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**Welcome to our school!** 

Gilcrest Elementary is a small elementary school of approximately 175 PK-5 students located in the rural community of Gilcrest, Colorado. Our school is committed to providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment for all students. We believe that every child has the potential to succeed, and we strive to guide and educate them to reach their full potential. We have high expectations for all of our students. We believe that every child is capable of achieving great things, and we encourage them to strive for their best. 

**Go Lil’ Vikes!**


About

CLOTHING & HYGIENE PRODUCT GIVE AWAY EVENT WITH FREE HAIRCUTS /EVENTO DE ROPA Y PRODUCTOS HIGIÉNICOS

Weld County School District No. RE-1

6 de marzo de 2024

**Asunto: Actualización Importante sobre Consolidación Escolar**

Queridas familias vikingas

En nombre de la Junta Directiva RE-1 del Distrito Escolar del Condado de Weld, le escribimos para abordar un asunto de gran importancia que ha estado en la mente de nuestra comunidad: la posibilidad de consolidar las dos escuelas intermedias y pasar el sexto grado a la primaria.

Durante las últimas semanas, hemos escuchado inquietudes y sugerencias sobre la posible consolidación de nuestras escuelas, cómo continuar haciendo que nuestras escuelas sean ejemplares y fiscalmente responsables. Como ocurre con cualquier cambio, esto ha causado ansiedad e incertidumbre entre los padres, estudiantes y miembros de la comunidad. Queremos asegurarles que la junta ha considerado cuidadosamente todos los aspectos de este tema y ha llegado a una decisión.

Después de una deliberación exhaustiva y de horas de sesiones de escucha, hemos decidido que no habrá consolidación escolar en nuestra comunidad en este momento.

Continuaremos analizando esta opción y otras opciones para continuar haciendo lo mejor para nuestros estudiantes. Aún se producirán algunos cambios, como hacer coincidir nuestras necesidades de personal con el número de estudiantes. Reconocemos y agradecemos a la administración y al personal por aportar ideas y trabajar en la logística de las ideas presentadas. Nuestro compromiso de brindar una educación de calidad sigue siendo inquebrantable.

En el futuro, continuaremos trabajando en colaboración con el personal y la comunidad, y esperamos poder continuar debatiendo con civismo y profesionalismo, para abordar cualquier desafío y explorar oportunidades de mejora dentro de nuestras escuelas. Sus aportes y participación son cruciales para el éxito de nuestro sistema educativo y lo alentamos a participar positivamente en futuras discusiones e iniciativas que den forma a nuestras escuelas.

Juntos, podemos garantizar que nuestras escuelas continúen prosperando y brindando una educación segura y ejemplar en un ambiente propicio para el crecimiento académico y personal de nuestros estudiantes.

Si tiene más preguntas o inquietudes, no dude en comunicarse con nosotros o con el ESC. Su voz importa y estamos aquí para escucharla.

Atentamente,

Sr. Ben Rainbolt Jr.

**Presidente de la junta escolar**

Actualización Importante sobre Consolidación Escolar

March 6, 2024

Subject: Important Update on School Consolidation

Dear Viking Families

On behalf of the Weld County School District RE-1 Board of Directors we are writing to address a matter of great significance that has been on the minds of  our community: the possibility of consolidating the two middle schools and moving 6th grade to elementary.

Over the past few weeks, we have heard concerns and suggestions regarding the potential consolidation of our schools, how to continue to make our schools exemplary, and to be fiscally responsible. As with any change, this has caused anxiety and uncertainty among parents, students, and community members. We want to assure you that the board has carefully considered all aspects of this issue and has come to a decision.

After thorough deliberation, and hours of listening sessions, we have decided that there will be no school consolidation in our community at this time.

We will continue to look at this option and other options to continue to do what is best for our students. Some change will still be happening such as matching our staffing needs to our student numbers. We recognize and thank the administration and staff in bringing ideas forward and working on logistics of the ideas presented. Our commitment to providing quality education remains unwavering.

Moving forward, we will continue to work collaboratively with staff and community, and we hope we can continue to discuss with civility and professionalism, to address any challenges and explore opportunities for improvement within our schools. Your input and engagement are crucial to the success of our education system, and we encourage you to participate positively in future discussions and initiatives that shape our schools.

Together, we can ensure that our schools continue to thrive and provide a safe and exemplary education in a nurturing environment for the academic and personal growth of our students.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us or to the ESC. Your voice matters, and we are here to listen.



Sincerely,

Mr. Ben Rainbolt Jr.

School Board president

Board Announcement

**Dear Weld RE-1 Community,** 

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to share important updates regarding the PK-12 math curriculum adoption process. The committee has diligently reviewed various curriculum options for PK-12 Math Resources and has made a thoughtful decision based on careful consideration. The following resources will evaluated -McGraw Hill Reveal Math HMH Into Math, SAVVAS Envision Math, Great Minds Eureka Math2 (K - 8 and Algebra 1) and Eureka for (Algebra 2 and higher), CPM - College Preparatory Math, Bridges Mathematics

The committee met on the following dates to thoroughly assess the available options:

1\. Friday, January 26th, 2024, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm 

2\. Thursday, February 1st, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm 

3\. Tuesday, February 6th, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm 

After evaluating the pros and cons of each vendor, engaging in team discussions, and using a protocol to review pros and cons and narrow our decision, the top choice was Houghton Mifflin Into Math for K-8 and McGraw Hill for Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, and Statistics. The second choice was Bridges for K-5 and College Preparatory Mathematics for 6th-12th grade, an inquiry-based mathematical program.

All companies were bid out with similar costs for 6 and 7-year licenses. The decision is to recommend to the Board of Education the use of INTO Mathematics for K-8, which offers a robust core curriculum in both digital and hard copy formats. The system includes the core curriculum resource, Intervention for K-2 Waggle Math and 3rd-8th grade Math 180, math acceleration and differentiation resources. Houghton Mifflin has also acquired the NWEA MAPS assessment, and our district will be transitioning to NWEA for reading and mathematics. PK will adopt a stand alone PK resource through Bridges, which is not part of their new edition and fits with their center based learning classrooms.

The decision to not choose Bridges and College Preparatory Mathematics was based on extensive conversations with the vendors. Issues included PK not being included in the new edition, need for extensive professional learning in inquiry-based learning and differentiated instruction for our teachers to be successful. In addition, Bridges recommended a phased in approach due to the inquiry based programming and learning needed and College Preparatory Mathematics did not have an intervention program. Both programs would have a significant teacher learning curve and preparation team each week to implement.

I will be presenting the materials reviewed, the process, and the final recommendation to the Board of Education during the March 6th work session. The final approval to move forward will go before the board on the consent agenda is scheduled for March 20th, allowing us to purchase the materials promptly and begin implementing them in our schools. Concurrently, we will prepare for professional learning in the curriculum resources and new assessment systems.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me directly at bloemenk@wcsdre1.org or my cell at 720-220-8970. If you would like to review any of the materials I have them all in the Board of Education room and will be posted  over the next two weeks. In addition, I will send a notice to families once I have this email translated in Spanish

Thank you for your continued dedication and collaboration as we implement these new core curriculum resources, intervention and advanced learning modules and NWEA MAPS for reading and mathematics.

Best regards,

Kim Bloemen

Assistant Superintendent

**SPANISH Version**

Estimada Comunidad de Weld RE-1,

Espero que este mensaje les encuentre bien. Les escribo para compartir importantes actualizaciones sobre el proceso de adopción del plan de estudios de matemáticas PK-12. El comité ha revisado diligentemente varias opciones de plan de estudios para Recursos de Matemáticas PK-12 y ha tomado una decisión reflexiva basada en una cuidadosa consideración. Los recursos evaluados son McGraw Hill Reveal Math, HMH Into Math, SAVVAS Envision Math, Great Minds Eureka Math2 (K - 8 y Álgebra 1) y Eureka para (Álgebra 2 y superior), CPM - Matemáticas Preparatorias Universitarias, Matemáticas de Bridges.

El comité se reunió en las siguientes fechas para evaluar minuciosamente las opciones disponibles:

1\. Viernes, 26 de enero de 2024, de 8:00 am a 4:00 pm

2\. Jueves, 1 de febrero, de 4:00 pm a 6:00 pm

3\. Martes, 6 de febrero, de 4:00 pm a 6:00 pm

Después de evaluar los pros y los contras de cada proveedor, participar en discusiones en equipo y usar un protocolo para revisar pros y contras y estrechar nuestra decisión, la primera opción fue "Houghton Mifflin Into Math" para K-8 y McGraw Hill para Álgebra 1, Álgebra 2, Geometría y Estadísticas. La segunda opción fue "Bridges" para K-5 y Matemáticas Preparatorias Universitarias para 6º-12º grado, un programa matemático basado en la indagación.

Todas las empresas se licitaron con costos similares para licencias de 6 y 7 años. La decisión es recomendar a la Junta de Educación el uso de "INTO Mathematics" para K-8, que ofrece un currículo central sólido en formatos tanto digitales como impresos. El sistema incluye el recurso de currículo central, Intervención para "Waggle Math" de K-2 y Math 180 de 3º a 8º grado, recursos de aceleración y diferenciación matemática. Houghton Mifflin también ha adquirido la evaluación NWEA MAPS, y nuestro distrito hará la transición a NWEA para lectura y matemáticas. PK adoptará un recurso independiente de PK a través de "Bridges", que no forma parte de su nueva edición y se adapta a sus aulas de aprendizaje basado en centros.

La decisión de no elegir "Bridges" y Matemáticas Preparatorias Universitarias se basó en conversaciones extensas con los proveedores. Los problemas incluyeron que PK no estaba incluido en la nueva edición, la necesidad de un aprendizaje profesional extenso en el aprendizaje basado en la investigación y la instrucción diferenciada para que nuestros maestros tengan éxito. Además, "Bridges" recomendó un enfoque gradual debido a la programación y el aprendizaje basados en la indagación necesarios, y Matemáticas Preparatorias Universitarias no tenía un programa de intervención. Ambos programas tendrían una curva de aprendizaje significativa para los maestros y el equipo de preparación cada semana para implementarlos.

Presentaré los materiales revisados, el proceso y la recomendación final ante la Junta de Educación durante la sesión de trabajo del 6 de marzo. La aprobación final para avanzar será presentada ante la junta en la agenda de consentimiento programada para el 20 de marzo, lo que nos permitirá comprar los materiales rápidamente y comenzar a implementarlos en nuestras escuelas. Concurrentemente, nos prepararemos para el aprendizaje profesional en los recursos del currículo y los nuevos sistemas de evaluación.

Si tienen alguna pregunta o inquietud, no duden en comunicarse conmigo directamente a bloemenk@wcsdre1.org. Si desean revisar alguno de los materiales, los tengo todos en la sala de la Junta de Educación y serán publicados durante las próximas dos semanas. Además, enviaré un aviso a las familias una vez que haya traducido este correo electrónico al español.

Gracias por su dedicación y colaboración continuas mientras implementamos estos nuevos recursos del currículo básico, intervenciones y módulos de aprendizaje avanzado, y NWEA MAPS para lectura y matemáticas.

Atentamente,

Kim Bloemen

Assistant Superintendent

PK-12 math curriculum adoption process / actualizaciones sobre el proceso de adopción del plan de estudios de matemáticas PK-12

[Please click here to view more details](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BCsEFfXtyhBbQ8WAptDr7pAbe1OsPM1P/view?usp=sharing)

[](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nMOlRIFbgRR_jC5rRyxzie-pCtjKGrvL2Tp2W8IDeX8/edit?usp=sharing)

[Por favor haga clic aquí para ver más detalles](https://docs.google.comhttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1nMOlRIFbgRR_jC5rRyxzie-pCtjKGrvL2Tp2W8IDeX8/edit?usp=sharing/document/d/1nMOlRIFbgRR_jC5rRyxzie-pCtjKGrvL2Tp2W8IDeX8/edit?usp=sharing)

[](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nMOlRIFbgRR_jC5rRyxzie-pCtjKGrvL2Tp2W8IDeX8/edit?usp=sharing)

[](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nMOlRIFbgRR_jC5rRyxzie-pCtjKGrvL2Tp2W8IDeX8/edit?usp=sharing)

Cream And Red Illustrative Trivia Night / NOCHE DE TRIVIA

There will be more than 2 board of education directors attending the community meeting tonight in Platteville and we must notify the community when that happens. It’s not a board meeting and no board action will be taken.

Attention community members

[Click here to view the Flyer / Haga clic aquí para ver el folleto](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H_wbpPXN-DVK5\_DkRyzbzlAq59\_9cFYy/edit?usp=sharing\&ouid=113643450816687489390\&rtpof=true\&sd=true)

Community Roundtable / Mesa Redonda Comunitaria[](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H_wbpPXN-DVK5\_DkRyzbzlAq59\_9cFYy/edit?usp=sharing\&ouid=113643450816687489390\&rtpof=true\&sd=true)

Wednesday February 14th

at 6:00 pm

North Valley Middle School Library

Miércoles 14 de febrero

 a las 6:00 pm 

Biblioteca de la escuela secundaria North Valley[](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H_wbpPXN-DVK5\_DkRyzbzlAq59\_9cFYy/edit?usp=sharing\&ouid=113643450816687489390\&rtpof=true\&sd=true)

Community Roundtable / Mesa Redonda Comunitaria

Letter to district regarding Transportation Task Force include link to surveys

[Click to view the Letter](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OS8idLNq34EIzfB2p9MxxXOGJd_JrJYm/view?usp=sharing)

Colorado Department of Education : Transportation Task Force  surveys

District News

Please remember that end-of-year testing will be taking place soon. Encourage your child to finish strong! we also have some fun activities planned to celebrate their hard work. Please ensure good attendance right up to the last day -- every day counts! And finally, a warm welcome to spring! We're looking forward to a positive and productive final stretch.&#x20;



### End of the Year Testing Tips

Testing tips for you and your child:&#x20;

* Get plenty of rest the night before the test and each night throughout the testing
* Eat a good breakfast each morning&#x20;
* Encourage your child to do his/her best&#x20;
* Relax and take a few deep breaths before the test begins&#x20;
* Schedule appointments for another time so that your child is present for the test
* Avoid stress in the morning of the test
* Remind your child to listen carefully to and follow all instructions&#x20;
* Encourage your child to answe all of the questions and use all of the time allotted.&#x20;

Gilcrest Elementary School

April Newsletter

2025 is off to a fantastic start! We're so proud of the academic and social progress our students are making. Our dedicated teachers continue to use data to ensure every child's needs are met. As we look ahead to state testing in late March and April, we know our students are prepared to shine. Please encourage them to attend school regularly, get plenty of rest, and show us what they know. We're confident their hard work will be reflected in their results, and we're excited to see them finish the year with continued success!

### Important Testing Dates:

March 25th- 28th: NWEA reading and math 

April 8th -25th: CMAS 3rd-5th Grades

April 22nd -25th: Dibels



### State Testing Reminders:

*   Prioritize Rest: Ensure your child gets plenty of sleep the night before each test. A well-rested mind performs best. 

*   Plan accordingly: Help your child arrive at school on time and prepared. Discuss testing schedule and any specific needs they may have. Encourage their best effort: Remind your child that we value their best effort. Encourage them to stay focused and try their hardest. 

*   Attendance is key: Please make sure your child is present at school on all testing days. Consistent attendance helps create a focused and supportive testing environment. 

### Exciting News for next year's 6th Grade students! 

We're pleased to announce that our current 5th grade students will remain at Gilcrest Elementary for the upcoming school year and their 6th grade year! This means:

*   Your child will continue to benefit from the familiar and supportive environment of Gilcrest. 

*   6th graders will have the opportunity to participate in middle school sports programs. 

*   To prepare them for middle school, students will transition between classrooms for different subject areas, fostering independence and adaptability. 

We understand you may have questions, and plans are actively being developed. Please watch for further communications from the district regarding these changes. We're committed to ensuring a smooth and successful year for our new 6th-grade students. Please reach out to your child's teacher or myself if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. 

### Building Success in School: Partnering for Grit and Resilience

We know that you are your child's most influential teacher. What happens at home plays a crucial role in their success at school. While our dedicated teachers work hard to nurture academic and social growth, the majority of your child's time is spent outside the classroom. By working together, we can create a powerful support system that fosters well-rounded, successful students. In each newsletter, we'll share practical tips to help your child thrive. 

### Cultivation Grit and Resilience

We've observed a growing trend of "learned helplessness" among some of our students. This means they tend to give up easily, expecting others to do the work for them. Just as in the workplace, where independence and problem-solving are valued, we want to equip our children with the grit and resilience necessary to overcome challenges. These skills are fundamental to their academic and personal success. 

Here's how you can help at home:

*   Embrace a Growth Mindset: Encourage your child to use the word "yet" when faced with a challenge, instead of "I can't do it", try "I can't do it yet." This emphasized the importance of learning and progress. 

*   Teach, Don't Do: Resist the urge to do everything for your child. Take the time to teach them new skills, even if it takes longer. This fosters confidence and independence. 

*   Set meaningful Goals: Help your child set goals that align with their interests. Encourage them to reflect on their progress and celebrate their achievements.

*   Play Thinking Games: Engage in games that require strategic thinking and problem-solving. Teach them how to handle both winning and losing gracefully. 

*   Praise Effort, Not Just Results: Focus on praising your child's effort and perseverance, rather than solely on the outcome. This reinforces the value of hard work and resilience. 

*   Encourage Household Contributions: Involve your child in household chores and tasks. This instills a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and boosts self-esteem. 

By working together, we can empower our students to develop the grit and resilience they need to succeed in school and beyond.

March Newsletter

five green clovers with each one with a single letter "M, A, R, C H"  Spelling out the word march 

Gilcrest Lil' vike Families and Friends,

As February unfolds, we find ourselves in a month filled with moments to celebrate, reflect, and cherish. the days are slowly getting longer, hinting at the promise of spring ahead yet the warmth of winter still calls for cozy evenings by the fireplace. This month brings a chance to pause and enjoy time with loved ones, whether through heartfelt Valentine's day cards, shared laughter, or simply being together. It's a reminder that even small acts of kindness and connection can brighten the coldest days.

February also offers us opportunities to celebrate milestones and traditions. From the playful prediction of Groundhog Day to honoring past President's legacies on President's Day, these moments allow us to engage students in learning about history and community. We're also thrilled to mark the 100th day of school this month - a bright milestone showcasing how much our students have grown, both academically and personally, since the start of the year. Their resilience and excitement for learning are inspiring, and we couldn't be prouder of the progress they've made.

As we embrace the warmth of chocolates, kindness, and bright beginnings let's continue to work together to support the success of every student. Whether it's cheering them on, helping them navigate new challenges, or encouragement they receive a school and at home makes all the difference.

Here's to a fantastic February filled with growth, joy, and meaningful moments! Thank you for your continued support of our school community.

\-Mrs. Dunlap

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**Celebrating 100 Days of Learning and Growing Together!**

Mark your calendars for a milestone event - Wednesday, February 19, 2025. As we celebrate the 100th day of school! This special day is all about recognizing how far we've come in 100 days of learning, growth, and fun.

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**The Importance of Regular Attendance**

As the school year progresses, maintaining regular attendance is key to your child's academic success, consistent attendance not only helps students stay on track with their learning but also allows them to fully engage in classroom activities, build strong relationships with their peers, and develop essential social and academic skills. Missing just a few days can create gaps in understanding, making it harder for students to catch up.

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**We extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible individuals and groups who continue to make a difference in our school community.**

**Parents:** we are grateful for your support. Your involvement and partnership mean so much to us!

**Substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and support Staff:**  Your unwavering commitment ensures that learning never stops, no matter the challenges. Thank you for always stepping in when needed!

**PTO and District committee members:** Your contributions to our school community make a meaningful impact. Thank you for your support and dedication!

***

**Boosting Winter Literacy Skills**

the winter months offer unique opportunities to engage your child in literacy activities that are both fun and educational here are some ideas to keep the reading momentum going during the colder season.

**Create a cozy reading nook:** Designate a special, comfortable space in your home for reading. Fill it with blankets, pillows, and a variety of books to make reading time inviting and enjoyable.

**Incorporate Winter Themes:** choose books and stories that revolve around winter settings or holidays. This seasonal relevance can make reading more engaging and relatable for your child.

**Interactive storytelling:** Encourage your child to act out scenes from their favorite winter stories or create their own tales. This enhances comprehension and makes reading a dynamic activity.

**Winter word games:** Play games that involve winter-related vocabulary to build language skills. For instance, a game of "I Spy" during a neighborhood walk can introduce new words and concepts.

**Family reading Challenges:** Set up a reading challenge where family members set goals and track the number of books read or minutes spent reading. Celebrate milestones to motivate continued participation.

By integrating these activities into your winter routine, you can foster a love for reading and support your child's literacy development in enjoyable and meaningful ways.

February Newsletter

Word February in pink with 3 hearts in the background

Happy New Year and Welcome Back!

I hope you had a wonderful winter break and that your holidays were filled with warmth and memorable moments with your families. The new year is always a time of reflection. It is a time to take stock and consider where we have been and where we hope to go. It is a time to set goals, think big dreams, and put our best selves forward. There is excitement in the air filled with hope and possibility! We are in this together - if you or your child needs any level or type of support, I hope you won't hesitate to reach out. I wish you all the best for a happy, healthy 2025!

Semester 1 is complete and report cards will be on their way to your homes later this month. Please take some time to review your child's report card with your child. Here are some questions that may help guide your conversation at home: 

*   How do you think your year has been going so far?

*   What are you proud of?

*   What do you think is your greatest strength as a learner? Why do you think so?

*   What do you think is the most challenging part of your school day? Why?

*   Is there anything you want to change or improve in the second semester? How do you think you'll do it?

There are two ways of thinking about problems, using a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. In a fixed mindset, the belief is that this is the way that things are and there isn't much you can do about it. In a growth mindset, the belief is that setbacks or challenges are learning opportunities and you can grow from them. Talk to your child about having a growth mindset and give an example where you used a growth mindset when faced with a challenge. 

Make sure to celebrate your child's efforts! I am proud of all our Lil Vike learners! Each day, learners are growing in their social/emotional and academic learning! I look forward to another semester of learning and growing together. 



**Attendance Matters**

Attendance is essential to strong outcomes for students and consistent attendance provides the best opportunity for students to consistently engage in learning. Daily attendance and engagement in learning are essential to student success at all grade levels. Colorado law directly connected to attendance focuses on compulsory school attendance, truancy, and school finance. Important student attendance definitions of rates and terms include: 

**Truancy**: truancy is defined as an unexcused absence. The rate is calculated by dividing the reported Total Student Days Unexcused Absences by the Total Student Days Possible. 

**Habitually Truant (Student Count):** A student is counted as habitually truant if the student had four unexcused absences in one month and/or 10 unexcused absences in one school year.

**Chronically Absent:** A student absent 10 percent or more of the days enrolled during the school year is chronically absent. All absences are included - unexcused, excused, and suspensions. The rate is the percentage of students enrolled who are chronically absent. 

Colorado law states that parents are responsible for the school attendance of their children. Parents, if your child is going to be absent, please call to report the absence. Parents are responsible for their child's regular attendance.. Our goal is to have ALL students that are able to attend more than 95% of school days. Absences impact the teaching and learning for all students in the classroom. If your child must be absent for an excusable reason, please report the absence within 24 hours.

January Newsletter

A snowy walkpath with the words "Welcome, January. "With a pink heart underneath. 

**School News**

It is the end of the calendar year, and the school year is almost halfway over as well. It always goes quickly, but time seems to continue to accelerate. The school year is going well and in our mid-year meetings with teachers, they have been pleased with the academic and social growth of our students. The next three weeks will speed by, numerous activities are happening from Mid-year testing, Santa's Shop, and special classroom activities, to a special pizza lunch! The town of Gilcrest provides a fun pizza lunch for all of our students on the Friday before Winter Break. We are fortunate to have the town's support! There is so much happening- please be sure to check out the Upcoming Events section as well as ClassDojo!

We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and have time to spend with those you love. There are many different celebrations this time of year, but family is usually the center of them all. As part of the Gilcrest Elementary family, we wish you all the best and look forward to a great 2025!

Mrs. Dunlap

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**Reminders**

*   The GES Annual Food Drive is happening now through December 13th!

*   The last day of school in December is the 20th!

*   Students return on Tuesday, January 7, 2025

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****

**Upcoming Events**

*   12/3 - 12/20 Mid-Year NWEA testing

*   12/3 - 12/13 3rd & 4th swimming lessons at VHS

*   12/4 - Board of Ed, meeting- 6:30 pm at ESC

*   12/9 - 12/20 Spirit Week and Santa Shop

*   12/20 Town of Gilcrest Pizza Lunch, End of Quarter 2, and Winter Parties at 3:00 (Unless otherwise specified)

*   1/10/25 - quarter 2 Awards Assembly at 8:15 am

December Newsletter

a girl and boy in santa hats with a christmas tree behind them with "December" in red

Hello GES Families, It has been an amazing Fall but temperatures are definitely changing! It’s time to get the gloves, hats, boots and heavy coats out for the kids. If you need any help with these items please reach out to myself, or anyone in the office and we can provide assistance. We’re wrapping up October which is one of our busiest months of the year. We conducted parent-teacher conferences, with conferences comes our annual book fair. Both were very positive and well attended. Closing out October was our Halloween celebration. The kids were able to participate in some fun activities before parading through the school to show off their great costumes and then wrapping up the day with the classroom parties. Thank you for your help in making the parties an enjoyable time for the kids. This year our last day of school before kicking off Thanksgiving break will be November 22nd, and the kids return to school on December 3rd. It is hard to believe that after their return the students will begin working on their Middle of the Year testing. As we work together during the year, I encourage you to let me know how you and your child/children are experiencing school. When the families and the school work together and have open communication the students benefit greatly. 

Warm Regards, Mrs. Dunlap



**Upcoming Events**

**11/6/24**- Principal’s Coffee 8:15-9:15am, Board of Education Work Session 6:30-8:30pm 

**11/7/24**- Picture Retakes 11/11/24 Veteran’s Day 

**11/15-11/17/24**- VHS Fall Play 

**11/19/24**- PTO Meeting 8:30-9:15am, Big Kahuna Limo Award 11/28/24- THANKSGIVING



**Help Our School Shop At King Soopers**

Help earn money for the school without buying or selling fundraising items, just by shopping at King Soopers!  It does not cost you anything to participate, it is FREE and easy. This is not a gift card or credit card program.

All we ask of you is, if you shop at King Soopers and use or are willing to use a Kroger Plus card to please enroll your Kroger Plus card number (which you can choose—most use their personal phone number) on-line at KrogerCommunityRewards.com and search for Gilcrest Elementary. 

King Soopers does not use or sell your email address to anyone else. Every time you shop at Kroger using your Kroger Plus card, a percentage of your spending will be given to GES. Please feel free to forward this to other family members and friends. Thank you for your support ! Simply enroll or re-enroll at krogercommunityrewards.com \*Select 'Create an Account'

1\. Create a digital account. A digital account is needed to participate in Kroger Community Rewards. If you already have a digital account, simply link your Shopper’s Card to your account so that all transactions apply toward the organization you choose. 

2\. Link your Card to an organization. Selecting the organization that you wish to support is as simple as updating the Kroger Community Rewards selection on your digital account. 

1\. Sign in to your digital account. 

2\. Search for your organization here. 

3\. Enter the name or NPO number of the organization you wish to support. 

4\. Select the appropriate organization from the list and click “Save”. Your selected organization will also display in the Kroger Community Rewards section of your account. If you need to review or revisit your organization, you can always do so under your Account details. 

3\. Your organization earns. Any transactions moving forward using the Shopper’s Card number associated with your digital account will be applied to the program, at no added cost to you. Kroger donates annually to participating organizations based on your percentage of spending as it relates to the total spending associated with all participating Kroger Community Rewards organizations.

If you have any questions, please contact our [Customer Service Center](https://www.kroger.com/hc/help). **Whether you’re a customer or an organization, get started today!** 

Note: If you are a customer, make sure you have a preferred store selected to view participating organizations. If you are applying on behalf of an organization, please select a store in the same area as your organization.

**School Attendance Matters** 

We want to partner with our community to build a culture where everyone understands why going to school everyday matters and what they can do to ensure students are in school. Even being tardy on multiple days means your student is missing out on crucial instruction and community building in his/her classroom. Please let us know if you need support with getting your student to school. We are here to help. For those times that your student is ill, please call the Attendance line at 970-350-4201 option 6.

**Teamwork**

**Here are 5 reasons why teamwork is important and why it matters to you:**

1.  **Teamwork benefits from differing perspectives and feedback**. A team environment allows individuals to bring their diverse perspectives to problem-solving, which in turn increases their success at arriving at solutions more efficiently and effectively. 

2.  **Teamwork leads to learning**. Individuals have their own set of skills and strengths. When the whole team works as a unit, everyone has an opportunity to learn from each other.

3.  **Teamwork can improve efficiency and productivity**. One person working on a project is always going to take longer to complete it in comparison to the collaborative efforts of many. Efficiency rules when work is appropriately divided within a team, responsibilities are shared, and tasks are more likely to be finished within a set time frame.

4.  **Teamwork cultivates communication and strong work relationships**. Teamwork can be effective in building great work relationships. We do not mean that team members must be the best of friends. Rather, a great working relationship flows from the right frame of mind where you collaborate with positive intent, with respect, and active listening.

5.  **Teamwork brings an expanded sense of accomplishment**. When a team works on a project as one unit, the sense of accomplishment we experience expands beyond our individual achievements.

November 2024 Newsletter

A cartoon turkey wearing a pilgrim hat stands behind the word "November," with colorful tail feathers in red, orange, and yellow

Dear Families,

Get ready- the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school! This is a great opportunity to connect with your child over the thrill of bringing home new books to dive into again and again. Studies show that kids read more when they choose books for themselves. and fostering a love of independent reading leads to a wide variety of benefits --including academic success and improved mental health.

Here is everything you need to know about the Book Fair:

Dates: **October 22-25, 2024 Tuesday & Thursday 8 am-8 pm** (open during P/T Conferences)

**Wednesday 8 am-4 pm and Friday 8 am-1 pm**

Location: **GES Library**

There's even more info on our school's [Book Fair homepage](https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/gilcrestelementaryschool)

While you're there, set up a Book Fair eWallet, the digital payment account that allows your child to shop for books at the fair without cash. Then share your eWallet link so friends and extended family can add funds.

When you fund an eWallet, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to a giving initiative called Shair the FAir. Your contributions directly support our students who need help buying books from the fair.

Many of us still remember the rush of finding the perfect book as a Scholastic Book Fair. I hope you'll join your child at our school's Fair and share a reading experience they'll remember forever.

Happy reading,

Jennifer Dunlap

Interim Principal

Gilcrest Elementary School

PS: Need one more reason to visit the Book Fair? Every purchase at the Fair benefits our school.

Scholastic Book Fair

The month of October is already upon us as the school year is moving by so quickly. As we reflect on the first 8 weeks of this school year, we can really see that the kids are into their routines and working so hard. A couple of things come to mind that make students successful. Responsibility and accountability are huge. We are able to take those two items instilled at home and move forward to do great things here at school. Resilience is another trait that is super helpful for our students. Not knowing or missing answers provides great opportunities to learn and grow. With those three things working in sync, our students can and will accomplish anything. OCTOBER 2024 Reminders Please make sure your child has the appropriate outdoor wear for the weather. We will go outside every day unless it is below 20 degrees, with wind chill, or if it is too wet. Call the office by 9 am each day your child will be home from school. Upcoming Events Our 5th-grade students are headed out next week for their Outdoor Education trip.  The students have worked hard to earn this trip. Thank you to the parents who have also worked hard to make this a possibility for our students.  We are excited to hear all about the trip and all that they learned from their adventures! October 4- Quarter 1 ends, Big Kahuna Fundraiser starts October 9-11- Outdoor Ed trip October 11- Quarter 1 Awards Assembly at 2:30 pm The first Parent/ Teacher Conferences are in a few weeks. Conferences are scheduled on Tuesday, October 22, and  Thursday, October 24. We look forward to having conversations about your student’s progress since the beginning of the year.

Respectfully yours, Mrs. Jennifer Dunlap

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**Upcoming Events:**

October 18- Report cards sent home

October 22 and 24- P/T Conferences

October 31- Halloween parade and class parties at 2:45

GES October Newsletter 2024

Gilcrest Elementary School News

Gilcrest Elementary School Preschool (2).pdf

Citizen’s Academy 3 FB Dates$ (1) (1).jpg

January events.pdf

Save the Date!.pdf.pdf

GES Student & Parent Handbook 24/25 (Spanish Document)

GES Student & Parent Handbook 24/25

Technology Use Handbook_2024-2025 (Spanish version)

Technology Use Handbook_2024-2025

Files & Folders

Gilcrest

GES PTO Meeting

GES SAC/ Principal's Coffee

Events

September 2024 Color Day!

4th grade standing together after conquering the loop-a-thon

GES 2024 Loop-A-Thon 4th Grade

Preschool and kindergarten children in orange shirts sprinting on a football field, showcasing enthusiasm for the loop-a-thon

GES 2024 Loop-A-Thon

Gallery

Kindergarten Teacher

3rd Grade Teacher AM/ PE Teacher

Preschool Teacher

School Counselor/ GT Elementary Lead

1st Grade Teacher

Principal/ District Early Literacy Coordinator

Special Education Assistant

Kindergarten Classroom Aide

Title 1 K-2 Literacy Teacher

Special Education Teacher

Reading Aide

Math Intervention Teacher

Staff

Angie McDonald, Director of Student Services, has been identified as the District 504 coordinator. Questions about 504's or the 504 processes should be addressed to her at 14827 W.C.R. 42, Gilcrest CO 80623, 970-350-4216 mcdonalda@wcsdre1.org


District 504 coordinator

Weld RE1 Technology Accessibility Statement Weld RE1 School District is committed to providing equitable access to our services to all Coloradans. Our ongoing accessibility effort works towards being in line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, level AA criteria. These guidelines not only help make technology accessible to users with sensory, cognitive, and mobility disabilities but ultimately to all users, regardless of ability. Our efforts are just part of a meaningful change in making all State of Colorado services inclusive and accessible. We welcome comments on how to improve our technology’s accessibility for users with disabilities and requests for accommodations to any State of Colorado services. We welcome your feedback about the accessibility of Weld RE1 online services. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers. OIT is committed to responding within 2 business days. Phone: 970-350-4163 E-mail: helpdesk@wcsdre1.org

Updated This Accessibility Conformance Statement was last updated on: 01/01/2025


Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, level AA criteria.

Title IX

[Title IX](https://www2.ed.gov/policy/rights/reg/ocr/edlite-34cfr106.html) is a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity.

Regardless of whether sexual harassment (that includes sexual violence) occurs at school, Title IX obligates school districts to address any impact of that conduct on students that interferes with their ability to access their education. This means that schools must provide students with their Title IX rights and the contact information for adults at school who can respond to allegations of misconduct and put in place interim remedies to support impacted students. If students experience harassment or retaliation resulting from the exercise of their Title IX rights, then schools are legally obligated to take action to stop it from recurring.

In terms of Title IX investigations, the School District is obligated to investigate and take action to stop misconduct that is impacting students at school, but there is not a strict timeline for such investigations. When the same allegations are being investigated by law enforcement, then the School District wants to minimize potential trauma for students by using information from law enforcement's investigation as much as possible. Most often, we do this by, among other things, using information in police reports, juvenile petitions, and information shared by the DA’s office as the substantive information for the School District’s Title IX investigation while also providing due process to the involved parties as required by the U.S. Department of Education rules and regulations governing school districts. While law enforcement investigations and any related legal proceedings are being conducted, the School District’s focus is on providing interim remedies to support students. Brian Childress Director of Safety Weld County School District RE-1, 14827 W.C.R. 42, P.O. Box 157 Gilcrest, Colorado 80623, 970-350-4200, childressb@wcsdre1.org.


Title VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

We offer Translation Services in 240 languages. Please visit the main office at any of our buildings for assistance. 


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