This semester holds many challenges for us. We have course registration for ‘09-10, CSAP testing, AP testing, ACT testing, open enrollment, and all the other tasks associated with creating a strong foundation for next January 2009 year. What’s more, we need to make sure our seniors are prepared for graduation and that everyone is working on the most important Main Office: 303-453-4600 task of all – keeping students engaged and learning! Our community is al- K-12 Attendance: 303-453-4605 ways on the go, with many activities, field trips, and events occurring almost K-12 Health: 303-453-4616 every night of the week. K-12 Volunteer Line: Sandy Ray: 303-453-4755 Before we plunge into the semester ahead, please take some time to reflect, Athletic Line: 303-453-4707 both individually and with your family, about the first semester. Think about

the successes and what helped cause those successes to happen. Celebrate Editor: Jill Hoekstra 303-453-4780 the achievements and hard work that we all pour into Peak to Peak on a daily Email all Speak to Peak submissions to: basis. Think about some of the challenges and struggles that occurred as [email protected] well. Formulate a plan with your family to help each other overcome some of Deadline for February issue submissions: Jan. 20 these obstacles so the second semester produces the results you are seeking.

Upcoming Events Please share with me some of the highlights and challenges you faced in first semester, so I can celebrate with you, and so I can also help you prevail over 1/1 –1/4 No school K-12/Winter Break the challenges you still face. Your feedback and insight is a driving force in 1/5 No school K-12/Professional shaping the future of the school and I welcome the opportunity to discuss Development day for staff & elementary; your ideas so we can improve our community. Working together, we can re- Parent/teacher conferences solve our issues and ensure we are fulfilling our mission to send each stu- 1/6 Booster Club Meeting, 7pm Cafeteria dent to the college of their choice. This requires a strong team of educators 1/6-1/7 No school K-5 only/Parent/teacher and parents working together to ensure the best education possible for each conferences (6th-12th have school as student. Please let me know how we can foster and improve our relation- normal) ships, which in turn will improve our success with each member of our com- 1/6-1/8 Secondary science fair munity. 1/7 HS talent show informational meeting We are a great school because of a simple formula: work hard, provide a 3:15 pm, Orchestra room quality staff with excellent training, stay focused on the mission, build an 1/8 Board Meeting, 8:15 am, S. conference rm. involved community, and foster strong relationships. Thus far, we have 1/9 Mandarin Chinese field trip achieved some incredible accomplishments; continuing this formula for suc- 1/12 ES Character assembly, 12:55, S. Gym cess will provide many more such accomplishments in the future. Thank you P2P PEN meeting, 1:30, S. conference rm. everyone for all the work you have done so far this year, and thank you eve- 1/13 Senior parent FAFSA night, 6:00 Auditeria ryone for the work yet to come. 1/15-16 HS One-Act Plays, 7:00 pm Auditeria stage 1/16 Accountability Committee meeting, Tony Fontana 8:00 am, S. conference room Executive Principal 1/19 No school K-12, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 1/22 ES talent show mandatory tryouts, Annual Gift Campaign 08/09 3:15 pm, Auditeria Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, S. conference rm 1/23 MS after school event, 3:15-5:00 pm “Achieving Our Full Potential, 1/28-29 Secondary music department photos Making Every Gift Count!” 1/29 Principal coffee, 8:00 am, Cafeteria PLEASE donate today! We need everyone’s help to reach our goal of 100% participation! If you haven’t given yet, please donate today! January 2009 Whole School News Page 2

Judges Needed for Secondary Science Fair Hello from the Deans! The Peak to Peak Secondary Science Fair will be held on Wednesday, January 7th and Thursday, January 8, As the deans of Peak to Peak, we work hard to make our school as safe as it can be. We know that students perform better academically when they feel physically 2009 from 7:30-3:00 on both days. Our fair is the largest and emotionally safe. In addition to academic benefits, students find it easier to secondary science fair in the Boulder Valley School grow as individuals and express their unique personalities in an environment District (BVSD) with over 200 projects. We need volun- where they are supported. teers to judge (for a minimum of an hour) at our fair on either Wednesday or Thursday, or both days. Your con- All Peak to Peak middle and high school students are in the process of being tribution would make a tremendous difference in the interviewed by administrators and counselors in order to identify a list of trusted success of our science fair. Refreshments and lunch will adults at the school. It’s exciting to see that students are listing many adults in the be provided on both days. Please email Nancy Gliss- school as people they trust and are comfortable approaching. We want to make it clear that students should feel safe to approach any staff member here at Peak to mann at [email protected] with the following Peak. There is nothing more important to our entire staff than providing an envi- information: ronment where students feel secure and cared for. This is yet another reason our 1. Mailing address school is such a unique place. 2. Email address 3. Phone number We truly feel fortunate to be part of the Peak to Peak community. 4. What times and day(s) you will be able to judge 5. Category or categories that you wish to judge Sincerely, Scott Gibson, Dean of Students The list of categories includes the following: Jay Ritter, Assistant Dean of Students * Animal Sciences (AS) * Behavioral and Social Sciences (BE) * Biochemistry ((BI) @BR@OGD@CRTOENQOD@JSNOD@JE@LHKHDR

* Cellular and Molecular Biology (CB) The CSAP testing season begins in February and continues * Chemistry (CH) until Spring Break. It is important that all students in grades 3 - * Computer Science (CS) 10 participate in CSAP testing. The data is used by the state to * Earth and Planetary Science (EA) grade our school and assess each student’s progress. Peak to * Engineering: Electrical and Mechanical (EE) Peak also uses the results to develop curriculum and address * Engineering: Materials and Bioengineering (EN) student needs. Please encourage your child to do his or her * Energy and Transportation (ET) best, get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast and arrive at * Environmental Management (EM) school on time for all testing days. Since missed tests can im- * Environmental Sciences (EV) pact a class’s overall achievement scores, keep the following * Mathematical Sciences ((MA) dates in mind when planning vacations or other family activities. * Medicine and Health Sciences (ME) * Microbiology (MI) CSAP Testing Schedule * Physics and Astronomy (PH) * Plant Sciences (PS) February 17, 18 Grade 3

March 2 Grades 3 & 5 March 3 Grades 3-10

Volunteers Needed for Press Clippings Collection March 4 Grades 4-10 March 5 Grades 4-8 We are looking for a few volunteers to help us collect March 6 Grades 4-5 published news articles about our wonderful school. March 9 Grades 4-5 We need volunteers who

subscribe to the Daily Cam- March 10 Grades 4-10 era, Erie Review, Longmont March 11 Grades 4-10 Times-Call, Broomfield En- terprise, Lafayette News, Louisville Times, Rocky March 12 Grades 4, 5, & 8 Mountain News, Denver Post and other local news sources to collect clippings about Peak to Peak and March 13 Grades 4-5 forward them to the Advancement Office. If you

would be interested in assisting our school in this March 16 Grades 3 & 5 effort, please contact Jill Hoekstra at 303.453.4780 or [email protected]. March 17 Grades 3 & 5 January 2009 Whole School News Page 3

Happy New Year!

Are you looking for a positive way to start 2008? Have you wanted to volunteer at P2P but haven't had the time? We have just the right activity for you! Join the Election Committee! The Election Committee is a seasonal (January-April) P2P committee that convenes to run and oversee the annual spring election and ballot initiatives. By bylaw, we need at least three members with the majority of the committee members not currently serving on the board of directors. This is an open solicitation looking for volunteers to serve on the 2008 Election Committee.

2008 duties include: • Helping to advertise and recruit volunteers to run for a seat on the board (ideally, at least twice as many candidates as open seats) • Developing questions/guidelines for those running for the board to answer so that the community can learn about the candidates (prior questions exist as a guide) • Host information session for those interested in serving on the board (we have current board members willing to help with this) • Review current bylaws and suggest modified language for those that are antiquated or need to change (the board will hold a work session to facilitate this) • Drafting ballot language • Advertising the election and explaining any proposed bylaw changes • Overseeing elections including counting ballots

No one on the committee has to participate in every activity, but we would like volunteers to participate in most as these are not very time intensive. Committee meeting times are TBA and subject to the convenience of the members. Some of our activities can be completed via e-mail but we will hold one face-to-face meeting to kick-off activities and plan 2009 events. If you are willing to serve, please e-mail contact information to Sheryl Shafer at

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Peak to Peak was among three Colorado charter schools to be recognized in the 2009 list of America‘s Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report. Peak to Peak was named a Gold Medal School, ranking number 69 and was in the top 70 schools in the nation for the second straight year. In May of this year, Peak to Peak was ranked number 40 in Newsweek‘s list of the top 100 high schools. Ridgeview Classical Schools in Fort Collins and Dolores Huerta Preparatory High School in Pueblo were also recognized. Nationally, 18 charter schools made the top 100 list after U.S. News & World Report analyzed 21,069 public high schools in 48 states. —Two of the three Colorado schools in the U.S. News & World Report‘s top 100 list were charter schools,“ said Jim Griffin, President of the Colorado League of Charter Schools. —We believe this is a testament to the quality of Colorado‘s charter schools œ and their continued focus on student achievement. These schools are offering innovation and choice in the public education system, and it‘s nice to see them receive national recognition for their hard work. We are very proud of all of the charters who made this year‘s list.“ According to U.S News, the survey‘s methodology was developed by Standard and Poor‘s education research firm School Evaluation Service. The survey analyzed data from the 2006-2007 school year for 21,069 public high schools in 48 states using a three-step process based on student achievement and improvement over time according to state proficiency standards and the schools‘ success in preparing students for college-level work. More details on the methodology is available at http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/high- schools/2008/12/04/americas-best-high-schools-methodology.html January 2009 From the Board Page 4

Election Time Again!

It is not an overstatement to say that without the efforts of volunteers, Peak to Peak would not exist. From the beginning, volunteers in all areas of the school have been, and continue to be, vital to ensuring the school’s ability to deliver on the promise of its vision.

For the foreseeable future, our available funds per pupil will continue to be substantially lower than those available to non-charter schools in the district. This financial reality, along with the fact that volunteer roles are built into the way the school functions, dictate that even as our staff has grown in proportion to our enrollment, volunteering is as vital to the school as ever.

There are many ways to volunteer at P2P, including helping in the classroom, serving on committees, participating in fundraising, and assisting with a range of other activities depending on your interests and available time. Volun- teer activities are coordinated by Sandy Ray, who is herself a volunteer.

One important volunteer role is serving as a member of the elected board of directors. The board is comprised of seven elected voting members and five non-voting staff members. Elected members serve staggered three-year terms. This helps to ensure that a majority of members have at least one year of experience on the board, and al- lows new board members the space and time to come up to speed on board activities.

Successful members of the board have come from the ranks of those with extensive experience in other areas of the school, or with no previous volunteer experience. Some board members come to the school with past board experience, and some with none at all. Board members with full time jobs, those with more flexible hours and every possible combination in-between, have made significant contributions as board members over the years. The community has typically elected board members who believe strongly in our rigorous K-12, college-prep, liberal arts, public school mission and vision. Another important characteristic of successful board members is their ability to stay focused on the big picture of what is best for the entire student population, and separate their duties as board members from their roles as parents or individual members of the community.

Like all volunteer opportunities at Peak to Peak, the time required to serve on the board varies by responsibility and current events. Each board member may seek to serve as an officer of the board, and each board member must serve as a liaison to two or more committees or in other interface roles (such as to the legislature, the BVSD board, or the Colorado League of Charter Schools). At a minimum, elected board members should expect to spend 10 hours per month in board and committee meetings, and participating in other community events. Typically board members spend approximately an equal amount of time working individually on board or committee assignments and on other administrative items such as reading and approving minutes. Some board roles, such as liaison to key committees, or periodic roles like participating on the Contract Renewal team, can require substantially more time. Each board member must seek his/her own level of activity.

In recent years, the board has transitioned out of a great number of tactical activities, spending more time on strate- gic issues and fundraising activities. This has been made possible by the amazing staff we have in place to run the school. The board terms of Caroline Clark and Sheryl Shafer will end and their replacements will be elected in 2009. Each has made innumerable contributions to the school through their work on the board. They will be missed, and we wish them the very best! They are forming the Election Committee right now and will soon publish information for people considering running for the board.

If you have an interest in serving Peak to Peak in this way, please keep an eye out for upcoming emails from the Election Committee with details and more information. If you have immediate questions about the board elections, you can email [email protected] and we will get them to the right place.

We look forward to welcoming two amazing new board members in 2009 – people who will help us safeguard the mission and vision of the school, and help continue the amazing success the school has achieved in its short exis- tence.

Warmest regards at this festive time of year,

Your Peak to Peak Board of Directors:

Karen Berge, Rich Bradfield, Caroline Clark, Don Ferguson, Tony Fontana, David Hazen, Rick Lawrence, Kyle Mathews, Greg Richards, Noelle Roni, Sheryl Shafer and Sam Todd January 2009 Peak to Peak Athletics Page 5

ATTENTION PARENTS OF 6TH AND Baseball Coach for JV 7TH GRADE GIRLS Our school is in need of a Junior Varsity Coach for our Baseball team for the 2008-09 season, Starting on January 8, 2009 the 6th beginning February 17, 2009. This position will and 7th grade girls intramural basket- work closely with Peter Chandler, Athletics and ball activity will begin. Activities Director, and the Head Coach.

If your daughter has a passion for Some of the responsibilities of the JV Coach basketball or a desire to discover how position include knowing the mission of the to play the wonderful game of basketball, please register school and the athletic department and under- th any time between now and January 7 , by going to the P2P standing the role of athletics at Peak to Peak. website. Use this link http://www.peaktopeak.org/Content/ JV Coaches must have knowledge related to Activities_Athletics/Athletics/MiddleSchoolSports/ fitness and conditioning, general health habits IntramuralSports.htm or go to the P2P website and dial and for this position, expertise in the sport of baseball. They must down to Intramurals by starting with Athletics and Activities. exhibit proper leadership and conduct, be fair and consistent disci-

th th plinarians, show respect to opponents and officials, and effectively You will find a link to the registration form on the 6 and 7 coach every player. A JV Coach must be a strong, positive, re- grade girls basketball link. spectful role model for his/her athletes by being a consistent am- If you have questions, you may contact Mr. Wightman at bassador of the game and of Peak to Peak Charter School. All [email protected]. You can also stop Mr. Wightman high school coaches are expected to have an understanding of the in the hall or talk to him before or after his math classes CHSAA rules and regulations governing their sport. For informa- located in rooms, S280, S290 and S275. tion on CHSAA athletic policies, visit their website at www.chsaa.org

Happy Holidays! If you are interested in this position, please visit the following link to download and complete the Athletic Coach Employment Appli- cation. http://www.peaktopeak.org/MenuFiles/Employment/ index.htm Peak to Peak's Hockey team will be playing Aspen on Saturday, December 20th at 1:00 pm at the All applications and resumes should be sent directly to: Broomfield Events Center. The afternoon includes [email protected] a half-hour free skate after the game (bring your own skates). Tickets are good for the Oklahoma Golf Coach Needed vs. Rage game at 7:05. Join us for an afternoon and evening of fun. Peak to Peak is seeking a Head Coach for our Ticket info is as follows: Girls Golf Team for the 2008-09 season, beginning February 17, 2009. This position will $20 for adults work closely with Peter Chandler, Athletics $10 for students ages 13 thru college and Activities Director. $5 for children 12 and under Some of the responsibilities of the Head Parking is free with purchase of a ticket. Coach position include knowing the mission of You may purchase your tickets at the Events Cen- the school and the athletic department and ter. Please help support understanding the role of athletics at Peak to your P2P hockey team and Peak. Head Coaches must have knowledge related to fitness enjoy a fun day out! and conditioning, general health habits and for this position, expertise in the sport of golf. They must exhibit proper leader- Thanks, ship and conduct, be fair and consistent disciplinarians, show Peter Chandler respect to opponents and officials, and coach every player and Activities/Athletics Director coach on their staff. A Head Coach must be a strong, positive, 303-453-4794 respectful role model for his/her athletes by being a consistent ambassador of the game and of Peak to Peak Charter School.

"5)-&5*$4 0''*$& To view the job description in its entirety, visit www.peaktopeak.org, click on Employment, and under Job 1 &5&3 $)"/ % -&3 S "5)-&5*$ i Descriptions, click on Teachers, Athletic Coach. If you are in- "$5*7 *5: % *3 &$503 S B I B bC D B bC F H C terested in this position, please visit the following link to apply + &"/ / & $03 0/ " "/ % + 0% : )&*% 03 / S directly to the Hiring Committee online: http:// "5)-&5*$ 1 "3 "4S B I B bC D B bC E D @ www.peaktopeak.org/MenuFiles/Employment/index.htm Peak to Peak CommunIcations Page 6

TIDBITS Principal Coffees News Briefs, Updates, and Notes Parents and guardians of all students K - 12 are invited to this informal chance to meet with Lunch Money Reminder the administrative staff of Peak to Peak. Join us to hear about things going on at school K- We have many students with negative account balances in 12 and to contribute your feedback on our pro- their lunch accounts and many more with low balances. grams. Administrators will be on hand to talk and gather your input to better connect the Please help us begin the new semester with sufficient bal- Peak to Peak parent community. ances in all student accounts. We will not be able to provide lunch to students without funds. Mark your calendar for this year's Principal Coffee dates (typically the last Thursday of the month: 1/29, 2/26, 3/19, You can check balances on Infinite Campus or 4/30, & 5/28 in the P2P cafeteria, 8:00 to 8:45 am. by calling Food Services at 303-453-4782. No RSVP necessary.

Thanks! Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences

Elementary parent/teacher conferences will be held ATTENTION ALL MUSICIANS! January 5-7. Sign-up sheets will be posted in the south lobby starting on December 15th.

The Music Department will be holding auditions this There will not be any school for K-5th grades January semester for any existing, new and incoming students 5-7. interested in joining a Peak to Peak music ensemble! Please contact the appropriate music instructor to Students in grades 6th-12th will have school as usual schedule an audition. on those days.

Choir - Mrs. Heather Andony, 303.453.4721, [email protected]

Orchestra - Ms. Alison Reifschneider, 303.453.4765, Parent Engagement Network at P2P [email protected] Join us on January 12th, 1:30 - 3:05 pm in the South Band - Mr. Adam Spicer, 303.453.4724, Conference Room. We will hear about the recent [email protected] Rachael Kessler, "The Soul of Education," presentation and start a review of the Thrive Handbook.

Two "Please Stop the Rollercoaster" Parenting Teen Dis- cussion groups will be getting underway soon, with the possibility of a third. We have a supply of books avail- Accountability Committee News able.

Contact Sandy Hay at [email protected] or 303. The accountability committee has put to- 499.4301 to learn more. All Peak to Peak parents and gether a response to the 2008 Parent/ guardians are welcome. Guardian Survey, focusing on the areas of technology, college counseling, volunteer Booster News involvement, and the Communication Pathways. Please go to the Peak to Peak Look for the announcement of the January Dine website and click on ‘Committees’ and O ut, coming soon! Join the next PU M A A ll A ctiv- ‘Accountability’ to view the response. ity Booster Club meeting on January 6, in the Cafeteria. A ll parents & guardians are w elcome. Look for your 2009 survey coming soon! P2P has no Booster Club fees.

We value your input. G O PU M A S !! Dave M itchell - PU M A all A ctivity Booster Club Chair Peak to Peak Fund Development Page 7

Advancement News Dear Peak to Peak Community, A heartfelt thank you to those of you who have supported our school through your generous Annual Gift donations, purchasing scrip (gift cards), bringing in your soup labels, box tops and recycling items, attending the dining out nights to support Boosters and volunteering your time at the school. We have a very generous community and your gifts ARE making a difference! The support of our community has contrib- uted to the success we have had as a school—including being named as a top 100 high school AGAIN by U.S. News and World Report! The Advancement Office oversees Fund Development and Community and Public Relations. Please contact Carolyn Jannsen, Advance- ment Director, if you would like to volunteer in any of these areas! Thank you to those who attended the Donor Appreciation Coffee in De- cember. Mark your calendar for our fabulous Auction and Dinner, “Stepping Out and Stepping Up,” taking place on March 7, 2009 at the Mil- lennium Harvest House in Boulder! Please send Annual Gift Donations to: Peak to Peak Charter School, 800 Merlin Drive, Lafayette, Colorado, 80026 OR they can be dropped off in the bin located in the front of the south building marked, “Friends of Peak to Peak.” Annual Gift donations can be made on- line by going to www.peaktopeak.org and clicking on the link on the homepage.

Thank you again for your continued support!

Carolyn Jannsen Advancement Director

ON-GOING FUNDRAISING

1) PLEASE KEEP COLLECTING THOSE BOX TOPS AND FOOD LABELS!! Peak to Peak has benefited greatly over the years from Box Top and Food Label collections! Elementary students should bring them in to the classroom and all other students/ families can drop them off in the bin in the front of the south building.

2) SCRIPT SALES have netted Peak to Peak thousands of dollars over the years! Please turn your everyday shopping and gift giving into earnings for our school! Click on “Support Peak to Peak” on the Peak to Peak homepage and then, “Ongoing fundraising” for great ways to support our school!

Send your school and student news to the Daily Camera!

The Daily Camera needs you — parents, students, teachers and administrators — to help make their School Report interesting, informative and diverse. Here’ s what the Daily Camera staff has to say about how to get your voice onto the page:

Calendar items We want to hear about your school plays, open houses, meetings and other events. Submit them to our calendar at www.dailycamera.com/ calendar. Under “Select a Category,” scroll down to “Schools” and pick the appropriate category. Sound off Have an issue for the new Sound off feature? E-mail your suggestion to [email protected]. Guest column We want to know what students are thinking about. Any student is welcome to send in a guest column, ranging from 200-500 words, to mill- [email protected]. Student artwork Teachers, parents or the artists themselves can submit student artwork at www.dailycamera.com/ schoolnews/. Look for the “Submit” area. We’ ll run a new piece on the School Report every week. Student Spotlight To nominate an outstanding student for our weekly Student Spotlight feature, visit www.dailycamera.com/ schoolnews/. Look for the “Submit” area.

Peak to Peak‘s Auction and Dinner, “Stepping Out and Stepping Up!” is set for March 7, 2009! MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Here are just a few highlights! (More to come soon!)

• We are taking it offsite this year to the Millennium Harvest House Grand Ballroom in Boulder! • Delicious sit-down dinner, beverages and dessert! • Crash Temple Pumpkins (including members of Firefall) will be performing and YES, we will have a dance floor!!

We are looking for higher end items for our LIVE and SILENT Auction. Please use the donation form at the end of this newsletter for all donations! Contact Carolyn Jannsen, at 303.453. 4604 if you have any questions about items to donate. Forms can be mailed in to the school, faxed to the school at 303.453.4613 OR dropped off in the Friends of Peak to Peak box in the front of the south building.

PLEASE support this great event by attending, inviting others to attend and/or providing donations! Proceeds from this years auction will go to support critical instructional needs K-12 and to improve and complete the Peak to Peak grounds.

NEW FEATURES ON THE P2P WEBSITE!

GREAT NEWS! We have added a Google search engine to the Peak to Peak website homepage. Look for it at the bottom of the column on the left. This search engine will make it easier to find exactly what you‘re looking for on our website.

SCHOOL REPORT CARDS also on-line: The customized reports about our school, published by BVSD, are also on the website now. Click on —About Peak to Peak“ and —School Reports“ to view the Elementary, Middle and High School reports in English or Spanish.

We are continuing to update the content of the website and make it as current as possible. Watch for more changes coming in the new year!

Spirit Wear Orders

ORDER BY: DELIVERY BY: 2/13/09 3/6/09

To order Spirit Wear, visit peaktopeak.org and click on “Forms” to print an order form. Then drop off your order in the Friends of Peak to Peak box in the front of the south building. Spirit wear samples can be found in the north and south building entrances and in the Library Media Center lobby. Spirit wear makes great gifts for the entire family! GO PUMAS! (Staff like it, too!) January 2009 Counseling News Page 9

Testing Update

PLAN results were distributed to 10th graders in early December. PSAT results will be distributed to 9th and 11th graders in Janu- ary. Results will be distributed to 9th graders on a TBD date and to 11th graders on January 22 during ACCESS. (The PLAN and PSAT were both administered in October; the PLAN is a pre-ACT that all 10th graders took and the PSAT is a pre-SAT that all 9th and 11th graders took.) The following information pertains to both tests, even though PSAT results have not yet been distributed.

Results were distributed and explained in students' classes, and students were encouraged to share their results with their parents. In addition to giving students the test results, counselors also gave students their test booklets. We strongly encouraged the students to go through their results and test booklets and to try to figure out why their incorrect answers were wrong. As we explained to the students, this is the best type of test prep they can do, because only when you figure out why you got a question wrong will you be able to answer similar questions on future tests correctly. Furthermore, this type of test prep is free and students can do it on their own time. These test results are invaluable data and we hope you will take the time to go over the results with your children.

Counselors will be registering 11th graders for the ACT, but students are responsible for registering for the SAT, which we recommend they take in either March or June. (We recommend avoiding the May SAT because AP exams are also in May.) When we distribute PSAT results to 11th graders, we will also teach them how to register for the SAT.

If your children have questions about their test results, please encourage them to make an appointment with their counselor. If you have questions, please feel free to contact your child's counselor.

Peak to Peak’s 2008 School Accountability Reports

We are committed to keeping you informed about our school's progress. This past week, families received a copy of the state's School Account- ability Report (SAR) which was prepared by the Colorado Department of Education using information about last year's school performance. This report is also available on-line at: http://reportcard.cde.state.co.us/reportcard

Using 2007-2008 data, the report includes information about school safety; courses offered, student achievement, discipline, student attendance, staff, and district revenue and expenditures. Student achievement is reported in several ways:

1) an overall performance rating 2) an academic growth rating 3) percentage of students attaining proficient and advanced performance levels on Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) tests 4) indication of whether our school met federal requirements for Adequate Yearly Progress in reading and mathematics

The overall performance rating of excellent, high, average, low or unsatisfactory is based on CSAP scores from the 2007-2008 school year. All three of our levels were rated "Excellent" and both the elementary school and high school received the John Irwin School of Excellence award, which is awarded to the top 8% of Colorado schools.

High school ratings also include scores from the eleventh grade ACT tests in reading, writing and math as given to all high school juniors by state law. The academic growth rating of high, typical or low growth is based on the annual progress of a matched group of students with CSAP scores from spring 2007 and 2008.

The state used complex calculations to assign these ratings. For more information about these ratings and answers to some of the most com- monly asked questions about the state's reports, please visit the following web site: http://reportcard.cde.state.co.us/reportcard/help.

This report includes important information for us; however, it is only one piece of information. We also place a high level of importance on parent satisfaction, school climate surveys, staff attitudes and the many measures of student achievement that we continually monitor as a part of our improvement process. Some of this information is reported on the customized school report cards, which were distributed and are on the Peak to Peak website under “About Peak to Peak” and “School Reports” in both English and Spanish.

If you have any questions about our school's progress, we invite you to talk with your child's teacher or give one of us a call. We appreciate your continued support of our school and your contributions to making our school the best place for students to learn.

Sincerely, Kyle Mathews High School Principal

David Hazen Middle School Principal

Noelle Roni Elementary Principal

January 2009 More Counseling News Page 10

Appropriate Learning Placement Services; Coordinator: Terese Roob; 303-453-4640

Happy New Year! ‘Tis the time of year we are finding ourselves in thought about the new year ahead. How do we become the change makers and the doers we dream to be? Now is a great opportunity to talk about goal setting, at home and at school. For some, goal setting is a natural practice, yet for others it is a skill, needing sharpening. Why should we set goals? In addition to the following suggested benefits, there are many more.

G- Guide student growth and development through action and experiences. O- Organize time and manage to experience ongoing, authentic success; Opportunity for student to keep an eye on the big picture. A- Allow student to focus on passions and strengths and build self-image. L- Limit sense of overwhelm by taking seemingly large tasks and chunking them into doable parts; Let student turn dreams into reality! S- Set the SMART way are the most positive and effective; Successful goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.

Goal setting is a positive life skill. When we teach our children/students to take their ideas and trans- form them into feasible, attainable steps, it leads to authentic success. It is a way to strengthen self- motivation and character building because there is ownership. TAG students, especially, thrive on self- directed opportunity, and can sometimes suffer from perfectionism and underachievement. Goal setting is a strategy to keep these things from overtaking our thoughts and actions by bringing desires to fruition. We really all find value in that.

Elem entary Parent/Teacher Conferences January 5th-7th are scheduled conference days for K-5. I am enthusiastic about meeting with your teacher and child during these days to review each student’s ALP (goals) and check in on how the year is going. Newly identified students will be meeting separately with the ALPS coordinator to set goals for the rest of our year. Optim ist Brain Bowl 2009 Our 6th -8th grade teams are preparing eagerly for this year’s competition on January 24the at Fairview HS. Please wish our teams a bit of luck, clear thinking, and quick reflexes! Results will come in February. Destination Im agination Teams of potential are still forming and being finalized, so if you are a parent eager to lead a group of synergetic students to think outside the box, please contact us if you have interest, or any questions! Shalini Jennings [[email protected]] is our terrific coordinator. The district competition is in April, so there is still time. Page 11

Speak to Peak Elementary News

Good Character Shines; Good Scholarship Enlightens.

Dear Elementary Parents & Families,

On Friday, December 12th we embarked on a new and exciting challenge at the elementary level. Our teachers needed to attend a literacy training on campus, but instead of hiring 18 substitute teachers, we felt the students’ time would be better spent with staff members right here at school. Without wasting a single instructional minute, we designed an afternoon of “Character Across the Curriculum.” The focus of the afternoon was on cooperation and students spent time with the specials teachers, Mrs. Wolfe, Mrs. MacMeekin, Mrs. Chandler, and Miss Setchell, as well as with Mr. DiGiacomo, our STEM department chair, Mr. Fontana, our executive principal, Mr. Baillie, our BAASC director, and Ms. Barker, our counselor.

Each of these presenters led an activity following the theme of cooperation but specific to their specialty. For instance, in art Miss Setchell had students building human sculptures, in library Mrs. MacMeekin had students creating reader’s theater presentations together, and in science with Mr. DiGiacomo, students were working together to complete experiments. The day wouldn’t have been a success without the assistance of our literacy and math para professionals, who escorted our students from location to location, and the office staff, who helped to pull together all of the behind-the-scenes details.

Let’s hear what students had to say about the day! When asked what was their favorite part, here were some of their responses: (reprinted with the students’ permission)

“I reckon it was the science because we got to do a ton of experiments and it took a ton of brain power.” – Caprin Bass, 5th grade

“I liked music, because we sang all these holiday songs.” – Clara Tracy, 1st grade

“I think today was awesome because we got to do science, where he [Mr. DiGiacomo] lit the metal and it turned into a giant light!” – Matthew Briggs, 3rd grade

“It was library, because it was interesting with the puppets.” – Sarah Hollis, 4th grade

“Seeing Mr. Fontana. He was playing with us.” – Molly Precourt, Kindergarten

“Art, because we got to make those human sculptures.” – Jacob Dong, 2nd grade

Overall the day was a tremendous success, teachers were able to attend their training with peace of mind, and students were able to have a special day learning about cooperation.We hope to have another “Character Across the Curriculum” opportunity in the future, and we will be looking to you for support in making the day even better the second time around!

Your elementary principals, Noelle Roni & April Wilkin (AP)

Page 12 Speak to Peak Secondary News News from the Middle Latitudes:

From the Middle Latitudes

One of my themes through the years has been over involvement of parents in the wrong ways, and how parents can do a disservice to their children from such involvement. The following article from Donna Krache of CNN ex- presses the damage of such over involvement well. I first heard the term ‘helicopter parent’ from Jim Fay in one of his ‘Love and Logic’ workshops. I would be happy to speak further about strategies for communicating with your children to guide them toward competent independence and avoiding sending the message of entitlement. — David Hazen

(CNN) -- We all see them and swear we're not one of those so-called "helicopter parents" who hover over their kids, micromanaging every aspect of their lives.

• They fly into school in attack mode ready to confront the teacher or coach for "unfair" treatment of their kids.

•They obsess over teacher assignments.

•Some demand that their child be moved to another class before the school year has even begun.

As parents, it's perfectly natural to want to advocate for and protect your child. But how far is too far?

Rich Barbera recently retired after 30 years as a high school counselor in New Fairfield, Connecticut. He ap- plauds parental involvement and wishes there were more of it at the high school level, pointing out that some good changes come about as a result. At his school, for example, more Advanced Placement courses were offered as a result of parental requests. But he's also seen his share of helicopter parents. Barbera has had parents come to his office to pick up SAT applications for kids who weren't planning to go to college. He had seen parents show up in the guidance counselor's office with college applications that they have filled out for their kids. One problem with this approach, says Barbera, is that it doesn't help teens develop their own decision- making skills. Before students picked up the phone to call Mom after something happened at school, he'd encourage them to consider questions such as "What's the good and the bad that can come from this?" and "What are my options in this situation?" "It gives students confidence when they can solve problems themselves," said Barbera.

Dr. Ken Haller, associate professor of pediatrics at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, agrees that parents should help kids learn to make their own decisions. "If a parent becomes so enmeshed in the child's life that they can't let go, it becomes embarrassing for the child." According to Haller, around middle school, it's part of children's natural development to identify more with peer group. If they're constantly going back to Mom and Dad to make all the decisions, this process becomes more difficult. And if a child is always asking for help, Haller advises parents to reassess how they have been responding to the child's requests. When a parent hovers too much, it can backfire and shut down communication. (continued on next page) January 2009 News from the Middle Latitudes Page 13

Haller offers an example: If the student fails a biology test and the parent marches up to school to protest the grade, there may be an underlying issue that's not being addressed. A parent-child discussion might reveal that even though the child has the academic ability to earn an "A" in biology, she's not interested in the subject and wants to be an artist. But if this discussion never takes place, the child feels like a failure and a lot of anger is generated between parent and teacher, making the situation even more stressful.

This isn't to say kids need only to do well in subjects they like, but it illustrates a missed opportunity for produc- tive parent-child dialogues about unpleasant tasks and career interests.

Dr. Nancy Weisman, a licensed clinical psychologist in Marietta, Georgia, says that clear communication between parent and child is vital. When she talks about helicopter parents, she cites examples of those who rush up to school with forgotten homework and lunch money each time the child needs it. Some kids, she says, feel a sense of entitlement to be taken care of this way when they drop the ball.

Weisman tells parents to be aware of this sense of entitlement and instill in its place a sense of personal responsibility. Parents should clearly communicate that they are not going to step in every time a child thinks he needs it.

"It's important for kids to know they're not going to be rescued," Weisman said.

One behavior parents should want to model for their kids is how to deal with powerful people. "If you go in and try to bully them, you give the kid the message that the only way you'll get things is to be confrontational and adversarial," said Haller. He points out that much more can be learned by teaching kids the value of negotia- tion.

Haller says that the most important thing a parent can do is listen. "Listen to your kids, but listen to the other adults in your kid's life who are important: The teacher, the coach, the dance instructor." If the child is com- plaining about being treated unfairly, instead of storming into a meeting and demanding answers, listen to the other adult's side first. Haller encourages conversations between parents and their kids to help decide what battles to fight and which ones to talk through. He advises parents to ask questions like, "What was on the test?" "Did you ask other kids in the class if they thought the material was covered adequately?" and "What do you think we should do about this?"

But there are times, says Haller, when the best action is inaction. "Sometimes," said Haller, "the kid just wants to vent about it."

By Donna Krache CNN

Page 14 Speak to Peak High School

Education is not the filling of a pail, but rather the lighting of a fire...

Dear High School Parents and Students:

Thank you for all you’ve done to help your children and our staff have a great fall semester. We are hon- ored to once again be ranked in the top 100 high schools in the nation according to US News and World Report. We are also pleased to be the recipient of the John Irwin School of Excellence Award, which recog- nizes schools in the top 8 percent of achievement in the state of Colorado. As I tell students and families attending our high school open enrollment meetings, these honors and awards are nice side effects of do- ing what we do really well. We have made a concerted effort to build and maintain positive and collabora- tive relationships with students so all feel known and respected. Each time I hear our students speak to members of the public about how they’ve grown during their time here, I am even more convinced that our strategies for teaching and learning are working. These feelings were reaffirmed just yesterday when I ran into one of our graduates from last spring who informed me that, as of second semester, she’ll officially be a junior in a CU honors program as well as serving as an assistant to one of her professors. She’s been at CU for a total of four months. Four months. That’s incredible.

My interviews with each of our seniors this fall confirmed that our students do well because they are encouraged to pursue their passions here and in college. Despite the stress of the college application process, our seniors unanimously stated how pleased they were with the attention they’ve received from the college counseling center. As of December 1st, 91% of these seniors had applied to one or more colleges or universities. I’ve experienced great pleasure in coaching them on the college interview process and celebrated with them the completion of their applications. In many cases, our students have also received confirmation of acceptance as well as scholarship offers. This is a tribute to their hard work over the past three-and-a-half years, and a result of the quality relationships they are building with teachers who challenge and respect a great deal.

Whether or not your child is a senior, please reflect with them about how they’ve grown and changed during their high school careers. I am looking forward to a new semester and look forward to helping our students make the transition into new learning and leadership roles in the year ahead.

All the best for a wonderful New Year,

Kyle Mathews High School Principal

High School Student Scholastic Art Awards!

Eight outstanding high school artists have won Scholastic Art Awards to represent all of Colorado: Gold Key Winners: Art will go on to be judged on a national level! 1. Jack Dickson: No Hope 2. Kelsey Gray: Self Portrait of Teen Angst Amongst the Foliage 3. Kaatje Jones: Nostalgia

Silver Key Winners: 1. Lucas Corley: Ambrosia 2. Brian Kracha: Movement Makes Ripples 3. Cindy Yetman: Hobofication

Honorable Mention: 1. Evan Casey: Against the Grain 2. Jack Dickson: These Abandoned Places

These artists will have their art on display in the Colorado Regional Scholastic Show in January. Please congratulate the artists when you see them on this HUGE honor. For more information about the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, visit their website at scholastics.rmcad.edu January 2009 Speak to Peak Page 15

Parent Engagement Network presents: Thriving During the Elementary Years: A Smoother Transition to Adolescence By Dr. Jan Hittelman

For most of us, parenting our elementary-age children is easier than our adolescents. Younger children are fairly compliant and we feel less overwhelmed. When they hit adolescence, we often embark on a roller coaster ride of challenges and conflict. Many of our tried and true parenting strategies no longer seem to be effective.

What most parents don’ t know is that there are certain approaches that can be weaved into our parenting with our younger children that can significantly reduce conflict when they become adolescents. More specifically, consider the following strategies:

• Teaching Responsibility: If given the opportunity, most children (and many adults) prefer to project blame onto others instead of taking responsibility for their behavior. The best way to teach children responsibility is to use empowerment. Empowering your child means giving them a voice in the rules, consequences and discipline plan. The more involved they are in this process the more they will take ownership of it. This doesn’ t mean that they get control over these issues, which still rests with the parent. It does mean that that their views and feedback are taken into consideration by the parent and, whenever appropriate, integrated into the final decision. • Modeling Respect: For whatever reason, adults often tend to treat children differently in terms of respect. This is a critical error that often comes back to haunt us when our children become adolescents. If we want our children’ s respect, we must show them respect. Otherwise, when they hit adolescence, we may be very disappointed with the lack of respect they show us as parents. • Providing Positive Feedback: As parents (and in general) we tend to focus on the negative more than the positive. This is an important habit to break because we inadvertently train our children to get our attention negatively. This pattern results in significant conflict once a child hits adolescence. More information on this is available at: www.BoulderPsychologicalServices.com, click on “Articles and Handouts” and then select “Parenting Essentials”.

Utilizing these simple strategies will make the roller coaster ride of adolescence a lot less bumpy for you and your child.

Dr. Michael Bradley Alert!

Dr. Michael Bradley, acclaimed national speaker and author of several books including Yes, Your Teen is Crazy!, will be in Boulder on February 27th & 28th. He will be presenting a PEN-sponsored talk as well as a parent workshop to help raise funds for September School and the Boulder Counseling Cooperative. For more information, please call (303) 443-9933. In the months to come we will be interviewing Dr. Bradley for this column. Have a question for Dr. Mike? Please send your questions to: [email protected].

Learn more about PEN by visiting their website at: www.parentengagementnetwork.org or by contacting Betsy Fox with the Boulder County Healthy Youth Alliance at 303-441-3981.

Dr. Jan Hittelman is a licensed psychologist and Director of Boulder Psychological Services, LLC. What's your opinion? Questions or comments for this monthly column can be sent to: 1527 Pine Street, Suite B, Boulder, CO 80302, via email to: [email protected], or by phone: 720-217-3270.

January 2009 Speak to Peak Page 16

Parent Engagement Network presents: Thriving During the Teenage Years IF YOU THINK YOUR TEEN DOESN’T GIVE A HOOT…MAYBE HE CAN’T By Dr. Michael Bradley

One of the frequent worries I hear from parents about their teens concerns what appears to be a frightening lack of empathy:

“Before she became a teenager Susan used to be the sweetest girl you could imagine. And now that her father has lost his job, she seems to care only about herself. She gets upset about the money worries but she seems to only be concerned with how this will affect only her. I tried to get her to see how distraught her dad is, and how he needs our love and support, but she just stares at me with these cold, blank eyes like she’s some kind of sociopath or something. I can see she’s listening, but I can’t see any compassion for Bob [her father] or for her little brother. None at all! What happened to my sweet little girl?”

What happened was adolescence. New brain imaging studies confirm what many veteran parents have seen (and worried about) since forever, namely that teen brains are not neurologically capable of having adult levels of empathy. It’ s not that they like to be selfish; it’ s more because they lack the “caring wiring.”

In a remarkable study from the University College London Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, adolescent and adult brain imaging (via functional MRI’ s) were compared to see if there were any differences when their respective brains were confronted with empathy situa- tions. When considering what they would do in some action decision scenario, the kids mostly went to a brain region called the superior temporal sulcus, the place where we all go to predict only our own future actions. The adults, however, fired up their medial prefrontal cortex, a vastly more sophisticated brain center. That gray matter (often referred to as the “seat of civilization” by neuroscientists) can do that uniquely human trick of worrying about how our future actions might affect other people.

Young adolescent prefrontal cortexes are just beginning their most significant development to start to build higher-level adult capabili- ties such as empathy and compassionate decision-making (along with about a hundred other critical adult tools).

The best way to teach empathy is not to yell or punish for its lacking but to quietly model it with patience, tolerance, and love:

“Susan, I know Dad’s job loss is scary for you, and it’s only natural that you would think mostly about how this affects you. But please take a minute and try to also think about how Dad feels. He loves you so much and he’s so scared that this will hurt you and your little brother, who by the way, looks to you to see how he should handle his own fears. If you can try to show a little empathy for them, you might be surprised to see how caring about others is a weird and wonderful way of caring about ourselves.”

Take care, and have an empathic day. Mike Bradley

Dr. Michael Bradley acclaimed national speaker and author of several books, including Yes, Your Teen is Crazy!, will be in Boulder on February 27th & 28th. He will be presenting a PEN-sponsored talk as well as a parent workshop to help raise funds for September School and the Boulder Counseling Cooperative. For more information, please call (303) 443-9933.

Upcoming PEN Event:

Thursday, January 15 9-11am Lafayette Library (775 W. Baseline Road)

Healing Circles Jennifer Trinkle, MA, ATR, LPC Embracing Life’ s Transitions Healing Circles Program Coordinator Effectively Coping with Loss HospiceCare Grief & Education Center www.hospicecareonline.org

Learn more about PEN by visiting their website at: www.parentengagementnetwork.org or by contacting Betsy Fox with the Boulder County Healthy Youth Alliance at 303-441-3981.

Dear Parents ~

I am excited to tell you that we are launching a new monthly newsletter for parents in January 2009. Titled "Thrive," like the parent handbooks that were mailed to you this fall, this newsletter will be produced by members of the BVSD community and local experts. One or two articles from Parent Corps News will be incorpo- rated into each issue of the Thrive newsletter.

Watch for your first issue of the new Thrive newsletter to arrive after winter break.

I wish you and your families a warm and happy time together over the break.

Sincerely, Chris King Superintendent

Peak to Peak Charter School Auction Donation Form

*one form per item please DATE OF THE AUCTION: March 7, 2009

DONOR INFORMATION (please print) Business/Donor/School Club or Group NAME (as you would like it to appear in printed materials, deadline is 2.27.09 to be in printed materials)

Contact Name

Mailing Address Website:

City State Zip

Phone Fax Email

Signature Date

DONATION INFORMATION (please print) Detailed Description of Donation Retail Value $

Restrictions or limitations? If yes, provide details; are there expiration dates, for example?

If this is a basket, did you attach the basket inventory sheet? ___Yes ___No *the basket inventory sheet lists all of the items and their value. Does the basket have a tag listing just the contents, not the Expiration Date :______value? Yes______No_____ DONATION DETAILS (check all that apply)

DELIVERY CERTIFICATES MISCELLANEOUS

Donation Attached I have provided a gift certificate Please contact me about sponsorship opportunities I will deliver by:______(date) I will provide a gift certificate by: ______(date) Please contact me about tickets to Please contact me to arrange pick up the auction Please create a gift certificate for me Please contact me about information on Peak to Peak Charter School

Please mail or fax this form to: Peak to Peak Charter School, 800 Merlin Drive, Lafayette, CO 80026 ATTENTION: Carolyn Jannsen, Advancement Director Phone: (303) 453-4604, Fax: (303) 453-4613 Donation Deadline: February 27, 2009 (to be included in printed materials). We can take donations until March 6, 2009. Thank you for your support. Your donation may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor. 501(c)(3) Organization / Federal Tax ID No: 1562332

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