Photo by Kathy Philipp

“Men in Tights” was one of the many enjoyable performances in the Niwot Elementary’s annual Talent Show.  The creative and humorous twist on Sherwood Forest featured fourth-graders Zach Meske, Ryan Philipp, Dan Rudolph, Eric Bubuska, Parker Jones, Jeff Roueche, Cody Lahman, and Drew Janzen (left to right).
 

By Mary Headley 

Third-Graders Tops On CSAP Tests

Niwot Elementary third-graders scored the highest in the district on the Colorado State Assessment Program (CSAP) reading tests given across the state in March.  CSAP test results showed the school’s third-graders scored well above the averages for both the state and the St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD).  Scores for the past four years showed the following percentages of third-grade students were reading at or above the proficient level:

Principal Connie Brodt said, “We have been working on kindergarten literacy instruction in the classrooms for the past four years, and this year’s third-graders were the first group (from this effort).  The specific instruction, based on beginning-of-the-year assessments, provides the classroom teachers and literacy teachers information about what to teach and where to begin.  We have data to support the increase in reading levels at the beginning of each year for the past four years.  The teachers at all grade levels, K-3 and literacy teachers should receive the accolades.”

CSAP tests reportedly measure student progress against state standards for what students should know at a particular grade level.  As a result of the new state education plan enacted last year, all schools will be given a grade or a rating by this fall, based on their CSAP and other scores.  Detailed information on CSAP test results for the state can be found on the Internet at http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeassess/as_latestCSAP.htm.

Niwot OM Team To Go To World Competition
 
A Niwot Elementary Odyssey of the Mind (OM) team won first place in the statewide competition held April 21, culminating months of preparation for the event.  The team consists of Sarah Echsner, Mackenzie Haas, Valerie Hessler, Sarah Jolly, Audrey Johnson, Makayla Palmer, and Courtney Wells.  The team’s co-coaches are Helene Haas and Darcy Palmer, assisted by Cindy Weinel as spontaneous coach.  Winning first place entitles the team to go on to the World Finals competition in Baltimore, Md. on June 1.  Several members of this team also went to the World Finals in Knoxville, Tenn. last year.

Another Niwot team placed fourth in the OM competition.  This team, led by Cathryn O’Conner consists of Meri Burgess, Jess Hermes, Kaitlin Kitchens, Allyson Malley, Ali Reiman, Madalyn Rilling, and Anna Sutherland.  Two other noncompetitive teams for younger students in the school, led by Terry Keeler and Jennifer Uhland, also scored well.

Over 90 teams from Colorado competed in the program this year, which challenges participants to think creatively and spontaneously, both individually and as a team.  The competition includes a long-term problem for which teams have to follow strict guidelines.  Teams then enact the solution in a timed dramatic presentation using props and costumes.  

Talent Show Of Stars

Stars were everywhere at Niwot Elementary’s Talent Show on April 27.  A large variety of acts were interwoven with extraterrestrial beings, plus space film clips and trivia.  As usual, the evening’s highlight was the special guest appearance by the teaching staff, which went all out with their “Flying Purple People Eater” act.  The show concluded with a surprise tribute to honor outgoing Principal Connie “Spock” Brodt.  Kudos to Talent Show Chair, Cindy Weinel, who spent long hours to ensure that any student who wanted to participate had the chance to do so.

Open Enrollment This Fall

Letters were mailed in May notifying parents if their open enrollment request for Niwot Elementary had been accepted.  About 60 individuals not living in the Niwot school district had filed an application to be allowed to attend Niwot Elementary this fall.  Since there were limited openings, not all requests could be honored.  

A SVVSD school is usually available for open enrollment only when it is under 100 percent capacity and is not projected to reach capacity in the immediate future.  The decision whether to allow open enrollment is typically made in the spring for each school.  For more information about the open enrollment policy and application process, contact the school office at 303-652-2828.

PTAC News

At its May 8 business meeting, the Parent Teacher Association Council (PTAC) approved next year’s PTAC budget of about $30,000.  The largest expenses are for technology and playground improvements.  The PTAC also funds other activities, including library purchases, special grade-level grants, field trips, and enrichment programs.  The PTAC voted to put a $5,000 surplus from this year’s budget toward the fund for a second playground pavilion.  The Student Council started raising money for this fund earlier this year.

Science Garden co-chair Lisa Whitehead reported that the cement for the new garden walkways will be poured in early June.  She also is looking for families to help tend the Science Garden over the summer.  Last year, several families signed up for the same week; they then had picnics and socialized, which made the gardening tasks more enjoyable.  

She also reported that she needs help with special labor-intensive projects and has begun recruiting from organizations that have community service requirements, such as the honor roll students and scouts.  For more information, contact Lisa at 303-652-8408.

Volunteers to chair most PTAC committees for next year have been recruited and approved, with the exception of the Talent Show, Storytelling, and Long-Range Planning committees.  If you are interested, call next year’s PTAC President Angela MacGowan at 303-652-9086.  

Niwot Community School Events

The Niwot Community School (NCS) is jointly sponsoring a variety of classes this summer with the Eagle Crest Community School, including tutoring in math and literacy.  All classes will be held at Eagle Crest because of remodeling work at Niwot Elementary.  Contact NCS at 303-652-2589 if you did not get a summer catalog.