LTE Community Update
Sept. 24, 2026
Spotlight on Our Pride 🐾
5th graders conducted water quality testing from ponds around the Audubon Nature Center and the South Platte River.
Important Updates
Picture Retakes
Vision and Hearing - October 1st
Douglas County Schools conducts annual vision and hearing screenings for students in state-mandated grades (K, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 9), as well as new and special education students. Parents will be notified by mail or email if their child fails a screening or requires a referral for further evaluation by an eye doctor or the district audiology department. To opt your child out of these screenings, submit a written request to your school or school nurse at least one day in advance.
Click this link for more information: Vision and Hearing Letter
Lockdown Drill
Yesterday, we successfully conducted our routine 15-minute lockdown drill. The drill went smoothly, and our students did an excellent job following all instructions. We will conduct our next practice in the spring. As student safety is our top priority, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Run4Funds
We had an amazing time at Run4Funds last week! Thank you to everyone who helped the event run so smoothly. Thanks to our generous community, we not only reached our goal—we surpassed it! We truly have the best parent community. As a reminder, all donations are due tomorrow, Friday, September 25.
Check out these important links:
- LTE's 9th Annual Run4Funds
- Parent Portal Password: lions26
Schedule of Events
Friday, September 25 - All Donations Due
Friday, October 23 - Prize Day
- Dippin' Dots - If the school reaches the goal of $65,000 raised, students will get Dippin Dots on prize day. They will receive the Rainbow Ice flavor that is dairy free and nut free. However, it is manufactured in a facility that processes milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy. Please let your teacher or the office know if you have concerns about allergies for your student.
Your Child's Presence on October 1st Makes a Difference!
Mark your calendars! Thursday, October 1, is a crucial day for our school. It's the official "Count Day," and your child's attendance directly impacts our school's funding for the entire academic year.
State funding is allocated to schools based on the number of students present on this single day. By ensuring your child is in their classroom on October 1st, you are helping us secure the essential resources needed to provide the best possible education for every student. This funding supports:
Hiring and retaining high-quality teachers
Purchasing updated books and technology
Maintaining important programs and extracurricular activities
Keeping class sizes manageable
Every student counted means more resources for our school community. We understand that illnesses can be unpredictable. If your child must be absent on October 1, please let the school office know as soon as possible, as there is a short window to ensure they are included in the official count.
Let's make every student count! We appreciate your partnership in making our school a thriving learning environment.
Battle of the Books
This week students in grades 3-5 attended an informational meeting about LTE's Battle of the Books Program. It is an amazing program where students have the opportunity to read specific stories then compete as teams to answer questions on the given books. This is a great opportunity for students to read, engage in fun activities and conversations about books, and culminate their experience by competing in game-show-style battles.
If your student is excited to join Battle of the Books, here is how to get started:
- Students form teams of 5-7
- Find an adult who will agree to coach the team - Every team requires a parent or adult coach. If you are able to volunteer, please consider signing up as a coach.
- Commit to reading great books and attending weekly practices
- Participate in LTE's Battle of the Books Event Day on January 20.
- Be ready to participate in the Lone Tree Branch Battle if on a winning team
Monday, October 5 - Deadline for coaches to register their teams, including the names of all team members. Sign your teams up here
If you have any questions, please contact Megan Koonce: Megan.Koonce@dcsdk12.org
🎶 New 3rd–5th Grade Choir! 🎶
Students in grades 3–5 are invited to join our new elementary choir! Rehearsals will be held on Wednesdays from 7:30–8:00 a.m., beginning October 28.
Students will build healthy singing skills, musicianship, teamwork, and performance confidence. They will have opportunities to perform within the school setting, with possible community outreach opportunities.
No previous choir experience is needed—just a love of singing and a willingness to learn! Because choir is a team, students are expected to attend rehearsals consistently.
In order to join the LTE School Choir, please fill out this link by Wednesday, October 21st. Reach out to Mrs. Ready if you have any questions.
From Our Specials Team
Check out our Specials Newsletter to see all the wonderful learning happening in Art, Music, and PE!
From PTO
- PTO September Newsletter - check out the latest newsletter!
- Marquee Rental Request
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After-School Enrichment
HRHS Athletics Elementary Nights
HRHS Athletics Elementary Nights schedule! HRHS has selected one game for each fall sport and would love for students and families to come out, support the Falcons, and see what HRHS athletics are all about!
- Thursday, Oct. 8 - GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL - HRHS V. ROCK CANYON
- Friday, Oct. 9 - FOOTBALL - HRHS V. HORIZON
HRHS Athletics Flyer - Click on this link for more dates and information.
Aspiring Artist Club:
When you get a chance, be sure to take a look at all the new Afternoon Art Clubs Mrs. Hodges is offering this year! Art Club students will have the opportunity to do exciting new projects in our own Lone Tree Elementary Art Studio with Mrs. Hodges.
Sessions offered this year:
Abstract Acrylics
Ceramic Clay
Sensory Art
For more information: Aspiring Artists Club Info.
Additional After-School Enrichment Opportunities
Parent Forum: From Managing to Empowering
Join us for an empowering workshop with Rocky Heights Middle School parent and Certified Family Coach Livi Maldonado!
Date: Tuesday, October 20th
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Rocky Heights Middle School
Speaker: Livi Maldonado (Certified Family Coach, Founder of Family Dynamics)
What You’ll Learn: Get practical tools to help your family reinforce expectations and reduce everyday conflict around:
Tech boundaries
Organization
Building student independence
Learn how to shift from constant managing to coaching your student toward long-term success!
Please reserve your spot ahead of time!
Feeder Schools Information
Highlands Ranch High School is offering Falcon Tours for perspective families. Check out this flyer for more information: 26-27 HRHS Tour Dates
Week of September 28 - October 2
Monday, September 28 Tuesday, September 29 Wednesday, September 30 Thursday, October 1 Friday, October 2 11:15 - 12:30 - Hartman 1:30 - 2:45 - Jaramillo
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