Mammoth Tracks

September 1, NO SCHOOL, Labor Day

September 9, Spirit Wear Day, Community Night Fundraiser, Chipotle, 5-9pm

September 12, STOMPede Fun Run Kick Off

September 17, PTO Community Meeting, MVE Library, 6pm

September 18, STOMPede Fun Run Event (See times of events below in Principal's Message)

September 19, NO SCHOOL

September 20, Veteran and Military Appreciation Event, Legacy Stadium, 2pm

September 23, Spirit Wear Day and Community Night Fundraiser, Dion's Pizza, 5-8pm

September 25, STOMPede Rain Date

September 30, STOMPede Rewards Day

October 8, Picture Retakes

October 8, Spirit Wear Day and Community Night, Panera

October 13-17, NO SCHOOL, Fall Break

October 22, Community Meeting Night, MVE Library 6pm

October 24, Monster Mash

Mountain Vista Families,

It is hard to believe that we are already wrapping up our third week of school! The start of the year has been nothing short of amazing. Our hallways are full of high energy, excitement, and the joy of being back together. Students are diving into learning, building new friendships, and settling into routines, and it has been such a joy to see.

Our dedicated team of educators is committed to creating an environment where your child’s learning experience is enriched and meaningful. As we begin the new year, we are placing a special emphasis on building strong relationships as the foundation for both academic and personal growth. Through Family Connection Meetings, we have been able to learn more about each child and the ways we can best support them in their academic, social, and emotional journey. We firmly believe that this partnership with you establishes a safe, supportive, and caring community that lays the groundwork for successful learning.

We also want to take a moment to welcome our wonderful new staff members who have joined the Mountain Vista team this year. Continue reading below to learn more about them, as well as to find helpful updates and reminders that will support our school in running smoothly and effectively. It truly takes a village and we are so thankful for your partnership!

Looking ahead, we are excited to invite you to our largest fundraiser of the year, the Mountain Vista STOMPede Fun Run! This event helps fund important programs, opportunities, and student support, and it is also one of the most fun days of the year. The STOMPede officially kicks off on Friday, September 12, and our Fun Run event will be held on Thursday, September 18 (with a rain date of 9/25).

In short, families and friends can pledge a dollar amount per lap that their student runs, or they can give a flat donation. We spend the week leading up to the Fun Run collecting donations online, and then on September 18 students will run their laps on the field to celebrate their efforts. Students earn money for our school as they complete their laps, making this both a fun and impactful event for everyone. Your child will receive more information about how the Fun Run works on September 12.

Families are welcome to come cheer on their students during their run time, but please note that anyone joining us must sign in at the front office and get a visitor sticker before heading out to the field. For real time updates throughout the week, you can follow our PTO on Facebook (Mountain Vista Elementary PTO) or Instagram (@mountainvistapto). Classroom teachers will also share progress and celebrations along the way.

Here is the schedule for the Fun Run:

8:15 to 9:00 – 1st and 5th grade
9:10 to 9:55 – Kindergarten and 2nd grade
10:05 to 10:45 – AM PreK
10:55 to 11:40 – 3rd and 4th grade
12:15 to 12:55 – PM PreK

Thank you for your continued partnership and support in making Mountain Vista such a special place. We cannot wait to see our students shine at the STOMPede and throughout this school year!

Dream. Believe. Achieve.

Megan Carkhuff
Principal, Mountain Vista Elementary

I am Deputy O’Keefe, your School Resource Officer. This is my 5th school year with Cherry Creek as an SRO and my 10th year with the Sheriff’s Office. Mountain Vista is one of six schools I support, including Eaglecrest High School.

I enjoy spending time with my wife and two kids and doing just about anything outdoors. You may see me around the school or outside during pickup, helping monitor traffic. If you see me at school, I’m most likely just visiting, no need to worry. Please say hi! I’m always happy to help with anything you or the school may need. My main priority is school safety, and with your help, we can make this year safe and fun for everyone in our community.

One of the most important ways families can partner in keeping Mountain Vista safe is by following traffic and school zone guidelines. Thank you for helping us look out for every student.

Here are a few reminders as we settle into the school year:
• School zone speed limit is 25 mph, please drive slowly and stay alert
• Follow all posted traffic signs
• Always yield to crossing guards and watch carefully for students in crosswalks
• Do not park, stop, or drop off/pick up students on Radcliffe or Tibet, please use the hug and go lane or an approved parking area
• Stay off your phone while driving through the school zone

Together, your cooperation helps ensure that every student arrives and leaves school safely.

Birthdays:

When your child has a birthday, a small treat for the class to share which is easy to eat is welcomed. Please contact your child’s teacher to plan a day/time to bring the treats to school. Treats must be store bought. No frosting. No cutting. Clear liquids only (no red, purple or orange drinks are to be brought to school for parties or activities as these colors don’t come out of the carpet when spilled.) Balloons, flowers, gifts, etc. should be saved for celebrations outside of the school environment. No birthday/party favors allowed. Children may not distribute invitations at school for personal parties. By law and District policy, we are unable to provide parents with names, addresses, or phone numbers without prior permission.

Pet Policy:

For the safety of staff and students, please note that pets are not allowed on campus (service animals only). If you plan to walk with your dog, you will need to have your student meet you off campus, which includes parking lots.

Dress Code:

At Mountain Vista, we want every student to have the best possible environment for learning. Per Cherry Creek School District policy JICAB, costumes or costume features are not allowed on typical school days. The main reason is that costumes can distract students from learning, both for the student wearing them and for those around them. Costumes are most meaningful and fun when they are saved for special occasions like spirit weeks or class reward events, so they remain a special treat. Thank you for helping us keep our school a focused, respectful, and positive place where every student can thrive.

Safety Reminder for Arrival and Dismissal:

To ensure the safety of all our students, parents and guardians are reminded not to stop on Radcliff Parkway or Tibet Street to pick up or drop off students. Stopping in the roadway creates unsafe conditions for your child and for others. Please use the car loop or parking lot to help keep everyone safe.

Thank you for your cooperation!

This year in music, we are focusing on singing, moving, playing instruments, and creating!

Students in 3rd-5th grade will be playing recorders in class. Students are invited to bring their own recorders to and from school (but not required). This way, they can practice and play outside of the music classroom.

Where to get a recorder

• Ask around! See if a cousin, older sibling, neighbor, or friend has one they are no longer using

• Yamaha YRS-24B Soprano Recorder on West Music, Sweetwater, or Amazon

• Harmony recorder West Music

• Local music stores like Guitar Center, Music and Arts, or Music Go Round

Additionally, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students will be participating in a grade-level performance. These performances include speaking roles, singing roles, instruments, and movement. Please mark your calendars now for your students' performance!

The 5th-grade performance is scheduled for January 27th. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the performance will begin at 6:15 p.m. in the gym.

The 4th-grade performance is scheduled for November 18th. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the performance will begin at 6:15 p.m. in the gym.

The 3rd-grade performance is scheduled for March 10th. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the performance will begin at 6:15 p.m. in the gym.

The Winter Choir Concert is scheduled for January 13th. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the performance will begin at 6:15 p.m. in the gym.

The Spring choir concert is scheduled for April 21st. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the performance will begin at 6:15 p.m. in the gym.

New this year! Our choir has been invited to sing the National Anthem at the Rockies game on September 20th at 6:10 pm at Coors Field. This is a HUGE privilege, and I am so excited for our students to have a chance to sing outside of our school!

Please consider supporting our choir students by attending the game. Purchase your tickets through this link to support our fundraiser. (www.rockies.com/CHOIR)"

A few words from your friendly neighborhood school librarian:

Parents, this is a reminder to help your kids become amazing readers by doing the following three things everyday:

1. Read with your kids,

2. Give your kids lots of gentle reminders to read on their own, and

3. Model good reading habits for your kids by reading on your own.

Mr. Berge

School Librarian

Join Cherry Creek Schools on Saturday, September 20, 2025, for an unforgettable afternoon honoring Veterans and Military appreciation.

• Free and open to all
• Activities, music, Military displays, and more
• Lunch for Military Veterans and their families 12-2pm
• Community Festivities start at 2pm
• Football kickoff at 6pm

In case of sickness or absence, please call the 24 hour attendance line at 720-886-2795.

When leaving a messages please include:

• Students first and last name, include the spelling of their last name.
• Teacher's name and grade
• Reason for absence
• Your name
• Contact phone number
• Brief description of symptoms

Please check our Lost and Found rack frequently.

• CCSD participates in Safe2Tell which allows you to anonymously report any threatening behavior that endangers you, your friends, your family or your community.
• Contact at: www.safe2tell.org or 1.877.542.SAFE (7233)