PCKCS 05/21/2009

FROM THE DIRECTOR

It’s not over until it’s over on May 27th, but this is our final newsletter for the 2008-09 school year. We have much to celebrate as we prepare to wrap-up our 15th year as a charter school of excellence. Here are just a few highlights from the past year:

• Added a new full-day kindergarten class and welcomed 23 additional kindies and their families
• Welcomed many other new students/families across the school
• Implemented a sophisticated progress monitoring system (MAPS) to help teachers monitor individual progress throughout the year
• Piloted an on-line study program, Study Island, to help students master important skills and knowledge
• Enhanced building security
• Collected hats, mittens and gloves for Channel 7News Coats for Colorado drive
• Gave from our hearts this past holiday to help Core families in need
• Implemented a K-8 anti-bullying effort that included monthly skill building lessons in each grade
• Added a part-time School Counselor to our staff to assist with student issues
• Student in grades 4-8 produced a fabulous Dinner Theatre production of ‘Singing in the Rain’ – Next year’s production will be ‘Beauty and the Beast’
• Our third graders earned top scores in the district on the 2009 Reading CSAPs
• Both the elementary and middle school programs received an ‘Excellent’ rating on CDE’s annual School Accountability Report (SAR); the middle school won the John Irwin School of Excellence Award for the 8th consecutive year
• Parent volunteers were everywhere, helping with everything from class field trips and bulletin boards, to judging the Science Fair and assisting with the Dinner Theatre…the list goes on and on!! Thank you to all who met their 20 hour/year volunteer commitment
• Fundraising efforts, appreciation events, gifts of food, class parties, baby showers and meals for those who were sick represented just a few of the many acts of kindness and support experienced around the school

Without a doubt, it’s been another GREAT year here at Core! As we wrap up the 2008-09 school year, we look back on all the hard work that went into making this year great and we are so appreciative…of your time, your support, your talents, your passion for quality in education, and for your commitment to helping make PCKCS a true school of excellence!

Have a wonderful summer break –
we look forward to welcoming you back on
August 13th for GEM Night & Registration.

End of Year Dress Down Days

22nd Field Day Attire
26th Individual Class Theme
27th Student choice

MAY

22nd Field Day @ Salisbury Park 9:00 – 12:00
In the case of inclement weather, check with school – no classes will be held if Field Day is cancelled.

25th Memorial Day No School
26th 2nd – 5th Talent Show 2:00 P.M.
26th 8th Grade Graduation 6:30 P.M.
27th Last Day of School 12:00 dismissal

GENERAL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 Summer Tutoring - Some teachers are available for private one on one tutoring this summer. Fees for this service are negotiated between teacher and parents. School building and materials may be used. Please contact Mrs. Kurtz, Mrs. Carr, or Mrs. Harth for information.

 Masks from Around the World - If you have the opportunity to travel abroad, please consider donating a mask from whatever country you visit. We will be displaying them in the art room.


 5th Grade Science Fair Results


Physical
1st - Micah Grissom
Science 1 2nd - Kyleigh Crist
3rd - Noah Agan

Physical
1st - Sophia Utley
Science 2 2nd - Talon Olofson
3rd - Michaela Sandeno

Biology 1
1st - Braeden Evert
2nd - Katie Kassal
3rd - Melanie Rost


Biology 2
1st - Lexi Hicken
2nd - Brad Weems
3rd - Kellie Davis

Plants
1st - Patrick Sparks
2nd - Anna Martch
3rd - Catherine Liggett



Thanks for the Science Fair Help!
Judges – Calvin Kaemmerling, Teresa Smith, Brian Hardy, Stephanie Schannuth, Dawn Wade, Shelly Tokerud, Karen Hearn, Sue Maestas, Michael Wade, Jan Anderson, Cyndi Erdmann, John Czarnecki, Angela Hayes, Mike Servia, David Akers and Mara’D Jahde.
Donation of Snacks – Janine Neate, Susan Hecht, Angi Runyon, Michelle Martch, Kathleen Liggett, Melissa Grissom, Iris Hallen, Jennifer Sparks, Lori VanDoozer and Kim Hicken.




Field Day
Friday, May 22nd
9:00 – 12:00
Location: Salisbury Park
(1.6 miles south of Main St. on Motsenbocker)
☺ Drop off starts at 8:40, Field Day will begin promptly at 9:00 A.M.
☺ Please make sure that your child is wearing sunscreen
☺ No flip flops, swim suits or spaghetti straps please.
☺ Students need to be picked up promptly at 12:00 P.M.
Please park your car and sign out your students with their teacher. You may also sign out other students who are part of your carpool.

Rain Plans – In the case of inclement weather, please call the school and listen to recording. Upon cancellation we will not hold classes – enjoy the day off!

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Could the days get any crazier? I don’t know about you, but here at school the last few weeks of the school year are, in a word, HECTIC! There is much to do with and for the students before we send them off on their summer break. In addition, behavior issues are at an all time high as students are tired of following the rules…tired of one another…and, just plain tired. A change of routine, along with some rest and relaxation, will do wonders to restore spirits, patience and outlooks (That’s what summer breaks are for.) In the meantime, here are a few ideas about what parents can do to support their student(s) through these final days until break.

1. Remind them daily that summer break is almost here. Encourage them to ‘hang in there’ and finish the year strong.
2. Encourage positive attitudes and perseverance. After all, these are Core Virtues.
3. Ask your student to share the highlights of the past year with you. This is great stuff for the ‘My School Days Book’ and will help them focus on the positive.
4. Remind them about the importance of following school rules and treating others respectfully…even when they don’t feel like it.
5. Plan some fun activities for their summer. This will give them something to look forward to once school ends.

Once again, thank you for your support from the home front. I am always appreciative of your efforts to partner with us for the benefit of the students.

Spirit Week Dress Down Days

20th 60’s
21st Backwards Day
22nd Field Day Attire
26th Individual Class Theme
27th Own choice

MAY

20th – 27th Spirit Week see above
22nd Field Day @ Salisbury Park 9:00 – 12:00
25th Memorial Day No School
26th 8th Grade Graduation 6:30 P.M.
26th 2nd – 5th Talent Show 2:00 P.M.
27th Last Day of School 12:00 dismissal

GENERAL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 Summer Tutoring - Some teachers are available for private one on one tutoring this summer. Fees for this service are negotiated between teacher and parents. School building and materials may be used. Please contact Mrs. Kurtz, Mrs. Carr, or Mrs. Harth for information.

 Volunteers completing their 20 hours as of April - Anderson (Jan & Laurie), Benglen, Bradshaw, Clothier, Crystal, Cummings, Daniel (Bill & Nancy), Davis, Dukes, Figueira, Fletcher, Gillen, Griffith, Hatcher, Hicken, Hoven, Johnson (Joe & Tammy), Kirby, Liggett, Ludka, Melendez, Munekata, Neate, Nelson, Parker, Pham, Sauceda, Snell, Ullyatt, Vogt and Zanre.

 Field Day Volunteers Needed – to run stations/events. Equipment and instruction will be provided. Please contact Syd Cymbala at scymbala3@comcast.net or 303-841-4445.

Field Day Friday, May 22nd

9:00 – 12:00
Location: Salisbury Park
(1.6 miles south of Main St. on Motsenbocker)
☺ Drop off starts at 8:40, Field Day will begin promptly at 9:00 A.M.
☺ Please make sure that your child is wearing sunscreen
☺ No flip flops, swim suits or spaghetti straps please.
☺ Students need to be picked up at 12:00 P.M.
Please park your car and sign out your student(s) with their teacher. You may also sign out other students who are part of your carpool.

Rain Plans - Sorry, due to our calendar we will not have a make-up rain date.

PCKCS 05/07/2009

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Making the Last Days count . . . that’s our goal for the end of this school year! I suspect that some of you may be tempted to begin your summer early following Field Day on May 22nd, so please allow me to encourage you to see the year through to our official last day on May 27th.

We recognize that the last day and a half can be challenging for both students and staff; students are antsy to begin their summer break, the teachers have generally wrapped up their curriculum for the year and parents wonder why we even bother coming back after Memorial Day. So, this year we decided to do something different to make the last days more meaningful for everyone involved. The staff has ‘a plan’ for Tuesday the 26th that is packed full of fun, interesting and (hopefully) value-added activities for the students. The 27th is a half-day that is generally reserved for end-of-year classroom-closing activities and the final class party. And, if that’s not enough of a draw for the students, the final 1.5 days are DRESS DOWN days!

As we begin that final countdown to summer, I hope you look back on this past year with fond memories and a strong sense of satisfaction. The studentss and staff have worked hard and accomplished much this year, and your unwavering support played a big part in your student’s success. It’s almost time (but not quite) for all of us to take a well-deserved rest. Hang in there with us . . . summer’s just around the corner.

MAY

8th Muffins with Mom 7:00 A.M.
14th No Chess Club
14th Legislative Update Mtg 8:30 A.M.
22nd Field Day @ Salisbury Park 9:00 – 12:00
25th Memorial Day No School
26th 8th Grade Graduation 6:30 P.M.
26th 2nd – 5th Talent Show 2:00 P.M.
27th Last Day of School 12:00 dismissal

GENERAL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 Congratulations to our 3rd Graders - for the fabulous Reading CSAP scores this year. They scored the highest in the district! Wow! We are so proud of them!

 Congratulations to the 6th Graders - and their teachers for their “Battle of the Books’ win!

 Science Fair Judges Needed - for 5th Grade Science Fair on May 15th, from 7:45 a.m. to 12:00. 5th grade parents are not eligible to be judges. Please contact Mara'D Jahde at mjahde@emjahde.com or 303-814-2092.

 Art Shows

Park Meadows Mall (below Borders) May 2nd – 8th. Middle School art is currently on display. Congratulations to Robert Toro who won an Honorable Mention award. Other student artists featured are: Ruby Pham, Katie Higgins, Marissa Carlson, Larissa Woods, Morgan Berkley, Connor Weaver, Jenny Park and Lauren Agenar. Art will be displayed until 9 P.M. Friday night.

Starbucks (near Home Depot) – 6th grade art will be featured starting with a gallery opening May 7th. There will be free hot chocolate for 6th graders. Invitations went home for those students with work exhibited.

Additionally, PCKCS All-School Art Show will run May 6th – 15th here at the school. Please come in and see all the beautiful student projects displayed on the bulletin boards throughout the school!

 Legislative Updates Meeting – PCKCS is hosting an informational meeting on Thursday, May 14th from 8:30 – 9:30 A.M. here at the school. Please join representatives from the Colorado League of Charter Schools, other elected officials, and charter school parents for an informative discussion about how decisions in the recent Colorado Legislative session will affect charter schools.

Thank You

To the Marceau family for their generous donation in support of our reading program. Many thanks to the following volunteers for their time and effort with Teacher Appreciation Week. So many great families came together to show their appreciation for the PCKCS staff . . . The parents that passed out coffee and pastries to the staff Monday morning. . . Melissa Grissom and all the classroom coordinators for arranging dinners and special teacher gifts The parents that volunteered for carpool each morning . . Adelia Redalen for providing pizza and Chili's lunch . . . The PTO for providing the salad lunch and coffee cart . . . The Hospitality Committee for providing the sandwich lunch . . . All of the parents that provided take-home dinners and restaurant gift cards for the entire PCKCS staff . . All the parents that provided gift cards for a staff "raffle" . . . And to Jill Flemming for her overall coordination of the entire Teacher Appreciation week! From the entire staff at PCKCS – THANK YOU SO MUCH! You made us all feel so appreciated. We think we can now make it to the end of the year!

PCKCS 04/30/2009

FROM THE DIRECTOR

To all the volunteers who attended our Annual Volunteer Breakfast – thank you for coming! And to those volunteers that could not attend, please know how much you are appreciated!! Our school could not function without all of you.

MAY

7th PTO Planning Meeting 8:00 A.M.
7th 6th – 8th Talent Show 2:00 P.M.
8th Muffins with Mom 7:00 A.M.
22nd Field Day @ Salisbury Park 9:00 – 12:00
25th Memorial Day No School
26th 8th Grade Graduation 6:30 P.M.
26th 2nd – 5th Talent Show 2:00 P.M.
27th Last Day of School 12:00 dismissal

GENERAL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 Loving Hugs - Girl Scout Troop 1227 is participating in a program sponsored by Loving Hugs, Inc. Their goal is to collect new or 'gently used' stuffed animals to send to children in war zone hospitals, orphanages and refugee camps (IDP Camps) around the world. The animals bring comfort to small children by providing a soft, cuddly portable 'hug.' The Girl Scouts will be collecting stuffed animals until May 15th. Drop-off boxes will be in the front lobby and in the Middle School areas. Thank you for supporting the Girl Scouts' effort to provide 'Hugs Around the World.'

 All Parents PTO Planning Meeting - Thursday, May 7th at 8:00 A.M. in the library. We'd like to invite everyone to review this year and plan for next year with us - BYOC (Bring Your Own Coffee).

 Muffins with Mom - Mark your calendars for Friday, May 8th, 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. Forms in today’s Thursday folder.

 DCSD Swine Flu Update - We want to keep you informed about the topic of swine flu that is causing concern throughout our state and country. We would like to take this opportunity to remind students, staff and families of recommended personal precautions provided by the state health department to decrease the potential spread of this virus :

• Stay home if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and contact your health care provider
• Wash hands frequently
• Cover your sneezes and coughs
• Avoid others with respiratory illnesses

 Art Shows – Student artwork will be displayed in the Douglas County School District Art Show being held at Park Meadows Mall (below Borders).

Elementary (Park Meadows) - April 24th - May 1st. Congratulations to our exceptional artists who will have their work displayed: Emily Zeller, Summer Edwards, Colton Schannuth, Shay Smith, Jonah Tuska, McKinley Schneider and Emma Parkin.

Middle School (Park Meadows) - May 2nd – 8th

Additionally, PCKCS All School Art Show will run May 6th – 15th here at the school. Please come in and see all the beautiful student projects displayed throughout the school!

 Scrip Gift Cards, the easy way to make money for PCKCS! Order Scrip Gift cards for your graduates, next year’s Dennis school uniforms, or those summer ice cream outings. When you order a gift card through Scrip, you get a gift card in the amount you paid for and PCKCS get a percentage from Scrip. Scrip gift card order forms are in today’s folders. Complete your Scrip order form, make checks payable to Parker Core Knowledge Charter School – PTO, and return it to school by Thursday, May 6. You will receive you gift cards Thursday, May 13th.

Thank You

For the efforts of the cast, crew and volunteers of the Singin’ in the Rain production.
Dinner Theater Chair heads were Cindy Piggott, Cristy Johnston,
Christy Pearson, Shannon Clark and Cindy Erdmann. Not to
mention about 75 other parent volunteers who made this years
Dinner Theater another amazing success!
And not to be forgotten – thanks to Mrs. Myers for bringing out the best in our students!!


To the hospitality committee for the wonderful salad luncheon they provided during our staff in-service day last Friday - Wendy Benedetto, Liz Stoffel, Patti Snell, Dawn Danner, Tricia Hennessy, Mara’D Jade, Kay Leenerts, Laura Benson, Heather Maggard, Nancy Gassen, Cherokee Cingoranelli, Natha Kelly, Denise Marriott, Melissa Grissom, Lori Carlson, Christel Kozar, Nicole Cummings and Angie Westback. Thank you Angie Runyon (and her mother and grandmother) for the overall coordination and setup of the event.

PCKCS 4/23/2009

FROM THE DIRECTOR

A BIG thank you to all the parents who turned out to vote for OC candidates on Tuesday. On behalf of myself and the entire Operating Council I am pleased to announce the three newest members of the PCKCS Operating Council:

Mr. Jan Anderson Mrs. Melissa Grissom Mrs. Karin Piper

We had a wonderful slate of candidates and I am certain that the individuals you selected will represent the PCKCS parent body well over the next two years.

Our the newest members replace outgoing OC members Heidi Kassal, Pat Redalen and Don Tulloch who have all given tremendously of their time, wisdom and talents.

Finally, a special thanks to our SAC members, Orion Skinner, Tim Steward and Tisha Boumeister for tabulating the results, and congratulations to Kathy Albert and Beth Ullyatt for their appointment to our School Accountability Committee (SAC). We are ‘teed up’ and ready for the 2009-10 school year!

APRIL
24th Teacher In-service No school
24th & 25th Dinner Theater
29th Annual Volunteer Breakfast 8:00 A.M.

MAY
8th Moms and Muffins 7:00 A.M.

GENERAL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 Loving Hugs - Girl Scout Troop 1227 is participating in a program sponsored by Loving Hugs, Inc. Their goal is to collect new or 'gently used' stuffed animals to send to children in war zones hospitals, orphanages and refugee camps (IDP Camps) around the world. The animals bring comfort to small children by providing a soft, cuddly portable 'hug.' The Girl Scouts will be collecting stuffed animals from April 27 to May 15. Drop-off boxes will be in the front lobby and in the Middle School areas. Thank you for supporting the Girl Scouts' effort to provide 'Hugs Around the World.'

 Muffins with Mom - Mark your calendars for Friday, May 8th, 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. $5 per family for donuts and juice.

Art Shows – Student artwork will be displayed in the Douglas County School District Art Show being held at Park Meadows Mall.

Elementary (Park Meadows) - April 24th - May 1st. Congratulations to our exceptional artists who will have their work displayed: Emily Zeller, Summer Edwards, Colton Schannuth, Shay Smith, Jonah Tuska and McKinley Schneider.

Middle School (Park Meadows) - May 2nd – 8th

PCKCS All School Art Show here at the school will run the week of May 4th. Please come in and see all the beautiful projects!

 Charter High School - Informational meetings are being held about the new Classical Charter High School which plans to open in fall 2011. Details about the mission and vision of the school will be shared, and intent to enroll forms will be available for you to submit that night. Feel free to choose from either one of the following options: Tuesday, May 5, 2009 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at Platte River Academy or Tuesday, May 19, 2009 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at Littleton Academy.

IT’s SHOW TIME
Singin’ in the Rain
Dinner Theater 24th & 25th

After months of rehearsals, it's finally here! The Dinner Theater production of "Singin' in the Rain" runs this weekend at our school. All families should have their tickets at this point via your children's Thursday folder. If you do not have your tickets, please contact Cindy Piggott at 303-805-1969 ASAP.

A limited number of tickets are still available for the Saturday matinee performance (understudies) as well as some gallery seating for the Saturday evening show. Tickets can be purchased up to this evening by emailing cindypiggott@comcast.net. No tickets will be available at the door.

Thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers for helping ensure that the show goes off with flying colors. We count on each and every one of you and are grateful for your time and efforts this weekend! All volunteer questions should be directed to Cristy Johnston at cristy.johnston@comcast.net as she is managing the master list of jobs and volunteers.

And to the amazing cast and crew of "Singin in the Rain" - BREAK A LEG!!

Thank You

Christel Kozar who typed up the messages from the bulletin board where the kids wrote what they were grateful for on the big black paper and then some sentiments on smaller squares of paper. Thanks for the typing!

PCKCS 4/16/2009

FROM THE DIRECTOR

I hope to see you TONIGHT for ‘Meet the Candidates’ night. All OC candidates who have thrown their hat in the ring for next week’s OC election will be on hand from 6:30 – 7:00 P.M. to answer your questions about their past volunteer experience at PCKCS and their interest in serving as an OC member for the next two years. Please feel free to stop by so that you will have a face to put with each candidate’s name on the OC ballot next Tuesday, April 21st. If you cannot make tonight’s OC candidate’s session, I have included a brief summary of our five candidates below. The April OC meeting will follow the ‘Meet the Candidates’ session at 7 P.M. All interested parents are welcome to attend.

The OC election will be held next Tuesday, April 21st from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. here at the school. All parents of PCKCS students are eligible to vote. You will need a photo ID to receive a ballot, and only two parents per student-family may vote.


Candidates for election to Operating Council (3 positions):

Name: Jan Anderson
Children: Emily (6th) Derek (2nd)
# Years at School: 6 yrs.
Volunteer areas: Field trips, theater/stage assembly, supplies for school, classroom help

Name: Conni Czarnecki
Children: Thomas & Paul (K), Jack (2nd)
# Years at School: 3 yrs.
Volunteer areas: Thursday folders, hospitality, class parties

Name: Melissa Grissom
Children: Ashton (6th), Micah (5th), Megan (2nd), Jacob (1st) Anna (K-next year)
# Years at School: 3 yrs.
Volunteer areas: Volunteer coordinator, classroom coordinator, hospitality chair, Thursday folders, art

Name: Karin Piper
Children: Cameron (7th), Colin (3rd), Caley (2nd)
# Years at School: 6 yrs.
Volunteer areas: Thursday folders, Artist of the Month, classroom coordinator, reading groups, substitute art teacher, Read-A-Thon, field trips, classroom parties

Name: Shelly Tokerud
Children: Anna Akers (6th)
# Years at School: 1 yr.
Volunteer areas: Dinner theater production

APRIL
16th Meet the OC Candidates 6:30 P.M.
16th OC Meeting 7:00 P.M.
21st OC Elections 7:00 A.M – 7:00 P.M.
22nd Earth Day
23rd Donuts with Dad 7:00 A.M.
23rd All School Dress Down
24th Teacher In-service No school
24th & 25th Dinner Theater
29th Annual Volunteer Breakfast 8:00 A.M.

GENERAL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

RESCHEDULED Donuts with Dads – to next Thursday, April 23rd.

School Accountability Committee – Needs additional members! If have questions about the scope/purpose of the committee or would simply like to serve, please contact Mrs. Aplin.

4th Grade Artwork is on display at Starbucks by Home Depot. Be sure to stop in and look at the beautiful watercolor scrolls.

Muffins with Mom - Mark your calendars for Friday, May 8th, 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. $5 per family for donuts and juice.

Earth Day 2009 – Next Wednesday the 22nd is Earth Day. Volunteers are needed for: science/craft activities, woodworking, photography, outdoor games and snacks. We will also have plenty of opportunities to donate supplies. E-mail either Mrs. Mohrhaus (tmohrhaus@ckcs.net) or Mrs. Dukes (mdukes@ckcs.net) for more information.

Science Fair Judges Needed - for 5th Grade Science Fair on May 15th, from 7:45 a.m. to 12:00. 5th grade parents are not eligible to be judges. Please contact Mara'D Jahde at mjahde@emjahde.com or 303-814-2092.


VOLUNTEER NEWS

The following families completed their 20 hours of volunteer time in March – Bishop, Bronley, Brooks, Calahan, Callahan, Cook, Finley (Caitlin), Gassen, Geels, Judd, Killingsworth, Roach, Thompson, Tuska, and Utzerath.




Singin’ in the Rain
Dinner Theater 24th & 25th

With only a week to go until curtain time, it's the LAST CHANCE....

...for all families who have purchased tickets and not yet submitted payment - please send checks made payable to PCKCS by tomorrow, Friday April 17th.

...for all friends and families who would like to purchase tickets for the Saturday matinee performance. A very limited number of seats are available for this performance only. Tickets will be available for purchase until Thursday, April 23rd by contacting cindypiggott@comcast.net or by calling Cindy at 303-805-1969. No tickets will be available at the door.

....to sign up for volunteering opportunities during performance weekend (April 24th and 25th). Cristy Johnston is now finalizing the volunteer schedule. Please contact her at cristy.johnston@comcast.net if you are able to help.

Please note that all tickets that have been paid for in full are being sent home weekly in Thursday folders. If you have paid for your tickets and have not received them, please check the Thursday folder or backpack and then direct any questions you may have about tickets to Cindy Piggott at 303-805-1969.

Thank You

Our Work Day last Saturday went so well! A HUGE thank you to all of the individuals that helped with cleaning, raking, weeding, moving, organizing, sorting, and general “spiffing up” of our school - the Barber family, John Irwin, Craig and Lexi Hoven, Les Ashworth, the Hennessy family, Tim Nejedlo, Aleftina Temple, Bradley Finley, Karen Violett, Huy Pham, Connie Czarnecki and our own Sr. volunteer/handyman, Mike Quesnoy. What an awesome work crew!!

PCKCS 04/09/2009

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Charter Schools are known for their emphasis on parent involvement and there aren’t too many ways to become more involved than to run for a position on the Board, or in our case, the Operating Council.

The PCKCS Operating Council (OC) is comprised of six parents, the School Director, a teacher rep and a staff rep. The six parents, three per year, are elected by the parent body of PCKCS every April. Each OC member then serves a two-year term. These parents represent the “voice of the parents” in matters such as school policy, budget and, in the case of newer schools, building efforts. The time commitment can be extensive, and the responsibility not one to be taken lightly. OC members are expected to comply with a strict Code of Conduct, and to make decisions that are in the best long-term interest of the broader school community. It is preferable that parents who seek a position on the OC have gained an understanding about how the school operates through their past volunteer experience within the school.

On April 21, 2009, from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. we will hold our annual OC election. All parents of PCKCS students are eligible to vote. Please plan to stop by the school at some point during the day to cast your vote. You will need a photo ID to receive a ballot, and only two parents per student-family may vote.

In next Thursday’s newsletter, I will feature a brief bio about each candidate. In addition, the OC will host a “Meet the Candidates” night on Thursday, April 16th from 6:30 – 7:30 P.M. at school. Please consider joining us to learn more about our candidates.

APRIL
11th School Work Day 9:00 A.M
16th Meet the OC Candidates 6:30 P.M.
17th Donuts with Dad 7:00 A.M.
21st OC Elections 7:00 A.M – 7:00 P.M.
22nd Earth Day
24th Teacher In-service No school
24th & 25th Dinner Theater

GENERAL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

2009 School Work Day Saturday – We need EVERYONE! The more the merrier! 9:00 A.M. to noon. Tools to help with projects: trowels for weeding, push brooms, gloves, rakes, shovels, etc. For additional information please contact volunteer coordinator, Melissa Grissom, at jnmgrissom@msn.com or 303-840-5142. Let’s all join in!!

4th Grade Artwork is on display at Starbucks by Home Depot. Be sure to stop in and look at the beautiful watercolor scrolls.

Earth Day 2009 – We need your help! Wednesday, April 22nd is Earth Day, and we will be conducting fun activities at every grade level. Volunteers are needed for: science/craft activities, woodworking, photography, outdoor games and snacks. We will also have plenty of opportunities to donate supplies. E-mail either Mrs. Mohrhaus (tmohrhaus@ckcs.net) or Mrs. Dukes (mdukes@ckcs.net) for more information.

Donuts with Dad - Mark your calendars for Friday, April 17th, 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. $5 per family for donuts and juice. Registration forms are in today’s Thursday folder.

Science Fair Judges Needed - for 5th Grade Science Fair on May 15th, from 7:45 a.m. to 12:00. 5th grade parents are not eligible to be judges. Please contact Mara'D Jahde at mjahde@emjahde.com or 303-814-2092.

STUDENT NOTABLES

Janae Barrus (6th Grade) – Her team received an Honorable Mention award in the ExploraVision science competition. Mrs. Barrus was the team mentor. The competition demonstrated innovative thinking in exploration of science and its impart on technology and the future. Nice job Janae!

Hannah Cingoranelli (8th Grade) - Hannah entered the Colorado League of Charter Schools/CollegeInvest essay contest and took 2nd place. Hannah was presented her award by the Lt. Governor, a representative from CollegeInvest and a representative from the League of Charter Schools on the West Steps of the Capitol, Thursday, April 2nd. She also had the privilege of reading her essay to those at the League of Charter School rally.


Singin’ in the Rain
Dinner Theater

Family Messages - If you are interested in placing a family message for your child in the dinner theater program this year or a business ad, please contact Cindy Piggott by April 12th at the latest. The cost is $5 for a quarter page ad and is a wonderful way to send your child your best wishes! If you would like to place a business ad, the cost is $10 per half page.

Show Tickets - Last chance for all families who have purchased tickets and not yet submitted payment - please send your checks made payable to CKCS by Friday, April 10th.

Limited seating is still available for the April 25th matinee performance as well as some gallery seating for both dinner shows. Contact CIndypiggott@comcast.net if you would like to purchase tickets for any of these performances. Tickets will be available until April 23rd or until they are sold out; no tickets will be available at the door.

Tickets that have been paid in full are now being sent home each week in Thursday folders. Please be sure to check your child's Thursday folder if you are expecting tickets and direct any questions you may have to Cindy Piggott (303-805-1969).

Volunteers - Cristy Johnston is now scheduling volunteers to help over the weekend of the 24th and 25th. If you are interested in volunteering, please email her at cristy.johnston@comcast.net.

Thank You
Thank you to Mr. Beckman for installing a watering system in the raised planters on the north side of the building!

Thank you Mrs. Becker and Mrs. Miller for their generous art supply donation.

To Mrs. Olvera for her ongoing donations of office supplies.

To Moms in Touch for the beautiful spring flowers displayed in our front office.