Excel Academy Board Updates
Upcoming Events for the Board of Directors
✅ Tuesday, April 15 | 6:30 pm - 8 pm | Join the Excel PTO & Excel Board of Directors: Evening of fun for kids and guardians. Details
✅ Saturday, April 26 | 8:00 am – 3:00 pm | Excel Academy - Facilitated Board Session
✅ Tuesday, May 20 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Excel Academy – Annual Board Meeting
✅ Tuesday, June 10 | Time & Location TBD – Annual Board Retreat
Join the Governing Board!
Are you passionate about Excel Academy’s future? Consider serving on our Governing Board! Elections for open seats will be held in April, and we especially encourage candidates with a finance background to apply to help fill anticipated skill gaps. However, a financial background is not required—all interested family and community members are welcome to apply.
- Join us for an information night in collaboration with the PTO this Tuesday, April 15 at 6:30 pm!
- Find the full Election Calendar [here]
- Apply by 4:00 PM on April 23, 2025: [Google Form link]
-Kia Murray, Excel Academy Board of Directors President
Excel Brand Articulation 1-Hour Virtual Focus Group: We Value Your Input!
https://forms.gle/e1eMcjuVwE3cTwTQ8
Your perspective is invaluable in shaping Excel Academy’s future, and we would value the opportunity to hear your perspectives on the future of our school’s brand! Please join the firm, Rhodes Branding for one of our two virtual parent focus groups:
- Thursday, April 24
Morning Session: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Evening Session: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Your insights will help us strengthen our school’s identity and ensure we continue to be a top choice for families in Arvada and beyond.
Excel Academy's FREE Annual Clothes Swap on May 9!
LAST CALL Food Drive Items Needed by April 18: ‘CAN-STRUCTION’ Food Drive Competition
Check out our Can-struction flyer here.
Help our middle school students tackle food insecurity by participating in two exciting food drives! Our "Can-struction" Team is building a frog using canned food and aiming to collect 1,000 cans by April 18. We currently have about 450 cans! This week we are encouraging every student to bring in 2 cans of food which will help us meet our goal of 1,000 cans by the end of the week! For every TWO cans that a student brings in, they will receive a small toy frog, and the grade level with the most cans wins a Picnic in the Park!
Plus, a couple of 8th grade students in "Hearts & Hands" are collecting additional food items, with all donations going to The Community Table in Arvada. Join us to support these creative efforts and make a difference today!
It's the Last Week to Support Our Furry Friends!
Click HERE to see what the shelter needs.
Please support this student-run service project led by Ruby Y. This project stems from her 8th grade Paws & Claws Explorations Class.
Yearbook Cover Design Contest!
Students are encouraged to unleash their creativity and help design the 2024-2025 yearbook cover! Here's the details:
- Use a sheet of unlined printer paper for your design.
- This year’s theme is space.
- Include the text: “Excel Academy K-8 Charter School,” the slogan “Reach for the Stars,” and “2024-2025.”
- Ensure all content is school-appropriate. Submissions must not feature weapons, contraband, or any inappropriate items.
- Write your grade and name clearly on the back of your submission.
Students will turn in artwork to their teacher. We can’t wait to see your stellar designs!
Click HERE to Order a Yearbook: Order by April 25 to receive by May 16!
Upcoming Enrichment Activities
- April 18 - International Towne, 9:00am-1:30pm - 7th Grade
- April 23 - Denver Zoo, 9:15am-1:30pm - Kinder
- April 24 - Majestic View Nature Center, 9:15am-1:30pm - 1st Grade
- April 30 - Denver Zoo, 9:15am-1:30pm - 3rd Grade
- May 1 - Botanic Gardens, 9:15am-1:30pm - 2nd Grade
- May 1 - DMNS, 9:00am-1:30pm - 5th Grade
MAY MEALS: SIGN-UP NOW
We are required to order meals one week prior to the week we have meals delivered. Please sign up by Sunday, April 20th, in order for your student to have meals the first week of May.
We recommend ordering the full month at one time.
Sign up HERE.
End of Year Celebrations: Save the Date
SAVE THE DATES
Pre-register HERE for Awards & Promotions (Pre-registration not required for 8th grade continuation)
Pre-register HERE for Field Day
All adults must sign in with their drivers' licenses to enter the building. Pre-registration will save time at the events.
Thursday, May 22nd
End of Year Awards, Continuation & Promotions Schedules
Families will be emailed if their child is receiving an award.
8:45-9:30: Kindergarten Continuation and Awards
11:55-12:25: 1st and 2nd Grade Awards
12:30-1:00: 3rd and 4th Grade Awards
2:00-2:30: 6th and 7th Grade Awards
2:50-3:20: 5th Grade Continuation and Awards
6:00-7:00: 8th Grade Graduation and Awards
Doors open at 5:30
Then & Now Slideshow, Academic Awards, Athletic Awards, SOAR Awards, & Legacy Awards
Friday, May 23rd
Last Day of School & Field Day
School Hours: Regular start time until 11:30 am
- All students (KG-8th) will be participating in Field Day at the same time for the whole ½ day.
- Continuing 8th graders may return for Field Day. They must report to their homeroom at 8:10 am and remain with the Homeroom teacher until 11:30 dismissal.
The PTO will be holding their annual End of Year Party immediately following dismissal at the Michael Northey Park Playground. Students must be with an adult to attend.
More Information to come as we get closer to May!
Author Matt Landis is Coming to Excel!
We are so excited to welcome author Matt Landis to Excel Academy on Friday, May 2nd for grades 3rd-8th. Matt is an energetic author who will provide grade-appropriate assemblies, scavenger hunts, and writer workshops for our students.
Matt is traveling across the nation with his family in their RV and visiting schools along the way. Interested in ordering any of his books? Order Matt Landis Books Here - Order by 4/25 to receive a signed book on May2nd!
Matt's newest book, National Archive Hunters: Eternal Flame is being released this year. Other books of his include:
National Archive Hunters: Capitol Chase
Operation Final Notice
It's the End of the World As I Know It
The Not-So-Boring-Letters of Private Nobody
League of American Traitors
Check out Matt's video here: The Great American RV Family Book Tour!
Family-Owned Business Directory: Its not too late to get added in!
Please fill out this Excel Academy - Family-Owned Businesses form with your personal contact info (for list purposes) and your business details. New entries will get added periodically.
View the Directory HERE. Have Excel families help you with whatever you might need.
SOAR Winners
Congratulations to this week's SOAR drawing winners!
Self-Discipline
Outstanding Effort
Acceptance of Others
Resilience
K- E. August, 1st-L. Porras, 2nd -G.Schuetz, 3rd -C.Murray, 4th-C.Lopez, 5th -L. Trenchev, 6th- E.Hultslander, 7th- Shane Fitzgerald, & 8th-P. Judd.
Classroom Soars winner is: The 1st Grade Classes for Self Discipline .
Eagles Weekly Sports Update
Cross Country:
We kicked off the spring season with our first cross country meet, and what a great start it was! William Houston led the charge with an impressive second-place finish. All of our runners gave it their all during a chilly mile-long course. We’re proud of their hard work and determination! Up next, we’re heading to Majestic View Park for a 1.5-mile race on April 23rd at 4:15 PM—let’s keep the momentum going!
Girls Soccer:
Our Lady Eagles have had a busy week on the field, playing three exciting matches. The first was against the Woodrow Wilson Wildcats, where we made some great plays but fell short with a final score of 2-5.
Next, we faced the Lincoln Academy Leopards in back-to-back games. The first game, held at Lincoln, brought our first win of the season—way to go, team! With goals from Julia Benish, Ruby Yanez, and Kamila Potok. In the second matchup, both teams battled hard, and in a nail-biting finish, Ruby Yanez tied it up in the final seconds, bringing the score to 1-1! Great hustle and teamwork all around!
Catch the Lady Eagles again as they face Woodrow Wilson Academy at Long Lake on April 24th at 4:15 PM.
Boys Volleyball:
We hosted this week’s round-robin match and had a solid showing! After dropping the first set against Woodrow Wilson, our boys bounced back and closed the day with a big win over Lincoln Academy. Great job representing on home court! Our next round robin will be held at Lincoln Academy on April 22nd, with the first set starting at 4:15 PM.
Looking Ahead:
All teams will be training hard this coming week in preparation for another round of exciting competition. We’re proud of our athletes for their dedication and teamwork. Keep up the great work, Eagles!
PTO Events & Newsletter
- PTO April Newsletter
- Tuesday, April 15: Join the Excel PTO & Excel Board of Directors: Evening of fun for kids and guardians. Details
- Thursday, April 24: Nothing Bundt Cakes Fundraiser. Details
- Thursday, May 8: Bliss Yogurt Fundraiser: Details
Join the PTO & BOD
On Tuesday, April 15: Join the Excel PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) & Excel Board of Directors for an Informational Night. Bring your children along - they’ll have fun watching Secret Life of Pets and eating pizza! They can bring a stuffy!
Parents and guardians will enjoy pizza, charcuterie, and salad in the cafeteria , then move to the library to learn more about the fun and exciting opportunities available on the PTO & Excel Board of Directors in the 2025-26 school year.
If you are passionate about strengthening the Excel community, supporting students and staff, and creating positive change within the school, or if you're just curious as to what we're all about, this is your chance to find out in a relaxed and fun environment. We have a wide range of opportunities available within the 2 groups so whatever you bring to the table, we can find a way for you to contribute. We'd love you have you!
Pizza and snacks will be provided, so leave the cooking to us. Click HERE to RSVP so we know how much food to order. Or contact president@excelpto.org with any questions. We hope to see you there!
PTO Links
Track it Forward Volunteer Opportunities & Hours Tracking Site
RaiseRight online gift card fundraising site and How It Works
Excel Academy Outreach Committee: Please reach out if your family would benefit from our care or if you can support a family in need. Email Tara Schirner, coordinator or the Excel Outreach Committee at exceloutreachcommittee@gmail.com.
Summer Camps with Mrs. Boyd
- Music Theater Camp - Moana
- Rock ‘n’ Strum
- Fur, Feathers and Fables: A Musical Adventure
Rising Star Performing Arts Academy and Excel Academy students Invite You To
The Musical: Newsies Jr.
APRIL 24, 2025, 6:00 PM TO 7:00 PM
Join our delightful cast for a fun-filled evening of entertainment. Tickets are a suggested $5.00 per seat and will go to secure the rights for our summer production of Moana Jr. Pay by check, cash, or Venmo. Flyer
Wildcats Track & Wrestling Camps
Registration is now open for the Wildcats Track Club — and we couldn’t be more excited to get things rolling!
This 14-session program is perfect for athletes of all levels. Whether your kid is trying track for the first time or looking to get faster, stronger, and more confident, they’ll get expert coaching, skill development, and plenty of encouragement along the way.
Here’s what they’ll get:
- 14 action-packed training sessions
- Coaching on sprinting, distance, field events, and conditioning
- Optional entry into local CARA track meets
- Camp T-shirt and meet entry fees included
It’s more than just running — it’s about learning discipline, building friendships, and having fun doing it. See our flyer here: Flyer for more information or register through the following link: Wildcats Track Club Registration Link
Arvada West Summer Youth Wrestling Program kicks off their summer session on Tuesday, May 6th! dAll youth wrestlers are welcome — no prior experience required.
More Info: Youth Summer Wrestling Program Flyer
Register Here: Registration Link
Free CU Kite Expo
Reminder: Jeffco Parents Encouraging Parents Conference
We are thrilled to announce that Jeffco’s Student Services Division is partnering with parents and agencies around the district to offer our very own Jeffco Parents Encouraging Parents Conference or JPEP on Friday, April 25th at Chatfield High School. JPEP is a free, full-day event designed by parents for parents, guardians and caregivers of children receiving Special Education (IEP), 504, Gifted & Talented (ALP), or Twice-Exceptional (2e – gifted with a disability) services.
This event provides an opportunity to learn, connect and gain valuable insights through:
Engaging workshops on student supports and strategies.
A dynamic keynote speaker who inspires and empowers families.
Small group discussions for participants with children or students who have similar needs to connect, share experiences and receive support.
A resource fair with community organizations and services.
A light breakfast (pastries, coffee and tea) and buffet-style lunch is included for attendees.
Nature Summer Camp Opportunity - Linked By Love
Looking for an enriching summer experience for your kids? Highlands Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center, located in Allenspark, CO, offers faith-based, week-long residential camps for grades 4-12 and a special intergenerational family camp for younger campers (ages 5+) to enjoy alongside an adult family member. With a focus on youth development and connecting with nature, this camp provides a meaningful summer adventure.
As a small, close-knit camp accredited by the American Camp Association and licensed in Colorado, they’re excited to welcome new campers and still have spots open for this summer! For more details, check out their flyer here. or visit their website. Make this summer unforgettable!
"Spring into Physics" Event on April 26
Looking for an exciting way to spark your child's curiosity for science? Join the Colorado School of Mines Society of Physics Students at their annual "Spring Into Physics" event on Saturday, April 26th, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the CoorsTek Center for Applied Science and Engineering (1523 Illinois St, Golden, CO 80401).
This free, family-friendly event features spring-themed physics demonstrations and interactive science displays designed for kids of all ages. Bring the family and enjoy a fun-filled morning exploring the wonders of physics!
Feel free to share this with others to ensure a great turnout. Click here for more info.
Educational Events in Our Community:
- Excel Academy Business Directory
- Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities Summer Camps
- RVHS Mustang Soccer Academy - Camp 6/23-6/26
- Colorado School of Mines Summer Camps for 3rd-6th Grades
- https://learn.mines.edu/k-12
- Colorado Academy Summer Camps
- Rising Star Performing Arts Academy
- CSU Spur 2nd Saturdays FREE
- CU Wizards - Events scheduled for 5/17 and 6/14
- Summer Program Listing by Jefferson County Association for Gifted Children
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