Eagle Crest Family Newsletter

Hello Eagle Crest Families!

Welcome to a brand-new school year! I’m Amanda Holden, your principal here at Eagle Crest. This is my 5th year leading our amazing school and my 22nd year as a public educator- but honestly, the excitement of the first week never gets old!

When I’m not at Eagle Crest, you can usually find me in Longmont with my two kids, Brady, who’s 11 and starting 6th grade at Altona, and Alex, who’s 6 and in 1st grade right here at Eagle Crest. We’re a family that loves taking advantage of everything Colorado has to offer… when we’re not at the soccer field! ⚽ Hiking, biking, skiing- you name it, we’re in.

I’m so grateful for the way you’ve helped get your kids ready for the year. Those first-day smiles, nervous jitters, and big hugs at drop-off remind me why our community is so special.

Our school motto says it best: “We are leaders; we help build a better world.” Here’s to a year filled with curiosity, growth, and moments that make us proud.

Warmly,
Amanda

Amanda Holden

Principal

Eagle Crest Elementary School

holden_amanda@svvsd.org

Hello Eagle Crest Families!

Your Infinite Campus Parent Portal is an important tool to keep your family connected throughout the school year. This platform allows you to manage your student and family contact information, as well as access student report cards each trimester, pay annual fees, and digitally sign annual permissions.

📌 Here are the most important IC Parent Portal Tasks for the Beginning of the School Year:

1. Student Code of Conduct: 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 regarding 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. Here is an electronic version of the Student Code of Conduct and instructions on how to submit your acknowledgement in the IC Parent Portal.

2. iPad Insurance: Our iPads are incredible tools for learning, but accidents do happen. We encourage all families to opt-in to iPad insurance each year to avoid costly fees. Replacement for a lost or damaged iPad can be upwards of $677. IPad Insurance is just $25 and even less for families who qualify for reduced fees. You can even opt-in with $1 cash payment to the Main Office and pay the rest throughout the year. Full $25 fees can be paid in Infinite Campus. Families who qualify for Free & Reduced lunch only need to pay $10 or $15 for insurance coverage.

3. Review Your Contact Information: Your Parent Portal also allows you to adjust your contact information and contact preferences. See this Infinite Campus Guide for Parents to learn more about all the various settings in the system. We suggest that families have their contact preferences checked ✔ ️ for emails and phone numbers for each notification so that you never miss a call or text message from the school.

Here are further instructions for submitting your Student Code of Conduct acknowledgement, and how to pay fees in your IC Parent Portal.

Accessing Your IC Parent Portal:
Visit: https://ic.svvsd.org/campus/portal/parents/stvrain.jsp
Forgot Your Password? No worries! Use the "Forgot My Password" button or contact the friendly faces at our front office for assistance.
Need Help with Your Username? Reach out to us, and we'll gladly assist you in finding it.

Your time and commitment to completing these tasks at the start of the year mean a great deal to us. If you need any guidance or support, please don't hesitate to reach out.

All the best,

Lindsey Cheney

Dean of Students

Eagle Crest Elementary

August 15th - First Day of School, Kindergarten

August 18th - First Day of School, Preschool

September 3rd - Late Start, School starts at 11:05am

September 5th - Silver Creek Homecoming Parade, 2:45pm

September 8th - Volunteer Training, 2:30pm (in-person)

September 9th - Volunteer Training, 9:00am (in-person), 10:00am (virtual)

September, 11th - Volunteer Training, 6:00pm (virtual)

September 12th - Welcome Back to School Picnic, 5:00pm - 7:30pm

100 Mile Club registration is now open! Click HERE to see the details for this year's club. Click HERE to register. If you have any questions you can email Katy Schwirtz at schwirtz_katherine@svvsd.org, or stop by the 100 Mile Club table at Meet the Teacher.

It takes a village, and here at Eagle Crest Elementary we have an amazing one! As part of that village, there are lots of ways you can support your teachers this year. Stay connected to that village by updating (or enrolling in) the Eagle Crest Directory and never miss an important update.

Volunteer In your Teacher’s Classroom:

Many teachers would love a helping hand with Thursday folders, reading groups, math groups, hanging student art, and more! Check out what your teachers need here.

Teacher Appreciation Fund:

Our teachers and staff go above and beyond every day for our students. In return, we LOVE showering them with meals during long conference days, updates and treats in the staff lounge, as well as an epic Teacher Appreciation Week! Donate here!

Join a Committee:

The PTO does a lot throughout the school year, lend a hand and help some amazing people keep these committees thriving. We have roles to fit ALL availability.

• Movie Nights

• Conference Meals

• In-School Volunteering

• Spanish-Speaking Support: are you bilingual in English and Spanish? PTO would love to connect with you and gain your help in bridging language barriers within our organization!

• Restaurant Nights

Eagle Crest Community Connections

One form to rule them all. Use this form to sign up for the student directory, school news, and more. Fill it out once during your student’s lifetime and you’re all set. You can visit this form at any time and update your preferences and information. If you have a moment, could you please update the form with your students' new teacher?

Linda Cardwell,

PTO President

We strongly recommend families opt into our iPad Insurance program to cover accidental damage. The replacement cost for new iPads is $677.95. The insurance fee is $25 for the year, with reduced fees available for qualifying families. Incremental payments are accepted. Learn more about the insurance program here: English / Español.

Without insurance, families are responsible for the full cost of repairs or replacement, which can be a significant financial burden. The insurance program offers peace of mind, ensuring students can continue learning without disruption in the event of accidental damage. Taking advantage of this low-cost option helps protect your investment and supports uninterrupted access to instructional technology.

As we welcome everyone back to school, I want to share some important information about our arrival and dismissal procedures to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all.

• Arrival: Our first bell rings at 8:35 am, with outdoor supervision beginning at 8:20am. Students can safely play on the playground, and staff will blow the whistle at 8:33am for students to line up at their doors. At 8:35am, children can enter the building to access their classrooms. If a child arrives after our late bell at 8:40am, they must check in at the main office.

• Walkers/Bikers: Families are welcome to walk students to their classroom doors between 8:20 and 8:35 am. If you are driving to school and want to walk your student to the classroom, please park on Clover Basin Drive and walk up. Our staff parking lot has limited space, and parking is not permitted in the Hug and Go lanes.

• Drivers: For a quick and efficient drop-off, please use our Hug and Go lane in front of the main office. ECES staff will assist with unloading, so drivers can remain in their vehicles and continue with their day promptly.

• Breakfast: Every student can access a free breakfast at school. If your family would like to access our breakfast program, students should arrive at school at 8:15am at our main office. Students will line up and enter the building with staff. After eating in the cafeteria, they will exit the building and line up for arrival at their classroom doors.

• Dismissal: Our final bell rings at 3:10 pm, and students will be dismissed through their classroom doors. Families are welcome to meet students at those doors. If you are driving for pick up, please park on Clover Basin Drive to avoid congestion in front of the building.

As we continue to update our safety protocols entering the new school year, we are implementing a new procedure for early student check-outs. Beginning immediately, if you need to pick up your student early for any reason, please plan to show a photo ID and sign your student out at the main office. This is a shift from our previous practice, but we believe it is a necessary step that will help us keep all students safe and accounted for throughout the day. Thank you for your partnership in this effort.

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.

• 9/8 - 2:30pm (in-person)

• 9/9 - 9:00am (in-person)

• 9/9 - 10:00am (virtual)

• 9/11 - 6:00pm (virtual)

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.

We love our pets as much as you do! To ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment, please keep our building and playground pet-free, except for service animals. Let's work together to create a safe and happy space for all. We know it's tough to leave your furry friend behind, but let's keep our school grounds pet-free (except for service animals). Thanks for understanding! 🐶🐱🌳🏫

We know many families and children enjoy using our playground after school hours. Please note that this space is shared with our after school childcare program, Eagles Landing.

Starting at 4 p.m. each day, Eagles Landing students and staff will be using the purple and yellow playground, as well as the asphalt play area between and including the picnic table structure. To ensure the safety of all students, this area is reserved exclusively for the Eagles Landing program during this time.

We kindly ask that all other families use the small Pre-K playground in front of the school or the climbing area and swings on the north side of the building between 4-5 p.m.

Thank you for helping us keep all of our kids safe!

Thanks to Proposition FF, all students will continue to receive complimentary breakfast and lunch at school, with the only additional cost being for seconds. Families can contribute by sending cash/check or making a digital payment, and packed lunches from home remain an option.

While lunch charges no longer apply, we kindly urge all families to complete the Free & Reduced Fees Application. This not only benefits your family but also supports our school in terms of funding, staffing, and reduced fees for iPad insurance and activities. 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. You can find more information about our Nutrition Services department, the Free & Reduced Application, or Proposition FF on our district website.

Eagle Crest's specials follow a three-day rotation: RED, YELLOW, PURPLE. Every month, a new calendar is provided, outlining the rotation. This helps your family plan and ensure the right shoes are ready for PE activities.

*Your classroom teachers will let you know which color your child has Art/Music/PE.

Parents and guardians who would like information to assist you with particular parenting conversations or additional support for your child, please contact our school counselor, Angie Kerbel. kerbel_angela@svvsd.org

If you use Gmail in dark mode, you may not be able to read this newsletter very well. There is a setting under the ... at the top of the email that allows you to toggle into light mode. Check out the photo to see the steps.

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

Have questions about anything covered in this newsletter? Reach out via email to holden_amanda@svvsd.org or cheney_lindsey@svvsd.org.

Need support in Spanish?

Contact Natalie Boggess at: boggess_natalie@svvsd.org , 303-702-7872