Good News Bulletin
January 24, 2025
WISH WEEK KICKS OFF AT ELIZABETH HIGH SCHOOL
Let's get Broderick to Disney World!
A reminder that this Friday is Hunter's Legacy Basketball Tournament as part of our 3rd annual Wish Week at EHS. This year, we are fundraising for Make-A-Wish America and Broderick, our Wish Kid.
Broderick is 10 years old and his wish is to get to Disney World. We're going to help him get there!
The basketball tournament on Friday starts at 5:30 p.m. in the EHS gym. Cost is $5 for spectators.
Be sure to mark your calendars for a fun week of celebrating and fundraising for a great cause. For students, please note the following Spirit Days. Let's show our Spirit and support for Broderick!
Friday, January 24th
- Opening Assembly during Homeroom
- Spirit Day: White Out
- Hunter’s Legacy & Brave the Shave
- Player check-in @ 5 PM
- Starts @ 5:30 PM
- $10 to play OR $5 to watch
Saturday, January 25th
- Dinner Night: Chick-Fil-A (4-8 PM unless you mention during the day) and Dutch Bros **MENTION ELIZABETH HIGH SCHOOL**
- ONLINE CODE: ELIZABETH
- Chick fil a (9335 Crown Crest Blvd, Parker)
- Dutch Bros (248 Metzler Dr, Castle Rock)
Sunday, January 26th
- Dinner Night: Panda Express (10 AM - 10 PM)
- Next to Crumbl (11153 S Parker Rd Unite D, Parker)
Monday, January 27th
- Spirit Day: Music Day (your favorite music artist)
- Dinner Night: Jac’s Pizza (all day)
- 344 E Kiowa Ave, Elizabeth
Tuesday, January 28th
- Spirit Day: Duo Day (dress as a duo, EX Mickey and Minnie)
- Dinner Night: Dairy Queen (6-9 PM)
- Cake raffle ($1 per ticket) and shirt sales ($15 per shirt ~ inside DQ)
- 783 Crossroads Cir, Elizabeth
- Wrestling Dual
Wednesday, January 29th
- Spirit Day: Fun Food (dress as a food)
- NO DINNER NIGHT
- Six Pack Basketball
- Fundraiser games at Varsity Halftimes
Thursday, January 30th
- Spirit Day: Game On (Gamer attire, Minecraft, Fortnite)
- Dinner Night: Canes (4-9) **MENTION ELIZABETH HIGH SCHOOL**
- ONLINE CODE: RCFUND96
- 18200 Cottonwood Dr, Parker
Friday, January 31st
- Closing assembly during Homeroom
- Spirit Day: Power Up (Wear Wish Week Shirt or RED OUT)
- Dinner Night: McDonalds (5-9 PM)
- In addition to receiving a percentage of the profits, we will also be selling pies and cookies inside ($2 each)
- 1950 Legacy Cir, Elizabeth
- Six Pack Basketball
- Fundraiser games at Varsity Halftimes
Saturday, February 1st
- Sadie’s Dance
- Attire: Semi-Formal
- When: 7 PM ~ 10 PM
- Where: In the gym
- Cost: $10 at the door ~ bring ID
Please mark your calendar and join us for this fun-filled week of celebrating!
Wish Week officially kicks off with assembly in EHS gym.
Photos courtesy of Olivia Wagner, EHS Communications Intern
HUNTER'S LEGACY
This basketball tournament is being played in honor of one of Elizabeth’s very own, Hunter Neelley.
Hunter was a person that always thought of others first. He loved basketball, and wanted a tournament that would raise money for other families battling cancer.
He wanted to help others just as this great community did for him and our family before he passed.
These fundraising events help families pay medical bills or do something fun together without worrying about where the money will come from.
In 2014, this tournament was organized while Hunter was still alive and was originally called HUNTER’S HOPE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT. He passed away one month before that first tournament was played . . . it was renamed HUNTER’S LEGACY BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT.
Hunter was 14 years old when he passed away, October 12, 2014.
In 2010, Hunter was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. He had a large tumor on this right leg. Hunter battled this cancer over the course of 4 years, enduring countless chemo treatments and 18 surgeries on his leg and lungs….and never once complained. Whenever Hunter was feeling good, he lived life to the fullest! He was an amazing kid who enjoyed camping, basketball, fishing, hunting, baseball and pretty much anything outdoors. He enjoyed school because he was able to hang out with his friends, whom he loved very much.
The family motto has been, “Making Memories”! We continue to live that motto, honoring Hunter’s legacy.
Throughout Hunter’s journey, he touched the lives of everyone that knew him or knew of him.
His glowing smile, his concern and caring for others, and his positive attitude made a positive difference in the lives of others!
Hunter truly lived his legacy!
We know he would be so proud of this community for continuing to give back to those in need!
Thank you so much for supporting Hunter’s Legacy!
NATIONAL SCHOOL BOARD APPRECIATION MONTH SPOTLIGHT: MARY POWELL
"A higher calling"
As we continue to celebrate School Board Member Appreciation Month, we shine the spotlight on ESD Board Secretary Mary Powell.
Mary was appointed to the board in March of 2023 and then ran for a seat in November. She admits that she used to be one of those people who never really paid attention to who was on the board or who was in the running.
But, then she started to see troubling things across the country with school boards and show she viewed they were being run. Mary runs a prayer group in Elbert County and said her group had always been praying for the ESD school board and its members and initiatives.
Eventually, Mary began taking advantage of opportunities to speak during public comment at board meetings, started looking at ESD policies and gave her input. Being retired from working in the legal industry, Mary had a talent for going through documents and looking at ways that policies could be improved.
When a board seat opened up, Mary was asked if she had any interest in it. She decided that it was important enough to jump in for the sake of making a positive difference and says she wanted to ensure that the school district and its children were protected from agenda based items.
She says she was drawn to the role through a higher calling. Thank you Mary for all that you do for Elizabeth School District!
EHS FAMILIES LEARN ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF FINANCIAL STUDENT AID
Learning the numbers.
This month, families of EHS seniors gathered at the school for an informative event about FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Financial aid experts from Arapahoe Community College provided detailed information on how to fill out the FAFSA forms, the importance of meeting deadlines and tips for maximizing financial aid opportunities. Parents and students had the chance to ask questions and receive personalized advice on navigating the financial aid process. The event aimed to ensure that every student had the resources and knowledge needed to apply for college financial aid successfully.
Thank you to Arapahoe Community College for giving some useful tips that our parents are sure to be taking advantage of!
Photo and caption credit: Olivia Wagner, EHS Communications Intern
CONGRATS TO ESD TEACHERS OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER
Celebration!
We're excited to share this announcement from The Means Agency for ESD Teachers of the Month for December. Congratulations to Alana Wolner, Aaron Stone, Krisann Barksdale, Christine Battistoni and Maureen Upthegrove for this recognition.
These individuals truly go above and beyond in the classroom and were given a certificate and a gift card to Ziggi's.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE FIRST COMMUNITY VAPING MEETING
Mark your calendars for upcoming Q&A sessions about vaping in our community and going over the results of the recent survey that went out during the first semester.
Elizabeth Middle School Library - Mon, Jan 27th - 6-7:30 pm
Running Creek Elementary - Feb TBD
Elizabeth High School Cafetorium- Tuesday, March 4th - 6-7:30 pm
Singing Hills Elementary - Thursday, April 3rd - 6-7:30 pm
Maegan Winegar, the ESD Vape Prevention Education Coordinator will be hosting the sessions and is looking forward to seeing everybody!
EHS TRI-M CHAPTER IS STARTING A CLOTHING DRIVE
Attention ESD Community!
The EHS Tri-M Chapter (Music Honor Society), is beginning a clothing donation drive ending with a Dress to Impress event on February 7th. The clothing donation drive started this week and will be picked up on February 5th.
Additional note: The EHS Concert Band is performing for the National School Choice Week at the Denver Capitol Building on January 28th. Be sure to show your support of our band for what will be an awesome presentation and representation of Elizabeth High School!
PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION NIGHT FOR 2025-2026 IS COMING UP
ESD CHILDCARE HAS NEW HOURS
CDE RELEASES LATEST NUMBERS, SHOWING MORE GAINS FOR ELIZABETH SCHOOL DISTRICT
This week, the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) released its latest data on schools and school districts statewide as it relates to the graduation rate, dropout rate, enrollment, SAT and PSAT scores and more.
For Elizabeth School District, the numbers show that the dropout rate is better than the state average along with the overall attendance rate as well. We are seeing high marks compared to the state average with the SAT and PSAT scores and all of ESD schools are accredited.
ESD Superintendent Dan Snowberger reflected on the scores saying that he was impressed with the data.
"We're excited about the continued gains in metrics reflected on our district performance framework," he says. "We applaud our staff who work diligently each and everyday to keep our students at the heart of everything that we do. We are in a continuous improvement cycle. Our goal is to continue to improve each and every year."
The district's overall accreditation rating has increased for the past two years.
To see the full stat sheet for Elizabeth School District, visit the link below.
A HEADS UP TO PARENTS ABOUT CMAS TESTING FOR SPRING 2025
ESD officials are hoping for a good turnout this year for Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS). The CMAS testing happens each year and the data that comes from the testing is vital for the school district to determine the effectiveness of curriculum and instruction.
Last year, certain grade levels across the school district saw a lower turnout than hoped for.
While school officials respect the option that parents have to opt out of their student(s) taking CMAS, we wanted to convey the importance of the data. If there was a good turnout this year for CMAS, it would greatly assist Elizabeth School District with crucial data surrounding curriculum.
CMAS will take place in April and we appreciate your cooperation!
NEW LAW IS IN EFFECT FOR CELL PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING
A Colorado law (C.R.S 42-4-239) recently changed, effective January 1, 2025, which prohibits all cell
phone use while driving.
This law prohibits holding or using a cell phone while driving on public roads. This includes texting,
calling, Snapchatting, or watching TikTok’s, even on speakerphone.
Exemptions: You may use a cell phone ONLY in emergencies (e.g., reporting car crashes or other
imminent safety hazards).
What could this cost? Fines start at $75 for the first offense and can go up to $250 for repeated offenses.
Serious injuries or deaths caused by using a cell phone while driving could result in more severe
consequences (such as arrest).
Will EPD be enforcing this new law? YES, especially in the school zones!!
Remember, keep your hands on the wheel, not the phone! Drive safe!
Sincerely,
Officer Steven Herbel
School Resource Officer, Elizabeth High School
Elizabeth Police Department
MINI CARDINAL CLINIC IS COMING SOON
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!
Upcoming Events
Jan 24th - Hunter's Legacy Basketball Tournament (EHS Gym) 5:00-9:30 p.m.
Jan 27th - Great Kindness Challenge Week
ESD Board Meeting - Working Session 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Vape Prevention Community Meeting - Elizabeth Middle School Library 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Jan 28th - EHS Concert Band performing at Denver Capitol Building 1:00-2:00 p.m.
EHS Boys Wrestling Varsity Tri 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Jan 29th - EHS Boys Basketball JV Game vs. Sand Creek 4:00-5:00 p.m.
EHS Girls Basketball JV Game vs. Sand Creek 4:00-5:00 p.m.
EHS Boys Basketball C Team vs. Sand Creek 5:30-6:30 p.m.
(JANUARY IS NATIONAL SCHOOL BOARD APPRECIATION MONTH. BE SURE TO SAY THANK YOU TO OUR HARD WORKING BOARD MEMBERS!)
**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
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.