Important Parent Reminders
District 11 Board of Education Policy
states: “In order to help ensure that no
unauthorized persons enter buildings with wrongful intent, all visitors to the
schools will report to the school office when entering to receive authorization
before visiting elsewhere in the building.
The principal has final authority to authorize a visitor. This policy only applies during school
hours.” Therefore, all visitors must
report to the office and sign in before visiting
or volunteering in the school.
Items Not Allowed At School
1.
Toys of any kind, trading cards, etc.
2.
Gameboys, CD players, iPods, MP3 players, DVD
players, laser pointers, cameras, skateboards, footwear with wheels, scooters,
motorized scooters, etc.
3.
Weapons, anything that looks like a weapon or can
be used as a weapon
4.
Medication not specifically cleared with the
office, or anything that looks like medication.
5.
Makeup (Students do not wear makeup or bring it to
school unless permission has been given for a special event.)
6.
Students do not wear hats in the building unless
it is a special “hat” day.
7.
Cell phones must be turned off and kept in backpacks
during school hours.
We cannot be responsible for lost or broken items. If you have questions about any of the above,
please contact the office. Thank you for
your help.
Medication at School
Students are not allowed to have any
medication at school that has not been cleared with the office or the school
nurse. This includes cough drops, cold lozenges, and medication for a
temporary condition. A district 11
medication form, filled out by the doctor and signed by the doctor and the
parent, is necessary before medication can be given at school. If you have any questions, please call the
school office at 328-4700, before bringing any type of medication to school.
Phone Messages
School Lunches
If
you have questions about your child’s lunch account, please call the lunchroom
manager, Mrs. Alirez-Mimm, at 328-4732 and leave a message. She will return your call as soon as she can. District 11 Food and Nutrition Services has a
website containing healthy recipes, nutrition tidbits, fun food facts and
healthy lifestyle web sites that may be interesting for both students and
parents. Visit this web site at www.cssd11.k12.co.us/fns/nutrition_tidbits.htm.
King Soopers/Safeway Certificates
King
Soopers and Safeway grocery gift cards are available in the
office. Cards may be purchased at face
value and Steele earns five percent of the total sales. Buying and using grocery gift cards is a great way to help our school at no additional
cost to you. Purchases may be made
anytime during the school day.
Box Tops for Education
Please
continue to clip and send in your Box Tops for Education. Box tops can be found on hundreds of products. Visit www.boxtops4education.com for a
complete list of participating products.
Collecting box tops is an easy way to earn cash for our school at no
additional cost to you. A collection bag
is located in the hallway next to the office.
Office Depot 5%Back to Schools Program
Help our school get credit for
FREE SUPPLIES!
Our school will get credits equal to 5% of the
qualifying purchases to use for free supplies.
You can credit the school
throughout the year!
When you shop at Office Depot,
remember to give our school ID# every time
you make a purchase.
Steele’s ID# is 70017263. If you have any questions, please go to www.school.com and click on the 5% Back to
Schools Program link, call 877-567-5287, or visit you local Office Depot store.
Do You Know About D-11 Answers?
D-11 Answers is an information service provided by District 11 for
parents, staff and community members. We
encourage you to use it and to share information about it with family, friends
and neighbors. Enhancements have been
made to D-11 Answers that make it easier than ever for everyone to stay
informed about D-11.
Do you want to receive immediate
notification of snow days, delays, school closures, community alerts, board
meetings and the latest news from D-11 on your computer? Use D-11 Answers! You can now subscribe to Notification
Groups. Unlike category subscriptions,
which send you an e-mail whenever a question is asked and answered in that
category, the Notification Groups provide information specifically to users who
have expressed the desire for e-mail notification of that information.
To subscribe to a Notification Group:
Click
the D-11 Answers link from the menu on the left side of the D-11 home
page.
On
the D-11 Answers home page under the Welcome message, you will see a
bulleted list of available services.
When you register to receive e-mail notification, you will be asked to enter
your name and a valid e-mail address.
Click
on a link to register for a notification group. If you want to register for more than one
group, you can do it all at the same time from the subscription Web site.
Services Available From D-11 Answers
•Search
our knowledgebase
•Ask
a question
•View
the D-11 publications archives
•Register
to receive Board of Education meeting information (notices, agendas, minutes)
•Register
to receive e-mail notifications of school delays or closures
•Register
to receive Colorado Springs Police Department alerts
•Sign
up to receive D-11 publications by e-mail
School Choice Window
Don’t
forget that the choice permit window for District 11 closes on February 1st. If your child is currently a student on
permit at Steele and will be attending Steele next school year, please stop by
the office as soon as possible to renew their permit for the 2008-2009 school
year. All Steele neighborhood children
are guaranteed enrollment at Steele. If
you have friends who are interested in attending Steele, please tell them that
they may come to the school office through February
1st to have their child’s name put on a waiting list. We are proud of the fact that Steele
Elementary is a great place for children to learn!
Parent Sounding Board
The next Parent Sounding Board Meeting with
Dr. Bishop is on Thursday, February 14,
2008, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Tesla, 2560 International Circle. All District
11 parents are welcome and
are encouraged to bring to Dr. Bishop’s attention issues, general concerns,
questions and good things happening in D-11 schools. In turn, Dr. Bishop will share with parents
the latest information about programs and projects in D-11. Concerns about individual students are not
appropriate for the sounding board and are better addressed by the student's
school or the Division of Instruction.
Please call 520-2005 for directions or more
information.
Building Advisory Accountability Committee (BAAC)
January’s meeting was
insightful and informative. Among the
topics discussed was Steele’s writing program, Writer’s Workshop, as presented
by Kristen Nielson-Drake. The writing
program at Steele is one designed to encourage writers to be creative and
expressive, and it’s easy to see the results in your child’s writing. We have a terrific program at Steele; thank
you to all teachers who go the extra mile in helping our kids expand their
writing skills. Mike Herr also reviewed
the new additions on Steele’s website, such as community access to Grolier. This is a great resource tool for all ages,
and I hope you’ll find the time to discover it! We also found the results of the
Parent/Student surveys; check it out, you’ll find some interesting
similarities. Links to theses sites can
be found on Steele’s website at www.d11.org/steele The big discussion was over our planned Town
Hall meeting, now scheduled for Monday, February 25th. This will be a night of information for all: Glenn Gustafson, Chief Financial
Officer for District 11, will be presenting a short (but information-packed)
presentation called “Build a Better Colorado”, which is based on the financial
future of public education in Colorado. This is really a must for all; what the future
holds is not bright, and we need to take stock of it now. Glenn does a terrific job, and I know you’ll
find his program enlightening. Also on
our agenda, our very own Mike Herr will demonstrate ways Steele’s
website and the District’s website can keep you better informed about your
child’s academic performance and all the activities happening at Steele and
around the District. Finally, Mrs.
Barnes will demystify CSAPs, and why all that testing is not only
unavoidable, but useful, too (yes, really!)
*****PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS TO ATTEND OUR TOWN
HALL MEETING
ON FEBRUARY 25, 2008 @6:00 pm!!*****
This is your opportunity to
learn more about your child’s education, and how you can impact it!!! Please call the office (328-4700) by Friday, February 22nd and let
us know if you will attend. Based on
expected attendance, we will hold the meeting in either the library or the gym,
SO PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU WILL BE ATTENDING!!!
Thank you all once again for
participating in the Steele community. I
hope you will make every effort to join us in the Town Hall Meeting. See you there!
As always, please let me know
if you have questions, comments or concerns!
Dana Keys
471-4752
BAAC
Chairperson
Reflections Program 2007/2008
Congratulations
to the following Steele students who participated in this year’s Reflections
Art Program: Claire Hudson 1st grade, Cameron Collins 1st grade, Margy Schueler
2nd grade, Préot Collins 3rd grade, Ellora Bultema 3rd grade, Lauren Dewey 4th
grade, Sylvie Hudson 4th grade, Paige Groninger 4th grade, and Ruby Zook 5th
grade.
This
year’s theme was "I Can Make a Difference By". Each student who participated entered their
work in one or more of the 5 categories: visual arts, literature, photography,
musical composition, and dance. Their
work was judged on interpretation of the theme, creativity, and artistic merit.
Parents and Steele students can view their work on display by the school
office. A ceremony will be held for participants
and their parents on Thursday, February
7th, at 2:30 in the Art
Room.
Special
recognition goes to the following students whose pieces were selected to go on
to the district level. Preot
Collins/visual art, Sylvie Hudson/photography,visual art, and Margy Schueler/literature.
We
have a lot of talented artists at Steele school! Anyone interested in this program can call me
at 633-3778.
Cammie
Collins
P.T.A.
Reflections Chair
Art Strokes
The
following students have been recommended for the Spring, 2008 session of the
District 11 Gifted and Talented Bemis School of Art Program: 5th
Graders - Chip Cipoletti, Justus Duran, Daniel Hopkins, Hailey Long,
Jessica Johnson, Abby Votava, Makena Mueller, Micah Waterhouse, and Ruby
Zook. 4th Graders - Harry Hubbell, Tess Abineri,
Paige Groninger, Sylvie Hudson, Johnny Leech, and Max Scheer. Congratulations Steele Artists!
Loretta Ramirez
Art Specialist
Hunt/Whittier/Steele
Elementary
Las noticias de español
We are off to a great start
second semester. Kindergarteners and
first graders have made counting books in Spanish. They will bring them home to share with you. In second grade, they are learning the
Spanish names to parts of the body. They
will be creating their own monster using the vocabulary they are learning. Students in third, fourth, and fifth grades have
begun a unit on travel. They are
learning the Spanish vocabulary for different countries and modes of travel.
Students who purchased books
with Scholastic Books Club will receive their orders in early February. If you are interested in buying books in
Spanish, I have more order forms. Just
let me know.
¡Muchas gracias! ~ Señora
Eick
Steele Library News
This
month I would like to share the student profile (Grades 3–5 Ages 8–11)
developed by the International Society for Technology Educators (ISTE) for
technology literate students www.iste.org. The following experiences with technology and
digital resources are examples of learning activities in which students might
engage during Grades 3–5.
1.
Produce a
media-rich digital story about a significant local event based on first-person
interviews.
2.
Use
digital-imaging technology to modify or create works of art for use in a
digital presentation.
3.
Recognize bias in
digital resources while researching an environmental issue with guidance from
the teacher.
4.
Select and apply
digital tools to collect, organize, and analyze data to evaluate theories or
test hypotheses.
5.
Identify and
investigate a global issue and generate possible solutions using digital tools
and resources.
6.
Conduct science
experiments using digital instruments and measurement devices.
7.
Conceptualize,
guide, and manage individual or group learning projects using digital planning
tools with teacher support.
8.
Practice injury
prevention by applying a variety of ergonomic strategies when using technology.
9.
Debate the effect
of existing and emerging technologies on individuals, society, and the global
community.
10.
Apply previous
knowledge of digital technology operations to analyze and solve current
hardware and software problems.
Of
course this list of technology experiences is cumulative and should be a
natural extension of classroom instruction.
Next month I will list the technology proficiencies required for all
eighth graders, as mandated by the federal law “No Child Let Behind”.
Helpful
Tidbits:
1.
Help! In order to facilitate a teaching model in
the library, I need parents to help students check in/out books and to shelve
books. If you can commit 1‑2 hours
a week, please let me know (328-4724).
2.
Parents can also
check books out of the library. See Mr.
Herr for an account number.
3.
Parent
Connection Parents can access data about their children
concerning: contact information, attendance, transcripts, grades, and
more. Please see Mr. Herr for login
information.
4.
The school
calendar is a great place to find out what’s going on at Steele. It can be found at: www.d11.org/steele. Click on the Calendar icon.
Mike Herr
herrma@d11.org
328-4724
International Baccalaureate Middle
Years Programme (IBMYP)
AT
NORTH MIDDLE SCHOOL
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
The IBMYP is an honors level program that gives motivated
students the chance to become well-rounded learners, solidly prepared to move
on to college preparatory work. The
course of study involves five core areas: English, Foreign Language (French or
Spanish), Humanities (Geography and History), Math and Science. Classes in PE, technology and various arts
are also an integral part of the program.
North’s IBMYP is an honors program, and the material is
presented at an accelerated pace with minimal repetition requiring students to
regularly work beyond grade level. It
has been developed specifically for the middle school age child and learning
skills such as organization, time management, note taking and stress management
are covered. The aim is to develop a
well-rounded individual, so participation in music, art and sports are
encouraged. A community service
component helps the student begin to appreciate the interconnectedness of our
complex modern society.
The IBMYP is a five-year program (6th, 7th
and 8th grades at North, 9th & 10th grades
at Palmer High School; parents must provide
transportation), distinct from the IB Diploma Programme for 11th and
12th grade students.
Enrollment in the program is by successful application, and applicants
are accepted on a space available
basis at each level.
Interested? Come to
our next Information Night or call 328-2427!
Information Night:
February
11, 2008. 7:00pm at North Middle School.
Shadow an IB student for a
day.
February
1 through February 29. Call 328-2427
after winter break to schedule a time. Please check first with your 5th
grade teacher to make sure you avoid CSAPs, other tests, projects and field trips!
Student-Centered Academic Interdisciplinary Lab (SAIL)
The School District 11 Student-Centered
Academic Interdisciplinary Lab (SAIL) program is a full-time gifted magnet
program for fourth through ninth grade students and is housed at five buildings
in District 11. The purpose of SAIL is
to engage and challenge gifted learners, incorporating project-based learning,
acceleration, inquiry thinking and integration of content. While the program addresses state content
standards, the pace is typically faster and the content explored at a deeper
level.
During January and February 2008, there
will be parent information meetings about the D-11 Student-Centered Academic
Interdisciplinary Lab (SAIL) program at the following sites:
Middle School:
Feb. 12, Irving (auditorium), 1702 N. Murray Blvd
Feb. 13, West (auditorium), 1920 W. Pikes Peak Ave.
Time: All presentations will be held from 6:30-7:30
p.m.
SAIL application deadline: Applications
for the SAIL programs may be obtained at http://www.d11.org/GT/. The deadline for the SAIL applications is February 29, 2008.
Shadowing: Students may visit and shadow at interested
SAIL sites during February.
Contact: 520-2464
Nurse’s Notes
FEBRUARY is CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH
1.
Establish
Good Oral Health Habits Early.
Increasingly,
studies are linking oral health to good overall health. Attention to a few key concepts can help get
kids on the right track to good oral health.
2. Proper brushing and flossing is the key.
The
American Dental Association recommends that children (and adults) brush their
teeth twice a day (morning and at bedtime) with fluoride toothpaste. A toothbrush should be changed every 3-4
months or more often if bristles are frayed. Flossing daily helps prevent tooth decay and
improves gum health by cleaning those hard to reach places between teeth.
3. Regular cleanings and dental visits
Regular
dental care can help fight tooth decay, prevent cavities, and identify if a
child should see an orthodontist. Visiting a dentist every 6 -12 months for
oral exams, dental cleanings, and fluoride treatments are all essential parts
of maintaining children’s oral health.
4.
Fluoride
Treatments
Adults
need to ensure children are getting the fluoride they need Most drinking water in the United States is
fluoridated, but with the prevalence of bottled water these days,
children may not be getting as much fluoride from the water they drink. That means brushing regularly with fluoride
toothpaste is even more important than in the past years.
5. Wear mouth guards when playing sports.
Mouth
guards help to protect the active child’s teeth and mouth. The American Dental association advises that
mouth guards should always be used when playing sports or engaging in any
activity that could result in a blow to the mouth. A properly fitted mouth
guard can help prevent broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face, or
jaw.
