Party, Secret Santa & Classroom change!

Please tell students that the new large cottage classroom will be set up over Christmas break,

for now we are still in the same classroom.

You will get notices of Secret Santa Shop. They set up the library with gifts for students to purchase for family/friends. The objective is to provide a secret shopping experience without mom and dad for kids to feel independent and giving. It also provides a unique experience in money, budgeting and decision making.

The gifts are reasonably priced so that children can get gifts for a lot of people cheaply, but not necessarily high quality.

It is volunteer participation, but I will be taking both cottage classes in to preview gifts and then again to purchase some.

k-2^nd will preview the shop Tuesday, Dec. 8^th, 1:00-1:15 and purchase on Wed., Dec. 9^th at 1:00-1:45

3^rd-5^th will preview the shop Friday, Dec. 4^th, 2:00-2:15 and purchase on Thursday, Dec. 10^th at 2:45-3:30

The envelope checklist sent home will give you an idea of how much money to send on purchase day. It is possible to send $6 and get under $1 gifts for mom, dad, bro, sis, gram, and gramp.

Classroom Combined Party is Wed. December  16^th at 3pm

parents may come at 2:45 to help set up. There will be about 28 students plus siblings and adults, but not everyone likes everything so just bring a lot of whatever you choose. I’ll provide plates, napkins, cups and drinks. Let me know if you have ideas for games or activities.

Upcoming school events & activities

All elementary age students invited to come in to attend all events:

11/5 ---older cottage goes to help Kindergarten ‘Buddies” in Mrs. Ellington’s classroom at 1:10

11/17 ---State Parade of 5^th grade floats goes through the hall  at 3:15

11/18 ---5^th grade   Program Assembly “Seussical “ is at 3pm 

12/18 ---Sing-A-Long Day 9AM -10AM in Gym –Christmas Carols and performances. Santa Comes to visit each classroom later in the day.    

LG Gem & Mineral Club

Second Tuesday: Nov. 10

The Lake George Gem & Mineral Club Junior Program will have a presentation by Steve Veatch about Colorado's Ice Age.  We will look at animals of the Ice Age and talk about the Clovis people who swept across Colorado and North America.   Fluorite will be the study specimen for the month.  The meeting will start at 7:30PM on Tuesday Nov. 10, please try to arrive a few minutes early.  

The meeting is at the Lake George Community Center on US 24 just east of the Ferrell Gas Propane facility.  

For questions call John Rakowski 719-748-3861 or Steve Veatch 719-748-5010 or see the website at: LGGMClub.org.

Fall Costume Party TODAY!

Please do come have fun and bring your student(s)/siblings.

This Party is for all Elementary students in Cottage/Online.

Bring:

Snack Food for as many as you want. There may be up to 32 kids plus parents and siblings, but because everyone brings something, it is not totally necessary to have one for every child. We all contribute to the buffet of snacks.

(I'll supply apple juice mixed with 7up and dry ice, cups, plates, napkins)

If you have ideas for an activity or decorations, contact me ahead of time. 

Schedule for Friday October 30th:

12:05 Older cottage class as usual (Come in Costume)

12:10-12:50 Music

12:50-1:00 Break and tour of Pumpkin contest

1:00-1:15 Group -Show n Tell

1:15-2:00 Library

2:00-2:30 Science Activity

2:30-2:45 Recess (young cottage kids arrive in costume and may go to recess or to class with parents)

2:30 Parents come now from both Young and Old Cottage class to set up Party

2:45 Begin Parade of Costumes throughout the school

3:00 or so--Party in Classroom (there will be a

Fun Science Demo. by Professor Cottage followed by treat eating)

3:50 Dismiss

Picture Re-takes & Class Photo

Greetings!

Picture retakes will be Wednesday, Oct. 28th.

I will also be taking my Primary Cottage class for their pictures at 1:30.

We will be using the Panther Den for Pictures instead of the media center. It is a classroom half way down the hall on the left.

The photographer will be here between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. We will be taking Cottage class for pictures at 1:30-2:00pm, but if you are bringing another age student you may come at a different time or with us.

If you have a student wanting a retake, be sure they have the original picture package with them to turn into the photographer. These pictures are also so they will be included in the yearbook.

I’ll try to get packets home to you before then, or bring the one they received in September.

Lincoln & K12 Online Students/Guides

Dear Online Parents and Students,

Please be sure you are entering your hours in attendance on the dates you school.
K12 has an official spot for recording these hours.
Lincoln is to be entered on your own calendars until we then enter the info. on our form (soon to come).
Remember to give yourself the suggested 1 hour per subject per day even if it takes you less time. However give yourself more time when the subject takes longer. Your extra-curricular (music, Bible, sports) hours may be recorded as well, but the CORE subjects have to be recorded. In upper levels-all electives are also recorded. Some middle school and high school students attend classes on campus. You do not have to record these times in your record of hours.

The required hours for all online programs is an average of 4.18 hours per day each quarter (43 days). Make sure your hours meet or exceed this.
Upper level will be much more out of need to cover material, but this is a minimum requirement.

It is very important to have 360+ hours documented for each semester. I have broken this down to the 4.18 average hours mentioned above. The only difference is that no matter what days you school or take off or what days you do more hours or less than the average (4.18), please make sure you have documented the 360 hours within each semester. First semester ends January 4^th and second semester ends May 27th.

Please do not stress over this. You are all already doing this.

I am just sharing with you the exact requirements to keep our program successful and continuing successfully.


Thanks,

Sandy Struble

Entertainment Books & Butterfly Bags

All monies and or entertainment books are due back by Friday, September 18th, 2009.

As well as the donations for the butterfly sculpture. See blog post :: Butterfly Garden

School Photos

Thursday, Sept. 17^th.
Volunteer pics for ID badges are at that time as well.

Our times are:

2:30 for Thursday/Friday Cottage 2 older kids—3^rd-5^th (they will already be here in class that day)

2:45 for Tuesday/Wednesday Cottage 1 younger kids ---K-2^nd (they will have to be brought in that day-if you can) (Sebastian may be brought earlier)

Yes, it is okay to have siblings taken together as an extra purchase arrangement with the photographer (please call to confirm this- 1(800)952-6450,
after all the school photos are done (we are the last group), but they must be taken individually for their official ‘school’ photo.

Free Health Screenings

Health Screenings will be 1:00-1:30 for all Cottage /Online students
On Wednesday , Sept. 16^th.
Younger cottage class (K-2^nd) will be here and go automatically. Older class and /or online students must come at that same time if they want to be checked.

It is basic sight, hearing, weight, height screenings. I found this type of screening helpful when I homeschooled.

It is down the hall mid-way here at Gateway.

Butterfly Garden

Are you wondering about the green bags with the butterfly on it that your children brought home?

The butterfly garden is the flower garden area right next to where we line up---totally unrelated to the other project, but our garden was made by an afterschool gardening class where students learned to be junior master gardeners.

Our current students are asked to bring in any spare change in these greens bags. (Due Sept 18th)


 Students created a butterfly to enter in an auction. The auction monies are to provide art classes to kids that had to be placed in different schools than their own because school buildings closed in Colorado Springs.

The butterfly along with several others (ours and some may be viewed in front of the Pikes Peak Center in Colo. Springs) will be auctioned off at a dinner at the Briarhurst in order to raise money for art classes at the schools. Our school is going to attempt to bid enough to buy our butterfly back. Therefore, raising money for this cause but also getting –what I heard is” the best butterfly” back to display at Gateway.

Citizenship Day!

Please consider a great event…

Come to Gateway front entrance area on Tuesday, Sept.  15^th at 9:00AM for High School band and Patriotic Songs, a Citizenship Day celebration.

It is not our normal class time, but I think your kids would love it. It always moves me.

NO SCHOOL!!

Cottage 1, k-2nd...

Tuesday is a 'collaboration day' for teachers... NO SCHOOL for students!!

See you Wednesday!

Hope you all enjoy your long Labor Day weekend....

Communication

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your patience and support with me, the schools (Gateway, Lincoln, and K12), other parents, and especially with our children.
It has been a great start to the year with newly added grades and curriculums. I am excited to promote our schooling options through the home in all the ways available. The popularity of these programs helps assure their availability.

It is most important to realize that what works for one family may not work for another because we are all individuals with different needs both for each family and each individual within the family. Homeschooling is a very personal decision.  My background is that I have homeschooled, private schooled, and public schooled my four children and helped other families do all three methods as well. I say this because it can always be a ‘recipe’ of solutions that give a good educational plan to each student. The plan needs to be adjusted sometimes. The offerings are per need and availability.

We can offer:

Lincoln 5^th through 12^th
Lincoln K and 1^st PILOT Test Curriculum
K12  K through 8^th
Cottage K through 2^nd
Cottage 3^rd through 5^th
Enrichments, Electives and Core courses through Middle School and High School
Full-time school classes

With all of this in mind, I want us to be very positive and flexible in each plan and/or change. I feel it will breed more success in every program when we help each other.

I have been overwhelmed by your commitment to help each other succeed. That is why I like ‘linking’ up in ways to help us help each other.

Please do keep me in the ‘loop’ so I can help direct the connections to the most helpful links and hopefully help acquire solutions effectively and quickly.
Communication and ideas are helpful if we remain positively connected.

Note:
As you can see I am working with three different schools and two online programs. Please know that I am available for all of these but time is valuable.

1.       Emails are a great communication since I often have multiple duties at the same time, and I try to answer them in a timely manner.
2.       This seems to be a very effective communication. Please do not attempt to email me through k12 Totalview. I am available through contact info. at the end of the email.
3.       I have students Tuesday through Friday 12:05 to 3:50. During this time most phone calls will go directly to voicemail.
My usual availability is all mornings and all day Mondays.
4.       Afterschool is usually not the best time.
5.       Lengthy phone conversations and in person conferences are better off scheduled so we can give time needed.
6.       When emailing each other on any of my programs, please include me so I am aware of what the concerns or needs are. I may know how to direct the info., add support, and find the needed resources. Please make sure emails focus on the positive educational needs of the students in our programs.

As always, please contact me when you have questions or concerns. I am committed to your child’s success.

Always – Let’s stay positive.
Thank you,
               
Sandy
sstruble@wpsdk12.org
719-686-2171 classroom
719-491-5941 school cell

Open House & First day of school!!

Open House is August 25th from 4:30-6:30 at Gateway. It is not mandatory, but it sure is nice to see all the returning students.


School starts officially on August 26th. 



Click here to see the school supplies list 

Updated info on Vouchers for computers for ONLINE students

I was mistaken, one computer voucher per family unless there are 3 or more online students in the family. So sorry for this confusion.

Also, I am constantly trying to push progress from k12-no answers, yet as to when materials are shipped or when online access is granted. I let you know asap.

Checks are cut on Thursdays.

Computer agreements forms that I put in last Thursday and Friday went to the business office and checks for computer equipment will be in the mail by Friday, August 21st. You may get them Sat. Aug. 22nd.

If you haven't gotten your computer agreement in, yet. Print it from the email I sent you, and sign and turn in to District Business office (Peggy or Ron) asap if you want it on this weeks checks that get printed on Thurs.. Forms are available from Gateway secretaries but taking the finished form directly to district office saves time. Otherwise next week they print checks again on Thursdays.

**District office is reached by driving past Gateway, past the high school, and going in the doors at the very end of the high school/admin building. (Furthest north). Business Office is the first office on the left when you enter Woodland Park administration office.

Thanks

Sandy

Library Books

ALL LIBRARY BOOKS are now DUE!
Next week is the last day of school.
Please turn in your books.
If you don't know if you have a book out, please call and ask! We have a list!

Open House Informational Meeting for Local Homeschool Cottage and On-line School K-12

May 7^th at 6:30pm

@ Gateway Elementary School (101 North Baldwin, Woodland Park)

Teacher: Sandy Struble (11 years homeschool mom, 3 years private school teacher, and 12 years public school teacher)

New this year:

* Opening of High School Levels in our on-line program

* Lincoln Interactive Curriculum (5^th-12^th) as well as the K12 Curriculum (K-8^th)

*Explain the FREE curriculum options at all levels!!

Display, Information and Tour of  

Cottage School Program (FREE if attending before Oct. 1^st):

Complements your own homeschooling. Students in K-5^th gr. attend Tues/Wed or Thurs/Fri afternoons to participate in:

· Physical Education, Art and Music on a rotating basis

· Science Hands-on Labs (not a complete Science Curriculum)

· Spanish, Drama

· Technology and Library/Media time

Other options could include literacy assessments, school-wide events, programs, assemblies, intramurals, choir, clubs, and class field trips.

On-line Options & Cottage School

First come first serve basis.

Must have enrollment/registration packet turned in.

Space is limited.

Our On-Line program provides a full curriculum for the teaching parent or adult Learning Coach. Our teacher manages the program, tracks student progress and is there to assist. This program is a full core curriculum, but may be combined with Cottage School or your own enrichments/electives for elementary or may be combined with part time enrollment at the Middle School. High Schoolers do all classes through online or may combine this with on-campus high school courses .

There is no cost to families enrolled and working on the curriculum by Sept. 15th. 

What is Supplied?

Each family that registers for a full on-line core curriculum (language arts, math, science and social studies) for k-8 receives all books, workbooks, materials etc., free. High School involves more courses, but includes curriculum-free.

 

· $30 monthly voucher to help cover the cost of high speed internet access

· Computer/printer set-ups may be  loaned  according to need

Sandy Struble

Cottage/Online Teacher
Gateway Elementary
sstruble@wpsdk12.org
719-686-2171
719-491-5941

Lungs and Heart Study-Dissection April 23rd, Thursday @2:15

All students are welcome to attend this Science class
They will be dissecting pig lungs and heart. They may get involved or just watch.
The best tools are the children’s school scissors so all levels can do this safely.
I scheduled this event during the 3^rd-5^th regular class on Thursday.
It is optional for the younger students, yet, I feel beneficial for all.
In both groups, we have been learning about healthy lungs and body parts.
This is to be a culmination event to ‘bring to life’ the anatomy of the body.
The kids are excited to see the real-life parts that they never see.
It inspires our future doctors and nurses, or just an interest in real science.
Sandy Struble
Cottage/Online Teacher
Gateway Elementary                                                           
sstruble@wpsdk12.org
719-686-2171
719-491-5941

Last Chance Year Book Photo (NO CHARGE)

These students need a yearbook picture.
This is a last chance to get this done.
Please come in on March 12th , Thursday between 10:00AM-1:00PM.
That way all our cottage kids can be in the yearbook. The pictures previously were only taken one day in Sept. and Oct.
This photo op. is free and just for yearbook, no purchases. However, you may order a yearbook for your family for $14.
Absent:
Sophie Howard
Kyler Kiefer
Haven Salem
Hannah Claire Salem
Brady Scott
Gilbert Farina

New Students:
Jayden Korst
Kory Korst
Marisa Anderson
Katlyn Anderson
Faith Anderson
Arielle Allison
Barrett ALLISON

Thank you!

Upcoming Field Trip & Public Free Days @ FAC

Parents
Please note the info below for your own free fieldtrip on 3/17. I will get some fieldtrip happenings, but on 3/17 I have to do CSAPs in the am and in the pm we have the young cottage class (and anyone else who wants to go) going to a play at the High School Aud. Please consider this opportunity that morning if it fits your schedule---good deal!!! I will try to get us in there at sometime as a group.

I am struggling with transportation regulations and I am planning on our fieldtrip bus money to go to a big trip to Denver in May.

Keep the ideas coming. I love the walking ideas right now!

Public Free Days
On the third Tuesday of each month, the Fine Arts Center offers free museum admission to the general public.

Join us for the next Public Free Day: March 17 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Free guided tours with FAC Docents!
Come explore our first floor galleries featuring six distinct exhibits from the FAC's collections of American, Native American, and Hispanic art. Works on display include painting, lithograph, sculpture, photography and more.
And don't miss the special exhibitions featured in our second floor galleries:
Mikel Glass The Discarded,
The Taos Society of Artists: Paintings from the Olson Family Collection, and Colorado Springs Abstract.
Become a member for free museum admission every day.
FAC Members get free admission to the Fine Arts Center's first and second floor galleries, as well as discounts on theatre tickets, Bemis School of Art classes, special events and more.

Here is another option that is not free but still cheap----------------------$3.50 per person
Educational tours and programs for students at all levels.
Enjoy the permanent collections of Native American art, Hispanic and Latin American art, modern American art and the Tactile Gallery, as well as world-class special exhibitions. Choose from a variety of activities incorporating Colorado Standards-Based Curriculum.

Journey into Art An interactive gallery tour by trained and knowledgeable docents followed by an art lesson at Bemis School of Art. Tours and lessons explore the visual components of art. The one-hour art lesson only (no museum tour) also available upon request.

Art and Artifact
A tour of the FAC’s collections followed by hands-on activities exploring native artifacts and an art session. Focus may be on early Colorado peoples, Plains Indians, or Hispanic Heritage.

MORE...Journey into Theatre Take a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to produce the FAC Theatre Company’s mainstage shows. Guided tours by docents and Theatre Company staff focus on the history and technical elements of the SaGaJi Theatre, creating an interactive student experience. Great for students and adults alike! (Available on select dates only.)

Custom Designed Tours
Individually designed to focus on particular curriculum studies, including history, foreign languages or in-depth art awareness. Tours may also be designed for special needs students, especially in the Tactile Gallery.
Schedule Your VisitContact the tour coordinator at Bemis School of Art for more information on scheduling tours. Call 719.477.4345 or e-mail dgrenier@csfineartscenter.org. Please schedule tours at least two weeks in advance. Be prepared to give us the planned date and time(s) of your tour, number of students, grade level(s), teacher name(s), phone number(s) and e-mail address(es). Every eight students must be accompanied by one adult chaperone.
Tours are $3.50 per person.

KCME Classics for Kids & McDonald's Night

All Cottage and online Students are welcome to attend.

KCME Classics for Kids—a radio station/program.
They will bring a DJ, pianist & show a cartoon of Bugs Bunny directing an orchestra.
This is a music assembly in our gym at 2:45 on Friday, Feb. 27th
Please come.

Also, Please consider McDonald’s on Friday evening. It supports school technology. Teachers are the workers. I’ll be doing fries from 6-7pm.

The Suessificiation of Romeo & Juliet

All Online & Cottage Welcome—this is a free afternoon dress rehearsal

Parents, please email me/call me with your permission to walk to the middle school on Thursday, March 5^th with your children to attend this event. I will leave school at 12:30 to walk with my Thursday Cottage class. Please let me know if you can join us (siblings invited). You are welcome to walk with us or meet us there. Please remember to dress warm in case we have challenging weather during our walk to and from the middle school.

Please remember good audience behavior. Parents, students, and siblings MUST review and practice assembly expectations.

1) Keep Hands to yourself

2) Eyes forward

3) Mouth  closed

4) Ears Forward

5) Sit on bottom

Valentines Day Party

Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 3:00-3:40pm

All cottage classes!
We are combining both Cottage classes into a BIG party!
Please help by organizing/planning, bringing goodies, and being there!

Please bring treats treats to share and cards for your classmates.

Below are lists of students for Valentine’s cards. They usually come in boxes of 32. If they make their own, I think I’d just do them for my own age level cottage class so you could spend more time on them.

Younger Cottage Class:
Allison, Arielle
Allison, Barett
Anderson, Faith
Anderson, Katlyn
Anderson, Marisa
Andrews, Sareyna
Christensen, Shyanne
Farina, Gilbert
Howard, Sophie
Kiefer, Kyler
Korst, Jayden
Kriegshauser, Grace
Melendez, Sebastian
Parker, Kelty
Salem, Hannah-Claire
Scott, Brady
Spencer, Meadow
Summeril, Ariel

Older Cottage Class:
Dane, Caitlyn
Goodwin, Shawn
Hamblin, Hayley
Jessen, Maverek
Jessen, Scarlet
Kiefer, Konnor
Korst, Kory
Nevinczenko, Tabris
Roberts, Shanae
Salem, Connor
Salem, Kellan
Sparks, Israel
Sparks, Justice

Family Fun Night & Silent Auction

Family Fun Night/Retro Night
Come boogie down with kids, families, and staff at this PTO event.  Enjoy a night of carnival games and food while dressed in your grooviest retro outfit.
Date/Time:  January 23rd
Volunteer Needs:  Beginning in December we will be looking for help in preparing for the event.   On the day of the event we will need volunteers to help with set-up, food service, running games and clean-up.

OUR BOX IS EMPTY!!!        Theme Basket Auction-our theme is “Pets” NEED THIS BOX FILLED BY JANUARY 15!! Or at the very latest Jan. 20th
Each grade puts together a theme basket for a silent auction during Retro Night     Volunteer Needs:  In December we will need a volunteer to work as a coordinator for each classroom.  Each coordinator will assist with communicating the theme to their classroom and their parents.  They will set-up boxes for collection and manage all items collected.  Prior to the event in January - baskets need to be filled and prepared for sale. This silent auction raises funds for technology needs and wants at our school.

BRING IN THINGS PETS and PET OWNERS WOULD WANT for a “Pets” gift basket

Cowgirl Peg comes to visit!

This is cottage school Monday/Tuesday class dressed in cowboy/girl gear!

Symphony Field Trip Follow-up

Dear Parents,

I am so grateful to all of you for your interest in the fieldtrips which I have planned.

I want to thank the parents that attended wholeheartedly for their supervision of their own kids and other families’ kids before, during and after the presentation. When we go as a large group to a public presentation such as this, we carry a ‘sign’ advertising this is what homeschool children act like or what Gateway Elementary students act like. It is important to me, other parents, and staff that we leave an impression that we are indeed a polite and respectful group of kids, and that both homeschooling and Gateway are great places to grow in our education of becoming responsible young adults. So, thanks again for helping to promote this positive image.

Also, great thanks for the prompt payment of tickets from families. I did not use school funds for transportation or tickets, because I get one trip per year and I am hoping to do a big one in the spring (maybe to Denver Museums or Zoo, etc.). So, the two field trips so far have been done as reasonably as possible. I personally purchase tickets in advance once parents tell me they are going. This reserves the seat so that we have one seat paid for each adult or child attending. Then I’ve asked parents to pay me for the reserved tickets. I am so pleased that most times this has worked out perfectly. This trip, some cancelled, but the seats were already purchased. I just want to thank you for paying ahead, realizing this is a reserved seating event. I am sorry for your loss if you fell ill. I am also sorry that it is misunderstood that the reservations and payment take place well in advance.

Again, I thank you for your support.

Thank you


Sandy Struble

Okey-Dokey Oakie!

Howdy!

You are invited to participate with your child on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 as the classes get to meet and visit wiht Peggy Sundberg, author of Okey-Dokey Oakie. Pat Wiles, the illustrator will also accompany Peggy.

If you would like to purchase an autographed copy of the book, please fill out the attached order form and return it to school by Tuesday, November 11, 2008.

12:50-1:30 for our Cottage Class.

Don't forget to wear your best Western Duds on Tuesday (Tomorrow)!

Questions? Please contact Lori Lays; Library media specialist, if you have any questions :: 686-2047

Community Cupboard Food Drive

Thanksgiving Food Drive here at school



Bring in non-perishable or canned goods items everyday ‘til the 20th of Nov. and the school will donate all of it to the Community Cupboard which helps local needy families. I will have a box by my the door to put items in at anytime.



The class bringing in the most will earn an ice cream party.

Symphony fieldtrip Thursday, Nov. 6

Dear Families,

Nov. 6th
Parents giving own rides, please plan to join us/bring sack lunch. Please have your cell phones on (before program, not during) so I can give you our seat locations in the auditorium. I’ll tell you ahead if I can. Ushers will help seat you also, just tell them you are with the Gateway Elementary Cottage School Class with Mrs. Struble. I’ll let you know there, what the lunch/park plan is. It may depend on weather. Give yourself time to park. There are many parking meter spots on the blocks around the Pike’s Peak Center, but I have also parked behind the Library or below the Antler’s building, just bring change. It starts at 11 am.

I need to know who needs bus seats and who is going. I only have 24 tickets, but I can get more if I let them know. I have a few bus seats but must know who gets them. Bus leaves at 9:45 returning @ 2:30 (we may visit a park to eat lunch, bring a sack lunch, dress warm)

Fall Party

Cottage School Classes & Parents & Siblings Welcome

Fall Party @ 1:00 Tuesday 10/28 for K-2nd grades

Fall Party @ 3:00 Friday 10/31 for 3rd-5th grades

-- Come to school dressed up --

Inventors Scientists Historical People Career People

Famous People Book Characters Animals Heroes

Imaginative Creations…but nothing scary.

Bring a snack or a finger-foods for 20 or more

I’ll bring plates, napkins, drinks/cups, and FUN science activities

Updated :: Parent Teacher Conference

Parents,

I am setting up conference appointments. I have spoken with most of you a lot on trying to get our curriculum, etc. –Thank you for your patience.

However, I need to set up times for meeting with you and your students on a regular basis to assure your progress. I have times open in the AM every day and afternoon on Wednesdays. We are supposed to meet 1x per month. If you email the preferred time options, I will let you know what ones fit in the schedule.

It is fairly informal, just plan on a 15 minutes, 30 minutes if you have more than one child. Plan to bring the student when possible and some of their work examples, and any questions or concerns. I think this will be good in the long run, because we can focus on the needs you have at that time and maybe solve some on the spot.

I appreciate your patience so far and I hope these meetings will be an asset to all.

News around the school

Parents,

I want to try to keep all of you informed on some of the regular happenings at school. Both Cottage and Online students are welcome to take advantage of school events. I have recently realized that some notices going home to cottage kids don’t make it to online families, and some school info. comes upon me suddenly where I don’t have time to tell everyone in time.

Online students or Cottage students not in school that day, may contact me or show up at my classroom where I can help direct you to the event, but please, feel Welcome! But here are some updates:

October
1st-31st :: Book It –earn a free personal pan pizza. Read a book. Write, title, author and 3 or more sentences telling about it. Hand it in. Get coupon.

2nd :: 3pm
4th grade assembly program in Gym,
7pm
4th grade program in gym

3rd :: 1-2
3rd-5th grade cottage school Safetouch program in media center

6th :: 3:20
Counselor talk about conflict and resolution (grades K-2)

8th :: 8:15
National Walk to School Day-leaving from WP Library, Dayspring Church, Carlos Miguels, walk as group to Gateway

10th :: 3:20
Counselor talk about conflict and resolution (grades 3-5)

13th :: 4:30
New Swimming Lessons start through WP City Rec.

13th :: 8AM
Safari Art-Deadline for media center (students at home or in my class can work on art to display at this event)

14th :: 3:55
Science Matters Class –afterschool (sign up NOW if interested)every Tuesday for 5 weeks

15th :: all day
Entertainment Book Sales Dress-up Reward Day. To promote the Scholastic Book Fair, staff and students may wear safari/jungle attire.

15th :: conferences

16th :: conferences (NO SCHOOL)

16th :: 12-5
Book Fair –great selections to choose from on sale in media center-students buy on this day

6-8PM
Book Fair

17th :: NO SCHOOL

23rd :: 2:45
Fire Prevention Assembly in gym

27th :: Red Ribbon Week-counselor gives red bracelets to wear showing kids are aware of dangers of drug abuse. Wear red Tues.&Fri.

30th :: 9:45-1:45
Picture Re-Takes-if your child wants to be in the yearbook this is the last chance

31st :: 8AM
Pumpkin Carving-bring in your carved pumpkin to be judged early. Results by end of day. Categories will be given prior to event.



November

1st-30th :: Book It –earn a free personal pan pizza. Read a book. Write, title, author and 3 or more sentences telling about it. Hand it in. Get coupon.

6th :: 12:10-12:50
Health Fair in gym, various stations to visit about health. High School Athletic Training Class/Health class is putting this on

10th :: National Young Readers Week-TBA

11th :: all day
Cow Girl Peg, author, is coming to teach editing and writing. Schedule Info. will follow. Wear Western Style clothes/costumes

13th :: 3PM
5th grade assembly program in gym
7PM
5th grade program in gym

20th :: 5-8
Empty Bowls Night –kids bring ceramic bowls which they make in art classes to Cultural Center to be auctioned to raise money for
Hunger Charity. Soup dinner served.

21st :: 2:30
"A Bowl Of Dust" Dramatic Colorado History/Literature presentation by Pikes Peak Library District (in Gym)

24th-28th :: NO SCHOOL –Thanksgiving Break


December

1st-19th :: Book It –earn a free personal pan pizza. Read a book. Write, title, author and 3 or more sentences telling about it. Hand it in. Get coupon.

19th :: 9-10AM
All school sing-a-long in gym. Some choir presentations are expected as well.

Cripple Creek Field Trip

The fieldtrip was a great time. I especially loved the "Oklahoma" musical. It was even better than I expected, and I saw the kids enjoy it. It had enough action, history, humor, and talent to keep us all interested. I'm glad those of you that could, did come.



The jail thrilled them more than me, but it was interesting. The museum was worth a whole day of visiting, but we only gave it about 50 minutes. So consider doing this one again with your whole family. It is bigger and has more displays than I originally thought. It is free.



We had about 40 show up including online students, primary & intermediate cottage students and some other homeschoolers from the area as well.



I thank you for your commitment to this type of event and I will try to plan more.



Thank you

Sandy

Thursday Field Trip

All aged Cottage kids and On-line Homeschoolers and other homeschoolers are invited to come.
I must know if you can attend before 3pm Wednesday, 9/24 to make sure our destinations are ready for our group numbers.

Thursday, September 25th
Meet @ Divide Venture Foods On Highway 24 & South 67 At 11:15 AM
– Please eat before you come and bring snacks


Please Contact:
Sandy Struble
686-2171 school
491-5941 my school cell
687-0234 home
329-8532 my cell
sstruble@wpsdk12.org

11:45 – 12:45 Pikes Peak Heritage Center; (across from Molly Kathleen mine, which is right on Hwy 67 before the town of Cripple Creek), a great new museum where we will do a fun scavenger hunt. This is a free activity.
1:00 – 3:00 Butte Theater; “OKLAHOMA” musical by Rogers & Hammerstien. $8 per person- QUITE A DEAL!! Following the performance, there will be a Q&A with the cast and crew.
3:30 Jail Museum; Fun discoveries of history in an actual restored historical jail. This is also a free activity
AFTER; This should be a warm day, we can choose to visit a park, a hike or go home.
***Rides will be provided by the parents. I hope you can come take advantage of this great rate for the show and provide rides for your own family. If students in my online or cottage classes need rides, I can provide them. School rules limit students riding with other parents unless they are on file.
I intend to plan fieldtrips frequently, but can only do it with your support in the way of rides – plus they’re usually fun to go on anyway.
Families not in my programs that wish to come can meet and carpool as they wish.

This is a rush fieldtrip of huge proportions.
All aged Cottage kids and On-line Homeschoolers and other homeschoolers are invited to come.
***I must know if you can attend before 3pm Wednesday, 9/24 to make sure our destinations are ready for our group numbers.

Set up k12 parent/student conference times

Parents,

I am setting up conference appointments. I have spoken with most of you a lot on trying to get our curriculum, etc. –Thank you for your patience.

However, I need to set up times for meeting with you and your students on a regular basis to assure your progress. I have times open in the AM every day and afternoon on Wednesdays. We are supposed to meet 1x per month. If you email the preferred time options, I will let you know what ones fit in the schedule.

It is fairly informal, just plan on a 15 minutes, 30 minutes if you have more than one child. Plan to bring the student when possible and some of their work examples, and any questions or concerns. I think this will be good in the long run, because we can focus on the needs you have at that time and maybe solve some on the spot.

I appreciate your patience so far and I hope these meetings will be an asset to all.

Notes for the Week of 8/9 September, 2008

The following are mostly notes from handouts that the students should be handing you. Please let us know if you need a duplicate of any handout.

Entertainment Books: These were handed out during the last week of August and the first week of September. These are a school fundraiser. The money goes towards field trips, library books, software, and other school needs.
Here are the highlights of what you need to know:

• These books cost $25 ($5 off of the regular price)
• Register to sell these books online (where you can also send personalized email advertisements): www.fundraising.entertainment.com
• Your school account number is: 51873
• This sale ends 18 September, 2008
• Please make checks payable to: Gateway PTO
• Gold C books are available for $10
• If your child sells 2 entertainment books, they will be eligible to enter in the bike raffle

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SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS!!!
These are due Thursday, September 18th.

Health Screenings
Our class has their health screenings today (Tuesday). They will have a slip of paper to show you. The children had checks on vision, hearing, height & weight. If you have any questions, please contact Gateway Elementary: 686-2051.

Becoming a Love & Logic Parent
A seven week parent training program designed by the Love & Logic Institute, Inc. The deadline to register for this class passed yesterday 8th September, 2008. But if you want information for this class which takes place at
Mountain View United Methodist Church
1101 Rampart Range Road
687-3868
[note from flyer] (Don't be fooled - Just because we hold the classes in a church, this is not a faith based parenting class. It is for ALL parents from all walks of life and in every stage of parenting, even grandparents)

*********************

Gateway Elementary School Newsletter
Volunteering Opportunities at Gateway;
*Working directly in the classrooms, please contact your child's teacher.
*Reading Support; several students from grades first through fifth are in need of reading help. Please contact Eve Owen (the Instructional Resource Teacher) at 686-2053.
*Volunteer for Activities in the building, contact Nancy Lecky, PTO Volunteer Coordinator: 686-0931 or nancy.lecky@leckyconsulting.com or Eve Owen, Instructional Resource Teacher: 686-2051 or ecowen@wpsdk12.org.

Library Day!

In Monday's class, the students got to visit the Library! They learned how to use place markers and how to treat the books with care.

They were all able to find a book to check out. They will be able to keep this book for two weeks, when the class will have Library time again.

If your student is an avid reader, they will be able to turn in their book and check out a new one before the two weeks by visiting the library during the library "open check out time" in the afternoon's. They will need permission to leave the classroom to do so.

Please see the schedule on the side bar for dates when the class will be visiting again.

Welcome!

Handout Repost: From Tuesday, second day of school

Dear Parent & Students,

I welcome you to cottage school. I am very thankful to have your students learn with me at Gateway this year. Please know that I wish you to support you in what you do every day. Let me know if you have any needs, questions, comments or suggestions.

I would like to request donations for items that were not on the class supply list. This was my oversight and I may see needs as they come along. Please have patience as I mention these once in a while.

• Re-sealable sandwich bags


• Gallon sized storage bags


• Large T-shirt for ART


• Pair of gym shoes to keep at school


• Class snacks: for students that forget a snack or days when they just need something extra, e.g. crackers.

Most importantly, please send a snack each day with your student. Please no red or purple juice. Student is allowed to keep a small bottle of water with them at the desk.

I am planning more field trips than budgeted. Which is not a problem if we drive ourselves to meet somewhere and pay entry fees. Let me know how you feel about this. Our field trip budget will be supported eventually by our kids selling Entertainment Books. Please start preparing those you know to purchase them from you within the next month or so.

Thank you,
Sandy Struble