T H E
E A R L Y
C O L L E G E
O F
A R V A D A ' S
THE GRIFFIN W E
C A N .
A N D
W E
W I L L .
IMPORTANT DATES
MAY 14 LAST DAY FOR SENIORS
MAY 15TH GRADUATION
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@EARLYCOLLEGEARVADA
M A R C H
I S S U E
May Events APRIL 27
APRIL 28
APRIL 29
MAY 4
MAY 5
MAY 6
Teacher appreciation week
MAY 11
Teacher appreciation week
MAY 12
Teacher appreciation week
MAY 13
APRIL 30
MAY 7 Teacher appreciation week
MAY 14
MAY 1
MAY 8 Teacher appreciation week
MAY 15 Graduation
MAY 18
MAY 19
MAY 20
MAY 21
MAY 22
MAY 25
MAY 26
MAY 27
MAY 28
MAY 29
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TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK May 4-8 is Teacher Appreciation week! Take some time to let your teachers know how much you appreciate them and all the hard work they do. Seniors, take some time to write a goodbye to your teachers before starting the next chapter
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY CAMPAIGN Schools have long been used as the archetypal example of the Great American Melting Pot on a shrunk downscale, and ECA is no exception. Within these walls is a community who draws from a variety of backgrounds, races, classes, and socio-economic statuses. This school brings members of the Arvada community together and levels the playing field for students who wish to pursue their college dreams. The 100% admission policy for this tuition-free school removes obstacles for all pursuing post-secondary education. Every student who walks these halls gets the chance to advance their college career by two years before they even graduate high school. While school allows students to feel equal, in view of the fact that they all receive the same assignments, the same expectations, same textbooks and same access to school computers during the school day. Unfortunately, that is no longer true because of COVID-19. The damage from this virus extends beyond the American Healthcare system and goes into the classroom. The economic devastation from this outbreak has widened the already growing economic and digital divide. Soaring job losses and unemployment rates exacerbate the disparities many of our low socio-economic students face at home. Many of our families that were hit the hardest during this crisis also have to shoulder the burden of the growing education gap. This can be discouraging to anyone who faces this and students can feel left behind by their peers. ECA wrestles with its own funding and resource challenges to provide technology and life essentials to its remote learners during this crisis. ECA is a small school with a tight-knit community. Our lack of support from a school district limits our capacity to help families in need. Access to free college courses gives students and their families opportunities that they would not have otherwise. Students without connectivity are unable to finish their assignments. While Teachers are doing all they can to meet students in the middle under these extenuating circumstances, our remote learners must be able to prepare for the next grade level in order to succeed. The pressure of this pandemic has shown that when the opportunity presents itself, people will rise to the occasion to help each other out. For this reason, ECA is launching an effort to provide technological equity to its remote learners in need. Join us to provide a safety net for these students and families during this turbulent time. Along with the provision of 48 Chromebooks to students, ECA wishes to address Wi-Fi concerns for 10 households that go without connectivity. Finally, with many parents out of work due to the coronavirus, families all over the world and here in Arvada, contend with their own kitchen table concerns. ECA has used portions of its budget to provide Walmart gift cards for families that need groceries, toilet paper, and other essentials beyond remote learning technological needs. We are enlisting you to help us help families in Arvada, both during this critical time and to guarantee ECA’s preparedness for any future calamities. Donate Here!
PRINCIPAL
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GENERATION Z: RESILIENT AND STRONG JANICE ANDERSON JANDERSON@ECARVADA.ORG
ECA has the most resilient and inspiring community! I want to thank each and everyone of our students and their families, for these times have been new and challenging and our students and their families have stepped up to make sure that learning has gone on. I know that we all went into this not knowing what we could expect or even do, and that things changed drastically almost daily. It is not ideal for anyone, but you have all persevered; especially our seniors. For many we reference our World War II generation as the "Greatest Generation". I believe our class of 2020 will be exceptional in their own right, and I am so looking forward to the wonders that your class of students will bring forward. You class came along after the world was heartbroken by the 911 tragedy, and all of you have come through this challenge that the world once again has faced, together. You are all stronger for it! I am so proud of how you have all overcome these challenges with grace and compassion. We will be celebrating your accomplishments soon, I promise. I then look forward to seeing you all do great things.It was so wonderful to see so many of you along our parade route on Monday. I hope that seeing each other motivates us all to continue through these last few weeks and finish this year stronger than ever.We will continue to communicate with students and families as often as necessary to ensure that we keep you all abreast of our ever changing times in education. We do not know what to expect for the Fall and I know that the news has frequently mentioned that schools may not return. We do not know anything yet. There are weekly meetings and communications with the State, as they update districts and schools like ours. Please know that whatever is decided, you will hear what the specific implications will be for our ECA community from us directly. Please keep your eyes on your emails and our website for updates throughout the Summer. Please be patient as we often find ourselves planning for one thing one week, only to find out that the State wants us to change directions. We will do all that we can to be as up to date and clear in our messaging. Know that you can reach any of us via email or even phone, as we are checking our voicemails frequently, for any further clarification or questions you might have.Thank you ALL again, and please have a safe and relaxing summer. I look forward to seeing you all back in the Fall.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
IMPORTANT REMOTE LEARNING RESOURCES TODD CORDREY 720-473-4403 720-322-5470 (CELL)
In today’s world I am reminded of a quotation “The Only Thing That Is Constant Is Change -”― Heraclitus I have few important reminders and then I will share information about the Early College of Arvada. Please register your student for next year with MFuentes@ECArvada.org or TCordrey@ECArvada.org or call 720-4734400 (Marlene) or 720-322-5470 (Todd). It is important for us know who is returning so that we can build our budget and arrange appropriate staffing. We are accepting new students; so invite your family and friends to register on a first come first serve basis. We are a family! We are providing Chromebooks, WI-FI, and Food and Essentials for families during remote learning. If you need help, email MFuentes@ECArvada.org or TCordrey@ECArvada.org or call 720-473-4400 (Marlene) or 720-322-5470 (Todd). In order to continue providing support, we need your help.
Donate Here!
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
In 2008, The Early College of Arvada (ECA) opened its doors to the youth of Arvada, Westminster and Denver. The founders of this institution sought to expand opportunities for students by providing a college education to students and families who would otherwise not have the resources or opportunities. Partnerships with Front Range Community College (FRCC) and University of Colorado- Denver (UCD) enrich these opportunities for our students by providing a pathway to an Associate’s degree while in high school. For the past 12 years, ECA has covered the cost of secondary education for its students. The 100% admission policy removes obstacles for all students and families pursuing post-secondary education. Our charter provides two years of college for high school students taught by college professors on ECA’s campus. We enjoy a small school environment that allows students to feel supported, heard, and respected. Principal Anderson has a background in instructional leadership, assessment, professional development, and all aspects of pedagogy. She is supported Ms. Marquez and Mr. Heroff that provide instructional coaching for teachers and academic and behavior support for students. The Early College of Arvada serves students in grades 6-12. The school is structured into four academies: Sixth Grade Academy (6th grade), Middle School Academy (7th and 8th grade), High School Academy (9TH and 10th grade), and College Academy (11th and 12th grade). The Sixth Grade Academy was instituted when teachers and administrators realized that many students were coming into ECA at a 3rd or 4thgrade level. Students need a strong foundation to tackle progressively more rigorous and challenging content as they move through the grade levels. The Sixth Grade Academy cultivates the interpersonal, social emotional, and executive skills students will need to thrive throughout their ECA academic journey. Middle School Academy focuses on targeted interventions and longer classes to advance and accelerate student learning. High School Academy strives to meet state standards for four grade levels while preparing students for a full college course load in College Academy. College Academy provides up to 60 college credits many of which are guaranteed transfer courses throughout the state.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
.The Board of Directors of ECA believe in supporting first generation to college students and families. ECA’s mission is to open pathways to opportunities for students and families. Our school provides rigorous academics and the potential to earn substantial college credit for free while honoring each student’s unique journey. Three hundred thirty (330) students attend ECA; at the start of the 2020-21 school year, this number is expected to reach three hundred fifty (350) and will be capped there for budgetary purposes. As of 2018, 56.7% of students were enrolled in free/reduced lunch, 69.7% were of a minority population, 50% of parents were monolingual Spanish speakers, and 36.7% were English language learners. The challenges faced by today’s youth beyond COVID-19 include Marijuana normalcy, language barriers, cultural divides, family financial pressures, immigration uncertainty, and statewide-sweeping teenage suicide ideation. ECA has embarked on assessments and programming to address these challenges while maintaining a commitment to academic achievement. The Early College of Arvada is succeeding for students in Adams County, Jefferson County, and Denver County with its unique Early College model. The key to our successful program is our teachers. Teachers at ECA are passionate and caring members of the community many of whom have taught at the college level bringing their extraordinary content knowledge into the (remote) classroom every day. ECA is known for high caliber instruction presented in a high touch, small school, caring environment. Our students learn more because they get more attention from our teachers and administrators. This type of education, found at ECA, requires a longterm commitment from students, parents, educators, and the community. So perhaps, ECA is as constant as change. The Board, administration, and teachers are planning for our thirteenth (13) year at the same location with the same exceptional mission. Finally, please take this time to affirm your student for engaging during remote learning and join us in congratulating our resilient and powerful class of 2020! Thank you for supporting us this year and for many years to come.
Counselor Corner
Hi everyone! We are six weeks into quarantine, and I am very impressed with how well you have made the transition to online learning! This is no easy feat for students, for parents, for teachers, or for us admin and support team staff either! We are very proud of all of your accomplishments and encourage you to finish the semester in a strong way—just like a race or a sports game.
MS. GISETTI 720-473-4107
To the Seniors: Congratulations to you on graduation! You have worked so hard to get to this point, and we are so looking forward to celebrating you and your accomplishments. I know this semester looked nothing like you (or us) hoped it would; know that we are working to celebrate you as best we can under these unusual circumstances. I am extremely proud of you; I am honored to have worked with you; I am SO excited to see what the next chapter of your lives brings. Know you have a cheerleader in me!! I want to extend a huge THANK YOU to our DU Counseling Interns for all the work you did this school year. Your care for the ECA students & community, and your continued commitment to their success even in the virtual land is GREATLY appreciated!Â
I will still be holding office hours throughout the summer, so please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or needs: agisetti@ecarvada.org
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I’ve decided that we could all use a little more humor and jokes in our lives right now, so I’ll end this article with some jokes: Knock Knock Who’s there? Thermos. Thermos who?
Thermos be some way out of doing all this homework!
Q: What do you call a bear with no teeth?
A: A Gummy Bear!
Q: What do elves learn in school? A: The elf-abet!
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OPERATIONS MANAGER
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GRADUATION & TRANSCRIPT ANNOUNCEMENT JULIE RAMSEY 720-473-4409
Seniors - If you are in need of a transcript please contact me at jramsey@ecarvada.org. Be sure to let me know whether you need an official or unofficial copy and, if it is official, where you would like me to send it. Please be sure to check out our "Need Assistance?" link on our website's homepage for helpful resources regarding food, utilities, health, etc.
Rick Heroff Middle School Dean of Students/College & Career Coordinator (720) 473-4400 EXT 320
Middle School: Do you have what you need? Students and teachers have been doing a great job adjusting to our online learning format. While It has not been without its hiccups, we’re making it work. If you are having technical issues please reach out to myself or the teachers for support. Students are expected to complete the lessons they receive each week from their teachers. It is essential that students ask for help when they need it. We ask you to be prepared to support them in advocating for help when they need it. Of course, if you have concerns, or have any other needs, please let us know. College and career: Students taking classes from ECA professors will be completing their classes in the next couple weeks. Students taking classes on FRCC and UCD campus will follow the online instructions from their professors. For Front Range the main platform used in D2L, for UCD it's Canvas. Make sure students get in touch with their professors to ensure they are getting all the information they need to complete the year. If you have concerns about your child’s college class please contact administration as soon as possible. Tutoring: Students in college classes can continue to utilize tutoring in an online format from their individual universities. Both Front range and UCD offer zoom meeting style tutoring for those that need it.
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Scholarships: SENIORS, and now Juniors as well! This is an excellent time to work on scholarships. A great way to earn $100-200 at a time is micro-scholarships. You can earn cash just by getting an A in a class, or doing community service. Learn more at https://www.raise.me/blog/students/what-are-microscholarships/.Another great resource to find specific scholarships that apply to you is https://www.scholarships.com/ College Visits: JUNIORS and undecided SENIORS! Want to go on college visits while in quarantine? Go to this website where you can take a virtual tour of most of the colleges in our state and the nation. Just type in the name of the school and check it out! https://www.youvisit.com/collegesearch/ FALL REGISTRATION! All students in History classes through Frontrange Community College will need to register in the next two weeks. I will be sending out a notification if that is you, along with instructions on Monday May 4th to students. Please have your student follow the registration instructions by Friday May 8th. If you have specific concerns or questions please contact me, or join our Frontrange zoom session to get direct help on Thursday May 7th from 10-12pm.
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Chromebook
Returns Guadalupe Marquez
Highschool Dean of Students 720-473-4408
It has been great seeing students in their zoom meetings and looking at their work as they complete it. Please continue to encourage your student to keep working hard to finish the year strong. As always, I am here, please reach out to me with any questions or concerns. Students should continue to work through the end of the year. We will be communicating with you the process we will follow for collecting personal items left at school and returning of chromebooks. For Seniors, we will be sending out a schedule for cap and gown pick up, you can pay the senior fee at that time.
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STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS & FUNDING
We are honored and excited to announce that the money raised this year will be added to the current balance and will be used for next year. Stuco members would like next year's prom to be special for students since they didn't have one this year. We are going to start Stuco Officer Elections next week, so please encourage your student to look for an email in which they can vote
TIMBER GRIFFINS THEATRE COMPANY KELLY GRAHAM KBIDSTRUP@ECARVADA.ORG We Can and We Will get through this! The way the Performing Arts at ECA is doing that is by moving to virtual activities. The most notable of these is our May “Concert” which will be done through student video submissions, join us for the watch party May 13th at 11am, details on your student’s google classrooms. Our theater program has had to postpone their show Noises Off till June 26 & 27th, there will be a performance of some kind, likely utilizing technology, because the show must go on! Tickets on sale now at ecarvada.booktix.com.
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As far as our more academic-based happenings the Erocne Chorale is putting together a song for this year’s graduation via technology. The chorale is also holding auditions this fall, if you would like to audition prepare 1 minute of a song you love to perform. There are open spots so contact Mrs. Graham for more information! As for students who have rented or left their instrument at school there will be a drop-off/ pick up time in May that will be scheduled shortly. Since our program has suffered due to the loss of our May fundraiser, we are asking if you love what we do, that you will give $5 to keep the Arts at ECA going! You can donate at ecarvada.booktix.com by purchasing a “ticket” to the Arts at ECA Fundraiser. *Note there is no actual event, this is purely a donation processed through our ticketing system to support our program. Thank you all for your support of the Arts at ECA! Be sure to follow us on social media, TimberGriffen Theater Co on Facebook and ILove_APiano on Instagram!
EARLY COLLEGE OF ARVADA
PTCO NEWS
MEETING SCHEDULE January 8 February 12 March 11 April 8 -cancelled May 13 -cancelled All Meetings are at 4pm
Next Meeting for Early College of Arvada Parent Teacher Community Organization Lots of exciting activities here at ECA and we could use your help to make them a success! Hope to see you March 11th at the ECA PTO at 4PM! ptco@ecarvada.org
Próxima reunión para Early College of Arvada Organización Comunitaria de Padres y Maestros 11 de Marzo de 4 a 5:30 p.m. En la habitación 245 @ ECA Muchas actividades emocionantes aquí en ECA ¡y podríamos usar su ayuda para que sean un éxito! ¡Espero verte aquí en ECA el miércoles a las 4PM! ptco@ecarvada.org
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2019-2020 Bell Schedule
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OPERATIONS MANAGER