World Compass Academy engages and inspires learners in a safe, challenging,
and individualized learning environment, which cultivates and fosters character,
a lifelong love of learning, and the skills to engage in the global community.
September 7, 2017

ADMIN LETTER


Dear World Compass Academy Families,

WCA is a special place. I was fortunate to attend our first ever Middle School volleyball game a couple of weeks ago. As I watched our girls warm up, seeing the community our volleyball players have built touched my heart. As the opposing team loudly chanted their cheers, our girls began to count their stretches out loud, first in Spanish, then in French. Our kids had something special, something unique. Their knowledge of the world and foreign language had given them a common bond and provided unity. Our students could do something different, and they were proud of it.  

I see this community all around our school. It is in the Middle School Commons, where our students bond over the excitement and trials of middle school life. It is in the hug I witnessed one of our older students give to a nervous kindergartener. It is in all of the big smiles I've seen as our kids have skipped back to school, so happy to have started the year.  

If you are new to our school this year, I encourage you to get involved so that you can see for yourself how special WCA is. There are volunteer opportunities at the school, in subcommittees of the Board of Directors, and through PTO. We are happy to have you as part of our global village.  

While all of WCA is off to a strong start, I want to take a minute to highlight some of the exciting things happening in our new middle school.
  • For the first trimester, we are able to offer 15 different elective classes, including band, orchestra, newspaper, and robotics.
  • The first edition of Cougar Prints , the middle school newspaper, is expected out this month. Don't you love the name? The students came up with it themselves.
  • WCA's volleyball team is working hard. They have won two games so far. Go Cougars!
  • Fourteen middle school students take Beginning Spanish during their elective block.
    This means they are studying two foreign languages. Way to go polyglots!
  • The Cougar Committee, WCA's Middle School Leadership team, worked hard throughout the spring and SUMMER! They created their own hoodie design for middle school. Ninety-seven hoodies sold, raising $820 for WCA's Middle School! Look for these awesome hoodies, scheduled to arrive this month.
  • The 1:1 program has been rolled out. All middle school students now have a Chromebook to use during school hours.
Thank you to all of our families for your support of our new Middle School. There are more great opportunities ahead as our community continues to grow. WCA is a special place!

Sincerely,
Bethany Merkling
Director of Middle School


6TH & 7TH GRADE GIRLS' VOLLEYBALL


Have you had a chance to cheer on the Lady Cougars? The 6th grade team is 2-0 and the 7th grade team is 1-1. Their next home game is  September 11  at 4:15pm. GO COUGARS!

 




YOU ARE INVITED TO...


BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
TONIGHT, September 7
6:00-8:00pm

  • Come straight to the gym for a welcome from administration.
  • Choose up to 5 sessions to attend (each session will be offered 5 times).
  • You may attend presentations from classroom teachers, specials teachers, foreign language teachers, and support teachers (Gifted, READ Plan, Special Education).
  • Sessions will cover teacher expectations, program information, and classroom procedures.
  • This is an opportunity to meet multiple teachers who interact with your child during the school day.

TIME
ACTIVITY
LOCATION
6:00 - 6:15 Welcome from Administration Gym
6:15 - 6:20 Break
6:20 - 6:35 Classroom Presentation Classrooms
6:35 - 6:40 Break
6:40 - 6:55 Classroom Presentation Classrooms
6:55 - 7:00 Break
7:00 - 7:15 Classroom Presentation
 Classrooms
7:15 - 7:20 Break
7:20 - 7:35 Classroom Presentation Classrooms
7:35 - 7:40 Break
7:40 - 7:55 Classroom Presentation Classrooms
7:55 - 8:00 Dismissal
8:00 - 8:15 WCA Staff Meeting Old Library


MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES


Backpacks. Students are invited to leave their backpacks and jackets on the hooks in their first period class. Encourage your child to save their back and not carry all of their supplies from class
to class.
Outdoor Education.  Sixth Grade is participating in Outdoor Education from  October 25-27 .  Outdoor Education will be held at  Stone Canyon Outdoor Edventures in L arkspur, CO, approximately 25 minutes from World Compass Academy. Outdoor Education is a sleep away field trip. Participation is encouraged, but optional. The cost $225. Please contact Pam Enz should you require financial assistance. Stone Canyon will visit WCA to host a parent meeting in the next few weeks. Look for additional information to be sent soon.


REMINDERS FROM THE SCHOOL REGISTRAR


Count Day. Please plan to be in attendance every day during the count window of  September 14 - 28. Perfect attendance is especially important on Count Day, September 21. Our school funding is based off of the number of students present during the count window. It is very important that all students are present on Count Day, September 21, to prove they are enrolled at WCA. Picture Day is also September 21, and you won't want to miss that!

Attendance Line. Please call the Attendance Line at 303-814-5280 by 8:00am if your child will be tardy or absent. If you drop-off your student after 8:00am, please come inside to sign them in; otherwise, your student will be marked with an unexcused tardy. If you don't call the Attendance Line to let us know that your child will be tardy or absent, parents will receive an automated call from DCSD. Thank you for your cooperation! If you have any questions, please contact  Mary Bertke. 

Express Check-in. This is a friendly reminder that if you haven't completed Express Check-in, please go HERE to verify and/or update emergency contact, medical information, etc., as soon as possible.  You will need your Douglas County School District Username and Password to log-in to Express Check-In. If you do not know your username, or you need to reset your password, please email  Mary Bertke  with your name and your child's name. She will then send you your username, parent ID, and instructions to reset your password if necessary.

Have you moved lately? If you have had an address change within the last year, please email your updated Proof of Residence to Mary Bertke, or drop off a copy at the front desk. We can accept the following documents as Proof of Residence:  warranty deed, deed of trust, lease agreement or tax notice. Thank you!


BE PREPARED: DSCD COMMUNICATIONS DURING EMERGENCIES


In the early moments of an emergency, school leaders have their hands full. Whether it is a Lockout, Lockdown, Shelter in Place or Evacuation - a lot needs to happen to ensure students and staff are safe and cared for. 

Douglas County School District's (DCSD) communication protocols will ensure that school leaders are able to keep their focus on what matters most during those situations, while also providing families the accurate and timely information they need.

Anytime the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is activated at a school, the DCSD Communications team will quickly send parents an alert via phone, text and email messages, letting them know of the Lockout, Lockdown, Shelter in Place or Evacuation.

These messages will be sent using the District's emergency notification system. Phone calls will come from 855-695-9448 and text messages will be sent from 68453. Please consider adding both numbers to your phone's contacts as "DCSD Emergency."




ANNOUNCEMENTS


WCA Facebook Page . Be sure and "like" us on the  WCA Facebook Page .  This is another great way to stay in the loop!

Follow us on Instagram! Did you know WCA is on Instagram? Follow us! @wcacougars

Thank you! Thank you to the PTO for providing pizza, drinks and snacks for the staff during Goal Setting Conferences. We appreciate you very much!

Monthly Formal Uniform Calendar.   Please click  here  to view the calendar for September. There will be a school assembly on September 15 (focus on leadership). 

Drop-off & Pick-up. Thank you for your cooperation during drop-off and pick-up! Please note that Admin may direct overflow K-2 to drop-off in the front of the school if needed. For more information about our traffic plan, please go HERE for detailed instructions and a map.
  • All Students: K-7 enter collectively via S. Perry Street
  • PK enters & pulls to PK playground to drop off and parks to pick up
  • K AM & PM enters and uses the OUTSIDE lane until they enter the back of the school - then use LEFT lane
  • K ½ Day uses the same route & then uses drive thru lane by West Doors/Parking Lot Entrance
  • 1st & 2nd PM: enters and uses the OUTSIDE lane until they enter the back of the school - then use RIGHT lane
  • 3-7 enters and uses the INSIDE lane looping back to the front of the school - then use RIGHT lane
  • Before & After Care enters/exits via the south gym doors
  • All Students: K-7 exit collectively via S. Perry Street
Parking Warning.  Please do not park across the street in the Personal Warehouse parking lot. It is private property, and they will tow or ticket vehicles that are parked there. Thank you!

Volunteer at WCA!  One of the reasons WCA is such a great school is because we have AMAZING volunteers! We ask that each family volunteer 15 hours per school year. Add your
name to our list of volunteers  HERE! Specific volunteer opportunity: Cafeteria & Recess.
More opportunities will be added throughout the school year and posted on our website.
Please remember to sign the  Volunteer Application and return to your child's teacher. Questions? Email the Volunteer Coordinator, Heather . 

WCA Boys Basketball .  Beginning in early October for 6th & 7th grade boys! If your son is interested, please contact Craig Kemper by  September 15 . More information will be provided (i.e. parent meeting, tryouts, practices, and games) as we get closer to the season. 

Picture Day ! Thursday, September 21   is Picture Day!  Students may choose to either wear their formal uniform or informal (everyday) uniform . WCA is using a different photographer this year - Van Gogh School Photographers. Online ordering will be available approximately two weeks AFTER Picture Day. A proof will be sent home with your student that will include information on how to view their picture(s), as well as how to place your order online. All orders placed will ship directly to the student's home. You will not need to do anything prior to Picture Day.

DCSD Community Events. The Foundation for Douglas County Schools (formerly DCEF) partners with Denver's premier sports teams, attractions and venues to provide you with exciting discounted programs, all while giving back to our school. Please use the links below for purchasing your discounted tickets to the upcoming events.



KIDS' NIGHT OUT



Friday, September 29
6-10 pm

Bounce House/Pizza/Crafts/Games/Movie
World Compass Academy
All Kids and Ages Welcome

Please email: [email protected]
if you have any questions and to sign up!
 
Cost: $25 for 1st child, $35 for 2-3 children, $45 for 4 or more children.

Deadline to sign up is Wednesday, Sept 27 


GIFTED CORNER


CogAT Testing
All students participating in CogAT referral testing, as well as screening years (grades 3 and 6), will be completing testing by  September 15. This also includes any make-up testing due to absences.

Battle of the Books
WCA would love to try to compete in the Douglas County Libraries Battle of the Books this year.
It is a fantastic opportunity for voracious readers in grades 3-6 to battle with knowledge and
share their love of reading. There is a commitment to participating in multiple matchups between January 29 and March 14. This year's book list is available on the Douglas County Library website. As a school, we are required to form our team and request a spot in this year's competition on October 3. Please contact Kate Parker i f your child would like to participate.


FROM THE DESK OF THE SOCIAL WORKER


I will be offering small groups, called the EMOJI Club, to support the social and emotional development of students, which has a positive influence on academic development and success. The groups take place during lunch, plus 10 minutes of time after the lunch period ends.
Groups are held 30 minutes weekly (20 minutes for Kindergarten) for six weeks. Each group is comprised of peers from the same grade (Middle School will be combined). Our first group will run  September 18 through October 23. 
 
During group meetings, students will have the opportunity to learn new skills and behaviors through the discussion of ideas, feelings, behaviors, attitudes, and opinions. The students will participate in a variety of activities relating to the group topic. These activities may include drawing, role-playing, relaxation exercises, and practicing new behaviors. Your child may also be asked to practice their new skills with family members and friends. For example, your child may be asked to practice telling you how s/he feels using "I statements", or may be asked to practice deep breathing. 

If you feel your child could benefit from EMOJI Club, please contact me for a permission form. For your child to participate in a group, I need to have written permission from you. If you have questions or concerns, please email me or call me at 303-814-5268. 

Sincerely,
Lindsay Wonstolen
WCA Social Worker


PTO


Spirit Nights . Join WCA at Skate City on September 19 (6-8pm). September 19 is a Spirit Wear Day.  For Spirit Wear Days,  students may wear jeans, shorts, or athletic pants with their spirit wear t-shirts or t-shirts/polos in our school colors (blue and green). Please dress modestly.

Skate City Details: 
  • Teachers and staff skate free!
  • $5/skate, $2.50/skate rental (if needed).
  • This is a private, ALL SCHOOL skate party. If WCA has 50 or more paying customers, Skate City will donate half of the skate fee directly to PTO!
  • If we have 125+ skaters, we get additional incentives for the teachers, who absolutely deserve it!
  • This could be a huge fundraiser for PTO and so much fun for the whole family!
  • Bring your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. This is a skate night that benefits WCA only, however supporters are always welcome.
  • Help us hit 50+ attendees, and let's see our amazing teachers and staff skate for FREE!
Questions? Please email PTO.

King Soopers Cards. Available for sale to support WCA PTO. Cards can be loaded using personal credit cards (win...you can earn your credit card points too!) Then you buy your
groceries using your King Soopers card (win...the school gets 5% back on the total monthly amount loaded!) Each card costs $5, but comes loaded with $5, so it's a wash! Lisa Beerbower
has plenty of cards available! Contact her on Facebook or email her to get yours today!

Stop by and see us! PTO will have a booth at Back to School Night TONIGHT! We will be selling King Soopers cards, spirit wear, and used formal and informal uniforms. Pay your
PTO dues and learn about PTO activities and volunteer opportunities too. Credit cards accepted. 

WatchDOGS Kickoff. Calling all dads, stepdads, uncles, grandfathers...We invite you to volunteer at school for a day to provide positive male role models for students. Come out to the kickoff meeting in the school gym on September 14 at 6:30pm to hear about the program, ask questions and sign up. Pizza will be provided. Amy Allmon is our WatchDOGS coordinator.
Please RSVP HERE. Questions? Email PTO.

Who loves BOOKS? Your PTO is hosting a book drive this year to add EXTRA books and curriculum to our wonderful school! These books will enhance the current classroom curriculum. Have an extra $5 to spend? Shop from our Amazon Wishlist and donate it to the school.  Each time you order a book, you can put your family's name inside it on a book plate and let all future WCA generations know that YOU donated the book! You can either have the book sent to your house and then send it to school with your child, or have it  sent directly to the school from Amazon. And, of course, there  is a competition! For each book you buy, your child's class will be entered to win a pizza party. The steps are simple: 

1. Order book.
2. Email [email protected] with your child's teacher's name and the number of books you have purchased. For 6th & 7th graders, please list your 1st period teacher's name.
3. When your book arrives, add "donated by + your family's name" to the inside of the book and bring it to the school!

Happy reading!!!

CALENDAR REMINDERS



TONIGHT Back to School Night, 6-8pm
TONIGHT
 Chat & Play, 7:30-8:30pm
September 11 Girl's Volleyball @ Home vs Skyview Academy, 4:15pm
September 12 PTO Meeting, 6:30pm
September 14 WatchDOGS Kickoff, 6:30pm
September 15 FORMAL UNIFORM DAY/School Assembly
September 18 Girl's Volleyball @ Home vs North Star Academy, 4:15pm
September 19 Spirit Night @ Skate City, 6-8pm/SPIRIT WEAR DAY
September 21 PICTURE DAY
September 21
 COUNT DAY
September 29 Kids' Night Out, 6-10pm


2490 S. Perry Street
Castle Rock, CO 80104
Main Phone: 303-814-5200
Attendance:  303-814-5280
Nurse:            303-814-5260
Preschool:     303-814-5214

  Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter