Trailblazer Tribune

Trailblazer Elementary School

A John Irwin School of Excellence

 2015 Wickes Road

                  Colorado Springs, CO  80919

          Phone: (719) 328-6300

         Fax:   (719) 260-1049

www.d11.org/trailblazer

Mr. David Morris, Principal

SEPTEMBER 2009

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Dear Trailblazer Families,

Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year! We are excited about having your child as a part of the Trailblazer School community and are committed to providing the best educational opportunities possible. We all look forward to an outstanding school year!

At Trailblazer, we are focusing on consistency of instructional practices in all grade levels by using new, updated curricular programs. Teachers are meeting twice a month to look at data provided by assessments in order to meet the academic, social/emotional, and behavioral needs of every child. Teachers will work together to answer these four very important questions: “Exactly what is it we want all students to learn?”; “How will we know when each student has acquired the essential knowledge and skills?”; “What happens at Trailblazer when a student does not learn?”; and “What do we do if a child is already secure in the instructional objectives being taught?” These questions will initiate crucial conversations among grade level teams and strengthen the idea that all of our students belong to each of us and we have a responsibility to help all students succeed.

I would like to stress a few safety procedures to ensure that all of our students stay safe. Please be patient as children are dropped off in the morning and picked up in the afternoon. There are many children walking in front of school and through the staff parking lot. Also, please mind the “no parking” and handicapped zones. We stress to all students to walk when exiting the car rider or bus areas. Mr. Morris’ motto for this month is “responsible people respect one another.” Respect and responsibility are two pillars of our PAWS program which is intended to support positive behavior.

Active participation in your student’s education is the singular most critical factor in her/his achievement. It promotes student attendance and a focus on studies. It also reinforces the importance of achievement and education. Parents as partners with the school send a very clear message to their students that learning matters. There are many ways to be involved - volunteering in the classroom, joining PTA and attending monthly meetings, being an active member of our Building Advisory and Accountability Committee (BAAC), or just stopping by and having lunch with your child.

Parents are doing a great job in giving the teachers the proper notice before visiting classes. This is such a benefit for all students and helps avoid interruption of valuable instructional time. Sending a note or placing a call to the office the day before you plan a visit helps to preserve the learning time.

Thanks to all of you who have helped to make this a very successful opening of school. Special thanks to our PTA officers/members who planned our beginning of the year Ice Cream Social for both parents and students.

On a personal note, I want to thank the entire Trailblazer community for the support you give to our staff, our students, and me. I am so pleased to be here! I am committed to making your experience in this special school a positive one, too! I am excited about continuing to be a part of a school community that celebrates a tradition of excellence!

If at any time during the year you have questions or concerns, please call me or stop by. 

Sincerely, 

David Morris

Principal

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KINDERGARTEN

Kindergarten is off to a great start! We are working hard on learning our Trailblazer Traits and earning our PAWS for Celebration slips.  Our kinders are discovering our center rotations and expectations.  We are adjusting well to the transitions and responsibilities of moving to gym, music, art, and library. One of our greatest challenges is learning to be active listeners with our eyes on the speaker, hands to ourselves, feet criss-cross-applesauced, and voices off. We appreciate your help in reinforcing these skills at home and asking us how our Humpties are doing each day.

     Because of our large full-day kinder class sizes, any extra help with center rotations would be greatly appreciated.  Please notify your child’s teacher if you might be able to come in to help out, even if it is at the last minute.  We never turn down helping hands!

            Please continue to practice name-writing skills with the first letter capital and the rest lowercase.  Help us review the letters/sounds we’re learning at home. We will also need help with our sight words for the quarter. Enjoy a good book together every day – especially those that rhyme or are alliterative.

Thank you for helping us to begin our year successfully. If you have any questions or concerns please visit with your child’s teacher; we are a team in your child’s education!

Ms. Caldwell, Miss Dickson, & Mrs. Vasquez        

  FIRST GRADE

            Hooray for First Grade!  The kids have done a great job getting back into the routine of school. 

We will be working on literacy assessments the first few weeks of September, so get out that Common Word List (you got one at Open House), and read to and with your child every day.  We want you to begin recording “At Home Reading Minutes” on our yellow weekly sheet for September, with a goal of 100 minutes a week!  Please return that record sheet in the Thursday folder on Friday morning every week.

            We’ll be completing a book called All About Me to start out the year.  It’s a great way to get to know each other.  Please make sure your child is learning, or knows, his/her address and phone number.

              For science, we will begin our first kit – Pebbles, Sand, and Silt - for a study of earth science.

Near the end of the month, we will learn more about the fall season by studying apples and Johnny Appleseed.

Together we will have a successful, learning-filled year!

Mrs. Harper & Mrs. Mahler

FIRST/SECOND MULTI-AGE

Welcome back to another exciting year in multi-age!  We have lots of great learning planned.  Thank you to all of our wonderful parents for coming to our Open House Night. 

We will be starting our year off with literacy assessments and getting to know each other.  Remember to practice those life skills and lifelong guidelines at home.  We are looking forward to a wonderful year together with lots of growth!

Mrs. York

SECOND GRADE

What a wonderful start to second grade! 

While building our own classroom community, we are expanding our knowledge of different types of communities: cities, suburbs, and towns. 

Soon we will be starting our new science kit - Air and Weather.  Your child will be coming home full of new ideas and experiments to talk about. 

Our new math groups are in full swing.  We’ve seen wonderful developments with all of your children.  Your child’s math homework, on Mondays and Wednesdays, will reflect what is being studied in his or her math class. Homework is for the child to practice new skills and for you to better understand your child’s strengths and weaknesses.  Please contact either second grade teacher if you have any questions or concerns about math. 

Please make sure that your child is reading AT LEAST 20 minutes per night and that you are recording these minutes in the agenda. 

Thank you to all of the parents in attendance at Open House Night.  If you were unable to attend, you should have received our Parent Handbook by now.  Please contact us with any questions regarding second grade policies and procedures.

Thank you for all your support thus far.  We look forward to working with you! 

Mrs. Luehring & Mrs. Pevoteaux 

THIRD GRADE

Thank you to all who attended our Open House Night. For those of you who couldn’t make it, please write a note in your student’s agenda and we will get our informational packet to you.

We are excited for this year. There is already a lot of learning and bonding happening in the classrooms. We are getting settled into our routine; please check the third grade schedule for what goes on during our day, so that you can schedule any appointments around non-academic times.  

Our themes of study in August and September are: the brain, multiple intelligences, and rocks and minerals.

We will be asking your child to collect rocks for our science kit learning. Please watch for the assignment flyer to come home in Thursday folders. For this activity, each child will need an egg carton. If you have extras and would like to donate, we would appreciate that.

Also, we are beginning a series of presentations in our classrooms. Each child will give one presentation per quarter. Your child will be assigned a general topic, in which they will narrow it down to something interesting to her/him. Our topic for quarter 1 is: INVENTIONS. Each child will be assigned a presentation date. Parents are welcome to attend. The presentation should last about 10 minutes and include some type of visual aid to go along with the information. ALL preparation is to be done at home. There will be an outline sheet that your child will turn in beforehand to make sure they are on track. Students in the past have thoroughly enjoyed being able to share with the class something of interest to them.

Here’s to a great start to the 2009-2010 school year. Please feel free to contact either of us through email, agendas, or phone. We look forward to partnering with you in your child’s education!

Sincerely,                                                                                                      

Ms. Rafferty & Mrs. Smith 

FOURTH GRADE

             Hello Third and Fourth Grade parents,

It is always exciting to begin a new school year!  There is so much anticipation for the journey ahead.  We have almost completed beginning of the year assessments and are anxious to get each student placed in the best reading and math group, for them to advance as much as possible.  Some areas where we need your help and support are reading and mastering math facts.  Please sign their planner each night.   

 In science, your child will be learning about the human body this quarter.  It is always exciting for them to learn about the many systems that function together in their body.  Our history curriculum covers the fabulous state of Colorado!  There is more information coming soon about our field trips.

Thank you very much for attending Open House Night and helping us get off to a wonderful start to the 2009-20010 school year!

We look forward to partnering with you in your child’s experiences this year.

Mr. Bowles, Ms. Donnelly & Mrs. Duffy  

FIFTH GRADE

         Welcome to a fabulous year! Fifth Grade is already jammin’! Thank you everyone who came to Open House Night. We had an amazing turnout and it was great to meet the new Trailblazer families and see again our old friends.

Here is what we have planned for September:

                 Reading:  Reading revolves around mysteries and the literary devices used in mysteries.  We will be reading a variety of books, and comparing and contrasting the elements.

Writing: We are beginning the grammar and mechanics of great writing while we explore the mystery genre. We will discover many famous mystery writers and develop our own skills to create our own suspenseful mysteries.

Vocabulary: Mystery - from alibi to witness, we will explore the plots and red herrings of mystery.

“Word-up” Word of the day introduces 5^th grade to a completely new world of vocabulary. We have learned words from “contempt” to “inordinate”. Please ask your 5^th grader what the Word-up is each day and encourage them to use the words at home.

Math: We will be investing in the stock market and taking the wild ride that the stock market always gives us, especially lately. 

Social Studies: September takes us back to the world of the Native Americans. We are studying Native Americans by state in our Social Groups.  Each group will learn about their tribe and create an extensive project to share with the class their discoveries. Presentations will be from October 12-16. Invitations will be sent home for you to join us for your student’s presentation.

Mrs. Birringer & Mr. Potter

Welcome back students and parents to another year of fun and activities in Trailblazer P.E.  The fun starts with our after-school activities.  This year we’ll be doing soccer, table games, cup stacking, floor hockey, badminton, and an aerobic fitness unit.  So come on and join the fun!  And if that isn’t enough…our Field Day will be on October 1.  Any parents or Trailblazer Alum, who would like to help on Field Day, should contact me at school on 328-6325.

The After-School Program will start on Monday, September 14 for 3^rd grade; Tuesday, September 15 for 4^th grade; and Thursday, September 17 for 5^th grade.  The cost is $30 for the year or $7 per activity.  Information about specific activities will be coming home soon.

Our first grade team building class will be starting in October also, as well as the 5^th grade Ski Club.  Look for more information in the near future

Parents please feel free to come in and help, play, or just watch any time!

            Here’s hoping we all have a happy and healthy school year! 

Coach Gioia 

 SEPTEMBER MUSIC NOTES

Welcome back to an exciting new year of Music!  There is a lot in store for your child here at Trailblazer. We strive for excellence, building musical skills, and having fun. Focus is placed on teaching the state standards and creating a positive musical experience for your child.  Patriotic music as well as basic music concepts such as steady beat, rhythm, and pitch will be the focus for the first quarter.

 Choir is open to all students in grades 3, 4, and 5.  Choir tryouts will be held on September 15, 16, and 17 after school from 2:30-3:15 p.m. Third graders and new students to Trailblazer need to try out.  We meet twice a week on Tuesday and Friday mornings before school, from 7:15 – 7:55 a.m.  Notes will go home the first week in September for interested students. The first day for choir is Tuesday, September 22.

 Mrs. Johnson 

The library is off to a great start this year! Many students have already had the opportunity to visit the library and check out books.

Students have also received “Books I’ve Read” slips on which they will be recording 10 books (5 for kindergarteners) that they have read or have had read to them. The books they record can be books they’ve read at home or school.

For every 10 books that a student reads, they will be entered in a drawing for a free book. We will select winners on a monthly basis and will continue to use the slips through out the year. The more slips they turn in the more chances they have to win a free book! Please remind your students to keep track of the books they are reading. We would like all students to receive a free book this year.

We would also like to invite parents to visit the library with their students on afternoons until 3:00 p.m. or at any time during the school day. The library has received many new fiction and non-fiction books over the summer that are just waiting to be checked out! In addition, remember to watch your Thursday folders for special library activities, like the Scholastic Book Fair or Library Family Nights!

Between now and October 1 students may sign up to become a member of the Trailblazer Media Center Birthday Club. For a donation of $15.00, a book will be purchased in the name of your student, the student will have a Birthday Club Book Plate placed in the book with their name and autograph on it, and the student will get to attend an autographing party in the library! Watch those Thursday folders for more information.

We hope to see you soon!

Mrs. Pratt & Mrs. Tessier

Hello from the art room!  I am so excited to be helping your child grow in the visual arts.  I am again starting the year off with art influenced by Mexico, and South America. 

       I can't wait until the halls are covered with the art made by the talented Trailblazer artists!

Miss Robinson

From: http://www.cssd11.k12.co.us/doi/gifted/#Assessment

Identifying Gifted Students

District 11 uses a multi-step process for identification and appropriate service options.  Multiple indicators of giftedness with information obtained from a variety of sources are used to determine eligibility for formal identification.

Step 1:  General Screening

The purpose is to establish a pool of students who may qualify for services ensuring that no student falls through the cracks.  The screening will begin with a group-administered abilities test (CogAT) for grade 2 in the late winter of 2010.  Parents will be notified of the general nature of the tests that are being administered prior to administration.  Parent permission will not be obtained, though any student may be excused from the group assessment at the parents’ request. 

On-going comprehensive screening will also occur through a process that allows parents, teachers, administrators, counselors and the students themselves to make referrals.  Referral forms are available at the district GT office, at schools sites and on the D-11 website. Once a student is referred, the Gifted Resource Teacher will begin to collect information regarding the student’s academic achievement; cultural, linguistic, socioeconomic background; and any disabling condition(s).   GT students may be assessed individually or in a group using one or more of the following tests:

     *Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)

     *Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (K-BIT)

     *Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT)

     *Test of Mathematical Abilities for Gifted      Students (TOMAGS)

Step 2:  Reviewing Students for Eligibility

The purpose is to review student data and determine which students would benefit from formal identification and services. Data will be recorded on a matrix form, reviewed, and will include the following:

     *Teacher Rating Scales

     *Parent Rating Scales

     *CSAP scores

     *Ability test scores (CogAT or other)

     *Achievement test scores (MAP or other)

Eligibility:  Students scoring 97% or higher on any subtest of the CogAT and/or individual IQ test are automatically identified gifted and talented. A 95-96% score on any of the subtests requires one other piece of supporting evidence in the specific talent area addressed, e.g., a 95% on the verbal portion of the CogAT would require a qualifying score of “advanced” in reading on CSAP, or 95% or higher on the verbal portion of the KBIT.  Scores below 95% are reviewed if there are special circumstances - such as Special Education or ELL (English Language Learner). 

CROSSWALK INFORMATION

Just a reminder, CSPD states that when making turns, you must wait until the Crossing Guard is completely out of the crosswalk before you begin your turns.  For the safety of all, please be sure to follow this traffic rule.

Pedestrian Safety:

·         Always stop for any pedestrian crossing at corners or other crosswalks. Do not pass a car from behind that has stopped at a crosswalk. A pedestrian you can’t see may be crossing.

·         Do not drive on a sidewalk, except to cross it at a driveway or alley. When crossing, yield to any pedestrian.

·         Remember – if a pedestrian makes eye contact with you, he or she is ready to cross the street. Yield to the pedestrian.

·         Pedestrians have the right-of-way at corners, whether or not the crosswalks are marked by painted white lines.

·         Please yield to all of our pedestrians when entering or exiting our parking lot.

·         Model responsibility and citizenship by following traffic regulations, especially in our school zone.  Fines for traffic tickets given in school zones are double!

As you can see, we have some work to do in certain areas.  We have begun with a focus on aligned instruction in math, reading, writing, and science.  Assessments are in place to monitor your child’s progress.  We can better address children’s learning needs by using data over time. 

Above all, we appreciate your support in partnering with us to make sure your child gets the best education they deserve.

                                                                                                The Successory Card contains your students’ name and space for a personal message from you.  The message can be of a personal, academic, or social nature rewarding and praising your child for a job or deed well done.  The principal will announce your child’s name during morning announcements, as being a “Successory Card” receiver, and then personally delivers the message you have written to your child.

       The Cards are located in the office, and can be purchased for 50 cents apiece.  Please stop by and fill out a card or two.

        Thank you for participating in and supporting such a wonderful program designed to bolster confidence and reward successful events in your child’s life!

PARENTS, WE NEED

YOUR HELP!

Please make sure that your student knows what he/she is supposed to do after school (i.e. ride the school bus, walk home, wait for a ride, etc.) before they leave home in the morning. We would greatly appreciate it if all changes in transportation are written.

Assist your student in arriving and leaving school on time.  Having your student get ready for school the night before, and having backup plans for school/bus stop pickup is critical in the event you are delayed.  Please make sure to notify your daycare provider’s transportation office if your child will not be riding their bus due to illness or early pickup from school.

To assist in your understanding of what dress is not acceptable for school-related activities, the following list of items is provided:

·         Jogging shorts/running shorts/ “cut-off” shorts (or any shorts or other similar article of clothing shorter than mid-thigh)

·         Skirts and dresses shorter than mid-thigh

·         Sunglasses & hats or bandanas (inside the building)

·         Underwear as outer wear

·         Rubber shoe thongs (“flips flops”)

·         Bedroom slippers

·         Inappropriately sheer, tight, or short clothing garments (e.g.), “midriffs”; halter tops: backless clothing:” tube” tops; “muscle” tops, etc.), that inappropriately bare or expose traditionally private parts of the body

·         Sagging clothing

·         Any clothing, paraphernalia, grooming, jewelry, accessories or body adornments that contain advertisement, symbols, words, slogans, patches, or pictures that are sexually suggestive; that are drug, tobacco or alcohol related; or that are obscene, profane, vulgar, lewd, indecent, or plainly offensive

·         Any clothing, paraphernalia, grooming, jewelry, accessories or body adornments that are disruptive or potentially disruptive to the learning environment; that pose a threat or potential threat to the safety or welfare of the student or any other person; or that are or could be considered to be symbols of gang involvement or activity

·         Any other similarly inappropriate grooming or hygiene

Please feel free to call the school office if you have any questions about the student dress code policy.

Safety is on all of our minds, and we ask that you remember to follow these policies.  They are in place for the protection of all our students, staff, and visitors.

·         ALL visitors/volunteers must check in at the  office before proceeding to a classroom.

·         ALL visitors/volunteers must wear an identification sticker while in our school.  These stickers must be visible at all times.

·         We welcome all volunteers.  We do ask, however, that you do not bring younger siblings when volunteering as it is a distraction to our instructional time and a safety issue for the younger sibling.

·         When taking a student out of school early, you must come into the office and sign them out.  At that time, the student will be called to the office and released from school.  No student will be released from the classroom unless the teacher has received notification from the office.

·         Students are not to be dropped off before 7:45 a.m., unless they are involved in a school-sponsored activity. There is no outside supervision until 7:45 a.m.

·         If parents come to school to get their student(s) at regular dismissal time, we ask that you wait outside your student’s exit door and not in the pods or corridors.

·         For the safety of our students, staff, and visitors, the front doors are locked 24 hours, 7 days a week.  Easy-to-follow directions on how to gain access into the building, during school hours, are posted on the front door.

As a staff, we will continue to reassure our students that our school is a safe place to be.  Please observe our policies and help us keep our children safe and secure!

Parking Lot Safety Issues 

Upon entering the parking lot, PLEASE observe all posted signs and marked parking spaces.  Note that the curb area in front of the kindergarten playground is a drop off point only.  It is strictly a NO PARKING AREA, which means the driver may not leave the vehicle or remain in this space for any length of time.  Also, please do not leave small children in your vehicle if you leave it to take your child to their classroom. 

A Word About Toys and Other Personal Items at School…

Students are not allowed to bring toys, of any kind, to school as they distract from the educational process.  Cell phones must turned off and remain in the student’s backpack during the day.  Any toys or other personal items brought to school will be taken from the student and returned only to the student’s parent by the principal.

YELLOW FLAG PROCEDURE

Trailblazer will have a yellow flag procedure in place on days when the wind chill temperature is below 20 degrees, or when there is heavy precipitation.

At the front and side entrances there will be yellow flags to indicate to students that they may go into their classrooms at 7:45 a.m.  Students may use the front entrance to enter the building on yellow flag days only. Teachers will be in their classrooms to supervise.

    Please remember…

For the most up-to-date Trailblazer information regarding dates for classroom and school events, after-school activities, and other school news, checkout our website calendar at: www.d11.org/trailblazer.

Contact the office for “Parent Connection” information on how to access your child’s grades, attendance, health information, family/friend contacts, demographics, and much more!