September 2022
Creating a Destination District with Intent, Purpose, and Pride
Be Your Best Self
719-372-6777

Sheryl Gifford ~Principal (sgifford@re-2.org)
Joe DeSalvo ~ Counselor (jdesalvo@re-2.org)
Brandy Guasta ~ Counselor (bguasta@re-2.org)
From the Office
Student Hours: 8:15-4:10

Doors Open: 8:10 am
*Please do not drop your students off before 8:10 am. There is no supervision outside until 8:10 am. Thank you for helping us keep students safe.

*All students need to enter through the front doors in the morning. Thank you!

Office is Open 7:55 to 4:20
Dear Penrose Families,

We made it through the first three weeks of school, and what a wonderful three weeks it has been! It has been awesome having students back in the building. Some major events happening this month are , picture day, vision and hearing screening, beginning of the year testing, and Penrose Park and Recreation District is sponsoring a Penrose Park Sports Day for our PES students on September 14th for Kindergarten-3rd grades, and September 15th for 4th-6th grades! Permission slips will be coming home soon. In addition, we are beginning the process of preparing for Apple Day on October 1st. If you'd like to volunteer, please contact Angelina Paxton at apaxton@re-2.org.

I would also like to thank you for helping keep our PES students safe, by entering through the main entrance of the building in the mornings. If you want to walk your child to their classroom in the morning, please drop by the office and sign in. When you leave, please sign out in the office as well. The safety of all who are in the building is extremely important to us, and signing in and out helps us ensure that all students, staff and family members are safe. Thank you!

Finally, each month, I'd like to highlight the wonderful teachers and staff in our building. This month I'm highlighting our Kindergarten teachers and our Special Education department. These ladies are magnificent, and do so many wonderful things for our students! Read below to find out a little more about these wonderful teachers!
 
Sincerely,

~Mrs. Gifford
Kindergarten Teachers
Aimee McKibbin
Hi! My name is Aimee McKibbin and I am one of the Kindergarten teachers at Penrose Elementary. This is my 22nd year teaching and I absolutely love my job! My favorite aspect of my work is getting to care for kids and families as they make the big transition into elementary school. I was born and raised in Fremont county and recently bought a farmhouse that I am renovating by myself, which has been an adventure! When I am not at school or working on the house I love being outdoors- hunting, fishing and hiking, and looking for shed antlers, spending time with family and friends, or volunteering.

Kimberly Henninger
Hello! My name is Kim Henninger and I’m one of the Kindergarten teachers at Penrose Elementary. I’ve been teaching for 12 years. This is my 4th year at Penrose Elementary and I am so excited to be back in the Kindergarten classroom this year! Every day is an adventure and I love sharing stories with the kids. When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time fishing and hunting with my husband, two daughters, and my 3 year old grandson.
Special Education Team
Ashley Hagemann
While you may know me as the Music Teacher at Penrose Elementary for the past 7 years, I'm excited to step into a new role as a Special Education Teacher this year. I am married to Nik and we have three children; two of which attend Penrose Elementary School. When I'm not at school you can find me hiking with my family, gardening, or reading.

Sarah Kammerdiener
This is my fourth year working in the district and my first as the Special Education Teacher. I love working with children and watching young minds grow. When I am not teaching, I enjoy cooking, art, reading, being outdoors, coffee with friends, and spending time with family.

Lacey Tank
Hi, I’m Ms. Lacey.  I have been working in schools since 2008. I have been at Penrose Elementary since 2017.  I have worked at other schools in different states and Penrose Elementary has been where I feel most at home. We have such an amazing elementary school with amazing staff and students.  I enjoy seeing the smiling faces of the students that I work with everyday and the excitement they have when learning.

I live on a little farm with my husband and my 8 year old daughter. I love spending time on our farm with our animals, reading, singing and going on drives around our beautiful state.

I am so grateful to be able to work at this wonderful school with all these amazing teachers.

Angelina Paxton
Hello! I am Angelina, a Special Education Para. This is my 3rd year in Spec. Ed. I love working with all the kids, getting to know them, and helping them achieve their goals in learning. I have been a part of this school for 13 years and it has become a place I like to consider a second home. I live in Penrose with my family. My four children have all attended Penrose Elementary, or are currently. When I am not at school I can be found at my second job, Juniper Valley Ranch, in my swimming pool, running kids to activities, or playing softball. I am looking forward to this school year and some awesome changes at Penrose Elementary.

Abi Leisy
My name is Abi and this is my second year as a Special Education Paraprofessional at Penrose Elementary. I enjoy working with my small groups and finding new and different ways to get kids excited about learning when they need a little extra help. I am excited for this new school year and happy to be a part of the Penrose family.

I also live in Penrose and have 2 sons who also attend this school. In my spare time I enjoy hanging with my family and being active. I like to ride my bike, do yoga, and walk. When I'm not busy with all of these things you can find me sitting at my pottery wheel In my home studio making new creations.
Please attend a meeting to learn about the
future facility improvements in RE-2.

* Learn more about the facility improvements and upgrades to security at all schools.
* Learn about the No-Tax Increase and what it means for your Re-2 schools.
* Hear from the experts about building on the Jr/Sr campus again. 
* Learn what you can do to help your Re-2 schools.
* Join a student-led tour of the building.

Fremont Elementary, September 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the gym

Penrose Elementary, September 20 at 5:30 p.m. in the library

Florence Jr/Sr High School
   October 4, 5:30 in the Auditorium and at 6:00 in the Cafeteria
   October 25, 5:30 in the Auditorium and at 6:00 in the Cafeteria

All information related to facility improvements and the bond initiative can be found on the district website. Please visit www.re-2.org, then click on Bond Initiative.

September Dates to Remember


9/5 Labor Day-No School
9/13 Fall Picture Day
9/14 Penrose Park Day K-3rd
9/15 Penrose Park Day 4th-6th
9/21 Hearing and Vision Screening

Students need to bring or wear tennis shoes on the days that they have PE. Thank you!

Mr. Royer
Mrs. Shingleton is in need of 5 gallon buckets, and electric keyboards for music class. If you have any used buckets or keyboards, and you'd like to donate them to the music program, Mrs. Shingleton would be very appreciative.
From Our Nurse

Eww! Germs!

To help avoid spreading germs, and to stay healthy, follow these simple tips.

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
  2. Sneeze or cough into your elbow, not your hands.
  3. Use hand sanitizer when you cannot wash your hands.
  4. If you have a fever, stay home. You should be fever free for 24 hours.
  5. Get at least 8 hours of sleep per night.
  6. Eat a least 1-2 cups of fruits and veggies each day.
  7. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  8. Exercise on a regular basis.

Immunizations Reminder

Parents - please make sure that your Kindergarten and 6th grade Immunizations are up to date.
Exemption forms may be picked up in the Health Office. 

From Our SRO

Sharing the Road with Young Pedestrians

  • Don't block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic
  • In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection
  • Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign
  • Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas
  • Don't honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way
  • Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
  • Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way

~National Safety Council

Have Something to Report?
Anonymously report anything that concerns or threatens you, your friends, your family, or your community!

1-877-542-7233

https://safe2tell.org/
Be Your Best Self!