April 2023
Creating a Destination District with Intent, Purpose, and Pride
Be Your Best Self
719-372-6777

Sheryl Gifford ~Principal (sgifford@re-2.org)
Joe DeSalvo ~ Counselor (jdesalvo@re-2.org)
Brandy Guasta ~ Counselor (bguasta@re-2.org)
From the Office
Student Hours: 8:15-4:10

Doors Open: 8:10 am
*Please do not drop your students off before 8:10 am. There is no supervision outside until 8:10 am. Thank you for helping us keep students safe.

*All students need to enter through the front doors in the morning.
*Please be sure to sign in before taking your child to their classroom in the mornings.

Thank you!

Office is Open 7:55 to 4:20
Happy April!
Dear Penrose Families,

We are officially in the downhill side of the school year! This month, we will be wrapping up state testing, and beginning our end of the year NWEA tests, as well as DIBELS/Acadience testing for reading. Many classes will be taking field trips this month, and student council will be hosting a t-shirt design contest for next year's school shirt.

While our school year is wrapping up, it's important that we stay focused on student learning, so rest assured that students will still be engaging in high academic content throughout the remainder of the year. We believe that every minute matters, and will continue to maintain a focus on teaching and learning.

Sincerely,

Sheryl Gifford-Principal
In the Spot Light
Fifth Grade Teachers
Hi Penrose Families, 

   I am Miss Schleicher! This is my second year teaching at Penrose Elementary. I have taught both Kindergarten and 5th grade. I am also the Head Softball Coach at Florence Junior Senior High. I love watching our students grow and learn in both life and academics. When I am not teaching, I enjoy being involved in the community! My favorite event of the year is The Blossom Festival. I also love traveling the country. I have the best traveling companion, her name is Penny. She is a two-year old Cairn Terrier and she goes everywhere with me. When I am not road tripping, I am exploring the beautiful high country we get to call our home.  
Hi Penrose Families, I am Mrs. Wellborn! I love being a teacher. I have been teaching for 20 years. Of those 20 years, 8 of them have been at Penrose Elementary. Before teaching here, I taught in Pueblo with District 60. I absolutely love being a 5th-grade teacher! When I am not teaching, I enjoy being with my wonderful family. My husband and I have 2 amazing daughters. My oldest is finishing her freshman year at Florence Junior Senior High and my youngest is a 5th grader. My passion is riding horses with my family, especially competing in Ranch Sorting. I have rode horses for as long as I can remember. Both of my daughters also show market goats for Fremont County 4-H. I am actively involved in the 4-H program and the Colorado Rebels Riding Club as well. As a family, we also love riding our side by side in the mountains enjoying the beautiful Colorado scenery. 

April
Dates to Remember


4/3-4/6 Math CMAS
4/3 STUCO Penny Wars Begins
4/6 STUCO Candy/Popsicle Sales
4/9 Easter
4/10-4/13 Science CMAS (5th grade)
4/10 Yeti Run Sign Ups Due
4/11 Yeti Run Practice 4:15
4/13 Yeti Run Practice 4:15
4/13 STUCO Spirit Day-Nerd Day
4/11 District Accountability 4:30
4/11 Spring Pictures
4/17 6th Grade Transition Day/Night
4/18 Yeti Run Practice 4:15
4/20 Yeti Run Practice 4:15
4/20 STUCO Candy/Popsicle Sales
4/24-5/4 NWEA & DIBELS Testing
4/25 Yeti Run Practice 4:15
4/27 Yeti Run Practice 4:15
4/27 Battle of the Books Battle
4/27 STEAM Night
Penny Wars!
Student Council will be hosting April Penny Wars starting Monday, April 3rd. Students should bring in pennies to count as positive points for their grade-level. All nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars, dollar coins, and paper money can be brought in and placed in other grade levels’ jars to count as negative points for that grade. The grade-level with the most points by Thursday, April 27th will win a root beer float party. Start bringing in those coins!
6th Grade Transition

6th grade students and teachers will be going to FJSHS on Monday, April 17th during the day from 9:00-10:15, and then parents are invited to a Parent Night that evening at 6:00 PM.
Estes Rockets will also be in attendance!
Registration is only for incoming kindergarten students or new students to the district. If your student(s) are returning students, you do not have to register.
Message from Our Health Office
Helmet Safety
As warmer weather approaches, so does bicycling. Every cyclist needs a good fitting helmet for head injury prevention.  According to the National Safety Council, one-third of non-fatal bicyclist injuries are to the head. A helmet reduces the risk of head injury by more than 50%. 

A correct fit includes:
1.  A helmet that sits flat on your head protecting your forehead.
2.  The head straps form a “Y” over your ears.  One of the straps rests in the front of the ear and the other behind the ear.
3.  A buckled chinstrap that is secure, so the helmet feels snug and doesn’t wiggle.
Cycling is great exercise.  Be smart and protect yourself from a head injury.  

Carla Smith RN
Have Something to Report?
Anonymously report anything that concerns or threatens you, your friends, your family, or your community!

1-877-542-7233

https://safe2tell.org/
Be Your Best Self!