Parent Post – May 19, 2017

Posted May 19, 2017

Update from the Principal

What a weather week it has been!  I don’t know about you, but it feels so good to see the Colorado sunshine again today!  I am looking forward to seeing many of you the next few weeks through our Annual End of Year Activities (Concert on the Green, Field Day, Talent Show, 5th Grade Continuation and many more activities!).

Quick updates:

  • GT Cluster Model Informational Night- You spoke and we listened! At our recent CSC Spring Forum, we heard your concerns regarding our GT programming and differentiation for all students. Please join Jennifer Harris (Principal), Dr. Sara Laughlin (4/5 Literacy) and a representative from our DPS GT Department as we discuss our next steps and gather more feedback from you regarding refining our GT Integrated Model. This will occur this Thursday, May 25, from 4:30-5:30 in the Library. Hope you can join us before you listen to some beautiful music at Concert on the Green!  Looking forward to seeing you!
  • Website Survey:  We are working with an outside company in refining our website.  They are wanting information from various audiences regarding what they like and dislike about our website.  If you are interested, please fill out the survey by clicking Cory Website Survey.   Thanks for your input!
  • Cory Crew Updates!  Please join me in welcoming Don Joyce to our Cory Crew. Don will be joining us as our Mild/Moderate Special Education teacher beginning next year.  He will be stepping into the shoes of Julie Williamson, who will be enjoying retirement.  Also, please join me in wishing Jane Hall a wonderful retirement as well!  She will be taking time to take care of her family and get some well deserved R and R!  Special thank you to our Personnel Committee who worked diligently to find the perfect candidate.  Personnel Committee Members were:  Jennifer Harris, Brendan Doyle, Angela Alexander, Amy Menezes, Rainy LaVenture, Caleb Melamed, Kristi Lindwall and Pam Wandry.

Here’s to a great end of the year!

In celebration,

Jennifer Harris, Proud Principal of the Cory Cougars

CSC Updates

Parent Representative for 2017/18 SY Needed- Are you interested in seeing how the “backstage” of Cory works?  Do you like giving feedback to help make decisions for the future of our school?  If so, then this is the committee for you!  We are looking for a representative to join our CSC for the next two years.  We prefer to have someone that has children in grades 1-3.  If you are interested, please click CSC Nomination Form for the application, which includes more information.

CSC Spring Forum Update- Thanks to all the parents who came to our annual Spring Forum, where small break out groups were formed to discuss our current homework policy, differentiation in the classroom and guidelines regarding healthy snacks and birthday celebrations.  The following are next steps based on feedback from the forum.

  • Homework Policy- A homework survey will go out to the Cory community in order to obtain feedback from all families; Teachers and staff will then meet to determine effectiveness of the current policy and make refinements as needed; changes will be communicated prior to school starting and at back to school night.
  • Differentiation and GT Integrated Model- Teachers and staff will meet to determine how to refine current differentiation in the classroom.; Any significant changes will be communicated to families prior to start of the school year.  NEW!  Be sure to come to our GT Integrated Program Informational Night this Thursday from 4:30-5:30 in the Library!
  • Snack and Birthday Celebration Guidelines- Guidelines will be created by the teachers and staff for healthy snacks brought to school.  Part of the feedback included designing guidelines which may include having food eliminated from birthday celebrations in order to focus on celebrating the child as the teacher deems appropriate for their class.

 

Cory Elementary offers the EduKit program to order school supply kits for the 2017/2018

EduKits are custom made to include the supplies selected and approved by our school.

Order by July 30 for the BEST pricing and FREE shipping. A confirmation will be emailed to you after your order has been placed. Your child’s EduKit will be in the classroom on the first day of school.

This is a fundraiser for Cory Elementary and yet it is still more economical and easier than running around to different stores to purchase all of the various items.

REMINDER: Order kits for the grade your student(s) will be entering in the 2017/2018 school year.

 

PRIVATE PIANO LESSONS

Do you have a piano feeling lonely and gathering dust? Did you know our very own paraprofessional, Lisa Schultz, is also a piano teacher? She has been teaching children and adults for over 25 years, helping students learn the joy and accomplishment of being a musician. She teaches during the summer as well as the school year. Anyone interested can contact her directly at lisaschultz88@gmail.com or 303-758-3037.

 

News from the Library

Check out the fabulous Ecosystem Green Screen movies created by Cory’s 4th graders! They are on the library/technology wiki at: http://corylibrary.wikispaces.com/207+Class+Projects+2013-14. Also, the last day to check-out books in Cory’s library is this Thursday, May 18th. All library books are due back to the library by Friday, May 26th. Thank you in advance for helping your child return their books. If a book is lost or damaged, the fine is $5.00 for a paperback and $10.00 for a hardcover book. All students are expected to have a cleared library account by the end of the school year.

Thanks!
Dawn Miller
Teacher Librarian/Technology Teacher

 

Calling all 1st Grade Cory Families: Help us Stuff the teacher lounge with treats on Tuesday May 23rd!

1st grade Cory Cougars let’s show our teachers how much we love and appreciate them. Please bring your favorite treats to “stuff” the teacher lounge on Tuesday May 23rd. Treats might include: bag of chips, fresh fruit, yogurts, package of candy bars, bag of candy, chocolate bars, cookies, homemade cookies or treats, box of k-cups, nuts, trail mix, healthy frozen dinners, cans of soup, box of microwave popcorn, six pack of regular or diet sodas, waters, sparkling waters, granola bars, dark chocolate, dried fruit, individual seaweed, or any other treat you can dream up.

Kiddos should bring their treat to the table by the couches before school. They may also write a note. Note cards will be available before school.

Come on Cory Cougars let’s show our LOVE!

 

Mark your calendars for Cory’s beloved tradition of “Concert on the Green”

The concert will take place Thursday, May 25th.  This year we are also adding “Art on the Green,” and will feature student art displayed outside.  Be sure to bring the whole family, a picnic dinner, and a blanket to sit on while you enjoy the talents of Cory students tall and small. ALL grades will have performances to share. Please leave family pets at home! TIME: The concert will begin at 6:00pm, but students should report at 5:45pm. LOCATION: The concert will take place on the South part of the Cory playground/field. Families are encouraged to set up picnics in the Cory field facing the south brick wall of the school (but not before 5:15pm, please). See you there!

 

Call for 2017/2018 PTA Officers- It’s fun. It’s rewarding. It’s your chance to make your mark for the school.

The PTA needs you! We still need to fill the very important roles of the PTA Board before school is out for summer. Please consider which position you could take on next year. The PTA is an important group that leads many community building events as well as fundraising, to ensure that our school continues to be the top-rated school that we love. We are still looking for a President, 2 Co-Vice Presidents and a secretary. Below is the list of duties and approximate time commitments for each position. All positions must be filled before the end of school! Please email one of the current board members or complete the PTA Self-Nomination Form available in the front office. We are happy to answer any questions about the positions as well.

PTA Role Descriptions:

President:

  • Responsible for leading and motivating the Cory community to engage with the Cory PTA and their programming
  • Responsible for maintaining programming consistent with the needs of Cory Elementary
  • Responsible for maintaining Cory’s licensure with the Colorado PTA
  • Responsible for creating the monthly meeting agenda
  • Responsible for leading monthly meeting(s)
  • Responsible for submitting the PTA Update in the weekly Parent Post

Time Commitment- 1-2 hours per week.  There is a monthly PTA meeting and a monthly First Friday Coffee.

Vice President:  One for Fundraising and One for Community Events

  • Responsible for finding chairs/co-chairs for each community event, i.e., Fall Carnival, Spooky Story Night, Spring Dance, etc.
  • Responsible for finding chairs/co-chairs for each fundraising event, i.e., Friends of Cory and The Annual Auction
  • Responsible for interfacing with each chair to ensure that they have all that they need, timelines are met, budgets are understood, updates are shared, and events are promoted

Time Commitment-Most of the work for this position takes place at the beginning of the school year. 3-5 hours per week which lightens to about 1 hour per week in November.  There is a monthly PTA meeting and a monthly First Friday Coffee.

Secretary:

  • Responsible for taking “meeting notes” at each PTA meeting and posting those notes on the Cory website and PTA bulletin board.
  • Responsible for bringing coffee to all PTA morning meetings
  • Responsible for ordering and picking up/delivery of pizza for all PTA evening meetings
  • Responsible for arranging child care with Discovery Link for all PTA evening meetings
  • Responsible for sending PTA meeting reminders and managing RSVP’s
  • Responsible for maintaining member and volunteer database

Time Commitment- 1-2 hours per week.  There is a monthly PTA meeting and a monthly First Friday Coffee.

 

Ring Video Doorbell – Fundraising Opportunity for Cory

If you are looking for a video doorbell or security camera system you can access with your phone, Ring is offering a discount for Cory Elementary Families until May 31.  Get a $25 discount on any Ring Video Doorbell, Video Doorbell Pro and/or Stick Up cam you purchase.  Plus, $25 is donated to Cory for every doorbell or cam sold.  Go to Ring.com and choose the device that is best for you. Use the promo code 6285 in the Shipping Information section before entering your shipping info.  Ring will tally up every device sold and write a check back to Cory!

 

Thank you so much for all your donations, volunteering and support

It’s time to CELEBRATE!  The 2016-2017 School year has been incredible!  Look what we have accomplished TOGETHER as a school community!  Thank you so much for all your donations, volunteering and support.  We appreciate all you do for Cory!

Fundraising

Friends of Cory –  Raised $77,268 towards Paraprofessional hours
Annual Auction – Raised $125,812 towards Paraprofessional hours and technology
Book Fair – Raised $4,664 for library books
Box Tops – Raised $543
King Soopers/Safeway Cards – Raised $3,299
Cory Dines Out Nights – Raised $4,000
Edukits – Raised $858
Spring Dance – Raised $347
Spring Dance Raffle –  Raised $165
Cory Garden – Raised $1,551

Activities

Fall Carnival (September)
Spooky Story Night (October)
National Walk/Bike to School (October)
Fall Grounds Clean-Up (November)
Garden Committee (Fall and Spring)
Science Fair (November)
Book Fair (November)
Art Night (March)
Spring Auction (April)
Spring Dance (May)
Cory Dines Out Nights (monthly)
Fine Arts Performances and Field Trips (throughout the school year)
Annual Yearbook (Spring)
Field Day (May)
5th Grade Continuation (May)

Staff Appreciation

Back to School Teacher Luncheon
Stuff the Lounge 5 times and 1 Continental Breakfast
Teacher Appreciation Luncheon and Flowers
$300 for classroom supplies for each classroom and Specials Teachers
$150 for classroom supplies for each intervention teachers and support staff

Teacher and School Grants

Covered Budget Shortfall in the fall of $25,000 to keep all specials and current paraprofessionals
4th Grade Curriculum Kits
RAZ Kids Subscription 

Technology

Purchased remaining Promethean Boards
30 Chromebooks and Charge Cart

Summer 2017

4 Elkay Water Bottle Filler stations and 4 Elkay Chilled/Filtered Water Fountains
New Audio/Video System in the auditorium (funded from the Spring Auction Paddle Raise)

 

Call for 2017/2018 Cory Annual Auction and Friends of Cory Annual Giving Campaign Chairs

Want to make an impact in a very important way for Cory Elementary? Consider volunteering to chair the 2018 Cory Annual Auction or the Friends of Cory Annual Giving Campaign. Turn your thoughts and ideas into action! The Cory PTA needs motivated “doers” who are ready to take on these fundraising roles that are integral to maintaining Cory’s tradition of providing an excellent education for our kids. Take a look at the responsibilities! Most don’t require asking for money or donations but rather rely on skill sets like leadership, marketing, writing, budget management and event planning. Training is provided. We have a very talented and diverse parent population at Cory. We know you are out there!

Friends of Cory Annual Giving Campaign Co-Chair Responsibilities: These positions last for 5 weeks mid-September to mid-October and are responsible for raising a targeted amount via a direct giving campaign that predominantly relies on email and letter writing.

Co-Chair for Appeals- Responsible for overall campaign strategy and activities. Updates Friends of Cory webpage with current material. Updates applicable donation forms. Writes weekly appeal letters for Friday Folders. Facilitates creation of banners to track donations. Works with the front office staff to send messengers and Facebook posts as needed. Works the Friends of Cory booth at the Fall Carnival. Creates, prints and sends thank you letters and donation receipts after the campaign.

Co-Chair for Bookkeeping-Tracks and records cash, check and online donations in database. Collects and deposits cash and checks. Gives progress reports to Appeals Co-chair weekly and as needed. Helps with campaign strategy and execution.

2018 Cory Annual Auction Co-Chair Responsibilities: These positions last from September to May and are responsible for raising a targeted amount via a community event usually held in April.

Co-Chair for Event Logistics-Maintains the event budget to include projections, expense management and actuals. Handles the venue, catering, signage, set-up, entertainment, etc and day-of event execution. Schedules committee meetings and recruits volunteers. Manages: Event Decor Team, Food and Beverage Donation Team.

Co-Chair for Marketing-Handles logo creation and graphics, Parent Post updates, web content on Cory site, banners, Friday Folder flyers, Facebook, emails to target audiences for Family Sponsorships, evites to auction parties and compiles/facilitates the printed Auction Catalog. Manages: Graphic Design Team, Catalog Team, Event Marketing and Ticket Sales Team.

Co-Chair for Acquisitions-Responsible for the online auction platform to include setting up the registration site, entering in (and storing and delivering) all donated items and sponsorships, creating attractive packages for the auction, working with the auction vendor to execute on event day, placing remaining items for purchase post-event and reconciling the event for unpaid purchases, sending Teacher Treasure and Buy A Share participants to the contacts and item pick-up. This chair is also responsible for the Live Auction strategy/remarks/program of the event. Manages: Sponsorships Team, Live Auction Team, Silent Auction Team, Paddle Raise, Teacher Treasures, Buy A Shares, Class Baskets and Class Art Projects.

 

REGISTRATION for the 2017/2018 School Year

It time to start thinking about registration for the 2017/2018 school year. At Cory Elementary, we do our registration online via the Online Verification System (OLV). We do not have a registration day. Please make sure your children’s Parent Portal is up to date. It is a good idea to sign in at least once a month. Please see below for more details.

BENEFIT:
The OLV system offers an alternative to printing, mailing, and manually updating the pre-populated forms for all students! Parents can complete OLV for all of their students in their Infinite Campus primary household in one place, through their Parent Portal account.

WHO COMPLETES OLV:
Parents of currently attending or pre-enrolled students (active in IC)
***Students new to DPS can pre-enroll (with Round 2 Pre-enrollment Form and required documents) through June, then request a Parent Portal account and use OLV
***Students new to DPS who are not pre-enrolled by June will need to complete the New Student Registration paper packet

Please remember that only a member of the family’s primary household in Infinite Campus can complete OLV. For example, if the student’s primary household is with the mother and the student’s secondary household is with the father, only the mother can complete OLV for this student.

OLV WINDOW:
OLV will be open from July 20th until August 22nd at 5 p.m.

OLV is not first come, first served and will not affect the student’s enrollment. It is simply used to verify that all information in Infinite Campus is up to date.

CALL TO ACTION:
If you have not done so already, please create your Parent Portal account by visiting myportal.dpsk12.org and click on “Getting Started”. You will need an email address and one of your student’s ID#s. There are no more wait times for an account; you can NOW create your own account!

If you have questions and need more support with Parent/Student Portal, please email dps_portalteam@dpsk12.org or call 720.423.3163.