Newsletter
October 4th, 2018
Administrative Address
Often, we like to think BIG! Why just play sports, when you can be the star of the court/field/pitch? Why shoot for college in general and not an Ivy League University? Why make a simple family meal, when you can prepare a gourmet feast? Big thoughts can be good thoughts, inspiring us to work harder and practice diligently. But what place does that leave for little things of which most of our lives are actually made?

The boys and girls at Aspen View Academy like to think BIG. They love big, essential questions that allow them to explore and apply ideas to a variety of situations. They thrive on classic literature that explores epic journeys and primary source history documents that allow them to experience past events with the emotion and context of those who lived through it. They love to observe the mysteries of the earth through science experiments and nature walks and consider their place and calling in this big world. The Core Knowledge Sequence connects students with such big experiences. But they experience these big things through little moments in a daily schedule. Students wonder and consider and question through the habits of listening carefully, observing thoroughly, waiting patiently, and discussing civilly. Our children celebrate and imagine and sort through texts read, pictures studied, music experienced. And often, just before the breakthrough of understanding, our children struggle and want to give up. Such moments are at the core of the learning experience. Grit, or perseverance, it turns out is both a little and a big thing. It is tested through the moments that are the cusp of learning. Sometimes five minutes can make or break a day. Because it is in the little decisions made daily, made when we face something difficult, or at least something not easy enough for our liking, that we become capable of big things. 

Here’s to a whole community that thinks big and practices in the little~

Melissa Clemmons 
Dean of Academics

A Message From the Principal
Dear Parents –

Schools having Halloween parties has been a fun activity for students for years. I still have great memories of my Halloween parties when I was in elementary school. Please be assured that these parties are simply a fun way to let kids be kids and enjoy an afternoon to let loose a little bit in a controlled environment. For those who do not wish their child to participate in the Halloween party, we will have an alternate activity planned for them, or you are welcome to pick them up early from school.

Halloween parties for PK-5 students (grades 6-8 will not have parties as they are planning a dance on a different date) will take place on Friday, Oct. 26 from 1:30pm – 3:00pm.  Students will have a parade through the school before the parties begin. The students' parade will follow an established route. Parties will commence immediately following the parade. Students do not have to bring a costume if they do not want to. Once the parties are done, you are free to take your child home.

PLEASE NOTE: Your child does not have to dress in costume; that is your decision. No child will be forced to be in the Halloween parade. Please let the classroom teacher know if your child will not be participating in the parade or party.

Costume guidelines: 

  • No weapons, blood, gore, or make-up.
  • Costumes should be conservative in style.  
  • Masks (for the parade only) are permitted as long as they follow the guidelines. 
  • Kids will bring their costumes to school to change into before the parade. 
  • Inappropriate props such as blood, plastic swords, guns, knives, and weapons of any kinds are not allowed.
  • Students should NOT wear their costumes to school. Time will be provided to change into costumes.
  • No masks are to be worn in the classrooms; they are permitted during the parade.

Bob Barber, M.Ed.
Principal
Announcements
REMINDER

There is no school tomorrow, Friday October 5th-Friday October 12th.

Enjoy your Fall Break!
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to AVA! This year’s theme is Enchanted Forest! You are invited to join your child and help him/her find the books he/she will enjoy reading. Our classes will preview the Fair throughout the day on Monday, November 12th. Book Fair sales will begin on Tuesday, November 13th and run through conferences on Friday, November 16th at noon. Click here for the flyer with more information.
From the home office in Castle Rock, Colorado, here are the top 5 carpool reminders (Letterman fans will understand this):

5. Please use the crosswalks.
4. Watch your speed – there are some cars going too fast during carpool. 
3. No phone or handheld electronic use – this means your 100% focus is not on the kids.
2. Pull forward as far as you can so we can fit as many cars in the drop off/pick up line as possible.

And the number 1 reminder for carpool…
1. Smile – you and your kids are part of an amazing school community!!!

Save the Date: Veteran’s Day Celebration on Friday, November 9. There will be more details after Fall Break.
AVA Spirit Night at Chipotle

Mark your calendar for dinner at Chipotle. Bring the family, or just bring your hunger, and help the PTO raise funds. 

  • When? Tuesday, October 16, 5:00pm-9:00pm.
  • Where? 5642 Allen Way Space 104, Castle Rock, CO 80108

Click here to print your flyer or you can show it on your smartphone.
Casino Night at Cielo


Come roll the dice at the AVA PTO red, black, and white themed Casino Night. There will be blackjack, craps and roulette, prizes and more! This will be a catered event with an additional cash bar. Entry ticket price is $50.00 per person.

If you would like to donate toward sending a staff member please click here and select the donate option in the drop-down (each staff member you send is worth 2 volunteer hours)

  • When: Friday, November 9th, 6 pm - 10 pm
  • Where: 485 W Happy Canyon Rd, Castle Rock, CO 80108

The PTO is looking for prize donations . If you can help with donations, please email [email protected]

This event will sell out quickly; get your tickets today!


We are certainly glad you were hungry! Thank you for visiting Chick-Fil-A for our last Spirit Night, you helped raise $475 for AVA.

Click here for the Events Calendar
After School Activities

After School Clubs are now open for sign up for grades K-8. Please click here to see what we are offering this session.


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

STUDENTS MUST HAVE AN UP-TO-DATE ATHLETIC PACKET TURNED IN TO THE SCHOOL NURSE BEFORE YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER CAN TRY-OUT. Click here for the packet.


Boys Basketball
  • Try-outs: October 15-16 from 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Your child will not be able to try-out if they do not have an up to date physical form turned in to the office within the last year. 


Click here for our sports page.


**AVA Sports are for students in grades 6-8**
PTO News
Up-coming PTO Events with Volunteer Opportunities

Take a peek at all the up-coming AVA PTO events here. Dates are subject to change. The AVA PTO is only successful with the help of our dedicated parents. If you would like to become a PTO volunteer, please view current opportunities and sign up here!
Wolf Shack Hours

Stop by the Wolf Shack every Friday from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm to purchase AVA Spirit Wear.

If you prefer to shop online, follow this link. If you have questions, please 
email: [email protected] – we are happy to assist you!
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 [email protected]  
Fax: (303) 660-5959
Attendance Line: (303) 660-5940
Health Room: [email protected]
Volunteer Line: (303) 660-5941 [email protected]
Before/After Care: (303) 888-3040 [email protected]
Lunch Line: (303) 660-5943 [email protected]
Enrollment: [email protected]
Registrar: [email protected]
Student Tech Support: [email protected]
Aspen View Academy
2131 Low Meadow Blvd.
Castle Rock, CO 80109