CFL's October Family Newsletter
October 2nd, 2023
This newsletter can be automatically translated into 108 different languages. If you open this newsletter on your phone, look for the "Accessibility Icon" for language options. To translate from a laptop or computer, please watch this short informational video in English or in Spanish:
How to translate Smore Newsletters (English) or Cómo traducir boletines informativos de Smore (Spanish)
A Note from Mrs. Frees
Dear CFL Families,
As we are nearing the end of the first quarter, we have accomplished quite a bit with our students already! Each classroom that I walk into, I hear student conversations and language that impresses me. Teachers are personalizing math and reading skills to ensure students have a deeper understanding. Remember to check Tuesday Folders for important communication that will be happening at CFL. Remember to return your child's folder the next day in the backpack.
Thank you to all the families that joined us for our Scavenger Hunt last Friday. We had over 150 people attend, prepresenting 51 families. Way to go!
23/24 CFL Priorities:
Improve CFL’s Attendance
Increase student proficiency in Reading
Our rate of chronic absenteeism in 22/23 at CFL was 51%. I know we can do better! Regular attendance for our CFL children is of paramount importance as it lays the foundation for their academic, social, and emotional development. Elementary school is where children acquire essential skills in subjects like reading, writing, and mathematics, which serve as building blocks for their future education. At CFL we provide the environment for kids to develop social skills, build friendships, and learn to work with peers. Consistent attendance establishes routines, promotes time management skills, and helps children feel a sense of belonging within our school community. It also allows students to build relationships with their teachers, seek help when needed, and receive personalized support to overcome challenges. By attending school regularly, children are more likely to avoid achievement gaps and are better prepared for future academic success, ultimately contributing to their long-term well-being and societal progress.
As this is a top priority, Garfield 16 has created a process to work together with families. Families will receive attendance letters on day 3, 7 and 10. Families will receive a call from CFL to schedule an attendance meeting to work together to create a plan to support getting to school. After 10 absences families will receive another call to set up a meeting with Mrs. Frees to discuss next steps and possible consequences. Our ultimate goal is to work together and message the importance of being at school!
Truancy: Truancy is defined as an unexcused absence. The rate is calculated by dividing the reported Total Student Days Unexcused Absences by the Total Student Days Possible.
Habitually Truant (Student Count): A student is counted as habitually truant if the student has 4 excused absences in one month and/or 10 unexcused absences in one school year.
Chronically Absent: A student absent 10% or more of the days enrolled during the school year is chronically absent. All absences are included -- unexcused and excused. The rate is the percentage of students enrolled who are chronically absent.
Let’s work together to get our students to school!
With Gratitude,
Kim Frees
K-1 Grading Update
This year at BUE/CFL we have updated our grading practices. The purpose of this update was to be able to better inform parents of their students' progress. Some of the advantages of using a more traditional grading system include the following:
**Communication**: Letter grades provide a clear and standardized way to communicate a student's performance to parents, guardians, and the students themselves. It helps everyone understand how well a student is doing in a particular subject.
**Motivation**: Grades can serve as a source of motivation for students. When they see their progress reflected in their grades, they are more likely to be motivated to continue working hard and improving.
**Accountability**: Grading holds both students and educators accountable. It helps teachers assess whether their teaching methods are effective and whether students are grasping the material. Students, in turn, are held accountable for their effort and participation in the learning process.
**Feedback**: Letter grades often come with detailed feedback on assignments and assessments. This feedback provides valuable information to students on their strengths and areas where improvement is needed, helping them grow academically.
**Parental Involvement**: Grading systems encourage parents and guardians to stay engaged in their child's education. It allows them to monitor their child's progress and offer support when needed.
Grading by letters is a common practice in education 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 a the G16 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 further questions or would like to discuss this topic in more detail, please feel free to reach out. Your involvement and understanding of the grading system are valuable in supporting your child's educational journey.
October 6th~ Early Release for Homecoming Parade!
Just a reminder that on October 6th CFL will have an early release day. Students will be released at 11:30. Please make sure to mark this on your calendars.
Students will be fed before they leave for school. The Parade starts at 3:00pm. We would love to see you all there! Our CFL ambassadors will be representing CFL along with all the staff!
Cardinal Before and After School Care
The Weather is Getting Colder!
Our Colorado weather can change on a moment’s notice, and students need to be prepared for the changes. At CFL , our policy states that students will be sent outside for recess each day unless:
1. The outside temperature and/or wind chill is below 0
2. It is pouring rain.
3. An emergency is called by the Weather Service.
Recesses throughout the day last between 20-25. 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.
🌟 Dear Wonderful Preschool Families, 🌟
🌟 Dear Wonderful Preschool Families, 🌟
We hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the changing seasons! As autumn sets in and the weather begins to cool down, we want to share some important reminders to ensure your child's comfort and well-being during their time at Center of Family Learning.
Appropriate Outerwear:
With the arrival of colder weather, please make sure to dress your child appropriately for outdoor play. Here are a few tips:
Jackets or Coats: Please send your child to school with a warm jacket or coat.
Comfortable Footwear: Ensure that your child wears comfortable, closed-toe shoes or boots that are suitable for running and playing on potentially damp surfaces.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Fresh Water Bottles:
We encourage all families to send their child to school with a reusable water bottle filled with fresh water.. Please note that we kindly ask you not to send plastic water bottles. Instead, opt for reusable options that reduce waste and benefit the environment.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
As we navigate through the school year, the health and well-being of your children, our little learners, remain our top priority. We want to take a moment to share important guidelines provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment regarding when to send your child to school and when it's best to keep them at home during illness.
When to Send Your Child to School:
General Well-being: If your child is feeling well, with no symptoms of illness, it is appropriate to send them to school. We encourage regular attendance to ensure their continued growth and learning.
Minor Symptoms: If your child is experiencing mild symptoms such as a runny nose, occasional cough, or mild congestion, they can still attend school. However, please monitor their health and be prepared to pick them up if symptoms worsen.
When to Keep Your Child at Home:
Fever: If your child has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, please keep them home. Your child should remain fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to school.
Respiratory Symptoms:If your child is experiencing significant coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing, it's best to keep them home until symptoms improve.
Digestive Symptoms: If your child has vomiting or diarrhea, it's important to keep them home until they have not experienced these symptoms for at least 24 hours.
Contagious Illness: If your child has been diagnosed with a contagious illness (e.g., strep throat, flu, COVID-19), please follow the specific guidelines provided by their healthcare provider and local health authorities. Keep your child at home until they are no longer contagious.
Communication is Key:
We kindly request that you inform our front office staff if your child is sick and will be absent from school. We understand that these guidelines can sometimes be challenging, especially for working parents, but they are essential to maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for all children and staff.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work together to prioritize the health and well-being of our Center of Family Learning community. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out to our school office or your child's teacher.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood is telling us that families LOVED the matching process and the new process for registering for UPK. We NEED you to tell us about your experience. The Early Childhood Education Association of Colorado provides statewide advocacy for early childhood programs and families statewide. We are hearing through programs that parents are frustrated. Regardless of your experience, we need to hear from you so that we can advocate for system improvements. Please take a couple of minutes to tell us about your experience.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Our class is beginning to study trees. We’ll be observing and comparing trees to learn about what lives in them, what they’re made from, and who cares for them. We hope that this study will help children explore and appreciate nature. As we study trees, we will use literacy, math, the arts, and technology to explore the topic in depth. We will learn important social studies and scientific concepts through first hand investigations. Please visit the classroom during the study to see how we do this.
Parent Tip: Building Stronger Connections Through Play
We understand that fostering a strong bond with your child and supporting their development are top priorities for all families. One simple yet effective way to achieve this is through the power of play.
Why Play Matters:
Play is more than just fun; it's a valuable tool for learning and building meaningful connections. Here's how you can make the most of playtime with your child:
Be Present: Set aside dedicated playtime where you can focus solely on your child. Put away distractions like phones and work, and engage in their world completely.
Follow Their Lead: Allow your child to choose the activity or game. When they take the lead, they feel a sense of control and responsibility, which boosts their confidence.
Get Down to Their Level: Join your child on the floor or wherever they are playing. Being at their eye level encourages communication and collaboration.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of asking yes-or-no questions, encourage conversation by asking open-ended questions like "What do you think will happen next?" or "Why do you like this game?"
Be Playful and Imaginative: Let your inner child shine! Immerse yourself in imaginative play, whether it's creating a story, building with blocks, or pretending to be pirates on a grand adventure.
Celebrate Small Achievements: Praise your child's efforts and achievements during play, even the tiniest ones. It boosts their self-esteem and encourages a positive attitude towards learning. Stay Patient:Remember that playtime is also a time for trial and error. Be patient and supportive as your child explores, experiments, and learns through play.
Remember that the most important thing is spending quality time together. Play fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens the parent-child relationship, creating a loving and nurturing environment for your child's growth and development. We encourage you to explore the world of play with your child, embracing every moment as an opportunity for connection and learning.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child's early education. Together, we can make this school year a wonderful and enriching experience for them.
Warm regards,
Nicole Hills, Assistant Principal and Director and our Preschool Team 💕
Reading Strategies and Tips
Can you believe it’s fall already? Who doesn’t love fall? All the beautiful colors, the pumpkins, apple cider, and cool weather are all so refreshing.
I don’t know about you, but when I think of fall I think about curling up with a good book on a cool day. Sometimes in the craziness of school and work and chauffeuring kids all over we forget about the simple things. My challenge to you is to take an afternoon, or evening to curl up with a good book and your child. It doesn’t have to be a long time, even just 15 minutes can not only help you find some calm in this busy life, but it can also have benefits way beyond that for your child.
Here are just a couple of fun books you can find at your public library that you may want to share with your child.
There Was an Old Lady That Swallowed Some Leaves by: Lucille Colandro
Leaf Man by: Lois Ehlert
The Busy Little Squirrel by: Nanci Tafuri
Counseling Corner
I am excited to share that we have begun using the new curriculum during weekly SEL(social emotional lessons). It is called Incredible Years. We have been learning about listening skills, ignoring distractions and following directions. The kids are doing AWESOME! I have attached a parent communication letter that shows some of the verbage we have been using. These can be used at home as well.
I have also begun hosting weekly lunch bunch groups for both Kindergarten and 1st grade. These are held in the counseling office, and consist of 3-5 students. After they eat, the students are able to play and connect with students from other classes. The goal is to build friendships and connections with other students. The teachers have been making recommendations, but parents can as well. If you would like your child to be apart of a lunch bunch group, please email me at mhart@garfield16.net
Thank you
Morgan Hart
PE News
Hello CFL Families,
This month in physical education we will be doing a fall harvest showcase of skills in an interactive fall theme game week (October 24th-27th). The showcase will use skills previously learned in PE class. Some of those skills include; rolling, underhand throwing, overhand throwing, catching, strategy games and teamwork.
Please note that some games during this week will have a cross connection to Halloween, but the main focus is still on skills. Some of the connections include; Carved pumpkins, music, friendly ghosts/ witches, cosmic bowling and candy corn bean bags. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding our fall harvest skills showcase.
Mr. Cora
Music News
Hello Wonderful CFL Families!
We have been busy in music learning so many things like:
- Feeling the music
- Learning the difference between musical opposites
- Listening to music that represents animals!
**SAVE THE DATE**
Our first concert for CFL is quickly approaching!
On October 19th, students will showcase their musical talents by presenting a musical program!
Kindergarten will be performing "Now I Know my ABCs" at 6:00pm
1st Grade will then perform "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" at 7:00pm.
Both programs will be at CFL and more information will be sent home and shared with you as the date gets closer!
As always, please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!
970-285-5702 x2139
ELL News
🍁🍂October ELL 🍂🍁
🍁 Newsletter 🍁
Welcome Fall!
We have over a month behind us and I can see growth and excitement from your beautiful children! We are working hard on vocabulary…colors, things around the school and things we need at school and home! We have been following directions, making and reading our books and having fun with rhyming! We have also have been learning how to use and hold our ✏️ pencils, 📚 books, computers 🖥️, and other school supplies.
If you have any concerns or questions please feel free to contact me.
Melanie Kerrigan CFL-ELL
Halloween Parties will be on Tuesday October 31st!
Halloween Parties will be on Tuesday October 31st, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Classes will have classroom parties to celebrate. Kids can dress up and each teacher will send out communication about dress up expectations and how you can support them. Preschool teachers will communicate their specific times soon!
If you are planning on attending, you will need to complete a quick background check with our new Raptor System. This process may take time, so we encourage you to please stop bythe CFL office before this event with your ID so we can get you in the system. This will expedite the wait time.
As always - no blood, gore, or weapons. We are planning an outdoor costume parade. Parents are welcome to join us outside for the parade, which will be in front of the school from 2:00-2:15 p.m.