News You Can Use
Week Ending November 2nd, 2024
Week at a Glance
Saturday, November 2, 2024
- Sports
- Boys Volleyball A, B & C Quarters/Semis @ Mosley, Quest, Rangeview- 8:00 AM
- Girls Soccer A&B Quarters/Semis @ Vista Peak 8:00 AM
- Wrestling - Hinkley, Central, Gateway @ Hinkley 8:00 AM
Monday, November 4, 2024 - B Day
- Clubs
- Elementary Music Club - 4th & 5th, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
- K-3 Art Club 2:30-4:00 pm
- Events
- Scholastic Book Fair 1:00-3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 - A Day
- Clubs
- Girls on the Run 2:30-4:00pm
- Quest for Oceans 2:30-3:30pm
- Reading Club 2:30-3:30pm
- Science Matters (Slime Time)- 2:35-3:35pm
- Events
- Scholastic Book Fair 7:30-11:00 a.m. 12:00-12:30 p.m. 2:30-5:00 p.m.
- Odyssey of the Mind - Family Event 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 - B Day
- Clubs
- Painting Club 2:30-3:30pm
- Music Studio Club (Gr. 6th-8th) 2:30-3:30pm
Thursday, November 7, 2024 - A Day
- Clubs
- Robotics 2:30-4:30 pm I-pod
- Girls on the Run 2:30-4:00 pm
- Tae Kwon Do 2:30-3:45pm in Music Room
- Events
- Kindergarten - 5th Grade Parent-Teacher Conferences 3:15-7:15 PM
- Scholastic Book Fair 7:30-11:00 a.m. 12:00-2:30 p.m. 2:30-5:00 p.m.
- Gifted Parent Discussion Group 7:30 a.m. & 4:30 p.m.
Friday, November 8, 2024
- Clubs
- Music Studio Club 6th through 8th Grade
- Events
- Scholastic Book Fair 7:30-9:30 am.
- Middle School Dance 2:30-4:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 9, 2024
- Sports
- Boys Volleyball A, B, & C Championships @ Gateway High School 8:00 AM
- Girls Soccer A, B & C Championships @ APS Stadium 8:00 AM
- Wrestling - City Championship @ Vista Peak 8:00 AM
Upcoming Events
11/12 - Hearing and Vision Screening
11/12 - Girls Soccer & Boys Volleyball Pictures 2:45
11/12 - Boys Volleyball Banquet 5:00-6:30 pm
11/12 - PTA Meeting 6:00-7:00 PM
11/13 - 5th Grade field trip to Colorado Symphony Orchestra 9:30am-1:30pm
11/14 - Gifted Parents Discussion Group 7:30 a.m. & 4:30
11/14 - GlowMundo Dialogues - 5:00-6:15 p.m. Room 130
11/14 - Girls Soccer Banquet 5:00-6:30pm
11/14 - Prospective Students at Quest Night 6pm
11/20 - Middle School Parent Teacher Conf. 3:15-7:15 PM
11/21 - Fathers/Male Guardians Coffee Club 8:00am
11/27-11/29 - Thanksgiving Break
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR COMING SOON!
Quest Friends and Families!!! The Book Fair is coming next week!
Where: Aurora Quest Media Center
When: November 4th-8th
*Tentative* Hours for Book Fair
- Monday - 1-3:30
- Tuesday - 7:30-11, 12-3:00
- Thursday - 7:30-11, 12-2:30, 2:30-5:00
- Friday - 7:30-9:30
*Tentative schedule based on volunteers available.
Please check out our digital school page and eWallet options for purchases:
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/auroraquestk8
Families: We need your help! Click here to volunteer to work at the book fair!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F48AFAE2CA5FE3-51703647-book
National Junior Honor Society Food Drive
National Junior Honor Society Food Drive
Each year, Aurora Quest NJHS organizes a Thanksgiving food drive to donate to those who may not have enough to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner.
Each grade is being asked to donate various items:
- K & 1st grade - Cranberry Sauce and Apple Cider Mix
- 2nd and 3rd grade - Boxed Stuffing
- 4th and 5th grade - Mashed potatoes and gravy (cans or packets)
- Middle school - Canned vegetables.
The food drive will run November 4 until November 21st. If you want to donate a turkey, please bring those in November 19-November 21st.
Now, the fun part! The grade that brings in the most food for the drive will receive a donut party ! Thanks in advance for all your contributions, let’s do this!
School Reminders
Tardies - To Excuse or Not Excuse
We have had quite a few students arrive after the second bell rings at 7:45 a.m.
Just a reminder that students must be in their classroom seated and ready to learn at 7:45 a.m.
Any student not present in time to enter the building with his/her class shall be considered tardy.
Excused tardies consist of the following circumstances:
- Illness
- Doctor appointment
- Family emergency
**We cannout excuse a tardy because you are running late and calling in but we may make a note of it to show you are communicating with us. (Which we appreciate very much!) 😊
If a pattern of tardiness develops, an Aurora Quest staff member will contact the parent to develop an attendance plan to minimize future tardies.
Before School Entrance
Students must enter the school through the playground doors to go to breakfast which begins at 7:20 a.m. We will be going back to this practice in order to limit the traffic coming in and out of the school's front entrance doors.
From 7:20 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. the doors leading to the corridor will be locked so students must go around to the playground to enter for breakfast.
Only students accompanied by their parents will be allowed to enter the school before 7:45 a.m.
During inclement weather, students will be allowed to enter through door #2 beginning at 7:20 a.m. (This door can be found to the left of the front entrance.
No Parking in the Kiss-n-Go Drop Off/Pick Up Lane
We have had a few issues with families parking their car in the kiss-n-go lane to pick up a student and sometimes to drop off a student. This is not an area for parking. Please park in the parking lot to avoid accidents and unpleasant feelings from other parents following kiss-n-go procedures. You should not be stopped in this lane for more than 2 minutes - Especially during the peak drop off and pick up times.
Thank you!
KINDERGARTEN through 5TH GRADE ONLY
Parent Teacher Conferences will take place on the following days
November 7th, 2024
3:15-7:15 p.m.
Click on the tab to schedule 👉
Odyssey of the Mind Exploration Family Night - November 5th 5:00-6:00 pm
Families, we are excited to introduce a new extra-curricular program at Quest! Odyssey of the Mind builds creative problem solving through a team challenge. Teams will then compete at the regional tournament by showcasing their solution to the problem they pick to solve. We are hosting an informational session on November 5th from 5-6pm. Odyssey of the Mind will run the event and be here to answer any questions. We will need parent coaches to make this happen! Please come to learn more about it! Attached is an informational flyer. You can also learn more here: https://www.coloradoodyssey.org/.
Colorado Odyssey of the Mind, 40+ years of combining STEM with the Creative Arts!
Odyssey of the Mind is an extra-curricular school activity centered on creative problem solving that is modeled after interscholastic sports. Odyssey of the Mind’s creative competitions achieve the excitement of athletic competition utilizing fun-filled and often-clever mental gymnastics. Teams match wits and abilities at local, state, and world competitions. At the meeting we will:
● Explore the Odyssey of the Mind (OM) program and its benefits for our students.
● Show you examples of typical OM problems. Bring your students so they can see how fun OM is! ● Review important dates, costs and time commitment.
● Give you insight on what coaching a team looks like and the resources available to help.
● Answer any questions you might have.
● Help you network to start organizing teams and identify coaches. Odyssey of the Mind is an all-volunteer organization. As such, the number of teams we have is only limited by the number of parent volunteers we have to coach. Join us at the meeting to find out more about coaching and the resources available.
For more information, check out coloradoodyssey.org and follow on Facebook @coloradoodyssey
Greta Barker
Odyssey of the Mind Building Coordinator
Aurora Quest
From Mr. Patel - Quest's Art Teacher
For Kindergarten through 5th Grade Only
Hello Family,
Coming home to you soon is your child's custom catalog for the Square 1 Art fundraiser catalog - featuring their own name and art on the cover, WITH FREE STICKERS OF THEIR ART!
Get a head start, and start ordering keepsakes and gifts featuring your child's art online NOW, if you like! Simply search for your child's art using Art Search, and enter state, school name, and your student's name. Your student's art and code will appear, and you may order! NEW - *Ship to Home FREE. (*Customer pays a small processing fee at checkout and order ships to home.)
Order by: 11/20/2024
Upload additional art if you like, using Art Upload!
If you have questions, or need anything at all, contact customer care online .
Thank you for supporting our school!
Ameet Patel
Square 1 Art fundraiser coordinator
Quest, Aurora School
Student Swag is Here!
The Student Council has some new Quest Swag and we can't wait to share it with you! We're back at our fundraising!
Items and Prices:
Quest Sports Bag - $8
Hoodie - $30
T-shirt - $15
Purchases can be made before and after school at the table outside the cafeteria. We will also have these for sale during our book fair, Nov 4-8.
Our purpose/goal:
Student Council raises funds through selling school spirit wear, donations, and other events. Our goal is to raise funds to allow us to purchase new items for our students, items for our character store, have free community events, and also continue our community and global outreach. With your help, I know we can meet each of these goals! Thank you for your continued support.
K-5 News You Can Use
This week in Mrs. Pock’s kinder’ classroom, students reviewed last week’s book read aloud, The Giving Tree. Students discussed in greater detail themes in the book related to empathy and altruism. “Do you think the boy in the story is selfish? Why or why not?” “Why do you think the tree is not happy after giving the boy her trunk?” “Can you be angry with someone and love them at the same time?” Research shows that understanding and practicing empathy leads to strong peer relationships and improved communication. As we say in class, being empathic is a friendship making superpower.
After our lesson review, students discussed the behavior of interrupting others. The class defined the behavior, discussed why people often interrupt one another, discussed how the behavior impacts others, and finally, we discussed suggestions for replacing the behavior with a more socially acceptable behavior.
This week in Mrs. Morris’ kinder’ classroom, we read the book, Verdi. This book is about a young python who does not want to grow up and become like the older pythons whom Verdi considers unadventurous and rude. This book has themes related to self-acceptance and growing up. And for our kinder’ wildlife enthusiasts, the book includes zoological details about pythons and snakes in general.
In first, second, fourth, and fifth grade classrooms, students have been completing their APS Individual Career and Academic Plans (ICAP) lesson. In older grade levels, ICAP lessons focus on exploring career interests, and eventually exploring prospective colleges and universities. The elementary ICAP lesson focuses on goal setting. Students discuss terms such as goal, determination, perseverance, and roadblocks as they relate to goal setting. Students are exposed to the acronym, SMART goal. We then look at a variety of example goals. Students work together to identify whether the listed goals are well or poorly written. Is the goal relevant and attainable? Is the goal too broad, or is it specific? Does the goal have a time stamp; that is, the goal will be accomplished by when?
Ms. Davenport’s fifth grade class had an SEL lesson focused on a specific type of executive functioning skills - emotional regulation. Concepts discussed included reading the room, reentering the classroom without disturbing others, impulse control, empathy, and work-partner skills and expectations. Ahead of the lesson, students participated in a fun high energy game called, Peek-A-Who. This is a name game challenging students to race to name their classmates. We discussed how knowing and using names enhances our community and demonstrates respect.
Thanksgiving Meal Help Available
Attention Quest Families: If your family could use some help with a Thanksgiving meal this holiday, Quest would love to provide you with a free Turkey and all the trimmings! We are thankful to have you as part of our community, and would love to help in any way that we can. Please reach out to Shauna Veen, snveen@aurorak12.org (Middle School Counselor) by November 21st, 2024, to let us know if you could use some help this Holiday.
Veterans Day at Aurora Quest November 2024
Help Quest Honor Our Veterans
It has been a tradition at Aurora Quest K-8 to honor and thank all the Veterans, past and present, that are part of our Quest Community. On behalf of our entire staff, we say Thank You for your service, sacrifice and commitment to the country, especially when it has taken you away from your own family. As part of that tradition, we would like to receive a picture of a Veteran that you would like to share with us and that will be added to our wall, honoring those family members who have served our nation.
You can send your picture electronically to Ms. Ann Green (aegreen@aurorak12.org), or Mr. John Adams (jadams@aurorak12.org). Please, add the name, rank, of the Veteran as well as the time they served, and in what part of our Defense Forces they have served. Also, the relationship that the Veteran has with the student or staff member at Aurora Quest K-8. Your pictures will be on display during the month of November.
Thank you
Thank You to Our Amazing Volunteers!
Everyday I am amazed at how wonderful the Quest Community is when it comes to donating their time. Not only are you helping the teacher, the office staff, Administrators, paraeducators but you are also helping your child! Children learn from observing their environment and how adults behave around them. Thank you:
Lacey Abdel, Crystal Annan, Jillian Berchek, Nicholas Brown, Coourtney Caruso, Katherine Collier, Kerry Cook, Beth Faisst, Fank Faisst, Azaleck Gebre, Muluye Gebremeskel, Pedro Gonzalez, Qinyan Guo, Susana Hernandez, Lara Hong, Julie Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Anteneh Legesse, Harvey Matthews, Ryan Mccahan, Vickie Mestas, Maleeha Nawas, Amanda Pampuro, Christena Pastoor, Krista Pfeifer, Valerie Schowinsky, Heather Shear, Linda Skelley, Nathan Sumner, Andrew Williams, Amber Wright, Sarah Xiong, Imelda Yanez ~
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Help Feed our Teachers
On November 7th the Kindergarten through 5th grade teachers will be staying for conferences. It will be a long night and they could use a nice meal.
We need families to help bring in dishes on these days. Please use the link below to sign up.
Calling ALL Carpenters!
Mr. Nickell has moved classrooms! The advantage is that his new room is closer to the media center and computer lab. The only downfall is he doesn't have the cubbies for student storage.
This is where you handymen and women come in. We are looking for volunteers who can carefully take down the cubbies in room 216. We will take it from there. If this is something you can do and are willing to donate your time and talent then please reach out to our Family Liaison, John Adams and you can set up a date and time to come in and make Mr. Nickell a happy tech teacher.
Save your child's teeth! Donate your candy to Quest!
With Halloween over, if you would like to get rid of some of candy, feel free to send it to us. Mrs. Cornella is collecting donated candy to help our teachers get through meetings and tougher than normal days. We may even use it as an incentive for Middle School Math students!
🥨🍓🍎News from the Nurse on Snacks! 🍇🍏🍌
I have had some questions about healthy snack options so this week I am sending some ideas for
snacks. When a child comes to the clinic with a headache or stomachache one of the first things I
ask is if they ate breakfast (or lunch if it is after lunch) and if so-what did they eat? Sometimes I
hear nothing or cereal, pancakes, or a muffin for breakfast or chips and a cookie for lunch with
nothing to drink. Eating simple carbohydrates causes the blood sugar to rise quickly and then to
drop just as fast. The drop can cause headaches, jittery and anxious feelings, irritation, and being
“hangry”. I talk to the children about adding a protein to their meal-a cheese stick or peanut
butter toast as example. The same outcome happens after a snack of simple carbohydrates such
as cookies and a drink box (as example juice, Capri Sun, sports drinks, or energy drinks), chips
of any kind, dried fruit rolls or fruit leather, Pop-tarts). Here are some ideas for healthy snacks
for persons of all ages.
o Tortilla roll-ups or wraps take a tortilla (corn is best but flour is fine) with turkey/ham/chicken, bit of cheese, low-fat dressing or low-fat yogurt. Or spread a tortilla with low-fat dressing or some smashed avocado, thin sliced meat or cheese, some thin slices of cucumber for crunch. Roll, cut in half and eat or slice in circles.
o A sandwich cut in triangles, squares, shapes made from a nut butter, low or no sugar jelly or meat and cheese.
o A cheese stick and multi-grain crackers. A little cup of peanut butter and multi-grain crackers.
o A low-sugar yogurt with low-sugar granola to mix and cheese cubes or a cheese stick.
o A little container of hummus and carrots, celery, multi-grain crackers.
o Mix fresh fruit with cheese cubes or a cheese stick.
o Raisins, dried cranberries, and cheese cubes or a cheese stick.
o A little container of guacamole and bell pepper or carrot sticks.
o A little container of cottage cheese with fruit. Apple slices and peanut butter.
o Leftover biscuits with peanut butter.
o No sugar added applesauce and cheese cubes or a cheese stick.
o A little square of dark chocolate and almonds or walnuts.
o Air popped popcorn with a sprinkle of salt or spicy seasoning with a cheese stick.
o A small colorful bell pepper stuffed with hummus. Add carrots to dip.
o Apple slices and peanut butter.
Do a google search for the Gross Goodies and Gross Grub cookbooks. Fun ideas for cooking
with your children. Recipes include Cat Litter Casserole (a favorite of my children), Ear Wax on
a Stick, and Hair Ball Salad. Enjoy!
Please remind your children not to share or borrow food to prevent an exposure to an allergy.
Enjoy!
For questions or more information please contact me.
Susan Golden MSN RN
303-326-1537
Dates to be on the lookout for:
~11/7 are feed the teachers dates
~Next PTA meeting is 11/12 from 6-7
~Winter Fest 12/13
Winter Fest
PTA will be hosting a silent auction and would LOVE to support and feature our local
community. If you own a small business or know someone that does and would be
interested in donating please pass along the info so we can show the necessary tax ID info
Phoenix Feathers:
This year we have decided to create a golden feather to celebrate our teachers and staff. If
you or your student would like to buy a feather for a staff member they will be $5 and can be
purchased at any event we are at as well as on the school website under PTA. Yearly our
PTA spends a starting average of $60 per student to provide all or part of your signature
learning experiences at Quest. This includes fieldtrips, student enrichment, and
transportation to name a few. By purchasing a feather for $60 you help chip away at our BIG
goal.
We Have A Facebook Group!
Wondering what is going on? Curious about upcoming events? Wanting to volunteer during
fundraisers but not sure how? This is your one stop shop for how to support the school,
fundraisers and overall school community. Please be sure to answer the questions when
you ask to join. It's a way that we ensure that our Quest information stays within our
community.
www.facebook.com/groups/1743613152521317/
King Soopers Rewards: (EASIEST way to passively fundraise)
Last quarter we earned $1563.70 with only 181 households participating. EVERY sign up
counts!!!! We have 575 students enrolled, lets get that number UP!
Help our school by buying your groceries! This is the easiest fundraiser and takes less than
10 minutes to set up so sign up if you haven't already.
Go to: www.kingsooperscommunityrewards.com
Click on Enroll Now.
Sign in to your account.
Click on Community Rewards
Enter Aurora Quest K8 PTA or “BX352”
Shop as usual using your rewards card or alternate ID.
***Be on the lookout for more passive opportunities in the future!***
PTA Meeting:
Our next meeting dates are:
- November 12, 2024
- December 10, 2024
- January 14, 2025
- February 11, 2025
- March 18, 2025
- April 8, 2025
- May 13, 2025
from 6-7pm in the Library. We welcome all parents and support parents to join us! If you are interested in voting rights for decisions that affect how we support the school, membership is $10 with that going to state dues. You can become a member on the school website under the PTA tab or at any meeting or event we are hosting.
We would love our teachers to be a part of our meetings and as a thank you for their time
we are doing something new by having parents sponsor a teacher by paying their dues. As
the dues goes to the state, we can’t waive it but if you’re interested in sponsoring a teachers
membership please reach out.
A HUGE thank you to all parents and families for all you do to support, grow, and create our
community!
2024/2025 Aurora Quest K8 PTA Board
Dre Sneddon, President
Nidhi Kotecha, Vice President
Angelica Upton, Secretary
Susan Milo, Treasurer
PTA Meeting: