Falcon Flash - Aurora Academy · August 16 @ 6:00pm Middle School BTSN August 18 @ 8:00 am & 3:30pm...

Falcon Flash 1

A Letter from Mrs. Leger

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Board 2

Get Involved 3

Aurora

Academy

Happenings

4

Meet the new

Staff

18

School

Calendar

22

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

August 16 @ 6:00pm Middle School BTSN

August 18 @ 8:00 am & 3:30pm CAC Mtg.

August 24 @ 8:00am Monday Mingle

August 30 @ 3:30 to 7:30pm Chipotle Night

August 31 @ 7:00 am Student Council Mtg.

August 15, 2016

Aurora Academy Families,

School is in session and we are all very excited to see our students and families back together with us! A warm welcome to all

of our new students and their families. We look forward to getting to know you.

We have many activities beginning, so please read your emails, teacher letters and Falcon Flash to keep up. This Fall we will be

offering, Choir, Band, Strings, Girls on The Run, Soccer Club and an Art Club. Please see the flyers sent home or ask for one

from your teacher or the office, if you are interested.

Our staff has grown and changed in several different ways. We have three new name changes; Michaela Leonard-Ostrander,

Anna Kontz-Gates and Amanda Morrison-DeLawyer. Congratulations to all of them. In addition, our new staff members include

Jessica Barton and Samantha Eckerling– 2nd Grade, Emily Anderson and Candice Coxall – 4th Grade, Tom Bilous and Amy Green-

wood – 5th grade and Eric Kludasch – 6th grade math, science and history. Our new Volunteer Coordinator is Robin Fields

(begins August 23rd) though Mrs. Hughes will be with us until the end of August, to assist in the transition. Other additions in-

clude the return of Kendra Berney teaching ELA and Sarah Davidson, full-time Teacher Specialist.

The lunch schedule times are the same as last year though your student may eat lunch at a different time now. Kayla Harrison

(AA parent) will be supervising the cafeteria and Dani Bailey is returning to supervise recess along with Leslie Uriarte, a new

employee. Students have fifty minutes for lunch and recess and this is the best time of the day, according to many students.

We look forward to working with you this year and will continue to communicate regularly. If you do not receive information

from us, please let us know and if you no longer wish to receive information, we can remove you from our list. We have 58

staff members not including eight district employees including kitchen workers and specialists. And last but not least -one day-

custodian employed by our cleaning service company. We are all here to serve, love and help your children grow, thrive and

learn. Please let us know what we can do to help you and your family.

One other note: coming soon we will be launching our new parent and teacher friendly website…watch for more information.

Sincerely,

Pat Leger, Principal

September 5 NO SCHOOL Labor Day

September 7 @ 12:00 Early Dismissal

September 13 – 29 Fall Fundraiser

September 27 @ 4:00 to 7:00pm Parent Teacher Conferences

September 29 @ 4:00 to 7:00pm Parent Teacher Conferences

September 30 NO SCHOOL

Falcon Flash A U G U S T 1 5 , 2 0 1 6 V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 1

S I D E

N O T E S :

Falcon Flash can

be found online

every month.

aacademy.org

School Fund-

raiser Jeans Day

every Friday

$2.00

Starts Sept 2nd

No skinny, frayed, or torn

jeans

No embellish-

ments, prints, or adornments

Plain Blue/

Black only

Falcon Flash 2

“Aurora

Academy’s

mission is to

provide a well

-rounded

curriculum

with high

academic

standards for

Kindergarten

through 8th

grade

students.”

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Falcon Flash 4

Discipline Policy Changes After reviewing parent and faculty feedback in regard to Aurora Academy’s discipline policies, the program was revised. Using pieces of Aurora Academy’s previous discipline program and parts of the 2015/16 program, the following revisions have been made. These bullets below only highlight a few of the important facts students and parents must know. Please read it in its entirety in the Parent/Student Handbook on pages 9-14.

“Aurora Academy will use one of two forms for any disciplinary situation – a Behavior Reflection or a Demerit.” Parent/Student Handbook p. 10

The criteria for when a Behavior Reflection becomes a demerit has changed. Parents and staff alike felt too many opportunities for misbe-havior were given. This has been addressed. Please see detailed criteria on p. 11 of the Parent/Student Handbook.

Aurora Academy no longer will issue “Dress Code Warning”.

“Students in violation of the dress code will be given a Behavior Reflection the first time they are found to be in violation of any part of the dress code. Any additional dress code violations will result in a Demerit.” Parent/Student Handbook p. 19

We thank you in advance for your support in the enforcement of these guidelines. When every person does his/her part to maintain a cordial and courteous environment, we are sure to have a great year.

The Effects of Tardiness

Studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Education on truancy, which is connected with tardiness, show that school attendance is a major factor

when it comes to school success and student behavior.

Problems with Tardiness

The most crucial learning hours of a school day are the morning hours, because they are when students are most attentive. Students who are late miss

the beginning of their morning classes, and they also cause a disruption when they arrive late to class.

Academics and Achievement

Students who are frequently late have lower GPAs, lower scores on standardized tests, and lower graduation rates. Chronic tardiness in elementary

school and middle school is also linked to failure in high school.

Behavior Problems

In the National Center for Education Statistics 2007 Indicators of School Crime and Safety, teachers surveyed reported that students who are fre-

quently late have higher rates of suspension and other disciplinary measures. Tardiness causes students to feel disconnected with school, leading to

behavior problems and dropouts.

Job Performance

Students who are frequently tardy to school are also more apt to be fired from a job for showing up late.

Effect on Others

When students are tardy, they negatively impact their teachers and other students. Teachers are often required to allow tardy students to make up work,

which often requires them to restructure their lessons or re-teach missed material. Tardiness also takes other students’ attention away from a teacher’s

Aurora Academy Happenings

Falcon Flash 5

Review of Aurora Academy’s Tardy Policy

AACS encourages all students to arrive by 7:50 am at the latest. Students have ac-

cess to the building at 7:45 am each morning.

Parent/Student Handbook

Students are allowed 3 unexcused tardies per trimester.

For each unexcused tardy thereafter—the 4th tardy and after in each trimester—after-school detention will

be assigned.

In addition, a meeting with administration will be required.

Parent/Student Handbook Page 4

Athletes not in good standing regarding attendance or tardies will not be allowed to participate in games,

practices, or activities scheduled for that week.

Dear Parents,

New this year for Physical Education, is that your students in grades 6th, 7th, and

8th, will need to purchase a gym uniform. The uniforms are available in the main

office for $12.00 a set (top and shorts). Your student is required to have this uni-

form for P.E. and it is to only be worn for P.E. class. The shirt is not allowed to be

worn outside of class.


Falcon Flash 6

Dear Parents,

We are excited to kick off, in conjunction with our SOAR program, a SOARing Student of the Month incentive program this year. Outlined below is an explanation of the program and how it works.

Each week students can earn a punch on their individual punch cards. Students can earn prizes based on the number of punches earned in a month and in a year.

How do students earn punches?

All students will receive a SOAR punch card. Students can earn one punch per week if they meet all of the criteria outlined in the three categories of Accelerated Reader, Behavior, and Assignments:

Accelerated Reader

Achieve and maintain a quiz average of 85% or higher

Achieve weekly point goal targets (For those students reading longer books, such as Harry Potter, they should be making adequate progress toward their goals)

Behavior

No Demerits

No Behavior Reflections

Assignments

All homework is turned in on time

No missing in-class assignments (Missing work due to absenteeism will not count against a student unless the deadline for said work has passed)

SOARing Student Prizes

Special Treat - To qualify for the monthly SOARing student reward, a student must have received a punch for every week in the month. All qualified students will enjoy some sort of “special treat” (i.e. a special snack, lunch time dessert, breakfast, etc.) at school during the day and will also be entered into a raffle.

Raffle - Three winners (one from K-2, one from 3-5, and one from Middle School) will be randomly chosen. The three select-ed students from the SOARing Students of the Month raffle will receive the following rewards:

Student gets to move to the front of the line in the Cafeteria every day for one month.

Lunch out with one of the administrators (Mrs. Leger, Mrs. Fundaro, or Mrs. Hoen).

SOARing Student certificate

Year-end Rewards – In addition to the monthly SOARing student rewards, there will also be cumulative rewards. In May, we will offer rewards to students based on the number of punches accumulated over the course of the year.

21 punches – Ice Cream Social

24 punches – Picnic Field Trip

27 punches – Adventure Trip

We hope you and your student(s) are as excited about this program as we are! Let’s make it a great year!

SOARing Students

Falcon Flash 7

SOAR punch card

Falcon Flash 8

Morning Drop-off No parking out front (in our south lot) until AFTER 8:00AM. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE UNATTENDED while in car line. Only park in designated parking spots in the west and north (back of school) lots. You

may also park on neighborhood streets, such as Fulton to the west and 3rd Avenue to the north.

Students being dropped off out front must be dropped off at the curb (only one lane of traffic in the morning).

Please do not double park and allow children to walk through parked vehicles at the curb. This is very dangerous. Our morning traffic helpers will move cars through the line as quickly as possible.

Afternoon Pick-up

No parking out front (in our south lot) after 2:00 PM

Please STAY OFF your cell phones through the carline.

Pull up to the curb.

Students will assemble with youngest sibling for pick up after the 3:15 bell.

All drivers enter from 3rd Avenue into either the middle school line or the elementary line depending on where the youngest student’s class meets for pick up.

If you can turn right onto Fulton (the street at the very end of carline), please volunteer to do so.

Please note the several NO PARKING areas around the neighboring properties.

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE UNNATTENDED.

Remain in your vehicle and retrieve students in front of their designated meeting areas.

Wait until a spot is clear for you to exit, and wait for direction from a staff member as necessary. As with all road safety, merging is needed from time to time, but some people have been waiting longer than others, therefore, please wait your turn.

Students NOT picked up from school by 3:35 will be sent to Kids Adventures and parents will be charged a supervision fee at the time of pick up.


Falcon Flash 9

Falcon Flash 10

AURORA ACADEMY HAPPENINGS

Falcon Flash 11


Falcon Flash 12


When: Wednesdays at 3:30 to 4:30pm

September 14 to November 16, 2016

For: 3rd to 5th grade

Material Fee: $10.00

Sign-up sheet will be posted next to art room door. If you have any questions please contact

Ms. Daly @ jda;y@aacademy,org

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Falcon Flash 14


Falcon Flash 15


Falcon Flash 16


The book drive ends August 31, 2016

Falcon Flash 17


Falcon Flash 18

STAFF CHANGES

We welcome some wonderful new folks joining our team this year!

Kindergarten Assistant –Ms. Jasmine Johnson (Former Lunch/Recess Paraprofessional)

2nd Grade Teacher - Mrs. Jennie Steyaert (Former 3rd grade teacher)

2nd Grade Teacher - Ms. Samantha Eckerling

3rd grade Teacher - Mrs. Jessica Barton

4th grade Teacher - Ms. Candice Coxall (Former Student Teacher/Substitute in 2016)

4th grade Teacher - Ms. Emily Anderson

5th grade Teacher - Mr. Thomas Bilous

5th grade Teacher - Mrs. Amy Greenwood

6th grade Teacher - Mr. Erik Kludasch

ELD Teacher - Mrs. Michaela Ostrander (Former 2nd grade teacher Ms. Michaela Leonard)

ELD Teacher - Mrs. Kendra Berney (Welcome Back)

Volunteer Coordinator – Mrs. Robin Fields

Anna Kontz is now Mrs. Anna Gates

Amanda Morrison is now Mrs. Amanda DeLawyer and has moved into 2nd grade


Aurora Academy Fundraiser

Jeans Day Fridays

* Starts Friday, September 2nd * No embellishments, prints, or adornments

* $2.00 per student * Plain Blue/Black jeans only

* No skinny, frayed, or torn jeans

Falcon Flash 19

My name is Amy Greenwood and I am a new fifth grade teacher here at Aurora Academy. I am so excit-

ed to be starting a new year with such an amazing group of students, staff and parents. Let me tell you a

little about myself. I was born in Ohio but have lived in Colorado for the majority of my life. I’m a big

Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Reds fan! I’ve always enjoyed watching and playing

sports in my free time, especially volleyball. I also enjoy reading, hiking, music, and hanging out with my

friends.

This will be my eighth official year teaching. In the past, I have worked as a paraprofessional for students

with special needs and as a first and fourth grade teacher. I have lots of experience in charter schools

and am very familiar with our curriculum, as I have worked for them in the past and I’m looking forward

to this year. I have my masters degree in Elementary Education from University of Northern Colorado

and an undergraduate degree from Colorado State. I am also certified in Gifted and Talented and tech-

nology. I hope my knowledge and experience will help all students in this school achieve their goals.

Hello! My name is Candice Coxall and I will be teaching fourth grade at Aurora Academy

this year. This is my first year teaching and I am excited to work for a truly amazing

school. I did my student teaching internship at this school with Mrs. Gates (Ms. Kontz) in

1st grade last year and I got to finish the school year in 4th grade with Mrs. Davidson.

I am a Colorado native and I love the outdoors. I spend a lot of time camping, hiking,

snowboarding, and pretending I live at REI. I love challenging myself and always learning

new things.

I recently finished my Masters degree in Teaching from University of Northern Colorado

and have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Human Services from Metropolitan

State University.

Emily Anderson

I am a Denver native- I grew up about 5 miles away from Aurora Academy, and attended

DPS for my public education. I still enjoy outdoor Colorado activities, and hike with my dog

whenever I can.

I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a bachelor’s in elementary edu-

cation in 2012.

I have taught 4th grade in combined classes over the past four years. My first two years out

of college, I taught in a village elementary school in Alaska. I taught a combined 4th and 5th grade class that was

almost entirely Inupiaq children. In 2014, I returned to Colorado. I taught 4th -6th grade (along with a couple spe-

cials) in a small town in the southeastern corner of the state.

Falcon Flash 20

Erik Kludasch

I am very excited to start teaching 6th grade science and math at Aurora Academy. I have previ-ously taught 6th grade for 3 years at another charter school and am very much looking forward to getting more involved within our wonderful community. I graduated with a BA in Journalism and received a second BA in Philosophy. And I am currently a graduate student with Miami Uni-versity, pursuing a Masters of Arts in Teaching Biology. My passions include travelling the world, raising my backyard chickens, and spending time with my wife and our 9-month-old daughter. Hope to meet most of you soon!

Dear Aurora Academy Families,

My name is Samantha Eckerling and I will be teaching second grade this year.

I grew up in Denver. I went to Lake Forest College and graduated with degrees in Ele-

mentary Education and Spanish. After college, I taught Spanish Literacy in Paraguay

for 2 ½ years. Although I loved living in South America, I decided it was time to come

home to Colorado. I've been in teaching in Colorado for 3 years and have really en-

joyed my time here. In my free time, I love to read, travel and spend time running,

skiing or hiking. The picture below was taken while I was resting on the Colorado Trail.

Sincerely,

Samantha Eckerling

Falcon Flash 21

Hello there!

My name is Mrs. Jessica Barton and I am so incredibly excited

to be part of the third grade team here at Aurora Academy Char-

ter School! I know that this year is going to be a fun learning ad-

venture and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for all of us!

I was born in Maryland, but moved here to Colorado when I

was five years old and have been here ever since. I am the oldest of

five children. I have three brothers and one sister. I LOVE them

all dearly! I have a different schooling experience than most, in

that I was homeschooled along with my siblings until I started high

school. For my college schooling, I graduated from Colorado

Christian University with a major in elementary education. During

my entire life, I played competitive soccer, and had the incredible

opportunity to play four years as a D2 college player. Last year, I

taught third grade in an elementary school in Colorado Springs. With my husband starting his master’s program here

in Aurora and us moving here, I was able to find the opportunity to teach third grade at AACS, and I could not be more

excited and thrilled!

I am married to an amazing man who was born and raised here in Colorado, named Landon. He has introduced me

to my new favorite hobbies, such as mountain biking, dirt biking, and snowmobiling. We love to spend time in the moun-

tains whenever we can. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband doing all of the adventurous

things we love, spending time with my adoring family, going to see movies, and going out to dinner.

Thomas Bilous

Although an American citizen by birth, I was raised and educated in the

wet and rain of the north-east of England, in Middlesbrough. I majored in

American History and Politics at the University of Hull in 2008, and moved

to Denver in the following year. I received a Master's degree in Education

and my teaching certification this past summer, 2016 from the University

of Northern Colorado. Although I'm a first year teacher, I have spent three

years as a Paraprofessional in the Cherry Creek school district and I worked

as an educator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. I'm a giant

soccer fan and a keen runner, and I love being outdoors in Colorado with

my Dog, Captain.

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SCHOOL CALENDAR 2016-2017

LUNCH/RECESS SCHEDULE

Grade Lunch Recess

K and 4 10:12-10:37 10:37-11:02

1 and 3 11:06-11:31 11:31-11:56

2 and 5 12:00-12:25 12:25-12:50

6th,7th,8th 12:50-1:15 1:15-1:35

Falcon Flash 23

SCHOOL CALENDAR 2016-2017

Falcon Flash - Aurora Academy · August 16 @ 6:00pm Middle School BTSN August 18 @ 8:00 am & 3:30pm...

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