The Pulse
Pikes Peak Early College September Edition
A note from Rochelle Kolhouse, Principal
Counselor's Corner
Welcome back Yetis! I hope that you had a wonderful summer and are rejuvenated and ready to embrace the year ahead. Each year we put out newsletters and emails with an abundance of valuable information for students and families. Did you know that the Gates Scholarship is available for students that covers full tuition for receiving students? Likewise, the Boettcher Scholarship and the Daniels Fund also are full ride scholarships. It is our mission this year to insure students and families file FAFSA. Why? It is free money for college for qualifying students and colleges will not issue their institutional scholarships unless it is filled out. Be on the lookout for an email from GoingMerry, a company we have enlisted to help our seniors and year thirteen students navigate FAFSA.
College classes on The Campus are flying by and students are working hard and doing their best. Likewise, college classes started on the PPCC campuses. I encourage students to check their announcements and emails regularly to be sure there are no changes to classes. PPCC has said to be ready to potentially transition to e-learning pending virus outbreaks. Please reach out to me with any questions (dbonavita@d49.org).
Lastly, I will be starting my advising for the Spring semester right after Labor Day. As a reminder, all students must be advised each semester in order to have college classes authorized. Advising will run from September 7th through October 7th. You can sign up for an appointment using this link, or be on the lookout for an email as well..
High School Teacher Pages
Math
Students have jumped right into math classes and are going strong. In building students are using Aleks for their math courses, while virtual students are using either Edgenuity or Aleks. If any parents want their student’s Aleks progress please contact wbeadles@d49.org and he will get their information for weekly progress. Beginning of year Star 360 testing is done and students are working towards progress goals each week. These progress goals are 5% each week as we go through the semester.
Whew, that was a bunch of information! Students in Pre-Calculus have studied transformation of families of functions, and are focusing on mixture problems, along with other story types of problems. Algebra II students have focused also on mixture problems and wrote a ThinkCERCA on how to solve a mixture problem involving a mixture of coffee beans looking to reduce the cost to the owner by mixing expensive and cheaper coffee beans. Students are engaged and it is so nice to be in a classroom learning mathematics again. We are impressed with student’s engagement and enthusiasm all over campus. Honored to teach all these brilliant students from SSAE and PPEC.
Science
English 3
Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year! This semester, blended-learning students are taking ownership of their own learning by choosing topics they are passionate about or ideas that spark their curiosity. Some have chosen to master a technique, some to solve problems, and some even to create or innovate. On our journey, we will gain a plethora of tools to add to our writing, researching, and communicating toolboxes. In the end each English 3 genius will have a project that demonstrates not only English skills but a deeper understanding on a topic they personally enjoy. Student grades for all their in-building work will be displayed in folders built into Edgenuity and will be updated bi-weekly. I’m so excited to see our future leaders show off their talents!
Whether in-building or full virtual, all students can reach me for support on Tuesdays and Thursday! Just email me at kajackson@d49.org, and I’ll send you a Zoom invite. Don’t sit suffering in silence! Another opportunity is on Fridays from 8 – 11:30 when we do not have professional development or a holiday. Students can drop in for 1:1 support with me! Stay as long as you need. Stumped on the Edgenuity assignment or quiz? Not sure of how to begin that next paragraph? I’m here to help!
I think we’re going to have a fantastic semester, and I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone even more.
Spotlight
The Campus has a new receptionist! Mrs. Holly Wilmot joined us a couple of weeks ago and so glad to have her on board with all of us. Please meet Mrs. Wilmot…
Hello everyone! I am beyond excited to be here at PPEC and be a part of this amazing program that offers so much for students. I am new to the area, recently moving from Highlands Ranch with my husband, our two dogs, and our cat. With our new home, came an additional cat and the opportunity to bring my family’s horses to live with us. My background is in the medical field and biological sciences, so I am looking forward to a job where I can have painted nails and coffee at my desk. (It’s the little things!) Please feel free to come to me with any questions, and thank you for your patience as I learn about everything that PPEC and SSAE have to offer.
Yeti of the Month
Alright you Yetis out there! It’s time to use those “Who’s Your Yeti” posters that are around the building, take out your phones, scan the QR code, and nominate your fellow high school students who stand out to you as exhibiting our Yeti traits! We will be announcing our September winner in our next newsletter. Our Yeti of the Month will not only receive school-wide recognition, but also their very own Yeti! Check back next month to find out who our lucky Yeti is!!
Upcoming Events
Family Engagement Council
Our first meeting for the 2020-2021 school year will be Monday September 13th from 5:00 pm-6:30 pm in-person and on our campus. Dinner will be provided. If you are interested in learning more about some of our past FEC happenings or if you are interested in serving on our council, please click on the FEC Additional Information link below. Thank you for your time and dedication to our school!
Picture Day!
Make up Day: Wednesday, November 3rd from 8:00 am - 11:00 am