Summit News

September 24, 2002

Volume 14, No. 3

SUMMIT CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

Looking Ahead

• Sept. 27 School photos
• Sept. 27 & 30 October bus pass sale, after school
• Sept. 28 Summit workday, 9 am - 3 pm
• Oct. 1 'How to Help Your Child Succeed at Summit' and 'Stand Up!' 7 - 9 pm
• Oct. 3 Summit Board meeting, 6:30 pm
• Oct. 9 Parent/Teacher conferences, 4 - 8 pm
• Oct. 10 P/T conferences, 8 am - 4 pm - NO CLASSES
• Oct. 11 Summit Day - NO SCHOOL
• Oct. 17 Cost Rica meeting, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
• Oct. 17 Summit Board meeting, 6:30 pm

REMEMBERING AND MOVING AHEAD

9/11 at 4655 (Hanover) -- Mr. Finell, Principal

On September 11, the entire school gathered for a commemorative program. It was a touching time for our school as we joined with people around the country in remembering what had happened one year before and honoring those who were killed. I started the program by telling the students about the impact that the assassination of President John F. Kennedy had on me and on all Americans of my generation. In the same way that the events of that tragic day are etched into the consciousness of people my age, I told them, so too would the events of last year be forever inscribed in their hearts as a defining moment in their lives.

All the students stood in silence as Alex Reisfield and Paul Swirhun played a very moving lament on the bagpipes and drum. Silver Rain sang the beautiful "Hymn for America," followed by Aaron Allen and Kelsey Pinson reading the poem "The Mending Wall." Finally, Jesse Thurston read a powerful and very relevant selection from a speech given by John F. Kennedy.

Before we rose and concluded the program with Silver Rain leading us in the National Anthem, I told the students a short story about a man who was lost in a forest. The forest was dark and vast and the man had completely lost his way. He was not sure how long he had been wandering and he was afraid that he would never find the right path. Suddenly he saw another man approaching him in the darkness and he called out to the man: "Brother, I am lost. I have been wandering in this forest for hours or days. I am afraid. Can you help me find the way out?" The other man responded: "I am not sure, for I too am lost and am searching for the way. But I know this: the way I have come from is not the way. Let us join hands and search for the path together." So, too, is it with us. We sometimes feel that the world is vast and dark, and that we are lost. We cannot find the path we seek. And we are afraid. But we know two things. We know the way we have come is not the way. And we know that if we have any hope of finding the path, it is by taking the hand of another person and searching for it together.

Another important aspect of our observance was the creation of a wall in the back of the Multi-Purpose Room where students could write their thoughts. Ms. Dornbush, our art teacher, and some of our art students designed this wall. We did not want to just look back; we also want to look forward. So the wall has two parts. The first part is entitled: "Imagine...A World At Peace," and the second part is entitled: "My Personal Commitment to Peace." We asked students to write their thoughts and feelings on this wall, looking ahead to a better world and thinking about what each of us can do to help create such a world. I encourage you to stop by and read some of the beautiful thoughts students have expressed on this wall. As always I am so proud of our students. Their participation in this special program was respectful and heartfelt, making it a very meaningful experience for all in attendance.

October Count Begins Today

October count begins today, September 24, and continues through October 8. Summit's per pupil funding for the year is determined by the number of students enrolled and actually attending school during the October count period. To ensure maximum possible funding for our school, Summit will carefully track all students' attendance during this time. The most critical day for school attendance during the October count period is October 1. We ask all families to make every effort to send their child to school on this date (and every day!). We also ask that families take extra care to avoid travels, appointments, or other absences during the October count period.

Schedule Change Moratorium

Also, during the October count period there will be no schedule changes allowed. Thank you for your cooperation.

October RTD Passes

Families and students are reminded that there is a convenient RTD bus stop on Table Mesa Drive, just a block north of Summit. October RTD Teen Passes will be on sale for $9 each, on September 27 and September 30 after school in the entrance hall. Payment will be accepted in cash or check made out to "BVSD." Call Margaret Sparks at 303-604-2441 if you have questions.

Thanks For The Help

Many thanks to the following volunteers for helping with Summit's vision and hearing screening on September 11: Jon Cowley, Angie Dorsey, Pamela Guthrie, Penny Hannegan, Amy Harmon, Connie Harmon, Deborah Hayes, Shelly Hendrick, and Laurie Kelthau. The screening went very smoothly, thanks to their help.

Coming Soon: Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/Teacher conferences will be on October 9 from 4 pm to 8 pm and on October 10 from 8 am to 4 pm (IMPORTANT NOTE: no school for students on October 10). Please see the table below for all teacher, time, and location details for conferences. All conferences are on a drop-in basis.

Parent/Teacher Conference Information
 

Helpful hints for successful conferences include:

• Prioritize the teachers with whom you need to speak
• If you can't attend, contact your child's teacher directly with questions
• If both mom and dad are attending, divide up the schedule to see some teachers separately, if possible
• Keep conferences in the five- to 10-minute range; if more time is needed, schedule it for another time
• Be respectful of teacher dinner and lunch breaks
• Remember that parents and teachers know the same students but in different environments. These points of reference may result in different observations in behavior
• If you feel a conference is going poorly, ask for an administrator to join you
• Be thoughtful of all involved in a conference

How To Help Your Child Succeed at Summit and Stand Up!

All Summit parents are invited to attend a special program on October 1 from 7 to 9 pm in our multi-purpose room. The evening will have two parts. One part will focus on how you can help your child have a successful experience at Summit. There will be presentations by teachers and administrators on topics such as time management, tracking your child's progress, not rescuing your child, positive reinforcement, effective study skills, after school tutoring, and planned and unplanned absences.

The second part of the evening will be an opportunity for you to learn more about our new program,"Stand Up!" This program focuses on assuring a safe and caring community at Summit. Our goal is to encourage a climate of kindness and respect within the entire Summit community while demonstrating and teaching attitudes and skills that support the development of a positive school climate. "Stand Up!" emphasizes non-tolerance of bullying, harassment, and put-downs. Refreshments will be served. We hope to see you on October 1!

Workday at Summit This Saturday!

Don't forget, there will be another fun-filled workday on Saturday, September 28, from 9 am - 3 pm (or earlier if the work is done!). The main focus of this workday will be walkway and outdoor lunch area improvements. RSVP to Tom Mahowald at 303-543-8903 to find out more and to volunteer to help.

CSAP Results

Last spring, Colorado students participated in the Colorado Student Assessment Program tests. As most of you have heard, Summit students in all grades performed well in these specific tests. See the analysis of the test results below. Many thanks to our standardized testing guru, Ron Goldfarb, for compiling CSAP information for your review.

Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) 2002

In Spring 2002, Summit 6th, 7th, and 8th graders took the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) tests. Summit ranked among the top middle schools in the state. Other schools in the state that score higher than Summit, or about as well as Summit, tend to be either gifted-and-talented magnet schools or K-8 charter schools that retain the same students through all nine grades. Summit, on the other hand, admits students by lottery from all elementary schools in the district, all with different levels of proficiency.

Tables 1, 2, and 3 compare Summit's scores with Boulder Valley's scores for these tests. All percentages are based on the total number of students enrolled, not the number taking the test. Therefore, the percentages sum to 100% only by including the percentage "Not Scored." The rankings shown are based on the percentages of "Proficient or Above," as commonly computed by the Colorado Department of Education. The district has 17 middle schools; the state has 432. BVSD's rank with respect to other districts in the state is also shown. The state has 180 districts.

Grocery Certificates

Studies show a healthy breakfast helps kids perform better at school. Additional studies show when you buy grocery certificates, Summit performs well!

Thanks to the families that responded to the grocery certificates order form in the first day packet. All monthly orders will be filled the first Tuesday of the month. It is important to pick up your order on the prearranged day. If you have any questions or comments you can call Joan Jacus at 303-499-3013 or e-mail her at jacus[at]earthlink.net.

If you would like to use a credit card for your grocery certificates purchase, call Stacey Roof at 303-665-2339 and she can help you. Thanks for supporting Summit!

NEWS FROM THE STAFF

Spanish Club Begins -- Ms. Blakemore (Micaela)

The Summit Spanish Club has begun its new year with the election of the following officers:

• Co-Presidents - Gwen McGillivray and Helen Sims
• Secretary - Erin Silk
• Treasurer - Sandy MacDonnell
• Activities Director - Devon Thrumston
• Spanish Store Director - Tatyana Filatova

We have about 25 members and are in the process of planning many fun learning activities for the year. We try to use as much Spanish as possible during club meetings and activities while allowing for the different levels of Spanish comprehension. Please join us!

Last year, Spanish Club accomplished many goals. Activities included:

1. Creating 800 Spanish language holiday cards, which were delivered to Longmont Services to be placed in holiday baskets for the needy.
2. Dining at a Mexican restaurant to practice Spanish outside of the classroom.
3. Planning and putting on a dance for el Cinco de Mayo. The dance included theme decorations made by the club, music, DJs (volunteer Summit graduates), Mexican food and drink, piñata breaking, and Spanish language videos.
4. Raising money by selling treats, both traditional in Spanish-speaking countries and regular.
5. Donating $500 to charities serving the Hispanic community in Boulder Valley and Colorado.
6. Establishing a tradition of donating a flag from a Spanish-speaking country to Summit Middle School each year. The first year there will be three, from Spain, Argentina, and Mexico.

We are looking forward to another successful and enjoyable year!

Costa Rica Meeting

Interested in having your child visit Costa Rica? Students can experience the cloud forest, take a boat ride to watch for dolphins, go river rafting, and explore an active volcano. Ms. Stough will host an informational meeting for parents on Thursday, October 17, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in Room 7 at Summit.

Help Teachers Heat Their Lunches!

Both microwave ovens in the teacher lunchroom have now given their all to re-heating lunches. If you have a microwave that could be donated, please drop it by the Summit office.

Art News -- Ms. Dornbush

Art gallery critiques are due from students on October 16 and 17. Please visit schoolnotes.com for a listing of local exhibits. Also, I am collecting cigar boxes for a sculpture project! If you have any to spare, please send them to school.

OTHER SUMMIT HAPPENINGS

Summit Board Report

At the September 19 Board meeting, a lot of discussion centered on how to sustain funding for all of the athletic, performance, and academic competitions our students enjoy. The administration is developing a proposal for a revised fee structure that would keep these programs on solid financial footing. Budget cuts in copying and printing will help with the current budget shortfall, but additional changes will be necessary.

Ms. Frohbeiter noticed that quite a few more students were ready to take on the challenge of Pre-algebra Honors than the single section of that class could accommodate, so she worked with Mr. Finell and Ms. Bartley to convert one of the existing sections of Pre-algebra to an honors section. Getting all the students into the right class required several schedule changes, but meeting students' needs was the overriding concern. The Board was very appreciative of this initiative.

In addition, we learned the new portable classroom will be installed around Halloween. This should prove a nice treat for both students and teachers.

A book sale day that will benefit Summit is being organized at the Boulder Borders thanks to the efforts of parent Penny Hannegan. Look for more information on this in the next newsletter. Student safety is still a key topic. The District has repainted the directional signs on the pavement of the parking lot and new striping highlights the bike path that crosses Hanover right before the entrance to the parking lot. Mr. Finell is working with the District and RTD to improve the situation at the Table Mesa bus stop, which is very crowded. If your student rides the bus or takes a bike to school, have a talk about safety. If you drive your student, be sure to look for the new directional signs on the pavement and keep an eye out for cyclists.

Upcoming Summit Board Meetings

Fall semester Board meetings will be held on October 3, 17, and 28; November 14 and 25; and December 12. Meetings are held in our library starting at 6:30 pm and are open to all. We welcome your participation. A "Parent Concerns" agenda item is always early in the meeting for you to share with the Board any comments you would like to mention.

Physical Exam Required for Sports Participation

Students who plan on participating in interscholastic or intramural sports must have a sports physical completed by the first day of each season. Please make an appointment with your doctor soon!

Basketball Season Dates

Interscholastic Sports:

• 8th grade boys'/girls' basketball: Nov. 4 - Dec. 21

Intramural Sports:

• 7th grade boys' basketball: Oct. 7 - Oct. 25

For a complete Summit sports schedule, see Coach A or stop by the Summit office.

Cabinets Needed -- Summit Staff

The staff lounge has wall space for additional cabinets. Our dishes are feeling cramped. If you happen to be remodeling and have some cabinets to donate, please contact the Summit office! Thank you.

OTHER NEWS TIDBITS

Lunch Menu Choices

For those of you for whom lunch at Summit remains one of life's deepest mysteries, here is basic information to give you the lay of the land. Lunch is served every day at Summit from 11:48 am until 12:24 pm. A hot lunch is provided every day through the BVSD Food Service and the cost is $1.75.

On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, we also offer outside vendor food. Pizza is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Subway sandwiches are available on Wednesdays. The prices for pizza and Subway sandwiches range from $2.50 to $3. In addition, we offer snacks such as soup, chips, cookies, fruit, and drinks. Prices for these items range from $0.40 to $1. All food must be paid for in cash. As always, students may are welcome to bring their lunch from home.

Love and Logic Workshop

Through its Substance Abuse Prevention Project, BVSD is sponsoring a workshop developed for parents of teens called "Becoming a Love and Logic Parent." The workshop will be held at Platt Middle School, 6096 Baseline Road, on Tuesdays from October 1 through November 12, 6:30 to 9 pm. The workshop costs $100 per individual or couple plus $15 for materials. For more information contact the instructor, Stephanie Bryan, at 303-397-0646.

Bridges to the Future Program

Colorado State University and the University of Denver have partnered to develop "Bridges to the Future: American History and Values in Light of September 11th," a yearlong, statewide effort to encourage exploration and greater understanding of American history and values. Several programs and engagements are scheduled to inspire the communities of Colorado to remember, to understand, and to renew or reframe our most fundamental public value commitments.

The next two events in the series are:

• Former National Security Advisor Richard Allen and Author Craig Barnes in a debate moderated by former Governor Richard Lamm, on September 25, at 7:30 pm.
• Journalist Cokie Roberts and Author William Bennett meet for a debate at Magness Arena on October 10 at 7 pm.

All events in the series are free and open to the public. For more information or a complete schedule call 303-871-2357 or visit http://www.bridgestothefuture.us/.

CU Wizards Program

Don't forget, the 26th annual University of Colorado at Boulder Wizards Program, an informal introduction to astronomy, chemistry and physics, begins on September 28 with HOW THINGS MOVE, delivered by Professor John Taylor, in Duane Physics G-1B30. The Wizards program is intended primarily for students in grades 5 through 9. Each show lasts about an hour and includes several lively demonstration experiments.

Free parking is available in lots 169, 308, 396, and 436. Parking is also available for a nominal fee in the Euclid parking structure on the CU campus. Shows begin at 9:30 am. Call the CU Physics Office, 303-492-6952, if you have any questions.

Electronic Distribution of Summit News

We have moved to electronic distribution of Summit News. If you did not receive the first newsletter via e-mail or if you would like the newsletter sent to a different or additional electronic address, please send a message to t.mahowald[at]summitmiddleschool.org. If you do not have access to email, copies of the newsletter may be obtained in the office.

Summit News Also on the Web

To see the current or back issues of Summit News, information about Summit, links to other charter schools, and related education information, refer to Summit's web site via: http://www.summitmiddleschool.org.

Next Issue

Our next issue of Summit News will be distributed the week of October 7. If you have news, notes, or announcements you would like to share, please forward them via email to pat.hyde[at]attbi by Thursday, October 3. Thank you.