August 5, 2009
A u g uBack s tto School 5, 2009
Back
the
to
Books
A Back to School Guide for parents and students
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Back to School
Table of contents Louisville Middle School Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peak to Peak Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 6
Charity helps local kids get Crayons to Calculators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ready for school page 6 Class teaches School, Classes & Service Providor Directory . . . . . . . pg 10 how to cope with Coping With Bullies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . schoolyard bullies page 12 Summer School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 14 Tips for identifying Learning Disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and adjusting to learning disabilites School Calendars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 19 page 16
Boulder Medical Center Avista Our physicians, among the finest in the area, are part of a multispecialty clinic serving Boulder, Broomfield and surrounding counties since 1949.
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Our dedicated and friendly team provides Primary Care for all ages, including specialty care and school and sports physicals.
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New Patients Welcome Accept Most Major Insurances
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Family Practice 303-666-2710 General Surgery 303-666-2632 Obstetrics & Gynecology 303-665-1045 Pediatrics 303-666-2720 Radiology 303-661-4444 Gastroenterology 303-440-3216 Orthopedics 303-440-3036 Podiatry 303-440-3036
800 Health Park Drive, Suite 100 • Louisville, CO 80027 www.bouldermedicalcenter.com
August 5, 2009
Construction set to be finished by August 15 page 4
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Back to School
August 5, 2009
The teachers and staff at Mou ntain Shadows are excellent. The difference is in the teachers’ training and how they work with the kids. My son knows how to do so muc h for himself… and he really enjoys learning !
—Leena, mother of 3-year old Mountain Shadows Primary Pro
gram student
The Right Choice for Your Child?
Choosing the right school is one of the most important investments you can make in your child’s future, especially for those early years, when a love for learning takes root. A good early education is a strong basis for a fulfilling and successful life, and one of the greatest joys you can give your child.
More Than a Promise
Many schools claim to foster a lifelong love of learning in their students, but Mountain Shadows fulfills that promise by allowing a child’s natural joy of discovery to develop deep roots that strengthen your child for life. We give each child the respect, time, space, and learning materials to explore their world for lasting and meaningful connections they can build on for a lifetime.
True Montessori Principles
Other schools follow a Montessori model, but Mountain Shadows is the only Montessori school in Colorado that is fully accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), an organization founded by Dr. Maria Montessori herself. As an AMI-accredited school, we adhere to the strictest principles of this profound approach established and perfected by Dr. Montessori. We also must pass an exhaustive review every three years to maintain that accreditation—a challenge we are proud to meet.
The Mountain Shadows Advantage
Unlike many Montessori schools, Mountain Shadows offers a full Primary and Elementary education. Each program builds on the skills and knowledge gained in the previous one, so children can steadily progress, even “beyond their years.”
If you want your child to develop a lifelong love of learning, start early. In fact, early educational practices profoundly influence your child’s later success. Give your child the best start possible at Mountain Shadows Montessori School. Now enrolling for Fall 2009. Call us at 303.530.5353 to arrange a campus tour. Visit our new web site at www.MountainShadows.org. Colorado’s trusted leader in Montessori education for 3-year olds through the 6th grade Fully accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale
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End in sight fo Back to School
August 5, 2009
rL
MS
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Co nst Au ructi gus on t 15 on com track ple for With the school year quickly approaching, the tion staff at Louisville Middle School is gearing up
del
to unveil their new renovations and addition. This project has been a massive undertaking, according to Enrique Elizondo, Assistant Superintendent of Adolfson and Peterson Construction. Major construction this summer included 15 rooms, construction of the cafeteria’s new kitchen and the parking lot. Because the kitchen was in use right up to the day school let out, the construction team was unable to begin renovations earlier, Elizondo said. “We were always behind the eight-ball, but I’ve been able to make up a lot of time with overtime and long hours,” he said. At roughly 1,120 square-feet, the kitchen has doubled in size and includes more storage and freezer space, two prep areas, a cooking and serving area and an environmentally-friendly, high-efficiency furnace. “We’ve got (the kitchen) scheduled to be completed in three to four weeks,” Elizondo said Thursday, July 23. “The kitchen has been the straggler,” he added. The City of Louisville approved the final design plans for the school’s parking lot in mid-July and construction began Wednesday, July 22. The new common room adjacent to the state-of-the-art auditorium is 80 percent complete. Flooring for the multi-purpose room will be installed Wednesday, July 29, Elizondo said.
By
“I hope to be done the second week of August, definitely a week before classes start,” he said of the commons. “It will be crunch time.” Where the old library sat, there will be a new computer room, an overflow classroom and four special-education rooms. Elizondo said this area will be very ADA-friendly, with wider doorways, accessible sinks and lower counters. The company also is trying to maximize ceiling heights throughout the renovated section. Once major construction is finished, miscellaneous touch-ups and cleaning can begin. Elizondo said this portion of the project will take much time and effort. “We are going to be dedicating a lot of time to that so it looks pretty for the kids,” he said. Adolfson and Peterson removed its trailers from the south end of the school’s property by the first week in August. Teachers started moving into their new classrooms around Aug. 3. Incoming sixth-graders will start back Tuesday, Aug. 18. This will be a transition day in which eighth-grade mentors help the younger students adjust. All students start back to school on
Kimberli Turner
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Wednesday, Aug. 19, said Jane Keene, assistant to LMS Principal Adam Fels. “We are thrilled to be in the new area,” she said. “It’s a great new facility. The teachers have fabulous new classrooms with new technology and big spaces.” The new section includes a state-of-the-art auditorium; a library that, at 10,000 square feet, is three times larger than the old one; a SMART interactive whiteboard in every room; and, new classrooms with updated technology for the music, art and engineering departments. Though much work remained to be done in the weeks leading up to the new school year, Elizondo is confident they will finish on time — with a completion date of Aug. 15. “I’m pleased with the district and I’m pleased with the City of Louisville,” he said. “It’s not only a great place to live, but a great place to work.”
“We are going to be dedicating a lot of time to that so it looks pretty for the kids,” [Elizondo] said.
August 5, 2009
We offer before& after-school care
925 Grant Ave., Louisville CO 80027 † www.stlouisschool-co.com
We Offer Complete WellChild Exams! Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Satuday: 9:00 am - 11:30 am (urgent care)
181 W. South Boulder Rd Louisville, CO 303-666-PEDS (7337) 303-666-7379 (fax) www.cvpeds.com
Phone Nurse: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Check out our diagnostic tool on our website: www.cvpeds.com
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Back to School
August 5, 2009
Peak to Peak finds new ways
to improve Charter school celebrates 10 years, welcomes new principal By Lindsey Larson
D�eams
WE CONTINUE TO BELIEVE IN THEIR
This fall Bridge School will begin its 15th year of providing a personalized educational approach to students in grades 6-12. Call us to find out how your child can achieve their dream at the Bridge School.
Peter Chandler, athletic director for Peak to Peak, stands near the school’s soccer field, built back in 2003. The school hopes to soon add softball and baseball fields with the 9.8 acres of land recently purchased from the Boulder Valley School District
T
here’s a reason Peak to Peak Charter School is constantly ranked among the top schools in the nation. It’s a small school with big expectations. At the beginning of the 2009 spring semester, 1,146 students hoped to open enroll into Peak to Peak, the largest number of applicants for any school in the Boulder Valley School District. At the kindergarten level alone, there were almost 300 students vying for only 72 spots. Though school officials realize there is a great desire from the Boulder County community to attend Peak to Peak, the school’s contract with the BVSD caps total enrollment at 1,389 students for K-12. Carolyn Jannsen, advancement director for Peak to Peak, said the school just “doesn’t have the space.” “We obviously have an enormous interest (in the school), but we’re bound by our contract (with BVSD),” Jannsen said. “The board of directors would have to approve (to expand the school), and that’s a very big decision.”
Peak to Peak celebrates 10 years Celebrations are in the works for P2P’s 10-year anniversary. The school began back in the fall of 2000, with just 200 K-6 students all housed in
Louisville Preschool, Inc. established 1993
Morning Preschool:
Monday • Wednesday • Friday - 9:00 to 12:00 or 8:30 to 11:30 Tuesday • Thursday - 9:00 to 11:30 or 9:30 to 12:00
Afternoon Preschool:
Monday through Thursday - 1:00 to 3:30
6717 South Boulder Road 303.494.7551 www.bridgeschoolboulder.org
628 LaFarge Ave. 303-665-4464
www.thelouisvillepreschool.com
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“We’re very excited about our 10th anniversary. That’s a big deal for a charter school.”
come on as our middle school principal,” Jannsen said. “She will bring a lot of experience to Peak to Peak.” Pumas to expand athletic fields With 8.9 acres of land recently purchased by the school, the Peak to Peak baseball and softball teams are hoping to have new fields
- Carolyn Jannsen, advancement director at Peak to Peak a renovated day care facility in Lafayette. “There’s been a lot of growth since we started,” Jannsen said. “We’re very excited about our 10th anniversary. That’s a big deal for a charter school.” The full middle school and high school opened in the fall of 2001.
Peak and its teachers. Over the course of three days, the incoming students and parents met with faculty and staff, and learned what to expect from Peak to Peak. Students were given a kit that featured a guide for reading, a leader from elementary principal Noelle Roni and an ABC book about Kindergarten.
Kindergarten readiness program
New middle school principal
As the 2008-2009 school year came to a close, P2P was already looking to help incoming kindergartners prepare for their foray into the school. The kindergartner readiness program was devised to help children and their parents become familiar with Peak to
Suzanne Ovelman, a former assistant principal at Angevine Middle School, will take the reins of Peak to Peak’s middle school from David Hazen, who retired this past school year. “We’re really proud to have her
August 5, 2009
before too long. The only thing left to do, Jannsen said, is solicit funding from area merchants. “We’re trying to find business sponsors and donors,” Jannsen said. “But, we haven’t started the process yet.”
COME PLAY WITH US
AFTER SCHOOL
pARENTS’ NIGHT OUT FRIDAYS - 7:30 - 10:00 PM AGES 6-13 September 11 & 25 October 9 & 23 November 6 & 20 December 11
LOTS OF PROGRAMS TO CHOOSE FROM! Jump Rope Mini Camp (ages 7-14) Tween & Teen Girls Program (ages 11-15) Youth Weight Training (ages 11-14) Mini Climbers (ages 6-8) Youth Climbers (ages 9-12) Rock Star Climbers (ages 6-14) Girlz Rock (ages 7-14) Dance Classes (ages 5-12) Karate (ages 6+) Youth Basketball (ages 6-13) Racquetball (ages 7-10) Sajai® Wise Kids Outdoors (ages 6-12)
!!
S REGI
TE
DAY O T R
FOR MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION VISIT WWW.ERIECOMMUNITYCENTER.COM OR CALL 303.926.2550
NO SCHOOL DAYS 9:00 am - 5:00 pm AGES 6-12 November 23 November 24 November 25 December 21 December 22 December 23 December 28 December 29 December 30
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Back to School
August 5, 2009
Lending a helping hand Crayons 2 Calculators helps Boulder County families in need By Lindsey Larson Even in times of recession and economic hardships, a family shouldn’t have to make the choice of either paying bills or paying for school supplies.
This is the stance adopted by Crayons 2 Calculators, a non-profit organization which collaborates with programs such as Impact on Education and the Sister Carmen Community Center to benefit both the Boulder Valley and St. Vrain Valley School Districts. Each year, the program fills backpacks with school supplies, then donates the backpacks to students in need. And, said program organizer Catherine Bedell, this year the need seems to be greater than ever. “Because of the economy, the need has gone up,” Bedell said. “We have a lot more
families on the edge. There are a lot of families that qualify (for free backpacks) who haven’t qualified in the past.” Beginning on July 21, locals can drop off donated school supplies ranging from crayons and pencils, to pens and highlighters. Backpacks are then filled with supplies appropriate for each grade level, from K-2, 3-5, middle school and high school. If donating supplies isn’t feasible, interested parties can donate money, which goes a long way in the program, Bedell said. In fact, C2C gets supplies at cost from Staples, and $1 donated fetches $2 in supplies for the
Louisville Montessori School & Daycare Center Teaching Through Nature and Meaningful Experience Excellent Academic Program • Contemplative Education Intrinsic Motivation and Self Discipline Building Foundations for Life Long Health • Homemade Organic Lunches
Running River School • Lafayette, CO 303-499-2059 • www.runningriver.org
• AM & PM Preschool • All Day Program • 2 1/2 - 6 years
• Extended Day Kindergarten • Summer Program
“Montessori Is Education For Life” 461 Tyler Ave. • 303-665-2002
www.louisvillemontessorionline.com
Fo s n io at nd ic 0 a l p 1 1 Ap /20 201 g 9 n 0 ki 200 01 2 Ta
r
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Back to School
August 5, 2009
And this year the need seems to be greater than ever. Music Makes You Smarter program. “It is very productive to just send money,” Bedell said. And, the program also offers a corporate challenge for local businesses. Companies can compete through donations of supplies and money and are awarded points for their generosity. The top givers are presented with a trophy for their efforts in September. Last year, the program provided backpacks for 4,812 students in the Boulder County area. This year, Bedell hopes to distribute 5,300 backpacks. After July 1, C2C will have all information for volunteerism and how to make donations on their Web site,
www.crayonstocalculators.org. There, one can find locations for drop-offs and lists of supplies needed for each grade level. Anyone over the age of 12 can volunteer for the program to work in the warehouse, though children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Families who would like to pick up a backpack can contact their child’s school and receive one on either Aug. 14 or 17. No proof of qualification is necessary. For more information, contact Catherine Bedell at 303-524-3865, or e-mail catherine@impactoneducation.org.
WAT E R S H E D S C H OOL
Colleges Demand Critical Thinking Find out how Watershed School’s realworld curriculum prepares graduates. MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL
OPEN HOUSES • Friday, September 18 at 9am • Saturday, October 3 at 10am
303-440-7520
• Friday, October 16 at 9am
watershedschool.org
ADVENTURE | CHALLENGE | MEANING | CONFIDENCE
Looking for a band or orchestra instrument for BACK-TO-SCHOOL? OUR PURCHASE OPTION PLAN OFFERS YOU THE CONVENIENCE OF RENTING WITH THE ECONOMY OF BUYING.
PAYMENT PLANS DESIGNED TO FIT YOUR BUDGET!!! FULL SERVICE MUSIC STORE: Print Music, Accessories, Gift Items Lessons & Practice Rooms Wenger Recording Studio with Virtual Acoustic Environment (VAE) Guitars & Guitar Accessories Band and Orchestra Instrument Sales
1280 Centaur Village Drive Suite 9 Lafayette, CO 80026 P 303-661-9335 lafayettemusic.com email: info@lafayettemusic.com
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August 5, 2009
School and Services Directory The Boulder Valley School District operates schools in 11 communities along the Front Range. Students in Louisville, Lafayette, Erie and Superior attend Boulder Valley neighborhood schools. However, the district offers an openenrollment policy that allows students to opt out of their local schools and attend others. The district is governed by a seven-member board -- The Boulder Valley School District Board of Education. The board meets at 6 p.m., every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, at the district’s main offices, 6500 Arapahoe Road, Boulder. For more information about the Boulder Valley School District, call 303-447-1010 or go to bvsd.org Most Erie students attend schools in the St. Vrain Valley School District. The district also serves 12 other communities: Boulder, Broomfield, Dacono, Firestone, Frederick, Hygiene, Longmont, Lyons, Mead, Niwot, Peaceful Valley and Raymond. The largest of these communities is the City of Longmont. Regularly scheduled public meetings take place on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at the Educational Services Center, 395 S. Pratt Parkway, Longmont. For more information about the St. Vrain Valley School District, call 303-776-6200 or go to www.stvrain.k12.co.us
An Individualized Education
Helping Children to be Exceptional, Accelerated and Creative
Erie schools:
Lafayette schools:
Black Rock Elementary School 2000 Mountain View Blvd., Erie Phone: 720-890-3995 bres.stvrain.k12.co.us
(Alicia) Sanchez Elementary 655 Sir Galahad Drive, Lafayette Phone: 303-665-2044 bvsd.org/schools/sanchez
Erie Elementary 4137 NE County Line Road, Erie Phone: 303-828-3395 ees.stvrain.k12.co.us
Angevine Middle School 1150 South Boulder Road, Lafayette Phone: 303-665-5540 bvsd.org/schools/angevine
Erie High School 3180 County Road 5, Erie Phone: 303-828-4213 ehs.stvrain.k12.co.us
Centaurus High School 10300 South Boulder Road, Lafayette Phone: 303-665-9211 bvsd.org/schools/centaurus
Erie Middle School 650 Main St., Erie Phone: 303-828-3391 ems.stvrain.k12.co.us
Escuela Bilingüe Pioneer 101 E. Baseline Road, Lafayette Phone: 303-666-4971 bvsd.org/schools/pioneer
Vista Ridge Academy 3100 Ridge View Drive, Erie Phone: 303-828-4944 www.vrak12.org
Lafayette Elementary 101 N. Bermont Ave., Lafayette Phone: 303-665-5046 bvsd.org/schools/lafayette Peak to Peak Charter School 800 Merlin Drive, Lafayette Phone: 303-453-4600, 303-453-4700 www.peaktopeak.org Ryan Elementary 1405 Centaur Village Drive, Lafayette Phone: 303-665-3345 bvsd.org/schools/ryan
Quality Child Care “A Present to the Future” Full-day Kindergarten – 6th • Half or full-day Pre-K Ages 3-12 • Average 1:9 Teacher-Student Ratio Small Class Sizes • Nationally Accredited Call for a Personal School Tour
7203 W. 120TH AveNue BRoomField (303) 469-6449 broomfieldacademy.com
• Quality before and after school supervision... • Provides stability for pre-teens in an atmosphere in which they can relax and enjoy themselves • Short walk from Lafayette Elementary • Bussing to and from all Lafayette Schools • Homework help, field trips, computers, rollerblading & basketball • Community awareness program
Now Offering Private Kindergarten!
Call Today! 303-665-9741 408 W. Baseline • Lafayette Hours: Mon-Fri 6:45am-6:00pm
A Complete Child Care Service
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Back to School
August 5, 2009
Louisville/Superior schools:
Other options:
Classes and Services
Coal Creek Elementary 801 W. Tamarisk , Louisville Phone: 303-666-4843 bvsd.org/schools/coalcreek
Alexander Dawson School 10455 Dawson Drive, Lafayette Phone: 303-665-6679 www.dawsonschool.org
Beattie’s HealthMart® Pharmacy 3140 Village Vista Dr. Suite 100, Erie Phone: 720-890-5095 www.beattiespharmacy.com/erie
Eldorado K-8 3351 Indiana St., Superior Phone: 720-561-4400 schools.bvsd.org/eldorado
Bixby School 4760 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder Phone: 303-494-7508 www.bixbyschool.org
Bob L. Burger Recreation Center 111 W. Baseline Road, Lafayette Phone: 303-665-0469 www.cityoflafayette.com
Fireside Elementary 845 W. Dahlia, Louisville Phone: 303-665-0700 bvsd.org/schools/fireside
Boulder Country Day School 4820 Nautilus Ct N, Boulder Phone: (303) 527-4931 www.bouldercountryday.org
Boulder Medical Center 2750 Broadway, Boulder Phone: 303-440-3015 www.bouldermedicalcenter.com
Louisville Elementary 400 Hutchinson St., Louisville Phone: 303-666-6562 http://schools.bvsd.org/les
Bridge School 6717 South Boulder Road, Boulder Phone: 303-494-7551 www.bridgeschoolboulder.org
Louisville Middle School 1341 Main St., Louisville Phone: 303-666-6503 schools.bvsd.org/louisvillemiddle
Broomfield Academy 7203 W. 120th Ave, Broomfield Phone: 303-469-6449 www.broomfieldacademy.com
Centennial Valley Pediatrics 818 W. South Boulder Rd., Suite 100, Louisville Phone: 303-666-7337 www.cvpeds.com
Monarch High School 329 Campus Drive, Louisville Phone: 720-561-4200 bvsd.org/schools/monarchhigh
Friends’ School 5465 Pennsylvania Ave., Boulder Phone: 303-499-1999 www.friendsschoolboulder.org
Monarch K-8 263 Campus Drive, Louisville Phone: 303-665-6424 bvsd.org/schools/monarchk8
Mountain Shadows Montessori School 4154 N. 63rd St. , Boulder Phone: 303-530-5353 www.mountainshadows.org
Superior Elementary 1800 S. Indiana St., Superior Phone: 303-543-9330 schools.bvsd.org/superior
Running River School 1370 Forest Park Circle , Lafayette Phone: 303-499-2059 www.runningriver.org
Preschools and Daycares Goddard School 3000 Village Vista Drive, Erie Phone: 303-828-5202 www.goddardschool.com Louisville Montessori School 461 Tyler Avenue, Louisville Phone: 303-665-2002 www.louisvillemontessorischool.com Louisville Preschool, Inc. 628 LaFarge Avenue, Louisville Phone: 303-665-4464 Take-a-Break 408 W. Baseline Rd, Lafayette Phone: 303-665-9741 Treehouse Learning 175 N 96th Street, Louisville Phone: 303-666-1950 www.treehouselearning.com
St. Louis Catholic School 925 Grant Ave., Louisville Phone: 303-666-6220 www.stlouisschool-co.com Watershed School 205 Canyon, Boulder Phone: 303-440-7520 www.watershedschool.org
Erie Community Center 450 Powers St., Erie Phone: 303-926-2550 www.eriecommunitycenter.com Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado 300 Exempla Circle, Suite 120, Lafayette Phone: 303-772-3300 eyecaresite.com Foothills Pediatric Dentisry 1120 W. South Boulder Rd. 204, Lafayette Phone: 303-604-9500 www.foothillspediatricdentistry.com Lafayette Music 1280 Centaur Village Dr., Lafayette Phone: 303-661-9335 www.lafayettemusic.com Little Britches 71 Erie Parkway #103, Erie Phone: 303-828-1361 www.littlebritches.com International Martial Arts Association 1340 Main Street, Louisville Phone: 303-665-0339 www.imakarate.com
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Louisville’s
August 5, 2009
Teaching Quiet Strength
Success Martial Arts offers bully avoidance class for students Right: Korey Stites, Master instructor with Success Martial Arts in Louisville, teaches a group of children about giving and getting respect, as well as ways to avoid bullies and being abducted.
Opposite page: Master instructors with Louisville’s Success Martial Arts pose with a group of students after they completed a two-day test to earn their black belts.
I
n the past, when kids came face-to-face with bullies on the playground, the adage “Just walk away,” was parents’ familiar recommendation on how to deal with bullies. Unfortunately, said Louisville martial arts instructor Korey Stites, walking away is not a good option because the bully is sure to be there waiting the next time. Stites is a master fifth-degree black belt with Louisville’s Success Martial Arts. He and fellow master instructor Kyle Galloway are looking to help local kids stand up for themselves without ever throwing a punch. On Sept. 25, Stites and Galloway will offer their free “Defeat the Bully Without Violence” class. The class is open to any school-age children, but focuses on children in Kindergarten through fifth grade. Stites said bullies may not be a big problem at the beginning of the school year, but incidents of bullying can increases the school year goes on and he feels it’s important for kids to make sure they do not make themselves targets. “As the year goes on, bullies pick out the easiest targets and pick on them mercilessly,” Stites said.
By
Being bullied can also lead to problems later in life, as those who were picked on get older. “I saw that myself; certainly, the kids who got picked on most grew up to (engage in) drug abuse, alcohol abuse and would turn around and do it to people around them,” Stites said. One of the key things in avoiding bullying and bullies, Stites said, is being confident and projecting that confidence. “If you look like somebody (bullies) shouldn’t mess with, typically they won’t mess with you,” Stites said. “If you’re walking around with slumped shoulders and looking at the ground, typically, people are going to mess with you more.” Awareness is also a key skill preached by the instructors. “We always kind of tell students they need to be aware and self-aware of what’s going on around them,” Stites said. “If somebody looks like they’re malicious or have malicious intent, they probably do and it’s best to avoid them.” During the class, students will also learn the “Four Laws
Chalan Harper
page 13 of Razor Sharp Focus,” which are designed to help kids be aware of what’s happening around them, both in the classroom and on the playground. Another facet of the confidence training will be learning the “Seven Magic Words to Give and Get Respect.” Those words include please, thank you, yes sir and yes ma’am. “The more respectful you are of other people, typically, the more bullies and people like that leave you alone,” Stites said. Another secret — which Stites said he would only reveal to those whom attend the free class — is the one word
Back to School that stops bullies in their tracks. “I’m not going to reveal that one,” Stites said, laughing. The instructors will also teach simple, non-violent maneuvers for selfdefense situations, such as a bully attempting to grab a wrist. Though many parents feel martial arts is, by definition, violent, Stites said it can have vast benefits for all types of children. “It takes somebody who’s got violent tendencies, and maybe hyperactivity, and it calms them down,” Stites said. “At the same time, it takes kids who might be very shy and very
August 5, 2009
introverted and brings them out of their shell. “For those kids who are prone to being bullies, (martial arts) teaches how to channel that energy in different ways, such as into the classroom and not out on the playground,” Stites added. Though the class is geared toward students, Stites said adults can benefit from the lessons taught. Success Martial Arts will also offer a goal-setting class, on Wednesday, Aug. 12, for kids heading back to school. During the class, kids will set goals and learn to break boards, Stites said.
Between the two of them, Stites and Galloway have more than 40 years of experience training and teaching martial arts. Success Martial Arts teaches a style based on Tae Kwon Do, but that takes lessons from several different martial arts styles. The school is located at 305 McCaslin Boulevard, in Louisville. There are 30 spots available in the “Defeating Bullies Without Violence” class at 6 p.m., Sept. 25. Reservations are requested. For more information or to reserve a spot in the class, call Success Martial Arts at 720-890-3889.
TRADITIONAL COLLEGE PREP…
with a Contemporary Twist.
“ At BCD, it’s cool to be smart.”
Our curriculum is a blend of old and new—tried and true methods and the latest and best instructional practices. We invite you to discover the BCD difference and call us for a tour.
Preschool – 8th Grade • www.bouldercountryday.org • 303-527-4931
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August 5, 2009
More than 400 SVVSD
students attend summer school
By Victoria A.F. Camron
School didn’t end in May for about 400 St. Vrain Valley School District high school and 60 middle school students. Instead of spending their June mornings sleeping in, hanging out or working, they are attending summer school. With few exceptions, high school students are making up a class they failed during the regular school year. About 25 students are taking algebra I at Frederick High; the rest are attending Longmont High, where a variety of classes is offered. Nayeli Cervantes and Francisco Alvarez, both 15-yearolds who attend Skyline High School, are taking English 10 from the same teacher they had at Skyline, Lisa Barnaby. They seemed to appreciate the second chance summer school gives them. “We want to do things right the second time that we couldn’t do the first time,” Cervantes said. “Having the second chance works.” Alvarez worked hard in English class, but he just “didn’t get it,” he said. Now, “I’m here and I’m doing better than I was,” he said. “It helps having it a second time.” They liked having the same teacher, too, even though
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Back to School
Barnaby is strict, they said. “It helps in learning and makes you want to do things right,” Cervantes said. “It makes you think about things and do them the way she wants them.” Barnaby, who will teach at Niwot High in the fall, said students often put forth more effort during summer school. “They realize they’ve made some choices that brought them here,” Barnaby said. Students often end up in summer school because they skipped class or didn’t do the work, principal Chris Gardner said. Absenteeism landed three students in Ashley Callender’s physical science class this month. Aleksei Sharp, 18, will be a senior at Niwot High School in fall. He took honors biology in Colorado Springs but got bored with physical science when he moved to Niwot, he said. “I already know this stuff. I was not going to class,” Sharp said. “I just screwed up one class.” Jaime Rodriguez also skipped his science class at Olde Columbine High. He will take both semesters of physical science this summer to graduate this fall, he said. “You get a lot more help here than at regular high school,” said Rodriguez, 18. Students even help each other, Sharp said, because they know different things from already having the class. All summer school classes are core classes needed to graduate, such as algebra, geography, history, math, science, health and physical education. A few students take physical education in the summer so they have time for honors, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate classes during the school year, Gardner said.
“We want to do things right the second time that we couldn’t do the first time,” Cervantes said.
“Having the second chance works.”
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August 5, 2009
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page 16
Back to School
August 5, 2009
Overcoming
is a Team Effort Though kids might initially dread their annual autumn return to the classroom, once they arrive on school grounds and start clowning around with friends, that dread quickly transforms into excitement for another school year. Parents, too, might want to keep the kids around the house longer, but also enjoy seeing their kids dive back into school work.
S
ome students, however, fear the return to school. For students with a learning disability, going back to school is often difficult. Coupled with the typical fears of fitting in socially, students with learning disabilities have the additional fear of handling their coursework and excelling in the classroom in spite of their learning disability. What’s more, in such cases, students might be silently battling an undiagnosed learning disability. According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDAA), many students with learning disabilities are of average or above average intelligence. While learning disabilities have no cure, with support and intervention, many people with learning disabilities have gone on to realize their
full potential. Of course, the first step in overcoming a learning disability is recognizing its presence. Certain learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, are widely known to parents and educators alike and can be easier to detect. However, others, such as Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD), can prove to be more of a mystery. Often part of another learning disability, CAPD is a physical hearing impairment, one that affects a person’s ability to separate a spoken message from background information. In certain instances, a person with CAPD might be asked one question but answer another. Such confusion can make communication, be it with teachers or fellow students, very difficult,
and negatively influence a student’s education. That places a greater responsibility on the parents and educators to recognize possible symptoms of CAPD. Those symptoms can include: * processing thoughts and ideas slowly and difficulty explaining them * confused by figurative language, such as similes and metaphors, or misunderstanding puns and jokes because words are taken too literally * misspelling or mispronouncing similar sounding words, or confusing like-sounding words, such as celery/salary, belt/built, etc. * easily and frequently distracted by background noises * difficulty focusing or remembering presentations or lectures
page 17
Back to School
It’s important for parents, teachers and, perhaps most importantly, students to recognize that people with diagnosed learning disabilities often excel in the classroom with a few adjustments. For people with CAPD, parents and educators are integral in ensuring they make the most of their talents and intellect. * Show rather than explain: Because students with a CAPD can experience difficulty processing language, it is often easier for them to grasp a concept if they see it unfold rather than have that concept simply explained to them. * Reduce directions: The longer a spoken direction is, the more likely a student with CAPD is to have those directions drowned out by background noises. Keep directions short, or space them out to lessen the amount the student has to process all at once. In addition, consider rewording directions that could potentially prove confusing. * Allow more time for a response: A student with CAPD might take longer to process a question and decipher what was asked. Allow such students more time to give their response. * Use supplementary materials: Educators can use things such as handouts to supplement a lecture that a student with CAPD might have trouble focusing on or remembering. * Vary pitch and tone of voice: Place a greater emphasis on key words in an effort to aid a student’s memory of important points. Learning disabilities are a part of many students’ lives. However, as students across the nation continue to prove each day, with proper support and intervention learning disabilities can be overcome.
A comprehensive eye exam measures a number of visual skills that are critical to a child’s healthy vision. To ensure optimal eye health, development and learning performance, schedule an appointment today!
August 5, 2009
According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America many students with learning disabilities are of average or above average intelligence
New Century Graduates - Our VisiOn To graduate students in the New Century, each of whom has the knowledge, skills and personal characteristics that will make this world a safer, more thoughtful and more inclusive place in which to live.
From the moment they first burst through our doors, all students of the Boulder Valley School District are on their way to becoming New Century Graduates. They get an excellent educational experience along the way, too. In fact, BVSD is consistently among the top three of Colorado’s large Front Range school districts – and often the top district – as measured by state and national academic rankings.
www.bvsd.org
Boulder Valley School District has 54 schools, more than 28,000 students, and nearly 4,200 employees. BVSD covers approximately 500 square miles and serves 12 communities: Boulder, Broomfield, Erie, Eldorado Springs, Gold Hill, Jamestown, Lafayette, Louisville, Marshall, Nederland, Superior and Ward.
1 in 4 children have an undetected vision problem that can interfere with learning.
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page 18
Back to School
B A S E After School Enrichment
Keep your kids safe and active after school with B.A.S.E.
August 5, 2009
InternatIonal MartIal arts assocIatIon
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• Assisted homework time, computer use, nutrition/fitness education, arts and crafts, healthy snacks
1 Month Karate * Free Uniform
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We hope that you had a great summer and are ready for a wonderful school year!
Mountain View Blvd
Children’s Hospital
Highway 7 (located in the Vista Ridge Shopping Center)
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page 19
Boulder Valley School District Academic Calendar August 2009 4 — Superintendent hosted public meeting at Centaurus High School regarding a BVSD/BVEA tentative agreement 6 — Superintendent to host public meeting at Fairview High School regarding a BVSD/BVEA tentative agreement 12-19 — K-5 assessment window 18 — Transition day for sixth grade and ninth grades 19 — First day for seventh, eighth, 10th, 11th and 12th grades 20 — First day for elementary students 20-21 — Staggered start for Kindergarten
Back to School
September 2009 7 — Labor Day 14 — 2009 Staff health fair 18 — District profession development day 24-30 — October count October 2009 1-8 — October count November 2009 11 — Veterans’ Day 23-24 — Fall conference exchange days — no school 25 — Vacation day — no school 26-27 — Thanksgiving — no school December 2009 21-31 — Winter Break January 2010 1 — Winter Break 4-5 — Semester teacher prep or professional day 18 — Martin Luther King Day — no school
February 2010 11 — 5:30 p.m., Impact on Education Awards celebration 15 — Presidents’ Day — no school 26 — Trimester teacher prep or professional day March 2010 22-26 — Spring Break 29-30 — Spring conference exchange days — no school April 2010 30 — District professional development day May 2010 22 — Graduation for most high schools 27 — Last day for students (full day) 28 — Last day for teachers 31 — Memorial Day
August 5, 2009
St. Vrain Valley School District 2009-2010 Acedemic Calendar August 12-14 - New Teacher Orientation 17-18 - Non-Student Contact Days 19 - First Day of School September 7 - Labor Day November 23-24 - Non-Student Contact Days 25-27- Thanksgiving Break December 21 - 31 - Winter Break
January 1 - 5 - Winter Break 6 - Non-Student Contact Days 18 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day February 15 - President’s day 26 - Non-Student Contact Day March 29 - 31 Spring Break April 1 - 2 - Spring Break May 26 - Last Day of School for Students 27-28 - Non-Student Contact Days
page 20
Back to School
Children’s Dentistry
August 5, 2009
Dentistry for the Growth and Development of Infants, Children & Young Adults
WHY CHOOSE A PEDIATRIC DENTIST? • We Only Care For Infants, Children & Young Adults • We Offer State-of-the-Art Care For Your Child • We Understand the Special Needs of Children • Your Children Deserve the Best Care Possible • Having A Specialist Does NOT Cost More • Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
New Patients Welcome A Kid Friendly Environment
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