Aspen Ridge August Parent Newsletter
Informed Parents
Make for GREAT Partners
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Aspen Ridge Preparatory School is committed to creating and providing a safe environment for our Owls to learn and grow. Our practices and implementations last year proved to be very successful, allowing our Owls to continue on a positive path during this phase of their educational career. Kudos to all of our students, staff, and families for following the ARPS mitigation strategies, ensuring a safe environment for continued learning and social/emotional well-being.
The ARPS Health Committee (formerly known as the Covid Response Team) continues to meet during this ever-changing crisis, monitoring nearby districts and guidance from the CDC, CDE, and CDPHE. As you can imagine, with daily updates in our nation, working to make decisions based on our community health is a priority for all of us at this time. While recommendations have been made to our Board of Directors, the evolving nature of this health crisis will require us to remain flexible as we plan for the start of the school year and beyond. As our local, state, and federal health departments continue to offer guidance, it is inevitable that our ideas, hopes, and plans for this coming year will vary and change from time to time.
Our ultimate goal is to return to as much of a "normal" school environment as possible for our students, families, and staff, while being conscientious of the health variants and infection rates in our community. The decisions that will be made over the next few weeks may not always be the popular decision for all, but be assured that every aspect is considered as these decisions are made, with the goal to remain on-premise and to continue serving our students and families every day of the week, with as little disruption as possible. Thank you in advance for helping to make this happen. There will be some give and take as we move into this phase of the year, and we appreciate your understanding as we focus our efforts "in the middle" on the social and health spectrum.
Aside from the cumbersome health crisis that continues to be the focus at this time, I hope you'll agree that this is, by far, one of the most exciting times of the year for students, staff, and families. Starting a new school year, becoming part of a new classroom community, making new friends, and reuniting with former friends are all things to look forward to in the coming weeks. Below are a few tips to ensure a successful start to the school year for your Owl family:
- Read below about our partnership with Leading Edge for before and after school care. You'll want to be aware of this change for the upcoming year should you need childcare outside of the 8:00am to 3:15pm school day.
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Read through and add the upcoming event dates to your calendar or subscribe to the Aspen Ridge Google Calendar on our website to make sure that you don't miss anything important on the horizon.
- "Follow" Aspen Ridge Preparatory School @AspenRidgePrep on Facebook to stay up-to-date on new hires, summer event recaps, and all that's happening at the school.
- Lastly, remember..."Teams ultimately accomplish what they collectively believe is possible, and it is important for each person on the team to believe in great outcomes and in each other." ( Jon Gordon) We are all on team Aspen Ridge! Let's make this a great year.
Our focus this year is #sticktogether! We hope you'll join us.
Be well,
Charla Salmeron, Head of School
#itsagreatdaytobeanowl
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Upcoming Events for Your Calendar |
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August
8/11- Welcome Back Teacher Postcards should arrive. Check your mail!
8/12- Preschool/Pre-K Meet the Teacher
- Preschool 3's | 2:00pm-2:45pm
- AM PreK | 3:00pm-3:45pm
- PM PreK | 4:00pm-4:45pm
8/12- K-8 Meet the Teacher Night | 4:00pm-6:00pm
8/16- Kindergarten Social Meet & Greet | 1:00pm-3:00pm
8/16- 5th-8th Band Instrument Demo Day | 12:00pm-1:00pm
8/17- K-8 First Day of School | Have your Owl on campus prior to 8:15am for a smooth first day.
8/20- K-8 Student Paperwork Due
8/23- Pre-K (4s) First Day of School
8/24- Preschool (3s) First Day of School
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September
9/1- Early Release | Dismissal at 12:15pm
9/6- Labor Day| No School for students or staff
9/21- Restaurant Night |
Chick-fil-A
More dates and virtual links can be found by going to our school calendar. Subscribe there to stay in the loop on all that's happening at Aspen Ridge.
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Welcome back, Owls!
We are so excited to see our new and returning families back at school on Tuesday, August 17th*, for the 2021-2022 school year! Our amazing, caring, and innovative staff is committed to every student's continual academic, social, and emotional growth - because ALL students are OUR students at Aspen Ridge!
*PreK and Preschool students and families, we will see you on August 23rd or August 24th!
As our teachers and staff approach the start of a new school year, we are dedicated to:
- Focusing on student growth, both socially and academically.
- Creating a safe space to make mistakes, learn, and grow.
- Providing students with the tools needed to become valuable and integrated members of the community.
- Celebrating progress and success.
- Providing rich instruction and deep learning opportunities by utilizing the Core Knowledge Sequence and the Colorado Academic Standards.
- Being kind, caring, and supportive of each other.
This monthly newsletter communicating upcoming events and reminders at Aspen Ridge will be sent to all families throughout the year. If your contact information changes or you are not receiving emails from the school, please don't hesitate to contact Carrie Cantwell in the front office.
Aspen Ridge is a strong, committed, and involved community moving together along the trailways of success. Put simply, we are built BY the community to build UP the community. It truly takes a village, and we are thrilled to create a partnership with each and every one of you throughout the school year.
Best!
Rachel Miller, Principal
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Important Back to School Information |
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Morning Drop-Off Options:
- 7:50am-8:00am: Students (1st-8th) may play on the big playground. Kinder students will use the Kinder Playground. PreK/School will follow their outlined schedule.
- 8:00am: Front doors open for arrival and entry into the building.
- 8:15am: School starts and parents should exit the building.
For safety reasons, any visitor on campus must be checked in through the front office. Be sure to bring your driver's license anytime you are on campus during school hours, including morning drop-off.
Dismissal and Pick-Up Options:
- 11:00am: Dismissal for AM PreK students at the Kindergarten playground.
- 11:05am: Dismissal for Preschool students at the Kindergarten playground.
- 3:00pm: Dismissal for PreK students at the Kindergarten playground.
- 3:15pm: Dismissal for all students K-8 begins.
You will receive a driveline number on Meet the Teacher the Night. Please bring your driveline umber to dismissal each day. Make sure your child and your child's teacher know the plan for after school.
- Are they a walker/bike rider? (Dismissed from campus without an adult picking them up outside)
- Are they a car rider or parent pick-up? (Dismissed through driveline with their assigned number and an adult waiting for them in the car or at the designated walk-up zone)
- Are they attending Leading Edge After School Program?
Please do your best to pull forward in driveline. If you are walking into the school or getting out of your car for any reason, you must park. Do not stop your car in the driveline to get out. This holds up traffic and is very frustrating for all involved. A designated walk-up zone is located south of the Kindergarten playground as an alternative to driveline. Also keep in mind that line of sight may be limited when entering and exiting from Austin Ave. Most importantly: slow down, drive safely, and keep an eye out for children.
Arrival and dismissal are busy times, and traffic is heavy. Ensuring your child’s safe arrival and dismissal from campus is a top priority. With new faces and new processes in place, please be patient and understanding in the event that arrival and dismissal take a bit longer than usual during the first week of school.
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Leading Edge Child Care at Aspen Ridge |
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We’re excited to announce that Leading Edge, a top provider of before and after school programs, will be replacing Owl’s Nest this year at Aspen Ridge. Please see below for more information from Leading Edge.
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Before & After School Care | Preferred By Families, Loved By Kids
At Leading Edge, we balance learning and fun. Our affordable and innovative programs provide homework support, reading activities, STEM activities, and outdoor physical play each day.
With our flexible scheduling and additional programs for your school’s Early Release days, we have you covered. Plus, our lab-based programming means your children will always have fun and unique activities to do.
- Before School Program starts at 6:30am and After School Programs run until 6:00pm.
- Pricing starts at $8.49 per day in the morning and $16.99 per day in the afternoon.
- We include specific labs for Reading and Math.
- Homework is completed, and we ensure it is understood.
- We also offer engaging activities with time for socialization.
What Parents Are Saying
We pride ourselves on delivering high quality before and after school programs, and our families agree. In a recent survey, over 95% of our families shared that they would recommend Leading Edge to a friend! Here is what our families from Colorado are saying:
“It is such a gift to know that my son is in good, caring hands...You all give him an environment where he can unwind, exercise, see his friends, and be creative.”
“Thank you so much for all you do! My daughter loves her Leading Edge teacher so much that she tells me to come get her later than the usual time! She’s having so much fun at the after care.”
“My son enjoys his time at Leading Edge, and most days he doesn’t want to leave. That’s because he has amazing teachers and friends.”
Leading Edge can make a difference for YOUR child as well.
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All student hot lunch options will be provided at no cost again this year, through June 30, 2022! |
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Questions about the ARPS uniform? Click here for uniform guidelines.
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See your grade level supply list by clicking HERE and scrolling to the bottom of the page. If you need monetary support with supplies/materials, please reach out to our school counselor, Ms. Rebecca (rmayocody@arprep.org).
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Community Matters.
Make a Difference!
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Join the School Accountability Committee (SAC) to provide feedback and make recommendations for school improvement. It is through cooperative efforts that foundations for school improvement are built. This committee is comprised of the school administration, one teacher, three parents, and one community member.
Click HERE to indicate your interest!
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COVID-19 Information
The ARPS Health Committee (formerly known as the Covid Response Team) continues to meet during this ever-changing crisis, monitoring nearby districts and guidance from the CDC, CDE, and CDPHE. As you can imagine, with daily updates in our nation, working to make decisions based on our community health is a priority for all of us at this time. While recommendations have been made to our Board of Directors, the evolving nature of this health crisis will require us to remain flexible as we plan for the start of the school year and beyond. As our local, state, and federal health departments continue to offer guidance, it is inevitable that our ideas, hopes, and plans for this coming year will vary and change from time to time.
Our ultimate goal is to return to as much of a "normal" school environment as possible for our students, families, and staff, while being conscientious of the health variants and infection rates in our community. The decisions that will be made over the next few weeks may not always be the popular decision for all, but be assured that every aspect is considered as these decisions are made, with the goal to remain on-premise and to continue serving our students and families every day of the week, with as little disruption as possible. Thank you in advance for helping to make this happen. There will be some give and take as we move into this phase of the year, and we appreciate your understanding as we focus our efforts "in the middle" on the social and health spectrum.
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Substitutes Needed!
Our Students Need You! Become a Substitute Teacher at Aspen Ridge!
Between Kindergarten and 12th grade, each student will spend, on average, a minimum of one full school year with a substitute! Aspen Ridge is looking for substitutes that will join us on our mission to make a positive impact on student learning. Being a substitute teacher is also a great opportunity to become involved and participate in the classroom.
Get started on your path to substitute teaching at Aspen Ridge! It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!
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