Dec. 5, 2016

Grade Level News
Click link below for 
grade level newsletter   

Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
6th Grade
7th & 8th Grade
Nov 7

QUICK LINKS
Staff

CSP Calendar

Lunch Information

CSP Handbook

TCA Website

Palmarium


Titan Creed


LATE START SCHEDULE CSP
All day classes
Grade 1-8
10:15 AM to 3:30 PM
Kindergarten
AM class--10:15-12:30
PM class--1:15-3:30  



Contact Us
12201 Cross Peak View
Colorado Springs Co 80921
(719) 487-2000



















“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently?
And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt;
and perhaps it says, "Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.”
Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass


From the Principal’s desk…

CSP families & friends are invited to attend the annual Gr. 1-6 Winter Concerts this Thursday evening. Kudos to Paula Higgins, CSP Music teacher, for helping our elementary students prepare for this festive performance, starting at 5:15 pm. Students arrive early (depends on grade) for roll. See information below. Enjoy the show and a cookie reception afterwards. $5 King Soopers Rewards cards will be sold in the hall. CSP earns 5% from fuel and grocery purchases. We appreciate your support!

On behalf of our staff, I extend much gratitude to our wonderful CP & CSP parents for donating a variety of gift cards for our joint Christmas party last week. We are truly grateful for your immense generosity and for Lainie and Debbie, our outstanding office staff, for planning this festive event. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship and delicious food. Happy holidays from CSP!



In partnership,


Susan Nosal

 
IMPORTANT DATES - CSP Calendar of Events

CURRENT NEWS
 
NEXT WEEK IS DRESS UP WEEK for all CSP students – no denim or athletic wear. Students may wear a nice outfit or their uniform.  Dec. 12-15. 

IMMUNIZATIONS – Is your student compliant?
There are several children who are not complaint on their immunizations for school. These parents have already received notification from the nurse regarding the details. I need you to know that we are required to exclude non-compliant students from class beginning January 5, if they are still not compliant. The last thing I want to do is to exclude a child from going to their class. Please help CSP by following one of these options to be in compliance.
1. Bring in immunization records to the school office that show your child is up to date on the required immunizations.
2. Sign the parent waiver form either online or by printing out the form. Here is the link: https://www.colorado.gov/cdphe/vaccine-exemptions

KINDER GENEROSITY
CSP Kindergarten will partner with TCA East Kindergarten to collect new mittens, scarves and/or hats. If you want to participate, please send in your unwrapped item anytime through December 15th. Kinder will be hanging them on a tree in the atrium, and then donate to a local charity. Generosity comes from the heart and allows the students to experience the joy of giving.
*Items that arrive this week will be placed on the tree by Kinder students and their CSP 3rd & 4th grade Character Mentor Buddies.

CHECK LOST & FOUND
Please check the Lost & Found rack & bins outside both FT & CSP offices. Left over items will be donated to charity during winter break.

WINTER BREAK 
Our last day before break is Thursday, December 15. 
CSP resumes classes on Tues. January 3 for a full day of classes.
NO HOT LUNCH - Tuesday - Wednesday
students bring a sack lunch. Hot lunch is available on Thurs. Jan. 5.
Monday classes return Jan. 9. 

NOON DISMISS
Tues. Jan. 10
Denim day for staff & students
Carpool as usual.
Teacher in-service @ 12:30.

FRIDAY MAKE-UP DAY – MONDAY STUDENTS ONLY
Fri. January 13 will be our last Monday make-up day for this school year. No hot lunch. Bring a sack lunch & wear a uniform. Carpool as usual.

END OF SEMESTER
Our first semester ends on Thurs. January 12. Participation reports will be distributed after the semester ends. Junior high students will receive their final grades on Infinite Campus. Grades K-6 will receive a hard copy report from your child’s teacher.
There will be no school on Monday, January 16, MLK Jr. Day.


ATTENDANCE POLICY
Parents - if your child will be absent please call 487-2000 and leave details on our attendance line. Students who are chronically absent and exceed 3 absences (6 Kinder half days) in a semester, excused or unexcused, risk not successfully completing the semester. Consistent attendance at CSP should be a top priority since we are a part-time program. See ATTENDANCE POLICY on the website> CSP/Parents/CSP Handbook/Attendance Policy.

AUDITIONS FOR CSP FAMILY TALENT SHOW – prepare now!
Thurs. Jan. 26
3:45 – 6:30 pm, Rm. 121
Students prepare a 3 min. solo, duo, or group performance (solo or with sibs, friends, parents)
Talent Show will be held Thurs. Feb. 9, 6 – 8:30 pm., TCA-E gym
More details to come in January
Contact Paula Higgins, phiggins@asd20.org for audition time

HANDWRITING TIPS
• Provide handwriting models, pencil grips, and finger spacers
• Explain how handwriting is a first impression in real life
• Directly teach letter positioning, direction, and spacing
• Teach correct pencil grip and proper writing position
• Offer paper choices (various line widths and colors)
• Strengthen fine motor muscles with stress balls
• Short written tasks. Allow additional time.
• Clearly explain what is acceptable to you
• Use tape to keep paper positioned
• Try differently sized pencils
• Reinforce honest effort
• Reward quality
• Teach cursive in Gr. 3 – it is a relevant skill

TEACHER’S FAVORITES
Parents frequently ask ‘ What would my teacher or tutor like for Christmas, birthday, thank you gift, etc.?’ To make it easier to access your teacher’s ‘Favorites’, you can now find this posted on each grade level web page, including our Special’s teachers (located under the Specials TAB).

THURSDAY DEC. 8– CSP WINTER CONCERT
Questions? Contact Paula Higgins phiggins@asd20.org
Thursday Dec. 8
TCA-East gym
Gr. 1-3: sign-in with Mrs. Higgins by 4:45. Concert begins at 5:15pm; reception in the atrium.
Gr. 4-6: sign-in with Mrs. Higgins at 6:30. Concert begins at 7:00pm, reception in the gym.
Students may dress up - wear a holiday outfit OR uniform.
(Apparel not allowed: orange shirts or t-shirts, athletic wear, denim.)
CSP will provide cookies this year, but for those of you would like to bring a plate, we welcome that.
King Soopers Rewards Cards (loaded with $5.00) will be sold in the hall outside the gym for $5.00 – so they’re FREE!

ALL I REALLY NEEDED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN
Performed by College Pathways Theater Class
Fri. December 9
6:30 pm, East gym
Doors open at 6:00 pm - come early to view CP Art on display.
Admission FREE - donations are welcome
Proceeds go to needy families in Colorado Springs via Mercy's Gate.
Start your holiday season off early!
This performance is especially geared for an elementary-age but appropriate for all kids from 1 to 92.

KING SOOPERS REWARD CARDS 
You may purchase a King Sooper Reloadable Rewards Card for $5.00 at the Winter Concert. The cards are loaded with $5.00 – so the card is FREE! CSP earns 5% of all grocery/fuel purchases – and you earn Rewards points. The card is good at Kroger, City Market, Loaf & Jug, and other affiliates listed on the card. We’ve earned close to $2100 to date. We have purchased several Easy Grammar manuals for parents to check out from the Lending Library. Please consider supporting CSP with this easy-to-use program. Questions? Contact Lainie in the CSP office at 487-2021.

 


LAST WEEK LEFT TO REGISTER
CSP GR. 3-6 STUDENTS INVITED TO PERFORM
IN THE COLORADO SPRINGS CHILDREN’S CHORALE
“IN HARMONY FESTIVAL”
CSP has received an exciting invitation from The Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale for an “In Harmony Festival” on April 10-12, 2017 that only costs $20.00 per student.

DROP OFF CHECK (made out to CSCC) or $20.00 CASH to the CSP office or your child’s classroom teacher. Label the envelope “Children’s Chorale” with your child’s name & grade/day @ CSP.

This is an opportunity for your student to sing at the Pikes Peak Center in a huge choir (several hundred students participate every year).
Mrs. Higgins will receive music copies based upon the number of students who sign up and pay their $20.00 by Dec. 8, 2016 (the CSP Winter Concert Date).
She will hold a couple of rehearsals for CSP students (after mid-January)- before the April Festival rehearsals - so our students are ready to learn the choreography at the ‘Rehearsal and Workshop’ dates in April.
April 10 and 11 - Rehearsal and Workshop (3:45 – 6:30 pm)
April 12 - Rehearsal and Concert (3:45 – 6 pm, then a 7:00 pm Concert)
The $20.00 Festival Fee includes:
*Music for the Festival (you keep it)
*Performance on the Pikes Peak Center Stage
*(1) Complimentary ticket per singer (for a family/friend member to attend)
*Dinner on Wednesday night
*Commemorative Poster and certificate
*(1) DVD recording of the Concert
The Children’s Chorale has an excellent program. It’s the first time CSP has been invited to this exciting event.
Based upon the number of CSP students who choose to participate, Mrs. Higgins may need a few parent chaperones.
If you are interested in this event for your student or have further questions, please contact:
Paula Higgins phiggins@asd20.org
We are so excited to share this opportunity. We’d love to have your family join the fun!

PREVIOUSLY POSTED NEWS
.

LENDING LIBRARY
Several parents requested that we order an Easy Grammar teacher’s manual for them to borrow this year, to correct their child’s homework. The books are ready for check-out from our Lending Library. Bring $35 refundable cash deposit – no checks accepted. Books will be collected in May. Questions? Contact Ruth Kozyra, CSP Curriculum Specialist, rkozyra@asd20.org, 487-2027.

CHARACTER
DECEMBER Character Focus: Love & Hope. Teachers will note which character strengths were discussed each week so you may continue those conversations at home. CSP classes will also implement Peer Mentoring, pairing older and younger classes to engage in character discussions and activities together. Mentoring across grade levels is a part of the Board initiative for enriching TCA’s Character Education program.


PAY MANDATORY STUDENT FEES – www.payforit.net
CSP 2016-17 Student Fees are online at CSP/ Fees & Forms. Pay mandatory CSP fees on-line through your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Parents input child’s Student ID to complete the account set-up. Use payforit username and password to log onto: www.payforit.net. You may pay TCA student fees without incurring any convenience fee. (NOTE: There is a convenience fee for online lunch-money payments.) Questions? Contact Toni DeMott, tdemott@asd20.org, 488-6479.

CSP WEBSITE & D20 PARENT PORTAL


TCA’s website: www.tcatitans.org

D20 PARENT PORTAL
If you have trouble logging into IC, contact help@asd20.org or 719-234-1777.
D20 asked parents to change their student’s password on IC this summer. You won’t be able to access IC until this is done. Read CSP Handbook, sign off on IC – Extended Parent Portal – that you read this important document. Also sign off on permission for other IC docs listed in your parent portal.

INFINITE CAMPUS
Do you need help with Infinite Campus? Click here for help. 
Infinite Campus 
IC FAQ

CSP POLICY

DELAYED SCHOOL HOURS
In the event we have a weather 2-hour delay, please follow these times:
10:15-3:30 all classes, Grades 1-8
10:15-12:30 K AM classes
1:15-3:30 K PM classes

*Hot lunch will be served on 2-hour delays for Grades 1-6.

Morning kindergarten children need to bring a big snack since they are being dismissed later than usual.
*Students may wear denim bottoms + a uniform top on delayed start days.
NOTE: If we have a 2-hr. delay on an in-service date (Jan. 10, Mar. 1, Apr. 20), students will not come to class. Only teachers report 2 hrs. late and stay for in-service.

TESTING/EVALUATION OPTIONS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
Per Colorado law, homeschool students in the odd grades, beginning in Gr. 3, are required to take a standardized test or have a formal evaluation submitted to your local school district. CSP offers the ITBS-CogAT Survey Battery in grades 3, 5, and 7 for a $25 fee. The test dates are: Fri. March 10 for WED classes Gr. 3, 5 & 7; Fri. March 17 – TH classes Gr 3 & 5. Only students currently enrolled in CSP may test with us. A CSP Testing Information document including a permission slip will be sent home in January. Consider this info an EARLY heads-up so you can plan accordingly.

COMMUNITY NEWS

SKATE IN THE PARK 
Outdoor ice skating in Acacia Park

Open every day until Jan.16, 2017
Hours vary, check the website before you go: www.DowntownCS.com

JDW COTILLION
In a world where kindness, courtesy and respect are often overlooked, JDW Cotillions is recognized as an authority in education young people in the art of social dance and social skills training. In today’s competitive society, those with well-developed social skills have a tangible advantage in virtually every aspect of their lives. Cotillion classes run for 6 weeks and are open to grades 3-8.
Online registration opens December 6th at cotillion.com. Classes begin January 17th.

PHILHARMONIC KIDS CONCERT
Philharmonic Kids concert, The Orchestra Rocks
February 15 & 16, 2017
Register here: do so now so you may receive your Link Up materials and take full advantage of the Link Up program!
If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Bernie bernie@csphilharmonic.org, or 719-344-2456.

PIKES PEAK HOME SCHOOL BAND �� �� ��
The Pikes Peak Home School Band is now offering a new string program, along with the band program! We invite all eager instrumentalists ages 7 through high school to come learn the art of making music in our classes. Everyone is extremely excited and pumped up about starting a new chapter in the program! Contact Bill Callen at (719)-598-2373 for more details and any questions you may have. Go to Pikes Peak Home School Band Facebook page.


BETTY FIELD MEMORIAL YOUTH WRITING CONTEST - 2017
All 6th through 12th grade students in El Paso County and in areas served by the Pikes Peak Library District are invited to enter the Betty Field Memorial Youth Writing Contest-2017 and earn top honors plus cash prizes. This annual mystery writing contest encourages students to develop their creative writing skills. Details at www.writingcontest612.info. Deadline for submission of entries is 5:00 PM, Saturday, February 25, 2017. The winning authors in all categories will be honored at the April 15, 2017 Awards & Recognition Program. Questions? Contact Diane Pfalzgraf, PPLD Contest Coordinator, (719) 591-2404, 10 AM to 7 PM or email at FriendsPPLD@pcisys.net


PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT (PPLD) HOMESCHOOL HUB
www.ppld.org
The public libraries offer activities & events for homeschool families.