Non Discrimination Statement

School District 11 is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in relation to race, creed, color, sex (sender), ancestry, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age and/or disability.  Discrimination and/or harassment based on the aforementioned areas will not be tolerated and must be brought to the immediate attention of the school principal or D11 nondiscrimination compliance coordinator:  Marvin R. Adams, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Ombudservices, 1115 North El Paso Street, Colorado Springs, CO  80903.  Phone:  520-2271, FAX:  520-2442.  email:  adamsmr@d11.org

 

Dear Columbia Community,

Thank you to all the parents, grandparents, and community members who supported us during the CSAP tests in March.  Your diligence in making sure your students arrived to school on time, rested, and well nourished made a difference in our ability to administer a smooth and efficient testing program.  Despite a delayed start, questionable weather, and a vigorous flu season, we managed to complete the entire test prior to spring break.  With just few make-ups to be given the first week of April, this year’s CSAP testing is a wrap.

Kudos go to Julie Shaw, our testing coordinator, and Kathy Kuyendall, special education teacher, for their time  commitment in attending meetings, providing training, planning, and scheduling of the test.  A special thank you is extended to all the teachers and students who worked so hard to prepare and give their very best effort during this time.  Our wonderful PTCO celebrated by treating the entire school with ice cream on the final test day.  As you can see, the annual CSAP test is a community effort, and Columbia is so fortunate to have the support, interest, and dedication of so many families.

The final two months of school will be just as busy and exciting as the past eight months.  Some of the events to look forward to are the spring orchestra and band concerts, and the primary drama performance, Bugz.  Our fifth graders will be attending science camp at Estes Park at the end of April, and the track season will be in full swing starting with the kindergarten track meet on the 24th of April.  

Thank you again for your loyalty and continuous support.

Linda Schlagenhauf
Principal

     

Kindergarten Registration
April 25, 2008

8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Columbia Elementary is accepting registrations for our two full-day kindergarten classes any time beginning April 25, 2008.  If you can not register your student for kindergarten prior to the school office closing, June 5, 2008, please register at the District 11 Administration Building located at 1115 North El Paso Street .   The following records are required for kindergarten registration at Columbia Elementary School .  Children MUST  be  five years old by  October 1, 2008.

Original Birth Certificate
Immunization Record
Social Security Number

If you have any questions, please call 328-2700. Colorado Department of Public Health immunization requirement:   Children need to have a second varicella (chicken pox) vaccination prior to the start of kindergarten.

Track Day  May 2, 2008
Mrs. K - 328-2725

Your first through fifth graders will be participating in the Columbia Elementary School Track and Field Day on Friday, May 2, 2008 (alternate Track Day, May 6). The Deaf and Blind School Track will be the site at the southwest corner of Pikes Peak Avenue and Hancock Street .  Plenty of parking is available to the south.  The schedule for the day with your child's schedule, as well as a map, will be sent home as the track meet draws closer.

NO dogs allowed at the event unless they are working dogs (seeing-eye dog, K-9 Champanion).

Several tips that will help insure your child has a great day are:

·       Be prepared for the weather!  Sunscreen and rain gear are highly recommended.

·       Be on time for school as we leave right away!

·       No track spikes or cleats of any kind will be allowed.  Tennis shoes that are laced, zipped or Velcroed are required.

·       Lunch could be one of the following; school bag lunches, a sack lunch from home, food from the snack shack may be bought, or you may bring them lunch.  We ask that you do not remove your child from the track as they could possibly miss an event. 

Thank you for your support!    Mrs. K

 

Where do I go when the Blue Flag is flying?

When the weather is too cold; it’s snowing or raining, watch for the BLUE FLAG posted on the outside of the building – front and back entrance.  When the Blue Flags are flying in the morning, the students are to report DIRECTLY to the gym until 7:55 a.m. at which time they will be dismissed to go to their classroom.

    

Aluminum Can Collection Days
Mark Your Calendars!
May 7

 

Help Us with our

Community Recycle Program!

If you can tear it, bring it!  That’s the guideline for our paper recycle program.  Bring your paper products to our collection box located at the back of the staff parking lot.  Encourage your neighbors to help out also!

We are excited about this program!  It not only helps lessen the amount of recyclable paper in the landfills, it also teachers our students about conservation and recycling.

Please help us out!  We will continue to collect aluminum cans every first Wednesday of the month during school!

Thanks for your support!

PTCO Corner
David Motley, President, 578-7874  

Columbia is hosting the Annual Carnival and Silent Auction on April 25, 2008

We are in need of items for the auction and volunteers to make this years function a success.

Items popular in past auctions:

-         restaurant certificates

-         sporting event tickets and merchandise

-         theme baskets (art, movies, etc.)

-         books, calendars, household items

-         department store gift certificates

-         hand-crafted items (wreaths, baskets, art, etc.)

-         movies, music, entertainment items

-         movie passes, zoo passes, family entertainment passes

***These are just suggested items we will accept any item

If you do not have an item to donate, but would like to help, we also need:

-         volunteers to call local businesses requested items for auction

-         volunteers to pick-up items offered by local businesses

-         volunteers to help price and catalog items

-         volunteers to help set-up and /or help the night of the auction

If you would like to donate ANY item, or help with the auction, please feel free to call:  David Motley 578-7874 or email cdmotley@aol.com.

Music News

Miss  English,  Music Specialist, 328-2727

 

DATES

April 12th District 11 Choral Festival
April 15th Band and Orchestra Concert. 2 and 7 pm.
April 22nd: BUGZ1st and 2nd grade. 2 and 7 pm
May 21st 5th grade graduation.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES:

Band students got to see the results of their hard work for Solo and Ensemble Contest. Every Columbia Band Student received a superior rating. I was so proud of them. Great job guys. We are now focusing our attention on the Spring Concert in April.

Choir students are working hard to learn the festival music. We will perform in April. After the festival, I will allow 5th graders to join choir if they are interested in performing for their graduation.

1st and 2nd grade are working on their speaking parts, choreography, and music for the BUGZ play. I think parents are hard at work making a “bug” costume for their child. I can’t wait to see what they come up with.

3rd, 4th, and 5th grade are working on folk dance. They seem to enjoy the movement after all the CSAP tests.

ADDITIONS:

The students and I are very excited about the new drum set. It arrived on the 26th of February and we have been trying it out whenever Ms. English lets us get our hands on it.  The PTCO has approved keyboards for the music room. We are so grateful for new additions!! Thanks for all the support.

 

Art News

Deborah Rams, 328-2700

It was great getting to meet all the parents at the art show and science fair.  Thanks for coming out and showing your support.  As this year comes to a close, I want to also thank you for sharing your children with me.  It's been a pleasure teaching them and being part of such a wonderful Columbine community.  I look forward to inspiring the students' creativity again next year.

 

WIN AN ICE CREAM PARTY FOR YOUR STUDENT CLASS

Collect Box Tops and Campbell 's UPC's

Starting in October the PTCO will be holding a monthly contest to see which class can bring in the most Box Tops and Campbell's UPC's.  There will be a box in each class to collect these items.  Contact Trina Miller @ 632-5410 or it_miller@msn.com for more information.

 

 

SCHOOL VISITS

You are always welcome and encouraged to visit any time.  Our new video intercom system is now in place.  The front doors are locked between the hours of        8:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.  To gain access to the building, please press the doorbell to the left of the doors and let the office know who you are.  The office will then buzz you in. We ask that you check in at the office when you arrive.  In order to get the most from your visit, contact the teacher and make arrangements as to the best day and time for your visit.  If you wish a conference with your child's teacher, feel free to make an appointment with that teacher through the school office.  Playground gates will be locked from 8:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.  Anyone wanting to enter the building MUST enter through the front door AND check in at the office.

 

School Hours

 

 

 School hours for the 2007-2008 school year are as follows:

7:55 a.m.                                  First bell

8:00 a.m.                                 Tardy bell

9:30 – 9:45  a.m.                      Primary recess

11:00-11:15 a.m.                      Intermediate recess

12:00-12:35 p.m.                     Primary lunch

12:20-12:55 p.m.                     Intermediate lunch

2:30 p.m.                                 School ends

Breakfast is served from 7:35-7:55 a.m.  Students are allowed on the playground beginning at        7:45 a.m.  If your student arrives after 8:00 a.m. they must get a pass from the office before going to class.  School is out promptly at 2:30 p.m.  Please be sure to pick your student up promptly at 2:30 p.m.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

The Board of Education emphasizes the importance and value of regular attendance for each student in order to benefit from the school instructional program.  Absence for any reason affects both individual student progress and instruction of the class as a whole.  As a general rule, absences should occur only as a result of illness or injury or doctor's appointments that absolutely cannot be scheduled outside of the school day.

Legally excused absences are those recognized in Colorado School Law and outlined in School District Eleven Board Policy.  Legally unexcused absences are those with or without parent consent not recognized as excused under Colorado School Law.  The principal or designee will determine if absences are excused or unexcused based upon Board Policy criteria.      

The Colorado School Attendance Law is compulsory.  The law states, Every child who has attained the age of seven and is under the age of sixteen....shall attend public school for at least 1056 hours if a secondary school pupil or 968 hours if an elementary school pupil during each school year.

After seven absences a mandatory meeting with the principal will be required.

Important Telephone Numbers

 

328-2700    Main Office            Number

328-2711    Attendance             Number
                                    (answered 24/7)

School Lunch
Program

The breakfast and hot lunch program is operated under the Federal Lunch Program.  The cost is $1.00 per day for breakfast   School lunches are available for $1.85 per day including milk.  Meals may be purchased by the day or by the week.  Payment made by check on Monday mornings is preferred.  Pre-payment can be made at the school or www.d11.org/fns/prepay.htm where a credit card may be used.  We would encourage younger children to bring their money for breakfast, lunch or milk in an envelope with their name, grade, and teacher listed on the front.  Credit will be given for breakfasts and lunches missed because of absences.  Children who bring their lunch may purchase white milk at school for $0.55 or chocolate milk for $0.60.

Children from families whose income is low may be eligible for free or reduced rate for breakfasts and lunches.  To apply at any time during the year, check with the school office for an application form or go online to obtain an application in English or Spanish at www.d11.org/fns/free_red_info.htm. Only one application needs to be filled out for each household.

 

 

Bicycles

A bike rack is available on the west side of the school building by the front gate.  Students must provide their own bike locks.  As a safety precaution, bicycles, scooters and skateboards may not be ridden on school grounds during the school day.  A Bicycle Permit must be obtained in the office.  This permit is available for third grade students and above.  A helmet is suggested for your students safety.  Please complete, sign and return the form to the school.  It will be kept on file in the office.

 

 Important News!

Starting Tuesday, September 4, you will receive a call from the District 11 automated calling system if your student is absent or tardy for the current day of school.  If you feel you have received the message in error or have a question, please call Ms. Lynn at 328-2711 between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

REMEMBER:  If your student is absent or tardy, please call 328-2711. Our attendance line is answered  24/7.

In order for this notification process to work, we need to have current and correct telephone information.  If you should move and change numbers, please notify the school immediately.  This information is also critical when trying to reach parents in the event your student should become ill or injured.

 

 

Meetings

Columbia ’s Parent/Teacher/Community Organization (PTCO) is always looking for volunteers to help with school activities. For more information about PTCO, please call David Motley, President, at 578-7874.

PTCO meets on the first Thursday of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the staff lounge.  Everyone is encouraged to come.

Columbia ’s BAAC Committee (Building Accountability Committee)  will meet on the fourth Thursday of each month from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the staff lounge.

Both of these committees are a great way to become active in your student’s school and help shape the future.

 

 

LRT News
Literacy Resource Teacher
Julie Shaw – 328-274

April showers bring May flowers; out of winter and into spring. April also finds us finished with our state testing! All of us are so pleased with your children’s efforts on the CSAP tests. Everyone worked hard and did their best to show what they know. We battled illness and snowy weather, but we persevered and completed the task admirably. Everyone showed their support for our third through fifth graders, the grades taking the tests, by keeping the hallways quiet, covering recess duties, and enduring the changed lunch times. Parents and families took our advice and helped out by getting students to school with a good night’s rest and breakfast. Thank you to all adults and students for your part in making our testing a success. There isn’t anyone at Columbia who didn’t do something to help us. Thank you so much! We celebrated with a special treat when it was all over. Whew!

Now let’s keep practicing reading, writing, and learning our basic math facts through the end of the year. In order to finish strong, we need to practice these fundamental skills every day. Little time is left before this school year is just a memory, so let’s do what Dorie said in Finding Nemo. “Just keep swimming, keep on swimming!” It’s fun to swim deep in the ocean of learning! You can do it!

 

Important Dates
Mark your Calendars

  April 2008
02 PTCO Aluminum Can Collection Day
03 PTCO Meeting - Lounge
6:30-7:30 p.m.
15 Orchestra/Band/Honor Choir Spring Program
1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
17 DAAC Meeting 6:00-7:30 p.m.
D-11 Board  Room  
18 Mid-quarter Grades Sent Home
22 Bugz Program - K-2
1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
24 Kindergarten Track Day
8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
Columbia School Track
25 Assessment Day
NO STUDENTS
Kindergarten Registration
PTCO Carnival and Silent Auction
28-30 5th Grade to Estes Park
29 Volunteer Tea  
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Media Center
 

 

May 2008

01 PTCO Meeting  6:30-7:30 pm - Staff Lounge
02 Track Day - Grades 1-5
Deaf & Blind Track
06 Alternate Track Day
09 Conference Day - NO STUDENTS
15 Ron Hein Track Meet - Berry Stadium
Select 4th and 5th grade students
DAAC Meeting   6:00-7:30 p.m.
D11- Board Room
16 Alternate Ron Hein Track Meet
21 5th Grade Celebration
7:00-8:30 p.m. - Gym
22 Final Day for Students
Report Cards Sent Home
26 Memorial Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

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