Howbert Happenings
September 11th, 2022
Principal Post
Volunteer during a Catamount lesson field trip
Students have begun to engage in learning through lessons facilitated by the Catamount Institute. During these lesson field trips, having additional adults to support student learning and engagement improve learning outcomes.
Below is a schedule of the Catamount lesson field tips for this year.
If you are interested in volunteering for one or more of these lesson field trips please contact Amanda Jo in the front office (amandajo.nelson@d11.org - 325-4211).
If you have questions about the volunteering, contact me (tobin.lefere@d11.org)
Howbert Guiding Coalition (SAC)
The Howbert Guiding Coalition (SAC) is a team of staff and parents/guardians that meet monthly to learn about what is happening at Howbert Elementary, ask questions, and provide input.
Our first meeting will be on Tuesday, September 13th from 5:00-6:00 in-person at Howbert or online via Webex (click here to join meeting).
We encourage and welcome your partnership in the Guiding Coalition.
Howbert Guiding Coalition (SAC) Co-Chairs
I am grateful to announce that we have two parents that have volunteered to be co-chairs for Howbert's Guiding Coalition (SAC). I want to thank Dayna Webb and Jessica Lamphere. They will support in setting the agendas for the monthly Guiding Coalition meetings as well as represent Howbert Elementary at the monthly District Accountability Meetings.
Chronic Absenteeism
What is Chronic Absenteeism?
The Colorado Department of Education defines chronic absenteeism as "missing 10 percent or more of a school year approximately 18 days of the year or just 2 days a month. All absences are included, unexcused, excused, suspension."
Why is attendance important?
"Attendance is important at all levels including preschool. Preschool students with good attendance develop good skills and habits to prepare for kindergarten. By third grade, children who missed too much of kindergarten and first grade will fall behind in reading. Chronic absenteeism in middle school is a warning sign that students are in a path to dropping out. In ninth grade, attendance is a better predictor than test scores that a student will leave before completing high school."
Open House Feedback
The staff at Howbert Elementary is always looking for feedback about what we do.
We would really like to hear from you about the open house.
Please click the button below to give us some brief feedback about this year's open house, whether you attended or not.
Howbert Elementary is looking for . . .
- Recess supervisors - contact the front office 328-4200
- 2nd grade educational assistant (4 hours a day) - visit: https://www.d11.org/jobs
Volunteers Needed: Strategic Planning for the Outdoor Learning Pathway
We are assembling a team of staff and parents/guardians to begin this work on Thursday, Sept. 29th and Friday, Sept. 30th.
It would be advantageous to have 2-3 parents/guardians join the team. You would not have to commit to the full two days. There are specific aspects of the work that parent/guardian collaboration would be very helpful.
If you are interested and would like to find out more, please use my button below to email me.
Upcoming: District Benchmark - Star Assessment
Beginning this week, students in grades 2 through 5 will take the new district benchmark for reading and math called the Star assessment.
This assessment will provide valuable information the school and teachers will use to best meet the needs of students.
Below is a short video that provides the basic information about the Star Assessment.
WE NEED YOUR INPUT - HOWBERT MUSIC CONCERT TIMES
Mrs. Dickey, the music teacher, would like your input in planning this year's music concerts (not band/orchestra).
Please complete the form linked below by Friday, Sept. 16th to provide input on what time to the concerts.
KIDPOWER
Kidpower is coming to Howbert Elementary School!
September 22nd & 29th
Since 1994, Kidpower of Colorado has been teaching children and adults who care for them the skills and self-confidence that they need to stay safe and respond constructively to
threatening circumstances. Kidpower provides experiential, developmentally appropriate, evidence-based programs that teach children skills that help them stay safe. Classes will take place on two consecutive Thursday evenings. The dates are September 22 & 29, 2022 from 6-8 pm at Howbert Elementary. Families must commit to attending BOTH sessions.
For information and enrollment click here: https://kidpowercs.org/howbert-elementary-
kidpower-workshop/
Social and Emotional Learning
Suicide Prevention Awareness
Hello All –
This past week was National Suicide Prevention Week. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–14 and the 3rd leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 in the U.S.
National Suicide Prevention Week is an annual campaign to educate and inform the general public about suicide prevention and the warning signs of suicide. It also aims to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and encourage the pursuit of mental health assistance because going to therapy should be as normalized as going to the gym.
I have linked a variety of resources:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Resources
Spreading Kindness and Love with a Rock Garden
Howbert's rock garden will be made of painted rocks with kind messages and words. We will be encouraging students to take one for inspiration and leave one for motivation! The main idea is to increase positive relationships and connections between students and their peers and staff members.
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
School Hours: 7:50am - 2:50pm
Office Hours: 7:30am - 3:30pm