Principal's Blog December 6, 2018

December 6th, 2018


Dear Parents,

The holidays are upon us and it is quite a hectic time of year for all.  I hope you are enjoying the process and managing the stress that can come with it!  I am looking forward to both of my college kids coming home.  My very quiet house is sure to get busy soon!

Here are some dates of which to be aware...

December 14th  LPE's Student Led Annual Pancake Breakfast:  Please join us for pancakes from Flippin' Flapjacks.  We will have our Student Lighthouse Council leading and helping to greet, serve, and clear; and our LPE Choir entertaining us.  If you haven't had these scrumptious pancakes you have been missing out!  I don't enjoy pancakes and I can't get enough of these.  Come join us!  This event is sponsored by our Parent Teacher Involvement Board so there is no cost to your family.  The RSVP for this event is coming soon.

You do not need to print and bring tickets to the event.  We ask that you please try to come during the time slot you RSVP for, to keep the flow of traffic in the cafeteria moving.  Parents are required to supervise their children until the school day begins.  Feel free to move to the library to enjoy a holiday film after you finish breakfast until that first bell rings. 

If you are able to lend a hand for about 30 minutes before or after you enjoy breakfast, please sign up to help out at the check in table or to help after the event here.

December 14th 9:15  December Leadership Assembly in the gym.  For our monthly assembly we will be randomly drawing 2 names per grade level and awarding those students a "Leader Lives Here" yard sign.  We will also be engaging in come fun sing alongs and having a small student led leadership lesson.  These assemblies are student designed and led.  Please join us for this uplifting event!

December 19th 10:00 a.m.  The Elementary Progress Report will go live!  We will send you a reminder to let you know that you will be able to see your son/daughter's EPR at this time.  Classroom teachers will also send a reminder for you to review them.  This timeframe will give you time to contact the classroom teacher if you have questions.  

December 20th after 2:30  (exact times are shared via classroom teachers) Holiday Parties.  We will wrap up the first semester with classroom celebrations.  Your son/daughter's classroom teacher should be connecting with you to share details.  You are welcome to check students out early on this day, we just ask that you sign them out via the office.

Raptor Security System  Legacy Point is thrilled to announce a new level of security being implemented at our school.  It is called the Raptor System and it requires parents to use their Driver's License or other ID to be scanned upon entry.  A badge with the picture of the ID bearer is printed out for wearing when entering the building.  This system is currently in use at all secondary schools and most elementary schools.  Legacy Point is in the last phase of  implementation for Douglas County School District.  Please be aware as using Raptor takes a bit longer than traditional sign in, yet is more secure. 

Volunteers, you will be able to grab your Volunteer Tag and sign in on a Volunteer sheet.
Visitor tags from Raptor are for those entering the building without the intent to volunteer at that time.  Please remember to bring your Drivers License. 

Thank you for your patience as we adjust to using this new system together.

Winter Break December 21st-January 6th  As you go on break with your kids keep in mind... keeping balance with your family.  We know kids shouldn't be spending more than 1-2 hours of  screen time that includes ALL screens.  It creates the space for our kids to be creative and find alternate activities they may not select initially.  Taking time to READ is key.  Parents of K-3 students you have a big job.  Research shows if students aren't reading on grade level by the end of 3rd grade, they likely won't catch up with peers.  Your intervention and support is key.  Read to your child, let them read with you, ask your family to create time to do this.  Let them WRITE!  Let them be creative and entertain you with their thoughts.  Create the space to practice and LISTEN to show you value this.  You can make a big impact!  

Leader in Me  As you know we are a Leader in Me Light house school.  We are only one of approximately 400 schools worldwide to achieve this designation. Please see https://www.leaderinme.org/ for more information!  

Thank you for your continued support.  This has been an incredible semester for our community.  We wish you all the best during the holidays.  Please feel free to reach out at any time for any questions and know I always value your feedback.

Warmly,
Kristin Drury

Principal's Blog 11/9/18

November 9th, 2018

Dear Parents,

What a wonderful couple of weeks it has been and Thanksgiving break is almost upon us!  It was great to see you all on Halloween.  We all enjoyed dancing to the Monster Mash, learning the Wave, and drawing names for students to receive "A Leader Lives Here" yard sign.

We have many things on the calendar for the holiday season.  Here are a couple  dates to keep in mind....

Monday, November 12th 8:00 A.M. Veterans Breakfast (Please let the office know if you know a Veteran who might like to be honored.)  Our very gracious LPE Staff is providing a home cooked breakfast.

Tuesday, November 13th 5:00 Open Enrollment/Kindie Information Evening 5:00 p.m. If you or someone you know wants to get information about LPE and is considering enrolling, please send them to this session!

Wednesday, November 14th Grandparents Thanksgiving Luncheon.   We are looking forward to hosting our famous Turkey Luncheon on this date.  Grandparents (and parents) are invited to enjoy a turkey lunch in our dining room.  You may use your student's lunch account number when you go through the line for payment. Please let the office know if you'd like to come if you didn't RSVP.

Friday, November 16th 9:15 Leadership and Thankfulness Assembly. Our Student Lighthouse Council is presenting a small lesson on Leadership and we are doing our random drawing for Leadership Yard signs.  Two students will be drawn for each grade level.  If your son/daughter has earned a Legacy Point Bracelet or Legacy Point Leader pencil for filling up their compasses, their name gets placed in the drawing.

Thanksgiving Week November 19-23rd No School.  Enjoy your families!

December 21st NO SCHOOL - Teacher Work Day

Thankful Wall - Students throughout the week will be writing what they are thankful for and posting those thoughts on our wall near the office.   Leader in Me (7 Habits) invites us to create a mindset of abundance for what we have!

UPDATES
On our Professional Development Day, November 6th, the LPE Staff took advantage of the opportunity to continue to deepen our own knowledge around the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.  We collaborated on ways we can implement the Habits of Synergy and Sharpen the Saw with our students.  True Synergy is the energy of creative cooperation.  It isn't about compromise but about finding the 3rd alternative to solve problems.  Read more HERE.  We also worked on how to Sharpen the Saw.  We know if we take care of ourselves first we can more effectively take care of those around us.  Conversations included how we can increase metacognition and encourage students to be aware of their needs as an integral part of self care.

Annual Toy Drive - Our annual Toy Drive will be kicking into gear starting Thanksgiving week.  Harry was a happy and vibrant second grader at Legacy Point.  He passed away from a sudden and fatal illness.  The LPE family was devastated from this event and his family has chosen to keep his memory alive with this wonderful event.  More info to come on this!

On November 26th the Douglas County Apple Awards Nominations open!  Start thinking of a teacher or teachers who have made a difference and deserve this prestigious award.  More information to come!

Our LPE Choir and Band have had concerts in the past couple of weeks.  These students have put in numerous hours and performed brilliantly!  So proud of them!

Weekly Announcement - Watch our FriYay Video Announcement HERE.

Thank you all for your continued support!  We appreciate you and all of your involvement.  It takes all of us to make true community!

Fondly,
Kristin Drury

Principal's Blog 10-25/18

October 25th, 2018

It looks like many didn't have a chance to read my last blog.  Here is the link if you missed it.

Leader In Me Incentive System
Legacy Point has implemented a new Incentive System this year.  Students have compasses in their classrooms on which they strive to get stars for demonstrating leadership.  Once they have a star on the North, South, East and West point of the compass, they bring it down to the office.  I have been personally congratulating students for leaving a legacy, giving them a bracelet that says "Learn, Live, Love, Laugh and Leave a Legacy."  Then we put their name on a strip of paper that is placed in a bucket.  At our monthly Leadership assembly, we randomly pull two names from each grade level and present them with a yard sign that says, "A Legacy Point Leader Lives Here."  We have given out over 300 bracelets so far this year and are now switching to pencils that say, "Legacy Point Leader."  Students have been very excited about this system and displaying their leadership skills.

PTIB/Fundraising Update
Have you wondered where the money we raise has been going?  There are two different ways to learn about how LPE spends its fundraising dollars.  First, we will be putting a balance sheet on the website.  It is in the process of being refined and should be posted shortly with a list of what we have purchased with some of this money as well as a column so show how much we are raising.  Secondly, at the next PTIB meeting there will be an opportunity to examine and ask questions about the budget.  The next meeting will be Tuesday, October 30th at 4:15.  Please join us!


Halloween
Students will come to school in their Halloween costumes this year.  Please make sure costumes are appropriate for elementary.  They will proceed to their classrooms for attendance then go our our October Leadership Assembly at 9:15.  Our Student Lighthouse Council will be leading the assembly.  All parents are welcome.  Classroom parties will follow beginning at approximately 9:45.

Don't forget Ponderosa is having their Trick or Treat Street tonight!  It will be from 4-6 p.m.  Bring 1 canned food item or $1.00 for admission.

LPE Open Enrollment Presentations
Do you know families who are considering Legacy Point?  The first Open Enrollment window opens on November 1st and closes on December 3rd.  The second window opens 1/22/19.  Please send them to one of our informational evenings to learn who we are!

(In the library - 30 Minutes)
November 7th 9:15 a.m.
November 13th 5:00 p.m.
November 27th 8:00 a.m.


Fondly,
Kristin Drury
Principal

Learn, Live, Love, Laugh, and Leave a Legacy

Principal's Blog 10/5/18

October 5th, 2018

Dear Parents,

Run4Funds
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!  We raised $16,121.63 on our Run for Funds this year which is 129% of our GOAL!  Your generosity is overwhelming and we are so appreciative.  

This money will go into the PTIB Fund.  We have had several parents ask about where exactly this money is going.  In an effort to increase transparency we are in the process of placing a live balance sheet on our website so all can see how funds are spent.  Right now we have a process in which staff members fill out a request form and seek to get it approved from their team members and then ultimately, me.  I check to see if the need is legitimate and aligned with our practices.  If so, we purchase the item and PTIB funds reimburse us.  If the request is a large, the request is taken to the PTIB meeting to be approved.  Please see any PTIB member or feel free to contact me should you have questions and watch for our balance sheet to be posted on our website.

Bond/MLO
On August 21, the Douglas County School District Board of Education voted to place a $40 million Mill Levy Override (MLO) and $250 million no-new-taxes Bond on the 2018 ballot. Unlike our neighboring school districts, Douglas County School District has not passed a MLO or Bond since 2006.  This is an important vote and one in which we need informed voters. 

According to a Realtor.com survey, a quality school district leads to increased home values. In fact, one out of five home buyers said they would pay between six and 10 percent above their budget to live in the “right” school district.

Funding is always a hot topic - whether you are talking about your family's budget or our great school district. Here are the top five common questions - and answers:

1. How will my child's school - or the school in my neighborhood - benefit from additional local funding?
2. What would the MLO/Bond cost the average homeowner or business owner?
3. What do our schools need?
4. Can't DCSD just cut administrative costs?
5. Why can't our schools use marijuana tax revenue?

You can read more about Douglas County School District’s funding challenges at www.dcsdk12.org/funding and or watch THIS Video.

Halloween
For Halloween this year we will have students come to school in costume in the morning. Students will enter the building, go to their classrooms and then head to the gym for a short assembly beginning at 9:15. Students will have their classroom parties following the assembly. 4th grade students may have a different schedule so please look to those teachers for communication. After the class party, students will remove costumes and a normal school day will resume.


Thank you for continuing to be an engaged and informed member of our school community!  I hope your family has a restful and restorative break and we will see you October 15th!

Kristin Drury
Principal

Principal's Blog 9/20/18

9/20/18

Happy Fall!

We enjoyed seeing you all at Parent Teacher Conferences and hope the time was as meaningful for you as it was for us.  There are a few dates for you to be aware as we move forward...

No School - Professional Development Day Friday, September 21st
Friday Family Fun Night September 28th 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Chipotle Fun Raiser Tuesday, October 2nd 4-8 (Mention LPE)
Picture Retakes October 4th
Fall Break October 8th-12th

Parent University

DCSD Parent University affords a unique opportunity for parents, schools, and community to become jointly involved in education, increasing the likelihood of academic and personal success for our students and their families.  Click below to see some current opportunities!

Parent University

Feeder Football!

Ponderosa Vs. Vista Ridge

September 29th 1:00

Echo Park

At halftime we would love to have the feeder school students down on the field for appreciation and recognition.  We would also would love to have all feeder school students form a tunnel for our players to run through pre game...we need them on the field at 12:53.  A coach (Jaron Cohen) will be there to organize them.  It's a lot of fun for the kids so we hope to see you there!

Friday Family Fun Night 

September 28th 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Legacy Point Field

Come enjoy your favorite yard games, some raffles and food!  Bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy food from our concession stand.  Pizza will be available for $2.00 a slice, other concessions for $1.00, and all the community fun is free!  All proceeds will go toward our fundraising efforts for our rock wall.

Opportunities for Involvement

Have you downloaded our Legacy Point App?  This is a great way to get information, log on to your Parent Portal, call your student in sick,  find our staff directory, and/or have a quick link to call us and find our calendar.   Rumler Rebar has been sponsoring the app for the past several years.  If your company would like to sponsor this moving forward, have its name at the top of the app with a link to your website and/or information.  If you have interest, please let me know!

Another volunteer opportunity available can be done on your own schedule. We are in need of someone to update our community bulletin board each month.  This is the board that contains information about calendars, schedules and events located directly inside our front door.  If you are looking for a way to get involved and think you might be able to do this, please let us know!

As always, thank you for being partners in your child's education.
Kristin Drury

Principal's Blog 9/7/18

September 7, 2018

Hello Parents!

Parent Teacher conferences are just around the corner.  You should have heard from your child's teacher regarding signing up for your conference time.  We will try to accommodate a variety of schedules so if one of the assigned times doesn't work for you, please feel free to reach out to the classroom teacher to ask for an alternate time.  At conferences teachers will share the data gleaned from our Assessment Day.  This will give you a good indication of a starting point.  One of our school goals is for all of our students to make a minimum of one year growth in reading.  You can help by knowing where your child is beginning, and supporting the reading process at home.  We value this time with you to help answer questions and share important information.

You may have heard some buzz about the upcoming vote for the Bond and Mil for Douglas County.  Here is what approving that would mean for Legacy Point.

We need your help to get the word out about our situation.

The Ponderosa Homecoming week was a great success!  We had spirit days in which kids dressed up, and we had quite a crowd help us create our float and walk in the Ponderosa Homecoming Parade.  It was a great event.  If you didn't get a chance to join us, please watch for information next year!

We are doing a lot of celebrating and reminding on social media!  Please follow us on one of the following!
Facebook at "Legacy Point Elementary School"(We currently have 97 followers - let's increase this!)
Twitter at Legacy Point Elementary @LPELeaders

Reminders:
PT Conferences: September 18th, 19th (Please sign up)
No School (Teacher Inservice Day): September 21st

Have a wonderful weekend!
Kristin Drury
Principal

Principal's Blog 8/22/18

The 18-19 School is is off and running!

We have had a wonderful start.  Our first annual "Clap In" was a success as we had numerous community and district members making the opening to the school year something that put a smile on all faces.

Teachers have been busy collaboratively setting rules and expectations for classrooms, lunch time, and recess.  Overall we have had numerous reports about how calm, safe, and organized the building feels.

For School Supply Drop Off/Meet the Teacher we had a wonderful turnout.  It was nice to begin the school year with an informal event with you all.  Back to School Night had a little lower turn out.  Those in attendance have shared appreciation to sign up for volunteer opportunities as well as learning about expectations, curriculum, and procedures.

Our first formal community event is here!  Please join us on Friday for Disney's Wreck it Ralph.  We will gather in the gym and enjoy a great evening together.  I hope to see you there!

Just a reminder....  please remember to pick up and drop off on the sidewalk side of the Drop Off and Pick Up Zone only.  We have some parents opening doors where there is a flow of traffic trying to pass, causing some close calls!  Also, please stay in your cars when you are picking up.  This will make the process move as quickly as possible.  Thank you for your help!

Please make sure you have signed up to volunteer at the school or classroom level.  We need your help to make Legacy Point the very best place possible.  One easy way to volunteer is to collect Box Tops.  We are trying to raise money for a rock wall in the gym and could really use your help!  We are also looking for donations of recess equipment (basketballs, soccer balls, jump ropes, etc).  If you can donate anything we would be appreciative.  Our Parent Teacher Organization is hosting an open house at the Anthropology Club house next Tuesday at 4:15.  Please stop by, meet some parents, and determine ways to get involved!  

Lastly, Please don't forget August 28th is NOT a typical school day.  Teachers are requesting for you to sign up for a time slot for your child to take specific assessments . We will use this data to determine an accurate reading level so we can monitor and ensure your child makes a minimum of one year growth regardless of where he/she starts.  Data will be shared with you at Parent Teacher Conferences.

As always thank you for your support.  It has been wonderful getting to know you and I know this year will be sensational.

Kind Regards,

Principal

Legacy Point Elementary

Learn, Live, Love, Laugh and Leave a Legacy

8-8-18 Beginning of the 2018-19 SY

Welcome Back!
Just a couple of quick reminders...

Today, Wednesday, August 8th from 4-6 is Meet Your Teacher and School Supply Drop Off.  Come enjoy some Kona Ice and see your classroom!

Thursday, August 9th we will have a Clap In to begin our school year.  Please join us at 8:55 as we line the sidewalks and clap our students into the new school year. 

Wednesday, August 15th is Back to School Night. Please arrive in the auditorium at 6:00 and  bring a baggie with some Box Tops and get a prize!  We are collecting Box Tops to fund a rock climbing wall by fall break.  To make this happen we need 100% participation!

Lastly, remember to increase safety, we will be doing a rolling start to begin our day.  Beginning at 8:55 Students are welcome to enter the building and go to their classrooms.  After school we will be extending our dismissal areas where students are able to be picked up. It is our hope this will expedite the process.  We will monitor this system for effectiveness.    

Thank you for your support and as always, let's Learn, Live, Love, Laugh, and Leave a Legacy.

Kristin Drury
Principal
Legacy Point Elementary