Principal Newsletter // MArch 11th, 2025

Mar 10

Dear Appleton Community…

Volunteer Luncheon Wednesday,March 26

We want to thank, honor and celebrate our many volunteers who make Appleton such a great place. If you are one of our valuable Appleton volunteers, please plan to join us on Wednesday, March 28, any time between 11:30-1:00 for our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon in our library. We will have some great food (soups, salads, and dessert) to say “Thank You” for all that you do for our school community.

Thank You Book Fair Volunteers & Student Support

We are almost done with our 2025 Book Fair and can already confidently say it has been a huge success. Thank you to those folks who graciously volunteered and for the great student and family support. Book Fair support helps keep our library stocked with great books for kids and even supports individual classroom teachers, as well. Of course, it would not be possible without the outstanding effort and creativity of Appleton’s amazing librarian, Sarah Weber. Way to go Bookworms!

Attendance Improvement

Attendance rates for February improved by 14% this year compared to last year! Thank you for your support in getting your children to school and on time

Important Dates for 2025-2026

Back to School Night- Monday, August 4
Parent Information Night- Thursday, August 14
Carnival-Friday- Friday, September 12
Ornament Night-December 9 (TBD)
Spell-a-thon- moving to spring February 23 - March 27
Art Night-Friday, March 27
Burgers & BINGO Night - Wednesday, April 15
Book Fair - April 27-May 7

Parent Recommendations for Classroom Assignments for Next Year

Parent Recommendations for Classroom Assignment Forms will be available at the Appleton office starting April 1. Parent requests for classroom placement for 2025-2026 must be turned in to the office by Friday, April 25, 2025 at 4:00pm. A completed Parent Recommendation for Classroom Assignment is not a guarantee that your child will be placed with the requested teacher. As in past years, teachers are subject to moving to different grade levels and assignments well after requests have been made.

Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) Q & A

Q: When is CMAS?

A: Selected dates between April 7-April 25. Students take 3 tests per week for 2 weeks (each test is 65-90 minutes in length). 5th grade takes an additional 3 sessions of science. Please avoid appointments during these dates.

3rd grade tests - April 7,8,9,15,16,17

4th grade tests - April 7,8,9,15,16,17

5th grade tests - April 7,8,9,15,16,17,22,23,24

Q: How does Appleton approach parent refusals to CMAS testing?

A: First, Appleton highly recommends that students take the test. If you are considering holding your student out and want to make an informed decision, please contact Mr. Hafey. Parents who wish to refuse state testing will be required to fill out the Parent Request for Exemption Form that can be picked up at the Appleton office.

Q: Why test?

#1. CMAS results are the primary instrument used by the state to measure the overall performance of Appleton Elementary School.

#2. The Appleton staff uses CMAS results to shape our professional development and it has a heavy influence on our school goals.

#3. Teachers use CMAS to target specific areas for growing students.

#4. CMAS results have an influence on what classes students are placed in middle school and what electives they are allowed to take.

#5. It is great practice for future tests like: SAT(College acceptance), ASVAB (Military enlistment), & Licensing exams (getting a job) & Hunter Education.

Go Bookworms!
Corey Hafey

Appleton Elementary School

2358 H Road Grand Junction, CO 81505

Phone (970) 254-6400 Fax (970) 243-6604

Corey Hafey - Principal

Todd Witzel - Assistant Principal

Lisa McClelland / Angie Wallace - Secretary