Eagle Crest Family Newsletter
August 29th, 2024
PRINCIPAL'S UPDATE
Hello Eagle Crest Families!
This week, I had the pleasure of attending our PTO-hosted "Coffee with the Principal" ☕, where I met many wonderful families. I also enjoyed visiting classrooms, overseeing activities in the cafeteria and during recess, and joining in several celebrations. Our students have been demonstrating exceptional leadership in responsibility, inclusivity, safety, and empathy, earning them well-deserved RISE tickets.
Another highlight of this week has been that Lindsey Cheney, our Dean of Students, and I have facilitated a schoolwide presentation titled "Our Championship Team" in every classroom. 🏆 The student and teacher response has been excellent. We’ve focused on the role of leadership and set high expectations for behavior and engagement for all members of our championship team here at Eagle Crest. Just like a sports team, or a robotics team, we work together with a specific goal in mind—student success! 🚀 We explained that all stakeholders—school staff, parents, and students themselves—are integral members of this championship team, and that we all have an important role to play in ensuring the success of our team.
As we approach the weekend, I hope you have a fantastic one ahead. 🌞 I look forward to sharing more updates and exciting news with you as the year unfolds.
Warmly,
Amanda
Amanda Holden
Principal
Eagle Crest Elementary School
DEAN OF STUDENTS' UPDATE
Hello Eagle Crest Families!
As we settle into the new school year, it's common to see an uptick in seasonal illnesses and visits to the Health Office. If your child isn't feeling well, it's absolutely acceptable to keep them at home to rest and recover. Here is some important information if you need to keep your child home:
Notification & Communication: To report your child's illness-related absence, contact the front office at 303-485-6073 or email our Attendance Clerk, Dinah Sherwood, at sherwood_dinah@svvsd.org. While it can be helpful to notify your child’s teacher via email, including Dinah in the communication ensures that the information reaches the office promptly and will avoid any unnecessary phone calls home.
Doctor’s Notes & Excused Absences: Absences due to illness are typically considered excused, and we will ensure any missed school work is either excused or covered during class. While a doctor's note is not required for every excused absence due to illness, we always appreciate receiving one for your child's appointments. However, if a student becomes chronically absent (missing 10 or more days in a school year), a note will be required to excuse further absences. Our priority is your family's health, so you can focus on well-being without worrying about missed work.
Safety: In situations when we have not been notified about your child's absence, you can anticipate two phone calls home. Our automated calling system initiates around 9:15 am, followed by a personal attempt to reach you to confirm your child is at home and safe with you.
Your cooperation in maintaining the safety and health of our school community is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your support!
All the best,
Lindsey Cheney
Dean of Students
Eagle Crest Elementary
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES
September 2nd - Labor Day, NO SCHOOL
September 4th - Late Start - 11:05 am Arrival
September 7th - St Vrain Parade Event - Downtown Longmont
September 9th - Virtual Volunteer Training - 6:00pm
September 10th - In Person Volunteer Training - 9:00am
September 10th - Virtual Volunteer Training - 9:45am
September 12th - Virtual Volunteer Training- 2:00pm
September 12th - In Person Volunteer Training - 2:30pm
September 13th - Welcome Back to School Picnic, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
October 1st, 7th, 9th - Family/Teacher Conferences
SCHOOL SPIRIT STORE -- ORDERS DUE SEPT 6TH
We're thrilled to announce our partnership with Skazma for this year's school spiritwear store. From now until September 6th, you can easily shop online and grab some new Eagle Crest gear. Simply hop over to https://skazmacustomapparel.itemorder.com/ Sale Code: ECE24.
PUBLIC EDUCATION ON PARADE
**Celebrate Public Education at the Parade!**
The excitement is building as students across St. Vrain Valley Schools gear up for the upcoming Public Education on Parade event this September. This parade, a testament to the incredible achievements within our district, is organized by a dedicated committee of high school students and educators. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the impact of public education in our community and to strengthen the bond between our schools and families.
We are proud to announce that Eagle Crest will be represented by our very own students who are part of the Mwebaza Annex Club. These students have worked tirelessly throughout the year to foster a meaningful relationship with our sister school in Uganda. This partnership is a shining example of the global connections our students are making.
The parade is scheduled for **Saturday, September 7, at 10:00 a.m.** The route will start at Roosevelt Park, proceed east on Longs Peak to Main Street, head south on Main Street to 4th Avenue, and then east on 4th Avenue to Kimbark Street. It will then turn north on Kimbark to Longs Peak Avenue, finishing back at Roosevelt Park. For the best viewing experience, we encourage families to set up near the parade announcers’ table in front of the Longmont Chamber of Commerce.
We invite all Eagle Crest families to attend this exciting event and cheer on our students as they march. Let’s come together to celebrate the vibrant spirit of public education and the positive impact it has on our community! We look forward to seeing you there.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT *ACTION ITEM*
Thank you for your partnership in supporting the academic growth, safety, and well-being of our students. Every year, St. Vrain Valley Schools prints an up-to-date version of the Code of Conduct for students and families to review. This important document guides students and school staff on what expectations for school conduct and the consequences for behaviors that fall outside of those expectations. It is important that families review this information every year and acknowledge their receipt and understanding of this document.
To this end, please click here to access an electronic version of the Code of Conduct for the current school year. After you have reviewed this information, all families must sign an electronic acknowledgement that they have received, read, and understand the information contained, including the Annual Notification to Parents/Guardians; Behavioral Code of Conduct; Rights and Responsibilities of Students and Parents; and Board of Education Policies book. To sign your electronic acknowledgement, please follow the steps described here. If you would like to acknowledge the Code of Conduct via paper form, please print and return this waiver.
Again, thank you for your continued partnership and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly at holden_amanda@svvsd.org
IPAD INSURANCE *ACTION ITEM*
This week we are wrapping up our iPad Refresh and all K-5 students have a brand new iPad to use at school and home!
As in previous years, K-5 families are strongly encouraged to purchase iPad insurance to cover potential loss or damage. The district offers insurance at $25 per student annually ($15 for Reduced Fee and $10 for Free Fee students). Families without iPad insurance could be charged fees upward of $678 for lost or damaged iPads. To opt into this coverage, please pay at least a portion of the fee by September 15th.
For more details about the insurance coverage, please refer to the links below:
You can pay the insurance fees online through your Infinite Campus Portal account or directly at Eagle Crest. If you have any questions, please contact our school technology leader, Katy Schwirtz, at schwirtz_katherine@svvsd.org or 303-485-6073 ext. 22379.
Thank you for supporting instructional technology at Eagle Crest!
PTO UPDATE
Dear Eagle Crest Families,
I hope you are settling into your fall schedules with ease! We are gearing up for a semester full of community and gratitude, beginning with our staff gratitude fundraiser that starts right now!
Your donation supports:
Conference week meals,
Classroom supplies and treats,
Teacher Appreciation Week surprises, and more
This is the ONLY time all year PTO asks for financial support for teachers and staff. Let’s support our staff as they help our children learn and grow this year! Click here to donate.
Below, you will find important links for ordering pizza and volunteering for the back to school picnic, as well as your ticket to room parent emails and the school directory through our Community Connections form. Don’t miss out on any of these opportunities!
And finally, thank you for voting to increase PTO funding for the Square State Skate Program! Our 3rd-5th graders are so excited for this program.
Sincerely,
Katie Lancaster, PTO President
ACTION NEEDED!
Picnic pizza Order Form - deadline to order is September 6th!
Picnic Volunteer Signup - Will this be your one thing?!
Community Connections Form - You must opt in THIS YEAR to be included!
Helpful Links:
UPCOMING SUPERINTENDENT TOWN HALL MEETINGS
St. Vrain Valley Schools invites parents, teachers, staff, and community members to join Superintendent, Dr. Don Haddad, for one of our upcoming Superintendent Town Hall meetings. These annual open forums in each of our geographic areas provide an opportunity for Dr. Haddad and other district leaders to listen to our community's questions and suggestions, share our many successes, and discuss our bold vision for the future.
Dates and Locations:
Tuesday, 9/3, 5:30-7:00: Frederick High School
Monday, 9/9, 5:30-7:00: Skyline High School
Tuesday, 9/10, 5:30-7:00: Erie High School
Thursday, 9/12, 5:30-7:00: Innovation Center
Monday, 9/30, 5:30-7:00: Mead High School
Los servicios de interpretación al español estarán disponibles en cada evento.
STUDENT FEES
2024-25 School Materials Fees are $10 per child and can be paid by cash or check in the main office with Ms. Sharah Ludlow before school, after school, and throughout the day. Sharah can provide you with a receipt and remove the fee posting from your Infinite Campus Account. You can also send this with your student in a clearly marked envelope. Student iPad insurance fees of $25 can be paid in the same way or online through the IC Parent Portal.
INTRODUCING SOME OUR NEW STAFF!
Each week we are going to be introducing some of our new Eagle Crest staff in our newsletter! We are excited to welcome these wonderful people to Eagle Crest this year! Learn more about them and hopefully you will get the chance to meet them soon!
UPCOMING VOLUNTEER TRAININGS
Family volunteers are part of the rich tradition in our community focused school, and we are eager to welcome everyone in to support student learning at Eagle Crest!
This year, we will be offering volunteer training throughout the month of September. This training will be required for adults who would like to volunteer in our classrooms or chaperone on field trips. While it is only necessary to complete the training once during your child’s time at Eagle Crest, we always welcome previous volunteers who would like a refresh! It will be an opportunity for us to review safety protocols, confidentiality expectations, and some of the routines and procedures in place to help everything run smoothly.
These trainings will be offered at a variety of days and times. We will include Webex Links and more information as we get closer.
- September 9th, Virtual - 6:00pm • Webex Link
September 10th, In Person - 9:00am
September 10th, Virtual - 9:45am • Webex Link
September 12th, Virtual - 2:00pm • Webex Link
September 12th, In Person - 2:30pm
Classroom teachers will begin reaching out with their volunteer needs through their regular newsletters. When we have opportunities to help in the library, Specials classes, or other areas of the school we will share those opportunities in this weekly newsletter.
GIFTED & TALENTED REFERRALS
Each year, schools in St. Vrain Valley School District complete a process to identify students who demonstrate exceptional ability or performance in one or more academic areas and may, therefore, qualify for Gifted/Talented educational services. These students usually perform at least two years above grade level in their strength area(s), and they require additional academic challenges in order to support their continued educational growth and progress. In addition, they usually demonstrate characteristics of unique creativity and high motivation in their strength areas.
Referrals are open now and will close on September 30th. Completing a referral guarantees a review of the student profile to determine if testing is recommended for the student. The process for identification requires a body of evidence and often takes place throughout the entire school year.
The process takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. You can access the online referral process here.
Please contact Lindsey Cheney for more information.
FREE AND REDUCED FEES
While lunch charges no longer apply, we kindly urge all families to complete the Free & Reduced Fees Application. This not only benefits your family with reduced fees for things like iPad Insurance, but also supports our school in terms of funding and staffing. Remember to renew this application annually for access to various benefits.
Apply for free & reduced fees today to take advantage of these opportunities!
If you require assistance or prefer a paper application, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
LUNCH MENU
You can now find the monthly Lunch Menu at LINQCONNECT. This online system allows you to filter for allergens and see the Breakfast Menu. You change between Breakfast and Lunch in the upper left hand corner.
All students can receive complimentary breakfast and lunch at school, with the only additional cost being for seconds. Families can contribute funds to their child’s account by sending cash/check or making a digital payment via RevTrak.
SPECIALS COLOR DAY ROTATION
Eagle Crest's specials follow a three-day rotation: RED, YELLOW, PURPLE. The calendar below helps your family plan and ensure the right shoes are ready for PE activities. Reach out to your child's classroom teacher to find out their classroom's specific color rotation.
FAMILY SUPPORT AVAILABLE
Parents and guardians who would like information to assist you with particular parenting conversations or additional support of your child, please contact our school counselor, Angie Kerbel. kerbel_angela@svvsd.org
ABOUT US
Email: holden_amanda@svvsd.org
Website: eces.svvsd.org
Location: 4444 Clover Basin Drive, Longmont, CO, USA
Phone: 303-485-6073
Facebook: facebook.com/EagleCrestES
Twitter: @EagleCrestES
Instagram: @eaglecrestes
QUESTIONS?
Need support in Spanish?
Contact Natalie Boggess at: boggess_natalie@svvsd.org , 303-702-7872