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Weekly News from Steele Elementary

03 24 2016   
Contents
From the Principal
School News
PTA News
Community News
Quick Links
Dates To Remember
From the Principal
If You're Leaving
I recently had a family tell me that they were moving at the end of the year and would not be attending Steele next year. I want to thank that family for letting me know. First, it's really nice to be able to say goodbye to folks and let them know how much I appreciate them. Second, it helps for planning purposes for next year. If you know that your child will not be attending Steele next year, please let me know. Thank you for your help.
 
PARCC Schedule Review
I want to remind everyone that we will commence with CMAS testing on April 5 (the Tuesday after students return from spring break). As many of you know, CMAS has the highest impact as to how Steele is rated. Although the stakes are high for staff, we know that it's only a test, and that we want our students to feel comfortable so they can do their best. We'll have lots of fun during the testing window and make sure to celebrate students everyday. Thank you in advance for helping your children get plenty of sleep the night before, eat a good breakfast, and arrive at school on time. To view the CMAS testing schedule, click here.
 
Have a Great Spring Break!
Lastly, I want to wish everyone a great spring break. Whether you're going somewhere sunny and exotic or taking a staycation, I hope you have a relaxing, rejuvenating, and fun time!
 
The 2015-16 school year has been filled with learning, fun, excitement -- and even a little adventure. I'm looking forward to having an amazing end to the school year. We'll have nine fun-filled weeks when we return from break; I know that with the best staff and community in Denver, we'll make the most of them!
 
Thanks for all you do!
 
Cheers,
Kevin
School News
LostAndFoundLost & Found
Please check the Lost & Found area (outside the cafeteria) for items that may belong to your child. All unclaimed items will be donated TOMORROW, Friday, March 25.

Clothing Donations for the Health Office
The Steele Health Office is in need of clothing donations, mostly pants (boys and girls) in sizes ranging from 5T up to size 8. Soft, stretchy pants for girls and adjustable pants for boys are preferred. Please leave your donations in the school office. Thank you!

BoxTopsStudent Council Box Top Contest
Box Tops for Education logoStudent Council is collecting Box Tops for Education! We are challenging each classroom to collect at least 100 box tops by TODAY, March 24. The class that raises the most box tops will earn a pizza party on Friday, March 25! We'll continue a school-wide collection for the remainder of the year but only box tops collected between now and March 24 will be part of the competition. Containers are in classrooms for students to put their box tops in. Questions? Contact Ms, Parks, Room 306.

Wizard of Oz
All third grade classes are performing the Wizard of Oz in April. If you are unsure of your student's performance date, check with your teacher.

After School Enrichment
Many spring Enrichment Classes are underway -- and others are starting soon! Visit the Steele website for details on the programs offered.  
 
Summer Camps
Looking for fun activities for your children this summer? Many terrific camps will be offered by our enrichment providers, teachers, and associated community partners (such as South High and SPREE). To view all current opportunities, click here -- and make sure to check back, as other camps will be added when information becomes available.
PTA News
PTA Logo
EBMeetingPTA Executive Board Meeting: April 6, 8:20 AM
The monthly PTA Executive Board (EB) meetings are always open to the school community. The next meeting will be Wednesday, April 6, and parents are invited to attend and learn more about the Executive Board's work. For any parent considering running for an Executive Board position this spring, this is also a great place to get a firsthand idea of what the Executive Board roles entail. The meeting runs from 8:20 to 10:15 AM in the school office. Guests are welcome to arrive and depart as schedules allow. Please RSVP to Steelepresident@gmail.com.      

AppreciationTeacher Appreciation Breakfast: Monday, April 11
No school for students that day but our mighty staff will be working hard! Let's show our wonderful Steele teachers and staff members how much we appreciate them by serving them a delicious breakfast! We are looking for food as well as volunteers to help set up/serve and clean up. Your help is greatly appreciated! If you are bringing food, please have it to the auditorium by 7:45 AM. To volunteer, log in here to view volunteer opportunities on MySchoolAnywhere.

Thanks, Sarah Zilinskas

HomeTourWash Park Home Tour: May 7, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
It's almost time for your kiddos to start selling tickets for this year's Wash Park Home Tour! Packets with tickets, selling tips, flyers, and more will be coming home with students the week after Spring Break.  This is one of Steele's largest fundraisers, and student ticket sales make up a large portion of the proceeds.

We're also getting close to finalizing the directory which is handed out to the 1,800+ people who visit the Tour.  If either you or someone you know might want to place an ad in the directory, please contact Rebekah Marcus.
Visit washparkhometour.org to learn more about the event, check out this year's featured homes, purchase tickets, and sign up to volunteer.  And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest information!

GardenSteele Garden "Dig It!" Day: May 14 
Save the date! The garden committee of parent volunteers will host this one-day event from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 14, when we come together as a community and prep the garden for planting. The garden beds need to be turned, weeds must be pulled, and cages and trellises need to be set-up -- and so much more! Bring your shovels, rakes, tools, and gloves. Join the effort as families and friends ready the garden for another season. 
Community News
Merrill International Celebration - ALL IN!
Friday, May 6, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Cableland, the 19,500-square-foot mansion and official residence of the Mayor of Denver

Merrill would like to invite parents of next year's sixth-grade Merrill class to join us for this event! We are so excited for the parents and staff to come together in celebration of Merrill's dynamic community and culture while raising funds to support our much needed social services. Featuring diverse international cuisine, music, and dancing along with some amazing raffle items, this is the beginning of a Merrill tradition, and we hope you are all a part of it!

For more information, contact Emily Brouillette.

Merrill Middle School News
To check out what's happening at Merrill Middle School, click here.
To submit information to this newsletter, send it in edited, final-draft format to the appropriate person from the list below by 5 PM on Tuesdays:
For all other questions, please email Cynthia Swanson and Liz Marvan (parent volunteers) at steelestallionpress@gmail.com.