March 2013

 

HHHIGHIGHIGH PPPLAINSLAINSLAINS HHHIGHLIGHTSIGHLIGHTSIGHLIGHTS 2248 Vintage Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Phone: 719-234-4700 Fax: 719-234-4799 Website: www.asd20.org/hpe

Chris Saip, Principal Jan Schneider, Assistant Principal

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Tuesday March 12: PTO Meeting 6:00 pm

Friday March 15: Teacher Workday

NO SCHOOL

Monday March 18 - Friday 22:

Spring Book Fair

Wednesday March 20: HPAC 10:00 am

Wednesday March 20: Staff Appreciation Dinner

Wednesday March 20 -

Thursday March 21: Parent Teacher

Conferences

Monday March 25 - Friday 29:

SPRING BREAK NO SCHOOL 

2013 

Dear Parents and Guardians,  

We appreciate your help and coopera on during our TCAP assessment me.  Third, Fourth and Fi h graders are being assessed in the areas of 

reading, wri ng and math through the Transi onal Colorado  Assessment Program (TCAP) – formerly CSAP.   Fi h grade students are also assessed in Science.  The primary purpose of the TCAP is to determine the level at which Colorado students meet the Colorado Academic Standards in the targeted content areas.  Staff will use the results to align instruc on to best meet your child’s needs.  

Colorado weather at this  me of year can vary day to day.  Indoor entry may occur in the morning due to weather condi ons which means that students enter school through the front doors and  proceed to their classroom.  Breakfast will be served at 7:55 unless it is a late start.  A blue flag will be flying in front and our snowflake poster will be displayed in the Science room window in the back of the school.  Please dress your child appropriately for this changing  weather. This includes coats, boots, hats and gloves/mi ens. I have seen many children without appropriate clothing (no coats, no gloves, and/or no boots).     

Child safety is number one.  Our Kiss and Drop can be very busy on severe weather days.  Please be pa ent wai ng in line and following the staff direc ons.  I have seen cars moving in the school zone way too fast and going around vehicles.  As a reminder, vehicles may not leave the parking lot or go around buses when buses are present and/or unloading.    

If your child a ends a club/ac vity before school, please be aware of the start  me.  When a child arrives too early or too late, there may not be staff supervision for your child.   

Your child is being asked to “show what they know” during parent‐teacher conferences. These conferences are scheduled for Wednesday evening, March 20th and Thursday, March 21st.  A le er will be  coming home, March 6th with your scheduled conference  me.  You are your child’s first and most important teacher. Your child’s teacher and you both want your child to learn and do well.  When parents and teachers communicate, you each share valuable informa on about your child’s strengths and needs.  Please take  me to have this shared conversa on.  I look forward to seeing our families at Parent‐Teacher conferences.     

Respec ully, Mrs. Chris Saip, Principal 

March 2013

 

This month our character trait is excellence and

H. Jackson Brown Jr. (Author of Life’s Little

Instruction Book) once said “Strive for Excellence,

not perfection.” Last month, STEM fair projects came

in and it is so fun to see the excitement and pride on

each of their faces as they turned in their project.

Each project is unique. Even if the students chose

the same topic, the presentation came out different.

What a great opportunity for our students to show

excellence. To me the definition of excellence is

doing your best and through STEM fair our students

are able to shine. We have TCAP starting this month.

Remind your child (over a healthy and nutritious

breakfast) if they are nervous about taking the test all

that is expected is that they do their best.

Julie Moser & Libby Wagner School Counselors

julie.moser@asd20.org elizabeth.wagner@asd20.org

March 2013

 

   

                  TCAP TESTINGTCAP TESTINGTCAP TESTING                     TOP DOGSTOP DOGSTOP DOGS   

TCAP (Transitional Colorado Assessment Program) was referred to as CSAP a few years ago. The change in title has occurred because of the state’s transition to new academic standards.  The purpose of the TCAP is to determine levels of student achievement in the Colorado Model Content Standards. It also allows us to measure the progress of Colorado students over time. This year the High Plains testing theme is “Top Dogs!” High Plains staff is proud of our students and we encourage the children to do their very best to show off what they know. This year we will administer the TCAP during the following periods of time:

February 25 – March 1 Reading Grade 3 March 4– March 8 Reading Grades 3, 4, 5 Math Grades 3, 4, 5 Writing Grades 3, 4, 5 Science Grade 5

Parents and families can help to create a positive test-taking experience and help students prepare for tests. Here are some ideas:

Make sure that your child is well rested and eats breakfast. See that your child arrives at school on time and relaxed. Comfort counts. Send a sweater if it's a cool day. Dress in layers for a warm day. Encourage your child to do the best work possible and to have a positive attitude. Encourage your child to listen/ read carefully to all test-taking directions and to ask

questions if any directions are unclear. Remind your child not to get stuck on any one item. 

March 2013

 

News Club ‐ We meet on Thursdays at 7:15 a.m. Students are repor ng the news for the school. 

Tech Club –   We meet Mondays  a er school. Students will be programming a game. 

Drama Club –  Students are currently prac cing for their musical in April. Note that the performance date has changed to Wednesday, April 24th. Remember that prac ces on April 16th and April 23rd will end at 4:45 p.m. Please make sure  arrangements to pick up your child are made for those days. 

Club News

Sports Club – We will be doing Ul mate Frisbee for the month of  March.   

    Tuesday: 4th Grade        Wednesday: 3rd Grade      Thursday: 5th Grade  

March 2013

 

Science News STEM CLUB (Grades 3-5)

We meet on Wednesdays after school till 4:15 p.m. There are still spots available if you want to join!

JR. STEM (Grades K-2)

We will continue to meet every Tuesday at 7:15 am. There are still spots available if you want to join!

AND THE STEM FAIR WINNERS ARE:

3rd Grade 1st place: Jon Rash

2nd place: Jacob Payton 3rd place: Syd Harris

Honorable Mention: Seth Diller

4th Grade 1st place: Gradon Miller

2nd place: Max Hart 3rd place: T.J. Maciel

Honorable Mentions: Teagan White, Jason Morris

5th Grade 1st place: Aaron Trippel 2nd place: Josh Damm 3rd place: Alex Dalton

Honorable Mentions: Trevor Winterton, Kobe DeClue, Megan Wright

Congratula ons! 

March 2013

 

Parent Teacher Conferences

Don’t forget to attend Parent-Teacher Conferences on March 20 and 21. Your attendance is vital to your child’s success. Watch for further information from teachers on your scheduled time.

 

WillyourchildbeABSENTorLATE?

Ifyourchildwillbelateorabsent,itisimportantforyoutonotifyourAttendanceOf iceat719‐234‐4700.Youmaylettheirteacherknow.HoweverwealsoaskthattheAttendanceOf iceisnoti ied.

Itisveryimportantforyourchildtobeinschooleveryday.Excessiveabsencescaninterferewithhis/herlearningandresultinanegativeimpactforthem.Werealizefamilytimeisimportantandemergenciesdosometimesoccur.However,familyvacationsshouldtrytobetakenduringyourchild’ssummervacation.Itisyourresponsibilitytogiveyourchildeveryopportunitypossibletobeontimeandinschooleveryday. 

 

March 2013

 

Mon

day

, M

ar.

18th

& T

ues

day

, M

ar.

19th

8:0

0am

to

4:3

0pm

Wed

nes

day

, M

ar.

20th

& T

hurs

day

, M

ar.

21st

F

or e

very

dol

lar

don

ated

Sch

olas

tic

March 2013

 

 

 

Permission to reproduce this item is granted by Scholastic Book Fairs

Seeking Volunteers for our Story Laboratory

Dear Parents and Families, The Scholastic Book Fair will be at our school March 18th through March 21st. The exciting theme for our spring 2013 Book Fair is Story Laboratory: Reading Gives You Super Power! Your Book Fair is an incredible energy source for reading, and volunteers are the catalyst for a successful Book Fair. We hope you will share your talents and join us as we help students discover the power of read-ing. If you have some time to help us plan or conduct our next Book Fair, please complete the form below and circle the areas where you would like to help out. Send the form back to your child’s teacher or contact HighPlainsPTO@gmail.com. Sincerely, Michelle Roderick

Book Fair Chairperson  

Sign me up to help at the Book Fair! Name Telephone

E-mail

I have my volunteer paperwork clearance through the office.

I have circled areas where I’d like to help out: • Decorating • Setting up the Fair • Helping shoppers at the Fair • Cashiering • Packing up the Fair

© 2013 Scholastic Inc. 10425 · 73502

 

March 2013

 

PTO Happenings 

~ March 2012 ~  

Another month of 2013 has come and gone, with February behind us and March beginning.   

February was another great month of fun events at High Plains!  

Thank you to all who came to Muffins with Mom!  We hope those who came enjoyed the 

scrumptious muffins and time with loved ones.  We were happy to see so many of you there 

helping us start the day in such a wonderful way.  

Marcoʹs Pizza night was great, too!  What better way to support the school than to take a night 

off from cooking to enjoy a delicious pizza with your family.  Thank you to those who  

participated and we hope you enjoyed your pizza! 

 

Mark your calendars for Upcoming Events: Which‐wich Fundraiser.  Date and time TBA  Come enjoy a sandwich and visit with other High 

Plains family and staff, all while supporting the school!    

Tuesday, March 12th ~ PTO Meeting.  6:00 pm at High Plains.  Come participate in planning  

upcoming events and activities.  Have a voice and make it heard!  You may bring younger  

children – there will be a place for them to do quiet activities.  

Wednesday, March 20th ~ Staff Appreciation Dinner.  Help us thank our amazing High Plains 

staff by providing part of a meal for them during their long evening of Parent Teacher  

Conferences.  More details to come – watch for the specific meal request (entree, side, or dessert) 

for your childʹs grade.  

Monday, March 18th – Friday, March 22nd ~ Spring Book Fair.  Enhance your childʹs love of 

reading and support the school by buying fun, educational books from the book fair!  Be sure to 

look at your childʹs classroom wish‐list and pick up a book for their class, if possible.  Hope to 

see you there!  

March 25th – 29th ~ Spring Break!!!  Enjoy the time off with your family!  Keep reading!  

WE NEED YOU!!! 

* All of these events and activities require volunteers to make them possible!  To become a volunteer, 

simply take a few minutes to fill out the volunteer/background check form in the office and return it to the 

office staff.  Itʹs FREE, easy and we really appreciate it!  Jan Schneider, the Assistant Principal, will contact 

you when your background check has cleared and you can then volunteer.  Thank you! 

 

If youʹd like to know more about upcoming events, e‐mail HighPlainsPTO@gmail.com 

 and we will add you to the PTO Members email list.  

Thank you again for all you do! 

High Plains PTO 

March 2013

 

March 2

013

Sun

M

on

Tue

Wed

Th

u Fr

i S

at

1

2

3 4

5 6

7 8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

PT

O M

eeti

ng

6:

00

pm

Pa

re

nt

Te

ac

he

r C

on

fe

re

nc

es

St

aff A

ppre

ciat

ion

Din

ner

Tea

cher

Wor

kday

NO

SC

HO

OL

Sp

ri

ng

B

oo

k

Fa

ir

SP

RI

NG

B

RE

AK

—N

O

SC

HO

OL

NO

SC

HO

OL

TCA

P TESTIN

G 

TCA

P TESTIN

G 

Re

ad

ing

Be

lt

Ce

rem

on

y 1-

2 p

m

HP

AC

10

:00

am

March 2013

 

2013 Summer Scholars

Summer School registration opens (ONLINE) April 11, 2013

Preschool Schedule Students three to five years of age

Our preschool sessions incorporate an array of activities using children’s literature, art, science, math, and music organized around a central theme.

Elementary School Schedule Students entering Kindergarten through 6th grade in Fall 2013

The main focus of the elementary summer school program is enrichment. The specific class offerings vary from year to year, but always include classes incorporating the basic skill areas of reading, writing, math, and science. Typically, many of the offerings are

themed classes enabling students to practice core skills while investigating an area of interest.

Middle School Schedule Students entering 7th through 9th grade in Fall 2013

The central focus of the middle school summer school program is intervention. Each year, we offer classes for students who need additional help in the areas of reading/writing and/or math. The majority of students attending these classes have had their

participation in summer school recommended by their school counselor and/or teachers. Enrichment offerings are also offered for this age group.

Summer Band Schedule Students entering 6th through 12th grade in Fall 2013

Questions? Please contact your band director for additional information.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Session Location Dates Time Days Cost*

I EAC Preschool June 10-27, 2013 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. M-Th $150 - $190

II EAC Preschool July 8-25, 2013 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. M-Th $150 - $190

Session Location Dates Time Days Cost*

I Explorer Elementary June 10-27, 2013 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. M-Th $150 - $190

II High Plains Elementary July 8-25, 2013 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. M-Th $150 - $190

Session Location Dates Time Days Cost*

I Liberty High School June 10-27, 2013 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. M-Th $125 - $145

      10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. M-Th $125 - $145

II Liberty High School July 8-25, 2013 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. M-Th $125 - $145

      10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. M-Th $125 - $145

Session Location Dates Time Days Cost*

MS/HS Summer Band Timberview Middle School June 10-21, 2013 TBD M-F $70-$80

MS/HS Summer Band Mountain Ridge Middle School July 15-26, 2013 TBD M-F $70-$80

Session Location Dates Time Days Cost*

I Liberty High School June 10-27, 2013 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. M-Th $125 - $145

      10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. M-Th $125 - $145

II Liberty High School July 8-25, 2013 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. M-Th $125 - $145

      10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. M-Th $125 - $145

Session Location Dates Time Days Cost*

I Explorer Elementary June 10-27, 2013 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. M-Th $150 - $190

II High Plains Elementary July 8-25, 2013 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. M-Th $150 - $190

Session Location Dates Time Days Cost*

I EAC Preschool June 10-27, 2013 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. M-Th $150 - $190

II EAC Preschool July 8-25, 2013 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. M-Th $150 - $190

March 2013

 

2013 Summer Scholars - CONTINUED

Summer Science Schedule Students entering 7th through 9th grade in Fall 2013

High School Schedule Current middle and high school students – see below for further details

Students can earn one semester credit during each session of Summer School. Participants in the high school summer school program are driven by assorted goals. Some students are working to advance in a subject area, some are recovering a failed credit, and others are fulfilling a graduation requirement that will not fit in their school year schedule, just to name a few. Students entering 7th and 8th grade who successfully complete Algebra I or Geometry during summer school with a passing grade will not be required to take Algebra I or Geometry in high school. All students will need to fulfill the District 20 graduation requirements, which include three years of math during grades 9 through 12.

Entering 9th grade students will be given high school credit for ALL high school courses offered dur-ing District 20 summer school in which they earn a passing grade.

*Classes are open to students from all districts. Additional fees apply for out-of-district students.

Partial scholarships are available for District 20 students in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program. Please see the Summer School & Enrichment website (www.asd20.org/sse) for more information on how these scholarships are processed. Scholarship requests for students not enrolled in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Location Dates Time Days Cost*

Timberview Middle June 10-21, 2013 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. M-F $230 - $290

Session Location Dates Time Days Cost*

I Liberty High School June 10-28, 2013 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. M-F $250 - $290

II Liberty High School July 8-26, 2013 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. M-F $250 - $290

Session Location Dates Time Days Cost*

I Liberty High School June 10-28, 2013 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. M-F $250 - $290

II Liberty High School July 8-26, 2013 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. M-F $250 - $290

Location Dates Time Days Cost*

Timberview Middle June 10-21, 2013 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. M-F $230 - $290

The Quick & Easy Guide to

School WellnessBONUS

Tip Sheet

This bonus tip sheet accompanies The Quick & Easy Guide to School Wellness. For details or to order additional copies of the guide, please visit www.healthyschoolscampaign.org or call 800-HSC-1810

Below are ideas for teachers, caregivers, program directors, and parents for serving healthy snacks and beverages to children in the classroom, in after-school programs, at soccer games, and elsewhere. Some ideas may be practical for large groups of children, while other ideas may only work for small groups, de-pending on the work and cost involved.

Most of the snacks served to children should be fruits and vegetables, since most kids do not eat the recommended five to thirteen servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Eating fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of heart disease, cancer, and high blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables also contain important nu-trients like vitamins A and C and fiber. Serving fresh fruits and vegetables can seem challenging. However, good planning and the growing number of shelf-stable fruits and vegetable products on the market make it easier.

Though some think fruits and vegetables are costly snacks, they are actually less costly than many other less-healthful snacks on a per-serving basis. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average cost of a serving of fruit or vegetable (all types – fresh, frozen, and canned) is 25 cents per serving. This is a good deal compared with a 69-cent single-serve bag of potato chips or an 80-cent candy bar. Try lots of different fruits and vegetables and prepare them in various ways to find out what your kids like best. Fruit is naturally sweet, so most kids love it. Fruit can be served whole, sliced, cut in half, cubed, or in wedges. Canned, frozen, and dried fruits often need little preparation.

• Apples • Apricots• Bananas• Blackberries• Blueberries• Cantaloupe• Cherries• Grapefruit• Grapes • Watermelon• Strawberries• Tangerines

Applesauce (Unsweetened), Fruit Cups, and Canned Fruit – These have a long shelf life and are low-cost, easy, and healthy if canned in juice or light syrup.

Dried Fruit - Try raisins, apricots, apples, cranberries, pineapple, papaya, and others with no added sugars.

Frozen Fruit – Try freezing grapes or buy frozen blueberries, strawberries, peaches, mangoes, and melon.

Fruit Leathers – Some brands of fruit snacks are more like candy than fruit, and should be avoided due to their high content of added sugars and lack of fruit. Try Natural Value Fruit Leathers and Stretch Island Fruit Leathers, which come in a variety of flavors and don’t have added sugars.

Healthy School Snack Ideas

Fruits and Vegetables

• Honeydew Melon• Kiwis • Mandarin Oranges• Mangoes• Nectarines• Oranges• Peaches• Pears• Pineapple• Plums• Raspberries

This bonus tip sheet accompanies The Quick & Easy Guide to School Wellness. For details or to order additional copies of the guide, please visit www.healthyschoolscampaign.org or call 800-HSC-1810

Fruit Salad – Get kids to help make a fruit salad. Use a variety of colored fruits to add to the appeal.

Popsicles – Most so-called “fruit” popsicles have added sugars and should be reserved for an occasional treat. Look for popsicles made from 100% fruit juice with no added caloric sweeteners, such as Breyers or Dole “No Sugar Added” fruit bars.

Smoothies – Blend fruit with juice, yogurt or milk, and ice. Many store-made smoothies have added sugars and are not healthy choices.

• Broccoli• Carrot sticks or baby carrots• Cauliflower• Celery Sticks• Cucumber• Peppers

Dips – Try low-fat salad dressings, like fat-free Ranch or Thousand Island, store-bought light dips, bean dips, guacamole, hummus (which comes in dozens of flavors), salsa, or peanut butter.

Salad – Make a salad or set out veggies like a salad bar and let the kids build their own salads.

Soy - Edamame (pronounced “eh-dah-MAH-may”) are fun to eat and easy to serve. (Heat frozen edamame in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes). Veggie Pockets – Cut whole wheat pitas in half and let kids add veggies with dressing or hummus.

Ants on a Log – Let kids spread peanut butter on celery (with a plastic knife) and add raisins.

Though most kids eat plenty of grain products, too many of those grains are cookies, snack cakes, sugary cereals, Rice Krispy treats, and other refined grains that are high in sugars or fat. Try to serve mostly whole grains, which provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than refined grains. In addition, try to keep the added sugars to less than 35% by weight. Cookies, snack cakes, and chips should be saved for occasional treats, given their poor nutritional quality.

Whole Wheat English Muffins, Pita, or Tortillas – Stuff with veggies or dip in hummus or bean dip.

Breakfast Cereal – Either dry or with low-fat milk, whole grain cereals like Cheerios, Grape-Nuts, Raisin Bran, Frosted Mini Wheats, and Wheaties make good snacks. Look for cereals with no more than 35% added sugars by weight (or roughly 8 grams of sugar per serving).

Crackers – Whole-grain crackers like Triscuits, which come in different flavors or thin crisps (or similar wo-ven wheat crackers), Kalvi Rye crackers, or whole wheat Matzos can be served alone or with toppings, like low-fat cheese, peanut butter, or low-fat, reduced-sodium luncheon meat.

Rice Cakes - Look for rice cakes made from brown (whole grain) rice. They come in many flavors, and can be served with or without toppings.

Popcorn – Look for low-fat popcorn in a bag or microwave popcorn. Or you can air pop the popcorn and season it, e.g., by spraying it with vegetable oil spray and adding parmesan cheese, garlic powder, or other non-salt spices.

Baked Tortilla Chips - Baked tortilla chips are usually low in fat, and taste great with salsa and/or bean dip. Look for brands with less sodium.

Healthy School Snack Ideas, page 2

Vegetables that can be served raw with dip or salad dressing:

• Snap Peas• Snow Peas• String Beans• Tomato slices or grape or cherry tomatoes• Yellow Summer Squash slices• Zucchini slices

Healthy grains

This bonus tip sheet accompanies The Quick & Easy Guide to School Wellness. For details or to order additional copies of the guide, please visit www.healthyschoolscampaign.org or call 800-HSC-1810

Granola and Cereal Bars - Look for whole grain granola bars that are low in fat and sugars.

Pretzels, Breadsticks, and Flatbreads - These low-fat items can be offered as snacks now and then. However, most of these snacks are not whole grain and most pretzels are high in salt.

WARNING: A small but growing number of kids have severe peanut and/or tree nut allergies. Before bring-ing in peanuts, peanut butter, or other nuts as a snack, make sure none of the children has an allergy.

Dairy foods are a great source of calcium, which can help to build strong bones. However, dairy products also are the biggest sources of artery-clogging saturated fat in kids’ diets. To protect children’s bones and hearts, make sure all dairy foods served are low-fat or fat-free.

Yogurt – Look for brands that are low-fat or fat-free, moderate in sugars (no more than about 30 grams of sugars in a 6-oz. cup), and high in calcium (at least 25% of daily value for calcium in a 6-oz. cup). Low-fat or non-fat yogurt also can be served with fresh or frozen fruit or low-fat granola.

Low-Fat Cheese - Cheese provides calcium, but often its saturated fat price tag is too high. Cheese is the number two source of heart-damaging saturated fat in children’s diets. Even with low-fat and reduced-fat cheese, be sure to serve with other foods like fruit, vegetables, or whole grain crackers.

Low-Fat Pudding and Frozen Yogurt - Low-fat or fat-free pudding and frozen yogurt should be served only as occasional treats, because they are high in added sugars.

Nuts - Since nuts are high in calories, it is best to serve them along with another snack such as fruit. A small handful of nuts is a reasonable serving size. Examples include peanuts, pistachios, almonds, walnuts, cashews, or soy nuts. Look for nuts that are unsalted.

Trail Mix - Trail mixes are easy to make and store well in a sealed container. Items to include: low-fat gra-nola, whole grain cereals, peanuts, cashews, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and dried fruits like raisins, apricots, apples, pineapple, or cranberries.

Luncheon Meat – Choose lower-fat, reduced-sodium brands of turkey, ham, and roast beef and serve with whole wheat bread, pita, tortillas (as a wrap sandwich), or crackers. Cut sandwiches in half to make snack-sized portions.

Water – Water should be the main drink served to kids at snack times. Water satisfies thirst and does not have sugar or calories. (Plus, it is low-cost for care-givers!) If kids are used to getting sweetened beverages at snack times, it may take a little time for them to get used to drinking water.

Seltzer - Carbonated drinks like seltzer, sparkling water, and club soda are healthy options. They do not contain the sugars, calories, and caffeine of sodas. Serve them alone or try making “healthy sodas” by mix-ing them with equal amounts of 100% fruit juice.

Low-Fat and Fat-Free Milk - Milk provides key nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D. Choose fat-free (skim) or low-fat (1%) milk to avoid the heart-damaging saturated fat found in whole and 2% (reduced-fat) milk. It is best to serve fat-free versions of chocolate, strawberry, or other flavored milks to help balance the extra calories coming from added sugars. Single-serve containers of chocolate or other flavored whole or 2% milk drinks can be too high in calories (400-550 calories) and saturated fat (1/3 of a day’s worth) to be a healthy beverage for kids.

Soy and Rice Drinks - For children who prefer not to drink cow’s milk, calcium-fortified soy and rice drinks are good choices.

Healthy School Snack Ideas, page 3

Low-Fat Dairy Foods

Other Snack Ideas

Healthy Beverages

This bonus tip sheet accompanies The Quick & Easy Guide to School Wellness. For details or to order additional copies of the guide, please visit www.healthyschoolscampaign.org or call 800-HSC-1810

Fruit Juice - Try to buy 100% fruit juice and avoid the added sugars of juice drinks, punches, fruit cocktail drinks, or lemonade. Drinks that contain at least 50% juice and no additional caloric sweeteners are also healthful options. To find 100% juice, look at beverage nutrition labels for the percentage of the beverage that is juice. Orange, grapefruit, and pineapple juices are more nutrient-dense and are healthier than apple, grape, and pear juices. Many beverages are easily mistaken for juice. However, those beverages are more like soda than juice -- they are merely sugar water with a few tablespoons of added juice. Fruit juice can be rich in vitamins, minerals, and cancer-fighting compounds. However, it is high in calories. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ages 1-6 years old drink no more than 6 ounces (one serving) of juice a day and children ages 7-18 years old drink no more than 12 ounces (two servings) of juice a day.

This material is adapted with permission from the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Healthy School Snack Ideas, page 4

January 10, 2013

Dear Parents of Students in Colorado Schools, K through 12th Grades (School Year 2013-14),

Immunizations are an important part of our children’s health care, and Colorado law requires that children going to school be vaccinated to prevent vaccine-preventable disease. The purpose of this letter is to let you know which vaccines are required for school attendance and which vaccines are recommended for best protection against vaccine-preventable disease (see chart on second page).

As a parent, it is important to know that in addition to the vaccines required by the state of Colorado Board of Health for school entry, there are vaccines that are recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This is the immunization schedule that will best protect your child from even more vaccine- preventable diseases.

Parents often have concerns or want more information on children’s immunizations and vaccine safety. A resource developed for parents with frequently asked questions about the safety and importance of vaccines can be located at: www.ImmunizeForGood.com . The Colorado Immunization Program’s website is located at: www.ColoradoImmunizations.com .

Schools work hard to ensure compliance with the immunization laws. Your help in providing updated immunization records at school registration and when your child receives additional vaccine(s) is greatly appreciated. Please discuss your child’s vaccination needs with your child’s doctor or local public health agency. (To find your local public health department’s contact information call the Family Health Line at 1-303-692-2229 or 1-800-688-7777). Please bring your child’s updated immunization records to the school each time your child receives an immunization.

Sincerely,

Colorado Immunization Program Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment 303-692-2650

VACCINE

Number of Doses

Grades K-12 (5-18 Years of Age)

Vaccines administered ≤ 4 days before the minimum age are valid

Pertussis DTaP only licensed through 6 yrs of age.

5 to 6

5 DTaP ( if dose 4 was administered on or after the 4th birthday, the requirement is met). The final dose of DTaP must be administered no sooner than 4 years of age. Tdap req. 6th through 12th grades.

Tetanus/Diphtheria DT only licensed through 6 yrs of age.

3 to 5

5 DT ( if dose 4 was administered on or after the 4th birthday, the requirement is met). If child is 7 yrs of age or older, must have 3 appropriately spaced tetanus/diphtheria containing vaccines (DTaP, DT, Td, Tdap) - 4 wks between dose 1 & 2 and 6 mos between dose 2 & 3

Polio (IPV) 3 to 4 4 IPV ( if dose 3 was administered on or

th after the 4 birthday, requirement met). Final dose must be given no sooner than 4th birthday.

Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) Proposed for this school year – 1 dose of Rubella meets requirement.

2 The 1st dose cannot be administered more than 4 days before the 1st birthday. 2 doses required for K thru 12th grades.

Varicella (Chickenpox) Documentation of disease from a health care provider (physician, RN or PA) is required.

1 or 2

The 1st dose cannot be administered more than 4 days before the 1st birthday. 2 doses are required for children entering K through 6th grade. 1 dose is required for 7th through 12th grades.

Hepatitis B Students who have not received 3 doses of Hep B vaccine prior to 7/1/2009 must follow the minimum intervals recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

3

The second dose must be administered at least 4 weeks after the first dose. The third dose must be administered at least 16 weeks after the first dose and at least 8 weeks after the second dose. The final dose is to be administered no sooner than 24 weeks (6 mos) of age. The 2-dose series is acceptable for ages 11-15 years. 2 doses can only be accepted using the approved vaccine for the 2-dose series with proper documentation (name of the vaccine, dosage, dates, and interval).

MINIMUM NUMBER OF DOSES REQUIRED FOR CERTIFICATE OF IMMUNIZATION RECOMMENDED VACCINES FOR THE BEST PROTECTION Kindergarten through Grade 12, 2013-14 Required for School Attendance. AGAINST VACCINE-PREVENTABLE DISEASE

For REQUIRED vaccines: A laboratory test showing immunity is acceptable.

You must provide one of the following to your child's school in order to comply with the law: 1. A completed Certificate of Immunization certifying that the student has received

minimum immunizations. 2. If a student’s Certificate of Immunization is not up to date, the parent/guardian or

emancipated student has 14 days after direct notification to provide documentation that the next required immunization was administered and submit a written plan for completion of any additional required immunizations. If the plan is not completed, the student shall be expelled or suspended from school for non-compliance. Exception to this rule is a shortage of vaccine.

3. Statement of Exemption to Immunization - Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Certificate of Immunization:

a) a medical exemption signed by licensed physician stating that the student's physical condition is such that immunizations would endanger life or health or is otherwise medically contraindicated; or

b) a religious exemption signed by the parent, guardian, or emancipated student that the student adheres to a religious belief opposed to immunizations; or

c) a personal exemption signed by the parent, guardian, or emancipated student that the student adheres to a personal belief opposed to immunizations.

Immunization requirements will be strictly enforced for all students. Students who do not meet the requirements will be denied attendance according to Colorado Revised Statutes 25-4-902.

Call about free or low cost vaccines at Family Health Line at 303-692-2229 or 1-800-688-7777

VACCINE

Number of Doses

Grades K-12 (5-18 Years of Age) Vaccines administered ≤ 4 days before

the minimum age are valid

Influenza (Flu) 1 to 2

2 doses initially if under 9 yrs of age with a minimum interval of 28 days between doses, then 1 dose annually, thereafter. Recommended for children 6 months of age and older.

Meningococcal Meningitis (MCV)

1 to 2 Adolescents 11-18 years of age

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

3 Adolescents 11-18 years of age.

Hepatitis A (Hep A) 2 All children 1 year and older