Friday, August 30, 2019

Week of August 26, 2019


Electronic Folder Fliers:



Crosswalks and Scooters/Bikes/ Skateboards:
Per district policy, our staff is required to ask all students to walk their bikes, scooters, and skateboards across crosswalks that we staff for their safety. If you'd like to review the required training for our staff, please click here. Please follow all directions from our staff as it is part their job to ensure that all district policies are followed. Thank you for your support!

 Rolling Entry and Meetings with Staff Members:
If you need to meet with a staff member to discuss concerns or share information, please schedule a time with the staff member to meet that is outside of our rolling entry. Staff utilize this time to greet students, help them get settled, and get started on work. Many staff also use this time to work with individual students on much needed interventions or to ease them into the day. To schedule a time with your child's teacher or another staff member, please email them directly or contact the office. Thank you! 

 Hearing and Vision Screening:
We are still in need of volunteers to help with our hearing and vision screening. If you are interested, please call the office to sign up. 

New to Colorado?
Are you a new family to Colorado? Want to learn more about our great state and connect with other new families? Join us for a time to meet others, mingle and learn more about Colorado! We will be hosting this event on October 1st from 3:45-4:30pm in the Junction. We hope to see you there! 

Student Social Group Invitation:
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM! Join us for an ice cream social for parents and kids of Iron Horse who would like to start a social group to build community, self-confidence, be yourself, learn to express yourself, and make friends. September 27th at 4:00 p.m. Contact Michele at mbirkmaier@gmail.com or 720-309-1334 to reserve your spot.

SAC Meeting:
The School Accountability Committee is comprised of parents, community members, the principal, and staff. The responsibilities of the SAC are to support the principal with the development of the Unified Improvement Plan (UIP), provide budget recommendations, provide information regarding the needs of the community, help the principal to foster partnerships and increase engagement with parents, and work to recruit people to serve on the SAC. 

We will be holding board elections for our two vacant positions (chair and vice chair) at our first meeting on September 19, 2029 from 5:00-5:30pm. Please get involved and support our amazing school! If you are interested in serving as our chair or vice chair, please send a short paragraph bio to kirsten.bloomfield@dcsdk12.org by Tuesday, September 17th. Elections are conducted according to district by-laws through a voting process. Following the elections, we will be attending a regional SAC training from 6:00-7:30pm at Legend High School. 

Legend Homecoming Parade:
The Legend Homecoming Parade is coming! On September 4th, we would love to have students join us in walking from Legend to Cimarron as part of the parade. If you are interested in having your child walk in the parade, please meet Mrs. Carlson in the lower Legend parking lot at 4:15pm. You will need to sign your child in with Mrs. Carlson when you arrive, and will need to meet Mrs. Carlson at the entrance to Cimarron's flag pole immediately following Iron Horse's arrival there (the parade will not be complete at this time). You will need to sign your student out upon pickup. All students must complete a waiver to participate. Please complete this waiver and bring it with you to the parade to give to Mrs. Carlson. If your child arrives without a waiver, they will not be able to walk with us in the parade. Students should wear an Iron Horse shirt or a shirt that is black, yellow, or gray. 

 Also, every day is spirit day next week! The theme of each day is listed below. We would love to see our Engineers support Legend by joining in! 

 Tuesday - Tie Dye Day
Wednesday - Underwater Day
Thursday - Meme Day
Friday - Legend Color Day (blue, silver, orange, white)

 Grandparents Day Event:
Grandparents’ Day is next month and in honor of that special day, I want to invite you to attend a unique event called “An Intergenerational Conversation.”
At the event, children and their grandparents will share ideas on how to make spending time together extra special. The event starts with a Keynote Speaker on the importance of intergenerational relationships, followed by a panel of local students talking about what they like to do or would like to do with their Grandparents. I know you’ll hear some great ideas and, perhaps, you can share some of your ideas too! The event is free, and there will be light refreshments and cool door prizes.
Here are the details:
Date: Saturday, September 7 (day before Grandparents Day)
Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: Philip S. Miller Library, 100 Wilcox St., Castle Rock
Register: www.mydougcoseniorlife.com  
Space is limited, you must be registered to attend.
Registration closes August 30, 2019.
Presented in partnership with the Seniors’ Council of Douglas County, Douglas County School District and The Foundation for Douglas County Schools.
Upcoming Important Dates:

SEPTEMBER 2: NO SCHOOL - Labor Day
SEPTEMBER 3: Fun Run Kick Off
SEPTEMBER 4: Legend Homecoming Parade 4:45-5:30pm from Legend to Cimarron
SEPTEMBER 9-10: Hearing and Vision Screenings
SEPTEMBER 9-11: CoGAT Testing for Grades 3 and 5
SEPTEMBER 18: PTO Meeting 3:45-4:45pm in the Junction
SEPTEMBER 19: SAC Elections 5:00-5:30pm in the Junction, Training at LHS 6:00-7:30pm
SEPTEMBER 19: Fun Run
SEPTEMBER 20: NO SCHOOL - Teacher Professional Learning Day

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Friday, August 23, 2019

Week of August 19, 2019

Friday Fliers:

Assessment Day: 
    Our Assessment day is scheduled for next Tuesday, August 27th. Students will only come to school during their pre-scheduled time with their teacher (via Online Scheduler). Regular classes WILL NOT be in session. No transportation will be provided on this day. We look forward to seeing you at your assigned time! 



    SAC Meeting:
    The School Accountability Committee is comprised of parents, community members, the principal, and staff. The responsibilities of the SAC are to support the principal with the development of the Unified Improvement Plan (UIP), provide budget recommendations, provide information regarding the needs of the community, help the principal to foster partnerships and increase engagement with parents, and work to recruit people to serve on the SAC. 

    We will be holding board elections for our two vacant positions (chair and vice chair) at our first meeting on September 19, 2029 from 5:00-5:30pm. Please get involved and support our amazing school! If you are interested in serving as our chair or vice chair, please send a short paragraph bio to kirsten.bloomfield@dcsdk12.org by Tuesday, September 17th. Elections are conducted according to district by-laws through a voting process. Following the elections, we will be attending a regional SAC training from 6:00-7:30pm at Legend High School. 

     Legend Homecoming Parade:
    The Legend Homecoming Parade is coming! On September 4th, we would love to have students join us in walking from Legend to Cimarron as part of the parade. If you are interested in having your child walk in the parade, please meet Mrs. Carlson in the lower Legend parking lot at 4:15pm. You will need to sign your child in with Mrs. Carlson when you arrive, and will need to meet Mrs. Carlson at the entrance to Cimarron's flag pole immediately following Iron Horse's arrival there (the parade will not be complete at this time). You will need to sign your student out upon pickup. All students must complete a waiver to participate. Please complete this waiver and bring it with you to the parade to give to Mrs. Carlson. If your child arrives without a waiver, they will not be able to walk with us in the parade. Students should wear an Iron Horse shirt or a shirt that is black, yellow, or gray. We hope to see you there! 

    Fun Run:
    Our largest fundraiser of the year is coming! We are excited to host a Fun Run for our students on September 19th. More details regarding the Fun Run will be coming soon! 

    Upcoming Important Dates:
    AUGUST 27: NO SCHOOL - Assessment Day for All Students - Students only come at their assigned time
    SEPTEMBER 2: NO SCHOOL - Labor Day
    SEPTEMBER 3: Fun Run Kick Off
    SEPTEMBER 4: Legend Homecoming Parade 4:45-5:30pm from Legend to Cimarron
    SEPTEMBER 9/10: Hearing and Vision Screenings
    SEPTEMBER 9-11: CoGAT Testing for Grades 3 and 5
    SEPTEMBER 18: PTO Meeting 3:45-4:45pm in the Junction
    SEPTEMBER 19: SAC Elections 5:00-5:30pm in the Junction, Training at LHS 6:00-7:30pm
    SEPTEMBER 19: Fun Run
    SEPTEMBER 20: NO SCHOOL - Teacher Professional Learning Day

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    Friday, August 16, 2019

    Week of August 12, 2019

    Friday Fliers:


    Assessment Day: 
      Our Assessment day is scheduled for August 27th. Students will only come to school during their pre-scheduled time with their teacher (via Online Scheduler). Regular classes WILL NOT be in session. No transportation will be provided on this day. The Online Scheduler (used to schedule appointments) opens today and will close on August 22nd.

      To sign up for a time:
      Go to the Iron Horse website - https://ihe.dcsdk12.org
      Go to Parent Resources - then Online Scheduler
      Select Iron Horse Elementary - then click GO
      The school password is: engineer
      Then, enter your student's ID number (same as lunch number) and follow the remaining instructions. 
      You will select a time for your student to attend their assessment with their teacher. 

      On Assessment day, please bring your child in for their scheduled appointment. During the assessment, we ask that parents and siblings wait in the Junction to ensure a quiet testing environment. After the assessment is complete, you will take your child home. 
      Officer Graham Visits:
      Officer Graham and his canine partner, Kato, visited the school today. He went to several classrooms and shared information with students. He is planning to be back several times this year. 
      PTO Meeting:
      Please join us for our first PTO meeting of the year on Wednesday, August 21st from 3:45-4:45pm in the Junction. We will be discussing upcoming events and determining our board for the year. We hope to see you there! 


      SAC Meeting:
      The School Accountability Committee is comprised of parents, community members, the principal, and staff. The responsibilities of the SAC are to support the principal with the development of the Unified Improvement Plan (UIP), provide budget recommendations, provide information regarding the needs of the community, help the principal to foster partnerships and increase engagement with parents, and work to recruit people to serve on the SAC. 

       We will be holding board elections for our two vacant positions (chair and vice chair) at our first meeting on September 19, 2029 from 5:00-5:30pm. Please get involved and support our amazing school! If you are interested in serving as our chair or vice chair, please send a short paragraph bio to kirsten.bloomfield@dcsdk12.org by Tuesday, September 17th. Elections are conducted according to district by-laws through a voting process. Following the elections, we will be attending a regional SAC training from 6:00-7:30pm at Legend High School. 

      Mr. Carlos' New Tractor:
      Mr. Carlos received his new tractor today! This piece of equipment will help us to ensure that all sidewalks and other areas around the building are clear and safe for our families. 

      CogAT Testing:
      Universal Screening
      As part of the DCSD's Universal Screening Process, ALL students in Grades 3 and 5 will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT 7) the week of September 9th. This assessment indicates the level and pattern or cognitive development of a student in comparison to grade and age mates. These general reasoning abilities, which start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school. If your child is in 3rd or 5th grade, please see detailed information about this assessment here: Universal Screening Information.

      If your child is in grades K, 1, 2, or 4 and you believe he/she needs evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, you may refer your child for testing by initiating the Gifted Identification Process.  NOTE:  Requesting this assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification. 

      Please request CogAT testing for your child by completing the Referral for Gifted Identification linked here: Please complete the form no later that August 23, 2019.
      Iron Horse Elementary GT Referral Form

       Counseling Services:
      We are so excited to welcome our amazing counselor, Dr. Alejandra Chavez-Stuart, to Iron Horse! Dr. Chavez-Stuart is excited to support our kiddos! Please see the flyer below for information on services that she can provide. 

      Upcoming Important Dates:
      AUGUST 15-22: Online Scheduler Open for Assessment Day
      AUGUST 19: Chili's Night for IHE until 10:00pm
      AUGUST 21: Picture Day for All Students
      AUGUST 21: PTO Meeting 3:45-4:45pm in the Junction
      AUGUST 21: SAC Meeting 5:00-6:00pm in the Junction
      AUGUST 27: NO SCHOOL - Assessment Day for All Students - Students only come at their assigned time
      SEPTEMBER 2: NO SCHOOL - Labor Day
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      Friday, August 9, 2019

      Week of August 5, 2019

      Thursday Folder Information:


       We have had a wonderful first week of school! Thank you for sharing your wonderful kids with our amazing staff! 


      Parking Lot Information:
      Please note these important rules for our parking lot. These are in place to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Failure to follow our rules may result in the inability to utilize the parking lot. 

      Parking Lot Rules:
      - Speed is limited to 5 miles per hour in the parking lots and drop off areas

      - No use of cell phones in the parking lot areas (gravel lot, paved lot, drop off/pick up area)

      - No drop off or pick up in the parking lots, only along the school sidewalk
      - Students may not cross the school parking lot crosswalk without an adult with them
      - Students may not walk to the gravel lot without an adult with them
      - The drop off/pick up zone is marked by yellow striping on the sidewalk - please do not drop off or
      pick up beyond this point - Students should stay in this area until you pull up.
      - During drop off/pick up, you may not exit your car to go get your child or walk them in if you are in the line - please park in order to do this
      - Pull all the way forward for drop off and pick up - the final stopping point is at the end of the
      sidewalk in front of the cafeteria doors (marked by a cone)
      - Leave a space for parents to turn into the gravel lot to park in the morning and afternoon
      (until the chain is put up)
      - When leaving the gravel lot, there is no left turn - please pull forward and go through the
      parking lot
      - Students should not arrive before 8:18am - please encourage students to leave at the
      appropriate time
      - Students who ride bikes or scooters should not ride them on the sidewalks
      - Follow all signage and directions from staff

      Assessment Day: 
        In an attempt to gain more targeted information regarding your child’s academic strengths and needs, Iron Horse will hold an assessment day on Tuesday, August 27th.  Each child will come to school to complete classroom assessments. The assessments administered will allow educators to alter their instruction to meet your child’s individual strengths and needs. Parents will be able to sign up for an assessment and meet the teacher time using the online conference scheduler. The Online Scheduler will open for parents to sign up for a time on August 15th and will close on August 22nd. Instructions for signing up for a time will be sent home next week. 

         Upcoming Important Dates:
        AUGUST 15-22: Online Scheduler Open
        AUGUST 19: Chili's Night for IHE until 10:00pm
        AUGUST 21: Picture Day for All Students
        AUGUST 27: Assessment Day for All Students
        SEPTEMBER 2: NO SCHOOL - Labor Day

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        Friday, August 2, 2019

        Week of July 29, 2019

        We are so excited to begin the 2019-2020 school year! Please see important information below regarding our first week! 

        Back to School Open House:
        Come meet your child's teacher and drop off school supplies on Tuesday, August 6th from 4:00-6:00pm. Please note that Kindergarten Orientation is in each teacher's classroom, with one beginning at 4:00 and one beginning at 5:00pm. Please choose one orientation to attend. 

         Chalk the Walk:

        Start of the 2019-20 School Year:
        On Wednesday, August 7th, we will begin our school year with our rolling start. Students will enter the school on their own between 8:18 AM and 8:35 AM.  Staff members will escort students who need additional assistance to their classrooms.  To ensure all students’ safety, we ask that parents

        1) Not drop off their child before 8:18 AM
        2) Say good-bye to their children outside of the building

        Parents will be allowed to walk their students to class for the first three days, but must sign in using the Raptor system (please bring your driver's license). After that time, we ask that you kiss and hug your child outside of the doors, then allow your student to independently walk to their classrooms so that they can develop their independence in a safe environment. 

        Supervision, including cross walk supervision, will not be provided prior to 8:18 AM so it is essential that students not arrive prior to that time.

         Tears and Cheers for All Kindergarten Parents:


        Parking Lot Information:
        Please note these important rules for our parking lot. These are in place to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Failure to follow our rules may result in the inability to utilize the parking lot. 

        Parking Lot Rules:

        Speed is limited to 5 miles per hour in the parking lots and drop off areas


        No use of cell phones in the parking lot areas (gravel lot, paved lot, drop off/pick up area)

        No drop off or pick up in the parking lots, only along the school sidewalk

        Students may not cross the school parking lot crosswalk without an adult with them

        Students may not walk to the gravel lot without an adult with them

        The drop off/pick up zone is marked by yellow striping on the sidewalk - please do not drop off or pick up beyond this point - Students should stay in this area until you pull up

        During drop off/pick up, you may not exit your car to go get your child or walk them in if you are in the line - please park in order to do this

        Pull all the way forward for drop off and pick up - the final stopping point is at the end of the sidewalk in front of the cafeteria doors (marked by a cone)

        Leave a space for parents to turn into the gravel lot to park in the morning and afternoon (until the chain is put up)

        When leaving the gravel lot, there is no left turn - please pull forward and go through the parking lot

        Students should not arrive before 8:18am - please encourage students to leave at the appropriate time

        Students who ride bikes or scooters should not ride them on the sidewalks

        Follow all signage and directions from staff

        Cell Phone use is NOT PERMITTED in the parking lot.


        Assessment Day: 
        In an attempt to gain more targeted information regarding your child’s academic strengths and needs, Iron Horse will continue to hold an assessment day on Tuesday, August 27.  Each child will come to school to complete classroom assessments.  Having students complete assessments with their teacher after they have been in school for a few days allows students to adjust to classroom practices and procedures.  The assessments administered will allow educators to alter their instruction to meet your child’s individual strengths and needs.Parents will be able to sign up for an assessment and meet the teacher time using the online conference scheduler.  More information will be sent in the coming weeks. 
        Upcoming Important Dates:
        AUGUST 6: Back to School Open House 4:00-6:00pm
        AUGUST 7: First Day of School
        AUGUST 19: Chili's Night for IHE until 10:00pm
        AUGUST 21: Picture Day for All Students
        AUGUST 27: Assessment Day for All Students
        SEPTEMBER 2: NO SCHOOL - Labor Day

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