AES Community Connection 10/1/24

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Welcome October! This week is bringing plenty of sunshine, bright yellow leaves and warmer temperatures. On Friday our STAR and DIBELS assessment reports were sent home last Friday, September 27th in your child's Friday folder. I also sent an EMAIL that explains the reports. The reports themselves provide information on how to understand the scores and suggestions for supporting your child at home. Students may reference these beginning of the year assessments during 3- Way Conferences in October as they share their goals. See below for more information on 3-Way Conferences.

Thank you all for supporting this year's Fun Run! Our final numbers and pledges have not been totaled, but it looks like we have exceeded our fundraising goal. This could not have been done without the organization from our PTO, our Fun Run Sponsors, volunteers and pledges from our families, extended families and friends across the country and around the world!

This Friday, our PTO will be providing Coloradough treats and extra recess. There will be alterantives for students with allergies. We will also have a school wide pajama day.

Kindly,

Ashley Bodkins

Principal

Normal Weekday Schedule for AES:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00-3:15

Wednesdays 8:00-1:45

EVERY WEDNESDAY IS EARLY RELEASE AT 1:45!

Week of Sept 30th - swim week in all PE classes; volunteers needed!

Tuesday, October 1 - Noche Latina- information session for Spanish speaking families. 5-7PM AHS

Friday, October 4th- Fun Run reached its goal! Morning celebration- everyone wear their PJs and enjoy donuts & fruit outside! Volunteers needed for celebration- see info below!

Monday, October 14- PTO Meeting, AES Conference Room or Virtual linked HERE

Saturday, October 19 - Annual ASD Ski Swap at Aspen Middle School

Thursday/Friday, October 24 & 25 - Parent, Teacher, Student Conferences (in person only, see below)

October 28- November 1- Fall Break - NO SCHOOL for Students

October 31 - Halloween - as Halloween falls during Fall Break, we will not have our annual Halloween Parade... instead, on Friday, November 22 we will have a Thanksgiving Friendship Parade (time TBD).

Saturday, December 7 - Save the Date for the AEF Flamingo - "Best Event of the Year!"

Wednesday, December 4th-13th- Bookfair

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!

Volunteer Request for THIS FRIDAY, October 4th 7:30-8:30am to help teachers pass out donuts to all the kids & help on the playground! Please reach out to Julie Brodsky to volunteer. We are celebrating reaching our Fun Run Fundraising goal!

Friday October 4th- Everyone wear your favorite PJs!!

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 in person on Oct 24th or 25th. 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. Conferences are expected for all families and there will NOT be a virtual option this year. Families will have the following week for Fall Break, so PLEASE do not schedule vacations during these conference days.

PTO Meeting Monday, October 14th in the AES Conference Room. Everyone is welcome! Come in person or join remotely with THIS link.

During arrival and dismissal please adhere to the following for all students and adults:

• Use the sidewalk and crosswalks
• Dismount and walk your bike between gates on the bus loop
• Kiss and go when dropping your child
• Do not leave your vehicle unattended
• Dogs are not allowed on campus - except for district approved therapy dogs who wear the red ASD vests. We love dogs, but please leave your furry friends at home.

On Friday, the lower portion of the Maroon bike path opened!! We will finally no longer have non-ASD bike traffic going through our campus. The bridge to the ARC is reopening this week! Please remind your students who go to the ARC after school to use the bridge rather than the crosswalk to cross Maroon.

We have limited staff on duty and we enjoy greeting students and families rather than policing them. Thank you for doing your part to create a safe campus for all!

ASD will be conducting vision and hearing screenings the month of October. These screenings are mandated by the State of Colorado. If you choose not to have your student screened please notify the health office by email before the end of September. Trichards@aspenk12.net or Rstrecker@aspenk12.net

Thanks you,

ASD Health Office

AES- grades k,1, 2, 3

From birthday to holiday parties throughout the school year, children, teachers, and families have numerous reasons to celebrate. Celebrations are a great way for children to feel part of the school community, where the learning environment is made festive and where everyone can come together to enjoy a break from the routine. Parties often center around food, such as cupcakes, cookies, candy, chips and sugary beverages. While these foods, in moderation, can be part of a healthy, well-balanced diet, these unhealthy choices have almost become daily norms in the classroom, rather than exceptions. Aspen School District staff are encouraged to promote school celebrations with healthy treats or non-food items which are recommended by the CDC's Healthy Schools program.

Alternatives include: stickers, pencils, extra recess, dance party, cards, star student etc.

• 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.
  

Click HERE for the link to the flyer in English & Spanish.

We have several open spaces each day for Afterschool Club all days except Wednesdays this fall. Registration is open on AspenRecreation.com on the Afterschool Club page. Parents will need to register online at least 48 hours in advance, and then also complete new student forms/waivers/immunizations information through ePACT, our forms system. Immunizations must be submitted on the CIIS immunizations form or another federal or state regulated form; we are unable to accept print outs from doctors at this time. If parents have any questions, please email citycampdirector@aspen.gov

Program Details - The Roaring Fork Youth Basketball League has decided to move GIRLS BASKETBALL TO THE FALL WHILE BOYS' YOUTH BASKETBALL WON'T BEGIN UNTIL AFTER CHRISTMAS BREAK. This is a change from last year and I want parents to be aware of this switch.

• Program Dates: October 14th – December 16th
• Practices: October 14th – October 24th
• A perfect opportunity for players to learn the basics, develop skills, and get to know their teammates and coaches.
• Games: Starting the week of October 28th
• Games will be held weekly, offering a fun and competitive environment for players of all skill levels to shine.
• No games will be scheduled during Thanksgiving week, allowing families to enjoy the holiday together.
• Season Tournament: The week of December 16th
• The season will conclude with an exciting tournament where teams will compete for the championship title!

Click HERE for the link.

You are cordially invited to the opening of the show “Connect!”

at Aspen Chapel Gallery - October 16 from 4:00-7:00

This show is in partnership with the Connect! Program – a social-emotional-ethical learning program for children.

The featured artists visited the Connect! Program to experience the children in action and gain inspiration for their artwork.

10% of all sales from this show will directly benefit the Connect! Program.

Click HERE for more information.

We welcome you to join Poss Architecture + Interior Design and Anonymous Donors to become a show sponsor by contacting Elaine at ebonds59@gmail.com

Interested in learning American Sign Language? Aspen Sign Language is offering ASL community classes starting September 22nd! Classes will be held weekly on Sundays and Wednesdays from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM in the Seminar Room on the 2nd floor of the Aspen High School. Please enter through the main doors (facing Tiehack and the ARC), go up the red stairs, and take a right to the end of the hall. Community members are welcome, with a suggested donation of $5-10 per class. Aspen School District staff and students can attend for free.

The ARC will be offering FREE, to any Aspen Students, Cosmic Skate from 2-3:45pm at the Lewis Ice Arena. Cosmic Skate will begin next Wednesday, September 25, 2024. The program will run the entire school year. However, holidays and closures will still apply.

Cosmic Skate includes rentals on a first come first serve basis. The lights are down, and the music is up! Please have your students sign in at the front desk with their Aspen School District Ids and then send them downstairs for fun on the ice. Helmets are not required but encouraged. The ARC does not provide helmets or gloves and encourage parents to plan ahead for this activity. The Public Skating Rules apply for all participants.

Click HERE for the flyer in English.

Click HERE for the flyer in Spanish.

Anderson Ranch Art Break: Spooky Stories
Oct 29 - Nov 1, 9AM - 3PM, Ages 7-10

Celebrate the longer nights of fall by diving into all things spooky! Join us as we explore eerie legends and ghostly tales from around the world. We’ll craft haunted house dioramas and design our own mythical monsters, with each activity capturing the spine-chilling fun of the season. Get ready to let your imagination run wild and create art that embodies the spirit of spookiness. Learn more.

Spooktacular Creepy Crafts

Oct 31, 3:30-5:30PM

Bring the whole family to Anderson Ranch to celebrate Halloween!

Dress in your Halloween costume and make a spooky craft, go trick-or-treating through our artist studios and compete in the costume contest while you enjoy hot apple cider and Halloween treats. It’s hair-raising fun for the whole family! Learn more.

Click HERE for the flyer in English.

Click HERE for the flyer in Spanish.

K-4th Early Release Adventures - EVERY Wednesday at AES

Join us for our October session - CREATURE FEATURE! Register for the whole month of October for a discounted rate, or for individual session dates. October Early Release Adventures occur October 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd.

Register for the PACKAGE OCTOBER Session Here

Register for INDIVIDUAL Sessions Here

K-1st Minier Musical: Harold and the Purple Crayon

In our original retelling of the classic story, Harold and the Purple Crayon transforms one boy’s adventure into a rich world where the elements of his imagination not only appear before him, but come fully to life.

Thursdays 4-5:15pm Oct 17th-Dec 12th at the Red Brick Center for the Arts - students can take the bus straight from AES!

Register for Harold and the Purple Crayon Here

Ballet classes for ages 4 & older at the Red Brick in Aspen. For schedule, information and sign up please visit agsballetaspen.com.

Click HERE for the flyer.

Kids First is partnering with Max-Well Coaching on 10/02 for a parent workshop.

Click HERE for the flyer in English.

Click HERE for the flyer in Spanish.

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.

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.

• Standard Response Protocol
• Spanish Version

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

In the morning...

• 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.

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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!

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.

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.

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.

Website: https://www.aspenk12.net/Domain/8
Location: 235 High School Road, Aspen, Colorado, USA
Phone: 970-925-3760