![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/16.a40c6d2d.jpg)
![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/16.8ea824ce.jpg)
CFL January Family Newsletter
January 2024 See what's happening at CFL
How to translate Smore Newsletters (English) or Cómo traducir boletines informativos de Smore (Spanish)
Mission and Vision Statements
CFL Vision
At CFL, we are an uplifting crew who embrace our students, staff, and families in a kind and fun learning environment where all can grow.
A Note from Mrs. Frees
Dear CFL Families,
Happy New Year!!
As we ring in the New Year it is an exciting time to reflect on our accomplishments and review goals for what we have left to do in this school year. Can you believe that we are halfway through this school year? Where did the time go?
We are all working hard to meet the challenges that come with change and prepare our students with literacy and math skills to support being lifelong learners.
We will be helping students look at their mid-year progress, prioritizing what they have left to work on into bite size chunks and then going full speed ahead as if it is just the routine. Through small groups personalized instruction and teacher goal setting we know we can achieve our goals.
We have so many exciting opportunities happening in the coming weeks and months. Please visit the school website and new social platform often so that you don’t miss a thing. Download the Garfield 16 app on your phone so you can see all the exciting things we are doing and achieving. We are definitely moving full steam ahead for the last half of this year.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank all those teachers, students, families, friends and community members that came together in the spirit of giving to help members of the Garfield 16 Community that needed help during this holiday season. Many needs were met, tears shed and grateful hearts filled.
Happy New Year Everyone!!
With Gratitude,
Kim Frees
The Weather is Cold and Snowy!
Please help your child be prepared for the weather and snow. Have your child bring or wear boots, hats, mittens/gloves, snow gear and a warm jacket. With all the snow, we don't want our kids to have wet feet or pants and risk getting sick. Please send in an extra change of clothes in their backpacks so if they get wet they can change.
At CFL , our policy states that students will be sent outside for recess each day unless:
1. The outside temperature feel less than 15 degrees.
2. It is pouring rain.
3. An emergency is called by the Weather Service.
Recesses throughout the day last between 20-25 minutes. If students bring hats and gloves in their backpacks, they can be ready for any drastic weather changes.
Through our Family Resource Center, we have hats, mittens and coats available for students and families in need. Please come in and visit with us if your child is in need of warm winter clothing.
Please help your child remember to bring the necessary items so they can be comfortable and enjoy their time outside at recess during the cold weather.
If you would like to donate any new or lightly used winter clothing, please contact the Family Resource Center.
Our hope is that every student at CFL will be prepared for the cold winter ahead, and we thank you for doing your part at home to make sure that happens.
K-1 Report Reports will be sent home on January 9th
Dear Families,
2nd quarter ended on Friday December 15th and reports cards will be in your child's Tuesday Folder on how your chid is doing in their coursework.
Grade Point Averages (GPAs) are calculated based on a semester grade, not the quarterly progress reports. This will provide you the opportunity to work with your child(ren) to improve their grade for the final, semester report card.
A traditional system of grading by letters is a common practice in many educational systems. Most parents likely grew up in a traditional system where students receive a letter grade, typically ranging from "A" to "F," to evaluate their performance in a course. Each letter grade corresponds to a specific range of numerical or percentage scores.
Here is the traditional breakdown of the letter grades and their meanings:
- A: Exceeds Expectations (90-100%)
- B: Meets Expectations (80-89%)
- C: Approaches Expectations (70-79%)
- D: Below Expectations (60-69%)
- F: Significantly Below Expectations (Below 60%)
If you have any questions about your child's report card, please reach out to their teacher and set up a conference. We are here to support and partner with you.
Coffee with the Principals
Intervention News
January 3, 2023
Happy New Year. Hopefully you all had a wonderful and relaxing break spending time with family and friends.
As we start the new year I encourage you to start a new family tradition. If you don’t already, a family reading time can be beneficial in so many ways. It is really easy to start, and doesn’t take any money, just a few minutes of your time, and a few books from the library, or your bookshelf.
Here is how to start.
Choose a time- If you have never done this, start small, maybe once a week is good for you, or maybe every night at a certain time like after dinner.
Choose an amount of time- Start with as little a 10 minutes. It doesn’t need to be much more than that.
Make sure to have several books for you and your children. It is important that the kids see you reading as well.
Set a few ground rules- Example- no talking, and you must say seated the whole time.
Set a timer. This helps kids to know that it isn’t forever.
Make sure to have a comfy place to sit, and maybe a drink or snack.
Enjoy it. If kids see that you are enjoying it, they will be more likely to want to read as well.
Let me know how it goes. I would love to hear from anyone who tries this. I did it with my kids when they were younger, and at first it was hard, but I believe it helped them to be stronger readers today.
ELL News
Welcome to the New Year!
I’m excited to be back with you precious little ones, I have missed them! I hope you had a nice break with them. We are administering the ACCESS test to your students so attendance is vital as it is all the time, regular attendance is critical for learning. You should have received this letter in December in your child's Tuesday Folder. I’m just forwarding another copy as a reminder of what to expect.
The English Language Learner (ELL) program at your child’s school offers high quality instruction in English language development as well as support for academic achievement. When a student is learning English as a new language, the primary educational goal is to develop the English language skills needed to access and master academic content. Our school district offers instruction and support to English language learners through ELL programs at each school. These programs use English as the language of instruction.
In order to assess the language development of our students, we will be administering the Colorado English Language Assessment (ACCESS) January 9 -Feb 10, 2024 to all students whose registration indicates a home language other than English. Your child’s English proficiency will be evaluated in four skill areas: speaking, reading, writing and listening, as well as in the areas of Social & Instructional Language, Language of Language Arts, Language of Mathematics, Language of Science and Language of Social Studies.
It is important that on the days of the test your child eats a healthy breakfast and gets plenty of sleep the night before, so that they will be able to do their best. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me (285-5702). mkerrigan@garfield16.org
As always, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Melanie Kerrigan, ELL Teacher CFL
Pre-School News
Embracing the New Year and Learning Adventures!
Dear Preschool Parents,
Happy New Year! We hope this newsletter finds you and your little ones well-rested and ready for an exciting year of learning and growth. As we step into 2024, our preschoolers are buzzing with enthusiasm, and we have some fantastic updates, engaging activities, and important announcements to share with you.
Learning through Play: Mathematics
As we embark on a new year of learning adventures, we'd like to share some tips on how you can support your child's counting skills at home. Reinforcing counting, number recognition, and understanding quantity can be a delightful and educational experience for both you and your little one.
Everyday Counting:
Incorporate counting into daily activities. Whether you're setting the table, climbing stairs, or picking up toys, encourage your child to count along. This helps them relate counting to real-life situations and enhances their understanding of quantity.
Number Recognition Games:
Make learning numbers fun with games! Create a scavenger hunt where your child has to find and identify numbers around the house. You can use number flashcards, magnetic numbers, or even draw numbers on colorful paper to make it engaging.
Counting with Objects:
Use everyday objects like toys, buttons, or fruit to practice counting. Arrange a group of items and ask your child to count them. This hands-on approach helps them associate numbers with tangible objects, strengthening their understanding of quantity.
Number Songs and Rhymes:
Explore counting through music. Singing number songs and rhymes not only makes learning enjoyable but also helps with memory retention. There are numerous educational videos and songs available online that can turn counting into a playful and rhythmic activity.
We hope these suggestions inspire joyful moments of learning at home. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. Together, we can create a supportive and engaging environment for your child's educational journey.
Important Announcements
Preschool Fashion Show:
Mark your calendars for the much-anticipated Preschool Fashion Show on Friday, January 12th! Join us at 10 am for the morning classes (Benson, Bobbi, and Tessa's AM class) and at 2:15 pm for the afternoon classes (Adiar, Janssen, and Benson, Bobbi, and Tessa's PM class). Your little ones will showcase their creativity and style, bringing joy and laughter to our preschool community. Don't forget your cameras!
Thank you for your continued support in making our preschool community vibrant and thriving. Here's to a year filled with laughter, learning, and lasting memories!
Warm regards,
Nicole Hills, Preschool Director
What's Happening in PE at CFL
This month in PE class! We will be working on soccer style dribbling and the skills that go with it. We will continue to master and work on our locomotor movement patterns. Let me know if you have any questions with report cards or class. Thank you for helping all students be safe by sending your kiddos with tennis shoes for PE everyday.
-Mr. Cora
Hello CFL families!
Welcome back!!
I hope that you are all doing well and had a restful and wonderful break!
This semester is going to be exciting as we begin to put everything together!
Kindergarten students will be learning all about different countries and their music! We will be starting with Ireland where we will talk about different instruments and learn different dances! From there we will move on to high and low with instruments!
First graders will be reviewing their long and short-short rhythm patterns and learn how to read patterns with "ta" and "ti-ti." Students will have the opportunity to listen to music, compose music, and even read music!
We will also start preparations for our Spring Concerts! Please mark April 18th on your calendars for our final performances of the school year! More information will be sent out as the date gets closer.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions or clarifications on what we are doing in music!
Here is to an amazing semester!
Mrs. Volk~
Book Fair at CFL~Save the Date
CFL will be hosting a Book Fair Book Fair from February 19, 2024 – February 23, 2024. If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please call the office at 970-285-5702
Become a Substitute Teacher
Center For Family Learning
Email: kfrees@garfield16.org
Website: https://cfl.garfield16.org/
Location: 100 E 2nd St, Parachute, CO 81635, USA
Phone: 970-285-5702