WCE Newsletter May 2011

8/6/2019 WCE Newsletter May 2011

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Volume 4, Issue 3, Page 1

From the Principals Office

Volume 4, Issue 3

May, 2011

Page 8

Westerly Creek

and Swigert-

McAuliff Inter-

national School

8800 E. 28thAvenue Denver,

CO 80238

Phone:

303-322-5877

Fax: 720-424-3185

Attendance:720-424-3168

Westerly Creek and Stapleton 3

Schools Newsletter

Dear Westerly Creek FamiliesBy Jill Corcoran, Principal, Westerly Creek

Hello May! It doesnt seem possible that

we have been in school for nine months

and have just a few weeks remaining in

this school year. Students and teachers

are feverishly tying up loose ends. Stu-

dents are putting the last details into their

stories, finishing up the books that they

are reading and building on the math

facts that they have been learning all

year. One kindergarten student told me

the other day that when he started

school in the beginning of the year he

didnt know how to read and now he can

read all by himself. He read his book to

me with confidence and expression and

was so very proud to be a reader. Stu-

dents in all grades have grown academi-

cally, as well as socially and emotionally.

We thank you for entrusting your children

with us this year and hope it has been as

successful an experience for you as ithas been for us.

This year we have had record numbers

in all that we have done. We have ser-

viced more students this year between

the two schools than ever before. We

used every room in the building. More

parents have been in the building to sup-

port their students and classrooms. Our

PTA has raised more money in direct

giving and at the school auction than in

years past. We have processed more

applications for ECE and kindergar-

ten than we have spots available.

Westerly Creek has set record num-

bers for giving back: Denvers Road

Home, Jump Rope for Heart, Food

Drive, Battery Drive and collecting

change for Japan. We thank you and

your family for your generous sup-

port of our school and community.As

the lazy days of summer are almost

upon us, it is important to remember

that learning does not stop. Please

continue to have your children read

for at least 20 minutes a day. Talk

with them about the books they are

reading and have them practice re-

tells throughout the summer. Please

continue to practice and apply math

concepts and facts. Engage your

students in topics of interest and

they will continue to learn. Theymight not come to school the next

few months, but that doesnt mean

you cant incorporate learning

throughout the summer.

Westerly Creek is an incredible

school. We have an exceptional

community of outstanding teachers,

paraprofessionals, support staff, in-

volved parents AND the greatest

kids. Thank you for contributing to

another successful school year.

Have a fabulous summer!

AssessmentBy Jill Corcoran, Principal, Westerly Creek

Teachers use assessment to help drive instruction. Through informal and formaldata, teachers build a body of evidence to support decisions and how we approachplanning and curriculum implementation. Teachers analyze and reflect on studentwork, running records, Work Sampling, Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA),Every Day Math (EDM), Benchmark and CSAP assessments to help make informedinstructional decisions. Cont. next pg.

Inside this

Issue:

Principals Mes-

sage

1

4th Grade News 2

Outstanding Stu-

dents and Service

3

Students Writing 4

PTA 5

Lilbrary 5

Sponsors 6


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Westerly Creek and Stapleton 3 Schools Newsletter, Page 2

This year, Westerly Creek Elementary

sent several 2nd through 4th grade

teams to the regional competitions. The

fourth grade team, Brain Builders, con-

sisting of Tobin Hoops, Evan Kosa-

kowski, Andrew Hageman, Zach Azer,

Zac Stahlhut, Alex Ku, and Will Draper

made it to Colorado State Finals on

April 19, 2011. The group took 7th place

out of 13 groups doing the same chal-lenge. The challenge that they did was

Verses! Foiled again! This challenge

was to design and build a structure

made only of aluminum foil, wood and

glue, test how much weight the struc-

ture would hold, present a story about a

character that is foiled, and integrate

team-written verse into the story. Con-

gratulations, Brain Builders!

Graham Ray,

parent of a 3rd and 4th grade stu-

dent volunteered her time to coach

two teams of 4th graders to partici-

pate in the Math Olympiad. This in-

ternational mathematics competition

accomplishes several learning objec-

tives, including teaching major

strategies for problem solving, devel-

oping mathematical flexibility in solv-

ing problems and fostering mathe-

matical creativity and ingenuity. One

of our students, Andrew Hageman,

finished in the top 10% in the inter-

national competition.

Destination Imagination Math Olympiad

Each day the fourth graders watch

CNN Student News. After a week

of seeing massive destruction in

Japan and continuing to see de-

struction in Haiti, the fourth grad-

ers began asking "What can we

do?" We then decided that a

change drive would be the best

way to help, and then we looked

into different organizations that

help in these situations. We de-cided that the Red Cross was

where we wanted to donate our

money. In a little under a month

the families of Westerly Creek and

SMIS donated $1,913.40. Miss

Grants class donated the most at

$454.34, Mr. Rabinowitz's class

brought in the next highest

amount at $270.02, and third was

Ms. Hernandez's class that

brought in $260.44.

CHANGE 4 Change

4th Grade News

Teachers use assessment to help drive instruction. Through informal and formal data, teachers build a body of evi-dence to support decisions and how we approach planning and curriculum implementation. Teachers analyze andreflect on student work, running records, Work Sampling, Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA), Every DayMath (EDM), Benchmark and CSAP assessments to help make informed instructional decisions.

CSAP:

The Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) is an assessment required by the No Child Left Behind Actadministered by the Unit of Student Assessment in the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). The CSAP is de-signed to measure how well students are learning material from the Colorado Model Content Standards, the estab-

lished content standards that all Coloradopublic schoolstudents should learn. The CSAP only tests four of the thir-teen subject areas in the Colorado Model Content Standards (mathematics,reading,writingand science). This yearall WCE 3rd and 4th graders participated in the CSAP and took tests in reading, writing and mathematics. 3rd gradeReading CSAP scores are released late spring while all other areas for third and every other grade level are re-leased in August. The 3rd grade Reading test results have been received: 86% of WCE scored proficient or ad-vanced.

Benchmark/Interim Assessments:

This year 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade teachers administered Benchmark Assessments to their students. The primary goalof this testing is to assess how well students are progressing toward proficiency on state standards addressed bythe curriculum throughout the school year. The test results provide us with detailed information for meeting the in-structional needs of our students. I am happy to report that our students did extremely well with the third round oftesting and the data is very promising. The third benchmark assessment measures end of the year expectations,

and our 2

nd

, 3

rd

and 4

th

Grade students achieved proficiency as follows:

2nd grade Proficiency 3rd grade Proficiency 4th grade ProficiencyReading: 88% Reading: 81% Reading: 81%Writing: 79% Writing: 79% Wrtiing: 85%Math: 85% Math: 93% Math: 85%

** Individual student reports are not sent home because it is an instructional tool. Teachers will use the data and report on

state standards using the Standard Based Progress Reports.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Child_Left_Behind_Acthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Child_Left_Behind_Acthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_Model_Content_Standardshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_Model_Content_Standardshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coloradohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coloradohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_school_(government_funded)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_school_(government_funded)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading_(activity)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading_(activity)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Writinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Writinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sciencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sciencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sciencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Writinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading_(activity)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_school_(government_funded)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coloradohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_Model_Content_Standardshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Child_Left_Behind_Act


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KidsHelp - Service

Mile High Scholar is the tradition of recognizingtremendous talent and scholarship of Denver Pub-

lic Schools students in 1st through 12th grade.Students are recognized for their qualities ofscholarship, leadership, character, or for havingmade some special contribution to the schoolcommunity during the year. This year WCE hon-ors Isabel Allison and Tara Sakamaki as out-standing members of the school community.

Isabel Allison was selected for our Mile HighScholar because she exhibits outstanding charac-ter attributes. Izzy always sets an example forothers. She approaches all tasks with diligenceand focus. Izzy is involved in several extracurricular activities and remains conscientiousabout her studies. She sets goals for herself andputs forth her personal best to achieve whatever

Jonah Landeck had an idea. He had noticed that the

hallways looked a little bare. What if we put some

plants in the hallways? Would it make our school look

and feel a little warmer? Jonah sat down and wrote

an email to Ms. Corcoran. He asked for permission to

start a student group that would improve the school,he called it KidsHelp.

KidsHelp is a service learning club designed to allow

students to give back to their school. After success-

fully acquiring plants for the hallway, the club is now

on a bigger mission. Ms. Corcoran has plans for add-

ing picnic tables and umbrellas to the playground next

year. KidsHelp has accepted the challenge of raising

funds for the umbrellas. The cost of the industrial

umbrellas, which will hold up to both Colorado winds

and Westerly Creek kids, is roughly $1,000.

With the idea of raising money for the school, Kid-

sHelp asked permission to sell pizza and snacks at

Westerly Creeks movie night. The effort raised more

than $300. To raise the additional funds, another pro-

ject would be needed. The club contacted Melody

Ulin, a local geologist, who provides a unique fund

raising opportunity - selling rocks and minerals.

KidsHelp will be hosting a rock and mineral sale the

she sets her mind to. Izzy has demonstrated theability to face challenging situations with persever-ance. Her kind and thoughtful demeanor endearsher to teachers and classmates alike. She is re-spectful and compassionate and has a complexunderstanding of the greater school and worldcommunities which is rare for a child of her age.Izzy will continue to experience success in all of

lifes endeavors.

Tara Sakamaki was chosen to be the 4th grademile high scholar for many reasons. Each day,Tara comes to school focused and ready to learn.She is very driven and we are sure that she willsucceed in all that she chooses to do. Tara has agreat sense of humor, and at the same time she isable to work well with everyone.

Overall, Tara is a great student and her characteris exceptional; therefore she is our Mile HighScholar.

Congratulations Izzy and Tara for all of your excep-tional qualities!!

WCE Mile High Scholars,

Izzy Allison

and Tara Sakamaki

Mile High ScholarsIzzy Allison and Tara Sakamaki


4/9


During this week we had the chance to interview theteacher in Room 214.

Room 214 is home to Mrs. Darcys classroom, afirst grade teacher. We learned about their field tripsand what they do in the classroom.

Firstly, Mrs. Darcy has been planning field trips.One they hope to have is at the Denver Museum ofArt. Another that they will be going to soon is to the

Bladium!

Kicking balls around I bet will be fun for them. Sec-ondly, the first grade has had book buddies with thefourth grade. Mrs. Darcys class had Ms. Grantshomeroom.

Mr. Rabinowitzs homeroom had a different class forbook buddies. Half way through the year theclasses switched and now Mr. Rabinowitzs home-room has Mrs. Darcy.

Mrs. Darcys class has some exciting things comingup like a poetry potluck dinner. This is when parents

come in and bring in some food while the kids reada poem they like and one they wrote. Also Mothersday is coming up so theyre having a Mothers daytea. This is when theyre going to have a tea andmake special things for their mothers. Lastly let metell you about Mrs. Darcys class schedule for thisweek. They start off with a morning meeting. Next, agroup reading. Then lunch and recess along withliteracy. After that, snack then math.

After that, just like any classroom, Mrs. Darcy hasclassroom pets! She has tree in her classroom; afish named Cuddle and two Russian dwarf ham-sters named Hammy and Salammi.

Lastly, Mrs. Darcys creek kids were Blake andMadison. Mrs. Darcys opinion on the idea of creekkids is: I like the idea, I think it makes the kids wantto be better people.

Well, as you can see, Mrs. Darcys classroom isvery busy with excitement.

week of May 16 to May 20. The sale will take place during

the lunch hour and KidsHelp will be welcoming both stu-

dents and parents to shop. This will be a great opportu-

nity for parents to buy their favorite rock hound a geode

or mineral for an upcoming birthday or holiday. Prices run

from twenty five cents up to fifteen dollars, so there is

something for everyone.

To support and promote this effort, KidsHelp met with Mel-

ody for training and then promoted the event by making

posters and talking with each class. Club members will

also be manning the tables for the sale. Please stop out-

side of the cafeteria during the week of May 16th and sup-

port KidsHelp and their efforts to give back to their school.

Throughout the year, third graders havebeen accumulating Kid Cash. This is thecurrency they can earn for positive student

actions, such as finishing homework, modeling goodclassroom behavior and being a positive role model intheir community. Students were allowed to spend theircash at the Kid Cash Store, which opened about onceevery month. Recently an anonymous donor gave thestudents a second place to put their money - a local non-profit.

Students were told about a unique opportunity they would

have to give back to their community. A community mem-ber had pledged that for every Kid Cash dollar they do-nated to a local nonprofit organization, she would donate areal dollar to the organization. This was a great chancefor the students to learn about giving to the communityand to learn about what nonprofit organizations do. Theorganization that was selected was the S.A.M.E. Cafe.The organization was founded by Brad and Libby Birky in2006. Their restaurant is set up So All May Eat, theybelieve that everyone should have access to healthy food.So they structured their restaurant to have no prices. Pa-trons donate a suggested price, more if they can afford to.But what if they have no money? The Birkys allow thosewithout the means to purchase a meal by contributing to

the work effort of the restaurant. Cutting vegetables,sweeping, and cleaning tables are just some of the tasksthat patrons can choose from in exchange for a greatmeal.

To help the students better understand the idea of why wegive to our community, Brad and Libby, as well as the do-nor, met the third grade class. They discussed the restau-rant and how it works and who they hope to help. Fantas-tic questions were asked by the students and wonderfulexchanges of information were given by the participants.

Kid Cash For Local

Nonprofit

The next day at school, students were given thechance to donate Kid Cash for the S.A.M.E. Cafe.The third grade class quickly met their goal of$2,000. The donor was reached and a matchingcheck was presented to the S.A.M.E. Cafe on May

Room 214By students Morgan Tisdale and

Kaylea Chidester


5/9


Elise and Zach Azer (above with Westerly Creek Prin-

cipal, Jill Corcroan) uled the school for the day!! Zach

reported that being the principal is cool. I liked my

special lunch, talking with the other kids and getting to

supervise recess. I think I can get use to this kinda

job!!

What an amazing year it has been at Westerly CreekElementary School! I am so proud to have been apart of the efforts of the PTA in supporting the schoolso successfully. We had over 400 volunteers partici-pate in some way within our community this year

from running student book clubs, to pulling weeds,to writing hilarious weekly updates, to raising money,to going on field trips. Every single volunteer made adifference in the success of our kids school experi-ence this year, and I THANK EVERY SINGLE ONEOF YOU for all of your hard work! I would also liketo thank the countless parents (mostly husbands, Iimagine) at home who kept the kids fed, did home-work, and read bedtime stories while your spousewas off volunteering for the school! Without each ofyou none of us would have been able to dedicate somuch time to our volunteer efforts. Finally, I wouldlike to thank my Executive Board for supporting eachother and working as such a cohesive team this

year! I truly enjoyed working with each of you andyou each made me proud to be leading this greatteam.

PTA News from the President

Greetings Westerly Creek and SMIS Families,The end of the school year is drawing near and thatmeans its time tostart organizing thelibrary for next school

year. I have had awonderful semestergetting to meet somany new faces.Including various par-ents, Im pretty sureIve met and am wellon my way to memo-rizing around 800new names andfaces. If I was taskedwith naming everyoneIm pretty confident that I could just about get everyone.I was recently speaking with my wife after work one eve-

ning and I mentioned to her what a pleasure it is to getto wake up in the morning, head to work and work allday long with such curious and energetic young people.Its a real honor. I really feel lucky, so thank you all forsuch a warm reception.

On a related note, Im really looking forward to havingthe opportunity to start from the beginning of the schoolyear. It was interesting to see how Ms. Bluemel, mypredecessor, ran the library. I wanted to keep the li-brary routine as consistent as possible during my transi-tion so the kids wouldnt be too thrown off by her depar-ture. It also allowed me the opportunity to evaluate howI might either improve the existing library experience or

change it all together. Luckily, I believe a few tweakshere and there in both routine and content can and willmake a huge difference in how the kids view the civicimportance of finding their way around a library andthoughtfully sifting through the mountains of informationthat we all have available to us in todays world. Withthat in mind, my goal for next year is to have all studentsfrom grades 1-5 searching for and retrieving all of theirown books. With consistent practice both retrieving andre-shelving books the kids gain confidence that is trans-ferable to all libraries. On the technology side of thingsmy goal is to give the kids every opportunity to experi-ment with word processing, slide presentation andspreadsheet software. I was amazed at how much new

stuff the kids were learning by just giving them thechance toContinued next pageContinued from previous pageexperiment, make mistakes and fix their mistakes. Thisto me was very exciting. They love to present their workand they are so proud of their accomplishments. Bycoordinating with class projects throughout the schoolthe students also learn how the library can be a re-source to supplement every kind of learning. Again, Iget excited! I urge all parents and family members tocommunicate with me on further technology project

Library News from the Librarian


6/9


Thank you to WCEsupporters!

Would your business like tobe a WCE sponsor? For moreinformation go to: westerly-creekpta.com/WCE_Sponsorship.html

ideas or any improvements they would like to see inthe Westerly Creek Library.

If your Westerly Creek student has bookschecked-out please be sure to have them backto the library by May 23rd at the latest. If your

child has misplaced a book I will provide two op-tions. 1) For each lost book a $20 replacement feecan be paid or, 2) You can donate a newish hardcover book to the library that will replace the lostbook. The replacement book does not need to bethe exact book that was lost either. The main crite-ria being that it is in good shape, not too old, hardcover and something of enough value to make itworthwhile to put into circulation. If you have spe-cific questions about these requirements please feelfree to stop by before or after school and Ill bemore than willing to help figure it out with you.Thank you all for being so involved in WesterlyCreek!

Sincerely,Mr. Jay (Ballenberger)

From a PTA President viewpoint, this year was themost successful year for fundraising WCE has everseen! At the beginning of the year, the PTA set a goalof raising $140,000 and as of today, we managed toraise $188,000!!! Unbelievable! I could have never

imagined such wild success, and it is all in thanks tothe collaboration of our entire commmunity and thevolunteers who dedicated their time to hosting DirectGiving parties, running a fabulous auction, planningrestaurant nights, and countless other events.

This has been such a memorable experience for meto get to know so many of you and to work with soConintinued next page
http://www.pipperrose.com/http://www.isidorey.com/


7/9


Thank you to WCE

supporters!

http://crossfitstapleton.com/


8/9


Thank you to WCE

supporters!

http://www.stapletonhomeservices.com/


9/9


Thank you to WCE

supporters!

Would your business like to bea WCE sponsor? For more in-formation go to: westerly-creekpta.com/WCE_Sponsorship.html
http://www.gibsonathletic.com/

WCE Newsletter May 2011

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