1st Semester is coming to a close.....

SLHS Community,

As we enter the final week of the fall semester of 2012 and begin looking toward the new year, I want to thank you for all the love and support during one of the most tragic semesters in the history of SLHS and this community.  The community's support and partnership to our students continues to impress me and I am very proud to be a GATOR. 

"The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win."

— Roger Bannister

Gratitude betows reverance, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world. 

John Milton.


1st Semester FINALS-
The finals schedule is on our website so please reference slhsgators.com for the breakdown.  Please note that FRIDAY is a shortened day with no breakfast or lunch served.  Busses depart at 12:15-

Congratulations to both our POMS and CHEER teams as they represented SLHS very well at the state competition last Friday.  The poms team finished 9th which is the highest finish in years at state.  The Cheer team too improved its final position from the past two years.  Both teams did an outstanding job and I am VERY proud of their efforts! 

Gator Updates- Cheer/Poms headed to State!

SLHS Community,

I want to wish both our CHEER and POMS teams the BEST OF LUCK as they head to the state competition tomorrow at the Denver Coliseum.  Our Cheer team will perform at 9:28am and the Poms will pefrom at 2:52pm-  GOOD LUCK GIRLS!

On Wednesday our very own Illusions choir was honored and featured to perform at the all manager/principal meeting at the Educational Support Center.  The group directed by Mr. Randy Wise performed beautifully and received plenty of accolades for their show.  A special thanks to Dr. Stevenson for the invitation to showcase our talented young men and women in the arts.  SEE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT-

FINALS-
The finals schedule is posted as we are extremely close to the close of semester one.  Please make sure you and your student are aware of grades, expectations, and what is needed at this time especially seniors. 

CONGRATULATIONS-
Our speech team performed very well this past weekend with the following student placements-
       o   Elsa Johnson and Tineke Naseef placed first in duo interpretation.

o   Brady Le and Devynn Pruett placed third in duo interpretation.

o   Christa Valdez placed fourth in poetry and interpretation.

o   Emma Asztalos, Courtney Kauffman, Cassie Gardner, Tyler Glenwright-Korte, Steven Emmen, Marcus McKinney, and Isabella Lopez all received ribbons.

Welcome Back and upcoming Events

I hope everyone had a very relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving vacation.  I personally have so much to be thankful for and often take it for granted to include the tremendous support and work of this community. 

The first semstser is coming to an abrupt close so please continue your dilligence and communications with your sons/daughters and our staff to ensure the semester doesnt end in disappointment.  Finals are scheduled to take palce on Dec. 19th, 20th, and a half day on the 21st. 

Winter sports season begins this week as our basketball teams will start games on Wednesday night, Swimming, Wrestling and Hockey all have their first matches on Saturday.  Please see our website for specific times and locations.

COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL- The first coffee w the Principal event will take place this Wednesday from 4:00-5:00 at Starbucks on 101st and Wadsworth. 

THANK YOU JEFFCO!

SLHS Community and all of Jefferson County,

Thank you for your partnership, support, and ultimate belief in our school district/system when approving our 3A and 3B bond and mill initiatives!  While we still have work to do, this victory provides our schools stress releif and light at the end of our tunnel.  This community along with all of JEFFCO persevered through the many curve balls and mis-guided information and are now on the victory stand ready to  move forward.  One aspect to the victory removes the two furlough days scheduled for April and May as they become full working days, thus providing employees with 1% back into their salary from the 3% cuts we have sustained over the past two years. 

Once again, a HUGE thank you to the support and teamwork you've provided SLHS.

Jeff Pierson

Update on Jessica Ridgeway Arrest

Community,

As you have now seen or heard, the authorities have a suspect in custody in the Jessica Ridgeway case.  You have also been privy to information that the suspect was a former student at SLHS.  We are cooperating with law enforcement as they continue their investigation.  While we all deal with a whirlwind of emotions, we have support personnel in place for any and all needs.  Our school and community are resilient and will persevere through this tough time.  I thank you for the support, thoughts, and prayers for this entire community as we start the process of justice and healing.  I suspect the media will continue to be near our site throughout the coming days/weeks as this progresses so please be aware and inform your kids about the media coverage/possible interviews they may request. 

Please rest assured, this school community is unified, strong, and dedicated to our students and providing the best comprehensive education we can on a daily basis. 

Respectfully,

Jeff Pierson- Principal

Coffee with the Superintendent

SLHS Community,

We have a very exciting opportunity to talk with our superintendent Dr. Cindy Stevenson this next Wednesday right here at SLHS from 3:00 to 4:00pm-  Please see information below and RSVP to the number provided.  Lets give Dr. Stevenson a big welcome and let her know how much our community cares about JEFFCO.

                Superintendent Cindy Stevenson invites parents, guardians, community members and key communicators for coffee and an opportunity to discuss important school and district issues.  This is your chance to ask questions directly to the superintendent or principal. 

Date for Coffee         Location of Coffee                                 Time

9/4/12                        Ralston Valley High School                    7:30-9:00AM

9/12/12                      Pomona High School                              7:30-9:00AM          

9/27/12                      Arvada West High School                      7:30-9:00AM

10/23/12     Standley Lake High School       3:00-4:00PM

RSVP for this special event by calling 303-982-6808

A heartfelt THANKS to the SLHS community

SLHS Community,

I cannot thank you enough for the warm wishes, thoughts, prayers, and support you have shown the Ridgeway family along with our community over the past 10 days.  While our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with the Ridgeways as they now try and find some peace, begin a healing process, and lastly justice for this horrific event.  Jessica was one of our own and the SLHS school community will remember this beautiful and charismatic young lady.

I want to encourage families to engage in conversations within your family about not only this loss, but about accountability, awareness, and most of all about what to do in emergency type situations.  Don't let this senseless act hinder our willingness to enjoy life with our kids and the freedoms associated within this great country.  I am extremely thankful for the tremendous law enforcement agencies that have worked tirelessly on this case and will hopefully find the person responsible quickly so justice can be served.

I've received multiple requests and suggestions on ways to both remember Jessica at SLHS and on the other hand opportunities for the community to offer self defense courses, etc.  I will continue working with our district within board policy to find the most appropriate ways to address these topics in the very near future and with the family's approval.

The following webpage has excellent information, tips, and learning for you to read and share within your family-  The Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Thank you,
Jeff Pierson

Friday is "Wear Purple Day" for Jessica Ridgeway

SLHS Community,

We have now entered our 6th day in the search for Jessica Ridgeway.  If you have followed the news and heard from the family, Jessica's favorite color was purple.  Standley Lake HS along with our entire articulation area declared this coming Friday "wear purple day" in support and hope for Jessica, her family, friends and this community.  We are asking that ALL students and staff wear something purple.  Our student council students will have purple ribbons available on Friday as well for anyone that may not have anything purple.  I hope you may also consider wearing purple on Friday in a show of support for the family during this very difficult time- 

HELP BRING JESSICA HOME-

Missing Student

Standley Lake Community,

Its with a heavy heart that I post this message.  As you may have seen and heard, a student from our immediate area has been missing since Friday morning.  10 year old Jessica Ridgeway a student at Witt elementary went missing on her way to school Friday morning.  I cannot stress enough how important it is to talk to your son/daughter/niece/nephew/grandson/grandaughter about the importance of awarness and what to do in a stranger danger situation.  Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Jessica and to the Witt community.  If you have any information that can be helpful to the Westmisnter PD, please contact them immedaitely.  You can also receive updates on their twitter page at twitter.com/westminsterpd. 

I want to thank this community for showing up in mass to help search and support the efforts of Westminster PD on Saturday.  I received many thank you's and call about how thankful people were to see so many of you out supporting this search effort. 

Please contiue to keep this family and Jessica in your thoughts and prayers as the search continues.  If your son or daughter is needing emotional support through this please have them see one of our counselors immediately.  Lets work together and get one of our own back home to her family.

Thank you-

Homecoming SUCCESS

Gator community,

I want to first thank you for all the support and dedication you have shown the student body to start the year.  Your hard work and support was extremely evident this past week as our annual Homecoming Week was a HUGE SUCCESS.  The week was full of student centered events, themes, athletic competitions, and even a door decorating contest that was extremely hard to judge.  Dr. Stevenson stopped by the swamp last Thursday and was extremely thrilled with the culture and feel of the building.  Pictures of some events are to the right of this post. 

As we made a change in venue for the powder puff game, the attendance and support was overwhelming as I believe we had the largest crowd in my five years at SLHS for the game that was held at the NAAC.  The teams played very well as it was the least penalized game in my tenure.  I received multiple thank you's from parents and community members on how amazing the atmosphere was for the game. 

Reminders for the Week-
TONIGHT- College night- 6:00pm- GYM

Parent Conferences-
Wednesday- Oct 3rd- 4:30-7:30pm
Thursday- Oct 4th 3:00-6:00pm

Gator Grades and Homecoming

Hello Gator Community,

Homecoming week is here and what a busy week we have planned-  Please take advantage and support our homecoming events as our Student Council has worked very hard putting together an eventful week.  For all of our weekly activities please click on this the link below-

https://sites.google.com/a/jeffcoschools.us/standleylake-hs-activities-stuco/home/homecoming

* Students that HAVE NOT been in attendance for at least 95% to date will NOT be able to attend the powder puff event or the homecoming dance.  Please see your administrator if you have questions or concerns.

6 Week Grades-
Please note that 6 week grades are due this Friday as parent conferences are right around the corner.  Please check on the parent portal to view both weekly and the most current 6 week grades that have been recorded. 

Happenings in the SWAMP

Jog in the Bog-  Thank you Standley Lake community for your continued support of this tremendouds fundraiser/community collaboration event.  The event was another huge succes this past Monday as hundreds of competitors showed up to run the 5k in support of our athletic and co-curricular programs.  The community and business support is extremely generous and very appreciated.  I want to also thank Rich Cruz and the Standley Lake Ahtletic Boosters for their hard work in organizing a great event. 

Athletics-  Our fall athletic programs are off to a GREAT start.  Please come out to support the teams as they all work toward an appearance at the state culminating events in October/November. 

The Lady Gators have a new Head Basketball Coach-  Welcome Denise Lopez!  We are extremely excited to bring Coach Lopez aboard and look forward to the programs future. 

Our annual Academic Awards assembly will take place this coming Friday morning as we recognize and honor students' academic achievements from the 2011-12 school year.  This event is one of my favorites as we recognize student achievement in front of their peers. 

HOMECOMING is approaching quickly as we only have 2 weeks to go.  The week is filled with exciting events, themes, and activities for all students to participate in.  The biggest change this year is Wednesday night where our POWDER PUFF girls football game will take place at the NAAC instead of here at SLHS.  We will then have a large pep rally/event at the stadium immediately following the game.  The cost to enter either or both is $2.  We are providing a ONE WAY bus trip to the NAAC but students MUST find their own way home after the events. 
Powder Puff game- 6:30-7:30
Pep Rally- 7:30-9:00
Look for more homecoming information and updates on our home website in the next week. 

Coffee with the Superintendent

COFFEE WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT

                Superintendent Cindy Stevenson invites parents, guardians, community members and key communicators for coffee and an opportunity to discuss important school and district issues.  This is your chance to ask questions directly to the superintendent or principal. 

Date for Coffee         Location of Coffee                                 Time

9/4/12                        Ralston Valley High School                    7:30-9:00AM

9/12/12                      Pomona High School                              7:30-9:00AM          

9/27/12                      Arvada West High School                      7:30-9:00AM

10/16/12                    Standley Lake High School                    3:00-4:00PM

RSVP for this special event by calling 303-982-6808

School wide Summer Reading Program a HIT

Our entire staff and student body continued our yearly tradition of the summer reading program.  A list of potential books is chosen in the Spring and sent out to both students and staff.  Every member of the school community decides what book he/she will read over the summer months.  A book study schedule is then set up for students led by staff members that read the same book.  This has become a tradition at SLHS and really promotes reading and the importance of literacy.  You can see pictures from the event to the right.

The programs also serves as an English grade for all students as each is required to come up with a set of Level 1-3 questions to discuss during the book discussion.  Those questions are turned in to English teachers and serves as their summer reading grade.  We are excited about the program and our staff has totally supported and gotten behind the efforts to promote literacy in the summer months.

Back to School Night THANKS

Thank you Standley Lake community for the turn out and support last night at our annual Back to School Night!  We had a building full of parents eager to partake in the SLHS experience and meet our staff.  I had the pleasure of meeting so many new parents and students that had nothing but great things to say about our staff, curriculum, and the welcoming environment. 

As noted in my message last night, I encourage each student to get involved outside of the normal school day through our variety of athletic and co-curricular opportunities.  Students engaged with an activity outside of the curriculum extend their chances of academic success tremendously. 

Please consider getting involved with one or more of our parent organizations.  All of the community information with dates and times of meetings can be found on our home page at slhsgators.com

• GET- Gator Effectiveness Team- Monthly- 5:30-7:00- (First meeting this coming Monday August 27th) LMC
• PTSA- Parent Teacher Association- Monthly- 7:00-8:30 (First meeting this coming Monday August 27th) LMC
• SLAB- Standley Lake Athletic Boosters-  Monthly- TBD
• FOSLIB-  IB parent organization- Monthly 2nd Wednesday- 6:30-7:30pm LMC

Below is the JEFFCO financial outlook video link that was presented last night.  Please click on the link to view the short video. 
http://stream.jeffco.k12.co.us/communications/07Aug2012BudgetOutlook.wmv (Windows Media)

The SWAMP is Full of Gators

Good morning SLHS community,

Standley Lake High School kicked off today with a building full of GATORS.  We are expecting an exciting year full of new opportunities, successes, and most importantly academic achievements.  I will continue to provide updates on the happenings at SLHS through this blog and hope you will enjoy/stay informed through this site. 

Please note our back to school night this Wednesday starting at 5:30pm with an activities fair in the cafeteria. We will begin the large group portion of the night at 6:00pm in the gymnasium.  I will be showing a special video from our superintendent at that time.  This night provides parents and students an opportunity to meet teachers, review course expectations, and get an overall feel for the environment/building here at SLHS.  I encourage each of you to attend. 

Please note that our first accountability meeting will take place this coming Monday night from 5:30 to 7:00 with the PTSA meeting immediately following at 7:00pm in the Library Media Center.  I encourage any and all parents that have an interest in gaining more insight about SLHS, its operations, happenings, and updates to attend and/or join the committee.   The GET committee serves as the community decision making body and has a tremendous reputation with amazing community representation. 

One Week to Kickoff!

Standley Lake Community,

I cannot believe we are at one week and counting until the new school year begins.  Our 2012 assessment scores are in and will provide a full presentation to our staff on Wednesday and then the same synopsis to our GET (Gator Effectiveness Team) when we meet in September.  I am pleased with our efforts as we have plenty of celebrations and a few areas to concentrate on for the 2012-2013 year.  As a school our work will continue with staff through looking at data, enhancing classroom instruction, and developing lessons from the new standards that are rigorous, thoughtful, and concept based. 

Please note the following important items as we approach kickoff-

- Students make sure you have completed your summer reading activity.
- ALL students taking a math course will need a graphing calculator this year- We recommend: TI-83, TI-83Plus, TI-84, TI-84Plus Silver Edition.
- JOG IN THE BOG-  We are very excited for the annual JITB fundraiser to support all of our programs at SLHS.  The athletic boosters do an amazing job putting this huge event on and I encourage you to participate in the activities.  To register or get more information please visit the SLAB site at http://standleylakeboosters.com/
- ALL freshman and new students report to school on Monday August 20th for a full day- All students then report for the first day on Tuesday August 21st. 
- We will run periods 1-8 for the entire first week of classes with NO BLOCKS. 

Preparations have begun for the 2012-2013 Year

Gator Community,

I trust you are enjoying this record breaking hot summer vacation.  As we prepare for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year, I reminisce on the amazing accomplishments from 2012 while looking forward to what this new year brings to our school community.  Preparations have begun for August 20th when the class of 2016 enters the Swamp for the first time.  We have experienced some changes in our staff, but feel like we have the finest a school has to offer and know our staff is well prepared to educate each and every student to his/her fullest ability. 

Some reminders as we count down the final 15 days of summer break.  Please make sure that your summer reading assignment is completed before the first day of school.  If you are looking for the literature included on our summer list, please find that information on our website at slhsgators.com.

If you are planing on participating in Fall sports, please make sure you stop by the school and pick up the registration packet and/or attend the mandatory August 7th parent meeting at SLHS that will begin at 6:00pm.  ALL ATHLETES MUST have their physical, paperwork, fee paid, and all turned into the athletic secretary before you can begin practicing. 

August 9th- Open House/ Registration- 8am-1pm- Online/SLHS
August 20th- Freshman report for orientation
August 21st- All students report for first day of the 2012-2013 school year.
August 22nd- Back to School Night- 5:30- Activity Fair- 6:15-8:00 Open House-
August 28th- Student and Staff Picture Day-

Summer Vacation/ Bond Mill Levy INFORMATION

Standley Lake High School Community,
Thank you so much for another fantastic and rewarding year.  We had our share of road bumps to overcome, but for the most part this was a stellar year!  I wish our seniors nothing but unprecedented success in all future endeavors and a rejuvenating vacation for our underclassmen. 

As I have already begun preparations and planning for the 2012-2013 school year, please continue to provide feedback on enhancements to provide you with consistent communication, updated information, and continue bridging the gaps between the school and community. 

BOND/MILL
The board of education approved the bond/mill language at last nights meeting therefore it will enter the November ballot.  All information and communication regarding the Bond/Mill will now ONLY be available through parent committees and personal email accounts.  Please email Jill Bumgardner if you would like to be involved or given more information at bumgardner5@comcast.net.

CONGRATULATIONS SENIORS!

The seniors enjoyed their final day of high school in fashion with a great bar-b-que hosted by the amazing parents and school boosters followed by distribution of their cap and gown for graduation and finally their yearbooks!  I am so very proud of these future leaders and appreciate all their work, dedication, and commitment to Standley Lake HS over the past four years.  I wish you all the BEST of luck in whatever your future holds! 

Graduation Ceremony- Tomorrow night 7pm at the CU Event Center in Boulder CO.

May Madness

Hello SLHS community,
I cannot believe we are already in mid-may and counting down to both finals and graduation.  I am excited to honor both our outstanding academic achievements Monday night at the annual SLHS academic award ceremony and then next Monday May 21st, we will honor all of our athletic accomplishments at the athletic award ceremony.  Both events culminate the year and well deserved recognition to the students that have gone above and beyond expectations! 

Please note the sporadic schedule starting the week of May 21st as we begin senior finals and the modified block days change-  Go to slhsgators.com for more information.

CITIZENS FOR JEFFCO SCHOOLS-  The parent organization made a proposal to the JEFFCO board of education urging the board to approve a ballot measure for November with both a $39 mill levy and a $99 million dollar bond-  Go to citizensforjeffcoschools.com for more information. 

• Where will the $$ go? 
• $5 Million- restore 2 days of school
• $25 to keep school staffing
• $6 Million to charter schools, technology, and central support.
• $3 Million to building reserves
• $99 Million to Warm/Safe/Dry- 

Congratulations to the girls soccer team who won their first round state playoff game last week with a score of 2-1 over Rampart HS.  They lady gators then fell to a very strong Mountain Vista team on Saturday.  We are very proud of the girls and their valiant run into the playoffs. 

Both Eric Ung and Trent Kindvall will be representing the Gators in the upcoming state swimming and diving competition. 

The lady gators are sending three outstanding young ladies to the state golf touranment.  Congratulations to Mallory Graff, Katie Gordon, and Lauren Trujillo. 

CONGRATULATIONS FCCLA!!

Standley Lake high school FCCLA students participated at the state competition this past weekend and cleaned up with awards.  The Family and Consumer Sciences club led by our three esteemed staff, Mrs. Val Baylie, Mrs. Malissa Sloan, and Mr. Robert Van Dyke have been integral to the growth and success of the program.  The list of awards is immense and our very own Malissa Sloan received the outstanding Adviser award!  The SLHS club in addition will have two students serving as State Officers next year. 
(See below)

State Officers

Adela Muslimovic, Vice President of Peer Education

Chelsea Dozsak, Vice President of Membership

1^st Place Gold Medal Winner & National Qualifier

Izzy Padgett & Rachel Conner, Food Innovations

Brendan Underwood, Hospitality

Keri Burkholder & Michelle Lozano, Interior Design

2^nd Place Gold Medal Winner & National Qualifier

Cameron McMechen, Recycle & Redesign

Courtney Robles, Teach & Train

1^st Place Gold Medal Winner

Abbey Kohle, Get the Word Out

Dakota Bossard, Fashion Stylist

Gold Medal Winner

Emma Marlow, Career Investigation

Shayla Drennan, Recycle & Redesign

Darian Bowden, Leadership

Omar Villalobos, Thematic Table Setting

Silver Medal Winner

Autumn Brott, Fashion Stylist

Allyson Sisler, Job Interview

Raquel Von Hohenstraeten & Kristen Kohle, Promote and Publicize FCCLA!

Nikki Walsh, Early Childhood Education

Hannah Bassett, Entrepreneurship

Halle Hodgson, Gourmet Food

Sarah Lambert, Gourmet Food

Emilio Balderas, Gourmet Food

Kolyse Malouff, Knife Skills

Danielle Maureaux, Baking & Pastry

Bronze Medal Winner

Zach Whelton, Gourmet Food

Paige Pelton & Danielle Benton & Anne Wang, Culinary Arts

Outstanding Member

Raquel Von Hohenstraeten

Outstanding Adviser

Malissa Sloan

Outstanding Administrator

Jeff Pierson

Friends of FCCLA

Marty Harris

Spirit of Service Award Winner

Standley Lake High School

State Recognition for all 5 Power of One Module Completion

Raquel Von Hohenstraeten

Kristen Kohle

State Recognition for All National Programs

Oral History Day- Priceless Event!

A HUGE thank you to members of our Social Studies department for their work in setting up a very unique event at Standley Lake this past week.  Sophomores had an opportunity on Thursday to hear from a variety of veterans from the Iraqi and Afghanistan War, WWII, and a Holocaust survivor.  The opportunity provided students a glimpse of American History not from a book or movie, but directly from heroes that lived it.  This facet of American Heritage will soon not be afforded to future generations therefore this rare glimpse into history was priceless.    

Springtime in the SWAMP...

Parents,
Thank you for your support and flexibility during our annual state assesments window.  We are now in the final stages of completing our TCAP make up exams and hope to complete them this week.  We are pleased with our overall attendance and felt our students gave a great effort during those examinations. 

Off Campus Privileges-  While we belive off campus options for students are NOT a necessity, students do value the freedom leave campus when appropriate and done responsibly.  If students are found to be loitering or engaged in any type of illegal or detrimental behaviors while off campus during school hours, those off campus privileges are subject to removal. 

Please note and make your son/daughter aware of our dress code.  With the warmer weather this time of year our dress code issues seem to spike.  We do hold students accountable for their clothes to minimize any disruptions to the school environment. 

SPRING BREAK- March 26th through April 2nd
FURLOUGH DAY- April 11th
ACT- Tuesday April 24th (Juniors Only)

Gators Making Waves in the Playoffs!

We are so excited about the post season for our winter sports teams!  Both boys and girls basketball teams hosted first round games right here in the swamp over the past two nights and won both games.  The boys are now headed to Grandview for a 7pm Friday night game and the girls will be headed to Highlands Ranch HS for a Saturday evening game with a start time TBD.  Those wins are historical at SLHS as it was the boys' programs first playoff win in school history and the first time both teams have not only hosted a first round game, but won. 
Our hockey team starts their post season run this Friday as they face Liberty for a 4:30 game at the APEX center in Arvada.  A win on Friday would most likely match them up with cross county rivals Ralston Valley as that game would be played on Saturday night with time TBD at the APEX. 
GO GET EM GATORS!!! 

ALL ACTIVITES FOR Friday February 17th are a GO-

SLHS Community,
After yesterday's building threat and evacuation all building activities/plans for today Friday February 17th and moving forward.  We are working with district leadership on a decision regarding the cancellation of parent/teacher conferences.  I will get something out to the community early next week. 

I want to extend a big thank you to our staff, student, and community efforts during this emergency and how it was handled.  We received great remarks from emergency personnel on your attitude, compliance, and overall attention to detail. 

Three very big events this evening-
Girls basketball vs. Pomona at SLHS- Varsity 5:30 (if you pay to attend the girls game, your stamp will get
                                                                               you into the boys game @ Pomona as well)
Boys basketball vs. Pomona @ Pomona- Varisty 7:00
Boys Varsity Ice Hockey- vs. Ralston Valley- @ the Promenade- 7:15pm

Thank you....

Understanding State Assessments

Parents and community,
As we approach our annual State assessment window, I wanted to shed some light on the assessments that both 9th and 10th grade students will take.  Through federal mandates, states are required to implement state run assessments for progress monitoring.  As you know the Colorado state assessment for years has been called the CSAP (Colorado Student Assessment Program).  This year thet state implemented new standards and therefore our new assessment is called TCAP (Transitional Colorado Assessment Program).  Assessments are designed to assess students on the material learned in classes as courses follow the state curriculum/standards.  The new TCAP will assess any and previous standards that are on the new adopted state standards.  These assessments are VERY important to schools as we receive a grade/rating based on student results.  As a staff we work dilligently to help students understand and respect the assessment as a progress tool.  I am asking your dilligence in both supporting the TCAP program and encouraging your son or daughter to take this assessment seriously to provide staff an understanding of how SLHS students are performing based on their instruction.  I do appreciate this community tremendously and know we will continue our partnership toward excellence. 

Apple Announcement and Gator Updates

Apple made a big announcement this week about a new resource that it has created to allow educators to create their own textbooks.  The new iBooks Author  is the future of digital education.  In addition, Apple announced the expansion of it's iTunes U to include textbooks for K-12 and not just Higher Ed.

January 24th- Financial Aid Night- Auditorium- 6:30pm

January 24th- Future Gator Night- Boys basketball vs. Lakewood HS- 7:00pm GYM

January 30th- 8th Grade Parent night- SLHS 6:00pm

TCAP- (formerly CSAP)-  We are still looking for donated snacks for students during our testing.  Please contact Wendi Johnston for more information at 303-982-3311

Happy New Year

I wanted to extend my wishes for a  Happy New year to this tremendous community.  I am looking forward to a successful Spring Semester in the Swamp as we begin the new year/semester.  I encourage you to stay involved with the school community and continue supporting Gator Nation on all levels.  My goal is not to just work harder for the school community but to improve and continue the journey toward excellence in partnership with you. 

We have some difficult decisions approaching as our budget issues continue to be a point of emphasis.  The school board will be hosting budget forums early in 2012 for community, students, parents, and staff to discuss the buget cut proposals.  When those dates/times are announced I will get them posted.

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, and hope for tomorrow"

Einstein