December 1, 1997
Volume 4, No. 10
On Tuesday, December 9, Summit will host an information night for students and parents interested in the International Baccalaureate (IB) and pre-IB program at Fairview High School. Karen Petterson, the IB and pre-IB counselor at Fairview, will provide information about these programs, and former Summit students now taking pre-IB courses will be available to answer questions. This will be a great opportunity for all Summit students and parents to learn more about the IB program. It should be especially helpful for 8th graders and their families as they consider high school enrollment for next year. (Summit 8th graders from outside of the Fairview attendance area will need to open-enroll at Fairview if they wish to attend next year.) The program will begin at 7 PM in the Summit/Southern-Hills auditorium.
Summit will host open house information nights for prospective parents and students December 10 and January 21, from 7 to 8 PM, in the auditorium. Summit teachers, staff, and board members will give an overview of Summit's mission, philosophy, program, and curriculum in core subjects. Parents and students will have an opportunity to examine text books, lessons, and homework.
Summit Middle School and the Fairview High School chapter of the National Honor Society now provide an after-school Tutorial Center for students needing help in writing and mathematics. The Center will operate from 3:15 to 4:15 PM. Students need to sign up with Dr. Dressler prior to using the Center. National Honor Society students will serve as the tutors and there will be adult supervision during the hour. Parents must arrange to pick-up students by 4:25 PM. If there are questions, please contact Dr. Dressler.
Summit's Tools for Learning has received pledges and gifts from 52 families, reports Jeff Bradley, who chairs the fund-raising effort. The total pledged so far is $14,560, with an average pledge of $280. "This is a very encouraging vote of confidence in Summit and the good work that our teachers and staff perform," says Jeff. "It is important for every family to do its part. Gifts of all sizes are needed to reach our goal of $30,000."
Tools for Learning money goes for a wide array of "wish list" items: grammar books, science equipment, computers, up-to-date maps, choir outfits, storage cabinets, and other materials. Summit receives only about 85 percent of the per-pupil funding level that other middle schools get, and Tools for Learning helps close that gap.
Parents are encouraged to return their Tools card soon. You may make a pledge now and pay it off over the rest of the academic year. Gifts to Summit are tax deductible. Returning the card enables Summit's board to know how much is coming and helps them make budget decisions. If you need another packet, call Jeff Bradley, 499-4275.
Several parents are doubling the value of their gift by applying for matching funds from local companies. Jeff notes, "IBM and U.S. West, among others, will match employee gifts to Summit. Parents can get a matching gift form at work, send it in to the school, and we will fill it out and return it. Every little bit helps."
Science teacher Dr. Sharon Sikora has been selected by the Colorado Department of Education as one of three finalists for Colorado Teacher of the Year. Feature articles about Dr. Sikora appeared in area newspapers. We are all very proud of her. The winner will be announced on December 3.
The National Geographic Society's Geography Bee begins this week. Summit would like to participate, but we need some parent volunteers. Please contact Dr. Dressler for more information or if you would like to help.
Sorry, but the office staff cannot pass along student assignments that are faxed to the school. Students are responsible for bringing their assignments to school.