Vista Ridge Academy's Weekly Newsletter
3100 Ridge View Drive, Erie, CO 80516
Telephone: 303-828-4944 Fax: 303-828-1525

www.vistaridgeacademy.org
e-mail vraoffice@mesanetworks.net

October 18, 2005

Calendar

Hot Lunch

Classroom News

Kindergarten
Mrs. Tusken  

We had so much fun at the Pumpkin Patch last Wednesday!  A big “thank you” to all the parents who came along on the journey!

This week we are finishing up our unit on pumpkins and on Thursday we will start our bat unit.  Just a reminder that tomorrow is the last day to bring in a light colored t-shirt.  We will start making our bat   t-shirts on Thursday.

Our literature connection this week is “Stellaluna” by Janell Cannon.

I have included a new book order form in your child’s folder. Sorry the order form is for September, I have switched companies because of ordering problems. So hopefully everything will be back on track next month.

Grades 1-2
Mrs. Gaines

Our pumpkin farm field trip was a huge success!  Because of the wet cold weather earlier in the week, we pretty much had the place to ourselves.  It was a beautiful day and we were on the move from the moment we got there, until 3:00.  Thanks to all the parents who accompanied us and to Mr. Britt our brave bus driver.

At the end of the month, on Monday the 31st, our class is planning a campfire and cookout at the school.  We’re still working on the menu, but will let you know what is needed.

Thanks for your contributions to the Katrina relief fund.  It was a fun fund raising project and our class, thanks to you, brought in the greatest amount of money.

Grades 3-4
Mrs. Morgan

We have a couple of very exciting events occurring soon.  The first of these is the church service at Chapel Haven this Saturday, October 22.  The 3rd and 4th graders are really looking forward to sharing their gifts with you as they take part in the program.  The choir teacher has asked that the students meet downstairs in the music room at 10:15 to warm up their voices and go over the music one last time.  

Our second exciting event is an all day field trip planned for Tuesday, October 25.  We will be staying at VRA in the morning for some games, crafts, activities and snacks related to our underwater theme.  We will make our snacks in the morning and stay at VRA to eat lunch.  If your child does not get hot lunch on that day you will need to send a lunch for them.  At 12:30 we will take the bus to the Lafayette Rec. Center for swimming and water play.  Your child will need to bring a swimming suit, towel, plastic bag and any toiletries they need for after the swim.  I am suggesting they bring them on Monday to save the disappointment of someone forgetting them in the excitement of the morning rush on the day.  We plan to be back at VRA by 3:30 for dismissal.  Please return your signed permission slips by Friday, October 21. 

We will be starting a class reader soon.  I have chosen the book “Little House in the Big Woods” which I think the students will enjoy.  It is age appropriate and I believe most of the students already own a copy.  If you do not have this book in your library they can be purchased at most bookstores in a paperback edition or you could borrow a copy from the library.  Each student needs a copy of this book by Monday, October 24.  If you are having trouble getting a copy, let me know and I will help you find one. 

I am looking forward to seeing all of you on Saturday at the Chapel Haven SDA church!

Grades 5-6
Mrs. Hodgson

We are down to our last two weeks in the first quarter!  Students are encouraged to continue working hard!  Parents, please remember that November 2 is a half day with Parent/Teacher conferences in the afternoon.  I hope to meet with each of you that day. . . if not in person, then by telephone.

Our class came in second place in the Katrina Fund Coin War!  Great job, kids!  Our November outreach activity is Operation Christmas Child.  We will use our profits from preparing Hot Lunch to prepare shoeboxes filled with goodies for children who wouldn't normally have Christmas.

Are you going away for Thanksgiving?  Please read the notice regarding the change in the length of the break.  We get out for Thanksgiving on Friday, November 18 at noon.  Hopefully this will allow extra time for those traveling out of town.

There will be a Math test this week and an English test next week.

Grades 7-10
Mr. Pauls
Mr. Wuerfel
Ms Schneider

Greetings! Classes have been going well and students are still busily working on their short stories. We have had Pod meetings and have read over every student’s story which has supplied them with important feedback that will enable them to write the best possible story they are capable of writing. The drama team has finished writing the Christmas Story and will begin casting various parts. This is a very special play written and directed by the Vista Ridge Drama Team. Because this is such a large production we are asking for volunteers. If you have had any experience in creating backdrops, designing costumes, and working with lights or sound please contact me at 303-828-4944 Extension 17. Leave a brief message stating what you would like to help with and a number where we can contact you.

There are three important dates to keep in mind. October 24 is the due date for the rough draft for short stories in English 9/10. The final draft is due November 4. Bible class Exegesis papers are due November 11. These three assignments are weighted heavily so please mark them on your calendars.

Grades 7-8 need to bring to school the book Huckleberry Finn for reading class.  We will be using the book for some classroom activities.

Take Home Dinner

Tomorrow is the last day to order your Italian dinner!  Please include your payment with your order no later than Oct.19!

Hug and Drop Zone/Parking

Please make sure you do not leave your vehicle if you pull up to the front of the school.  This is a “No Parking/Fire Lane” Zone.  Please use the parking lot if you need to come in the school.

Lost & Found

There are lots  of coats and jackets in the lost & found.  If your student is missing theirs, please have them check the lost and found.

Volleyball

Our first volleyball game is this Friday in Brush.  We will be leaving the school at 10:30 am.  Due to the long distance, we will transport the students to and from the game this week only.  Please plan to pick up your student at the school between 4:30 – 5:00 pm.

Music Performances

Choir

Band - A Band and 2nd Year B Band Members

All appointments are at the morning 11:00 services except for the Spanish church it is in the afternoon.

Special Band Practice for the
October 29 Performance  

The band will practice Friday evening, October 28 at the Boulder SDA Church at 6:30 p.m. Please call the office if you need directions to the church.

Dress!  Wear black and white.  Dress pants are ok.  No jeans.  Skirts: modest length.  Dress shoes.

Thanksgiving Vacation!

Thanksgiving Vacation will be extended!  School will let out Friday noon, November 18 and will reconvene November 28th!

Snow Days!

Wanted!!

Kindergarten would like a donated refrigerator for their classroom!

Please send any digital photos from Track and Field to:  dlake@ucar.edu.  Watch the Web site for publication of your pictures!  Thanks!

Healthy Lunches and Snacks

Mark Twain once said: “The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd druther not.”
As cooler weather sets in so will the cold and flu season.  On days when Hot Lunch is not served, we encourage parents to send healthy lunches and snacks to school with your children.  Please limit food and drink items that are high in sugar, fat, and caffeine.  Not only will this help maintain good health, but it will also aid in a higher level of concentration and cooperation in the classroom!  Thank you.

Picture Retakes!

Picture retake day is November 4, 2005!

School Store!  

Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 9-3 Fri. 9-12
We have a full selection of vegetarian frozen and canned foods, available individually or by the case.

Home and School News

Home & School Pancake Breakfast!  This Friday, October 21st, at 8:15 a.m., H&S will be serving a free pancake breakfast to all students who are eligible.  All students who have sold 5 family packs or sent out at least 6 fundraiser letters are eligible for the breakfast.  To see if you are eligible, check the list posted in your classroom or on the school office window.  You have until Thursday, October 20th to qualify.  Ask your teacher if you have any questions. 
Fall Festival:  Fall Festival is right around the corner!  It will be held on Sunday, November 13th.  This annual event is a student favorite!  There will be games, contests, and lots of great food.  The famous fun house and jail will be back!

We will need parent volunteers to help at both game and food booths.  Look for more information in future newsletters. 

2 For 1 Family Packs!  Please continue to sell the 2 for 1 Family Packs.  These coupon packs have 2 for 1 coupons at Winter Park and Copper Mountain, as well as for several local golf courses, restaurants, and much, much, more.  These are a great value and make excellent Christmas gifts.  You or your student can get more packs to buy or sell at the school office.

Fund Raising Opportunities

Albertson’s

Shop at Albertson’s and raise money for our school! If you have a Community Partners card, present it with your Preferred Shopper card at the checkout and they will scan both. After that, you will need only the Preferred Shopper card. If you do not have the Community Partners card, pick up the application in the school office or apply online at www.albertsons.com, click on the “In the Community” link to find the Community Partners logo link. The I.D. # for the school is: 4 90001 7741.

Box Tops for Education

Help VRA earn cash and a play parachute.

Bring in all your Box Tops for Education and Campbell's Labels! Vista Ridge Academy participates in two programs that earn free money and supplies for our school.

Box Tops for Education

Cut the "Box Tops for Education" squares off grocery items and put them in the Box Tops bowl in the school office. VRA receives 10 cents for each one. So far, we have earned about $325. Our goal this year is to submit 3,000 Box Tops and earn $300. We'll keep you posted when we have a specific item we want to purchase with that money.

Campbell 's Labels for Education

Cut off the label from all Campbell's products (or save the lid on certain items), and put them in the collection bin in the school office. VRA can use them to "purchase" items for our school. Our goal this year is to purchase a 24-foot colorful play parachute for the younger grades. We'll need at least 2,200 more labels this year.

Watch your grocery receipts for bonuses and Labels for Education promotions listed at the end.

Thank you for your help!