The Hawk's Nest
October 2021
Sports, Skate City, Guest Performances, and Spirit Week. It's all back!
October Count is Friday, 10/1!
What is October Count?
The State of Colorado uses the October Count process to determine the amount of funding a school will receive based on enrollment numbers.
When is October Count?
The October Count Window is from September 24-October 8, 2021. This is a two week period in which we are required to account for student attendance. The most important day of the window is Friday, October 1, 2021, which is Count Day.
October 1, 2021
On Friday, October 1, 2021, every student must be in their seat by 7:50 am. It is very important that we have all students present for the entirety of the school day, and for this reason we ask that you avoid scheduling appointments, trips, or early pick-ups on this day.
Absences and Tardies
Tardies:
We have now begun to record tardies. Please remember that students are to be in their seats and ready to learn by 7:50 am. The doors open at 7:30 am, so make sure to drop your children off on time, or sign up for FREE before/after care.Absences:
Make sure to notify the front desk of absences. If we don't hear from you, our attendance system will automatically call you to verify the absence.
Core Knowledge/Classical Character Day is Friday, 10/29!
Students will be allowed to come to school in a costume representing a Core Knowledge or Classical character and wear it for the entire day on Friday, 10/29 to celebrate our beautiful, rich curriculum.
The following costume guidelines must be followed:
- Costume represents Core Knowledge or Classical character or topic. If you’re unsure, just ask.
- “Scary” or “gory” costumes are NOT allowed.
- Facial paint is not allowed – but minimal make-up is fine (i.e. whiskers, etc.)
- Costume accessories that resemble weaponry, such as swords, etc. are NOT allowed.
- Those who choose not to come in costume must wear their uniform.
We have created a list of some Core Knowledge/Classical Character ideas that will you will find on the pdf document below.
Parent/Teacher Conferences are Thursday, November 4th
We are excited to welcome parents to the Fall 2021 Parent/Teacher Conferences on November 4th! Sign up links will be emailed to you and available on the website after Fall Break.
Conferences will be held from 8:00 am until 7:00 pm. Virtual options will be available at the family's request. There is no school that day, but we encourage you to bring your children with you to their conference. If your family owes any fees, conference day is a great day to make payments at the front office.
Game Days at VCS
As a reminder, all students must be supervised by an adult at all sporting events. Students may not attend the event as a spectator without an adult. Students will not be allowed to stay at school until the game starts. They should be picked up as usual or if they have a walkers note on file they will be directed to walk home. Thank you in advance for your support as we work to make sure all students are supervised.
Scheduled Meetings
Lost and Found
Run4Funds
School Accountability Committee
October Core Virtue
Perseverance
Perseverance is
- The ability to keep going without giving up
- Sticking with a task
- Showing commitment, pride, and a positive attitude when completing tasks
- Trying again and again and again
- Being patient and willing to work hard
Discounts on Internet Services
The following companies are providing discounts on internet.
CTL lifeline
https://www.centurylink.com/aboutus/community/community-development/lifeline.htmlxfinity essentials
https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/comcast-broadband-opportunity-program
VCS is not affiliated or associated with any of these programs. Families will need to apply directly with the companies.
COVID-19 Vaccines
Vaccines are available for individuals ages 12 and older. APS, in partnership with STRIDE Community Health Clinic and the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) is hosting ongoing FREE vaccination clinics for families. To learn more about the clinics and to sign up, visit aurorak12.org/vaccine.
COVIDCheck Colorado
Individuals who are symptomatic should get tested for COVID-19. Please remember that COVID-19 testing is free and available through COVIDCheck Colorado.
RESOURCES FROM THE SCHOOL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
A note from Ms. Porter, R.N.
This is the school nurse reminding you that if you received a letter regarding a failed vision screening, please follow up with a vision provider. If any family needs vision assistance or help with low cost appointments and glasses, below is a list of providers in the Aurora/Denver area. If you need further assistance, please reach out to me. If your family needs support, we do have vouchers to help with the cost of glasses and eye care at any VSP provider.
Thank you!
Social-Emotional Curricula at VCS
Throughout the school year students in grades KG-8 will be provided implementation of evidence based curricula.
Second Steps K-6 Curriculum- Students will learn invaluable skills that help them through school as well as their community. Second Step program provides age appropriate games, activities, and media engage students and set children on a path to lifelong success.
The program offers social and emotional concepts that provide an extra dimension to education, focusing on improving cooperation, communication, and decision making. In a world where emotional intelligence is critical for lifelong happiness, successful careers, and healthier relationships, social and emotional intelligence gives students a framework for developing these skills.
Children need social-emotional skills to thrive both in the classroom and in life. Social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula teach children techniques to:
● Gain confidence
● Set goals
● Make better decisions
● Collaborate with others in work and play
● Navigate the world more effectively
Why Try Curriculum for grades 5-8, uses visual metaphors to teach important life skills. The curriculum includes: Decisions have consequences, dealing with peer pressure, obeying the laws and rules, plugging in to support systems. Why Try is Evidence Based and Effective for
● Bullying Prevention
● Dropout Prevention
● Changing Behavior
● Improving Academics
● Drug and Alcohol Prevention
● Improving Decision Making
● Truancy Reduction
LifeSkills Curriculum for grades 7&8, addresses multiple risk and protective factors and teaches personal and social skills that build resistance and help youth navigate the challenges of middle high school. Including understanding, reducing and preventing substance use and violence.
LifeSkills is a program that is highly interactive skills based that is designed to promote positive health and personal development. This program helps middle schoolers navigate the challenges of middle high school and prepares them for the independence and responsibilities that they will encounter as young adults.
LifeSkills curriculum is designed to strengthen students abilities in the following areas:
● Personal Self Management- Students develop strategies for making healthy decisions, reducing stress and managing anger.
● General Social Skills- Students strengthen their communication skills and learn how to build healthy relationships.
● Drug Resistance Skills- Students understand the consequences of substance use, risk taking, and the influences of the media.
The Signs of Suicide (SOS) Prevention Program is a suicide prevention program that teaches students about the relationship between suicide and depression, this program is for students in middle school and high school. We encourage all students to seek help from trusted adults if they have concerns about themselves or a friend using the acronyms ACT.
● Acknowledge-that you are seeing signs of depression or suicide in yourself or a friend and that it is serious.
● Care- Let your friend know how much you care about them and that you are concerned that they need help.
● Tell- a trusted adult that you are worried about yourself or a friend.
VCS West Events
October Count
Friday, Oct 1, 2021, 07:45 AM
Vanguard Classical School, Yosemite Street, Denver, CO, USA
Soccer Games
5th/6th Grades at 12:45 pm
Saturday, Oct 2, 2021, 12:00 PM
Soccer City Aurora, East Colfax Avenue, Aurora, CO, USA
Run Day
Monday, Oct 4, 2021, 08:00 AM
Vanguard Classical School, Yosemite Street, Denver, CO, USA
Volleyball at Global Village Northglenn
Tuesday, Oct 5, 2021, 05:00 PM
Global Village Northglenn
6th Grade Field Trip ~ Downtown Aquarium
Wednesday, Oct 6, 2021, 09:00 AM
Downtown Aquarium, Water Street, Denver, CO, USA
Volleyball Game at Home
Wednesday, Oct 6, 2021, 04:30 PM
Vanguard Classical School, Yosemite Street, Denver, CO, USA
Flag Football at Global Village Northglenn
Thursday, Oct 7, 2021, 05:15 PM
Global Village Academy, West 112th Avenue, Northglenn, CO, USA
Soccer Games
5th/6th Grades at 9:45 am
Saturday, Oct 9, 2021, 09:45 AM
Soccer City Aurora, East Colfax Avenue, Aurora, CO, USA
Fall Break ~ No School for Students
Friday, Oct 8, 2021, 07:45 AM
Vanguard Classical School, Yosemite Street, Denver, CO, USA
Fun Run Pledges Due
Monday, Oct 18, 2021, 03:15 PM
Vanguard Classical School, Yosemite Street, Denver, CO, USA
Butterbraids Fundraiser Starts
Tuesday, Oct 19, 2021, 03:00 PM
VCS West
Volunteers Meeting
Thursday, Oct 21, 2021, 03:30 PM
Vanguard Classical School, Yosemite Street, Denver, CO, USA
Soccer Games
5th/6th Grades at 8:15 am
Saturday, Oct 23, 2021, 08:15 AM
Soccer City Aurora, East Colfax Avenue, Aurora, CO, USA
Prize Day
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2021, 08:00 AM
Vanguard Classical School, Yosemite Street, Denver, CO, USA
Core Knowledge Dress Up Day
Friday, Oct 29, 2021, 07:45 AM
Vanguard Classical School, Yosemite Street, Denver, CO, USA
Trunk-or-Treat
Friday, Oct 29, 2021, 05:00 PM
Vanguard Classical School, Yosemite Street, Denver, CO, USA
Soccer Games
5th/6th Grades at 8:45 am
Saturday, Oct 30, 2021, 08:45 AM
Soccer City Aurora, East Colfax Avenue, Aurora, CO, USA
Quick Links
Breakfast/Lunch Menu
Infinite Campus Parent Portal
Contact Ms. Cordero or Ms. Prado for assistance at 303-691-2384.