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