Principal’s Newsletter – January 26

Principal’s Newsletter – January 26
Posted on 01/26/2017

News from the Principal

It’s all about school choice, and RMAE is one of many

Note:  The following commentary was written by Dr. Stueven and published in yesterday’s Canyon Courier under “Community Voices”.

Think about all of the choices we get to make every day – some enjoyable, some not. It is certainly your choice to read this commentary. I hope you do.

Did you know that this is National School Choice Week? The goal of National School Choice Week is to raise public awareness of all types of education options for children. These options include traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, online learning, private schools, and homeschooling. I expect that all of these options are represented within the readership of the Canyon Courier. Choice about almost everything seems to be the American Way. Unfortunately, that has not always been the case with public education. Public school choice and options in Colorado have significantly increased since the late 80s, yet more options within public education need to be proposed and approved.

Just as you made a choice to live in the Evergreen and Conifer area, many parents of school-aged children will also make an equally important decision about just where to send (drive) their child to school every day. Is that true for you? Earlier in my career with Jeffco Schools that choice of a school was not necessarily yours to make. It depended upon the school boundaries within which you lived. Obviously, choice can be limited because of where you do live, the location and/or cost (if there is one) of the school you would choose, and the openings in that school. Wouldn’t it be awesome if such limitations didn’t exist when parents looked (shopped?) for a school.

I hope you have found your preferred choice. However, if you are pursuing a school to fit your expectations and your child’s needs, know that Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen, a Preschool and K-8 Jeffco Public Charter School, is ready, willing, and quite able to be your school of choice. Yes, RMAE did experience a very difficult fall semester. That’s history. With the very hard work of the Board, PTO, supportive parents, and caring teachers, RMAE is back on track! RMAE has begun a “re-boot” of its past successes with Version 17.1.0 for the 2017-18 school year. This version demonstrates a commitment to what will be its 17th year, a Number 1 Program, and Zero Tolerance for Mediocrity.

Visitors are welcomed at RMAE to see the choices that you would have for your child to attend a quality school. There are also scheduled “Open House” opportunities for the next four months beginning Thursday, January 26 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.  Interested? Please call us to find out more. Or, talk to someone you know currently has a child at RMAE.

Thank you,
Gary Stueven
Your Principal
[email protected]


RMAE Happenings

STUDENT FEES OWED – RMAE needs every family to assume responsibility to pay the student fees that are levied every year for every grade. All public and charter schools in Jeffco charge these fees. RMAE fees are generally in-line with what is charged Districtwide.

Why pay these fees? This revenue will always help the bottom line on our budget to provide a quality education for your child(ren). Thanks to those who have fulfilled this responsibility. At this time a little under $20,000 still remains to be paid. Current payments are at about 69% of expected revenues including those that have been waived due to family financial situations. Following are the number of students with an outstanding account: K-2nd:13; 3rd-5th:27; 6th-8th:26. If one of these accounts is yours, please help RMAE’s finances by making payment soon. If special circumstances exist, you are welcome to call either Dr. Stueven or Stephanie Woodward, Financial Manager.

WatercolorWatercolorElective of the Week –  Film Appreciation is an elective where students think critically about the films they watch. We analyze the use of lighting, camera angles, costume choices, set design, and music to dig deeper into why films are created in the way they were and how we can appreciate all the “behind the scenes” planning. The students also learn how to discuss the cultural meaning and values presented in a film. Talk to the students in the elective to learn more about “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”!Elementary School Spelling Bee – Congrats to our Spelling Bee winner, Ian Simpson and runner up, Sophie Rozman! They will attend the District Spelling Bee, Monday Feb. 6.  We wish them the best of luck!

Volunteers Needed at Morning Drop-Off – We are looking for additional help with the morning drop off line. Please sign up where you can!

Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:
1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on SignUp.com: http://signup.com/go/kctD8b
2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on SignUp.com)
3. Sign up! Choose your spots – SignUp.com will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!

Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually. Thank you!

Mad Science after school program starting soon – Hands-on and inquiry-based curriculum held right at the school, no transportation needed!  Children grades K-5 watch spectacular demonstrations, engage in exciting hands-on activities, participate in inquiry-based discussions and work on interesting take-home projects.  Find out more >>


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