BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION
Week of August 15, 2026
School Dismissal Manager is Up and Running!
School Dismissal is up and running. Please be sure to check your email for an invitation to update your account or create a new one for new families.
We ask that all families use this application to notify teachers in regards to dismissal directions at end of day. It's a less disruptive way to get the message to teachers. As always if you need help setting up your account or you did not receive an invitation call the front office at 303-343-3664.
Check In on Parent Portal
Please be sure to do your check in for your students. You can update emergency contacts, phone numbers, home address and give permission for field trips, pictures as well as sign the new technology contract.
If you have problems logging in or in case you have forgotten your Username and/or Password, please, reach out and we will provide you with the correct information and help you with resetting your password. CLICK HERE for the link and also to read and discover why it is important and beneficial to have access to ICPP.
Do you still have questions? Don't hesitate to call Mrs. Alexis Garcia, Family Liaison for help with this. The best way to respond to reach out to her is replying to this email agarcia8@aurorak12.org
Community Eligibility Form
We have about 350 families who have not filled out the Community Eligibility Form. 😭
The form only takes about 5–10 minutes to complete, and it makes a big difference for both your family and Aurora Quest.
How to Complete the Form
- Log in to your account at PaySchools Central.
- After logging in, a pop-up should appear asking if you would like to complete the Community Eligibility Form.
- If you do not see the pop-up:
- Click the three horizontal lines (☰) in the menu.
- Scroll down and select School District.
- Click Community Eligibility Form and complete the application.
Why Is This Form Important?
Completing the Community Eligibility Form helps:
- Determine whether your family qualifies for income-based discounts and services.
- Provide Aurora Quest with important funding based on the number of eligible families who complete the form. These funds help support programs, resources, and opportunities that benefit all of our students.
Even if you are unsure whether your family qualifies, we encourage every family to complete the form. Every completed form helps!
If you have any questions or need assistance completing the application, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm happy to help! Go to payschoolscentral.com
Thank you for taking a few minutes to support both your child and our Quest community. We truly appreciate your partnership.
Alexis Garcia, Family Liaison 303-343-3664 ext. 23725
As the school nurse, my role is to support your child's health and safety while they are at school. I can assess symptoms, provide first aid and nursing care, administer medications as authorized, and help determine when a child may need to go home or receive further medical attention.
Please remember that the school nurse does not diagnose illnesses or medical conditions. If your child is experiencing ongoing or concerning symptoms, I may recommend that you contact your child's pediatrician or other healthcare provider for evaluation and diagnosis.
My goal is always to partner with families and support your child's health, well-being, and ability to learn and thrive at school. Thank you for helping me keep our school community healthy and safe! If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.
A 504 Plan ensures your child receives the necessary classroom accommodations to access their learning environment equally and thrive at school. This legal document provides tailored classroom accommodations without altering what your child is expected to learn. It bridges the gap between medical or mental health needs and classroom success, giving you a powerful voice in your child's education. Use this linked guide to understand your child's rights, eligibility rules, and how to partner with teachers for a successful school year.
Meet our New Aurora Mental Health Therapist!
My name is Molly Kelleher, and I am a School-Based Therapist with Aurora Mental Health & Recovery. I have worked within a variety of educational settings and school systems across the country, and I am excited to be entering my third year serving students within Aurora Public Schools. This year, I am thrilled to be joining the Aurora Quest community.
My role is to support students in building confidence, strengthening social-emotional skills, improving emotional regulation and coping strategies, and processing difficult or traumatic experiences. I offer a range of services, including individual, group, play, and family therapy, as well as psychoeducation, consultation, and case management support.
If you notice behavioral or mood changes in your child, symptoms of anxiety or depression, challenges related to difficult life experiences, or concerns such as:
- Increased absences from school due to anxiety or other mental health reasons
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors
- Intense emotions or difficulty managing feelings
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Limited coping skills
- Other mental health concerns affecting daily functioning
I am so excited for the new school year and look forward to partnering with the incredible students, families, and staff at Aurora Quest. Together, we can help students thrive both emotionally and academically.
Warmly,
Molly Kelleher, LMSW
School-Based Therapist
Aurora Mental Health & Recovery
Meet our GT Facilitator
Hello Quest Families,
My name is Kim Opferman, and I am the Gifted and Talented Facilitator this year. Last year, I was fortunate to work alongside Ms. Barker and wish her all the best in her new role as one of our amazing social studies teachers. I have been working in APS for 10 years and have been an educator for more than 20 years. Our new to Quest gifted students are setting academic and social emotional goals, and our returning students will soon review the goals they set at the end of last year. All of our 4th-8th grade students have a reading, math, and social emotional goal. These goals will be organized in their e-portfolio. Once Advanced Learning Plans are written, they will be shared with you. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns throughout the school year. kjopferman@aurorak12.org Thank you!
Kim Opferman Gifted and Talented Facilitator Aurora Quest K-8 Advanced Academics and Gifted Services Aurora Public Schools
How to play with Pumpkin
- Please ask before petting Pumpkin. She might feel overwhelmed or confused if many people try to pet her at once.
- Pumpkin likes to be pet on her back, shoulders and on her belly. Her paws and tail are sensitive, so she does not prefer to be pet there.
- Pumpkin loves snacks and treats but she has a sensitive stomach, so please do not give her any food! If you want to bring something for Pumpkin, ask Ms. Brynn first!
- You can help Ms. Brynn with Pumpkin's training! If she hops or jumps, wait until all four feet are on the ground before petteing her.
We're excited for another great year of athletics! Sports and clubs are a fantastic way to meet new friends, build lifelong skills, and have fun.
A few quick announcements:
- Track begins Monday, August 10! There's still time to sign up, and we'd love to have you join us. Coaches will send out team communication once rosters are finalized.
- We're working hard to get schedules posted on the Aurora Quest Athletics website. In the meantime, the district athletics page has updated schedules for some sports, along with step-by-step instructions for registering your child through Infinite Campus.
- Per district policy, families pay for a maximum of 2 sports per student or 3 sports per family. You may pay online for each sport individually or choose "Pay in Person." Once your family reaches the maximum, simply select "Pay in Person," and we'll adjust the remaining balance on your account.
Thank you for your patience as we navigate this new registration process. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Athletic Director, Tawnya Trail. We're looking forward to an amazing year. Go Phoenix!
Vista Peak Preparatory Basketball Feeder Team
7th & 8th Grade Boys Basketball Tryouts
August 25, 2026
6:30-8:30 pm
Questions: jlrichard@aurorak12.org
Join Vista Peak Future Singers - Protege
Grades 6th - 8th - Register here
Do you love music, singing, performing or making new friends? Come be part of an exciting afterschool choir experience featuring:
- Pop Songs
- Movie Musica
- Musical Theatre
- Contemporary Choir Music
- Fun Group Activities
- Performances & Special Events
No audition required - Just bring your voice and Enthusiam!
First Rehearsal: August 24th
Mondays 4:15-5:30 pm
Vista Peak Preparatory Choir Room
Last call for 8th graders! Join us for an unforgettable Spring Break adventure to Costa Rica (estimated dates: March 13–21).
Experience the incredible culture, wildlife, and natural beauty of Costa Rica while taking part in exciting adventures like:
- Kayaking on Lake Arenal
- Whitewater rafting on the Sarapiquí River
- Ziplining through the rainforest
- Snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean
- Exploring rainforests, volcanoes, and local communities
- ...and so much more!
Scan the QR code to learn more!
Enrollment for this year's trip is closing soon, but don't worry if you miss it, information about next year's Costa Rica adventure will be coming SOON. Keep an eye out for our upcoming informational meeting!
Group Leader: Tawnya Trail tjtrail@aurorak12.org
New Health Sciences High School in Aurora - Open House
Visit the new health sciences High School in Aurora!
When: Thursday Aug 20, 2026 ⋅ 6pm – 7pm (Mountain Time - Denver)
Location: PLCC Aurora Public Schools, 15771 E Centretech Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80011, USA Mt. Harvard
View map
RSVP:https://forms.gle/SEEnHDsra7tNF1QM9
Please join us for an Open House to learn more about this new APS High School and vote on a name.
Questions? Email: Healthsciencehs@aurorak12.org
A partnership between Aurora Public Schools, UCHealth, and the Community College of Aurora: preparing students with hands-on healthcare training and a direct path into a career, a degree, or both.
Girls on the Run is coming to Quest!
Parents of 3rd, 4th, 5th grade girls! Girls on the Run creates a welcoming environment where girls feel like they belong. Girls will learn tangible tools to build confidence to do hard things, strengthen their resilience with stick-with-it strategies, take on challenges and believe in themselves, and much more! Over the 10-week program, coaches help girls learn to unlock their unlimited potential. Girls on the Run will start the week of September 8. We will meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30-4pm in Ms. Brynn's room at Quest. Open to all 3rd, 4th and 5th grade girls. Registration opens August 3. For more information about the program go to www.girlsontherunrockies.org. Questions or want to coach? Ask Brynn Wiessner, bmwiessner@aurorak12.org
Girls on the Run Coaches needed!
GIRLS ON THE RUN COACHES NEEDED! Girls on the Run is coming to our school in the fall! We need volunteers to coach (no running experience required!). The Girls on the Run program empowers girls to be happy, healthy, and confident while training for a 5K. Teams consist of 2-3 coaches and 16 girls. Coaches will be trained and receive the appropriate curriculum. Please email me to find out more: Brynn Wiessner bmwiessner@aurorak12.org. Visit www.girlsontherunrockies.org/coach for more information.
Poms & Cheer with Creative Dance
Open for K-5th Grade
Wednesdays 2:30-3:30
8 Class Meetings
Session Dates: 8/26/26, 9/2/26, 9/9/26, 9/16/26, 9/23/26, 9/30/26
Cost: $126
Registration: www.CreativeDanceKids.com/enroll
Dismissal: Parents should sign out students at the front doors.
Observation: Family and friends are invited to observe the last 15 minutes of the session’s final meeting.
Minimum: *If the 9 student minimum is not met 2 business days prior to the start date, the
session will be cancelled.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is back!
Thursdays 2:45-3:45 pm
Session 1: September 10th - December 10th
Session 2: Januay 21st - April 29th
Space is limited. Priority given to previous students.
Cost: $ 120 for Session 1 (12 week session)
See flyer below for more information.$140 for Session 2 (14 week session)
Robotics
Wednesdays, 2:30-4:30 pm
4th through 8th Grade
Cost: $130
Registration closes Sunday, August 16th at midnight.
Please keep in mind that Lego Robotics is a sport (of the mind). Students are expected to attend every meeting where possible. Please discuss with your student their interest and level of commitment.
Please read the attached flyer for more important information. Lego Robotics
Science Matters Coming Soon!
K - 5th Grade
Space is limited !
Tuesdays - 2:35 3:35
Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29
Cost: $99
Science Mash-Up: Get ready for a thrilling mix of science, creativity, and mind-blowing discoveries! Each week, we’ll dive into a new world of fun—stretch and squish buttery soft slime, explore the forces of physics (can we defy gravity?), discover the weird world of mysterious microbes, and design a mechanical oscilloscope to project mesmerizing light patterns with your voice. Whether you love to create, experiment, or just be amazed, there’s something exciting waiting for you every week!
Building Our Culture. Our new Guiding Principles are officially in full swing! Students are earning Phoenix Tickets and learning about RISE, our school wide framework for how we show up for each other every day. This month we are focused on the R in RISE for Respect.
Yondr Bags in Middle School. Our phone free initiative continues to go well for our 6th through 8th graders. Thank you for your continued support at home in reinforcing this important focus on presence and connection during the school day.
Student/Parent Handbook. Please take some time to review the updated Aurora Quest K-8 Student/Parent Handbook. It includes updated information on our math placement process, discipline practices, and volunteer process.
Back to School Quest Swag. Gear is available now! Use the link and code GAMEON20 for 20% off starting 8/17/26.