Principal Newsletter // January 10th, 2024

Jan 9

Dear Appleton Community…

HOORAY for 2023!

I am so excited for the New Year! We are excited to have the kids back because we know they are going to grow like crazy and we have the opportunity to help them be successful. Makes me want to shout…”LET’S GO BOOKWORMS!”

Secrets To Student Growth

There’s a research report out there stating that parents report the act of raising their children to be more gratifying than their occupations, hobbies, and other forms of entertainment. The fact is, we love our kids and nothing is more satisfying than seeing them progress.

Well, teachers know a couple secrets about your child’s progress. They know that the 3rd quarter of the school year is where they often see great leaps in student achievement. They also know that kids are motivated by their own growth.

Parents can use these two secrets to encourage even more growth in their children by following these simple steps:

Remind your children of how proud you are of their academic growth. An easy way to do this is to point out where they once were and where they are now. You might show them books they used to struggle reading and now can read easily. Or letters they didn’t recognize but now know the sounds for. You might say, “I am so proud of you! Do you remember when you didn’t know all your letters and their sounds? Now you do!” Tie their recognition of their growth to their effort. Say, “You’ve been reading so much at home. I think that’s why you are growing as a reader.”
Look to the future. “I really think if we keep working hard practicing our reading at home, you will keep making these GREAT improvements!”

Thanks for your commitment to your child’s progress. It’s rewarding for everyone!

Winter Parent/Teacher Conferences January 18th

Mid-year conferences are scheduled for January 18th. Your child’s teacher may contact you to schedule a conference but these conferences will only involve some of our Appleton families. Invitations will be sent out soon.

Spell-A-Thon Incentives!!!

Students who earned $250 or more will receive a pizza party with Mr. Hafey on January 25! Participating students will receive reminders as we get closer to the date.

Prepare to Go Outside

Please bundle your children in layers and with proper hands, feet, and head gear. We do have a coat and hat closet for students, but please plan for a cold week. Typically, when the wind chill is 10 degrees or below, we have indoor recess. The school district leaves this decision up to each school’s individual principal and at times the temperature at one location in the valley is different from another’s. I have found that if kids are dressed appropriately, they will enjoy our Colorado winters. However, safety will continue to be our biggest concern.

Four Appleton Staff Members Nominated for White Iced Awards

Nikki Summers (Second grade teacher), Julie Hickman (Math Interventionist), Katie Pollart (Reading Interventionist), and Instructional Aide, Mary Reekie, were recently nominated for D51 Foundation White Iced Awards. These recognitions are a reflection of their many years of effective teaching and intervention for students. We are so proud their names will be considered for these prestigious awards that designate elite educators. The White Iced Celebration is Saturday, Feb. 3 at the CMU Ballroom. Check out this link to this D51 Foundation sponsored event.

PTA Meeting in January

Start planning now to attend out PTA meeting in January. PTA is such a crucial part of the student success here at Appleton, and we need YOU to be involved! Plan on joining for about an hour in the library on January 25th, starting right after school (4:15). It takes all of us working together to keep Appleton a strong and growing place for kids to learn and thrive.

Go Bookworms!

Corey Hafey - Principal, Appleton Elementary School