year, click here.

Depending on the response we receive during the Enrollment Application period, we will be able to make an informed decision on whether there is enough interest to fill an afternoon kindergarten class and reduce class sizes. 

If you have any questions, please contact Sheila Strukel, Registrar at enroll@flagstaffacademy.org or 720-864-9090.

BEFORE SCHOOL REMINDER

A remember that the Flagstaff Academy campus is not open until 7:45 a.m. for students to be dropped off by parents and/or guardians. For liability reasons, children cannot be unsupervised on the school property prior to 7:45 a.m. Only those students participating in before school programs or classes are authorized to be on campus before 7:45 a.m.

If you need to drop your student at school prior to 7:45 a.m., please take advantage of our wonderful Dragon Flight care. 

Thank you for your cooperation. 

K-CUP DONATIONS!

Our wonderful PTO Hospitality Committee is organizing a K-cup donation drive!

When: Thursday, January 21 
 
During morning driveline, just drop off the k-cups and they will be delivered them to the staff lounge. Thank you in advance and thank you to our PTO!

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT AT FLAGSTAFF ACADEMY



PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT
 
We are happy to be bringing Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain to Flagstaff Academy for grades K-7th for "Junior Achievement in a Day" on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 for grades K-7th. 

Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, Inc. (JA) is part of the world's largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through a dedicated volunteer network, JA provides programs for students which focus on three key content areas: entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness. The goal is to teach concepts through experiential learning, allowing young people to put their new knowledge and skills into practice. 

Junior Achievement's Mission: To prepare young people to thrive in the 21st century workplace and global economy by inspiring a passion in free enterprise and entrepreneurship, and instilling an understanding of personal financial literacy.

We will need a volunteer in every classroom. Junior Achievement provides the training, including an online option if needed. Click here to download the flyer about the volunteer process. Please email Principal Lowe with your interest: rlowe@flagstaffacademy.org. 

To learn more about Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, visit their website at http://www.jacolorado.org/.

K TO CAREER DISCOVERY EXPO EXHIBITORS WANTED!

Exhibitors Wanted! 
K to Career Discovery Expo 
Date: Tuesday, February 23
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Gym
 
Do you work in a Science or Technology Industry? The Flagstaff Academy K to Career Discovery Expo is an opportunity for our students to see live, interactive demonstrations of how different careers and industries use science and technology, every day. We are looking for exhibits where students can get hands-on interaction and connect their science and technology knowledge from Flagstaff Academy to the real world. Industries may include robotics and automation, space exploration, health care, computer science, forestry and environmental sciences, energy, entertainment and the arts, and education --just to name a few! 

If your company would like to participate, please contact Wayne Granger, Executive Director, at wgranger@flagstaffacademy.org, for more information.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2015-2016 MIDDLE SCHOOL STEM FAIR WINNERS!

The 2015-2016 STEM Fair was held on Thursday, January 14 with 22 participants from our middle school. Their work was judged by a team of parent volunteer judges, who generously offered their science, technology, engineering and math expertise to the process. The projects included an unspillable tray, a hydroelectric phone charger, as well as studies on how well our sunscreen works, Life without Sight, a Night with Arthritis, and more.

The 2015-2016 STEM Fair winners:
First Place: 
Julia Curd (8th grade), "Proteins and Their Relationship to Cancer Tumors"
Honorable Mentions: 
Siddhartha Bhushan, "Environmental Statistic-Based Home Control System"
Hunter Barchers,"CHESTNUT - Controlled High Speed Driving in Heavy Traffic"

Hunter, Julia, and Siddhartha
1st place winner, Julia Curd, with science teachers Mr. Boone and Mr. Willis
2015-16 MS STEM Fair participants

Hunter Barchers, Honorable Mention
1st Place, Julia Curd
Siddhartha Bhushan, Honorable Mention

The judges were impressed with the quality and sophistication of all the presentations, as well as the students' confidence and level of knowledge. Congratulations to all who participated!

Thank you to our volunteer judges and a special thank you to Mr. Jay Willis and Mr. Boone Starr, as well as everyone who helped to make the entire experience such a huge success!

8TH GRADE PARENT APPRECIATION ADS FOR YEARBOOK: CORRECTION


Parents can purchase ad space for their student(s) in the 2015-2016 Flagstaff Yearbook! These can be messages of congratulations, well-wishes, etc. as our 8th graders leave Flagstaff for high school. Ads are $20.00 per 1/4 page. Cash or check accepted. 

CORRECTION: Please make checks payable to Flagstaff Academy, with "Baby Ad" in the memo. 

Send photos and congratulations messages, and questions to lmunnelly@flagstaffacademy.org

Electronic submissions only, please! Deadline is March 1st. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL ICE SKATING PARTY




 
Middle School Ice Skating Party
Flagstaff Middle School Social Committee is hosting an Ice Skating Party for Middle School Students! 

Where: Ice Pavilion at Roosevelt Park, 725 8th Ave., Longmont 
Date:  Friday, February 5th, 2016        
Time: 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Cost: $5.00 (includes skate rental)

Questions? Contact Kathleen Meuse at (303) 718-4679 or email ktmeuse@gmail.com.

Permission slip can be found here. 

***Concessions will be offered at the rink by the MS Social Committee. Hot cocoa will be complementary. Hand and toe warmers are recommended. This event is for middle school students only. 

DAWSON SUMMER INITIATIVE FOR 6TH AND 7TH GRADERS

Dawson Summer Initiative for 6th and 7th Grade Students
 
The Dawson Summer Initiative is a five-week long workshop for high-achieving students. It will be held in June at the Alexander Dawson School in Lafayette, Colorado. The free workshop is for 6th and 7th grade students only. 

Dawson Summer Initiative Informational Meeting
Date: Thursday, January 21
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: West Science Lab, Room D15
Alexander Dawson 10455 Dawson Dr, Lafayette, CO 80026

Parents and students can bring their lunch to the meeting. 
No RSVP necessary. 

OUR VOLUNTEERS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE!


Every single Flagstaff volunteer makes a difference every day for our school. 

You too can become a part of our fun, caring, and connected community of volunteers!

Most Immediate Volunteer Needs:

 Front Office Volunteer slots are available for Monday-Thursday, 12-2:00 p.m.

We also need help with:
Health Room Volunteer for additional shifts

Flagstaff Volunteers Rock!
The PTO executive board would like to thank all parent volunteers for helping to build and strengthen the Flagstaff Academy community through your participation in the PTO. Participating makes a difference to the parents, teachers, staff, and children at our school!

Upcoming PTO Meetings:

PTO General Meeting
Wednesday, January 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the LMC

We would like to invite all parents, teachers, and faculty to attend the next PTO general meeting. Brendan Meuse, a member of our Board of Directors, will be speaking on current and upcoming school board activities and will be available for questions.

All PTO meetings are open to the general members of Flagstaff Academy and the public. Parents, guardians, grandparents are encouraged to attend.
 
Flagstaff PTO Seeking Spring Gala Coordinator
  
PTO has a slightly different, less impactful plan for this year's spring Gala and needs a creative, deadline-oriented volunteer to be "Gala Coordinator".

If you love party planning and feel passionate about providing the best educational opportunities for Flagstaff's students, then please contact Raelene, Navulur at rnavulur@msn.com ASAP.


Festival of Cultures Volunteer Help Needed!
Our Festival of Cultures Co-Chairs are looking for dedicated worker bees. Don't want to be in charge, but still want to help? Sign makers, Book creator for country facts and information and other general help is needed and appreciated! 

Interested? Contact Fretche Blair at fretche@gmail.com or Kristie Rollman at krjustducky9@gmail.com

Visit www.flagstaffacademypto.org for more information. 
Also, please "like" us on Facebook to receive our posts and stay connected!
Having Trouble Receiving Our Emails?
In most cases, the email address we received for you has a typo or you may have unsubscribed to a previous email. If you suspect this is the case, please send a message to the Email Coordinator [ajpkallal@gmail.com] to make sure we have the most current information for you. You can also set up a filter in your email account to help ensure our messages do not end up in your Junk or Spam folders. Instructions on how to do this for your Yahoo, Gmail or Hotmail account can be found here.

DRAGON FLIGHT

Before and After School Care and Enrichment Classes

Flagstaff Academy's in-house Dragon Flight program provides on-site before and after school care and enrichment classes. Dragon Flight provides students a warm, enriching environment while maintaining Flagstaff Academy's standards and values. To register for any of Dragon Flight's offerings, click here.
 
Current Dragon Flight Classes:
    • K-3 Spanish Classes with La Ventana Verde 
    • K-8 Chess Club 
    • K- 5 Science Matters "Soda Slobber"
    • K-5 Hip Hop with new instructor from the UK!
    • K-5 Lights, Camera, Action: Acting for the Camera 
    • Crackpots Valentine
    • Cooking Class
    • Sports
    • Renaissance Adventures and so much more!

For more information, please contact Jeanna Peppler, jpeppler@flagstaffacademy.org

IT'S BOXTOPS TIME!

 
See how close your classroom is to winning the first BoxTop Prize
at www.flagstaffacademypto.org 

Classes that are on their way collecting 750 BoxTops to Chew Gum
at School are:

Lewis 613, Burnett 549, Cynkar 543, Brown 532

Please note that eBoxTops will not count towards these totals! Although, we appreciate all eBoxTop submittals, there is no way to track all of them to a specific classroom. eBoxTops will be included in the school totals, so please submit them. Only actual BoxTops that are turned into the teacher will count towards these classroom awards.

Important Reminders:
  • Please remember to put the student's name, grade and TEACHER in with all BoxTops in a sealable bag/envelope. BoxTops with no teacher name will be included in the general BoxTop fund.
  • Please continue to trim the BoxTops prior to submitting them.
  • Please only include NON EXPIRED BoxTops. BoxTops do expire!!!
Flagstaff Academy | 303-651-7900 
2040 Miller Drive
Longmont, CO 80501