

AES Community Connection 9/12/24
Stay connected with our school newsletter...
Normal Weekday Schedule for AES:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00-3:15
Wednesdays 8:00-1:45
Greetings AES Families!
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Learning is in full swing at the Aspen Elementary School! Many classes have participated in Outdoor & Experiential Education trips, with many more in the coming weeks. We have completed our beginning of the year assessments in Literacy and Math, and reviewed our CMAS scores from the Spring. Next week our teams will be meeting to analyze the data for instructional and intervention planning. At AES we have a 30 minute Literacy and 30 minute Math intervention block each day called WIN (What I Need.) During this time, students receive instruction in small groups and/or have time to work independently on assignments, Lexia or Dreambox. STAR and DIBLES reports will be sent home next Friday, September 20th in your child's backpack.
Coming next month... Three Way Conferences - Student, Parent, Teacher on October 24th and 25th. For most teachers this is a new format for conferences that aligns us with the IB PYP philosophy of student agency, personal reflection and goal setting and taking ownership of one's own learning. All students are required to attend the confernce along with their parent/caregiver. Teachers and students will prepare for the conference in advance. Similar to Student Led Conferences, students will take the lead in sharing their strengths (glows) and goals (grows). In addition, students will take their families to visit 3 of our 6 single subject classrooms. Interventionists and Special Education service providers will also be available. This is such an exciting opportunity for our students, teachers and caregivers to celebrate your child's success! Sign-ups will be through PowerSchool in October. More to come!
Aspen Elementary School 9/11 Day of Service. Many classes engaged in service or activities to promote peace on 9/11.
- Kindergarten students made cards and had lunch in the cafeteria with First Responders
- 1st graders wrote thank you cards to First Reponders and delivered them on their field trip into town on Thursday.
- 2nd graders read "I am Peace" by Peter Reynolds and creating watercolor peace signs or peace quilts with words that reminded them of peace.
- 3rd graders took a 911 walk, completing the amount of steps equal to 10 flights of stairs in the towers and read a Scholastic News article.
Thank you for all of your support!
Kindly,
Ashley Bodkins
Principal
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Friday, Sept 13 - AES Spirit Day - wear red and black and/or AES spirit wear
Tuesday, September 17 - AES Booster Fun Run! AMS Turf Field - Parking at Aspen Chapel or Latter Day Saints Church.
- K-2: 9:30 AM-10:30 AM
- 3rd & 4th: 10:45-11:45
Tuesday, October 1 - Noche Latina- information session for Spanish speaking families. 5-7PM AHS
Saturday, October 19 - Annual ASD Ski Swap at Aspen Middle School
Thursday/Friday, October 24 & 25 - Parent, Teacher, Student Conferences (in person)
October 28- November 1- Fall Break - NO SCHOOL for Students
Friday, November 22 - Thanksgiving Friendship Parade
Saturday, December 7 - Save the Date for the AEF Flamingo - "Best Event of the Year!"
Tuesday, December 10 - Family Literacy Night and Scholastic Book Fair
Swim Weeks: Your child's swim day will be the day they have Physical Education
- Sept 30-Oct 4
- Nov 18-22
- Dec 16-20
- Jan 27-31
- Feb 24-28
- Mar 17-21
- Apr 14-18
Looking Ahead: 3rd and 4th grade CMAS testing
Thursday, April 17th, Monday, April 21 and Tuesday, April 22
Please do not schedule appointments or vacations during this window. Thank you!
Friday Spirt Days!
Wear AES Spirit Wear or Red and Black on Fridays to show your Aspen Skier spirit! Special spirit days will be announced here.
Spirit Wear will be for sale at the Fun Run!
Fun Run Checklist
Important items at a glance!
- Make sure you have signed your kiddo up! Link HERE.
- Pack a set of dry clothes and a towel on the 17th!
- Sign up to volunteer!
- If you are going to come cheer on the Fun Run please try to take the bus, ride your bike, walk or carpool. Parking is limited! Extra limited parking at Aspen Chapel (park in the main areas- leave the lower parking areas closest to the gallery entrance free) and at LDS Church. We are grateful for the use of these extra parking areas- please use them respectfully!
AES Fun Run- be sure to sign your child up!
USE THIS LINK TO SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER!
Our Aspen Elementary School Fun Run fundraiser kicked off and you can now sign up at MyBooster.com! We’re raising $75,000 for a new kiln & art supplies, teacher wish lists, outdoor seating, and community events and we need your help. Please save the date and stay tuned for more details on how you can support our cause.
Sign up online at MyBooster.com – Today!!!
Event Day – 09/17/2024
- K-2: 9:30 AM-10:30 AM
- 3rd & 4th: 10:45-11:45
A HUGE thank you to our Fun Run Sponsors!
Highlands Bowl Donors:
Brodsky Family
Vandeboom Family
Cirque Donors:
Cooper Street Capital
Borchert Family
Walsh’s Donors:
Aspen Air
Paradise Bakery
Gilmore Family
Decorative Materials
Weihs Family
Calle Family
Tiehack Donors:
Rossmore
Andrew Turchin - The Ageless Smile
Sohn Family
Timberline Bank
Kelly Family
PJ Bory
Della and Zella
Waldron Family
Klug Properties
Mahedy Family
Hartman Family
F&M Architects
AES Skiers Donors:
Hechtkopf Family
Friedland Family
Join us for Noche Latina!
Attendance Matters!
Academic achievement: Students who attend school regularly are more likely to succeed academically. Research shows that attendance is a strong indicator of success.
- Learning: Students who attend school regularly are able to learn more and participate in classroom discussions and activities. They can ask questions and get clarification from their teachers.
- Building relationships: Students who attend school regularly can build relationships with their peers and teachers.
- Developing good habits: Regular attendance helps students build routines and develop good habits for the future.
- Foundation for learning: School is critical to building a strong foundation for learning that will help students succeed in middle school, high school, and beyond.
- Missed opportunities: Each day a student is not in school is a missed opportunity to learn something they will need in order to understand more difficult material later.
Thank you to AEF!
We wanted to thank AEF for all they do to support our school!
Happening Around School...
Check out these pics...
5 Senses Flower Bouquets
Author and Grandmother Jill reads her "Fraser" book to 1st graders.
First Responders have lunch with Kinder
More Community News...
Parent Workshop-Happy Relationships=Happy Kids
WindWalkers Afterschool Program
We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for your students on Wednesdays! With early release, why not make the most of the afternoon and let them join us at WindWalkers for a unique and fun-filled afterschool program?
At WindWalkers, students will not only have the chance to connect with our amazing horses, but they'll also learn valuable life skills through hands-on activities, all while having a blast outdoors. From riding to working with our animals, each session promises to be an adventure they won’t forget!
What to expect:
- Horse riding and care
- Creative projects and games
- Physical activity and fresh air
- New friendships and teamwork
The program is designed for all levels of experience—whether they've never met a horse before or they’re budding equestrians, everyone is welcome!
We hope to see your students soon for afternoons filled with laughter, learning, and plenty of horse hugs!
Feel free to reach out with any questions or to register! Let’s make Wednesdays the best day of the week! Click HERE for the Flyer.
After School Art Classes at the Red Brick
1st- 4th Grades
2:15-4:15 pm Most Wednesdays
Take the Aspen Elementary Fox bus to the Red Brick
Junior Skiers Cheer Camp
Grades K-8
9.11.24 2:00-6:00pm
9.20.24 6:30-8:30pm
Perform at the halftime of the AHS football game on September 20th!
Click HERE to sign up.
Hebrew School
Grades K-7
Tuesdays, immediately after school until 5:15 on the ASD Campus.
Click HERE for the flyer in English.
Click HERE for the flyer in Spanish.
For more information email sima@aspenjewish.org
Cub Scouts
Roaring Fork Fencers Club
Aspen Junior Hockey
Casino Night - Stirling Cup Kickoff Party
Dinner-Drinks-Casino Games- DJ Naka G - Prizes
Friday, September 13th, 2024
Buttermilk Lodge “Bumps”
Dinner Event 6:00 PM - 11:00pm (includes after party)
After Party & Casino night 8:30 - 11:00 PM
Click HERE for the flyer.
Aspen Junior Hockey is proud to invite you to join us in celebrating the 23rd Stirling Cup. Founded by Jody Cooper along with her sons Brandon and Matt, honoring the legacy of their late husband and father Stirling Cooper. For over 50 years, AJH has been an integral part of the Aspen community, fostering a culture of respect, character, and community for generations of young athletes. The Stirling Cup is a testament to the rich heritage of youth hockey in Aspen, the love Stirling had for the game, and its impact on so many lives.
AGS Ballet Aspen
Ballet classes for ages 4 and older at the Red Brick in Aspen. Please visit agsballetaspen.com or email agsballetaspen@gmail.com with questions.
Girl Scouts is for Every Girl!
Girl Scouts is For Every Girl!
Troops Forming Now, Call/Text Lara: 970-628-8007
Click HERE to see the flyer in English & Spanish.
Things You May Have Heard Before...
EARLY RELEASE WEDNESDAYS
This year, every Wednesday at AES is an early release Wednesday. Students are released for the day at 1:45. Please mark your calendars and prepare accordingly. We will not be sending weekly reminders.
Safety and Security at AES
Keeping students safe is our number one priority at ASD. Therefore, during the school day you will find all AES doors locked. However, please know you are WELCOME to visit and volunteer at AES.
- Visiting - Please remember your ID (driver's license) if you are visiting the building for any reason. Virginia and Carrie will meet you in the office with a smile and issue you a sticker/ visitor badge that must be worn while in the building.
- Volunteering - We love including "fingerprinted" parent volunteers in the classroom or on field trips. If this interests you, be proactive and get ASD Fingerprinting for Volunteers Procedure completed ASAP. This certification will last five years and you can get it done up at the District Office connected to the High School.
Below are the protocols we follow in an emergency. Families will be notified in the event of an emergency. Please do not come to or call the school.
Back to School Night
FREE & REDUCED LUNCH
We know that many families rely on schools for meals. We encourage families to submit a Free & Reduced Meal application, which provides families with access to additional benefits as well. Please know that even if you qualified in previous years, an application must be submitted every school year. To access the application and instructions click HERE. If you have any questions or problems please reach out to the finance department, or, if you need a paper form, please reach out to Virginia.
Wait Until 8th
Join the many AES families who have already taken the pledge to Wait Unitl 8th grade and delay giving children smartphones. Interested in learning more? Click here.
2024/25 FEES:
All students were assessed an $85 supply fee and a $25 technology fee on August 15th. If you have not paid your fees yet please do so as soon as possible. The Supply Fee covers all the supplies your child will need for the year. The technology fee covers your child’s device and licenses for the year. These can be paid through e~Funds, or you can bring cash or check attention Virginia to the front office.
Cafeteria Volunteers Needed!
Are you passionate about promoting healthy eating habits and making a positive impact in our community? Come and join us as a lunchroom volunteer!
Our dedicated chef prepares delicious and nutritious meals, and we're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help serve these wholesome lunches. By contributing your time, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring that everyone in Aspen Elementary School has access to healthy, balanced meals.
Volunteer Responsibilities:
- Assisting in serving lunches
- Engaging with our AES community members in a friendly manner
- Collaborating with our team to maintain a welcoming lunch environment
Benefits of Volunteering:
- Being part of a meaningful initiative promoting healthy eating
- Connecting with our vibrant community
- Contributing to the well-being of our [school/organization/company]
Details: Sign up here!
Parking for Parents, Volunteers, Visitors etc.
Please check in with the front office of the building you are visiting. You will receive a badge and a temporary parking pass. Please make sure your pass is clearly visible on the dashboard of your vehicle. If you do not have a parking pass, your vehicle may get a ticket or be booted.
Parking is available in the middle school lot. The parking lot located behind the high school is for staff only.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up
- Be sure to stay in your car if you are in the active loading and unloading zone. Parking and walking up to the school is highly discouraged.
- All kindergarten and 1st grade students play on the Little Playground at the side of the building before the bell rings. They will alternate going into the Library if they would like.
- All 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade students will cross the plaza and go down to the Big Playground.
- Students who would like to buy breakfast may enter the front doors and go down to the cafeteria.
- The bell rings at 7:55am for students to line-up and enter the building.
At the end of the day...
- The dismissal bell rings at 3:15pm
- Teachers on duty will walk the pick-up students down to the gate and will wait with children until their ride has arrived. Please do not walk up to the school. This will help to reduce congestion and ensure we have a smooth dismissal.
Adults will be on duty to help direct students to the proper locations.
Quick Links
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- Click HERE for the Bus Change Request Form.
- Aspen Family Connections
- Aspen School District Absences and Excuses Policy (Click here for Spanish)
- AES Attendance (Click here for Spanish)
- Pre-Arranged Absence Form
- Click HERE for information about fingerprinting for volunteers.
- Volunteer to work in the Cafeteria.
- Click HERE for the latest document from the state about when to exclude students and staff from school/work because of illness. How Sick is too Sick Spanish version.
- Please click HERE to see the staff's favorite things!
- Order SPIRIT WEAR anytime with this link!
Breakfast Offered at AES
Students will be able to enter the building at 7:35am. Please be sure to talk to your child about whether or not they have your permission to purchase breakfast. The cost is $3.50 and there are NO free seconds. (if your child gets seconds there will be another charge for $3.50).
Breakfast follows Free & Reduced guidelines. If your child qualified for Free/Reduced lunch they also qualify for Free/Reduced breakfast and will be charged accordingly. We want to make sure no child is hungry during the school day.
Please click HERE for more details.
Who are we? We are IB!
Last year, Aspen Elementary School became an authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
Mission Statements:
Aspen Elementary
To empower an innovative, mindful community of learners in a challenging and nurturing environment that promotes inquiry and academic excellence.
International Baccalaureatae
The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.