NRE PRONGHORN PRESS

A Note From Mrs Lehnert

Dear Northridge Families,

We have officially crossed the finish line of our first full week of school! It has been an absolute joy filling our hallways, classrooms, and playgrounds with life again. A special shout-out to our littlest learners—our kindergarteners are now here for the full day, and they are doing a fantastic job adjusting to the big-school routine. Seeing all those smiling faces this week has truly filled my heart.

Here is what you need to know as we wrap up week one and look ahead:

🎡 Join Us Tonight: Back to School Carnival!

The big night is finally here! Please join us tonight for our annual Back to School Carnival. It is the perfect way to celebrate the start of the year and connect with other Northridge families.

• The Main Event: Come ready for games, laughter, and community.

• Don't Miss It: We have several brave teachers signed up for the ever-popular Whipped Cream Toss! You won't want to miss seeing who gets a face full of fluff.

💡 Collaboration Corner: Our First PLC Meeting

This week also marked our first Professional Learning Community (PLC) late start, and it was a massive success! Our teachers arrived energized and ready to do the heavy lifting. We spent 45 minutes collaborating deeply and determining the best next steps for our students' academic growth.

A Note of Gratitude: I know that the late-start schedule poses a childcare and scheduling challenge to many of our families. Thank you so much for your flexibility and support, which allows our educators this vital time to work together for your children.

💙 A Massive Thank You to Our Incredible PTO

Our staff has been absolutely spoiled this week, and we owe a massive thank you to our wonderful PTO. You kicked off our year with a delicious waffle breakfast on the first day back, fueled a busy workday with amazing BBQ potatoes, surprised us with a cute apple-themed gift bag on Thursday, and gifted us our awesome new staff shirts. We feel incredibly supported and loved—thank you for taking such good care of us!

I hope to see many of you at the carnival tonight. Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend, and we will see everyone back on Monday for week two!

Smiles,

Mrs. Lehnert

August 21 - Back to School Carnival

August 26 - SAC Meeting 8:45AM to 10:15AM

August 26 - Watch Dog Dad Meeting 5PM to 6PM

August 26 - ColdStone Teacher Scoop

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8679763161?pwd=LOPEVsQnt4YDoMKqh37ZiBhOXQwoNo.1&omn=81982314397

Meeting ID: 867 976 3161

Passcode: 6ZJet7

The School Accountability Committee (SAC) is a team of parents, teachers, and community members who work closely with the principal to help make the school the best it can be. Think of them as an advisory group that ensures the community has a voice in school decisions.

In an elementary school, the SAC focuses on a few key areas:

• Reviewing School Data: They look at overall student progress, school safety data, and attendance trends to see where the school is thriving and where it needs extra support.

• Shaping the School Plan: They help the principal write and review the annual School Improvement Plan (often called a Unified Improvement Plan or UIP), which sets goals for academic growth and student well-being.

• Budget Recommendations: While they don't manage the money directly, the SAC gives input on how the school budget should be spent to make sure resources are aligned with what the students need most (like funding specific reading programs, technology, or support staff).

• Gathering Community Feedback: They act as a bridge between the school administration and the neighborhood, helping to collect input from families on school culture and safety concerns.

In short, the SAC makes sure the school’s goals, budget, and community needs are all pulling in the same direction! For more information, check out our website.

Calling all Dad's (and father figures).

Please join us as we kick off our beloved WATCH D.O.G. DAD PROGRAM! August 26th! 5-6 p.m.

Come for Pizza and hear about our wonderful volunteer opportunity. Whether you are an old dog or a new (to NRE) one, we hope you will join us! Feel Free to bring your students as well! Please RSVP asap :)

RSVP's will be in Thursday Folders this week as well as here. We want to make sure to buy enough pizza!

Treat your student to a delicious Friday snack! Popcorn Fridays are coming, and you can purchase popcorn pre-orders for the year directly through MySchoolBucks.

Bus # 53

Week of August 17 - August 21

Week of September 14 - August 18

Week of October 19 - August 23

Bus # 56

Week of August 31- September 04

Week of September 28 - October 02

Week of November 02 - November 06

How to Receive Emergency Messages from DCSD

Log into the Infinite Campus Parent Portal and click on the “person” icon in the top right-hand corner of the page. Navigate to “Contact Preferences” and review your contact information. If you see an incorrect phone number or email, please update it in Infinite Campus, or contact the registrar at your child’s school to request an update.

Mental Health Resources

Below is a list of resources, should you have a concern that a loved one (or yourself) may be experiencing behavioral changes, mood swings, depression, or suicidal thoughts over the break.

Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to the child or others

• 988 - Suicide and Crisis Hotline

• Call or text “988” any time, 24/7 for free, confidential support.

• Colorado Crisis Services: 1-844-493-TALK (8255)

• Trained Crisis Counselor Hotline: (844) 493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255

• Chat online (open from 4pm-12am daily): Click Here

• Walk-in Locations (open 24/7): Location List

• Information About Types of Services and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Crisis Services

• DCSD Mental Health Intervention website

• Mobile apps for wellness and recovery

• Let’s Talk Colorado

• iMatter (free virtual counseling sessions)

Douglas County has an anonymous reporting system available at all times. Anyone with a concern for someone’s well-being or safety can use Safe 2 Tell (1-877-542-7233) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.