Principal Newsletter // January 16th, 2024

Jan 16

Dear Appleton Community…

Something Remarkable Happened at Appleton

Every morning at Appleton our school is led by 5th grade students in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance over the intercom. Then a student (from any grade) reads a short message called, Words of Wisdom. These Words of Wisdom contain great life lessons that go beyond the normal reading, writing, and arithmetic learning. Well, last Thursday something remarkable happened at Appleton with our Words of Wisdom. In a first for our school, we asked a person off campus to phone in his own message for Words of Wisdom. Our guest was Andy Smith, a local 21 year old with terminal brain cancer. Andy is in comfort care at his home with his parents Lisa and Matt. The message our students and staff heard from this college graduate and star athlete was truly inspirational.

Andy gathered his strength in his bed at home and shared about how important respect for others and giving your best effort is to a successful life. He shared how even in tough times it is important to give your best. He also shared a quote by Benjamin Disraeli, “The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.”

Months ago, when his cancer was in remission, Andy came to our school and spoke to many of our students. Since then, his cancer came back with a vengeance. Many of our students and staff have sent Andy encouraging cards and artwork and he is truly thankful for the uplifting messages. At the end of his Words of Wisdom, Andy stated that today was a great day because the sun came up.

Andy’s courage in delivering a message that was physically and mentally challenging for him was inspiring. His example and his uplifting words to our students and staff had such a positive effect. I know it will resonate with us as truly Words of Wisdom.

I highly encourage you to read the following short article on Andy to be inspired yourself.

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.

Winter Parent/Teacher Conferences January 18th

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.

White Iced Tickets on Sale Now

The White Iced Celebration for the D51 Foundation 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