Good News Bulletin
November 1, 2024
COSTUMES AND FUN: HALLOWEEN 2024 CELEBRATED AT ALL SCHOOLS
This week Halloween was celebrated across Elizabeth School District. The candy gathering really began with the EHS Homecoming Parade and continued through Harvest Festival last weekend on Main Street. But, since Halloween fell during the week this year, there were plenty of festivities and some really creative costumes on display in classrooms and hallways.
Here's a look at just some of those cute costumes at Running Creek and Singing Hills Elementary Schools. Plenty of staff members at both schools also got involved in the Halloween fun.
On Halloween night, the weather stayed nice throughout Elizabeth, allowing for trick-or-treaters to continue their candy haul. Thanks to everyone for dressing up and taking part!
At Singing Hills Elementary the school held its Fall Festival. Over 300 visitors attended the event which included over a dozen games, Barks for Books, a hot chocolate station for Ambassadors, and three food trucks including Chaotic Kitchen, Mother Cluckers and Cheesus. There was a large silent auction table that raised money for the Singing Hills Elementary Social Committee, a photo op area, costume contest and more!
The local fire department was also there at the festival to hand out candy as participants walked in. A big thanks to the social committee and SHE staff for all of the organization of this amazing event!
EHS AUTO BUILDING FUNDRAISER GETS A PUSH THANKS TO CAKE, CARS AND CAREERS
The Cake, Cars and Careers fundraising event at EHS this week proved to be a success!
The event raised an additional $31,445.00 in pledges. That brings the total raised to just over $230,000 of the $300,000 overall goal to get the project completed.
The event was held at the Elizabeth High School Cafetorium. Attendees were treated to free cake and had the chance to check out collector cars in the parking lot. The event included a presentation, hosted by Jace Glick, which included speeches from EHS auto shop program alumni and EHS auto shop instructor Derek Spohn.
Attendees placed bids on custom floor and wall tiles that will go up in the building once it is completed. They also placed bids on custom metal art and welding art created by EHS students.
Keep an eye out for additional material regarding ongoing fundraising efforts. You can donate to the program anytime by scanning the QR code above through MySchoolBucks.
ESD IS SEEKING COMMUNITY FEEDBACK FOR THE FUTURE OF OLD FRONTIER HIGH SCHOOL
Attention ESD community -- we want to hear from you about the future of Frontier Center!
We invite you to join us for an event on Wednesday, November 6th at the old Frontier High School building. All of the public is welcome. No RSVP required. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and a presentation begins at 6:15 p.m.
There will be building tours and a presentation made from the University of Colorado at Denver Technical Assistance Program (TAP) where they will showcase three conceptual designs of what the property could look like in the future based upon initial feedback received from the school district and community partners.
Additionally, the team wants to hear your feedback and ideas. How do you think the future use of this property could best serve the Elizabeth community?
The location is 589 S. Banner Street. We look forward to seeing you there and discussing the potential future of this amazing and historical site.
SPOTLIGHT ON MICHAEL SEEFRIED, PRINCIPAL OF RUNNING CREEK ELEMENTARY
As we continue to celebrate National Principals Month, we turn the spotlight on Michael Seefried, Principal of Running Creek Elementary School.
Michael has an interesting story behind his career path to education. He initially was going to school to become a pastor. He was attending bible college and that's where he met his wife Kimberly Seefried who at the time took a job as elementary teacher at the school.
Through the course of their relationship, Michael began to take an interest in education from learning about it through Kimberly's work and in college, he made that career transition.
Now, both Seefried's work together at Elizabeth School District! Kimberly is the Special Services Director and her office is just down the street from Running Creek Elementary. The two also now live in Elizabeth.
Check out this interview where Michael talks about what it's like to work with his wife, what he loves out his job and some of the exciting traveling adventures that their family has shared over the years including one trip that was a bit of a scare!
Thank you Michael for all that you do for Running Creek Elementary!
SPOTLIGHT ON KIMBERLY RUNYAN, ELIZABETH MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
As we continue to celebrate National Principals Month, we shine the spotlight on Kimberly Runyan, Principal of Elizabeth Middle School.
Kimberly's career in education began when she started work as a librarian in Douglas County. She says she always wanted to be in education. This is her 6th year working for Elizabeth School District and she has been with EMS since November of last year.
Kimberly brings passion and positivity to work each day. When talking with students about improving behavior and academics, she uses a metaphor about leveling up in video games that she says really seems to connect with them.
In this interview, she also shares something about herself that most people don't know about her. How's that for a teaser?!
Thank you Kimberly for all that you do for Elizabeth Middle School!
SPOTLIGHT ON JARED LEWIS, ELIZABETH MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
As we continue to celebrate National Principals Month for October, we turn the spotlight on Jared Lewis, Elizabeth Middle School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director.
Being a former school counselor, Jared brings a unique set of skills to his position and is able to bring a greater sense of understanding and empathy when dealing with student issues. In this interview, Jared talks about how his previous role helps him during difficult situations and also the positivity he brings to the job each day.
Jared admits that with his role, there is a lot to tackle. In addition to going to school himself, he also has to find the time to be an athletic director and assistant principal. That's a lot to take on at once! He says he tries to find grace in it all and also is fortunate to work with such a great team at EMS.
He also describes how he teams up on issues at the middle school with the principal, Kimberly Runyan and how social media and cell phone use present both challenges and benefits at the same time.
Thank you Jared for all that you do for Elizabeth Middle School!
A BUSY DAY FOR THE ESD BOOTH AT HARVEST FESTIVAL ON MAIN STREET
Thank you to everyone who came out this past weekend to the Harvest Festival Boo Bash on Main!
The ESD booth stayed busy throughout the entire day with trick-or-treaters stopping by, showing off their costumes and collecting candy. It was also a chance for parents to get some face to face time with ESD staff and to learn about some of the latest events happening throughout the district.
One of the big events we were sharing with visitors is the upcoming EHS Auto Building Fundraiser, "Cake, Cars and Careers". That event is happening tonight in the EHS Cafetorium starting at 6 p.m. All of the public is welcome to take part in the event, have some cake, learn about the EHS automotive program, check out some collector cars in the parking lot and to take part in a paddle raise event to benefit the EHS Auto Building Fundraising effort.
We had a lot of fun at Harvest Festival and thanks to all of you who stopped by the booth to say hello!
NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW AND ELIZABETH EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Time to get your tickets for the 119th National Western Stock Show going on January 11th - 26th, 2025.
Attached is the flyer for the Elizabeth School District Stock Show Fundraising Program. It contains an active link where anyone can go in, enter the promo code, and purchase tickets at discount rates during the Stock Show.
These purchases also support the Elizabeth Education Foundation as they will receive $2 per every ticket sold through this link.
Check out the stock show while supporting Elizabeth School District at the same time!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE EHS ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM THANKSGIVING
As the year moves along, we are once again getting to the holiday season.
On November 21, 2024, at 5:00 p.m., EHS’s Alternative Education Program will host its 2nd community Thanksgiving Dinner. Frontier High School students started this tradition 29 years ago, and they served hundreds of community members and cooked many turkeys for 23 years until the high school closed. We are excited to pick up that proud tradition with our Alternative Education Program at Elizabeth High School. We are partnering with Smokey Trail BBQ, who has graciously donated their time to smoke hams and turkeys for the event.
In addition, our students play the primary role in preparing and serving this meal as a way to say thank you to the community for their ongoing support. They learn firsthand the value of service and what it takes to host an event of this size. It is truly an honor for us to serve the community in this way.
We cannot do this alone! With the idea of bringing the community together and keeping this tradition alive, we are seeking donations throughout the greater Elizabeth community. We are in need of items for door prizes & drawing baskets, pies, and financial donations to help with purchases. Gift cards to Wal-Mart, Safeway or King Soopers are a great option.
As a part of the event we also conduct drawings for door prizes. If you or your business have items or gift certificates or gift cards that you would like to contribute to this, it would be much appreciated. Our point of contact for your contribution is Lori Horton. We need all donations by November 14, 2024, except pies. (Pies - please bring 11/20 or 11/21, please let Lori know).
Please feel free to contact Lori Horton at lhorton@esdk12.org
SURVEY LINK: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D2XQC6H
WEBSITE LAUNCHES FOR PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
https://scj.mysocialpinpoint.com/GreaterElizabethPROST
From the website:
"The Town of Elizabeth, Elizabeth Parks and Recreation District, and the Elizabeth School District have initiated this planning effort to look ahead and consider the future of the region. This process will set the groundwork for the long-term health, connectivity, and effectiveness of the area and its communities."
They are asking for your feedback too, so be sure to join the conversation!
UPCOMING AVALANCHE GAMES TO BENEFIT ELIZABETH EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Mark your calendars!
The Colorado Avalanche have announced games that will benefit Elizabeth Education Foundation.
The first game has already passed on October 14th, but you still have time to book your tickets for the next one!
That date is set for Saturday, November 9th Avs vs. Hurricanes. This is a great way to support our Avalanche and Elizabeth schools at the same time. The tickets are offered to our families at a discounted rate and at the same time, a portion of the ticket sales go toward the EEF.
Order your tickets today by visiting this link:
https://avalanche.ksetickets.com/ElizabethEducationFounda...
Support our schools and cheer on our Avs together!
Upcoming Events
Nov 2 - EMS Softball A Team Tournament TBD
Nov 3 - Daylight Saving Time Ends (Fall Back)
Nov 4 - EHS Football JV vs. Kent Denver 4:00-6:00 p.m.
EHS Cardinal Club Meeting 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Nov 6 - EMS Boys 8th grade basketball @ Home-Mountain Ridge 4:00 p.m.
EMS 7th grade boys basketball @ Home-Mountain Ridge 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Future Uses of Frontier Center @ Old Frontier High School 5:30 p.m.
Nov 7 - Late start - teacher collaboration - all day
EHS Fall Play 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Nov 8 - EHS Fall Play 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Nov 9 - EHS Fall Play 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Nov 11 - School Psychologist Week
RCE Veteran's Day Assembly 8:15-9:00 a.m.
SHE Veteran's Day - breakfast/assembly 8:15-9:45 a.m.
Nov 15 - EHS Cardinal Club Pickleball Tournament 6:00-9:00 p.m. (this event will be held at the EHS gym. You can help fund the Cardinal Club Scholarship Program. This will have Beginner and Intermediate Divisions. The cost is $30 per person and there is a great prize for winners. Limited to 8 teams per division so register soon! Scroll down on this page for the registration link)
**Reminder to all parents: Be sure to check the websites of your individual schools for more information about upcoming events.
Elizabeth High School: https://www.elizabethschooldistrict.org/EHS
Elizabeth Middle School: https://www.elizabethschooldistrict.org/EMS
Singing Hills Elementary School: https://www.elizabethschooldistrict.org/SHE
Running Creek Elementary School: https://www.elizabethschooldistrict.org/RCE
Link to register for Pickleball Tournament:
Elizabeth Education Foundation corner
The Elizabeth Education Foundation partners with Elizabeth School District in numerous ways throughout the year to support students and teachers. This volunteer-led, independent fundraising foundation provides scholarships for graduating seniors, classroom grants for teachers, and the STARS Awards for outstanding citizenship among students.
Learn more about the EEF at its website.
Better your home, better your school at AFW
American Furniture Warehouse maintains a year-round opportunity to help Elizabeth Schools anytime you buy home furnishings.
When you check out at any AFW location, just mention "Elizabeth Schools" or the Partner ID, EC1SD, and AFW will donate 2% of the purchase to the Elizabeth Education Foundation. Additionally, anything purchased of the Beautyrest, Serta or Simmons brands results in an additional 2%. This includes online orders, too.
See the attached flier for more details.