Aspen Parent News
Building a Thriving Learning Community!
August 26, 2019 Principal Notes
In addition to classroom newsletters, we have multiple resources for you to access. The Aspen School website has helpful information and links. Also, our PTO maintains a website and Facebook page. Contact links are at the bottom of this newsletter.
You are welcome to volunteer in the school. Teachers invite parents in as guest readers and topic experts to talk to their class. The PTO has meaningful volunteer opportunities for people with different skills. These include helping from home or assisting on weekends. The PTO uses a convenient online app called Signup. Visit their website for more information.
If you need a translator, we have staff that offers their help.
For our children's safety and traffic flow please stay with your car in the pick-up line. You may always park and walk up to greet your student at the door. Also, please do not flag your child to come to you. This results in a dangerous situation of small children dashing out into the parking lot. Please be courteous to our staff and Safety Patrol students managing the drop-off and pick-up of children. They are watching things from so many angles that you may not be aware of.
Tiger News Bites
Spirit Wear Orders
Packets have gone home. However, orders can also be placed online at spiritandpride.com. Enter our school code # 78936
Pay Class Fees Online
These fees go directly into your child's classroom budget to help the teacher pay for consumables used for engaging lessons.
Attendance
Absences may be excused for the following reasons with proper notification: 1. Illness (including chronic illness documented on a health plan, IEP or 504 plan), 2. Limited family emergencies, 3. Family deaths, 4. Hazardous weather conditions, 5. Medical, health or legal appointments, 6. Religious observance, 7. Deployment of a military parent.
School Schedule
NM Department of Health on Measles
Due to the recent outbreaks of measles in the United States, we are writing you to make you aware of some important issues regarding measles in New Mexico. If a measles infection is confirmed in your child’s school, the New Mexico Department of Health will recommend that all children without proof of measles immunity be excluded from school and school activities.
---------------------------------------
Debido a los recientes brotes de sarampión en los Estados Unidos, le estamos escribiendo para hacerles consientes de algunos tópicos importantes con relación al sarampión en Nuevo México. Si una infección por sarampión es confirmada en la escuela de su niño, el Departamento de Salud de Nuevo México recomendará que todos los niños sin prueba de inmunidad contra el sarampión sean excluidos de la escuela y actividades escolares.
Community Resources
Mental Health Services Website
- The link below is to a County website, which includes links to therapists, basic mental health screening tools, and other helpful resources.
- https://losalamosmentalhealth.org/therapistlist/
Los Alamos County Social Services Website
- Health Commons: A brand new resource is the Health Commons - a community clinic that just opened in collaboration with the Public Health Office, which is located across the street from the high school. This partnership reflects two year's of community and school efforts to find a solution to a lack of services. Click on the flyer below for info on services (which include physical and behavioral health) and hours.
- Los Alamos County will also help people access medical and behavioral health support through the HCAP if they qualify (225% of poverty guidelines).
- On the County page you will also see resource supports for food, utilities, and housing.
Aspen Enrichment Activities and Clubs
Also attached is the Early Birds care application for those whose children need care in order to get to work by 8:00 AM.
We could use a few volunteers such as a sponsor for the K-club service organization as well as another monitor for the Eary Birds. Also, some clubs could use an extra set of hands such as the Makers Club. Please contact Mrs. Altherr or the club sponsor.
PTO News!
PTO hosted a wonderful popcorn Meet'n Greet today. Thank you for coming out!
Playground Equipment Arrived!
We will be doing a community build to install the new playground equipment. Please consider volunteering to assist with the installation or providing a snack for the workers. I remember when my husband and I helped install equipment at Pinon and I am always pleased when I drive by and see it being used! The date is to be determined so watch for news from PTO. It is nice to note that our Exerplay Equipment Rep has generously decided to sponsor Aspen School as a Community Build under their supervision. This saved us 30% of the cost! So we were able to purchase more equipment for the children with our budget! Another celebration at Aspen!
Tiger Trot!
Tiger Trot is PTO's biggest fundraiser of the fall. It is a run/walk activity for the entire school! It happens each year on Homecoming, which is September 20th. We share spirit colors with the high school so we get to dress for both! Volunteering has its benefits. The time of year is gorgeous and your students see that you care about their school! Student success increases when families show their support!School Bond Election
Upcoming Events
August 26
3:30 PTO Meet'n Greet followed by Mtg, Dining Hall
August 27
2 PM Lock Down Dril
4:30-7 PM Band Try It Night, Mountain School (5th/6th)
August 29
4:30-7 PM Band Try It Night, Chamisa School (5th/6th)
August 30
Last day for students to order PTO Tee Shirts
September 2
Labor Day, School Closed
September 4
5 PM Family Literacy Night @ Aspen Cafe
September 6
10:35 Fire Drill #2
September 11
9 AM Evacuation Drill
September 19-22
PTO Pom Pom Sales
September 20
Tiger Trot PTO Fundraiser
Eary dismissal for Homecoming
September 23
PTO Monthly Meeting, Staff Lounge
October 2
5 PM Family Literacy Night @ Aspen Cafe
October 8
Early Voting Begins - School Bond
At Aspen . . .
We educate for life-long learning through academics and the arts with an uncompromising commitment to excellence.
We Value . . .
- Supportive Culture: OUR school teaches, models, and provides opportunities to practice kindness, empathy, and compassion.
- Engaged Learning: OUR teachers use active learning strategies that promote students’ curiosity, critical thinking, and passion to learn.
- Challenges as Opportunities: OUR school fosters a growth mindset by encouraging resourcefulness and resilience in response to challenges.
Michele Altherr
Aspen Absence Line: (505) 663-2276
Aspen Information Line: (505) 663-2277
Email: mi.altherr@laschools.net
Website: http://laschools.net/aspen/
Location: Aspen Elementary School, 33rd Street, Los Alamos, NM, USA
Phone: 505-663-2275
Facebook: facebook.com/AspenElementary/