November 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: 8:20-4:10

Doors Open: 8:10 am
*Please do not drop your students off before 8:05 am. There is no supervision outside until 8:05 am. Thank you for helping us keep students safe.

*All students need to enter through the left front door, and visitors need to come through the right front door. Please have a valid ID.


Thank you!

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

We are thankful for you!

As we prepare to take time off from school for Thanksgiving break, we are grateful for everyone who has helped to restore a routine for showing up to school while supporting students and families.

Daily routines are essential for reducing stress and creating a sense of security. As long as your child is healthy, please encourage showing up to class when school is in session. Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn as well as connect to peers and their teachers.

We thank:
  • Our students and their families who do their best to show up to class every day even when it isn't easy.
  • Our teachers who have gone above and beyond to help make school a welcoming learning environment where students can thrive.
  • Our administrators who help us work together to ensure we are healthy and safe, feel a sense of community and experience the excitement of an engaging learning environment.
  • Our many, many healers and helpers-the support staff and community volunteers who provide the extra hands and attention our children need.

Please feel free to reach out to me at sgifford@re-2.org if you or your child needs support.

Happy Thanksgiving!

~Sheryl Gifford
Attendance Matters
Mandatory Attendance

Every child who has attained the age of six years on or before August 1 of each year and is under the age of 17 is required to attend public school with such exceptions as provided by law. It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure attendance. In cases where students are absent more than the allowed 10 days, parents may see letters coming home from the school requesting a meeting to talk about a plan to increase attendance. Our goal is to work with families to do what is best for students and help them be in school. Please reach out for any further information.

Did you Know:
  • Showing up on time every day is important to your child's success and learning from preschool forward.
  • Students who reach 15 days absent are considered chronic absentees and will require an attendance meeting with admin and be placed on an attendance contract.
Missing 10% of school ( 1 or 2 days every few weeks) can make it harder to:
  • Gain important content ability skills.
  • Build relationships
  • Develop good attendance habits for life.
CogAT Screener
2nd and 6th grade students will be taking the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) the week of November 6th. Our district uses the CogAT as a screening tool for gifted education. ColoradoDepartment of Education recommends using the CogAT along with a body of evidence (NWEA, CMAS, etc.) for gifted identification. Contact Mrs. Dzikowski at tdzikowski@re-2.org if you have questions about gifted education at Penrose Elementary. 

November Dates to Remember


11/1 One School One Book Begins
11/2 Community Superintendent Feedback Session 6:00 pm
11/7 Election Day
11/9 District Accountability Meeting
11/20-11/23 Thanksgiving Break
11/28 School Accountability 4:30
SAVE THE DATE
Grandparents' Day
Thursday, November 16th
More Information to come.
Cold Weather Safety
As the weather begins to cool, please remind your student to dress for the weather. Wearing layers are a good idea, and they should always bring a...
  • Coat or jacket
  • Winter hat
  • Gloves or mittens

Our doors do not open until 8:10 AM. Any students arriving before then, have to wait outside. We have had some students arrive 20-40 minutes early. This poses a safety concern, as there is no supervision outside until 8:05 AM, and the mornings are way too cold for a student to be sitting outside that long. Please help us keep your children safe by making sure they dress appropriately for the weather, and do not drop them off before 8:05 AM. Thank you!
Boys Basketball Games
11/1 Away @ Buena Vista
11/6 Home vs.
11/8 Away @ CCMS
11/13 Home vs.
11/15 Home vs.
11/29 Away @ Salida
Message from the Health Office
Did you know that we are supposed to drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday? This is also
important for our students throughout their days at school. This can be a hard goal to achieve without easy access to water. It is very beneficial for everyone to have their own reusable water
bottle. Water bottles are very useful and helpful, but did you know that water bottles should bewashed daily? Bacteria grows easily on unclean water bottles. While cleaning water bottles is extremely important, it is also important to NEVER share your water bottle with anyone. The sharing of water bottles will increase your risk of getting sick. Remember to always wash your water bottle and to never share it!
-Corylyn Wills, 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!