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Dear AVA Families,
I have to admit that the topic of my address this week comes by special request. The parents who attended a Family Resource Workshop with me a while back told me they thought I should write up what I shared with them in a newsletter address. Their sense was that many more families could benefit from considering the long-term goal of education and the unintended consequences of an unhealthy focus. So, here it goes.
Earlier this year I read a book called Excellent Sheep by William Deresiewicz, a professor at Yale University. This book's subtitle reveals a lot about its message: The Miseducation of the American Elite and the Way to a Meaningful Life. This professor has worked with generation after generation of high achieving students throughout his tenure at prestigious universities. Despite students' high grade point averages and top ranking scores on the SAT and ACT college-entrance exams, even more evidence exists that brings into question whether the cost of such achievement is worth it. The two most concerning observations that stood out to me were these: a. that over half of the students at ivy-league universities are on prescription medication for severe mental illness (like anxiety and depression). b. that the biggest thing these students report feeling ill-equipped with is a sense of unifying meaning and purpose in life. No one wants that for their child. Yet, this is the unintended outcome for thousands of elite, high-achieving students who "successfully" navigate our nation's education system. How do we respond to this as a school? How do we reverse-engineer a better outcome for our students? We do value academic success. However, we view academics as a means to an end. AVA does not exist only to upload data into kids' brains. We take a whole-person approach: we capture their hearts (what they value, R.E.S.P.E.C.T.), teach their heads (toward cultural literacy), coach their hands (by coaching their skills), and shape their habits (for a healthy, responsible life). At AVA we have emphasized that the biggest predictor of long-term success in life is character (which also goes by other names like grit, perseverance, buoyancy). A book that convincingly makes this case that I read a couple of years ago is Why Children Succeed by Paul Tough. So, my word of encouragement and challenge to us as a learning community is this: Consider the purpose of education. Let our students know what is most important. It can build character to earn a B or a C every now and then. We need to do our best. We also need to embrace struggle as a as prerequisite for growing stronger. The world has an insatiable demand for leaders with such knowledge, character, skills, and habits. Such an education is what the world's future leaders deserve. This is a worthwhile, unifying purpose around which we must continue to rally. As a result, our students will be better prepared for life and will truly stand out among their generation as strong community members and responsible citizens. Thank you for your partnership on the home front as we together shape the world's future leaders as whole people. Gratefully,
Jason Edwards
Principal
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| Looking for ways to help your student continue growing academically over the summer months?
We are offering tutoring at AVA over the summer for your student!
How it works:
Sign up through this Sign Up Genius link, and parents pay the teacher directly.
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$20 per student for 30 minutes
- $40 per student for 60 minutes (Sign up for two consecutive half hour time slots)
- $20 per student for 60 minutes for groups of 3 or more(Literature Enrichment Small group with Ms. Weaver)
Students are expected to sign up for the same days and times for the whole summer. Example: A parent who signs up should sign up for every Tuesday and Wed. (for instance) at 10 am. They should not sign up for various days and times.
Below is a list of AVA teachers willing to tutor this summer, and the subjects they will offer. Please contact the teachers by email to verify their availability and arrange sessions.
Dr. Steve Bradley - Math & Science (4th - 8th Grades)
Ms. Kaycee Damm - Reading & Math (1st - 5th Grades)
Ms. Ashley Gentille - Reading & Writing (K - 8th Grades)
Ms. Jacqueline Johnson - Reading & Writing (K - 5th Grades)
Mrs. Shelby Pfleiger - Literacy Intervention (K - 4th Grades), Kinder Preparation
Mrs. Lanie Pullara - Math & Reading (K - 5th Grades)
Ms. Sarah Weaver - Reading, Writing (K - 8th Grades) & Literature Enrichment Small Group (Grades 4th - 6th & Grades 7th - 8th)
Mrs. Webb - Reading, Writing, Math (1st - 3rd Grades)
Mrs. Winter - Reading, Writing, Grammar & Math (1st - 5th Grades)
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 AVA Book Drive
We need your help building AVA's classroom libraries! As you plan your own yard sales or visit them this Spring and Summer, please consider donating any new or gently-used books to AVA. Please drop off your book donations to the front office and we will divvy them up to give to K-5 classrooms. We will take donations through the end of the school year and again at the beginning of next year. Thank you for helping us to grow readers!
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This month's scrip card orders are due Tuesday, May 10.
Fundraising while you shop is so easy and a great way to help AVA meet its fundraising goals.
Consider using some scrip cards during the summer break:
- Any Disney vacations planned? Disney scrip cards are available. Gas, hotel and cruise cards also available.
- Plan to visit some of your favorite businesses over the summer with the kids? Red Robin, Chipotle, Coldstone, Starbucks. Hundreds to choose from.
I will have Lands' End discounted uniform cards available all summer. $100 card sells for $92 and $25 card for $23. That's an 8% savings off of your uniform costs.
Email Gina Braidman for details. Cards are also available for purchase at the Wolf Shack during hours of operation.
Thank you for supporting AVA!
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THE AVA USED UNIFORM SALE IS ALMOST HERE!
Are you wondering what to do with those uniform items that no longer fit? Want to buy uniforms for next year and pay less? Then join us for the upcoming end-of-year uniform sale on Friday, May 20th and Saturday, May 21st! You price the items with an attached envelope on each item (the envelope should include the price, your family number and a way to contact you so we can easily return your sales or unsold items to you), drop them off at the school, we sell them for you, and you get 100% of the money. It's that easy! And if you prefer, donate your items or sales to earn money for the school. Start collecting, washing, and tagging items now. You can drop off your to-be-sold uniforms at the office anytime after Monday, May 16th. Come shop during the CASH ONLY sale located in the Library and save, save, save!! A volunteer sign up genius will also be available soon if you would like to lend a hand! If you have any questions, please feel free to send an email to
[email protected].
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Do you have a 8th grader going to Castle View High School?
Castle View High School is hosting a Freshman Academy for all incoming Castle View Freshmen. The date is August 1st from 8am-3pm. Please
click here for more information and to register.
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AVA Families, come have dinner at Mad Greens on Thursday, May 12 from 3:30 PM to close for the LAST SPIRIT NIGHT of the 2015-2016 school year! You earn a night off from cooking ... Aspen View Academy earns 20% of your total bill! Print and present
this flyer!
Thank you to all the families who were able to make it to Kneaders for our Spirit Day on April 12. They enjoyed our AVA community so much they decided to increase our percentage from 10% to 15%, which means Aspen View Academy earned nearly $125!
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Come Join AVA sponsored Cub Scout Pack 786
Join night is Monday, May 16, 2016 6:30pm in the AVA cafeteria. Come learn about Cub Scouting and Pack 786. We'll have information on the pack, answer your questions, and boys will be able to join that night. There will also be a fun activity for your boys during the meeting. Come have fun and participate in activities like camping, hiking, Pinewood Derby, rocket blasts, and much more. For more information please contact
Ryan Cooper or
Bill Placke.
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The Douglas County 6th Grade Hexathlon is nearly upon us! Douglas County Hexathlon invites 12 schools to bring a team of girls and boys in 6th grade to the Hexathlon at Douglas County High School track. This year, as another school dropped out due to a lack of students, AVA was invited to participate. There are 7 track and field events, and 6 students of each gender can be entered in the events. Our students have been working hard for several weeks during our early morning practices and are learning the specifics of each event. Our team has been selected to try out because they have been committed to academics, citizenship, sportsmanship, and athletics, and have been recommended by their classroom teachers.
Mrs. Holmes and
Mrs. Woodall have been coaching students and are hopeful for a great showing in our first year!
The event this year will be held at Douglas County High School Stadium on Friday, May 13, 2016 and will start at 8:30. We hope many of our community can come throughout the day to support the students. We are excited to continue the event that some of our AVA parents have participated in during their own 6th Grade years! Go Wolves!
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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 of supporting student growth at home, aligned to AVA's values, philosophy, and strategic approach. Add an upcoming
Family Resource Workshop
to your calendar.
Attending a workshop counts as volunteer time.
You may log hours under "Family Resource Workshop".
Last workshop is Tuesday, May 17th!!
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Board Update
For this board term, there was only one eligible candidate for the open board seat. Per the AVA Board Election Policy, if there is only one eligible candidate, that person will win the seat, and there will be no election. We would like to congratulate Tom Ruekert, who will be serving on the Board for another 3 year term. We commend Mr. Ruekert's dedication to the AVA community, and we are thankful for his willingness to serve.
Additionally, the terms for Seat No. 5 and Seat No. 7, currently held by Julie Casten and Stephanie Rogers, expire on May 1, 2016. Seat No. 5 and Seat No. 7 are appointed seats that are appointed by the other members of the AVA BoD. Ms. Casten and Ms. Rogers have expressed their interest to serve a second term. A final decision regarding their re-appointment to the AVA BoD will be made during the May Board meeting.
Sincerely,
AVA's Election Committee
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Aspen View Academy Wolf Run
PLEDGES DUE FROM SPONSORS!
Deadline is tomorrow!!
Click here for more information on how to turn in pledges.
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Be sure to check your child's Thursday folder on May 26th for important information like Dibels (K-4th only) and i-Ready results. You do not need to return the Thursday folder, we just want to make sure you do not miss the information. Middle School Parents- be sure to ask your child for the important i-Ready information they will be given the last day of school.
- 2016-2017 Homeroom Teacher:
Homeroom teacher assignment will be available on Infinite Campus August 8th. Parents will receive an email from the homeroom teacher introducing themselves, and they will include a link to schedule a Meet and Greet for August 11th or 12th. Please mark your calendar and don't miss this important time for your child to meet their teacher. Meet and Greet day and time:
August 11th noon-7:00pm
August 12th 8:00am-noon
· May 26th-June 3rd (9:00am-3:00pm) · June 6th-July 31st (CLOSED) · Aug. 1st-Front Office Open (9:00am-3:00pm)
Final grades will be posted by May 30th. Report cards will be available for you to print from Infinite Campus May 30th - June 30th. Please be aware that final report cards will only be available for the month of June. On July 1st, the district will roll Infinite Campus forward to the 2016-2017 school year and records/grades from 2015-2016 will no longer be accessible.
- School hours for 2016-2017 have changed for middle school:
- Pre-K through 5th Grade - 8:15 am - 3:30 pm
- 6th-8th Grade - 7:55 am-3:15 pm
Kindergarten 2016: Full day: 8:15 am - 3:30 pm Half day AM: Drop Off between 8:00-8:15 o School starts at 8:15 o Pick Up: 11:15 Half day PM: Drop off 12:25 o School starts at 12:30 o Pick Up: 3:30-3:45
- Bussing: not available for 2016-2017
- Before and After Care Program: Please see website
AVA is required by the District to have parents register for the 16/17 school year using Express Check-In. This allows you to update your information and register for the lunch program. We will be emailing you the Express Check-In link after July 15th. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO LOG IN AND COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. Also-DO NOT BUY A ZPASS AS BUSSING FOR AVA IS NOT AN OPTION.
The first Newsletter for 2016-2017 will be August 3rd, 2016. Please check the home page on our website over the summer for information and updates. |
Fri May 6, 2016
ES - C Day
MS - A Day
Staff Appreciation Week
7am Muffins With Mom Where: AVA
8:20am 5th-8th Grade Assembly
2:15pm Red Riding Hood (Grades K-5) Where: AVA Stage
Sat May 7, 2016
2:30pm Musical Zoo
Mon May 9, 2016
ES - D Day
MS - B Day
3:30pm Junior Girl Scouts Troop 842 Where: AVA Room 316 4:30pm Girl's Soccer Game Where: Platte River Academy
Tue May 10, 2016
ES - A Day
MS - A Day
Girls Soccer Semi Finals TBD Where: TBD
7am Hex Practice Where: AVA
4:30pm SAC Meeting Where: AVA Conference Room
6:15pm Cub Scout Pack Meeting Where: AVA Cafeteria
Wed May 11, 2016
ES - B Day
MS - B Day
7pm 6th Grade Musical Performance
Thu May 12, 2016
ES - C Day
MS - A Day
Girls Soccer Finals TBD Where: TBD
7am Hex Practice Where: TBD
6pm AVA Board of Directors - Working session Where: AVA
7pm AVA Board of Directors Meeting Where: AVA
Fri May 13, 2016
ES - D Day
MS - B Day
8:30am Douglas County Hexathlon Where: Douglas County High School
Mon May 16, 2016
ES - A Day
MS - A Day
6:30pm Cub Scout Join Night Where: AVA Cafeteria
Tue May 17, 2016
ES - B Day
MS - B Day
8:30am Summer Reading-Literacy Team Where: Room 103 6:15pm Cub Scout Den 2 & Den 8 Meeting Where: AVA
7pm 7th and 8th Grade Ukulele Ensemble Performance
Wed May 18, 2016
ES - C Day
MS - A Day
1:30pm 4th Grade Living History Museum Where: AVA Field
6pm Instrumental Music Dress Rehearsal
6:15pm Cub Scout Den 1, Den 4 & Den 6 Meeting Where: AVA
Thu May 19, 2016
ES - D Day
MS - B Day
6:15pm Cub Scout Den 7 Meeting Where: AVA
7pm Instrumental Music Concert
Fri May 20, 2016
ES - A Day
MS - A Day
Themed Dress Day - Western Wear
4pm Family End of Year Celebration Where: AVA
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Featured Special of the Week- Art
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Kindergarten- Kinders have been practicing their primary and secondary colors for weeks! In this project, we created caterpillars that follow the order of the rainbow and learned ways to remember which colors mix to make other colors. When this project is finished, we will be starting a weaving project to wrap up the end of the year!
1st grade- In first grade we are learning about abstract art and that of Wassily Kandinsky. We have talked about his ability to see sounds and hear colors. We looked at his artwork to see what kinds of sounds we could hear and what we saw in the artwork represented by line, shape, color, and space. We have been focusing on a particular "bullseye" painting, and making abstract trees.
2nd grade- As a refresher on foreground, middle ground, and background, we have started a project that focuses on just that. Using watercolor colored pencils, we did a wash over the background of primary and secondary colors. From there, we have been using toothpicks as our paintbrushes in order to create trees in the foreground and middle ground. We are working on thickness and darkness of lines to appear closer, and thinner, lighter lines to appear in the distance.
3rd grade- Third graders have started abstract self-portraits. We used mirrors to find the shapes in our faces and created line designs through the face to break up the space. The background was designed with a different line design from the portrait part. Then we are making the choice to paint the portrait part warm or cool colors and the opposite choice for the background. We have been discussing value, the lightness or darkness of a color, tints and shades, and have been experimenting with mixing black, white, and gray into the colors to see what they turn out like.
4th -Continuing our study of Japanese and Chinese scroll making, students have been making landscape paintings using ink and water color. We are now working on their final project for this study utilizing all of their learned experiences in creating an animal influenced scroll on vellum.
5th - Russian Folklore has been our subject of study for the past month and students are enjoying the process of making their commemorative plates in plaster craft. Students had to place themselves in a traditional Russian story format while summarizing the story with an image of themselves, a background, border pattern, and antagonist or magical helper. We will begin painting the plates next week.
6th Grade Elective - Painting - While it is difficult to summarize or reproduce imagery from the Renaissance, students have been learning the process of creating 3 dimensional scenery utilizing 2 point perspective. Our cityscapes are now receiving color and some fantastic super hero/villainous characters.
7th Grade Elective - Sculpture - Moving on into abstract expressionism and surrealism, students had to create a 100 piece sculpture utilizing Popsicle sticks and hot glue. These unique creations are hanging in the front lobby. Utilizing the same wire and plaster techniques from their impressionist sculpture, students then created some very colorful expressionistic sculptures. We are now working in clay with blending reality, fantasy, and the subconscious, to form surreal images in clay.
8th Grade Elective - Mixed Media - Inspired by our incredible DC/NY trip, students have been working on their first digital image based mixed media painting. After working on the IMac computers to layer multiple images, we printed them out on our 36" roll feed printer in black and white. Students then began highlighting images with watercolor and Sharpie to create some wonderful artwork.
Keep Creating!
Mr. Hecker and Ms. Strelow
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If you are volunteering or plan on volunteering in any capacity, please be sure to read and sign the Community Agreement and return it to the front office. Thank you for volunteering.
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