The Hawk's Nest
December 1, 2020
Thank you for attending Parent/Teacher conferences!
Giving Tree
If you would like to donate, please drop off physical or printed gift cards at the school between 8:00 am-3:30 pm starting Monday, 12/7-Friday, 12/11. Gift cards will then be distributed to each of the children sponsored by VCS West.
Thank you for your contributions.
We love our families!
How Can I Help My Child Succeed in Remote Learning?
(https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/coronavirus-school-remote-learning.html)
Parents might wonder how involved they should be in their child's remote learning. You're not expected to be the teacher. Your role is to keep your child on track. Here's how:
- Encourage and support your child to give their best effort.
- Don't do the work for them or correct their answers. Have your child reach out to the teacher for help if needed.
- Give feedback to the teacher about what works and what doesn't.
- If your child does synchronous classes, you might need help with the technology. Teach your child how to mute and unmute, raise a hand, and wait for their turn, and what to do if they want to speak.
- Remind them to follow the teacher's rules, which might include always having the camera on, not using different backgrounds, and using their actual name onscreen. Ask the teacher to review rules of the chat feature if it will be open during the class.
Attendance
Attendance in every class every day is essential for your child's academic growth. In the event that your child cannot be in class, make sure to call the front desk at 303-691-2384. You will receive an automated phone call in the evening if your child was absent from any classes throughout the day if you do not call in to notify us of the absence. You may email teachers to get make up work, but call the front desk, as well.
Specials, Enrichment, and ELD classes are required for all K-8 students.
Cameras
Have you moved or changed your phone number?
Front Desk: 303-691-2384
Social Groups
VCS is excited to share that starting next week the mental health team will be providing social groups for students. This is a great way for students to interact with their peers outside of their classroom and get to know other students and have some fun. If you need any support, or have any concerns for your child please feel free to reach out to the mental health worker.
Brenna Sterling, MSW
Google Voice: 720-551-9671
Virtual Clubs
Dance Club
Interested students should email Ms. Heilmann at aheilmann@vanguardclassical.org.
This club meets on Mondays starting November 30th.
Graphic Design Club
For students 3rd - 8th grades
Begins: Thursday, December 3rd at 3:15 pm
Interested students should email Ms. Barrera at lbarrera@vanguardclassical.org
Build Challenge Club
In Build Challenge Club, all you need is your Legos or blocks. We will get together virtually and build amazing things!
Any interested students should email Mrs. McCafferty to sign up at kmccafferty@vanguardclassical.org
Virtual Art Club
Students who are interested in joining should email Ms. James at kjames@vanguardclassical.org.
Soccer Shots
Technology Support
Are you struggling with your school issued device?
Fundraising at Vanguard West
Amazon Smile
Scholastic Book Fair
The December Core Virtue is Charity!
Resources from the School Health Professionals
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has introduced a new Covid-19 level labeled Purple: Extreme Risk effective 11/20/20
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has introduced a new Covid-19 level labeled Purple:Extreme Risk effective 11/20/20
The Colorado COVID-19 dial is a tool that allows Colorado to balance the urgent need to contain the virus with the need for localized guidance during the pandemic.
“We are adding a new level to the dial in response to out-of-control levels of COVID-19 transmission across the state. Coloradans must take proactive steps to reduce the spread of the virus to protect their families and communities. Wear a mask, avoid in-person interactions with people from outside your household, and wash your hands frequently. If we are not careful now, we risk plunging into the deep end of the dial, where hospitals are not able to serve everyone who needs care, whether they are COVID-19 patients or other types of patients. It’s up to all Coloradans to help our essential health care workers save lives.”
-Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, CDPHE.
The new dial levels, effective Nov. 20, are:
1. Level Green - Protect Our Neighbors: for counties that are able to locally contain surges. Most businesses are open with generous capacity limits.
2. Level Blue - Caution: for counties with low transmission levels that aren’t quite ready for Protect Our Neighbors. Capacity limits are more permissive than yellow.
3. Level Yellow - Concern: the baseline level for counties with elevated transmission levels but stable hospitalizations.
4. Level Orange - High Risk: for counties where numbers are going up but not to the point where everything needs to be shut down. The capacity limits are moderate.
5. Level Red - Severe Risk: for counties with high levels of transmission, hospitalizations, and positivity rates. Most indoor activities are prohibited or strictly limited, and outdoor activities are encouraged as an alternative. The capacity limits are significant.
6.Level Purple - Extreme Risk: for counties where hospital capacity is at extreme risk of being overrun. At this level, all businesses must significantly curtail in person functions and people must stay at home except for necessary activities. Hospital capacity risks being breached, which may be indicated by:
Approaching the need for medical crisis standards of care,
Utilizing alternative care sites,
Critical shortages of PPE or staff,
Or hospitals approaching 90% of their reported surge capacity
The Tri-County area including Adams, Douglas, and Arapahoe counties are considered level Red beginning on 11/20/20
COVID Testing
Recently, COVIDCheck Colorado (CCC) announced a partnership with the State of Colorado that allows all Colorado residents to access COVID-19 testing free of charge at any CCC site, including the APS Professional Learning and Conference Center (PLCC) north parking lot location.
With the increases in testing at the PLCC, we ask that all community members show up promptly for their registered appointments to minimize wait times. Additionally, CCC will be updating the testing process at the PLCC for more efficient service, including additional testing lanes, increased testing appointments and longer testing hours.
Community members, and others who would like to access tests at the PLCC should register here by clicking the button below.
Safe2Tell
Infinite Campus Parent Portal
Contact Ms. Cordero or Ms. Prado for assistance at 303-691-2384.