I am glad to report that we have received our school wide CMAS/PARCC scores much earlier this year than last year. CMAS/PARCC is the test that all 3rd through 5th graders take in the state of Colorado. This test is one way to gauge school effectiveness. This is the second year that students in Colorado have taken the new state test. As many of you know from last year, the new CMAS/PARCC test is considerably more challenging than the former state test.

I am excited to report that Steele increased the overall proficiency rate in both English Language Arts and Math. In English Language Arts, 75.1% of our 3rd through 5th grade students scored in the range of Met Expectations or above; this is a 6.5% increase from the year before. In Math, 72.3% of our 3rd through 5th grade students scored in the range of Met Expectations or above; this is a 5.5% increase from the year before.

I am excited to break this data down for you in future editions of the Steele Stallion Press. I want to congratulate our teachers and students. It is always nice when our hard work is reflected in this way.

Back To School Night

I would like to thank everyone who attended Back to School Night this past Wednesday. I love the energy that is created when the Steele community gets together. The care we have for our kids and each other is one of our greatest strengths and one of the reasons our kids' academic scores continue to improve each year. I am very grateful and often humbled to be the Principal of such a strong school with such an amazing community that always puts students first. Thanks for a great night and a great kick-off to the school year.

Thanks for all you do!

Cheers,

Kevin

School News

Lights, Camera, Picture Day!!!

Come wear your fanciest duds and get to school on September 29, 2016. Picture day envelopes will be sent home in a few weeks, so be on the lookout!

School Directory Update

Thanks to all parents who have added/updated/confirmed their family data for the directory. More than half of returning and new families have already confirmed their data! If you haven't yet, please join them! Your participation in the directory is optional, but it's a great way to stay in touch with other Steele families. The directory is only provided to Steele staff and parents.

If yours is a returning family, you should have received a link to update/confirm your family's data. The link is sent to one parent per family. (If you did not see the email, check with the other parent(s) in your family, and check your junk mail folder.) You must confirm your data and opt in if you want your family listed. This is true even if your family was listed last year.

If yours is a new family, click here to add your family data. Enter the invitation code Steele.

All family data is due by Friday, September 9, 2016. Questions? Contact Cynthia Swanson, Directory Coordinator.

Fall Musical

Calling all 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who love Drama! Join Mr. Miller, Steele's Drama Teacher in an after school club presenting the Musical "The Music Man". Rehearsals start Tuesday September 13. Click here for more information and the registration form. Questions? Contact Mr. Miller.

Destination Imagination

Interested in learning more about Destination Imagination? Join Mr. Miller on Tuesday, September 13 at 5:00pm in the auditorium for the DI Kick-off Meeting. Children are invited, but they must be in the care of an accompanying adult. For more info on Destination Imagination, go to: www.destinationimagination.org and http://www.dicolorado.com/ and http://dpsdi.weebly.com/

After School Enrichment

We are very excited to offer many wonderful and educational after school enrichment activities this fall. Does your child wish to play the flute, join a book club, learn rhythm and percussion or create art from wood? Classes are filling up very fast and the enrollment deadline is Friday, Sept. 9! For a description of the programs offered and registration instructions, click here. Questions? Contact Jen Horn (970-509-9183).

Clothing Donations and Lost and Found

Lost and Found will be donated the last school day of each month at 3:15 pm. This will happen every month through the whole school year.

Extra Clothes to Donate? We still have a metal donation box in the lunch room lobby for washed gently used kids clothes and shoes that parents can bring anytime.

PTA News

Learn more about the Stallion Fund

What is the Stallion Fund?

The Stallion Fund is the direct giving arm of the Steele Elementary PTA; an approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Why Donate to the Steele Stallion Fund?

The Stallion Fund's main objective is to raise money to fund 2nd educators in every classroom. When compared to private neighborhood schools, Steele Elementary is delivering exceptional teacher to student ratios in our classrooms. Learn more about the Stallion Fund or contact Jessica Kottcamp (jessica.kottcamp@gmail.com).

Giving Opportunities:

GIVE NOW - Make a one-time contribution or set up monthly recurring contributions
October 8, 2016 - MOONDANCE, Steele Celebration at Cableland (Paddle Raise, Steele Exclusives and Teacher Experiences)
December 6, 2016 - Colorado Gives Day
February 14, 2017 - I HEART Steele Day (the last day of the Stallion Fund Campaign)

First PTA Meeting: September 13
The first PTA meeting of the year will be held in the auditorium on Tuesday, September 13 at 6:00 PM. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. Learn about upcoming events, hear an overview of what each grade is studying, meet other parents and learn how to be more active in the Steele community. Childcare will be available in the library for $3 per child and afterwards we will move to a separate location for an opportunity to mingle.

Steele Dines out at Larkburger: Tuesday, September 20

September's Steele Dines Out will be at Larkburger at 340 E. Alameda Ave. on Tuesday, September 20 from 5:00 -7:30 PM. 25% of Steele families' sales will go back to Steele - but please remember that you must tell the cashier you are there for the fundraiser.

Room Parents
Just a few more volunteer spots to fill:

Lantz/Summerville (209) - One Room Parent Needed
Donaldson (309) - Two Room Parents Needed

Read online about Room Parent responsibilities. Email the Room Parent Coordinator, Nisha Ashley, if you are interested or have questions.

Garden News
The Steele Youth Farmer's Market starts selling produce next Friday! Feed your family and support the garden program. The Market will run each Friday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, September 9 through October 21. Email Andra Homans if you can help 4/5 students operate the market. Volunteer time slots available to fit your schedule from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on Fridays.

The annual fall garden cleanup day (DIG IT DAY!) will be on Saturday, October 15th. Save a few hours that morning to help tidy garden beds, till compost, clean out the greenhouse and other tasks as we celebrate the close of our garden season.

Community News

Merrill Middle School News
Merrill is our neighborhood middle school, and we have a collaborative effort to keep Steele families informed about Merrill. To check out what's happening at Merrill Middle School, click here.

Around Denver

Join the celebration of our city's sweet, active culture with special tastes, tours and activities all month long. Read the list of Around Denver September events gathered by the folks at Denver Public Library. From boutique ice cream flavors, to unique city sweet spots, to our ever-expanding biking scene, there's so much to love Around Denver!

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 Wednesdays:

School and Community News - melissa_nawrocki@dpsk12.org
CSC News - steelecsc@gmail.com
PTA News - SteeleCommunication@gmail.com

For all other questions, please email Cynthia Swanson and Jessica Meehan (parent volunteers) at steelestallionpress@gmail.com.