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Monthly Newsletter – November 2015
Rocky Mountain Deaf School 10300 W Nassau Ave, Denver CO 80235
www.rmds.co
720-961-9200 VP 303-984-5749 V
Dear RMDS families and Guardians,
Welcome to November. It is a wonderful time to give thanks
for the many blessings in our lives. I am certainly thankful for
the many blessings in my life, including working with the
amazing children, parents, teachers and staff at Rocky
Mountain Deaf School. Especially our students, I am grateful
for them as they are the heart and soul of this building and
never cease to amaze me. Over the years, they have taught
me many lessons that I hold dear to my heart.
A few weeks ago, I attended our Parent Teacher
Organization meeting and was truly impressed with all of the
creativeness and ideas shared by everyone. I look forward to
creating new traditions this year and working closely with our
families.
Last but not least, I want to thank our staff and families for
participating in our Mathematics Night. I heard it was a
success and everyone had so much fun especially with
Halloween as a theme.
As we look ahead to the month of December, there are
many exciting activities happening at RMDS, please be sure
to keep your eyes open for our weekly emails.
RMDS’ly Yours,
Amy J Novotny
Upcoming Events
Mondays 6:00-7:30 PM
Family ASL Classes
Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 PM
Community ASL Classes
November 11
College Day for High
School students
November 13
RMDS/CSDB Toddler
Program
November 13
Wine and Paint Event
November 14
PTO Meeting
November 18
Picture Re-take Day
November 19
Board Meeting
November 23-27
Thanksgiving Break!
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RMDS NEWS
Thanksgiving Break
RMDS is thankful for families and friends like you! Thanksgiving break
is on November 23rd to 27th. We will return to school on Monday,
November 30th. Enjoy your time with family and friends.
Celebrating Birthdays
We all love birthdays and celebrating them. We welcome you to
celebrate your child’s birthday with his/her classrooms. We are asking
that you do not bring in any food items due to allergies/intolerances.
Instead you can bring in some goodies such as pencils, stickers,
bubbles, or small toys to be enjoyed at home. Feel free to check with
your child’s teacher.
Picture Re-take Day!
Our School Picture re-take day is November 18th! If you missed
picture day on October 21st, you can order online. Go to
www.mylifetouch.com and enter our picture day code:
CG025746Y1.
Emergency School Closures!
Winter weather is around the corner. The safety of our students and
staff is our greatest concern. When poor weather conditions are
expected, the district’s emergency weather team goes on alert.
The district makes every effort to announce school closures before
6:00AM, but sometimes weather conditions change rapidly and a
late decision must be made. RMDS will notify you by email, post on
our Facebook page, and our website. We will also notify the local
media and have them announce the information as soon as
possible. Look for Rocky Mountain Deaf School and/or Jeffco
Public Schools on the list of closures. Should we need to close
school during the day, every attempt will be made to notify
parents.
Vision Screening – December 4th
We will have our vision screening on Friday December 4th.
Early Release Days:
Early Release Days are days when students get out of school at
1:00PM. Lunches will be served on those days. Buses will run on
schedule. Early Release Days are December 2, February 24, and
April 20.
School Hours
• Office Hours:
8:00AM to 4:00PM
• School Hours:
8:30AM to 3:30PM
• Wednesdays:
8:15AM to 3:45PM
• Before School Program:
Starts at 7:30AM
• After School Program:
Ends at 5:30PM
• Early Release:
Day ends at 1:00PM
Late? Absent? Change of
pick up plans?
Please notify Front Desk as
soon as possible.
Email: [email protected]
Call:
•720-961-9200 (VP)
•303-984-5749 (V)
Text: 303-263-6800
Health or Clinic Questions?
Contact Vionna at
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News from the Board
Hello RMDS Friends and Family!
Time is running out to buy tickets for the Wine and Paint Fall Event on Friday,
November 13th from 6-9pm. The event will be held at Su Teatro Cultural and
Performance Center in the Santa Fe arts district. Out painting leader for the
event will be Gwen Walton Robinson. Join us and let Gwen, a painter and artist
of mixed media, guide you on a creative journey with step by step instructions in
American Sign Language, and you can create a masterpiece of your own.
Everyone is an artist in their own way! Visit www.rmds.co for more information
and tickets.
RMDS had their first successful School Accountability Committee meeting on
October 21st. The purpose of the committee is to discuss, make important
suggestions, and provide feedback on school survey results. The committee will
meet every three months and is comprised of the following members:
Administration Representative: Mechelle Simon
Staff Representative: Eileen Kratzer
Board Representative: Shelley Hanson
Parent Representatives: Rachel Krapustka, Sendie Vang, and Casey
Rogers
Community Representative: Nowell Busch.
Thanks to all who made this committee happen and special thanks to Rachel
Krapustka for taking the lead. Please contact Shelley Hanson for more
information on this committee: [email protected].
First successful PTO meeting was at Starbucks on October 17 with many people
attending. Carmel Flores will help lead the PTO with assistance from Rachel
Krapustka, Susan Martinez, and Kristen Healy. Many new fundraising ideas and
activities were shared. If you are interested in joining, please come to the
next PTO meeting on November 14th, 9am at RMDS or contact Kristen Healy
at [email protected] for more information.
PTO will be hosting a Parents Night Out Event on December 11th. This event is a
great opportunity for parents to have a date night, go shopping, or even just
relax! Look for a flyer soon for more information.
The next Board meeting will be on November 19th, and we will have a few
special guests. Tim Matlick, Charter School Director for Jefferson County, will be
there to brief us on several things happening in the county and Middle School
students will update us on their projects and activities. Please contact Kathy
Sevier at [email protected] for more information about the meeting or to suggest
a topic for the agenda.
We hope to see you at some of the exciting events we have coming up this fall!
Stay warm!
RMDS Board of Directors,
Kathy, Kristen, Gwen, Mike, Laura, Kris, Barb, and Shelley
Board Meeting
Dates:
Board meets every
third Thursdays from
6:30PM to 8:30PM
November 19
January 21
February 18
March 17
April 21
May 19
June 16
Board Events:
November 13 –
Wine and Paint
Fundraiser
November 14 –
9:00AM PTO
Meeting
(Location TBA)
December 11-
Parent Night Out
hosted by PTO
May 14 – 5K Run
and Spring
Festival
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Board hosted Events
Community Events
November 7: Relay Colorado is
celebrating 25 years of service!
(Click on flyer to preview)
November 13: Wine and Paint Fall Event
with the Board. Buy your tickets here.
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UPCOMING EVENTS / FUNDRAISERS Click on the flyers to preview
PTO Meeting
November 14
Parents Night Out
December 11
Pancake Breakfast
December 12
Looking for Volunteers
February 11-14
High School
International Trip
June 2016
Teen Night Out
November 13 Butter Braids
Want to go on an
international trip? High
School aged deaf and
hard of hearing students
are welcome to join us
on our International Trip
to Costa Rica. It will
take place in early June
for about 10 days.
Details to follow –
contact Katie Cue at
[email protected] or Laura
Lohmeyer
you want an information
packet. Deadline to
reserve your spot is
December 15th.
High school students will be selling butter braids as a
fundraiser until November 20th. Each braid costs $12
and orders can be picked up at RMDS on November
30th or sent home with your child for delivery. Flavors
include cherry, apple, blueberry cream cheese,
cinnamon, and strawberry cream cheese. Caramel
rolls will be offered also. Orders can either be
consumed immediately or frozen for later use - makes
for a terrific holiday treat! If interested in ordering,
please contact Laura Lohmeyer
([email protected]). Upon making an order, cash
and checks (payable to RMDS) are accepted.
Click on flyer to preview
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Let’s Talk with Amber, our School Psychologist:
It’s already November? Time has flew! Thanksgiving is coming up in few
weeks. What are we thankful for? Let’s have a discussion with your
children. Ask what it means to be thankful and appreciating the big and
little things. Here are some tips how to start a conversation.
Questions to Ask
Tips to put “Thanks” and “Giving” Back in Thanksgiving
Have a pleasant, thankful month! Stay Warm!
Amber Let’s Talk with Jessica, our School Counselor:
This month, we will be hosting a College Day event for our high school
students, on November 11th! Last spring, we held a successful Career Day
event for our high school students, and this year we are focusing on post-
secondary programs that students can utilize in order to achieve their
career goals. We have had visits last month from Gallaudet, RIT (Rochester
Institute of Technology), and SWCID (SouthWest Collegiate Institute for the
Deaf). These three programs are well-known programs for deaf college
students, nationally and internationally. For our November 11th event, we
have invited local 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities to meet with
our students and share their programs and services. Warren Tech, JeffCo’s
Career and Technical Education Center, will also be here to share their
options for high school juniors and seniors in preparation for life after high
school. Parents are welcome to meet these programs as well! Please see
the following flyer for more details.
It is important for students (and parents!) to know what kind of questions
to ask college representatives. Many representatives will have plenty of
information to share with our students, but it is always a great idea to
have a list of questions to ask all the representatives so you can compare
your options. The following infographic includes common questions for
students and parents to ask colleges.
**********************************************************************************
For more information about Transition Planning for middle school and high
school, please view the PowerPoint on our website under Academics.
(English and Spanish versions available) Or click on this link: Transition
Planning
Any questions, please email Mechelle Simon, instructional coordinator of
the Middle School and High School at [email protected]
Click on flyer to preview.
Click on flyer to preview
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Last year brought some big changes in the elementary department, many of which were a big
success! One example that we will continue using this year is the Student Spotlight, which takes
place during our weekly elementary assemblies. A small group of students is selected by drawing
each month, and by the end of the year, all students will have had an opportunity to participate.
These students get to assist the school counselor in running the assemblies for the month as well as
assisting with the library, and they also get to share some tidbits about themselves throughout the
month! We’re excited to see the increase in students’ confidence, public speaking skills, and
participation as a result.
Alejo Martinez
(4th grade)
Cassie pepe
(5th Grade)
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EDUCATIONAL CORNERS
History by Laura Lohmeyer
November is the month of colorful leaves,
the end of Daylight Savings Time, longer and
darker nights, and the Thanksgiving (and
Black Friday) holiday.
Daylights Savings Time (DST) is a change in
standard time with the purpose of making
the best use of daylight and conserving
energy. Although the idea was mostly
dismissed thoughout history, it wasn’t until
Germany decided to make use of the idea
and implemented Daylights Savings Time on
April 30, 1916. Clocks were first turned
forward at 11p.m. that evening. The
reasoning behind this was because they
decided it would be best to reduce the use
of artifical lighting to conserve resources
during World War I. This idea was quickly
copied by many other European countries
and the United States, but after the war
ended, DST was abandoned.
The practice of DST came back again
permanently during World War II and was
called “war time”. After the war ended,
there was so much confusion with DST and
transportation scheduling that the Uniform
Time Act of 1966 was established – stating
that DST would start on the last Sunday in
April and end on the last Sunday in October.
DST has now changed since that time, but it
is used in 70 countries worldwide with the
start and end dates varying from country to
country.
Thanksgiving is associated with pumpkin pie,
cranberries, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day
Parade, and NFL football games. We often
hear or see that Thanksgiving started with
Pilgrims and Native Americans celebrating
their abundant harvest in a day of thanks.
There is much controversy and many
different stories out there about how the first
thanksgiving celebration actually happen or
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did not happen. Regardless of what truly happened, we all must know that the first Thanksgiving is
almost the complete opposite of how we celebrate it today. An infographic, “Thanksgiving by the
Numbers” will show you how our holiday has changed. On thanksgiving this year, do not think
about the controversial history that surrounds the holiday, but think instead about how much we
have to be grateful for in our lives and enjoy the day with your family and friends. And those of
you who cannot resist, enjoy those football games! Eat, drink, and be merry, for life is short and full
of blessings!
http://www.timeanddate.com/time/dst/history.html
http://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving/infographics/thanksgiving-by-the-
numbers
Math by Nancy McAnlis
We had our Halloween themed Math night on October 29th. It was fun to see our goblins play with
different mathematics skills and see them having so much of fun was the point of this event! Kudos to
the math committee who worked with our little goblins. It always warms my heart when I see our
students' parents work closely with their child on their problem solving techniques and mathematics
skills.
Remember...
Math does not mean "because they will need it “one day”
“When will I need to use it?”.. every day- not just in their math class
Math helps us to be healthier
Math challenges us to be kinder
Math motivates us to be more curious
Math is important for future careers/professions
Doing a math problem helps practice the problem-solving steps that apply to
everyday situations
Hope to see more of you next year!
Mathly- yours, Ms. Nancy McAnlis
Page 10 of 18
Reading Corner by Eileen Kratzer
We had a marvelously educational time the morning of October 21st, early release day. We
decided to delve into the idea of books characters and their traits. First, we discussed as a group
different characters that we know from our favorite books.
Then we learned new vocabulary words that could describe these characters, such as, picky,
cheerful, hesitant, irresponsible, unsure.
Next we worked in groups to match the character to one of the character traits.
After that, Jeni read us the book, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.
Then each group picked a character from the book and worked together to describe that character’s traits.
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The final part of the morning each group was given a pumpkin and art supplies. They then
decorated their pumpkin like their character, including the traits that that character shows.
The next day, the students presented about their character and their pumpkin. There is Charlie
Brown, Linus, Lucy and Sally. Can you tell who is who?
It was a fun morning AND the students now understand how to analyze a book character and
their traits.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION/ELEMENTARY
ECE-Kindergarten class had a Halloween party on Friday, October 30th with their families. We had
so much fun on different Halloween centers ran by some of the parents. Some parents also sent
delicious Halloween snacks for us to enjoy. We all had a blast with a lot of laughter. Jeni
Jackerson came to read aloud to the students. They were mesmerized by her beautiful ASL.
Thank you all for making the day a memorable one.
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First Quarter Citizenship Club
By: Stephanie Carson, Instructional Coordinator
Every quarter the students learn specific traits and attributes from Character Counts! which is a
nation-wide character education program that RMDS adopted many years ago. Character Counts is
a framework that focus on basic values called the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect,
Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. These pillars are taught and reviewed with the
students throughout the year, and students are expected to demonstrate these qualities inside and
outside of the classroom.
The elementary students worked very hard on their learning attributes and the Six Pillars from
Character Counts in first quarter. The students who showed an exemplary citizenship in the first
quarter earned a trip to the park and did various Halloween activities on Wednesday, October 14th.
In order to participate in the quarterly citizenship club, the students need to earn 3’s and/or 4’s on
their learning attributes report card. Students can earn a score of 1-4 in each area of the learning
attributes with a 4 meaning a student exceeded expectations. Congratulations to those who made
it to the first quarter’s citizenship club!
All of the students have worked very hard on their learning attributes this quarter. We are so proud of
them! Thank you for all of your support you have given to your child this quarter!
Kindergarten-2nd Grade Citizenship Club:
3rd-5th Grade Citizenship Club:
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ROAR CLUB and Mountain Lion Club: Student’s involvement in academics, school activities,
student’s success and accomplishments are recognized with certificates and awards during the
awards assembly each quarter.
The students who have demonstrated good citizenship and behavior using the Six Pillars of
Character by receiving all 3’s and 4’s in Citizenship on their report cards for first quarter, received a
certificate. The students who earned 3’s and 4’s were inducted into the Mountain Lion Club. They
were recognized on October 23, 2015 during the honor roll assembly. Congratulations to the
students who have earned the Mountain Lion Club!
A special recognition goes to Andrea Keller for earning the ROAR
Club! Andrea has earned all 4’s in Citizenship on her report card!
Congratulations, Andrea!
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MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL
Middle School Outdoor Ed at Snow Mountain Ranch
Middle School students had a great time up at Outdoor Education in Granby.
Team building activities Team building activities Jameson rollerskating Rhiannon learning
how to shoot a bow
and arrow.
Students identifying trees in the wilderness – especially Blue Spruce, our state tree!
Team Building on the
High Ropes Course More team building Rhiannon, Savannah &
Jaya building their shelter
Evan after his ride down
the biplane.
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Science by David Oyler
In science class, Jameson is writing notes about producers, consumers, and decomposers (First
picture). Lisa and Hunter are measuring the circumference of a shell-less egg (2nd picture), Aidan is
showing off the inside of his shell-less egg with a green laser illuminating the yolk and albumen (3rd
picture), Daniel and Jameson work on their outdoor orienteering course on the soccer field (4th
picture) and finally, Science Club kick off yesterday and the students began with a pipe cleaner
challenge, attempting to build the tallest structure they could with 18 pipe cleaners (5th picture).
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AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Jr. Lego League by Derek Sevier
The last two Fridays, the Junior FIRST LEGO League had their very first afterschool robotics program
in Rocky Mountain Deaf School. The students have been so excited to participate in this activity.
Since the regulation for the Jr. FLL (K3 grade) is only limited to 6 members per team, we already
have 8 participants so we had to split up to two different teams of 4 members each. Their
awesome team names are Lion’s Den Club and Lego Dino. This year’s theme is “Waste Wise” and
the teams have chosen glass and metal as part of recycling program. The students were to think
of what they wanted to learn more about this project, where they could learn more, and a tool
that could help them in learning. They also need to have a motorized part to their projects as well
as a simple machine (wheel, gear, pulley, etc.). The teams did a great job thinking of new ideas
and teambuilding skills so far! We would like to say special thanks to Derek Sevier’s employer for his
donation to this robotics program. If you are interested in having your older children participate in
our more advanced robotics program or help by donating to this program, please email
Page 17 of 18
Early Years Toddler Program hosted by RMDS and CSDB
October 10 Community Event at Rock Creek Pumpkin Farm
Over 20 families with deaf and hard of hearing children up to 8 years old and their siblings
gathered at Rock Creek Farm on a beautiful, sunny day. We provided the popular face painting and
paper pumpkins crafts made possible by the EYTP staff and volunteers. The farm also offered several
bounce houses, a petting zoo, and a hay bale maze which families eagerly took advantage of. After
exploring the farm, everyone gathered at the tent to watch and listen to the “Pumpkin Pumpkin”
book by Jeanne Titherington. It was a great story to get some families excited about going to the
field to find the perfect pumpkin to bring home!
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The Early Years Toddler Program at Rocky Mountain Deaf School on October 23, 2015
The humorous book, “Yummy Yucky” by Leslie Patricelli, was the book and theme used for the
EYTP at RMDS in late October. The toddlers and their parents started off the event doing many fun
activities such as digging into a real pumpkin while learning so many words/signs at the same time.
The families had fun painting with canned pumpkin and whipped cream and later finding out if this
combination is yummy or yucky during snack time! After the storytime, the parents gathered to learn
about different reading strategies for their deaf and hard of hearing toddlers. We closed our program
playing with drums and singing a pumpkin song. The families brought home a fun activity book and
an American Sign Language picture guide to the “Yummy Yucky” book. Overall, it was a “yummy”
event!
Next Toddler Program: November 13
Please come to our next EYTP on November 13th from 9:00 AM to
11:30AM at Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden. Admission will be free for
families with deaf and hard of hearing children up to 3 years old and their
siblings. It will be a blast for your toddlers to get hands on experience with
real trains! Please contact Stephanie Carson at [email protected] or Susie
Broderick at [email protected] if you would like to attend or have
questions about the upcoming event.
(Click on flyer to preview)
