1/12/24 Raccoon News
What's Happening?
Monday, January 15th Martin Luther King Jr. Day NO SCHOOL!
Tuesday, January 16th ( Rotation 2)
PTA Meeting 2:45 PM
Taekwondo
Lunch Choices: Crispy Chicken Sandwich or Turkey Barbacoa Tacos with Churro
Wednesday, January 17th ( Rotation 3)
PAINT ON THE ROCKS! 6:30 PM (in the gym)
Lunch choices: Turkey and Cheese Sandwich or Twisted Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks
Thursday, January 18th ( Rotation 3)
Taekwondo
Lunch choices: Cheese Calzone or Mashed Potato Bowl
Friday, January 19th ( Rotation3 ) WESTERN WEAR SPIRIT DAY!!!
Coding Club
Lunch choices: Entrée Chef Salad or Teriyaki Chicken with Brown Rice
What are Rotations? Rotations specify Art, Music and PE (AMP) class rotations. Check out the whole year here: Art Music PE Rotation Calendar (How can you tell, A or B? Great for printing)
PTA Sponsored Book Break
3rd Grade
Matt de la Pena, Author of "Last stop on Market Street"
Artist of the Month
Max Nordmann, 4th Grade
with Ms. Waltzman, Art Teacher
Student Council Spreading Cheer
Morrison shop owners loved the holiday notes
Notes from the Office
Red Rocks Reflections: Special School News, by Mr. Isaac
The "middle" of the school year is here, and our staff took time to make adjustments and plan for a strong second semester. We've noted an increase in science content, strong gains across grade levels in literacy and math, and some areas to target as we move into the spring to keep our students on track. A couple of highlights as we move ahead:
- First, a special guest scientist will visit starting January 22 to speak to students about the NASA space program. Special thanks to Mrs. Ahern for the contact. We know our students will enjoy these presentations.
- Second, our annual spelling bee starts with class "bees" in January, and the school bee takes place on January 26. The spelling bee is wildly popular, yet often misunderstood. The science is clear: students loving words, patterns, and how language is constructed makes a strong impact on learning. No, it isn't about memorizing words and shaming kids. It's about the love of language and giving students a chance to excel at something. Reading with kids at home matters, and loving language is often a way to open up a whole world to students. We embrace curiosity, and, a growth mindset. Trying, and failing, is healthy for kids when the adults support kids together positively. If you are new to Red Rocks or have questions about the bee, please reach out to your teacher. We register with area schools and follow national guidelines. For those "word nerds" out there, yes, you can dive in to the lists that highlight the patterns by clicking here. (Note that these words don't always appear during our bee according to bee rules). Learn more about the bee here.
- Our SAC engaged in some budget updates last week. We expect similar enrollment and staffing for next year, and you are welcome to reach out to me directly for questions. Special thanks to our SAC Chair Chris Bauer, who is looking for a replacement after many years of faithful service. Interested in being the SAC chair for 24-25? Please contact the office.
- Finally, February will be here soon! These winter months are great times for students to make strong academic gains. We encourage students to enjoy the winter on campus, and we look forward to our February family/teacher conferences February 5-9.
Students making a difference: Did you know our students have a practice of writing notes of encouragement to members of the community? Our kids have written to Veterans, to community members, and even Morrison shop owners. See the pic below as an example of our students learning the power of writing. Speaking of which, did you know Red Rocks is active with the Jeffco Writing Challenge?
The Garden? In January? Yes! A note from Mrs. Anderson and the kinder team:
RRE is looking for a passionate and knowledgeable volunteer to help tend to our school garden! Responsibilities include planting, harvesting and tending to the plants/garden year-round. Please reach out to Mr. Isaac or myself if you (or someone you know) would like to take on the role of RRE Gardener!
Surveys are here: You talk, we listen! Jeffco conducts surveys for students, families, and staff. Families will get emails from Jeffco starting Tuesday January 16, so please check your spam folder if you don't get it. Mr. Isaac, teachers, and our SAC review feedback actively and we adjust based on your input. We are partners! Your kids will get a student survey in early February, and you can see the questions we ask the students in advance. It is healthy to have kids reflect on their participation at school, and student input is valuable. Learn more about surveys here--you can see links for other languages, and student questions can be viewed here.
Calling all artists! Don't miss the Yearbook Cover Contest! See below. This is a project done at home, not at school. Reach out for questions. This is a great Red Rocks tradition.
Book Fair Part Two! Book Fair will be back in February during conferences, sponsored by our 5th grade families raising funds for our annual trip to Washington DC. Stay tuned for more!
Calendar Highlights:
Jan 15th: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day, No School
Jan 17th: PTA Paint on the Rocks
Jan 19th: Stock Show Spirit Day! Western Wear, and, some special guests!
Jan 22nd: Space week! with guest Lisette Clemons
Jan 26th: All School Spelling Bee
Feb 5-9: Conferences and Book Fair (Sponsored by DC Trip Families)
Feb 9: Yearbook Art Cover Contest Deadline/ Be Super Spirit Day
Readers' Theatre
1st Grade had a fabulous time learning and acting out "The Gingerbread Man" with the Children's Museum Readers Theater, made possible by our PTA Student Enrichment funding.
Notes from the PTA
Red Rocks Elementary PTA's Board consists of its Officers and Committee Chairs. All of our Officer positions (President, VP, Secretary and Treasurer) are up for election (1 Year Terms) and will be voted on at our March General meeting. Committee Chairs will be voted on in May along with the 24-25 Budget.
While some members of our PTA board are returning, we have several board members who are “graduating” with their children or stepping back from their current roles. Please consider joining our Board as we would love to work with you and bring your ideas to our school. In order to continue offering all that our PTA does, these Officer positions and Committees must be filled each and every year. It truly takes a village to run our incredible volunteer PTA.
Help us continue all the incredible work of our PTA by joining our Board. Please see the Google Form for more information on these rewarding opportunities.
Yearbook Cover Contest - Deadline February 9, 2024
Entries can be created using pen, pencil, crayon, watercolor paints, computer-aided design, or using any other one-dimensional medium. (Sorry, no three-dimensional or sculpted works can be accepted.)
Printed on a 8½ x 11 sheet of paper in “vertical” (portrait) format (not horizontal/landscape).
Placed in a plastic sheet protector with the completed Submission Form to the back of the sheet protector.
Optional: You may add the school year 2023-2024 to your artwork if you would like.
Submitted to the RRE office, to the attention of the RRE PTA Yearbook Committee, no later than Friday, February 9, 2024.
Visit the PTA website for more information.
Financial Assistance for Paint on the Rocks
Every year our PTA hosts a variety of events and we want every student at Red Rocks Elementary who desires to be able to participate in these community experiences. Therefore, we would like to extend financial assistance to those families whose child may not otherwise have those opportunities. Our next event is Paint on the Rocks, if assistance is needed please fill out this form. Rest assured this information is not shared with anyone expect our PTA president and the event coordinator.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_IoxbO5sB42L1AVYB628nNMHjQaSlo21Mw8PxTfP31DmbJw/viewform
Paint on the Rocks Help!
We could use a little help with set up and clean up for paint on the rocks. Sign up here
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C48AFAC22AAFA7-47098812-paint
Clubs at Red Rocks
- Taekwondo with CTI for grades K-5 is held Tuesday/Thursday in the gym during the school year. Please call 303.989.7542 or email moosulkwan@coloradotaekwondo.com for more information and to receive the required registration paperwork. Link to flier HERE
- Spanish Language Adventures returns in February with classes for grades 1-5, on Tuesdays beginning February 6. Register HERE.
- Evergreen Art - Starting Wednesdays, in January, in the Art Room.
- Wednesday Class Register HERE - 15 classes, Jan 24 - May 8, 2:35-3:45,
- Coding Club - Space is limited, so act quickly! Beginning Fridays, Jan 12 - Mar 8 (no class on Feb 16) from 2:45 pm - 3:45 pm. in the Library. Check today's folder for a flyer. Click HERE to register or email info@codingwithkids.com for more information.
Print and Post - Calendar
School and PTA Helpful Links
School Contact Info
ATTENDANCE PHONE: 303-982-8060 - Please call if your child will be late or out of school.
Website: https://redrocks.jeffcopublicschools.org
Location: 17199 CO-74, Morrison, CO 80465, USA
Phone: (303) 982-8063
Family Calendar Link
Red Rocks Drop Off/Pick Up VIDEO // Password RRE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedRocksRaccoons
Twitter: @redrocks_es
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redrocks_es/
UPLOAD your photos to our Google Photos Album here to share with other families!
PTA Contact Info
Email: redrockspta@gmail.com
Website: https://redrockspta.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/redrockspta