PrincipalMrs. Darla Stumpp

Assistant PrincipalsMrs. Sue Wagoner

Deans of StudentsMr. John Emilsson

(Teams 62, 63, 7th grade & PBS Coordinator)

Mr. Marcus Walker(Teams 61, 64, 8th grade

& Athletics)

Office Hours7:00 am - 3:30 pm

Office Phone Number303-341-7450

Attendance RecorderHours: 3:30 pm - 7:00 am

Please give:Student’s Name

GradeReason for Absence/Tardy

Name of person calling

Websitehttp://www.aps.k12.co.us/ahills

March/April 2012

Dear Aurora Hills Families and Friends,We are flying high here at Aurora Hills Middle School due in large part to our com-munity’s commitment. Thank you is hardly an adequate expression of our gratitude. Our new learning home is the result of your generosity and support. It is now our opportunity and responsibility to “pay back” this generosity. Education is never wasted and I can think of no better return on the community’s investment than to celebrate Aurora Hills’ commitment to learning. The academic picture each student holds in mind for him/herself is one of the most powerful tools a student has. But equally important for students’ success in their academic journey is letting them know you believe in hard work and that hard work will always pay off. Accepting and meeting the challenges of that work will make the academic vision a reality. We are ready to realize the pay off for our hard work.

In just a few days the students will begin taking the TCAP, the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program tests (formally known as CSAP). And we are ready! The stu-dents and teachers of Aurora Hills Middle School have been on a course of study to improve students’ reading abilities in non-fiction texts, write extended essays, and increase problem solving of challenging mathematical problems. I am proud of the learning that has occurred in these areas, and TCAP is our opportunity for us to demonstrate this progress.

We are ready to pay back the community that has been so generous.

Thank you!

Darla Stumpp, Principal Aurora Hills Middle School

Aurora Hills Middle School

Postage paid by PTSO Newsletter for Parents

Aurora Hills Middle School 1009 South Uvalda Street • Aurora, Colorado 80012 • 303-341-7450

Where Excellence is a Habit

CalendarMarch 1 8th grade Class Picture 8 PTSO / Accountability Joint meeting 6:00 pm 9 3RD QUARTER ENDS12 Teacher Work Day – NO CLASSES13 Girls Basketball Practice Begins (7th & 8th grade)13 Soccer Practice Begins (7th & 8th grade)19 REORT CARDS GO HOME WITH STUDENTS26-2 SPRING BREAK – NO CLASSES

April 3 RETURN FROM SPRING BREAK 5 Family Book Club 6:30 pm10 PTSO / Accountability Joint meeting 6:00 pm

May13 PTSO / Accountability Joint meeting 6:00 pm21 Teacher In-Service Day – NO CLASSES22 8th grade Festivities23 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS24 Teacher Work Day 25 5th Block Teacher Work Day 28 MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY 29 5th Block Instruction begins

*** Repor t Cards will be MAILED home the week of May 30th

AthleticsGirls’ Basketball Practice begins March 13thSoccer Practice begins March 13th

TCAP Testing at Aurora Hills will be March 5 - 16

TCAP TestingTCAP, the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program, is Colorado’s standards-based assessment designed to provide a picture of student performance to schools, parents, and the community. The purposes of the TCAP are to determine the level at which Colorado students meet the Colorado Model Content Standards in the content areas assessed and to measure the progress of Colorado students over time. The TCAP provides a snapshot of student achievement in reading, writing, mathematics, and science.

To Prepare Your Child for TCAP Testing Here are some tips for parents to help their children do their best everyday and especially during the TCAP testing period. We ask for your help in the following areas.

Help your child prepare by doing the following:• Get a good night’s sleep (at least 8 - 10 hours). • Eat a healthy breakfast. • Arrive at school on time and be here for the testing

period. (please reschedule any appointments for after the testing

if possible).• Have a positive “can do” student attitude. • Plan ahead to ensure that your child is present and on

time for the test. Do not plan any medical or dental appointments on testing days.

• Bring at least two #2 wooden pencils to the testing session. Mechanical pencils will not successfully scan this test.

What are some test-taking tips that will help my child take TCAP? Remind your child to:• Read the test directions carefully.• Read the questions carefully and be sure to read all of

the answer choices before responding. • If you don’t know an answer to a question, skip it and

go on to the next question. • If there is time at the end of the test, then return to the

unanswered question. • Eliminate any answers that you know are wrong, and

then consider only those that might be right. • If you finish early, check your answers.

Academic Honor RollCongratulations to the following students that earned Academic Honor Roll for the 2nd quarter :

6th gradeAlexis AcevedoLatoshjay AckerHana AdmasseIrina AmouzouMikayla ArmijoNallely BajoMatthew BowserStephen ChapaGrabiela ContrerasQuetzalya CorreaNallely Estrada OntiverosCassandra GirardiMikayla GirardiFrank GomezAlondra Ibarra MartinezMalik JonesYubin KimIliana Leon ParraKiara LewisHendrick Lopez BeltranAbraham Mejia RamirezMonserrat Montano LopezOlivia ParapatSheridan PrinceAlexander StasiakEdila-Beata TettehJanus TomasAndres Varela RoblesVidal VieraJasmin Villasenor Rodriguez

7th gradeNeredia Arroyo-RamirezJennifer BalladaresLuis Banos VazquezDarrien BrownMichaela DhaininWendy Enriquez CampaBreanna FortierNasurudin FuriLessley Garcia FloresQuintin GarrisonMegan GiesekeMathias GunionJade IlesKe’Ajanae JacksonLeigha KirbyManuel Lopez-IturraideEva LoyaGuoxin ManBenjamin MejiaJonathan Ordaz CastroAlan PinonChristiana RotibiIvory Anthony SykesBlake ThomasValeria TorresBarnabas TsigeKaren Vera OrozcoJailan WilsonAmanda YeoRedait Zemede

8th gradeLayla AbdullaDallana AlvarezBenjamin DavisJames DiniusJacqueline Duron HernandezEvelyne Fraire-PachecoTarnell GreenSubin KimStephanie MaciasIsela Villasenor Rodriguez

Work Habits Honor RollCongratulations to the following students that earned Work Habits Honor Roll for the 2nd quarter :

6th gradePawel BednarskiAnahi Cabanas GarciaDiana Curvas RosasAly DominguezClaudia Flores RiosJournee GlassDeyla Gomez MorenoSamantha Granados PichardoDavid GriffithDaniela HerreraDayana Herrera FloresMonica HerreraAaron HockadayJadazia JonesHuy Le Kiara LeslieOlga LlanosShawn LuceroJessica Mandujano-SanchezShynell MooreWilliam Morales OchoaPatricia Moreno OretgaEbony NashGustavo Orona FernandezKiana PenaYaoliam Phan Jeni PinedoJennifer Ponce De LeonBlana Ramirez AvalosPaul RodriguezJacqueline Saenz De La CruzJorge SantosEvelyn StrodePhilemon TanJose Torres CastelanYoel TsegaiBrandon VashtiSierra Wroblewski

7th gradeFlorencio AguilarStephany AlcazarZachary BarnesNayeli Blanco RosalesJargalmaa BolormasLesley Carrillo SotoGloria CastruitaJuan Covarrubias PaezD’Avionne CrawfordBelsi Diego PatricioIvan Flores CastroEric Garcia VazquezLuis Granados ZarragaJason GreenJhaloni GreenDenzel GriggsJose Helguera LopezCristian Hita MarquezJace LesterMarcus LindsayTeresa Locia MarquezRychen LyKathia Madera HulzarJensen Maldonado RodriguezCynthia Malvaes RomoAshley Martinez CarrilloAngel MendezVeronica MendozaMaria MercadoJosalene Negrete MendezHermes NettelAna NevarezAlexzandria NoffsingerZole OrtizJennifer PerezGillian RodriguezMakayla SangoDayann Solis BrizuelaTania SuntiJulieta Valles RosalesAshley VaughanAnteneh Zeleke

8th gradeCitlali Albino LlamasSarah AlvaradoAnthony AlvarengaSandra Archuleta ValdezAbilen ArellanoNelson BarkerBruce Bell Jennifer CastruitaMorghan CountrymanPriscilla CruzFernando GalvanJasmine GarciaJazmen GonzalezBerenice Gonzalez VazquezAlicia HallLeelie IyassuJocelyn Lira MontielTatiana MacupaFelicitas MartinezJessica MitchellJesse MorelandKirna NettelJohnson NgoDylan PaulsenAustin PrinceNovember Rhoades NavarroBlanca RodriguezDayra Rodriguez TriguerosOmar SanabriaKimberly SandovalSiaira SettlesLaura Solis GarciaNereida SotoLeith Tweedale WenzelLeonisio Zamora Linares

Reminder Regarding Student Messages The office staff at Aurora Hills will work with you regarding emergency mes-sages for your student.

Please remember that when we call your student out of class for a non-emergency message not only are we interrupting the class but your student will be missing instructional time while they are out of the classroom.

If information about transportation, doctor appointments, etc. is not available before your child leaves for school, please instruct your child to check with you during the day for an update.

Visitors to SchoolsIn order to ensure that no unauthorized persons enter buildings, all visitors to school buildings or district facilities during regular business hours must enter through the main/front entrance and report to the main school office where they shall show proper identification, describe the nature of their visit, sign in and receive a visitor’s pass. APS Code: KI

APS Weather Closures or Delays When inclement weather hits our city, APS staff members assess conditions beginning just after midnight to determine how the weather will impact the school day. Should we need to close schools or delay the start of the school day, Superintendent John L. Barry and staff will make the decision as early as possible.

Once a decision is made, information about the decision is shared as soon as possible with all media and posted on the APS website, Facebook, and Twitter. The closure or delay notice is also recorded on the APS Emergency Line at 303-326-1080 and sent to parent phones using our automated call-ing system.

Should APS staff make the decision to delay school, the school day would begin one hour later than normal. Staff members are expected to arrive at school as close to their regular start time as is safely possible as some students will arrive on time.

APS buses will pick up students one hour later than normal. Our top priority is to keep students and staff as safe as possible.

Please note: A delayed start does not change regular pick-up times at the end of the school day.

For more information about school closures or delays, visit http://aurorak12.org/schools/weather-closures.

IXL Online LearningThis semester Aurora Hills has purchased a school license for every student to have an account at www.ixl.com. This license was pur-chased for use both at school and at home to help students be proficient and differentiate for their needs.

Please log in with your student and see what we are learning! Log in at www.ixl.com/signin/aurorahills. Your student’s math teacher will give them their password and username.

We expect students to challenge their skills at an appropriate level and work until they achieve a SmartScore of 100 for each stan-dard chosen. You can expect your student to spend at least 15 minutes a day on this site to strengthen their mathematical mastery.

Town Center at Aurora Offers APS Computer KiosksAPS parents can access computer kiosks at the Town Center at Aurora shopping mall to view their children’s Parent Portal accounts, find information on the APS website, or browse mall shopping opportunities.

The APS Parent Portal is part of the Infinite Campus student information system. The portal is a secure, confidential Web site that allows parents to view current information about their child’s attendance, grades, class assignments and other resources. To access the Parent Portal, parents must request a Parent Portal ID from their child’s school and then follow the online instructions to set up the account.

The computer kiosks are located on the first level of the mall near Guest Services, and on the second level in the food court. The kiosks are a joint venture between Aurora Public Schools and the Town Center at Aurora and are provided as a free service to APS parents and students.

7th Grade Locker PolicyThe 7th grade has adopted a grade level locker policy to help get students to class on time and prepared to learn. 7th grade students are allowed at their lockers before school, after period 3, before lunch, and after lunch. Students are dismissed from period 6 and escorted directly outside to catch the bus or their ride home.

Fifth Block se ofrece en mayo de 2012Las Escuelas Públicas de Aurora (el distrito escolar conocido por sus siglas en inglés como APS) ofrecen una “Fifth Block of Instruc-tion” (Quinta Sesión de Instrucción), voluntaria, para alumnos que han demostrado progreso académico durante el ciclo escolar y que podrían beneficiarse de tiempo adicional de aprendizaje. La Fifth Block of Instruction, ha sido diseñada para cualquier alumno que ha demostrado evidencia de crecimiento en matemáticas y alfabetización, y que tiene mayor potencial de avanzar hacia el nivel de competencia. Aproximadamente, cincuenta alumnos de cada es-cuela primaria y 100 de cada escuela K-8, secundaria y preparatoria, serán invitados a asistir. La prioridad es para los alumnos que no son competentes en ambas materias alfabetización y matemáticas, ambos de nivel insatisfactorio y parcialmente competente.

Las invitaciones serán ofrecidas a los alumnos que vayan del se-gundo al décimo grado, que todavía no sean competentes, pero que muestran evidencia de crecimiento. Fifth Block también incluye alumnos que ingresarán al cuarto grado y que están a nivel de competencia baja en lectura y a los alumnos que ingresarán al sexto, séptimo, octavo, noveno y décimo grado y que están a nivel de competencia baja en matemáticas. Los alumnos deben de haber estado matriculados continuamente en APS por lo menos durante un año (desde marzo hasta el siguiente marzo), haber asistido a clases en forma regular y haber tenido una buena conducta en general.

Fifth Block es provista para los alumnos, sin ningún costo adicional para los padres. Los alumnos generalmente reciben la enseñanza en sus propias escuelas usando el plan de estudios del distrito. El tamaño de la clase se establece en una proporción de 25 alumnos por cada maestro.

El año escolar regular es del 8 de agosto de 2011 al 23 de mayo de 2012. Fifth Block of Instruction se ofrecerá del 29 de mayo al 28 de junio para el año escolar 2011-2012.

Empezando el 1 de marzo, el personal escolar notificará a los pa-dres de los alumnos que se recomienda que asistan, y los padres tienen que notificar a la escuela para confirmar la participación de sus hijos en Fifth Block para el16 de abril de 2012.

Los servicios de transporte, desayuno/almuerzo y enfermería, estarán disponibles para los alumnos. Los padres no tendrán que solicitar nuevamente las comidas gratuitas o de precio reducido.

Para mayor información acerca de Fifth Block of Instruction, por favor visite http://fifthblock.aurorak12.org/

Fifth Block Offered May 2012Aurora Public Schools offers a voluntary Fifth Block of Instruction for students who have shown academic growth during the school year and who could benefit most from additional learning time. The Fifth Block of Instruction is designed for any student who has dem-onstrated evidence of growth in math and literacy and who have the most potential to make progress toward proficiency. Approximately fifty students from each elementary school and 100 from each K-8, middle and high school will be invited to attend. Priority is given to students who are not proficient in both literacy and math, both unsatisfactory and partially proficient.

Invitations will be offered to incoming second through incoming tenth graders who are not yet proficient but demonstrate evidence of growth. Fifth Block also in-cludes incoming fourth graders who are low proficient in reading and incoming sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth graders who are low proficient in math. Students must have had continuous enrollment in APS for at least one year (March to March) consistent attendance and overall good behavior.

Fifth Block is provided to students at no additional cost to parents. Students are generally taught in their own schools using district curriculum. Class size is set at a 25 to 1 ratio.

The regular school year runs from August 8, 2011 – May 23, 2012. The Fifth Block of Instruction will be offered from May 29 to June 28 for the 2011-12 school year.

School staff will notify parents of recommended students beginning March 1, 2012 and parents must notify the school to accept participation of their child in Fifth Block by April 16, 2012.

Transportation, breakfast/lunch and nursing services will be available to students. There will be no need to reapply for free or reduced lunch.

For more information about Fifth Block of Instruction, please visit http://fifthblock.aurorak12.org/

Students Visit EchotechBy Ms. PearceyOn Friday, January 20, 2012, 8th graders Maribel Ortega, Jocelyn lira, Layla Abdulla, Jennifer Casturita, Jazmen Gonzalez, Evelyne Fraire, Teresa parapet, Leith Tweedale, Bruce Bell, Benjamin Davis, James Dinius, Michael Gisch, Johnson Ngo and Austin Prince accompanied Mrs. Pearcey to Ecotech in Aurora for a glimpse at a college focused on renewable energy and sustainable design. This was the first of many college visits planned in the spring semester as a follow up to college research done by students during their exponen-tial unit when they first learned about compound interest. This led to discussions about paying for college and post secondary options.

While at Ecotech the students were able to visit classrooms, wind turbine labs, electrical engineering labs, an outdoor solar panel installation lab and a maintainence climbing safety lab. They were also briefed on programs offered at Ecotech, Ecotech’s job placement rate and supports for students on and off campus.

Aurora Hills Fishing Club Takes Historic First Field TripBy Mr. Emilsson, Dean of StudentsThe Aurora Hills Fishing Club had their first outing of the year (and the 1st for the club’s existence) this past Ground-hog Day on the frozen ice of Evergreen Lake. A total of 4 students were able to make the trip. The students learned the basics of ice fishing including drilling holes with an ice auger, selecting jigs and lures, baiting hooks, and even cleaning fish. The club caught a total of 4 rainbow trout between 12 to 13 inches. The catch of the day went to Tarnell Green, 8th grade, who after creating a rat’s nest on his fishing pole resulting in having to cut his line, ended up catching a nice 12 inch rainbow by holding onto the fishing line with his hands. No pole required! A special thank you to Mr. Silvernale and his personal assistant Brian Canon for cooking up a delicious chicken fajita lunch on the ice. The fishing club next field trip is scheduled for May when the club will try their luck on Bear Creek in Jefferson County.

Family Book Club Bringing our community together as we support the literacy development of our students

April 5, 2012, 6:30 pm in the ILCApril Book Club selection - Ship Breaker by Paolo Baciga-lupi

7th Grade VolleyballBy Ms. PearceyThe 7th grade Mustang volleyball team wrapped up their season with a team party on Wednesday, January 11, 2012. The athletes nominated their fellow teammates for numerous team awards. The winners are (drum roll please...):

Best Passer : Miriam CarranzaBest Setter : Michaela DhaininBest Hitter : Gloria CastruitaBest Server : Amanda YeoBest Cheerleader: Ke’Ajanae JacksonBest Communicator: Rajae DrewMiracle Play Maker: Valeria TorresMost Improved: Mya MyersMost Valuable Player : Megan Gieseke

Coach Pearcey and Coach Haeflinger look forward to seeing the ladies next November for `their 8th grade volleyball season. Great season ladies!

Aurora Hills Flag TeamBy Mr. HallThe Aurora Hills Flag Team had the honor of raising the Flag for the first time over the new school building during the Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, February 11, 2012. The Star Spangled Banner was sung by 7th grade teacher Sara Bill while the flag was hoisted to it’s pinnacle, and members of the APS Board of Education, Aurora Hills Staff, parents and community watched. The flag was donated by Mr. Steve Boyle , who also provided flags for all of the classrooms and Gym. Members of the Aurora Hills Flag Team who participated in the ceremony were: Jen-nifer Casturita, Jarmon Baln-ton, Shamar Hampton, James Dinius, Eric Portillo, Daniel Tuzizila, Brandon Vashti, Paul Scott and Rustam Shodiev. Jennifer Casturita was also prenented a paque for her service and dedication to the Flag Team. Jennifer is the first 3 year member since the team was formed.

Cafeteria Information STUDENT LUNCH - $2.30 / 10 lunches $22.50 ADULT LUNCH - $3.35

Aurora Hills has one snack line with a variety of items that range in price from 25¢ - $2.25. Prices for each item are posted at each snack line.

SACK LUNCH STUDENTS may purchase milk in the lunch line for 65¢.

FREE/REDUCED APPLICATIONS - Available at the main line register. The snack line items are not included in the free or reduced lunch program.

Students and staff may put checks or cash into accounts every school day between 6:55 am and 7:15 am at the main line register. If you arrive late, please bring your check to the kitchen before 9:55 am. ALL checks received after 9:55 am

will be put into the student’s account the next day. Cash can be put into an account at any register throughout the lunch periods.

CAFETERIA HOURS - 6:55 am - 9:55 am CLOSED - 9:55 pm - 10:25 am 10:25 pm - 1:30 pm

If you have any further questions, please contact Mary McMullin, Cafeteria Manager at 303-341-7450 extension 25006.

8th Grade Boys BasketballBy Coach EmilssonThe boy’s basketball season has started for both the 7th and 8th grade students and once again Aurora Hills has a large number of students participating in the program. For the 8th grade alone, 44 students came out for basketball. 22 of those students made either the “A” or “B” teams with the remainder of the students being placed on the “C” team coached by Coach Neel. The focus of the basketball team this year is “Sportsmanship” in addition to the continued development of fundamental basketball skills in the players. Sportsmanship in general refers to a group of ethics and principals that include fairness, respect, and in general being a good sport. Being a gracious winner and not a “sore loser” are key components of what our basketball program tries to teach to all athletes. The basketball program hopes that parents and spectators in the stands also adhere to these principals and help Aurora Hills players be the best they can be both on and off the court. We hope to see you at a home game soon.

2012 Community Update Now AvailableThe Aurora Public Schools Community Update is now avail-able at http://aurorak12.org/update. This update provides information about student academic progress including ACT, CSAP and CSAPA scores, Adequate Yearly Progress performance and teacher quality data for the 2010-11 school year.

If you would like a printed copy of the data, contact the APS Communication Department at 303-365-7805.

El informe 2012 para la comunidad, ya está disponibleEl informe de las Escuelas Públicas de Aurora, para la co-munidad, ya está disponible en http://aurorak12.org/update. Este informe proporciona información sobre el progreso académico, incluyendo resultados de ACT, CSAP y CSAPA. El rendimiento del “Adequate Yearly Progress” (progreso anual adecuado) y el informe de calidad del maestro para el año escolar 2010-11.

Si usted quisiera una copia impresa del informe, comuníquese con el “Communication Department” (Departamento de Comunicación) al 303-365-7805.