Principal's Message
Dear CRES Community,
This is the last week of school and the final Howler of the year--so please be sure to take it all in, there's a lot! It has been a great year and we are finishing strong.
On behalf of all teachers and supporting staff, I want to extend a HUGE thank you for everything you did for us during Teacher Appreciation Week! You really outdid yourselves, and we definitely felt the love--thank you, thank you, thank you!
The 5th-gr. promotion ceremony will be held on Thursday @ 1:30, in the gym. Family is welcome to come and help us celebrate these great kids!
Friday is the last day of school and dismissal is at 11:10am. The bus will depart @ 11:16am. Lunch will NOT be served on Friday.
We all hope you will have a wonderful summer break with your kids! Children do well with routines, and the principal in me can't help but advocate that you set aside some time each day for students to read and do some form of math practice. Even 20 minutes reading and 10 minutes of math practice each day will make a HUGE difference in their readiness to return in August. Perhaps most importantly, please make sure your students are secure in their math facts.
If your child was in second grade this year, they should have their addition and subtraction facts, to 10 essentially automatically. 6+7=13; 9-6=3. If your child was in third or fourth grade this year, they should have those facts, and their multiplication/division facts secure. 6x6=36; 24/4=6. Having these basic facts secure is essential to set your child up for success next year. It is as predictable as the sunrise--the students that struggle the most in math each year are the ones who do not have these basic facts secure. There are many fun and easy ways to practice these facts at home. Flash cards sets, like these, are inexpensive and commonly available, including at WalMart and local Dollar Stores. There are also many free online, game-based, fluency aids. The one I've linked is just one, of dozens I could have chosen, and isn't necessarily better or worse. I suggest finding one, with your student, and setting a goal, an expectation, and a reward/reinforcer for success!
SAVE THE DATE!: The first day of school for kindergarten students will be Monday, August 14th. As we did last year, we will be holding a transition day for students in grades 1-5 on that day, where parents will be invited to bring in their students for a part of the day, to allow us to welcome them back into the school and get a jump start on some important beginning-of-the-year assessments. We won't have time to do every student, but it is really helpful to meet with the ones that we can. You will receive more information about this, back-to-school-night, and much more in the first Coyote Howler of the new school year--typically in late July or early August.
As always, thank you for all of your support for your child and our school. You are an important part of the Coyote Ridge difference!
Deon Davis, Principal
Yearbooks Have Arrived!
Yearbooks have arrived. They will be distributed and students will have a change to have friends and staff members sign them on Wednesday.
If you forgot to order, or want another one, contact Mrs. Brunet in the office at 970-679-9400, or lori.brunet@tsd.org. Cost is $17 each, payable by cash or check.
Construction Zone Ahead!
It's Important to Keep Kids Reading, to Avoid the Summer Slide--The Link Below Has LOTS of Great Information. Check it out!
There are programs available at public libraries, bookstores, and online. All are FREE!
Lost & Found Will Soon be GONE!
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LEGO Robotics Sponsor Needed!
Please contact Mr. Davis if you are interested in coaching a LEGO Robotics team at CRES next year!
970-679-9403
Does Your Student Like to Draw...?
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Talent Show Update
The talent show is set for Tuesday, May 23rd @ 1pm. New this year, each student performing in the talent show is allowed to invite two guests to view the show. It is not an open invitation for all, I'm afraid, we just don't have enough space for that, but we can accommodate two family members for each performer. Please do not bring more than two people per family--we'd hate to have to turn anyone away.
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2023-24 Staffing Update
Update:
As I shared in an email to families of rising first and second graders, we will be hosting a virtual parent meeting to share plans and answer questions on Tuesday, May 23rd from 11:30 - 12p. Please review the FAQ in order to access the details, the form for questions, and the Google Meet link.
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Two sections of kindergarten
Three multi-age classes, combining 1st & 2nd grades
Two sections of third grade
Two sections of fourth grade
Two sections of fifth grade
We are currently putting together an FAQ-type document related to the multi-age classes, so look for that in the near future!
New Transportation Information for 2023-24 Bus Riders
New Transportation Information for 2023-24
Moving into summer and the 2023-24 school year, the Transportation Department will remain focused on safety and routing efficiency. Over the summer months, Transportation will be implementing both new routing software and a GPS-based app that can be used by parents to track their bus/route on their smartphones.
Some highlights of this app:
- Parent/Guardians use the mobile app to view their child's bus location at any time
- Parent/Guardians create zones and customize alerts to stay informed of information about their student's bus/route
More about this to come--Transportation Dept. is currently in the beginning stages--but this should be in place in the fall.
LHS Robotics Camp
The Loveland HS Robotics Team is hosting a summer camp for students currently enrolled in grades 4-8th. This program is a fantastic opportunity for students interested in robotics, with or without experience, and serves as a fundraiser for the LHS robotics team.
There are two camps:
There are flyers attached with dates and details. Can you please share this with your families? If you have any questions, please let me know. Contact michael.pintaric@tsd.org for answers to your questions.
Thank you for your assistance in getting the word out about this exciting opportunity for our students.
UPDATE: Universal Preschool Application Is Open!
Universal Preschool applications opened on January 17th, 2023. Universal Preschool (UPK) Colorado allows families to choose the right setting for their child, whether it is in a licensed community-based, school-based or home-based preschool setting. Families of children in the year before they are eligible for kindergarten, and qualifying 3-year-olds, are able to apply for UPK Colorado for the 2023-24 school year.
Click on the following link for the application: UPK Application
For more information, please visit our Thompson School District Early Childhood website or contact us at tsd.earlychildhood.org or 970-613-5052.
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In the fall of 2020, Colorado voters approved a nicotine tax measure (Proposition EE) that will fund at least 10 hours per week of free universal preschool for 4-year-olds statewide, starting in the fall of 2023. The child must be 4 years old on or before October 1, 2023. This state-funded program will be available to offset potential preschool costs. Please see this website for more information regarding this program: Colorado Universal Preschool Program Details
If you would like to receive updates about this exciting program, please fill out this form: 2023-2024 Preschool Interest Form
Published by Deon Davis, Proud Principal of Coyote Ridge Elementary, an IB World School
Will You Help Us To keep our School Great?
Students enjoy planting and harvesting, and there are many learning and experiential opportunities that come from gardening, but we need help from the community to do the clean-up, prep, and maintenance. If we are not able to get help with this, we will need to do something else, which may include closing down the garden.
We are offering the opportunity for families to "adopt-a-bed!" We will give you the naming rights for the bed and the opportunity (if desired) to work with the class that will be using the bed--there are lots of options and opportunities!
If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please click here! Let's keep the community in the CRES community garden!
9-Square in the Air Update
I received the following update this week from the TSD Facilities Dept.:
Hi Deon,
The plans are still in review with the state plan reviewer.
I had a message from the State yesterday that I needed the local fire department
to sign off on the project. I sent in the project information to PFA yesterday.
I am hopeful to have the permit soon.
I will send an update once I get the permit.
We have purchased the equipment. We are waiting on the state and, apparently, PFA to sign off on the project. I won't pretend to understand the delay or the PFA involvement. Please know that I continue to push on this, and I believe it will be worth it, in the end.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ACTION AWARDS!
Learn more about action and the Coyote Ridge Action Awards by watching this one minute video!
Action is integral to the Primary Years Program (PYP)! Through action, students learn to understand their responsibilities as internationally-minded citizens and to appreciate working with others to achieve a common goal. Action is a response to learning that your student initiates on their own. Action can be big, like toy drives or volunteering. However, most of the time, action is small. Researching more about a topic of interest at home, becoming more aware of healthy habits, or even sharing their learning at the dinner table are all examples of action.
This is where we need help from you at home! Teachers are not at home with students to hear and see all the great things they do that connect with their learning at school and help their family, local, and global community. If you see action at home, please let your teacher know by filling out a Coyote Ridge Action Award.
We have two types of Action Awards. The Learner Profile Action Award is used to recognize students who take action related to the attributes of the Learner Profile. This is a great way to recognize your student for doing something helpful, caring, or thoughtful for someone else. Simply write down what the student did, and circle the Learner Profile attribute the student exemplified (hint: there is no wrong answer!). Examples may include raking leaves for the family or a neighbor without being asked (caring), helping clean up a mess at home that he or she did not make (principled), or trying new food (open-minded).
The Unit of Inquiry Award is a way to recognize your student for doing something directly related to a Unit of Inquiry at school. Your child's teacher will be sending home a copy of the Unit of Inquiry Award at the start of their new unit (approx. every ~6 weeks or so). If you don't have a copy, ask your child’s teacher for a copy of the Unit of Inquiry Action Award for your specific grade level.
To use this award, just write down what the student did to take action, and then circle which unit/central idea inspired the student. If you’re unsure which unit to circle, ask your student! For example, in 4th grade, students study the central idea: Innovations and discoveries impact daily life. If your student comes home and shares information with you about an innovation or invention, recognize him with an action award! She may also use materials around the house to create or invent new things!
New UC Health "Healthy Kids Connection" Newsletter
Keeping the Standards High at IB World Schools
Did you know that IB World Schools are continuously evaluated to ensure that they deliver the highest possible quality education for students? Every 5 years, IB World Schools complete a self study in which the school community reflects on the strengths and opportunities for growth within their IB school. Currently, we are reviewing our IB program to make it even stronger!
In November of 2023, a team of experienced IB educators will visit Coyote Ridge to evaluate our IB program. They will observe in classrooms as well as talk to teachers, students, parents, and district leaders. This team will provide us with feedback on our program that will help us continue to grow over the next 5 years-when we will be evaluated again!
Parents are a vital part of our school community! We need your input on our self study!
Please consider joining us for ONE of two virtual work sessions to provide feedback and ideas.
February 27 from 11:30-12:15 Meet Link
OR
March 8 from 2:15-3:00 Meet Link
If you plan to attend, please review the following policies, and come prepared to give us your input and ideas!
*These policies are still in draft form. You may notice notes, comments and suggestions.*
Learn More About Our IB Program!
UPDATE: If you missed yesterday's SIT/PTO meeting, you missed out--but don't despair! This recording of the meeting includes our presentation about what is different at IB schools, and how it benefits your child. Check it out!
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What does it mean to be an IB World School? Attend Tuesday’s SIT meeting, virtually or in-person to learn the answer to this question and much more! IB Coordinator Jennifer Bozic will provide an overview of the IB program at CRES, including what sets an IB education apart from traditional options. Attendees will learn about inquiry, action, and the IB framework. We look forward to seeing you there!
If you have questions, reach out to IB program coordinator Jennifer Bozic (jennifer.bozic@tsd.org).
Tell Your Friends--Kinder Registration is Now Open!
Follow CRES on Social Media!
Be sure to "Like" and follow us on the official CRES FB page, found here: https://www.facebook.com/CoyoteRidgeIBWorld
Did you know that Coyote Ridge has an Instagram page?
Follow us at ‘coyoteridgetsd’! 
A Friendly Reminder--Please Read
We Asked for Your Feedback--You Delivered, and we Listened!
Thank you for providing feedback regarding the School Improvement Team format and content! Based on your feedback, we have created a schedule of topics for the year. Meetings will be held in person, with a virtual option. The meetings will begin @ 5:00 on the following Tuesdays and will be held in the library. To participate remotely, please use this link: meet.google.com/oxt-bycr-aue
SIT Schedule & Topics:
11/08: Lucille Erwin Middle School (LEMS) Principal Presentation & Information
1/10: School performance data & how we support struggling/excelling students
2/07: IB: What is an IB school? What sets us apart from other schools?
3/07: School Safety: Updates on safety upgrades as well as Standard Response Protocol
4/22: Staffing planning for 2023-24
5/09: 5th gr. Exhibition Presentations
Kiss and Go Lane Safety
We have had 2 close calls this week alone at the stop sign as you exit the kiss and go lane onto Avondale. We know it is hard to see around parked cars and the bushes, but PLEASE stop at the line before inching forward to see if the street is clear. Students riding bikes and scooters go pretty quickly down that sidewalk and your extra caution could prevent an accident.
Red Curb Reminder
What Does it Mean to be an International Baccalaureate (IB) World Student?
All Coyote Ridge students are International Baccalaureate (IB) students! Coyote Ridge is part of a global network of 5,000 IB World Schools. IB programs develop lifelong learners who thrive and make a difference! The Thompson School District offers three IB programs for students in grades K-12:
The Primary Years Program (PYP) at Coyote Ridge for Grades K-5
The Middle Years Program (MYP) at Lucile Erwin Middle School for Grades 6-8
The Middle Years Program (MYP) at Loveland High School for Grades 9 & 10
The Diploma Program (DP) at Loveland High School for Grades 11 & 12
A PYP education is much more than great academics. PYP teachers nurture the whole child to promote a love for learning and an appreciation for the local and wider global community. Through the exploration of the IB Learner Profile, PYP students learn about their capabilities and responsibilities that extend beyond the classroom into the real world. The Learner Profile aims to develop students who are inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open minded, caring, risk takers, balanced and reflective. We explicitly teach these attributes, and hope that you’re hearing this language at home from your student.
Want to learn more about IB? Read each edition of The Howler for more information, and check out this Frequently Asked Questions document about the PYP. You can also contact IB Program Coordinator Jennifer Bozic at jennifer.bozic@tsd.org.
It's Time to Pay Annual Student Fees
The fee amount has not changed--I believe it's ~$32. These are due by the end of September. Thank you for taking care of this.
Family Resources:
A 1-minute tutorial: How to Make a Payment on Parent Portal, also included in the Parent Portal HOW TO guide
VOLUNTEERING
We will be sharing more information about volunteering at CRES soon.
Please note: Even if your only volunteer activity is to attend a spring field trip, you must complete this process. Toward the end of the year, they close this window and we'd hate for you to miss the trip because you hadn't signed up in time.
Parents Sometimes Ask What They Can Do To Help Their Child -- See Below!
Have you ever had concerns that your child lacks patience, seems easily distractable, or has difficulty getting along with others? Perhaps s/he struggles with multi-step directions or tends to have very "black and white thinking?" Would you believe that you can help your child develop and grow these important skills in a way that is actually fun for all involved? Well, believe it!
The traits described above may indicate that your child would benefit from practice in developing her/his executive function skills.
"Executive function and self-regulation skills are like an air traffic control system in the brain—they help us manage information, make decisions, and plan ahead. We need these skills at every stage of life, and while no one is born with them, we are all born with the potential to develop them."
A really great way you can help your child build these important skills is by simply playing board games! It could be a family game night or just the two of you, but board games teach important skills, including: taking turns, perseverance, dealing with setbacks and frustration, fair play, communication, and so much more. Importantly, it is much better with actual games rather than computer-based games.
Talk about a win-win situation -- your child develops skills while all of you have a fun time playing games!
If you would like to learn more about executive functioning and how you can help your child develop these important skills that will have a life-long impact on her/him, see this link to Harvard University's website about it.
School Safety is Our Priority -- Please Read About Important Updates
Please be aware that, beginning immediately, we will be asking all visitors to show ID to the camera before being admitted to the building. While this is not an entirely new practice, the biggest difference is that we will require it for all parents, even those that we recognize, so thank you for understanding the necessity of this practice and bringing your ID with you to the door. We continue to welcome our volunteers and awesome parent community in the building, we just need to do everything we reasonably can to ensure controlled access to our school.
Pedestrian/Driver Safety
Those new to CRES may not realize that one of our students was tragically struck and killed by a distracted driver several years ago. Please do your part by staying off your phone, keeping your eyes up, driving slowly and responsibly in the kiss and go lane and on Avondale -- even after you drop off your own child -- and by not parking in or blocking the crosswalks. Thank you!
A few years back one of our 5th-grade Exhibition groups selected Safety/Distracted Driving as their topic, and they created this video as part of it. It's only three minutes long. It may save a life. Even if you read nothing else in this update, please watch this.
Erica’s Law
We the students of Coyote Ridge Elementary School
hereby proclaim that any person riding anything with
wheels (besides a car, bus, plane, or train)
must wear a helmet and follow the safety guidelines
of the road
AT ALL TIMES!
This rule will be called Erica’s Law,
in memory of a dear friend we lost.
YOU Can Prevent a Tragedy!
If you are parking in the lot and walking your student around, please use the kiss-and-go crosswalk which is near the office.
Please note that the kiss-and-go crosswalk is not monitored. Therefore adults must walk their child across, in either direction. Please do not drop your child off in the parking lot and send them on their own to cross. There are two lanes of traffic in the kiss-and-go lane and it is very difficult to see children crossing.
Also, please instruct your children to use the crosswalks in Avondale and not run across the street elsewhere.
REMINDER: CRES Mobile Phone and Communication Device Procedure
Parents and guardians, thank you for reading this document regarding the CRES Mobile Phone and Communication Device Procedure
TSD Early Childhood Program Information
The TSD Early Childhood program is currently accepting applications for 2022-23. Here is the website for information about the program: https://www.thompsonschools.org/preschool. You are also welcome to call the office at 970-613-5052.
Link to EC flyer.