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Monthly newsletters
are digital only
(email and website)
newsletter
MAY 2015
Principal Update
It is hard to believe that we are
approaching the end of the school
year. It has been an amazing year
with numerous celebrations and
countless school sponsored
events taking place every month.
I tell myself each day how lucky I
am to be the principal at Niwot
Elementary. I also tell others,
every chance I get, how Niwot
Elementary is a very special place,
with remarkable children, a
supportive community, and the
best staff members in the state.
A huge celebration this year was,
as an entire community, we again
received the John Irwin Award for
outstanding academic
achievement. This award is a true
testament to the profound work
going on in our school every day
and to the outstanding support we
receive from the parents of our
students. Heartfelt thanks go out
to each and every staff member at
our school for being so masterful
at what they do each and every
day. In addition, I would like to
thank the members of the PTAC
executive board and all of the
volunteers who have spent
countless hours this year
organizing committees, raising
funds, and working directly with
teachers to support student
learning. We are so fortunate to
have dedicated parents who give
so much of their time to our
school.
The month of May tends to be very
busy and this year is no exception.
Please make sure to visit the
teacher web pages, school web
page, This Week at Niwot
publication, and my principal
Facebook page for updates on
events and activities that are
happening throughout the month.
It will be a busy few weeks!
In closing, thank you again for all
of your support and for what you
do for our students each and every
day. This has been another great
year and I look forward to many
more years of working with our
students, staff, parents and
community to make our school
even better.
Announcements
and Updates
(pages 2—4)
Student Council
Update
(page 2)
PTAC Update
Please check the
website!
Mwebaza
Partnership News
(page 6-8)
Community
School Update
(page 9)
Have a safe and relaxing summer!
Important Dates
& Contacts
(page 9)
Nancy Pitz
Our Mission: Foster lifelong
learning. Promote respect.
Nurture each other.
Lunch Menu,
Additional Info
(pages 10-11)
School Supply
List 2015-16
(pages 12& 13)
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Notes from the Library:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
AND UPDATES
STUDENT COUNCIL
What a wonderfully
productive and fun year
Student Council has had. We
were able to not only help our
community but also contribute to our school.
The children of Student Council want you to know how
very much they appreciate all of the support our parents
and community have given us this year. Without this
support, we would not be successful. It has been a
wonderful opportunity and we can't thank you enough for
all of your help.
Thank you!
Student Council
Please keep in mind the last chance to check
out from library is May 1st. All books need to
be returned between May 9-13. If they are
not returned a fee will be applied on Infinite
Campus and the student will not be able to
check out the following year until it has been
paid.
Thanks so much for your co-operation in
maintaining a vibrant library.
Dinah Sherwood
Second grade Expert Projects gallery walk is
9:30-10:30 on May 13 in the cafeteria!
Everyone is welcome! :)
****************************************************
GIFTED AND TALENTED NEWS
Nominations for the Academic Challenge
Program are available for parents and teachers to
nominate students for next year. These students must
demonstrate readiness for advanced instruction and a
desire to take on greater academic challenge in their
learning. Once nominated, a review of the student’s
standardized test scores, grades, and behavior surveys
assessing the student’s ability will be gathered. Usually
students are performing 2+ years above their current
grade level. The students must score at the 95th
percentile or above. Testing starts in May and continues
until the end of September. Qualification results are
mailed home at the end of September. Students will
receive services for only their strength area. Services
may include advanced work in the regular classroom,
pull-out classes, mixed-grade level grouping strategies,
and mentoring. Information about the identification
process and the nomination form are found on Mrs. Van
Winkle’s webpage.
http://classes.svvsd.org/course/view.php?id=965
****************************************************************
PE NOTES
All School Field Day, Wednesday, May 20th—be
sure to dress appropriately, bring a water bottle
and wear sunscreen!
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The 4th Grade
was recently treated to a visit from local author
Eileen Ross. Mrs. Ross was also a teacher at
Niwot Elementary for many years. We had
read her historical fiction book and written
literary essays about it in our reading classes.
Mrs. Ross shared how authors write books and
develop engaging stories. We were very
inspired to write even more! Many thanks to
the PTAC for making this wonderful opportunity possible!
FIFTH GRADE BAKE
SALE
Fifth grade will be having a bake sale at school
during the afternoon of Friday, May 9th. The
money earned will help to pay for our Young
AmeriTowne field trip. Our PTAC pays for the
majority of the field trip, but our grade level
needs to cover the rest of the cost. We ask that
students bring up to $1.00 in change to purchase goodies that will be priced between 5 - 25
cents. Treats will be individually wrapped/
packaged, and a list of recipe ingredients will be
posted next to each set of items. We look forward to this fun and exciting fundraising event.
FROM THE
ART ROOM
Our first mural is complete! Please stop by the cafeteria
to see this bright new work of art, created by this year's
5th grade class, and our departing staff. Thank you
again to artist Cynthia Marsh and the PTAC for making
this possible!
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A Special Adieu…….
Dear Staff, Parents and Students,
After 17 years of teaching as a second career, and an
amazing 13 years of it here at Niwot Elementary School, I
have chosen to retire. There isnʹt anywhere else in the USA
I would work! So, I guess that means Iʹll go to Mexico and
teach 5th grade science for a couple years as a professional
and personal adventure!
Words can not do justice to how much this community
means to me. The unconditional support, guidance and
LOVE that Iʹve been shown every single day has meant the
world to me. There have been days so brilliant Iʹve
sung, and days so dark Iʹve cried. I have such pride being
associated with this centerpiece of quality and compassion!
Iʹll certainly keep in touch, share my new experiences and
reach out when I need a long distance hug! Niwot is a
unique and exceptional school whose success relies on the
positive collaboration between staff, families and students keep up the award winning work!
Ms. Vicki Skillman Polinko
5th grade - Niwot Elementary School
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NIWOT-MWEBAZA SISTER SCHOOL
UPDATE
SEVENTH ANNUAL MWEBAZA “JOG-A-THON” ON MAY 6…
WITH ICE CREAM AFTERWARDS!
It’s about time for our 7th annual Jog-a-thon to help raise money to benefit our African sister school, Mwebaza Infant
Primary School! The Jog-a-thon will be held on our May “Late Start Day,” Wednesday, May 6.
The times for the Jog-a-thon are as follows:
4th and 5th grades from 11:45-12:15 pm
2nd and 3rd grades from 12:30-1:00 pm
1st grade and Kindergarten from 1:15-1:45 pm
(Mrs. Witt’s Kindergarten will run on Tues., May 12 during their regular specials time at 2:05.)
Students will be jogging or walking around a 200M track for 20 minutes. In terms of fundraising, students can get
pledges per lap or just a flat donation. Although all students will be participating in the Jog-a-thon, getting pledges or
donations is optional, of course. However, all proceeds raised will be used to benefit disadvantaged Ugandan
school children, so all fundraising efforts are greatly appreciated! Your child’s pledge form is attached to this letter.
Children can ask family and friends for donations, but we DO NOT want students to solicit door to door! After each
student completes the Jog-a-thon on May 6th, he or she needs to collect any donations, place them in an envelope
labeled with his or her name and the words “Jog-a-thon,” and then put that envelope in his or her class’ collection
envelope by May 15th.
Again this year, kids can celebrate their Jog-a-thon efforts with their families by an after-school visit to Cold Stone
Creamery in Longmont. Niwot Elementary staff volunteers will be serving up ice cream at Cold Stone between 4
and 8 p.m. after the Jog-a-thon, with 15% of the proceeds going to the Mwebaza Foundation! In fact, 15% of all
Cold Stone sales, from opening to closing, on May 6th will go to the Mwebaza Foundation!
At the Jog-a-thons in 2010 and 2011, Niwot Elementary raised funds that the Mwebaza Foundation used to buy property
on which we are currently constructing a middle school for our Ugandan pen pals. In 2012, our Jog-a-thon got us close
to our goal of unlocking a $25,000 matching grant from the Heaven’s Hope Foundation to be used towards the middle
school for Mwebaza students and a primary school in another Ugandan village. By year’s end, the Mwebaza Foundation
had gathered enough to get these matching funds and begin clearing land and pouring foundations at each site. In
2013, Jog-a-thon funds were combined with the half of the grant monies designated for the middle school project, and
were used, among other things, to construct the walls of the middle school for Mwebaza students. With the funds raised
in 2014, we were able to put a roof on the new middle school!
This year, Jog-a-thon funds will be used to purchase property adjacent to the new middle school that can be used for a
playground and a garden to raise vegetables to feed the children. This property recently became available, and we did
not want to miss the opportunity to obtain it as the school building takes up most of the property we currently own,
leaving little space for student play. Buying this land will delay the completion of the school building, but we feel it is of
utmost importance to purchase this land before someone else does!
Please feel free to join in on the fun by cheering on your children, running with them, or by volunteering. Water will be
provided. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Mr. Strah.
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NIWOT-MWEBAZA SISTER SCHOOL
UPDATE
continued
MEETING UP WITH KEPPLERS AT MWEBAZA SCHOOL
This June, Mr. Peterson and Mwebaza Foundation Development Assistant, Devaki Douillard, will be traveling to Uganda
to visit Mwebaza School. At Mwebaza, they will be purchasing land for the middle school with funds earned at the Jog-a
-thon, teaching lessons on dental hygiene, and celebrating the progress occurring at the school with Mwebaza students
and staff! Former Niwot principal, Dr. Mike Keppler, his wife, Christa, and their two daughters will be meeting up with
Mr. Peterson and Ms. Douillard at Mwebaza School for the celebration. Dr. and Mrs. Keppler helped greatly with the
start of the Mwebaza Foundation. Mrs. Keppler was formerly on the Board of Directors, and traveled to Uganda with Mr.
Peterson in 2008.
COME VISIT US AT THE BOULDER CREEK FESTIVAL!
The Mwebaza Foundation will have a booth at the Boulder Creek Festival this year, where we will be selling Ugandan
jewelry, batiks, and stuffed animals to raise funds for our projects in Africa. The Boulder Creek Festival takes place right
after school ends on June 23rd through 25th. We will be located in the Boulder County Court parking lot (called “Festival
Square” for the event.) Please come and visit us and pick up some unique gifts! And if you and your child would like to
work a shift for us at the Boulder Creek Festival, please contact Mr. Peterson.
PARTY FUNDRAISERS
Want to help the Mwebaza Foundation help the schools it serves, but not sure how? Want to give more than you can
afford to? Like to entertain? If these three statements describe you, then you may be interested in hosting a party fundraiser. Party fundraisers can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. Here are the basics:
Invite your friends to a party at your house or local venue. Supporters have hosted cocktail parties, Africa-themed parties, birthday parties, and house concerts to benefit the Mwebaza Foundation. Think about your interests, your
friends, and your resources, and get creative!
Let your guests know that you are holding the party to benefit a cause you care about, assisting developing schools in
Africa. A donation jar will be available at the party, and they will be able to make a contribution, should they wish to
do so. No pressure. Some child supporters wanting to help their pen pals have hosted birthday parties and asked
for contributions or supplies for the Mwebaza Foundation from guests instead of gifts.
Gather food and drinks that you want to serve. Feel free to make it simple. Good company for a good cause!
Let us know if you would like a Mwebaza Foundation representative to present briefly about the work of the Foundation
at your party. We'll bring a display board, donation envelopes, collection jar, tax receipts, and even a short slide
show, if you like. We won't monopolize your party. People will want to socialize! But we can take on the responsibility for sharing about the Foundation if you wish, leaving you to simply have fun with your guests.
It's as fun and easy as that! And these parties bring in both funds and goodwill for the Mwebaza Foundation that really
help us do what we do - build partnerships that help kids on both sides of the Atlantic! You can contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in possibly hosting a party fundraiser. Thanks for your consideration!
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IMPORTANT DATES
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
More information available on our
web site calendar
•
Friday, May 1st—Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, 8am;
Crazy Hat Day to support OM; AmeriTowne Bake Sale in 5th
Grade
Sunday, May 3rd—Nancy Pitz’ birthday!
•
Tuesday, May 5th—5th Grade District Field Day at LHS
•
Wednesday, May 6th—LATE START—School starts at
•
•
11:30AM; Last Box Tops Collection Day
Wednesday, May 6th—Mwebaza Jog-a-thon! Followed by ice
cream at Cold Stone Creamery 5-8pm
Sunday, May 10th-Mother’s Day
•
Friday, May 15th—Shakespeare in the Park
•
•
Tuesday, May 19th—Last of year PTAC Meeting @ 7pm ,
Library
Tuesday, May 19th—All School Field Day
•
Wednesday, May 20th—SUPER SPIRIT DAY;
•
Thursday, May 21st—Last Day of School!
•
Niwot Elementary School
303.652.2828
Fax: 720.652.8075
Transportation Services
303.776.6200
Community School
720.652.8065
Pre-School
720.652.8066
5th Grade celebration at
9:15am; All School Picnic following;
Grades available in IC
•
Monday, May 25th-Memorial Day
COMMUNITY SCHOOL
On the May 6th PLC morning (late start) Community School will offer childcare. We will be going
outside for a fun filled morning of Fun in the Sun with Springtime Games and Activities Cost is $15.00 for
childcare and activities. Snacks will be provided.
The Summer Camp Programs still have openings. The Niwot School Age Camp has openings
available on Mondays and Fridays and the Wrap Around Program, for 3 – 5 year olds, has openings on all
days. Both Childcare Camps are in session May 27 – August 7, 2015 and are open from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm,
Monday – Friday.
Cougar Club, before and after school childcare, and Wrap Around, preschool and kindergarten
childcare, registration for the 2015 – 2016 school year will open online on May 18, 2015. Priority will be given
to registrations received by May 21, 2015. Due to staffing decisions, space can not be guaranteed for
registrations received after this date.
For more information regarding any Community School program or activity or for instructions for online
registrations, please go to the Niwot Elementary web site and click on Community School or contact Cindy
Green at 720-652-8065 or email: [email protected].
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Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration
Day and commemorates all men and women, who have died in military service for the United
States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally
seen as the start of the summer season.
Memorial Day is
Monday, May 25th
What do people do?
It is traditional to fly the flag of the United States at half mast from dawn until noon.
Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in
military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.
Memorial Day has become less of an occasion of remembrance. Many people choose to hold
picnics, sports events and 9family gatherings on this weekend. This day is traditionally seen as
the start of the summer season for cultural events.
LOST AND FOUND
With the warm weather upon us and with these last few
weeks of school, please be sure to check our lost and
found structure for missing items! If there’s something
small (jewelry, hair things, glasses, toys, etc.), check
out the treasure box in the front office.
If unclaimed everything will donated before
summer break!
MOTHER
M... is for the million things she gave me,
O ... means only that she's growing old,
T ... is for the tears she shed to save me,
H ... is for her heart of purest gold;
E ... is for her eyes, with love-light shining,
R ... means right, and right she'll always be.
Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER,"
A word that means the world to me.
--Howard Johnson (c. 1915)
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