Excel Academy Eagle Update
October 18, 2024
FALL BREAK IS OCTOBER 18th - 27th
UPDATES FROM THE SCHOOL
Dear Excel Families,
It's that time again! Our monthly Leadership Coffee Chat will be held on Wednesday, October 30th from 8:25 - 9:10 a.m. in the cafeteria. We have an open forum format. All guardians are welcome to come and enjoy light breakfast refreshments and join the conversation. We hope to see you there!
We hope you all have a wonderful, relaxing Fall Break. We'll see you on Monday, October 28th.
In Partnership,
Kresta Vuolo
Executive Director
Join Us: 2025-26 Information Night
Join us for an engaging evening at Excel Academy to explore our Kindergarten through 8th Grade program! This event for for current Excel families and prospective families.
Date: November 12th 2024
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Excel Academy, 11500 W. 84th Avenue
Details: Meet our dedicated teachers, discover our exciting curriculum, learn about our enriching field studies, and hear firsthand from our students about their experiences.
RSVP: HERE This helps us ensure we have the appropriate materials ready, however, we welcome all to attend!
Please share this information and this INFORMATION FLYER with anyone whose children would benefit from our Excel Experience.
We look forward to welcoming your family to an interactive night of learning and connection!
YMCA Closed November 1st, 4th and 22nd
Reminder: NO YMCA
There will be no YMCA Before or After Care on November 1st and 4th. The YMCA staff will be attending required professional development. They are also closed on November 22nd, which is an Excel Professional Development Day, so no school for students.
Order: November Breakfast & Lunch
Remember we are required to pre order our meals one week before the actual food delivery date. In order to ensure hot lunch or breakfast for November 1st, your order will need to be placed by October 20th
We do advise you order the whole month at one time and once you have placed the order for the full month, you do not need to order again until next month.
If you are ordering weekly, please note the cut off dates for each week mentioned below.
For November first, order by October 20th.
For Nov 4-8, order by October 27th.
For Nov 11-16, order by November 3rd.
For Nov 18-21, order by November 10th.
Click HERE to sign-up for meals.
Middle School Sculpture Elective: Dragon Eyes
FANTASY UNIT: DRAGON EYES
Middle School Sculpture students used their imagination to create large scale dragon eyes out of paper mache and wrote a short story about their fantastical dragons. Students were encouraged to describe the world in which their dragons live. Are they in a mythical forest, a hidden kingdom? Is there magic? Is their dragon a hero or a villain?
ENVISION AND CRITIQUE TO REFLECT
Artists think with intention and purpose about what they want to express and evaluate the effectiveness of what they are making during the creative process. The interplay of ideas, materials, and skills makes art challenging and rewarding. The standard recognizes that the intention of the maker and the interpretation of the viewer are both valid as part of the work of art. Learning experiences may include preparatory sketches, personal reflection while working, group critique, inquiry, writing personal philosophies and artist's statement, and analysis of interpretation of historical and contemporary artwork and ideas.
Fall Parties: October 31st
Fall Celebration
On Thursday, October 31st students can wear costumes to school.
All costumes must be Rated "G", meet dress code requirements, be school appropriate, and follow the guidelines below.
No face masks, hats, weapons, or depictions of scary characters or violence
Face paint must still allow staff to easily identify the person
No blood, gore, or things that could frighten our youngest scholars
No inflatable costumes
Students must be able to sit easily at their desk and do schoolwork
We will have a regular school day until 2:30 when class celebrations begin. Please keep this in mind, as costumes could get soiled or damaged during the school day activities. Classroom celebrations will start at 2:30. For space reasons and to support students for whom noise, crowds and activity can be overwhelming, we ask that classroom volunteers be limited to 2 people. If teachers need volunteers or items for the party they will send out a Sign-up Genius.
Advanced Learning Plan Goals
If your student is on an Advanced Learning Plan, their goals are available for you to review via Student Insights.
Click this Student Insights link and you will be taken to the family portal.
The username and password are the same as all other Jeffco Systems which you use.
If you need support with Student Insights login information, click here.
Once you are logged into the Student Insights portal, click on the tab that says “ALP” to review your student's goals.
Your support of your student in achieving their goals is welcomed. Elementary families, please reach out to your child's teacher if you have questions about their goals. For middle school families, please discuss your child's goals with them first, and then reach out to your child's homeroom teacher if needed.
Explorations Supplies Needed
Exploration classes are underway and students are ready to begin their creations. Please take a look at items needed on this sign-up genius and help out if you are able. Mark your calendar for December 13 when the Explorations Expo will take place. More info to come!
Order School Pictures!
There is still time to order your child's school picture. Flyers with their picture on it went home a few weeks ago. The flyer has the details on how to order your child's picture.
We are using a different company this year, we hope you like the pictures and the ordering process.
If your proof did not make it home then you can see their picture in Infinite Campus or you can call Van Gogh and they can email you the link to purchase pictures. 303-679-9003 Picture Flyer
Book Character Pumpkin Contest at Excel Academy
Flyers explaining the Book Character Pumpkin Contest went home with middle school students and in elementary Friday Folders on October 11th. Here are the highlights:
1. Using a craft pumpkin (no real pumpkins) decorate it to look like a book character using paints, markers, paper mache, etc.
2. Complete the Contest Entry Form that is at the bottom of the Contest Sheet, which includes: Book Character Name, Book Title, Book Author, Student Name, Teacher Name, Grade
3. Pumpkin and Entry form need to be submitted to Mrs. Black or Mr. S in the Library on Monday, October 28th anytime between 7:45 and 3:45.
4. Teachers will be sent a voting link for their grade so students can vote on Wednesday, October 30th.
5. Winners for each grade level will be announced on Thursday, October 31st. Winners will come to the Library and see Mrs. Black or Mr. S to pick up their $20 Book Fair Gift Certificate.
All pumpkins need to be picked up by 3:45 p.m. on October 31st. Those not picked up will be disposed of.
If you have any questions about the Book Character Pumpkin Contest, please reach out to Mrs. Black at jblack@excel-academy.org. Thanks so much!
Kindergarten - 1st grade Music Performance
SAVE THE DATE
Kindergarten - 1st grade Music Program is Thursday, November 7th at 6:00 p.m.
- Students will report to homeroom teacher between 5:45 and 5:55
- Doors to the gym will open at 5:40
- Students will be picked up outside their classroom door after the program. Please wait to leave the gym until the students have left.
- I am asking students to dress up in nice fall/winter clothes. Dresses, skirts, jackets, ties, vests, and sweaters, button-up shirts would all be appropriate.
- Please use good audience etiquette while enjoying the program.
- Siblings need to sit with parents at all times.
- Do not leave during a number; wait until in between songs if you have an emergency.
- Turn off all pagers and phones while in the gym as to not interrupt the wifi connection.
- I love pictures and videos too, but please be thoughtful of those around you.
- And most importantly enjoy the program and clap loudly for your awesome performers.
Many students will be assigned parts. Those parts will go home in Friday folders next week. If your child is assigned a speaking part, please assist them in having it memorized by the time we get back from fall break.
I need a couple of parents to decorate for the program, and a parent to design the program cover. Please e-mail Lori.Boyd@jeffco.k12.co.us if you would be willing to help.
Music Share Day: All Kindergarten -5th Grade
Announcing Share Day in music classes K-5: Each student will be asked to share an interest, passion or talent they have with their classmates during music class. (See schedule below) This performance is not for parents however you may want to practice with them so they are prepared to share. Students can talk about, do, or show something that is unique or important to them. Acts should not last more than 2 minutes to allow time for each student to share. Please support your child in being prepared for their special day.
Some acts I have seen in the past include magic, cup-stacking, bouncing a ball, gymnastics, dancing, karate, singing, reciting a poem, skits etc. We will also discuss and practice appropriate audience behavior. Students will be graded on their preparedness and supportive, respectful audience behavior. The expectation is that each child will share. Share Day allows each child the opportunity to practice presenting and practice supportive, appropriate audience behavior.
Schedule
Tuesday, October 29th: DEXTER
Wednesday, October 30th: KOMLOSKI
I look forward to sharing this special day with your amazing children. - Mrs. Boyd
Veterans Day Celebration, Monday, November 11
Excel Academy invites you and your veteran family member, friend, or neighbor to our Veterans Day Celebration being held on Monday, November 11 from 8:30 - 9:30 AM. We would like to honor veterans and their family members on this day. Please join us for a tour of the school, light refreshments in the cafeteria, and an optional visit as a guest speaker in the classroom. All visitors, please bring your driver's license or state issued ID and check-in at the front office for a visitor's badge. Only students who have invited a guest, will be excused from class. Your RSVP here by Wednesday, November 6 is much appreciated. Thank you.
SOAR Winners
Congratulations to this week's SOAR drawing winners!
Self-Discipline
Outstanding Effort
Acceptance of Others
Resilience
Kinder- Louisa P, 1st- Lia K, 2nd- Norah M, 3rd - Jacob M, 4th- Rowen Q, 5th- Elizabeth K,
6th- Matthew K, 7th- Chris , 8th- Aaliyah O
Mrs. Adam's Kindergarten class
How to Help Children Build Resilience
Resilience is a research-backed skillset that can help kids of all ages work through the challenges of life. But how do you teach resilience, and what does it look like in children? In this article, our partners at Children’s Hospital Colorado share expert tips for cultivating resilience, understanding its importance, and preparing kids for the road ahead.
PTO SUPPORT OF OUR COMMUNITY
Join Us: Restaurant Night at McDonalds on Tuesday October 29th: 4-7 pm
McTeacher ’s Night! Please join us for a fun restaurant night at McDonald’s Digital Order. 40% OF ALL DIGITAL ORDER SALES GO TO SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL! **All orders must be placed via the McDonald’s App, Lobby Kiosks, or McDelivery ONLY!!** Click HERE for details.
Winter Carnival: Saturday December 7th
Save the date for our annual Winter Carnival!
Excel Academy Charter School
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Support our Middle School Entrepreneurs .
Holiday Arts & Crafts and so much more!
More info is coming soon! FLYER
Join: The Excel Outreach Committee
Are you looking for more volunteer opportunities but just don't have the time to commit? The PTO's Outreach Committee is in need of some new members! Joining the Committee is a great way to help fellow Excel Academy teachers, students, and families in a time of need. We assist with rides, meals, gift cards, etc. when an Eagle family has a life altering event. As a Committee member you can expect to be emailed as specific needs arise and that's it! You can decide if you are able to help. Click HERE to sign -up. Thank you
*Please reach out if your family would benefit from our care. Email Tara Schirner at exceloutreachcommittee@gmail.com
**I (Tara) am discreet in my communications and respect the confidentiality of the families we support.
As a reminder time and money counts towards your volunteer hours!
Fundraise for Excel PTO While Shopping!
When you order gift cards through RaiseRight, retailers send a percentage of your spending to the Excel PTO. Here's how it works:
- BUY A GIFT CARD (traditional sent via postal mail or electronic available immediately): Let’s say you buy a $100 Gap eGift card from RaiseRight with 14% earnings. Pay with your bank account, debit card, or credit card.
- USE IT: Your $100 eGift card is delivered to your online RaiseRight Wallet instantly, ready to use online or in store or save for later.
- EARN AUTOMATICALLY: With a 14% rebate, you automatically earn $14 for your fundraising account. Way to go!
- THANKS, GAP! Your earnings come from the brand, so no
extra money comes out of your pocket.
One super easy way to use RaiseRight eGift cards is during online shopping. Fill your cart, determine the total, then go to the RaiseRight website to purchase an eGift card in the amount needed, check your RaisRight wallet, and redeem as payment in your retail shopping cart.
PTO Links
Track it Forward Volunteer Opportunities & Hours Tracking Site
RaiseRight online gift card fundraising site
ENGAGING OPPORTUNITIES
Join Us: The Little Mermaid
Mrs. Boyd and Rising Star Performing Arts Academy Presents: The Little Mermaid!
Wednesday, November 20th at 6:00 pm at Excel Academy
Suggested Donation of $5.00 Per Seat. FLYER
Super Science Saturday
Super Science Saturday returns
to the NSF NCAR Mesa Lab!
WHEN: Saturday, November 2, 2024, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm MT
WHERE: NSF NCAR Mesa Lab, 1850 Table Mesa Dr., Boulder, CO
Super Science Saturday is a public science celebration that draws thousands of excited and curious people of all ages to the NSF NCAR Mesa Lab to explore science. The theme for this year's event is The Science Quest with a focus on adventuring and exploration.
2nd Saturdays at CSU Spur
2nd Saturdays at CSU Spur (held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) are free and open to the public for lots of family-friendly programming, including cooking activities in the CSU Spur kitchen, opportunities to watch veterinarians perform surgery on dogs and cats, see horses assisting with human therapies, engage with scientists at work, and play in a kid’s kitchen and kid’s vet clinic – allowing kids to become a veterinarian for the day and fix up stuffed animals.
Upcoming Themes:
- Nov. 9: Made in Colorado
- Dec. 14: Give Back Day
Check out the CSU Spur Flyer Here
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Keystone Science School Girls In STEM
Who? Girls in 4th - 8th grade
What? Girls in STEM Water Wonders & Careers in Water
When? October 18th - 20th
Click HERE for more information.
TRICK OR TREAT STREET
TRICK OR TREAT STREET at Ralston Valley High School 13355 W. 80th Ave. Use Entrance South East Entrance by the Math Doors Monday October 28th 5:25 - 7 P.M
Admission: One canned food or personal care item for the Arvada Community Table OR Cash Donation for RV NHS Hallway Theme: Eras of Time Carnival Games in the Cafeteria
Helpful Links & Resources
Order Breakfast or Lunch: (due a week before the week of meals)
Excel Academy Standards-Based Grading Scale
Infinite Campus Parent Portal (Check grades, missing assignments, attendance, pay fees)Infinite Campus Parent Directions
Jeffco Student Insights (CMAS, ACCESS, MAP, DIBELS, READ Plan, ALP Goals, etc.)
Log Volunteer Hours and sign-up for volunteer opportunities
2024-25 Excel Academy School Year Calendar
Ideas for thanking a staff member: Treats and Deets
Excel Academy K-8 Charter School
Email: Julie.Smith@jeffco.k12.co.us
Website: https://excel-academy.jeffcopublicschools.org/
Location: 11500 West 84th Avenue, Arvada, CO, USA
Phone: 303-467-2295
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExcelAcademyK8