It may seem odd to have me explain about charter schools in a newsletter coming from the charter school your child attends; however, I find it important to provide this valuable and interesting information. I feel it is important for everyone to have a minimum understanding of what charters really are and what we represent. You never know when you will have the opportunity to show off your charter school knowledge. I hope you find this information valuable to reinforce your decision to have your child attend a school of choice.

What is a charter school?

Charter schools are public schools

• Charter schools in Colorado are funded in the Public-School Finance Act, along with all other public schools.
• Charter schools receive per pupil revenue(PPR) on the same basis as other public-school students enrolled in the district that granted its charter except that districts may retain up to 5% of charter school students' PPR for actual administrative costs. Douglas County does not retain this 5%.
• Charter schools are subject to all State and Federal provisions prohibiting discrimination and must enroll students in a non-discriminatory manner.

Charter schools are open to all students. They are:

• Free 
• Public, nonsectarian, nonreligious, non-home-based schools.
• Non-selective in enrollment. There are no admission tests or admission requirements.
• Often designed to meet the needs of under-served populations
• Appealing to students whose needs are not being met by traditional schools.
• Frequently over-enrolled; that is, more students apply than the school can accommodate. In that event, a lottery is held to determine admission.

Charter schools are pioneers and innovators.

• Charters allow parents, teachers and educational leaders to design schools that better serve particular populations.
• Charters can limit class and school sizes. Charter designers often heed the research that states that smaller schools are generally safer and better able to nurture a community of learners than larger schools.
• Charters select their own curriculum design. They can establish achievement-oriented cultures and choose staff who best support these structures from day one.
• Charters are mission-driven schools created by parents and educators who envision a school committed to a particular purpose and philosophy.
• The tenor of relationships between charter schools and their districts vary widely. Ultimately, accountable implementation of a charter's schools mission is what best serves students. However, accountability need not be sacrificed for the very spirit of educational innovation and flexibility that the Charter School Act was intended to foster.

Charter School Facts:

• More K-12 students are enrolled in Colorado Charter Schools than any other school district in the state:
• Colorado Charter Schools 115,000
• Denver Public Schools 91,132
• Jeffco. Public Schools 86,347
• Douglas County Schools 67,470
• Cherry Creek Schools 54,815
• There are 238 charter schools in Colorado (there were 2 in 1993).
• The percentage of public school students attending Colorado Charter Schools during the 2016-2107 school year: 12.7%

I congratulate you on exercising your right to choose a school for your child. You have made an excellent decision by enrolling your child at Aspen View Academy. Your child will be challenged, encouraged, and supported to grow in a safe, caring environment. They will know it is OK to take chances and to make mistakes. They will be taught, coached, and nurtured by a dedicated and amazing staff. We will challenge your kids but will always give them the tools and resources to be successful. My goal is that your children love coming to school because they know they belong at Aspen View Academy .

Bob Barber

Principal

Governing Board Opening

Do you have experience or background in marketing, communications, legal, or education? If so, the Aspen View Academy Board is looking for you to fill the open board seat #3 that was vacated when Tonya Briney relocated with her family to Texas. Per AVA Bylaws, the board will appoint a candidate to fill the remainder of the term ending on May 1, 2018 at which time the seat will be up for election by AVA parents and staff.

Board Appointment P rocess

If you would like to be considered for appointment to complete the term and serve on the AVA Board of Directors, please complete the nomination form. The nomination will require 10 signatures of AVA parents and staff. The form must be turned in to the AVA front office by Friday, September 9th at 4 pm. When submitted, the form will be time stamped, and you will be given a receipt acknowledging acceptance of the nomination form.

Candidates are required to submit a campaign questionnaire  to answer a few basic questions about board service. When submitted, the answers may not exceed two pages and must be submitted by September 9th to Stephanie Rogers (board secretary) at [email protected]. The campaign questionnaire for each candidate will be posted on the school website and be linked to the Newsletter by September 15th.

Candidate meet and greets will be scheduled prior to the board meeting in October with a plan of filling the seat at the October board meeting. Please contact Stephanie Rogers with any questions or additional points of clarification.

Picture day is TOMORROW.  It is also Dress of Choice with the theme "Picture Day Best."  We will get started with pictures right away, so please do your best to have your student at school on time.  

Beginning the month of September, our Tardy Policy will be enforced when it comes to Dress of Choice privileges.  If a student is tardy 5 or more times in a month, he/she will lose the privilege of participating in Dress of Choice for that month.  Students arriving late for any reason other than a medical appointment or adverse weather will receive a tardy.  If a student does arrive late due to a medical appointment, the student must have a note from the provider.

AVA believes that students benefit from strong partnerships with families. As a proactive service, expert staff members prepare and facilitate workshops to inform, train, and empower families in their work supporting student growth at home, aligned to AVA's values, philosophy, and strategic approach.  You also get 1 hour of volunteer time for attending a Family Resource Workshop.  Click here for a list of dates and times.

WATCH D.O.G.S.

Dads (or other male role models) get to spend all day with your kids in their classrooms. Sometimes teachers will have you assist in small groups or just roam the room helping during instruction.  You will also help with car pool, patrol the school and perimeter a couple of times during the day, as well as helping during the lunch time either in the lunchroom or on the playground as a monitor. Sometimes there might even be other odd jobs you can perform around the school.   Click here to sign up.

Aspen View Academy ROCKS!! As if you didn't already know :-) Join us and other participants from your school to celebrate winning the Tri the Rock school participation trophy! 

Bring your family to the M.A.C. and enjoy the play structure, pool, trampolines and fields Sunday, August 27th from 4:00 p.m. to closing time at 8:00 p.m. (The pool closes at 7:00 p.m.).  Pizza, chips, drinks and dessert will be served from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. 

Please click here for more information and to RSVP so we can have plenty of food.

Beginner Skating Class

Click here for more information and for the link to sign up.

A portion of every registration sold will benefit Douglas County Schools.

Click Here for the flyer with information for the different leagues and for the link to sign up.  All first time players get a free pair of inline skates!!

A portion of every registration sold will benefit Douglas County Schools.

Hello 8th Grade Families!

I am so excited to be leading the Washington D.C. and New York trip this year! Please join me for our first meeting of the year on September 6th from 6:00-7:00pm in the  AVA Library. We will be discussing timeline of this year, logistics, and also having a Q&A session. See you there!

If you have any questions or cannot make it, please email me.
 

Alicia Mund

 

Dogs are not allowed on any part of AVA property (not even cute little puppies).  Service dogs are the exception to the rule.

LAST DAY TO PURCHASE TICKETS IS AUGUST 30TH!!

AVA FAMILY SPORTS NIGHT!!

Scholastic Fencing League

Class size is limited, so registrations are accepted on a first come first serve basis.

Strategic Chess at Aspen View Academy

  Click here to register.  For questions please call or email Matt Curtis 410-407-6612 [email protected]

Coming Soon Clubs

• Battle of the Books
• Coding Club
• Kickball Club
• Lego Club (More info coming soon) 
• Mad Science Club
• Click here for more information and to register for after school clubs

Middle School Sports

*All students physical forms and athletic packets must be turned in before they can try out for any sports team.

Click here for the athletic packet and physical forms to take to your physician or clinic.  

Cross Country

• Saturday, August 26th Puppy Power 5k
• Friday, September 8th Slavens XC Invitational

If you have any questions regarding sports, please email Josh Baun, Athletic Director.

Wolf Shack Hours

Every Friday from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

 

Additional hours: Wednesday, 8/30 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Stop by and purchase AVA Spirit Wear, AVA Swag, and Rockies Tickets for the AVA Family Sports Night at Coors Field.

Please click here for the list of 2017/2018 Foundation Events and Fundraisers.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

LUNCHROOM AND RECESS HELP

AM CARPOOL

PM CARPOOL

WATCH D.O.G.S.

FAMILY RESOURCE WORKSHOPS

No School-Professional Development Day

Mon Sep 4, 2017

No School-Labor Day

Tue Sep 5, 2017