AES Community Connection 3/21/25

Normal Weekday Schedule for AES:

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

Wednesdays 8:00-1:45

As March comes to a close, we reflect on a month filled with learning, growth, and meaningful experiences. We began with Student-Led Conferences, where students shared their progress, goals, and reflections on their learning journey. Today, we wrapped up the month at our Community Meeting, where each class shared reflections on their winter outdoor education experiences. It was wonderful to hear students speak about their adventures, challenges, and discoveries in nature, and we all enjoyed a slideshow capturing moments from their trips.

As we head into Spring Break, we encourage families to find opportunities to engage in learning beyond the classroom. One great way to do this is by practicing math skills in the "real world"—whether it's measuring ingredients while baking, calculating distances on a trip, or budgeting for a family outing. Everyday moments can be wonderful opportunities for students to apply their skills in meaningful ways.

Whether you are traveling or staying close to home, we wish you a happy, healthy, and restful break. We look forward to seeing everyone back on Monday, March 31, ready for more learning and adventures in the months ahead!

Warmly,

EVERY WEDNESDAY IS EARLY RELEASE AT 1:45!

Monday, March 3 - Kindergarten Registration opens

Monday, March 24-28 - Spring Break- NO SCHOOL

Wednesday, April 16 - PTO Meeting. ALL are welcome. Join in person in the conference room or join remotely with THIS LINK. We would love help stuffing CMAS treat bags for students!

Thursday, April 17th, Monday, April 21 and Tuesday, April 22: 3rd and 4th grade CMAS testing - Please do not schedule appointments or vacations during this window. Thank you!

Sunday, May 11- 2nd-4th Grade Musical Performance, 6:00 District Theater

Tuesday, May 13 - Kindergarten Kick-Off 5PM at AES

Friday, May 30- DATE CHANGE! AES Family Dance- details below!

Monday, June 2- AES Field Day & Family BBQ- details to come!

Swim Weeks: Your child's swim day will be the day they have Physical Education. Remember to bring swimsuits and towels.

• Apr 14-18

It was wonderful to see and meet so many parents during Student Led Conferences. They were so delighted to show you their library and answer our questions! It was wonderful to observe!

It is almost Spring Break, and that means it is time to return ALL of those overdue library books.

If your student has lost a book, please consider replacing the book.

I have sent out overdue slips to many classes and will send them this week as well. I have also sent an email with your student's overdue books. If you do not know what books your student has checked out, please do not hesitate to email me at lhoward@aspenk12.net.

It is a privilege to serve as your student's librarian!

Lisa May Howard

Check out these videos and support Materials. Both include simple activities that you can do at home to reinforce concepts with your child. Links are specific to the current unit each grade level is learning in the classroom.

HERE is the Family Folder link

Performance Date: Sunday, May 11th @ 6PM in the District Theater

The Importance of Regular Attendance

Consistent attendance is essential for student success in elementary school. Each school day is filled with valuable learning experiences, discussions, and hands-on activities that cannot be fully replicated outside the classroom. When students attend regularly, they build strong learning habits, stay engaged with their peers, and make steady academic progress.

We also encourage all families to prioritize attending Student-Led Conferences this week. These conferences are a powerful opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning by reflecting on their progress and sharing their achievements with you. Your participation reinforces the importance of their education and growth.

As we approach spring break, we kindly ask families to avoid leaving early or taking extended long weekends unless absolutely necessary. Even a few missed days can disrupt learning routines and make it harder for students to stay on track. Every day in school matters, and your commitment to regular attendance helps set your child up for success!

Thank you for your support in making attendance a priority! 😊

Please be sure to send your child with plenty of healthy snacks to get them through the day. We have a lot of kiddos coming to the front office asking for snacks.

Thank you to High Mountain Harmony for another fabulous concert!

1st Grade ODE Trips have been a blast!

2nd Grade Living Museums

Click HERE for the flyer in Spanish.

All of Colorado’s K-12 students are invited to showcase their artistic talent and appreciation for Colorado’s waste diversion teams by participating in our Poster Contest. The contest guidelines can be downloaded off our website. Talking points and resources onwaste diversion teams are included.

This year, students are encouraged to either create a poster demonstrating their appreciation for members of waste diversion teams who collect and sort waste, recycling and composting in schools, communities or in waste diversion facilities OR create a poster pledging to sort responsibility for the safety of our waste diversion teams.

Click HERE for more information in English.

Click HERE for more information in Spanish.

The Hazelden Betty Ford Children’s program, in partnership with

the Aspen Hope Center, is providing a free, 3-day substance-use

prevention group for kids in 1st to 8th grade. The next group will

be held at Basalt Middle School from April 25th- April 27th,

2025. This evidence-based group is designed specifically for

families with a history of substance use and has been serving

children and families in Colorado for 20 years.

Children need skills for making their own healthy choices. That’s what this program teaches,

and it’s fun! The Children’s Program blends learning and play through developmentally

appropriate content and activities. With the care and guidance of highly trained counselors,

children get to know one another through fun group activities. Kids are empowered to express

themselves in healthy ways. Hazelden Betty Ford’s award-winning Children’s Program provides

support, education and care to kids who grow up in a family with alcohol or other drug addiction.

If you are interested please contact Brandon Jones (brandon@aspenhopecenter.org) or

Heather Johnson (heather@aspenhopecenter.org) to register. Space is limited. Registrations

will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Click HERE for more information.

We dress warm, get out on the ice and leave our creative mark! We thought this was a great way to have the community come together and have some fun before we pull the ice out. We provide the paints and brushes. Check out some of last year's paintings above.

Click HERE for the flyer in English.

Click HERE for the flyer in Spanish.

Summer 2025 Art Camps are now open! The Art Base offers a diverse range of art camps for kids from preschool to elementary school. This year’s camps include everything from riverboats, fantasy world-building to graffiti art – there’s something for every young artist to enjoy and explore!

Click HERE for more information.

Click HERE for the flyer with specifics.

Join us to celebrate the art created by students in Aspen Elementary, Aspen Middle, Aspen Country Day

and Aspen Community Schools!

April 16-May 7

Join us for the Opening Reception Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Click HERE for the flyer in English.

Click HERE for the flyer in Spanish.

Click HERE for more information.

Exciting Activities for Ages 6-16!

Aspen Film Camp, Teen Mural Camp, Puppet Making & More!

Click HERE for the flyer in English.

Click HERE for the flyer in Spanish.

For more information call 970-429-2777

Redbrickaspen.com

Please click links below for more information on Fencing classes & camps!

For more information, contact Coach Greg 970-924-0459 or click HERE.

Beginner fencing classes and summer camps flyer link HERE, click HERE for Spanish.

Summer Camps flyer HERE, click HERE for Spanish.

Announcing the 2025 Summer Workshop Schedule!

Trees, bugs, animals, flowers, and more! This Summer, we are thrilled to present a series of both on and off-site creative workshops exploring nature through artistic experimentation, with offerings for children and teens of all ages.

In June, we will offer three dynamic arts workshops for age ranges 5-18 onsite at the Aspen Art Museum. All workshops will include materials and individualized instruction. (Don't forget, Museum Members receive a 10% discount! Become a member here.)

In July, we're thrilled to continue partnering with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) to offer collaborative Summer Workshops. This year’s series–for kids entering Kindergarten in Fall 2025–is centered around all things nature and art.

Click HERE for more information!

Elevate your child's summer with Theatre Aspen's dynamic camps! From one-week skill programs to five-week fully produced shows, there's a perfect fit for every young artist K-12. Dive into dance, design, drama, singing, and more.

From beloved classics to shiny new offerings, Summer Camp 2025 is the best of the best. Fun, creativity, friendships, and confidence define your camper’s summer with Theatre Aspen.

Don’t miss your spot - camps fill up quickly!

Click HERE for more information.

TACAW's summer camps are open for registration! Young artists can create animated films, develop puppet shows, or perform in a play about middle school challenges. Teens can write songs with local artists. With camps for ages 6-16 and bilingual instruction offered in all sessions, a summer of creative possibilities awaits. Scholarships are available and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

For more information contact megan@azyep.org or visit azyep.org.

Click HERE for the flyer.

Please click HERE for the flyer for Flag Football.

Please click HERE for the flyer for Youth Basketball.

Please click HERE for the flyer in English.

Please click HERE for the flyer in Spanish.

Please click HERE to RSVP!

Anderson Ranch Art Break: Spring Celebrations
March 24-28, 9AM - 3PM, Ages 7-10

Did you know that cultures worldwide and throughout history have created traditions to celebrate spring? We honor some of the most famous spring holidays this spring break through artistic expression. We’ll explore Ancient Greek Anthesteria, Southern Ute Bear Dance, Persian Nowruz, Lunar New Year, Passover and Easter to create art that embodies the theme of renewal. Learn more.

Please see the attached flyers in English and Spanish.

ACES Summer Camp registration for grades K-8 begins next Wednesday, February 19!

Please click HERE for the flyers with more information!

Please click HERE for the link with more information.

From the Pitkin County Library...

Click HERE for the flyers in English & 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

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.

Check out this recent Aspen Daily News Article:

Margo: How Roblox robbed our child of his innocence

• 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.
  

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.

We love dogs!! However, only approved or authorized service animals, including dogs, are allowed on campus. Thank you for respecting our campus guidelines.

Click HERE for the poster in English.

Click HERE for the poster in Spanish.

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.

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.

• Haga clic AQUÍ para obtener instrucciones sobre cómo traducir este boletín.
• 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