October Weekly Update

🎉 October Count – Attendance Matters! 🎉
Did you know October Count is one of the most important times of the school year? Having perfect attendance during this time makes a huge difference for our school and for our students.

Here’s why showing up every day is so important:

• 📚 Student Success – When students are present, they don’t miss key lessons and learning opportunities.

• 🤝 Stronger Connections – Being in school helps students build relationships with their teachers and classmates.

• 💡 Better Habits – Consistent attendance creates responsibility and strong work habits for the future.

• 🏫 School Support – Attendance during October Count directly impacts the funding our school receives, which helps us provide programs, resources, and opportunities for all students.

Let’s work together to make every day count—especially in October!

One of the simplest ways to set your child up for success is by protecting their sleep. A regular bedtime helps kids focus better at school, manage emotions, and start the day with more energy. It also makes mornings calmer for the whole family.

When children are well-rested, their brains hold on to what they’ve learned, their bodies grow stronger, and their moods improve. Without enough rest, even small tasks—like getting out the door—can feel like a struggle.

Here’s the tough truth: if technology stays in your child’s room, this won’t work. Phones, TVs, and tablets must be removed for bedtime routines to be effective. It’s not enough to “just turn them off.” Create a family charging spot outside the bedroom and stick with it.

Change can be hard, and kids may push back, but consistency matters. Explain why sleep is important, “It helps you feel better and do better tomorrow” and give them calm options like reading before lights out. A little flexibility on weekends is fine, as long as bedtime stays close to their school-night routine.

The work you put in now will pay off with smoother mornings, better focus in school, and happier, healthier kids. Sleep truly makes all the difference, and protecting it is one of the best gifts you can give your child.

We are proud to be part of the Shaw team! Every day brings something new, and we truly enjoy seeing our students in the halls, hearing their laughter, and celebrating their successes—big and small. Being part of this community allows us to grow alongside our students, support one another as a team, and create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued. Each day at Shaw is an opportunity to learn, connect, and make lasting memories together!

On the final day of October Count, we’ll be giving away TWO big prizes for students with perfect attendance! Don’t miss your chance—every day in October truly counts!

• 📺 A Flat Screen TV

• 🎧 A pair of AirPods

Don’t miss your chance—every day in October truly counts!

Hello Falcon Families,

This is my 14th year as a science teacher at Shaw Heights. I love working with middle school aged students because they have so many strong connections and experiences with science from their everyday lives. They are curious and love doing hands-on work in class. Check out our kids exploring and making observations using our digital microscopes in class last month. Ask your students about the difference between qualitative and quantitative observations!

Outside of school, my family keeps me active and exploring colorado's natural world. My daughter June (8) and son Lew (5) are very adventurous and love to hike, bike, ski, and paddle whenever they get the chance! After a long day at school or in the sunshine, we love to curl up as a family and read together before bed.

Abbey Langerak

Science Teacher

Shaw Heights Middle School

Did you know that taking a simple walk can do wonders for your brain and mood? Walking helps reduce stress, boosts creativity, and gives your mind a break from daily worries. Even a short 10–15 minute stroll outside can help you think more clearly and feel more focused.

So this October, step outside, enjoy the fresh fall air, and let your mind refresh!

Spending just 30 minutes of quality time with your family each day can make a big difference! Whether it’s playing a game, going for a walk, cooking together, or simply talking about your day, these small moments help strengthen bonds, improve communication, and create lasting memories.

Make time for each other this October and watch your family connections grow!

Guess what? Our literacy team has started a fun Shaw Heights Reading Loop to show off all the amazing books students are reading!

The reading loop is displayed in the hallway to show each student’s contribution to a collective reading goal. Each student is represented by a "link" in a chain or loop and as they complete a book or reading assignment, a new link is added to the chain. The links are labeled with book titles and personalized with students' names.

We are so excited to keep reading and watch our loop continue to grow! Every book we finish adds another link to the chain—let’s see how far we can go together!

Parents/Guardians: You can help contribute to this by encouraging your student to read the recommended 20 minutes each night at home.

Let the reading begin, Falcons!

📅 October 28th | 3:30–6:30 PM – Open House

Come meet your student’s teachers and see how your student is doing!

The office will also be open to answer any questions about:

• Student fees

• Lunch applications

• Updates or changes to your contact information

We look forward to seeing you there!

📷Tuesday Oct 14, 2025 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Parent conferences-October 28th from 3:30-6:30pm