Steve Hamilton, Principal Phone: 303-690-6570Jeffry Hoff, Assistant Principal Attendance: 303-326-1651Lisa Valente, Dean of Students Fax: 303-326-1251

Nov./Dec. 2012

Principal’s MessageColumbia Community, I hope that this letter finds you and yours doing well during this holiday season. As we move forward, I am reflecting on the past newslet-ters which have focused almost exclusively on the state adoption of the new academic standards and the increased level of challenge in math, reading and writing. I thought with the holiday season at hand it would be a great time to share some of the community and kid activities that Columbia is doing this year.

First, I would like to compliment our PTSO (Parent, Teacher, Student Organization) for their constant focus on presenting positive experiences to our students. Our fall fundraiser has allowed PTSO to designate twelve awards every progress report/report card time for students who have obtained 3’s and 4’s on their work habit grades and stayed focused in classroom behaviors. We do a special mixed lunch and draw winners for two boys and two girls in each grade to win a special prize. PTSO has provided the gift cards for this and sponsors many other student activities including athletic season parties, dance support, sponsoring our Music in the Park festival, and our end-of-year 8th grade outing.

Second, I would like to thank our partnerships in the community that have allowed us to continue to feed over 60 kids every Friday for the weekend, support food drives, and continue to support kids at Children’s Hospital with our coat drive. Part of our work as a school comes from establishing a sense of community and this can’t be done without all of those who participate in this work.

During last month’s superintendent’s parent breakfast, we had the opportunity to listen to and share ideas with all schools in Aurora. Ideas about how to increase parental involvement and partnerships were at the top of that list. PTSO will be looking at specific ways to include more moms and dads in our work at Columbia. Please consider always coming to our meetings which are from 6 – 7:30PM on the first Thursday of every month.

More exciting times are coming our way with the fall play, concerts, Barnes & Noble night, and of course, our sports programs. Please know how much we look forward to these chances to showcase all of the talent our young students have here at Columbia.

If you have any suggestions or ideas that would help our community and school, please come and join our PTSO evening, send an email, come and visit, or give us a call.

Happy Holidays,

Steve Hamilton, Principal

Columbia Middle School • 17600 East Columbia Avenue • Aurora, Colorado 80013

Cougar News

Columbia’s website address: http://www.aps.k12.co.us/columbia

Mensaje del DirectorComunidad de Columbia, Espero que esta carta les encuentre bien a usted y a su familia durante esta temporada de días festivos. Al seguir adelante, estoy reflexionando en las últimas cartas dirigidas a ustedes en los boletines, las cuales se han enfocado casi exclusivamente en la adopción estatal de nuevos estándares académicos y el nivel de desafío aumentado en matemáticas, lectura y escritura. Pienso que con la temporada de días festivos por llegar sería excelente compartir algunas de las actividades que la comunidad y los niños de Columbia están haciendo este año.

Primero, quiero alagar a nuestra organización de padres, maestros y estudiantes (conocida por sus siglas en inglés, PTSO) por su enfoque con-stante en presentar experiencias positivas a nuestros estudiantes. Nuestra recaudación de fondos ha permitido al PTSO a designar doce premios cada periodo de reportes de progreso y boletas de calificaciones para estudiantes que han obtenido 3s y 4s en el área de hábitos de trabajo y que han mantenido su enfoque en su conducta en las aulas. Nosotros organizamos un periodo de almuerzo donde niños y niñas comen juntos y elegimos al azar dos niños y dos niñas de cada grado como ganadores de un premio especial. PTSO ha provisto las tarjetas de regalo para hacer esto posible y patrocinan muchas otras actividades estudiantiles incluyendo las fiestas para celebrar los fines de temporada de deportes, supervisión y apoyo de bailes escolares, el festival anual “Music in the Park” y nuestra excursión de fin de año para estudiantes en 8vo grado.

Segundo, me gustaría agradecer a todos nuestros asociados en la comunidad que nos han permitido al seguir apoyando para poder dar comida cada viernes a más de 60 niños para el fin de semana, por apoyar las recaudaciones de comida y el continuar apoyando los niños en el hospital Children’s con nuestra colección de chamarras. Parte de nuestro trabajo como escuela viene de establecer un sentido de comunidad y esto no puede ser hecho sin todos aquellos que participan en esta labor.

El mes pasado durante el desayuno para padres organizado por el Superintendente, tuvimos la oportunidad de escuchar y compartir ideas con personal de todas las escuelas de Aurora. Ideas de cómo aumentar la participación de padres y asociaciones fueron los temas principales. PTSO estará considerando maneras específicas de incluir más madres y padres en nuestro trabajo en Columbia. Por favor considere venir a nuestras juntas de PTSO, las cuales son de 6 a 7:30pm el primer jueves de cada mes.

Otros eventos emocionantes en camino son: la obra de teatro de otoño, los conciertos musicales, la noche de Barnes & Noble, y por supuesto, las temporadas deportivas. Por favor sepa que esperamos con ansiedad estas oportunidades para mostrar todo el talento que nuestros jóvenes estudiantes poseen aquí en Columbia.

Si usted tiene ideas o sugerencias que ayudarían a nuestra comunidad y escuela, por favor venga y únase a nuestro grupo PTSO, mándenos un correo electrónico, venga a visitarnos o llámenos.

Felices fiestas,

Steve Hamilton, Director

SI USTED NECESITA INFORMACIÓN SOBRE CUALQUIER ARTÍCULO EN ESTE BOLETÍN, POR FAVOR COMUNÍQUESE CON MITZI

TORRES AL NÚMERO 303-690-6570

Important NumbersAttendance Line: 303-326-1651 (24 hours) Main Office Phone: 303-690-6570Cafeteria: 303-326-1151 Main Office Fax: 303-326-1251Counseling Office: 303-326-1897 (Direct Line) Counseling Fax: 303-326-1898Columbia’s Website: columbia.aurorak12.org

New School Office HoursMonday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PMWednesday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Student Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 1st Bell – 8:20 AM 2nd Bell – 8:30 AM (Seated in first period classes) Last Bell – 3:57 PM (Students dismissed for the day) Campus Cleared – 4:07 PM

Student Hours: Every Wednesday is a Late Start Day 1st Bell- 9:50 AM 2nd Bell- 10:00 AM (Seated in first period classes) Last Bell- 3:57 PM (Students dismissed for the day) Campus Cleared – 4:07 PM

Breakfast is served from 8:00 – 8:15 – Except on Wednesdays.Students must come in through the cafeteria doors, on the east entrance of the building.Remember: NO breakfast on Wednesday.

Important Dates Coming Up…Nov. 14 & 15 Fall Musical 7:00 pmNov. 21 Parent Conference Exchange Day (No School)Nov. 22-23 THANKSGIVING BREAKNov. 30 Barnes & Noble Night 4:00-8:00 pmDec. 17 Advanced Choir, Band & Orchestra 7:00 pm Dec. 18 Intermediate Band, Jazz Band & Choir 7:00 pm Dec. 19 6th Grade Choir, Band and Orchestra 7:00 pm Dec. 20 Last Day – Quarter 2/First SemesterDec. 21 Teacher Workday (No School)Dec. 24-Jan 4 WINTER BREAK

Notices from the Attendance OfficeAttendance is important to the academic performance and overall success of students. Regular attendance develops habits that are essential for success in school and beyond.

Please notify Columbia Middle School within 24 hours of the day of an absence on our 24 hour attendance line in English or Spanish at 303-326-1651.

See page 19 of the Parent and Student hand book for further in-formation regarding absences and tardies.

Attendance Matters!My name is Dawn Ganaway and I am so happy to be working as the district truancy specialist for Columbia Middle School this year. I have been with Aurora Public Schools and the Truancy Reduction Team for two years now and love work-ing with Aurora students and families. As a district truancy specialist, I work closely with the truancy reduction team at Columbia Middle School to increase student attendance and support students and their families.

Research has proven that attendance is critical to the suc-cess of all students. If a student accumulates three days of unexcused absence, they are flagged as truant and the truancy process begins for that student. Please remember that if your student is ill or has an appointment, please notify the office within 24 hours for that absence to be considered excused. We work hard as a team to holistically support students and their families who are flagged as truant to improve their attendance and have more school success. In extreme cases, students and their guardians work through the truancy court process to get more intense intervention. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or would like support with your student’s attendance. I look forward to working with you all!

Dawn Ganaway District Truancy Specialist720-505-1414

Reminder When Withdrawing Students from ColumbiaWhen withdrawing your student from Columbia, please let Mrs. Morin in counseling know at least 24 hours in advance of the withdrawal. The parent/guardian needs to sign a withdrawal form in the counseling office. The student is then responsible to take a withdrawal paper around to their classrooms, media center, cafeteria and nurse for signatures on their last day of attendance. They must also clean out their hall locker and PE locker (if applicable) and return all Columbia materials, such as textbooks, library books, etc.

Change of AddressHave you moved? Does Aurora Public Schools have a current address on file for you? If not, you will need to visit Centralized Admissions to complete the “Student Demographic Change” form. You must bring current *** proof of address and a photo ID with you.

Centralized Admissions is open Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. No appointment necessary. This office is open year round (in-cluding fall, one week in winter, spring and summer breaks) but closed district holidays.

Centralized Admissions Office: 1085 Peoria Street, Aurora, CO 80111 (SW corner of 11th Avenue and Peoria Street)

***For specific document requirements or to learn more about Central-ized Admissions, visit http://admissions.aurora12.org

Please Make Appointments in AdvanceDue to budget cuts we have experienced in past years we have gradually reduced our staff significantly. This means everyone has to pitch in to cover more supervision areas and take on more daily tasks. For efficiency, we are requiring parents to please make appointments in advance to communicate with teachers, counselors and administrators regarding student needs. If you show up without an appointment, we might not be able to help you right away and you will be asked to return at a later, more convenient time for the person you need to see.

After School Homework Help: OvertimeOvertime, Columbia’s after school tutoring program has begun! Students who need extra help in their classes or those who would like a quiet place to study are invited to spend some time after school with Columbia’s Student Liaisons, Mr. Gonzalez and Ms. Humphrey. Our program is available to any Columbia student Monday- Friday from 4-5 P.M.

An activity bus to take students who regularly ride the bus is available on Monday and Wednesday. Bus leaves promptly at 5:00!

Please encourage your child to attend and find out the ways they might benefit from working Overtime! If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Gonzalez or Ms. Humphrey.

Boys’ Basketball Coming SoonBoys’ basketball starts January 22nd. 7th and 8th grade boys should be getting ready now. Have you had your sports physical already? Every year some players lose practice time waiting for their physical. Are you practicing your skills while the weather still allows outside play?

Coaches will schedule a meeting prior to Winter Break to discuss paperwork, and eligibility requirements. Remember, to be a student-athlete you must be a productive student first!

Coach Pope Coach Epstein

7th & 8th Grade Girls VolleyballThe girls’ volleyball season officially starts Monday, November 12th. There will be some voluntary ‘open gyms’ during the week of November 5th. All 7th & 8th grade girls must have the following turned in before she is able to practice.

1. Have a current 2012-2013 physical exam.2. Have a parent permission slip signed.3. Have some type of health and hospitalization insurance. (We must have the company name or ID number

if military. Please fill this out on the parent permission form). There is also an opportunity to ‘opt out’ of this by signing a waiver form. Insurance may be purchased through the main office. Both these forms may be picked up in the office.

4. Return two Aurora Public School forms, ‘Rules of Conduct’ & ‘Hazing’ sheets signed by herself and her parents.

5. Return the team letter signed by herself and her parents.6. Pay a $33.00 athletic fee.

Any questions can be directed to Mr. Black (7th Grade) and Mr. Scalf (8th Grade).

PTSOThe question is how can we help our children at Columbia Middle School?

Parental Involvement – As a parent the influence you have in your child’s life is crucial to their well being and growth. Every day you are involved in your child’s life gives you the opportunity to make them successful. Parent involvement at the schools allows your child to perform better, navigate challenges with ease, an increase in the education that your child receives growing up.

PTSO is committed to leading parental involvement as a resource you can utilize to ensure the educational growth. We are able to offer com-prehensive resources that will help you keep them involved with your children’s education. Come learn more about these parental resources while learning new ways to make a difference in your child’s life, health, and well being. Become involved with your child’s school; bring new ideas with you that will increase our resources, making Columbia Middle School with Parental involvement a standard.

As parents, students and staff you are already member of Columbia Middle Schools PTSO. All you have to do is come to the meetings and you are welcome. The meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm; just come to the office entrance at Columbia Middle School and join in on the FUN.

WISHING ALL OF YOU A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON and A SAFE NEW YEAR

Cougar Art CornerBarnes & Noble Night – “A Night of Art and Literacy”Columbia Middle School will be holding an art show and bookfair night at our local Barnes & Noble (Aurora City Place). All purchases that evening will benefit Columbia Middle School. Artwork from a variety of CMS students will be on display in the store for the entire month of November and our bookfair night will be on Friday, November 30th from 4-8pm.

“A Night of Art and Literacy” will last from 4pm-8pm on Friday, November 30th, however all of the family activities will not start until 5pm that evening. We will receive a percentage of all sales as long as each customer presents a Barnes and Noble voucher. These vouchers will be passed out at school to all students so that they and their families may use them on that night. Separate purchases do require separate vouchers, and extras will be available to your student(s) at CMS and at the registers at checkout. November 30th will be an excellent time for you and your family members to start your holiday shopping and benefit our school at the same time!

All merchandise sold at Barnes & Noble is eligible for our bookfair contribution on November 30th. This includes books, music, magazines, cafe consumables, and gift items. However, Barnes and Noble Memberships and gift cards purchased that evening cannot be applied to our bookfair total.

Everyone is welcome to join us at the Aurora City Place Barnes & Noble on Friday, November 30th for an evening of art and literacy events! “A Night of Art and Literacy” will include an art display showcasing some of our fine CMS artists. In addition to the artwork, there will be several art and family games and activities for all to enjoy. We will also have some spectacular Columbia Middle School musicians performing after 5pm in the store.

If you are unable to attend this evening or have friends and family members that want to support CMS, but cannot attend, you may also make purchases online. Please see the flyer attached for the online ordering directions. Mark your calendars for this spectacular event and start your holiday shopping while helping Columbia Middle School on Friday, November 30th from 4pm-8pm. Bring your friends and families and support our school through literacy!