Mrs. Niedbalski’s Class Skypes with a Research Scientist!

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Today was such an exciting day!  We were able to Skype with Dr. Jonathan Seale, an Associate Research Scientist at the Center for Astrophysical Studies at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.  Dr. Seale researches star formations, but is also very knowledgeable of our solar system and beyond.  Dr. Seale explained what his job as a researcher is like, the types of telescopes he uses, and what inspired him to become an astronomer.  The classes had an opportunity to ask him questions as well.  We learned about how stars are formed, black holes, white holes and different types of stars.  Because of their background knowledge, the third graders were able to connect to the information in such a meaningful way!

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Congratulations to Our Aspen Spelling Bee Winner!

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After 15 rounds of incredible spelling by all the contestants, Bridget L. has won the Aspen Spelling Bee for the second consecutive year.  She narrowly beat out Riya V. who is the runner-up.  Congratulations to both these girls and all the students who impressed the audience with their spelling skills!

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Aspen’s 7th Annual Family University

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Saturday, February 8, 2014 from 9:00 a.m.-Noon (check-in at 8:45 a.m.)
For all Parents:  A variety of parent programs will be offered to meet the needs of prospective Aspen parents, parents new to Aspen this year (or who have not previously attended our parent education programs), and parents who have attended previous Aspen Family Universities.  Prospective Parents and those new to Choice Theory will participate in an introductory program of lecture, discussion, interactive exercises and iMovies illustrating the use of Choice Theory at home and at school.  Returning parents will participate in a phenomenal program taught by Dr. Nancy Buck, Ph.D. on Peaceful Parenting with Aspen Faculty/Staff facilitating breakout sessions.  The programs will be taught by Glasser trained Aspen Faculty/Parents and Glasser Institute Faculty Members, including:  Ms. Arendt, Nancy Buck, Nicole Carson, Mr. Fredricksen, Mrs. Gerjol, Mrs. Klene, Mrs. Manchester, Mrs. Novak, Ellen Rose, Mrs. Szoke and Mrs. Wysong.

Children’s Program (for currently enrolled Aspen Families):  Our awesome educational Children’s program run by Aspen Faculty/Staff will once again delight children aged 4 through 5th Grade (Aspen Graduates are welcome…if they’d like to volunteer to help, please note so on your registration form).  The younger kids will learn about their basic needs and how to meet them responsibly through age-appropriate, Olympic themed educational activities which include team-building games, physical exercise, creative projects and story telling.  The older kids will improve their understanding of our basic needs and how they are a driving force for preserving our Quality World pictures through team-building games and the ever-popular egg drop experiment.  It is so fun that your kids won’t want to go home!  A healthy snack will be provided.

A HUGE thank you to Philly G’s for catering lunch!

Registration Forms-Click Below
Prospective Aspen Parents (NOT currently enrolled) Registration Form
Currently Enrolled Aspen Families Registration Form

Currently Enrolled: Aspen Family U 2014 Registration Form

Prospective Parents Aspen Family U 2014 Registration Form

Add-A-Book Program

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Celebrating a birthday, half birthday, or something else special this month? Please consider the Add-a-Book program in the school library. For more information, visit Mrs. Heaser’s blog.

Lots of Items Looking for Their Owners

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Are you missing a jacket?  Mittens?  A water bottle or shoes?  The Aspen Lost and Found is overflowing again.  Please take a moment to look at the items that are waiting to be claimed by their owners.  You can find them in the Aspen main foyer.

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Reminder From our Nurse: Valentine’s Day Candy Safety

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Due to many allergies, please remember that your children are not allowed to attach any candy to Valentine’s Day cards  or bring any candy or food to share for Valentine’s Day.

Thank you for helping keep all of our children safe and healthy on this fun day.  You can find lots of important information on Mrs. Romberg’s blog and under the Health Services link above.

DUE TODAY – Returning Student Forms

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Please be sure to hand in your Returning Student Form to the office today.  These forms our a vital piece of information in our planning for the 2014-2015 school year.  Thank you for your support.

Forma de los Estudiantes que Regresarn para el Ano Escolar 2014-15.   The 2014/15 Returning Student Form was sent home on Friday, January 10.  Every student is expected to complete this form, and return it to school by FRIDAY, JANUARY 17.  5th Grade parents, please be sure to fill out this form also even though you are not returning to Aspen next year.

If you have misplaced this form you can download another copy here:

Returning Student Form

Parent / Teacher Communication

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At Hawthorn, we have built a system of parent/teacher communication that includes many formal opportunities for face to face communication, as well as, written communication.  We also encourage teachers to informally communicate with parents and families outside of these districtwide opportunities through email, phone calls, notes home, etc.
Midterm Report Information
Understanding that each of these opportunities for communication takes a lot of time for our teachers, we have revisited this system as a district and have revised it to make some of our  forms of communication, required only for students with certain types of needs.  Please see below for an outline of this newly revised system.
As a result of these changes, not all students will be receiving Trimester 2 Midterm Reports.  Please do not worry if you do not receive a midterm report for your child on January 21st.  
Please understand that our goal at Hawthorn is to partner with you as parents in the education of your child.  This partnership will look different every year as the needs of your child change, and your child’s educational team changes.  Please do not ever hesitate to call or email with any questions or concerns that you have or to request information about how your child is progressing.
Thank you for all the support you show your child and our school system.
Communication
Month
Mandatory/Optional
Trimester 1 Midterms
October 10
Mandatory for all students
Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 25/26
Mandatory for all students
Trimester 1 Report Cards
December 2
Mandatory for all students
Trimester 2 Midterms
January 27
Optional* for some students
Parent/Teacher Conferences
February 27/28
Optional* for some students
Trimester 2 Report Cards
March 10
Mandatory for all students
Trimester 3 Midterms
April 28
Optional* for some students
Trimester 3 Report Cards
June 2 (tentative)
Mandatory for all students
* Criteria for Optional Parent/Teacher Communication – Teacher must send home a midterm report/have a conference if:
  1. Student is in the RtI process for any reason (Behavior/Academic)
  2. Teacher is collecting data on the student to begin the RtI process (Behavior/Academic)
  3. Parent requests the information or a conference
  4. Student performance data falls below expected norms for grade level on Fountas & Pinnel/AIMSweb/Common Assessments

Mrs. Szoke’s Class Loves Raz-Kids

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Mrs. Szoke’s students really enjoy learning while playing on Raz-Kids.  Don’t forget to “play” at home too!

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Returning Student Forms Are Coming Home

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Forma de los Estudiantes que Regresarn para el Ano Escolar 2014-15.   The 2014/15 Returning Student Form is being sent home on Friday, January 10.  Every one is expected to complete this form, and return it to school by FRIDAY, JANUARY 17.  This information will help us in planning for next year.

Returning Student Form