Principal Newsletter // March 26th, 2024

Mar 25

Dear Appleton Community…

Welcome back! I hope you had an opportunity to have some fun with your children over spring break. Only one quarter to go this school year! Are you ready? LET’S GO!

Volunteer Luncheon Thursday,March 28

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 Thursday, 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.

Join us Friday April 5 for our 8th annual Appleton Art Night from 5:30-8:00 p.m. Professional balloon artist, Jeffrey Garner (The Balloon Dude) will be joining us and there will be multiple art stations, classes, and activities throughout the school. An event for the whole family sponsored by the Appleton PTA. Look for the sign up form in your child’s Tuesday folder, or download it HERE. Additionally, we would love your help! Click HERE for our volunteer form!

Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) Q & A

Q: When is CMAS?

A: Selected dates between April 2-April 24. 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 2,3,4, 8,9,10

4th grade tests - April 2,3,4, 8,9,10

5th grade tests - April 2,3,4, 9,10,16, 18,23,24

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.

Parent Recommendations for Classroom Assignments for 2024-2025

Parent Recommendations for Classroom Assignment Forms will be available at the Appleton office starting April 1. Parent recommendations for classroom placement for 2024-2025 must be turned in to the office by Wednesday, April 30, 2024 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. At the time this newsletter was generated, teaching positions for next year were not 100% identified.

Are You Moving?

If you are planning on moving and if your child will not be attending Appleton next year, please contact the school office. This will help us better predict the number of Transfer Requests we can approve. Thank you.