Alamosa Elementary is a finalist for a $50,000 grant from Clorox to build a greenhouse at the school.

You can help make this a reality by voting here: http://www.tinyurl.com/alamosagarden

There are only 7 more days to vote and you can vote EVERY day. 

We need your help spreading the word! Tell your friends, family, and neighbors! Post it on your facebook page.  This is an easy and free way to help your kids and your community.

Follow this link to view the proposal and vote: http://www.tinyurl.com/alamosagarden

School Board Meeting (Nov 5)

A-PAGE attended the School Board Meeting on Nov. 5th.  Notable parent related items were…

Group of parents of Gifted and Talented students addressed the school board concerning the inadequacies in the GT program from planning to communication to the spending of GT funds.

Community Gardens requested funds to continue to teach K-5 students garden science and nutrition.  The community gardens are also pursuing funding to build a year round greenhouse at the K-5 schools.  Everyone can vote at www.tinyurl.com/AlamosaGarden

Alamosa Elementary K-5 BAC

The AES K-5 BAC met on October 18th. We discussed budget items from different Activity Fund accounts and made a few recommendations:

1. Use part of Cash Balance in "Music" Account to help alleviate parent financial strain (due to having to come up with money for recorders, school pictures, pies & Moose Nation t-shirts within 10-day period) by purchasing recorders for students.
2. Use a portion of projected $30,000 earned from Pie Fundraiser to help fund annual 4th grade field trip to Denver.
3. Allow student input into how Pie Fundraiser money should be spent.

We set the calendar for topics that we will discuss in all future 2012-2013 BAC meetings.

The Fall NWEA and DIBELS results were also discussed. First and second graders scored at or slightly above target while remaining grades were below target. We will compare with Winter test scores in January.

It was reported by Ms. McBee and Mr. Bilderbeck that the Fall Fun Run  was successful. It was also reported that the leveling & gravel work on the overflow parking lot is complete. Parents of 3-5 students are encouraged to use this lot for drop off and pick up. Mr. Bilderbeck will be writing an article for the AES Newsletter and chalk lines will be added to assist in traffic flow.

Ms. McBee commented on Parent Round-Up Sheets that were sent home. They did not get many responses so will sent them out again. She responded specifically to a parent concern brought up at a recent UDLT meeting about AES Libraries not needing or wanting parent help. She confirmed with both librarians that this statement is "not true".

The next AES BAC meeting will be held in the K-2 Conference Room on November 15th at 5:15pm.

AES K-5 Building Accountability

The AES K-5 BAC met on September 20^th. We discussed the K-5 budget and requested additional information to include specific information regarding last year’s 4^th grade field trip. We also discussed fund raisers for the 2012-2013 school year. The only fund raiser will be the Pie fund raiser. The 4^th grade classes may have additional fund raisers to help fund their end of year Denver field trip. The money raised from selling pies will go into an “Activity Fund” which will help purchase new books and shelves for each library, set up of aquariums in each building, curriculum support (maps, globes, etc.) and field trips. We learned from Mr. Bilderbeck that the leveling & gravel work on the overflow parking lot will begin on September 24^th and continue for 2 weeks. The goal is to have the lot ready for the Fun Run on October 5^th. Mr. Bilderbeck stated that Neenan is taking care of the parking lot work.

Community Concerns:

•  Substitute Teacher Procedure Manuals – in process

• K-2 lunch tables – Mrs. Smith reported that district did not have additional tables and that Mr. Alejo said he would buy tables, if needed. After observing lunch periods, it is Mrs. Smith’s opinion that new tables will not be necessary.

• Power School – Julie Brooks (A-PAGE representative) reported that results of Parent Needs Assessment Survey conducted at end of last year indicated that K-5 parents are not familiar with Power School. Julie also reported that A-PAGE would like to volunteer to help parents set up Power School accounts during Parent/Teacher Conferences on October 8^th and 11^th. Tracy Wetzler and Daniel Quintana will provide district help.

• G/T Plan?? Position for G/T Coordinator is still open. Mark Meyer is heading the program until position is filled.

• Building/Classroom temperature calibration – in process

Next BAC meeting will be October 18^th at 5:15pm in K-2 Conference Room.

Alamosa Elementary High Wind Action Plan

A third party review of the structural design of our new schools was recently conducted. It has been determined that there could be potential building damage with sustained winds of 50mph or higher. A letter was sent home with AES students further explaining this issue and outlining the plan to evacuate students, faculty & staff in the event of 50mph or higher sustained winds. Click on this link to view the details of the evacuation plan which may include relocation to Ortega Middle School and Alamosa High School.

February K-5 BAC (2/23/12)

The Alamosa Elementary K-5 Building Accountability Committee met on February 23rd. There were 9 members present. We reviewed test scores from NWEA and DIBELS and, although our schools are still below national averages, we are showing growth and getting closer to reaching the target goals. We also discussed the school budget and monies received from various fundraisers.

Ongoing items:

- Lunch period – new tables for K-2 building are supposed to arrive on 2/27

- Gravel for overflow parking area – item has been presented to BOE. K-5 BAC is requesting that the project be opened up for bids.

- Neenan/Construction review – report is in, there are a few items that need attention but overall, schools are safe. Braces & supports were installed over the last 4 day weekend. Remaining work will be completed over the summer. There is a contingency/emergency plan in place if weather conditions exceed current safety ratings.

Due to recent issues, school administrators are urging parents to respect school policies regarding campus visitors and having kids outside before school

The next K-5 BAC meeting will be on March 22, 2012 at 5:15pm.

Errors Found In Alamosa School

Here is the link to the article published in the Valley Courier, Errors found in Alamosa School.