Newsletter
March 8th, 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 is 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 Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) 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 testing 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!

If you have any questions about the test, feel free to email me.

Bob Barber
Principal

Parent Teacher Conferences
Spring Parent Teacher Conference Sign-ups are now available. Conferences will be held this Thursday, March 14th, 12:00PM – 8:00PM and on Friday, March 15th, 8:00AM – 12:00PM. Please click the appropriate link(s) below, read the conference description, and sign up for a conference.

Uniform News
Lands’ End representatives will join the AVA Uniform Committee on Tuesday, March 12 from 4:00p-5:30p. This will be an amazing opportunity to provide feedback directly to Lands’ End and possibly get a sneak peek at some new potential uniform items. This time will also be an amazing opportunity to bring by any friends who might be interested in learning about AVA uniforms, Lands’ End, etc. Potential and new families will have the opportunity to meet some staff, administration and board members. We would love to see you on Tuesday, March 12 from 4:00p-5:30p! Please click here to R.S.V.P.
Are your frocks in a mock? When we return from Spring Break, please be sure your uniforms are according to guidelines. Double check length on pants, shorts, skirts, and skorts. Per the Uniform policy, pants are to be no shorter than 2” above the ankle bone, and shorts, skirts and skorts are to be at least fingertip length or longer. This equates to be about 4” above the knee. Leggings or bike shorts must be worn under skirts and are to be white, black, gray, navy, or light blue.  Also, jackets, sweatshirts, and hoodies that have the AVA or Wolf Shack logos are the only ones allowed to be worn inside the building.

Lands’ End is constantly emailing and texting coupons, so you do not need to pay full price. Be sure and check your inbox/spam folder or subscribe to receive these coupon codes for the latest deals! Please remember, free shipping is offered once you have ordered $50 worth of merchandise. Also, see details of the Used Uniform Sale below. If you have any questions, please feel free to check the uniform policy which can be found here.

Lastly, if you want your Lands’ End dollar to go further, remember to order script cards through the AVA Website, link to Wolf Shack and select giving cards. Questions on these cards can be directed to ginamarie_pac@yahoo.com.

Make sure your Plaid is Rad for the home stretch!

Thank you!

The Uniform Committee
Wondering what to do with uniforms that no longer fit? Need uniforms to get you through the rest of the year? Then join us for the Spring 2019 Used Uniform Sale on Thursday, March 14th from 1:00 to 8:00 PM during the teacher conferences. To sell items, tag each one with an envelope indicating your family number, item gender, item size, and asking price. Then drop them off at the school during business hours Monday and Tuesday. We will sell them, and you get 100% of the money. It's that easy! Please pick up your sales and unsold items by March 29 or they will be donated to the school. If you prefer to donate your unsold items or sales directly, please write “Donate sales” or “Donate unsold items” on each envelope. Note: Any damaged or stained items should be donated to the local recycling centers.

Start collecting, washing, and tagging items now! Then come shop during this CASH ONLY sale located in Mr. Marxen’s room and save, save, save!! Click here if you are able to volunteer and help with the sale! You get to pre-shop! We also need extra tables if you have one we can borrow. If you have any questions, please send an email to avauseduniforms@gmail.com.
Because now is a great time to stock up on extras, find comfortable clothes for spring, and get the right fit for kids going through a growth spurt - here is a deal you won’t want to miss. Free logo embroidery and 20% off select polos through 4/5. Please check the Lands’ End website for more specifics.
Code: LOGO
PIN: 8674
Middle School News
8th Grade Dedication – Yearbook

Hello, 8th Grade Parents! We are excited to offer a section in our yearbook for parent dedications to their outgoing 8th grader. Please review the information below. The DEADLINE to submit your dedication is Wednesday, March 13. We will be accepting up to two photos and 50 words per dedication.

  • ¼ size - $25.00
  • ½ size - $50.00
  • Full Page - $100.00
 
To purchase dedications, visit the Wolf Shack Shopping Cart found on the homepage of the AVA Website. Once you purchase a dedication page, please email up to 2 photos and your dedication message (max of 50 words) to photos@aspenviewacademy.org.
 
If you have questions, please email: photos@aspenviewacademy.org.
Do you have an 8th grader who will be attending Castle View High School and is interested in playing football as a freshman?

Castle View High School Football will be hosting a Parent Meeting for all incoming Freshman interested in playing football. Meeting will be held Wednesday, March 27th, 6PM at Castle View High School.  

Any question please contact Chris Stacy at chris@gridiron.com or 817-789-8057.
It is time for the 46th Annual Hexathlon and the 4th year for AVA! Only 12 schools are invited, and each school brings approximately 10 girls and 10 boys on their team. Last day of tryouts are on Wednesday, March 13th at 7am in the AVA gym. Please click here for more details.
AVA Middle School Dance

The PTO would like to give a HUGE thank you to the Middle School Dance Committee, The Student Senators, AVA Staff, and Parent Volunteers for their help with the MS Dance! What a successful event it was. The kids had a BLAST! A special thanks to Maren Swain, Heather Mroz, Shanna Spangler, and Shane Graper for their time in making this event a HUGE Success!
Announcements
2018-2019 Yearbook
DEADLINE TO ORDER IS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13TH. CLICK HERE TO ORDER.

See information above regarding 8th-grade dedication pages.
Term Two After School Clubs are now available. Click here for more information and to register.

  1. After clicking on the link, log into My School Bucks with your account information
  2. Select the School Store option
  3. Select the button "Browse all items"
  4. Select "View Details on the item and then add it to your basket"
  5. Check Out

How sick is too sick to come to school?

There have been several absences recently due to sickness. Unfortunately, it is that time of year. To prevent the spread of illness to other students and staff, please keep your children home until they are better. We follow the guidelines set out by the state for when students can and should come back to school. Children’s Hospital has an easy-to-follow printout that is a great resource. You can also view the PDF through this link.

We know that make-up work can be challenging when your student is home. Please keep in contact with teachers regarding what needs to be done. If you ever have concerns about whether your child is ready to come back, we’re happy to chat with you about it! It also helps us keep track of illnesses in the building if you could let us know if your child tested positive for something (influenza, strep, etc). You can let anyone in the front office know, or email our school nurse directly. 

TOMORROW NIGHT, Tuesday March 12, 4pm – 8 pm @ Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Grab dinner at Freddy’s for great food and to help raise funds for AVA. 15% of the sales will go to AVA! You can mention AVA or you can also show them this flyer on your phone; however, NO FLYER IS REQUIRED.

If you need more motivation to attend this Spirit Night, our last Spirit Night at Chili’s raised $430 for AVA! Thank you, and keep up the great work.
The Yearbook Committee needs your help! 

If you have any photos you can share or want your kiddo in the yearbook, please submit your pictures to us no later than tomorrow March 12th. Specifically we are looking for:
  • Candid pictures for 1st grade, 3rd grade, 5th grade and any middle school candid’s.
  • Student Senate
  • Sports - Boys basketball, Cross Country and Cheer
  • Also upcoming Spring Sports - Boys Volleyball and Girls Soccer
  • Events - Spirit Nights at local restaurants, Mary Poppins

Please email photos to photos@aspenviewacademy.org
AVA Giving Cards

The PTO is expanding our AVA Giving Cards (Scrip Card Program). The Giving Card program raises funds for AVA every time you purchase cards to shop for things you already buy. In addition to ordering cards through our awesome Giving Card Coordinator, Gina Braidman – you will also be able to order cards through the Wolf Shack Shopping Cart. Once you place your order, you can arrange to pick your card up at the front office. Major brands like Lands End, Amazon, Target, and Starbucks cards are available starting next week! Help us make this program successful and we can continue adding more big name brand cards!

If you have questions, please email wolfshack@aspenviewacademy.org or Gina Braidman at ginamarie_pac@yahoo.com.


AVA is hiring for a Recess Aide. Click here for the complete job description and the AVA application.
May 3, 2019, 1 pm, at Plum Creek Golf Course.

We hope you are getting ready for this year’s Golf Tournament. Registration isn’t quite ready yet, but to preview prices and options go here.

Registration and sponsorship packages will be open next week. All funds raised will go towards literacy and a face-lift for the library.

We are happy to offer our families the FIRST opportunity to secure a sponsorship at the Golf Tournament. Please Review the sponsorship levels and (Need Info for Next Steps). 

Talent Show – Mark your calendars 

The AVA PTO is excited to announce the 2nd Annual AVA Talent Show! 

Auditions: Tuesday, March 12

Elementary Show: April 4, 6:30 pm

Middle School Show: April 11, 6:30 pm

Auditions will be help Tuesday, March 12th in the AVA Cafeteria from 3:45-5pm. We're also looking for parent and middle school volunteers to judge the auditions and to help with the show. Sign up here to audition and/or to volunteer.

For more details about the talent show click here.
Homework Helpers Club


Click here for more information and to sign up. This club will begin on Monday, March 25th.

Click here for the Events Calendar
PTO News
Why Do We Fundraise?

The Aspen View Academy PTO connects classrooms, families, and our community. Funds raised by the PTO help fund school events and school activities. Every year Aspen View Academy holds two major fundraising events. We started the year off with our Fun Run, and we will be ending the year with a Golf Tournament. Each year funds raised have been used to purchase: Electronic sign at the main entrance, funding the music buildings, upgrading technology, and to support athletics.

This year, based on direction from the AVA Administration, the PTO is raising funds with the AVA PTO Golf Tournament for an AVA Library a face-lift and to support literacy.

If you aren’t able to participate in the AVA Golf Tournament but would like to contribute to our fundraising efforts, please follow this link to make a direct donation.

For questions, more information, and to find out how to help email PTOchair@aspenviewacademy.org or visit our PTO PAGE.
Wolf Shack Hours

Wolf Shack hours are 3-4 on Fridays. Online orders can also be placed and will be delivered to your student's classroom.

If you have questions, please 
email: wolfshack@aspenviewacademy.org – we are happy to assist you!
After School Activities

After School Clubs are now open for sign up for grades K-8. Please click here for more information and to register.


Sports News
Students in Middle School (beginning with 6th Grade) are encouraged to participate in at least one sport per year. Students may only participate after the following have been submitted to and verified by the Front Office:
  • Athletic Packet (This includes three pages: AVA Participation, Physician Permit, and DCSD Participation.) Please submit completed packet.
  • $115 per player, per sport

Click here for our sports page.


**AVA Sports are for students in grades 6-8**
Volunteer Corner
Click on this link to pre-register yourself as a volunteer in the Raptor System. 
Please click on a link below to sign up to volunteer in one of the following areas.







Thank you for all that you do.
Contact Us
General Information: (720) 733-3436 office@aspenviewacademy.org  
Fax: (303) 660-5959
Attendance Line: (303) 660-5940
Volunteer Line: (303) 660-5941 scahill@aspenviewacademy.org
Before/After Care: (303) 888-3040 tlund@aspenviewacademy.org
Lunch Line: (303) 660-5943 xsknight@dcsdk12.org
Student Tech Support: studentsupport@aspenviewacademy.org
Aspen View Academy
2131 Low Meadow Blvd.
Castle Rock, CO 80109