May 17, 2002
Volume 13, No. 9
Dear Summit Families:
The students and staff at Summit invite you to our SHINE exhibition program on Tuesday, May 21. We will be exhibiting student work from each discipline including English, science, history, math, foreign languages, technology, music and art! Come see the creative projects and examples of excellence that your Summit students have created this year. Please join us for this afternoon of food and fun -- doors open at 3 pm and close at 6 pm.
Sincerely,
The Summit Staff
Summit has a part-time parapro position open beginning in Fall 2002. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, general support for the administrative staff and faculty, attendance , and health room coverage (free health room training is provided by the BVSD). Hours will be 11:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
This is a great opportunity for a Summit parent who might otherwise be at school anyway working in a volunteer capacity! If you or someone you know might be interested in this position, please get in touch with Mr. Finell at 303-499-9511.
The Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (TerraNova), or CTBS, was recently given to all Summit students. There have been a number of questions about this testing and Summit's reasons for administering the test. We hope the following information will provide sufficient explanation.
The CTBS provides important information to complement the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP). CTBS gives a student's and a class's standing with respect to national norms. Whereas the CSAP tests students in subjects different for each grade level, Summit gives the CTBS to all students in reading, language, and mathematics every year. Thus, the CTBS allows Summit to measure student progress from year to year. No student is excluded from testing because of special education status. Science, social studies, and reading comprehension CTBS subtests are not given in recognition of the time devoted to the CSAP tests. The BVSD no longer administers CTBS, or another norm-referenced, standardized test, relying instead solely on the criterion-referenced CSAP tests.
Many Summit students top out on the regular grade-level CTBS. To assess the relative strengths and weaknesses of our students, and to measure their academic growth while at Summit, the Summit Board decided to administer one-grade-level higher tests to all students, beginning in 1999. This method of testing still provides accurate information, as CTBS tests are normed for a range of grades. For example, the 8th-grade-level test is normed for students from the sixth month of grade 7 through the second month of grade 9. Our 7th graders, taking the 8th-grade test in April (the eighth month of grade 7), fall within the norming range. Thus, the score reports for our students remain valid and comparable to previous years, and the students are not penalized for taking the more advanced tests.
Summit requests pattern or "item response theory" (IRT) scoring rather than traditional (number correct) scoring. IRT scoring adjusts for guessing and also gives individual students a much better idea of their strengths and weaknesses. Class averages, however, are almost identical for IRT and traditional scoring. Nationally normed tests, such as the CTBS, are but one measure of student performance and school effectiveness. Results can help in student placement and serve as an early warning of deficiencies.
One of Summit's accountability goals is that students will achieve at least one year of academic growth each academic year. Thus, we want each student to increase in national percentile score from year to year, especially in areas of relative deficiency. Although many students come to Summit with strong academic aptitude, their achievement level actually increases from year to year compared with national norms. Summit staff analyzes the CTBS data and teachers modify parts of the curriculum as needed to address any deficiencies. Our staff also revisits each year the timing of CTBS testing vs. CSAP testing to minimize the effects of testing on instructional time and our own curriculum.
Additional information about Summit's CTBS testing and analysis of results from the CTBS tests administered a year ago are available in the June 27, 2001 issue of Summit News, posted on the Summit web site.
Don't miss the school play this Friday and Saturday at Boulder High! Doors open at 6:45 pm each evening and curtain time is 7 pm. Tickets are available at school this week and at the door Friday and Saturday.
The annual Summit Penny War, sponsored by Student Council, raised over $3,000 this spring -- a new fundraising record! At the end of April, Student Council President Eve Aguilar presented a check from the Penny War proceeds to a canine representative of The Children's Hospital Pet Prescription Program. This program supports comforting pet visits to patients in the hospital.
Mr. Leibowitz's class won with the most positive points and Mr. Havens' class won for the most negative points (ask a Student Council member to explain to you how this all works!). The other fun outcome is the new "do" that Mr. Walpole is now sporting. He made good on his pledge to have his head shaved if the Penny War raised at least $1,000. Congratulations and thank you to all who participated!
There was a regular Board meeting on May 13. The Board especially appreciated hearing about recent Student Council activities from Eve Aguilar, Student Council president, and Emma Benjamin, Student Council vice-president.
The principal and office staff are working on next year's schedule, using the SASI database. The Board will compare this schedule with one created by the method used each year up until now. Mr. Finell attended a workshop about Special Education as it pertains to charter schools. The Board will consider evaluations and input from students and staff about the math and English tutoring labs, and will investigate possible funding sources for continuation of the labs next school year.
Board members who attended the Colorado League of Charter Schools board retreat May 3-4 reviewed what they learned from the workshops and the facilitated board work. Summit should know by the end of May the per pupil revenues expected for 2002-03 based on passage of the new School Finance Act and provisions for charter school construction funding. Hiring efforts continue, with known openings in English, music, and math (part time).
Summaries of the satisfaction surveys will be provided to students, staff, and parents very soon. Enrollment for 2002-03 is now at 305 students, an acceptable enrollment level. Enrollment numbers will be carefully monitored for any attrition, to assure that there are at least 300 students to begin the school year.
All regular Summit Board meetings are public meetings and we welcome guests from our community at any time. The next regular Board meeting will be on May 28. Meetings are held in Summit's library and begin at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Several parents of 6th and 7th graders are needed to help at this year's graduation ceremony so the 8th grade parents can enjoy this special day with their graduating students and families.
Parents are needed to supervise students before and during the event, and to help with serving refreshments after the ceremony. To volunteer for either job, please call Margaret Sparks at 303-604-2441.
The BVSD will hold a series of open community meetings for presentation and discussion of information gathered through the current district-wide school facilities usage study. Come learn about analysis of facilities usage, cost-cutting options, ways to improve efficient use, and possibilities for modernization of current schools. Decisions made by the BVSD board based on information from this study could have a direct impact on facilities for Summit!
We encourage you to attend one of these community meetings to learn more. All meetings are from 6 pm to 8 pm.
For more information, call Jane at 303-447-5062.
The Social Studies department is proud to announce that one of our students has qualified to participate in this year's National History Day. Annie Lewis, a 7th grader, qualified for the nationals at the state competition held at CU in April. Annie's paper, titled "The Automobile: Revolution of a Lifetime," focuses on the positive and negative impacts that resulted from the revolutionary invention known as the automobile.
Annie will head to Maryland in early June for the contest, accompanied by Mrs. Kapsak. Annie Stancliffe, Betsy Smartt, and Jesse Thurston also competed and proudly represented Summit at the state competition.
All six classes of World History thank Dr. Elizabeth Robertson, parent of 6th grader Rachel Robinson, for coming to teach us about the Middle Ages. She presented a fascinating language tree, and each student had a chance to read poetry in Middle English! Dr. Robertson commented on how bright and interested Summit students are. We appreciate her time and support of excellence in learning.
Criminal Justice thanks Mr. Jim Cederberg for coming to class and explaining his work as a personal injury attorney. The cases he discussed were complex and interesting, and the perspectives he shared helped us understand the value of our unique legal system.
As always, we appreciate the respect and hospitality that our Summit students demonstrate for all of our guests.
We would like to thank Ms. Hillary Griffith for taking the time to teach us all about video and film. The students had a great time producing and shooting their commercials. Thank you so much!
As the end of another successful school year approaches, it is a wonderful time to think about honoring a Summit volunteer, staff member, or student. Donating a book to the Summit library in honor of a special person provides a lasting reminder of your appreciation as well as benefiting our school. I would be happy to help you pick a book from our wish list.
Also, our students enjoy having a variety of comic books available in the library. If you have gently used copies of Garfield, Far Side, or other comic books that you could donate to the library, please get in touch with me.
We're also looking for back issues of magazines such as Cobblestone, Calliope, Faces, and Odyssey. If you subscribe to magazines such as American History, Scientific American, or Discover and would be willing to donate issues after you've read them, our students would put them to good use! Please note we already have subscriptions to or receive donated copies of National Geographic, The Economist, Time, Newsweek, Smithsonian, Sports Illustrated, The New Yorker, and Science News, so don't need copies of these.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: All library materials are due no later than May 17. Students receive overdue notices weekly, and should be aware of the materials that they have checked out. Each student must pay all fines and pay to replace lost materials before receiving his/her final report card. Parents will be notified by mail during the week of May 20 if students have fines or outstanding materials.
Gallery visit write-ups for art students are due on May 22. There is a list of galleries and shows on the art page of www.schoolnotes.com.
Until the end of May, Mrs. Blakemore's tutoring hours are by appointment before school or at lunch. Because of track practice she will not be available after school.
Summit parent Mary Kay Wilson was a chaperone for the Greeley Jazz Festival and she took lots of pictures which she has posted on her web space. Check them out via the link below. Thanks, Mary Kay, and also a huge thank you to Joan Jacus for actually making the Jazz Festival happen for our students in Silver Rain and Jazz Band 3 despite the challenging circumstances. http://home.attbi.com/~mkwilson8b/Summit/greeleyjazzfest.html
We are still seeking a new editor for the newsletter! I will finish off this year and then we will need someone else, to take over or….. we just won't have a newsletter for you to readL It really is a fun job for someone who likes to write and edit. The majority of the work is editing articles that are submitted from staff and parents. You can be creative and put your stamp on this fine publication. You'll get assistance from our trusty crew -- how about it? Contact Tom White-O'Connor at tomwhiteoc@msn.com.
The "Fun Night At The Rec" is a terrific way for Summit to jump-start each new school year by providing an opportunity for new and returning students to get together. I hope that one (or more) of you will take the helm to coordinate this rewarding event, as I will be retiring following my son's graduation from Summit this year. The planning is easy and the students always have a great time (not to mention all the parent volunteers who get to hang out and chaperone!).
Please call me with any questions and to volunteer for this rewarding position so that the popular "Fun Night At The Rec" can continue. -- Merry Mungo, 303-494-5142
There will be no food service on Summit's last day of school, Friday, June 7. Students will need to bring a sack lunch.
Food Service is looking for a new head cook for 2002-2003 at Summit If you are interested, please stop by the BVSD Education Center on Arapahoe to pick up an application. If you have further questions, please call Vicky Huff at 303-447-5042.
Are you missing that favorite sweatshirt or pullover? We have lots and lots of forgotten clothing in the Lost and Found (lots of "lost" and not enough "found"). Please come and pick up clothing items during the SHINE Program on May 21 between 3 pm and 6 pm. Clothes have been washed (yes, washed!), and will be sorted and laid out on tables in front of the school.
If you don't pick up items then or in the next few days after, we will donate the clothing to needier families.
Many thanks to all the parents and students who helped on the set construction. What a tremendous team effort it was. You will be impressed with the finished product. Come see their handiwork at the performances May 17 and 18!
... if we can find some kind volunteers to help out. A discounted bus pass, the TeenPass, can be available to Summit students starting in the 2002-03 school year ... with parent volunteer help. This monthly pass makes riding the RTD bus cheap and convenient. The TeenPass allows a student unlimited rides on all local buses in Boulder as well as Lafayette, Louisville, and even the Denver light rail. It's a great pass for getting to school and around town anytime.
The BVSD transportation department invites Summit to enroll in the TeenPass Program. The TeenPass will cost $9 per month, compared to the usual $19, thanks to a discount from RTD and subsidy from the city of Boulder. Before you shout, "Wow, sign us up!", there is a hitch. We're looking for some parents to help out with the sales.
So, here's the pitch! Do you have a little time to give at Summit? Want some entertainment that only teens in front of their peers can provide? Come to school and have fun selling passes to them. It's easy to do and you'll see that providing the TeenPass will make you happy, and the students will jump for joy (at least metaphorically). Knowing that most of us are strapped for time, your giving a couple hours a month would help a great deal to get this started.
For more information about the TeenPass and if you're interested in helping, please call Donna Wharton at Summit or contact Landon Hilliard (see below). For options on ways to travel to school, contact the BVSD Student Transportation Coordinator at 303-447-5120 or <Landon.Hilliard@bvsd.k12.co.us >.
Want to learn more about Japan and Japanese culture? Host a Japanese high school girl or teacher for 3 weeks in your home. Twenty-five high school-aged girls (13-17 years old) come to Boulder from Japan to learn about our customs and culture by staying with families in our community. While they are here, the girls are involved in a program of classes on the CU campus and field trips during the week from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
I am looking for families in the Boulder area who would welcome an international experience this summer, by hosting a student or teacher from July 21 to August 10. For more information, contact Diana Falloon at 303-530-9433 or dsfalloon@attbi.com .
You can still join the Summit hiring committee to be involved in selecting new teachers. This very important committee is made up of parents and representative staff members and is responsible for making hiring recommendations to the Summit Board.
Hiring committee tasks include:
If you are interested, please call Hiring Committee Co-Chairs Risa Heywood at 303-661-0282 or Barbry Hogue at 303-665-3798.
A critically important part of hiring any new teacher for Summit is holding a demonstration class, with real student volunteers as the "teachees"! Students, if you would like to participate with these classes, please contact Carol Baum at 303-678-7579 or Carol Hermann at 303-664-9576. Thank you!
There are a couple of woodworking projects at Summit that clearly are projects for someone with tools and the willingness to use them! Please give Mr. Finell a call at 303-499-9511 for details and scheduling.
There is still time to contribute to the 2001-2002 Tools For Learning campaign. This fundraising effort supports all of our students, so we are eager to reach our goal of 100% participation. A donation from each one of our families, in any dollar amount, will let us reach this goal but we still need to hear from nearly half of our families. Thank you to the families who have contributed so far.
Please contact Tom Mahowald, TFL chair, at 303-543-8903 or Barbry Hogue at 303-665-3798 with any questions or comments about Tools For Learning.
To provide additional support for student learning, Summit teachers provide after-school tutoring time for extra help, study sessions, make-up work, and questions about assignments. The tutoring time schedule follows:
Social Studies 3:10-4:10, Monday Rooms 2 & 9
Science 3:10-4:10, Monday Rooms 14 & 15
English 3:10-4:10, Wednesday Rooms 3 & 5
Math
Foreign Languages
Programming lunch Mon & Wed Room 4
Enjoy this actual transcript from an interaction between American and Canadian naval personnel. You may have seen it on the web but it's worth hearing again.
Americans: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision.
Canadians: Recommend you divert YOUR course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.
Americans: This is the Captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course.
Canadians: No. I say again, divert YOUR course.
Americans: THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS LINCOLN, THE SECOND LARGEST SHIP IN THE UNITED STATES ATLANTIC FLEET. WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THREE DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS. I DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH, THAT'S ONE FIVE DEGREES NORTH, OR COUNTER-MEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THIS SHIP.
Canadians: We are a lighthouse. Your call.
The Boulder Public Library will be showing Japanese animated films, or anime, on Wednesday nights. The 6:30 pm showings are just for teens. The free anime nights begin June 5 and run all summer.
BreakThrough Arts Passages Arts Camp is an opportunity for graduating 8th graders to learn new skills, to get to know one another before entering high school, and to explore how art and movement can be resources for them. The program runs from June 10 through June 15 from 12 noon to 6 pm, with a performance on June 16. Call 303-443-4474 for information.
There are many summer art programs in the Denver metro area as well as in Boulder County. A list of programs is available in the Summit art class section of <www.schoolnotes.com>. There are packets in Ms. Bartley's office and in the art room with information about some of these camps. Interested students should sign up soon!
A six-session introductory Love and Logic class for parents of teenagers will be offered at the BVSD Education Center starting July 9. The cost is $99 for am individual or a couple plus a $15 materials fee. This is a great program that is a tremendous help for building constructive family relationships. Call Stephanie Bryan at 303-397-064 for information or see www.boulderparent.com.
This is an exciting and practical class designed for students in grades 6 through 23 to support success in school by learning life-long study skills. Materials provide immediate help with learning styles, time management and organizational skills, note-taking, test-taking, and memory skills. Make a real difference in your learning! Parents are highly encouraged to attend (free) with students.
Dates: September through November; Time: 7-8:30 pm, one night per week for 5 weeks; Location: Fairview High School; Cost: $130 per student; To register, call Gloria Frender at 303-530-3195.
Learn LOGO programming, build a robot using a Movit robot construction kit, and learn to operate a robotic arm. This is a one-week summer class which costs $100.
Session 1 is June 17-21 and Session 2 is June 24-28. Each session runs Monday through Friday from 10 am to 12 noon at Eisenhower Elementary. Contact Bob Litsey at 303-665-9300 or Tom Hoban at 303-466-1529 to find out more and to register.
Kidlingua's summer language camp teaches French, German, and Spanish through a mix of learning verbal skills, songs, games, and customs. This is a fun, unique, and educational way to practice and enhance foreign language skills! The camp meets Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to noon, from June 10 to June 21 at Mesa Elementary. For more information, call 303-499-1671 or check with Ms. Barton, our German teacher. Registration forms for these camps are also available on the table in the front Summit hallway.
Rocky Mountain Bands will offer two ten-day sessions in June and July, to be held in a central Boulder location. The camps will teach everything you've ever wanted to know about creating and playing in a rock or pop band, songwriting, etc. These camps are geared toward high school and middle school students who already know how to play an instrument or sing --- this is not a camp to learn how to play or sing. You can register by yourself or bring along a group. For questions or to register, contact Marty Claar at 720-890-7534. Registration forms are also available on the table in the Summit entryway.
It's springtime and time to represent Summit in the Bolder Boulder Middle School Challenge. The Bolder Boulder is a 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) race on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful spring weather, get some exercise and fresh air, watch the elite racers representing many countries, and partake in the Memorial Day remembrances and festivities held in the CU stadium.
Prizes are awarded to the school with the greatest participation and the fastest time. WE CAN WIN one or both of these challenges! Everyone in your family counts towards Summit's participation total. To join in the fun, please pick up an entry form from Mrs. Blakemore, Mr. Havens, or the Summit office. In order to represent Summit, you must use this form and turn it in to Mrs. Blakemore.
Advantages: You have the option of walking, running, and/or jogging. You may participate in the wave of your choice or with friends in the middle school waves. You and your family save $4 per entry. You receive a special student-designed middle school t-shirt, along with a goodie bag that includes a water bottle, a CD case, a Cliff Bar, discount coupons and other surprises. This is IN ADDITION to your regular Bolder Boulder packet.
Disadvantages: ??????????
This is it -- the last week before the big race. Come on out and warm up with ...
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Blakemore at school , or by e-mail at <wblakemore2@attbi.com.>.
It's still not too late to sign up to represent Summit in the Bolder Boulder on Monday, May 27. See Mrs. Blakemore with any questions you have about Bolder Boulder.
This is a unique outdoor program developed to meet the needs and strengths of teen girls. In its 5th season, the Institute sponsors 6- to 12-day courses in backpacking, rock climbing and outdoor skills. The courses are designed to give teen girls the confidence, decision-making skills and self-efficacy needed to succeed in today's world. Call 303-938-9191 or visit their website at http://www.womenswilderness.org.
Consider joining one of Boulder County's premier summer swim teams, the Gators. The summer swim season is May 15 through July 27 at the Flatirons Golf Course pool at 55th and Arapahoe. Excellent coaches and a small coach-to-swimmer ratio provide the individual attention that supports learning. Swimmers enjoy mastering stroke technique, improving endurance and participating in five local meets on summer Saturdays. If you are interested in joining the team or would like more information, please call 303-527-0441.
All programs begin at 9:30 am. See the following for a specific building and room. There is FREE PARKING only in lots 169, 308, 378, 396, and 436. There is also parking available for a nominal fee in the Euclid parking structure.
May 25: LASERS AND LIGHT, presented by Professors Henry Kapteyn and Margaret Murnane in Duane Physics G1B20.
June 15: BLACK HOLES, presented by Professor Andrew Hamilton at Fiske Planetarium.
The Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance and enrich the educational experiences of students. Honor your child as s/he finishes the last year at elementary, middle, or high school. This year alone 6,327 children will graduate from 5th, 8th or 12th grade in the Boulder Valley School District.
With your contribution, your name and the child who you are honoring will be listed in our annual report. This donation will allow the Foundation to continue to support children, teachers, and administrators in the school district through programs such as the Classroom Min-Grants, Tech21, Students at Risk, the Impact Awards, and Connect. Call 303-447-5132 to find out how you can contribute, or visit the web at http://www.fbvs.org.
Joan Jacus at 303-499-3013 and Diane Chicoine at 303-581-0754 have King Soopers grocery certificates available for those of you that are still eating J. And for your shopping pleasure we now have Wild Oats certificates available.
Do you shop at Albertson's? Pick up your Albertson's community card at the Summit office. What an easy way to help support our kids!
Late order forms are available on the table outside the school office. Pick one up today. Call Joan Jacus at 303-499-3013 if you have any questions about this year's yearbook.
The next newsletter deadline is May 28. If you have an article to be included, please e-mail it to Tom White-O'Connor at the above e-mail address.
To save on both paper and the cost of postage, we e-mail as many copies of the Summit News as possible. If you prefer to receive future issues of Summit News by e-mail, please send a message to Tom Mahowald at t.mahowald@summitmiddleschool.org.
To see back issues of Summit News, information about Summit, links to other charter schools and education information, refer to Summit's website via the handy, new, improved, easier website address: http://www.summitmiddleschool.org
Here is the Summit school year calendar for 2002-2003, as approved by the Summit Board: