AVA Newsletter

Newsletter

December 5th, 2019

Admin Address

Dear Parents:

I understand that the standardized testing debate has become very politicized, however, we must not forget that we were once sitting in our children's seats. You probably remember the days when you were told to bring a #2 pencil so you could take the standardized test. Every year, we had to take a timed test and answer various questions, then read stories and answer questions about what we just read. These tests required critical thinking skills that we have used throughout our lives.

Taking the tests is not a traumatic experience; it is a reasonable and necessary one. Today, students and parents hear that tests are stressful, unimportant and that schools can be punished based on overall performance. That's simply not true. Our teachers do their best to create a positive testing environment, and the data we receive are very valuable to understanding each student's academic achievement and growth. We use this data to focus on strengthening various skills or concepts and to ensure students are appropriately challenged.

The benefits of the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) tests are as follows:

We can see whether a child is performing at grade level as well as how he or she is performing relative to other students at AVA, within the district and nationally.
It prepares students for standardized assessments that they will be required to take in high school and/or college (SAT, ACT, LSAT, MCAT...).
AVA receives a more valid evaluation of the school's performance when there is a larger sample size.
We can make informed decisions and choices for our students. Test data is used by administration and staff to drive curriculum and professional development choices.
Test data may identify learning gaps that can be addressed.
With open enrollment, schools are requiring a copy of test scores as part of the student's file.

At AVA, we embrace the test data. We use it to celebrate success and pinpoint areas for improvement. Test data is never used as a punishment, rather, it is used to set goals and measure progress.

Taking these tests is truly a life-long skill. Students will eventually need to take a test to obtain their driver's license, to gain admission into some high schools or colleges, to obtain a license to work in certain trades (teaching), and countless other things.

I am asking you to carefully consider this information when the testing window comes around. As a staff, we want to get the students excited about the test and show that it is not a burden. In fact, we have three simple rules for all tests:

1. Take the test seriously!

2. Do your best!

3. Don't stress!

Bob Barber, Principal

Announcements

ART SHOW AT AVA KINDERGARTEN-8TH GRADE!

When: TONIGHT December 5, 2019
5-7 P.M
Where: AVA Lobby and Cafe
What: Student show with framed pieces of art

Please be sure to check Lost and Found. Any items left over winter break will be donated.

Uniform sale on December 7th:

It’s that time again! Need to update uniform sizes, or sell items your students have outgrown? Attend and/or volunteer for the Used Uniform Sale on December 7th, from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, and restock your student’s wardrobe before 2020. Cash only! Details here.

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

The snow didn’t dampen the AVA community’s enthusiasm for books! Thanks to the flexibility of our teachers, and the hard work of our volunteers, we were able to have 5 wonderful days of book fair fun! We sold over $18,000 worth of merchandise, raised over $9,000 for the library, and had a great time celebrating reading as a school. Not to mention, we surpassed our goal of selling 1,000 books by almost double!! So with that, there are some AVA staff members that will be getting ready for a WHITEOUT soon!

Purchase Holiday Gifts at the Wolf Shack!

You can help AVA by purchasing your gift cards at the Wolf Shack. A percentage of the purchase price goes back to AVA -- what a wonderful way to help your school!! And, for this holiday season, Rachelle Nye and Kristin Arabally are teaming up to make the purchase even easier than ever. Just email [email protected] and they'll work with you to do an electronic purchase and arrange a good pickup time that fits your schedule! In addition, if you want to purchase gifts for your child's teachers but don't want to spend time looking up their favorites - you're in luck because the PTO already has a compiled list. In your email, just name the staff that you'd like to purchase a gift for and they'll help you identify the "favorites" available for purchase!

Spirit Day- Chick Fil-A

Participate all day at Chick Fil-A (either Castle Rock location) on Tuesday, December 10th. No flyer needed, just mention AVA at purchase, and 10% of proceeds will come back to the school! Thanks for your support!

Yearbook Cover Art Contest!

Students – your art could be the cover of the 2019-2020 yearbook! First place will be featured on the front cover, and second place will be featured on the back cover. Both winners will receive a free yearbook too. The theme for the yearbook is kindness: In a world where you can be anything, be kind. More information on how to submit will follow. Deadline for entries is January 6th, 2020. See the flyers around school or contact [email protected] for more information.

Pay to Dress of Choice, Tomorrow!

Tomorrow, December 6th, Pay to Dress of Choice (ugly sweater day) by donating a new toy or $1 minimum. Funds and toys will be collected at the school entrance. All donations will go to special needs families in our community. Thank you for your support!

Congratulations to the top 3 winners of the 2nd Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest! These students did a wonderful job decorating their pumpkins as their favorite book characters. Pictured are Brooke Christine (5th grade), Bryson Kuzma (2nd grade), and Autumn Duplantis (2nd grade).

Winter Holiday Boutique through Saturday

You still have until December 7th at AVA to have your student purchase several items under $10, $5 and $3 for family and friends. 10% of proceeds will go to the toy drive. Teachers have already selected a time to take their students to the boutique, to complete their shopping.

Morning Carpool Reminders

Morning carpool is from 7:45am – 8:10am

We are seeing an increase in the number of tardy students in the morning. As a reminder, the morning drop-off begins at 7:45am (5 minutes earlier than last year) and continues to 8:10am. If your child arrives in the building after 8:12am they will be marked tardy.

We added the extra 5 minute drop-off window to accommodate the increase in student enrollment. We have, however, noticed very few cars arriving on the property between 7:45am and 7:55am. Also, we have observed quite a few cars arriving on AVA property after 8:10am meaning your child will be tardy. School officially begins at 8:15am so it is important to have kids in class and ready to go. Classes begin at 8:15am and having students arrive to class tardy is a distraction that can easily be avoided.

Thank you for making Aspen View Academy the best school!

Click here for the Events Calendar

Middle School Sports

Please follow these steps to sign up for middle school sports:

Login to "myschoolbucks"
Using the search icon in the upper right corner, search "program"
Click the "Aspen View Academy" box on the left side of the screen. DO NOT click "athletics."
Select your sport from the options
Register

Thank you!

Mrs. Lindsay Alguire

Athletic Director/Physical Education Teacher

Students are required to have a complete Athletic Packet (which includes a physician's visit). Please click here for all of the information regarding middle school sports.