December 20th, 2023

Admin Address

As the year ends, I find myself grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing community. In my first four months here at AVA, I’ve realized how much work is put into making AVA such a great place to learn and thrive. The school teaching faculty are passionate and inspiring, the school support staff are kind and patient, and the school leaders are supportive and innovative. Although my perspective may be biased, it is an honest view of what I have experienced. With the holidays fast approaching, I would be remiss if I did not discuss how to keep your students safe during winter break. 


Last week I began teaching students about technology safety. We discussed the truth behind social media platforms and the cycle of social media addiction. It is important to begin or continue the conversation about staying safe online. Students may fill their extra time with digital media if unchecked. The overuse or misuse of digital media may lead to anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. Your students have worked hard this school year. So, it is normal for them to turn to their devices to relax and connect with others during the break.


These are some tips you can use to start a nonjudgmental conversation with your student.

  • Talk about tech expectations – Develop rules for how everyone should use devices. Discuss your experiences with social media and your desire to take back control by limiting your use.
  • Turn off notifications – You can set time limits for when notifications can be received. This could help reduce anxiety brought on by anticipation. 
  • Walk the walk – Practice healthy tech habits that your students can follow. Click here for more helpful tips.


My role as the School Resource Officer (SRO) divides my responsibilities into three areas: public safety educator, mentor/informal counselor, and law enforcement officer. It is not unnoticed how much trust is needed to place the safety of your students in the care of the school. I believe in open communication and transparency to strengthen trust and partnership. Please reach out if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. Safety is the responsibility of everyone and saying something is the first step towards action.


Marcos Whyte

AVA School Resource Officer

Middle School Only News

Middle School Winter Sports


Check out the Athletic calendar on our website and come cheer on our AVA Wolves!



General Announcements

After School Clubs Quarter 3 Coming Soon


Listed below are all of the available clubs that will run during the 3rd quarter. All after school club registration will occur in My School Bucks and clubs will remain open until filled or January 19th, whichever comes first.


Volleyball Developmental Clinic with Mrs. Farrell (5th-8th)

5th Grade Band with Mrs. Knestis

Lego Masters with Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Hainer (K-5th)

5th Grade Orchestra with Mrs. Knestis

Hands to Hearts with Mrs. Lopez (K-4th)

Let's Get in Gear and Engineer! with Mrs. Reynolds (1st-5th)

Happy Crafts with Mrs. Miller (K-6th)

Wolf Den Game Club with Mrs. Ness (2nd-5th)

Dungeons and Dragons Club with Mr. Jaren (5th-8th)

Inspired Swifties with Ms. Orness (K-8th)

Coding Club with Ms. Orness (2nd-8th)

Last Day to Order your 23-24 Yearbook is

Jan. 17th!

Click on the image above to order

Staff Spotlight

This is our Student Wellness Team. These ladies support our students on a deeper level by giving them a safe space to talk about anything they're struggling with. Kids today have different issues than these professionals would have seen even 5 or 10 years ago. The pressures of technology, competitive sports, and increasing academic expectations can easily become all-consuming, so they are here to listen whether it's for a one-off visit, or regular check-ins. Their message is, "You are never in trouble here. We are here to help and support you." 


Shuka Hall (Psychologist) loves working with kids to make a positive impact in the lives of the children and families she works with far beyond lesson plans. She wants to help them build up their life skills. Mrs. Hall spends her free time walking, reading, baking, watching reality tv shows. She is energetic, joyous and honest.


Carrie Hansen (Counselor - Middle School) considers working with these students a privilege and loves how much they make her smile. Ms. Hansen enjoys hiking and camping in her free time. She is described as fun, compassionate and great at giving advice.


Kim Ness (Counselor - 3-5) loves that each day is a little different here, also being a support for students and watching them grow socially and emotionally. Every person needs their village/community, and she loves being a part of the students' lives and watching kids be kind and supportive of one another. Mrs. Ness is kind, genuine and knowledgeable. When she's not at school she likes spending time with my family, reading, going to movies, and watching her daughters play volleyball.


Jessica Rossi (Counselor - K-2) loves creating trusting relationships with students and empowering/teaching them how to navigate life's obstacles in a way that works for them. She is described by her coworkers as empathetic, patient and easy going. Ms. Rossi enjoys hiking, biking and traveling with her kids.



AVA Fundraiser at The Outlets at Castle Rock

For every ticket purchased for the Elfie Selfie Land-Holiday Photo Experience AVA will receive $2.00 back to the school. Book your tickets online using the link below and use the code "AVA" www.elfieselfieland.com 

Report Anonymously. Any Time. Any Day.

1-877-542-7233

safe2tell.org

Make A Report

Contact Us

General Information: (720) 733-3436 office@aspenviewacademy.org 

Fax: (303) 660-5959

Attendance Line: (303) 660-5940

Health Room: mbaumann@aspenviewacademy.org

Volunteer Coordinator: dcarson@aspenviewacademy.org

Before/After Care: (303) 888-3040 tlund@aspenviewacademy.org

Lunchroom Manager: xsknight@dcsdk12.org

Pre-K: PreK@aspenviewacademy.org

Enrollment: enrollment@aspenviewacademy.org

Registrar: adixon@aspenviewacademy.org

PTO: pto@aspenviewacademy.org


Student Tech Support

Aspen View Academy

aspenviewacademy.org

2131 Low Meadow Blvd.

Castle Rock, CO 80109

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