The Gallop
10-8-26
Principal's Perspective
Dear Flagstone Families,
Can you believe the first quarter of the 2026–27 school year is already behind us? As we head into fall break, I want to share our deepest gratitude for your incredible partnership, energy, and dedication to our students and staff.
We are truly humbled by the extraordinary generosity of this community. Thanks to you, both our Fun Run and Fall Festival were huge successes! Events like these remind us how special it is to gather, celebrate, and grow stronger together as a #OneFlagstone Community.
Looking ahead after break, we have two favorite traditions right around the corner:
Book Character Pumpkin Contest: Week of October 26
Halloween Parade: October 30
Details for both are below, but as always, feel free to reach out to your child's teacher with any questions.
We wish you a wonderful, restful fall break filled with family and joy. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, October 19 to kick off Quarter 2!
Proud to Be Your Principal,
Mrs. Meg Jacques
#OneFlagstone
Week At A Glance
October 12-16: NO SCHOOL- Fall Break
Enjoy your fall break!
Monday, October 19, 2026
- 4:00 Lando Lego Class
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Picture Retake Day
Thursday, October 22, 2026
- WE ARE COUNTY! Day - Wear Purple!
- 4:00 Lando Coding Class
Friday, October 23, 2026
- PLC Late Start Friday
- 4:00 Knight School Chess Club
Upcoming Dates
October 26: Fire Drill
October 26 - 30: Bus Route 202 Cancellation Week
October 26 - 30: Book Character Pumpkin Contest
October 27: PTO Meeting
October 29: Kindergarten Field Trip to the Pumpkin Patch
November 2 - 6: One Book, One District Week
November 3: Election Day
November 3: PTO Meeting
November 9: FSAC Meeting
November 9 - 13: Community Heroes Week
November 11: Veteran's Day Assembly
November 19: WE ARE COUNTY! Day
November 19: Donuts with Grown-Ups
November 20: Fire Drill
November 23 - 27: Thanksgiving Break
November 30 - December 11: iReady Assessment Window
December 1: PTO Meeting
December 2 - 4: 6th Grade Outdoor Ed @ Stone Canyon
December 7 - 11: FSE Holiday Shop
December 14: Fire Drill
December 17: WE ARE COUNTY! Day
December 18 - January 4: No School - Winter Break
January 5: 2nd Semester Begins
Picture Retake Day - Wednesday October 21
Did you miss picture day or want to take a new picture?
Retake day is quickly approaching. If we did not see you on picture day or you would like a new image, Dorian Studio will be taking pictures at your school again soon. Do not miss out on ordering pictures of your child(ren).
Orders may be placed online by searching for your school name at mydorian.com and selecting the green Order button next to your school retake day event. Online orders are available up to 2 days after retake day. If you already ordered and want a new picture taken please be sure to return your original picture packet to the photographer on retake day.
Note: Unlike original picture day, not all students are photographed on retake day. To ensure your child is photographed, please remind him/her or their classroom teacher to have their photo taken on retake day.
From the Counselor: Mrs Glenn
At school, we spend a lot of time talking about what it means to be a good friend. Two key skills we are practicing this month are including others and setting healthy boundaries.
We encourage students to invite someone new to play at recess or sit together at lunch—a small gesture can make a classmate’s whole day! At the same time, we’re reminding students that it’s okay to say a polite "no, thank you" if a friend suggests an activity that doesn't feel safe, kind, or comfortable.
Home Connection: Ask your child, "How did you show kindness to a friend today?" or "Was there a time today you had to say 'no' to something that didn't feel right?"
2027 Apple Award Nominations open September 12 - October 26th!
The Foundation for Douglas County Schools is thrilled to recognize exceptional educators and staff who are inspiring a love of learning in students and are trailblazing extraordinary innovation in our schools. Over the years, the annual Apple Awards has evolved to engage the entire community, resulting in thousands of nominations every year for teachers and staff across the district.
We invite our DCSD students, teachers, staff and community to join us in nominating their favorite teacher(s), principals, classified employee and department employee. Please use the link below to nominate and recognize an outstanding FSE certified and classified staff member that has made a difference in the lives of your children! Use THIS LINK to submit your nomination today!
Upcoming CogAT Universal Screening Test and Gifted Referral Process
DCSD is committed to implementing equitable practices to increase access to advanced/gifted learning opportunities. Based on state and national recommendations and requirements, we implement Universal Screening for students in 2nd grade (February) and 5th grade (November).
5th Grade Universal Screen
As part of this process, ALL students in 5th grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of November 9th. This assessment indicates the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student in comparison to grade and age mates. These general reasoning abilities, which start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school.
If your child is already identified for gifted programming, they will not participate in this universal screen testing. Your Gifted Education Facilitator will contact you directly with information about this process.
Gifted Identification Referral Testing
If your child is in grades 3 and 4, and you believe they need evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, you may refer your child for testing by initiating the Gifted Identification Process.
NOTE: Requesting this assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification.
Please request CogAT testing for your child by completing the DCSD Gifted & Talented Referral Form.
Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.
FSE Great Pumpkin Book Character Contest
Halloween at FSE
On Friday, October 30th, FSE will be celebrating Halloween! Students will be allowed to wear their costume to school and keep it on for the entire day. Parents/Guardians, we are asking you to please use good judgment, and adhere to the following guidelines when selecting a costume with your child:
Things your child may not wear:
No full face masks or full face makeup
No gruesome or macabre costumes
No costumes that are demeaning to self or others
No promiscuous dress (age-appropriate costumes, please!)
No weapons or items that could be considered a weapon (plastic knives, swords, spears, guns, etc.)
No accessories that may pose a risk to other students
Inappropriate costumes will be addressed and a student may be asked to alter his/her costume or change into school clothes. Thank you for helping us create and maintain a safe, fun, and appropriate environment for all of our students and families!
FSE's Halloween Parade will begin right after our Golden Mustang Assembly around 3:30 on Friday, October 30. Students will exit with their classroom teachers out of the front entrance of the building and walk in a counterclockwise direction on the perimeter sidewalk of the school. Classes will re-enter the school through the main entrance after walking one loop around the school. Parade Route Map Here
Parents, if you would like to watch the parade on campus, you may stand on the school grounds as students walk the perimeter of the building. We ask that for safety reasons, you have your PINK 2026-27 CAR TAG visible while on campus so that staff may identify you.
Please note: Upon completion of the parade, please DO NOT approach your child's teacher to pick up your child for dismissal. If you are planning on taking your child after the parade, you will need to wait outside until our normal 4:00pm dismissal time. Please do not re-enter the building with your child, as teachers will need to have students pack up to be ready for dismissal at 4:00pm. Thank you for your help to ensure that this fun tradition continues to be safe and efficient.
PTO Corner
Thank You for a Successful Fall Fest!
A HUGE thank you to all our amazing parents, volunteers, and staff who helped make this year’s Fall Fest such a success!
Thanks to our incredible school community, we raised over $13,000! These funds will help us continue creating wonderful experiences and opportunities for our students!
We couldn’t have done it without your support, time, and generosity.
If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback, please reach out to us at flagstoneroundup@gmail.com.
Thank you for making Fall Fest unforgettable!
Lost and Found
Our lost and found is slowly growing! Please remember to swing by and check for any lost and/or missing items! Any unclaimed items will be donated over fall break. Thank you!
Are You Registered to Vote?
Ballots for the 2026 Colorado General Election are being mailed this week. Check your voter registration status and track your ballot at GoVoteColorado.com.
Community Opportunities
WE ARE COUNTY! Spirit Wear Orders
Dear DCHS Feeder Families,
Our next We Are County Day is coming up on Thursday, October 22! We would love to see our students, families, and staff showing their County pride by wearing a DCHS feeder shirt!
Feeder shirts are available for both students and adults, so the whole family can join in the fun. Wearing our feeder shirts is a great way to celebrate the connection between our schools and show that no matter which feeder school we attend, We Are County!
Student shirts are $10.00 and adult shirts are $15.00. Order your DCHS feeder shirt using this link.
Thank you for helping us celebrate our DCHS feeder community. We can’t wait to see everyone showing their County spirit!
Go Huskies!