The Griffin (December, English)

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PREPARING FOR FINALS AND END OF SEMESETER STRESS PAGE 3

IN THIS ISSUE:

EVENTS:

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING & COLLEGE / CAREER READINESS PAGE 4

WINTER BREAK- DEC 18JAN 5

COVID TESTING AT ECA PAGE 6

PARENT INFO NIGHTSDEC 1 & DEC 8

CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT UPDATES PAGE 8

JOY CLUB TOY DRIVENOV 29 - DEC 16

THE EARLY COLLEGE OF ARVADA IS A 6-12, TUITION-FREE, PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL LOCATED AT 4905 W 60TH AVE., ARVADA, CO 80003 WWW.ECARVADA.ORG 720-473-4405

@EARLY_COLLEGEARVADA

@EARLYCOLLEGEARVADA


December Events NOV 29

NOV 30

JOY CLUB

DEC 2

DEC 3

DEC 9

DEC 10

DEC 16

DEC 17

PARENT

TOY

INFO

DRIVE

NIGHT

BEGINS

DEC 6

DEC 1

AT 5 PM

DEC 7

DEC 8

LAST DAY OF

PARENT

HANUKKAH

INFO NIGHT AT 6 PM

DEC 13

DEC 14

DEC 15

JOY CLUB

WINTER

TOY

BREAK

DRIVE

BEGINS

ENDS

DEC 20

DEC 21

DEC 22

DEC 23

DEC 24

CHRISTMAS EVE

DEC 27

DEC 28

DEC 29

DEC 30

DEC 31 NEW YEAR'S EVE


EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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PREPARING FOR FINALS AND END OF SEMESETER STRESS JANICE ANDERSON JANDERSON@ECARVADA.ORG

This month marks the end of our first semester. We could not be more proud of our students' efforts. For many of our students, this is the first semester that they have fully returned to in-person learning in almost two years. We are working on teaching students how to prepare for midterms and/or finals. It is important that we all work together to encourage our students that they have all they need to be successful. It is always so powerful to hear the same message from both home and school. In addition, students often think that studying just the night before exams is sufficient, but in reality taking it in a bit over time helps to strengthen their memory and actually demonstrates more of their knowledge. We want to remind all our students that all we ask is that they try their best because we truly believe that, "they can and they will" all find their own success if they just put their mind to it. Also, don't forget that we have tutoring after school. If any student needs it, take advantage of it. As we enter the holiday season, sometimes it can be a time for celebrations, but may push students and families into a time of stress. Please know that here at ECA we value all our families and are here to help and support you in numerous ways. Please know that we are here and able to help in varying ways. We can often help by making community resource connections or by partnering with other families. Please let us know if you or your family is in need. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our families that helped to donate food and gift cards to families in need, so that they could enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. One last note, we are beginning our recruitment for next school year. If you have friends or family that are looking for the perfect school for their sons or daughters encourage them to attend one of our parent nights. Our next parent night is on Wednesday, December 8th at 6 pm. If you refer friends or family you will be entered into a drawing for a $25.00 gift card!


Counselor Corner BRIDGETTE FOSTER BFOSTER@ECARVADA.ORG

We are halfway through the school year and our Juniors will start preparing for college applications soon. Here’s two amazing resources students should continue to take advantage of while preparing for their future. SEL

SEL stands for “Socio Emotional Learning”, and ECA’s SEL program is an integral part of our curriculum. Just like stretching before a workout, SEL is a preventative measure with the goal of preparing students for life’s inevitable stressors. Skills such as distress tolerance, critical thinking, and building relationships are not only necessary for developing personal identity, but for effectively interacting with others and the larger community. Like a physical workout, student’s practice and build strength in these areas of the brain, ultimately fostering self-awareness, grit, and resiliency. SEL skills are essential, and are proven to help students reach their academic goals as well as reach an overall sense of well-being. College/Career Counseling

Each student at ECA graduates with a “post grad plan”, meaning an idea of what they wish to pursue after graduation. Applying to College or Trade School is strongly encouraged, but our Counseling Department believes in meeting our students where they are at.

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Discussions surrounding College and Career start as early as Middle School, but the formal post-grad process begins in the Spring of Junior year, where students and their counselor meet one-on-one to discuss their goals and outline the College/Trade School Application Process. Students are encouraged to solidify a list of Colleges or Trade Schools they are applying to, their respective deadlines, and the necessary materials needed for each application. Students are not only supported by their counselor, but their SEL advisors as well. SEL advisors help students with writing their personal statements, letters of recommendation, and attending weekly information sessions facilitated by representatives from a variety of Colleges and Trade Schools. ECA offers an abundance of College and Career support, but it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to complete their applications. We encourage parents to talk to their students about College and Career, and keep an open mind when thinking about future possibilities. Remember, application is not a decision. It is our goal at ECA to create as many options as possible so our students can pick from there.

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COVID TESTING AT ECA JULIE RAMSAY JRAMSAY@ECARVADA.ORG

COVID Testing at ECA Don't forget - ECA offers free COVID testing for students and staff Monday mornings until 11:00 a.m. Students must have a signed consent form. The link is below and can also be found on our website and Facebook page. English: https://na4.docusign.net/ Member/PowerFormSigning.aspx? PowerFormId=00ccd9a6-7911- 44d4-bdde-178f8235c6ae&env= na4&acct=94fa5c5e-8255-4677- b885-54b779f74704&v=2 Immunization Records Please submit any updated immunization records to our clinic when we return from winter break. All records must be updated by January 15th. Sixth and 10th graders should have received boosters so their records should be updated. We will begin sending out the state required non-compliance letters in January. Hearing & Vision Testing We are still waiting for the audiometer from Children's Hospital so we can complete our hearing and vision testing. For those of you who have made specific requests to have your students tested, please rest assured we have the information and will contact you with the results as soon as we can complete the tests.


Student

Policies Guadalupe Marquez

High School Assistant Principal 720-473-4408 We are three weeks away from the end of the semester and we still have so much to do. Students only have until Dec. 10th to get all their work in before final’s week. We will be taking our winter interim assessment before we leave for winter break. We use this data to assess student growth from fall to now. We track student’s progress and report it to the state. We are emphasizing the no cell phone, attendance and dress code policies as outline in the parent/student handbook (click here for this policy https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NW HlCu4koAntg6msu5zX0pkyt79nlr8X/edit We will be contacting parents if your student is in violation of any of these policies. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions at gmarquez@ecarvada.org and or 720-4734408

Early College of Arvada | 8


Rick Heroff Middle School Assistant Principal/C.E & Career Coordinator (720) 473-4400 EXT 320 Middle School: Happy December! Students are taking the mid-year interim assessments the first week of December to see what progress they have made. The Middle School has also continued to focus on character development during our SEL periods Monday through Thursday. We discuss how we treat others, how to have healthy relationships, and showing honesty/integrity. Reminders: If your student will be out for any extended periods of time please contact, or have your student contact their teachers to keep up with their work. As always please notify the front office. Student dress code in winter months includes no pajamas, unless there is a spirit day specifically set aside for it. Students are not to wear hoods/hats in the building. We encourage students to always dress appropriately for the weather as we do go outside frequently for breaks, and lunch if the weather is above freezing. Concurrent Enrollment: Students enrolled in classes at the Frontrange campus will be preparing for finals the first week of December. Front Range campus courses will end one week before ECA. Students should report their final grades to Mr. Heroff as soon as they have them. College classes at ECA will register for the college credit in January. If your student is just starting College courses for the first time next semester they must first Apply to Front Range and complete college contracts from Front Range and ECA. See Mr. Heroff for details. Registration of off campus courses is underway. If your student has already been authorized to register for classes please inform Ms. Heroff which classes they would like to take for the Spring. ALL off campus registration needs to be approved by Mr. Heroff. If you need help selecting classes please reach out to him, or Ms. Foster for advice and resources. For any questions about concurrent enrollment please contact Mr. Heroff at rheroff@ecarvada.org or 720-473-4400 ext 320

Early College of Arvada | 8


EARSS PROGRAM BENEFITS Alejandro Reynoso EARSS Advisor Office: 720-473-4406 Cell: 720-980-1129

In the EARSS program, we are teaching students how to become advocates

for themselves and getting them ready for the next steps in their lives to become advocates in a college setting. This past month we took a group of students to the Metropolitan State University of Denver for a college tour. The students were exposed to a couple of science labs and the Aviation and Engineering building. Some of the EARSS students are starting to select an institution that best fits their needs. This opportunity is helping students narrow their selection of a University. What a great time we had!

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Ski season is open in Colorado Ski Country, and there is no better way to get your students on the mountain this year than the Ski Passport Program.

English Brochure

Colorado Ski Country USA believes that every student should have the opportunity to experience Colorado's signature winter sports, skiing and snowboarding. That is why for over 20 years the CSCUSA Ski Passport Program has helped thousands of students hit the slopes every year. Make sure your student does not miss out on the fun and sign up today! The quickest and easiest way to learn about the program and sign up for the Passport Program is online at coloradoski.com/passport. Please note: Parents or guardians do not need the registration brochure to register their student as in year's past. Full program details are available any time by visiting coloradoski.com/passport.

See you on the slopes!


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