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Welcome to the 2016-2017 School Year

It is with a heart of gratitude and continued optimism that I welcome you to

the 2016-17 school year. Having completed a year as the principal of this

lively, innovative, and striving for PEAK performance school, I am deeply

honored to continue this journey with you and our brilliant and most

inquisitive students. Last year we focused on restoring our culture and the

awe factor of our school both internally and externally. Although we have yet

to “arrive” we have course corrected and are well on our way to becoming

the PEAK performing school we all desire and our students deserve. This year we will continue to focus on positive relationship building, being

relevant in our work and practices, and maintaining a sense

of responsibility for accelerating student learning every day for all students.

Please consider how you can and will engage with us, your partners, to

ensure we collaboratively fulfill our school’s mission while ensuring a safe

and highly effective teaching and learning environment.

I am eager to see you in the coming weeks and work alongside you

throughout the year.

In service,

Principal Greer

"My job is to accelerate the learning of every student every day, by getting to know the staff

and students and supporting their needs toward proficiency in performance. My community needs me to

do my job".

Yolanda R. Greer Principal

Vista PEAK Exploratory

This is the year for PEAK

Performance!

School Year Calendar………………………….…pg 2

Important Dates, Back to School Night, Class Lists and Student Schedules…….…...pg 3

School Hours/Late Start Wed

Pre-School Drop Off/Pick Up

K-8 Arrival & Departure Procedure

Before and After School Program………..………pg 4

Bus Schedules & APS Meal Prices 15-16…………..…………pg 5 Bison Dress Code…………...………………pg 6 School Supply List…………………………..pg 7-8 Bison Gear Order Form………………….….pg 9 Ways to Engage and Support………….....pg 10-12

Learn more at http://vistapeakexplore.aurorak12.org/Visit us at 24551 E. 1st Avenue ~ Aurora, CO 80018

Main 303-364-3757 ~ Fax 303-326-1230 ~ Attendance 303-326-1630

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www.calendarlabs.com

Vista PEAK Exploratory 2016-17 Calendar

July 2016

S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

August 2016 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

September 2016 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

October 2016 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

November 2016 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

December 2016 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

January 2017 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

February 2017 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

March 2017 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

April 2017 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

May 2017 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

June 2017 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Q1 – 41 days (August 9-October 5) Q3 – 54 days (January 4-March 22)

Q2 – 35 days (October 24-December 14) Q4 – 38 days (April 10-June 1)

Total Contact days - 168

D Notes: Jul 27-29 New Teachers Report @VPE

Aug 1 All Teachers @VPE

Aug 1,2 New Teachers@ District, Others Classroom

Aug 4, 5, 8 Testing Days (4th or 5th .5 day at Super

Aug 8 Back to School Night 4:45-6:15

Aug 9 First Day for Students 1st-8th

Aug 11 First Day for Students in Kindergarten

Aug 15 First day for Pre-K Students

Sept 5: Labor Day No School

Sept 29 Parent Teacher Conferences(PTC) 4:00-7:30

Sept 30 Early Release K-8 11:15 PTC 12:00-3:30

Oct 6, 7: Unit Planning & Teacher Workday

Oct 10-14: Fall Break

Oct 17-21: PoWeR 1

Nov 23-25: Thanksgiving Break

Dec 15,16,: Unit Planning & Teacher Workday

Dec 19- Jan 2 Winter Break

Jan 3 Teacher PD (NO School)

Jan 16: MLK Day No School

Feb 16 Parent Teacher Conferences(PTC) 4:00-7:30

Feb 17 Early Release K-8 11:15 PTC 12:00-3:30

Feb 20 – President’s Day – No School

Mar23/24 Unit Planning & Teacher Workday

March 27-31: Spring Break

April 3-7: PoWeR #2

April 21 No School K-5 Read Plan Conferences

Student Showcase TBD

Peak Achievement Awards TBD

May 29: Memorial Day No School

May 31: Graduation PREP (School K-8)

June 1: Last Day of School Students

June 2: Teacher Workday No School

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Important Dates

The Vista PEAK Exploratory 2016-2017 calendar will be sent home with students on the first day

of school.

Aug 4, 5, 8 District Literacy Assessments –by appointment only – 1st through 5th grades

Aug 8 BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT 4:45 –6:15 PM 1st – 8th grades - ONLY

Aug 9 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 1st – 8th grade ONLY

Aug 10 BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT 4:30 –5:30 PM KINDERGARTEN ONLY Aug 11 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL – KINDERGARTEN

Aug 15 FIRST DAY OF PRE-SCHOOL

Aug 16 PTSA Back to School Welcome Potluck 6:00-7:00PM @ Exploratory Cafe

Sept 5 NO SCHOOL – Labor Day

Sept 13 PTSA Meeting 6-8PM All Committees and Board Members @ Exploratory

Sept 21 PTSA Candy Bar Bingo 6:00-8:00PM @ Exploratory

Sept 29 Parent Teacher Conferences (PTC) 4:00-7:30PM

Sept 30 Early Release K-8 11:15, Parent Teacher Conferences (PTC) 12:00-3:30PM

Oct 4 PTSA Meeting 6-8PM All Committees and Board Members @ Exploratory

Oct 6, 7 Unit Planning & Teacher Workday No School for Students Oct 10-14 FALL BREAK Oct 19-23 PoWeR Session 1 – No school for some

Back to School Night

Please join us on Monday, August 8th from 4:45 pm to 6:15 pm for the Vista Peak Exploratory

Back to School Night. ,

Parents of 1-8th grades this is your opportunity to:

• Meet your child’s teacher

• See your child’s classroom • Sign up for PTSA & volunteer opportunities

• Sign your child up for the before/after school care program

• Plus more!

Class Lists & Student Schedules

1st – 5th Grade Class lists will be posted on the front office windows and in Parent Portal on July 27.

6th – 8th Grade Schedules will be ready for students to pick up on August 3rd.

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CHOOL

SCHOOL HOURS

Exploratory – Preschool hours: AM Session – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 8:15-11:00 / No Pre-School on Wednesdays PM Session – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 12:30-3:15 / No Pre-School on Wednesdays

Exploratory - Kindergarten – 8th grade:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 8:10am - 3:15pm – UPDATED!

Wednesday Late Start 9:05am - 3:15pm

PRE-SCHOOL DROP OFF /PICK UP

Parents please drop off and pick up your Pre-School student (ONLY) through the PRE-K Playground (front of the

school). Pre-School will NOT be using the west side doors/parking lot like in years past.

This drop off / pick-up change is ONLY for pre-school students. Please do not use this area to drop off older students.

Arrival and Departures This year, Exploratory building parent/guardian drop off and pick up will be in the parking lot loops on the East and West

sides of the building.

The front of the school is for busses only.

Students may not arrive more than 30 minutes before school starts as there is no adult supervision before this time. Pick up

is immediately after school ends. If your child is not picked up in a timely manner, they will be checked into Kid’s Adventures for a fee.

Before and After School Program Kids' Adventures, Inc. 3460 S. Corona Street, Englewood, CO 80113

Office Phone 303-699-1561 Office Fax 1-866-410-7474

Site Director: Nattiel Pierson 719-688-0900

Visit us online at: www.KidsAdventures.org

The Before and After School Program will provide childcare for Vista PEAK Exploratory students. Our program creates an option for

working parents to ensure their children are in a safe environment, engaging in constructive and supervised activities. The program is located in the Exploratory cafeteria so children never have to leave the comfort of Vista Peak.

Program Hours: Before School - 6:30 am - 8:20 am

Before Wednesday Late Start - 6:30 am-9:05 am

After School - 3:15 pm - 6:00 pm

Full Days - 6:30 am - 6:00 pm

To register for Kids Adventures on line please go to: http://www.kidsadventures.org/schools/vista-peak

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Aurora Public Schools Meal Prices 2016-2017

Breakfast

Lunch

2015-16

Full-paid

Increase

Amount

2016-17

Full-paid

2015-16

Full-paid

Increase

Amount

2016-17

Full-paid

Elementary $1.15 $0.05 $1.20 $2.25 $0.05 $2.30

K-8 Schools (K-4) $1.15 $0.05 $1.20 $2.25 $0.05 $2.30

K-8 Schools (5-8) $1.40 $0.05 $1.45 $2.75 $0.05 $2.80

Secondary $1.40 $0.05 $1.45 $2.75 $0.05 $2.80

Adult Meal $1.90 $0.05 $1.95 $3.75 $0.05 $3.80

Sack Milk

$0.75 $0.05 $0.80

** Reduced Breakfast- Free

** Reduced Lunch- $0.40 ½ pint of milk is included in each meal

Bus Schedules

The Bus schedule will be available on the APS District website on July 20th - http://transportation.aurorak12.org/schedules/

No Toys or other items from home PLEASE!

Students may only bring to school the supplies they need for learning. If there is any reason that a parent

feels their student needs to have a cell phone with them at school; the cell phone needs to be turned off

and put away in backpacks during the day. Bringing personal property to school creates many unnecessary problems. Please remind your student NOT to bring toys, balls, electronic games, etc. from home.

Vista PEAK Exploratory cannot be responsible for replacement

of personal items brought from home.

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Dress Code

The purpose of the Vista PEAK dress code is to create a professional, safe and respectful

community where students can place their sole focus on learning. The dress code is in effect

from the start of the school day until the student is finished with all their requirements of the

day. The Dress Code will be enforced at all times students are in the building.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

2016-17 Student Dress Code

TOPS

Acceptable tops must completely cover underarms, abdomen, back, shoulders, mid-drifts, chest and cleavage at all times while sitting or standing.

Spaghetti strap shirts, halter tops, tank tops, or shirts resembling or similar to tank tops are not acceptable.

Outside jackets must be taken off at the beginning of the day and put away.

BOTTOMS

Pants, shorts, skorts, skirts and dresses must be worn with the waistband at the waist. Dresses, skirts, skorts, shorts, must be worn at an acceptable length. If a student’s arms are

extended to full length by their side, they can’t touch any skin. Leggings, Jeggings or tight pants can only be worn if they are underneath skirts, skorts, dresses, shorts or covered by a long shirt.

Jeans in good repair are acceptable. No excessively ripped jeans where skin or undergarments are exposed.

Excessively baggy pants and pajamas are not acceptable.

OTHER

Excessive and/or inappropriate holes or rips and undergarments must be covered at all times and should not been seen through outer garments

No slippers, excessively high heels or platforms (higher than 3 inches) are permitted. No baseball hats, hoods, bandanas, do-rags, and sunglasses inside the building, unless

approved by leadership. No text on clothing or buttons that promote violence, alcohol, gangs, tobacco or drugs No clothing, jewelry, piercings, tattoos or appearances that are determined to be distractive

or unsafe to the learning environment will be permitted

Students should wear the appropriate clothing with modesty and in a neat fashion.

THE FACULTY AND STAFF OF VISTA PEAK RESERVE THE SOLE

RIGHT TO INTERPRET AND ENFORCE THE STUDENT DRESS CODE

Please note: A phone call home for appropriate clothing to be brought to school for the student, or the

student being sent home for failure to comply is solely determined by the Vista PEAK Leadership.

Repeat dress code violations will result in disciplinary action.

Vista PEAK School Supply List 2016-2017

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Preschool AM Class

1 pkg. napkins

1 roll paper towels

1 pkg. baby wipes

1 box facial tissues

1 pkg. paper cups (Dixie 5oz all-purpose)

1 pkg. glue sticks

2 box washable markers

1 ream white copy paper/8 ½ x11

1 folder with pockets (please write name inside)

1 pkg. Ziploc Bag (Gallon size) Preschool PM Class

1 pkg. paper towels

1 pkg. napkins

1 pkg. baby wipes

1 pkg. paper cups (Dixie 5oz all-purpose)

1 glue bottle

1 pkg. of crayons

1 pkg. white cardstock/8 ½ x 11

1 folder with pockets (please write name inside)

1 pkg. Ziploc Bag (quart size) Please, no names on the supplies!

Kindergarten

4 Vinyl Folders w/horizontal pockets and center clasps (One of each color NO DESIGNS:

green, red, blue yellow)

1 Ziploc Bags (gallon) – boys and girls

1 Ziploc Bags (quart) – boys only

1 Ziploc Bags (sandwich size) – girls only

4 Crayola Crayons 24 ct

1 Crayola Markers 8 ct

2 Boxes Facial Tissues

8 Glue Sticks (or more)

2 Dry Erase Markers

2 Disinfectant Wipes

2 boxes Watercolors

4 “My First Ticonderoga” Pencils (or more) Optional: Hand Sanitizer, Liquid Glue, Sharpies, Hand Soap (liquid), Clipboard Please, no names on the supplies!

1

st. Grade

2 packs Crayola crayons 24 ct

2 packs Crayola markers 8 ct

2 Clorox wipes

1 box facial tissue

4 packs of glue sticks

1 hand sanitizer (anti-bacterial)

2 packs yellow sharpened #2 pencils

1-pack Ticonderoga pencils

1 pack fine-tip dry erase markers

1 pack broad-tip dry erase markers

1 box of Ziploc bags:

Last name A-I sandwich

Last name J-R quart

Last name S-Z gallon

5 plastic folders (one of each color NO

DESIGNS: green, red, blue, yellow, orange)

2 composition notebooks (wide ruled)

2 fine-tip permanent markers

2 water color paints

2 packs of pencil topper erasers (No pink erasers)

1 bottle Elmers glue

Optional: clipboard, index cards, Mr. Sketch, Highlighters, Post-it notes.

2nd. Grade

3 black & white marble composition notebooks (wide ruled)

5 folders with horizontal pockets (plain, no designs)

1 plastic red folder with horizontal pockets

8 glue sticks

1-24 pack of SHARPENED # 2 pencils

1 package crayons

1 package odorless markers

1 package colored pencils

4 pink erasers

4 black dry erase markers

1 container of disinfectant wipes

1 scissors

4 packs of Post-its

1 plain brown clipboard

2 boxes facial tissues

1 box of Ziploc bags: Boys – quart Girls – gallon

PLEASE DO NOT LABEL ANY SUPPLIES

3rd grade

1 container disinfectant wipes

4 composition notebooks

1 crayons 24 ct

1 box of markers 8 ct

2 boxes of facial tissues

1 pkg. of wide-lined paper

2 boxes of 24 #2 pencils

4 pink erasers

4 plastic folders w/pockets and prongs (blue, green, red, yellow)

1 red pencil

1 pointed tip scissors

2 spiral notebooks

1 Ziploc Bags Boys – Quart Girls – Gallon

1 3-ring 1 inch binder

1 zipper pouch to put in 3 ring binder

1 package dry erase markers

1 comp book with graph paper

Personal pencil sharpener with cover

1-2 red pens or pencils

1 spiral notebook

One 1-inch 3 ring binder with view front pocket

1 package of sticky notes

1 black sharpie Optional: liquid glue or glue sticks

4th grade

24 count colored pencils

2 black sharpies

8 count washable markers

3 spiral notebooks

1 package of 2- black dry erase markers

2 boxes of tissue paper

2 highlighters

4 packages of wide ruled notebook paper

4 packages of 24 #2 pencils

4 plastic pocket folders

1 Disinfectant wipes

4 pack of sticky notes

2 glue sticks

2 pink erasers

Boys- Ziploc sandwich bags Girls- Ziploc quart size sandwich bags DO NOT LABEL SUPPLIES WITH NAMES!

Vista PEAK School Supply List 2016-2017

Pg. - . 8

5th Grade

2 pkgs notebook paper wide ruled

2 pkgs graph paper

3 pgks 24 pencils

2 erasers

2 boxes markers

3 containers antibacterial wipes

2 packs of sticky notes

4 boxes facial tissues

3 composition notebooks

1 Hand sanitizer Optional: Ziploc bags, Glue, Clear plastic page protectors

6th Grade

Homeroom/Core 1

2 boxes of tissue

Disinfectant wipes

Dry erase markers

Mr. Sketch Markers

Post-it Notes

Pack of colored pencils Keep in Your Backpack

Pencils

Highlighters

Pocket Sharpener Literacy

College ruled loose leaf paper Science

Folder with pockets

Composition notebook Social Studies

Folder with pockets

Composition notebook Math

Composition notebook (college lined or graphing preferred)

Scientific calculator

Pencils

Index cards (ideally with a ring)

7th Grade Homeroom/Core 1

2 boxes of facial tissue

Disinfectant wipes

Dry erase markers

Mr. Sketch Markers

Post-it Notes

Pack of colored pencils Keep in Your Backpack

Pencils

Highlighters

Pocket Sharpener Literacy

College-ruled loose leaf paper Science

Folder with pockets

Composition notebook Social Studies

Folder with pockets

Composition notebook

Math

Composition notebook (college lined or graphing preferred)

1 pack of graphing paper or grid note cards

Scientific calculator

Protractor

Pencils

Index cards (ideally with a ring)

8th Grade

Homeroom/Core 1

2 boxes of tissue

Disinfectant wipes

Dry erase markers

Mr. Sketch markers

Post-it Notes

Pack of colored pencils Keep in Your Backpack

Pencils

Highlighters

Ear buds

Pocket Sharpener Literacy

College ruled loose leaf paper Science

Folder with pockets

Composition notebook Social Studies

Folder with pockets

Composition notebook Math

College-ruled or graphing composition notebook

Scientific calculator (optional: TI-84 Plus graphing calculator)

Protractor

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Vista PEAK PTSA Bison Gear

VP Est. 2010 – distressed (navy/gray) VP Bison (blue/gray)

Name: ________________________ Phone: ___________________________________

Teacher: _______________________ Total DUE: ________________________________

*Please make checks payable to: Vista PEAK PTSA*

*POC: Jen Fryer sjfryer0630@yahoo.com*

Design COLOR

Circle shirt color

choice

SIZE

Mark size and

A=Adult /Y=Youth/L=Ladies

QTY PRICE TOTAL

Short Sleeve VP EST. 2010

blue/gray 15.00

Bison blue/gray 15.00

Long sleeve VP EST. 2010

blue/gray 18.00

Bison blue/gray 18.00

Hoodie VP EST. 2010

blue/gray 25.00

Bison blue/gray 25.00

*2XL or larger and Zip hoodies will be an additional $7* *XS Youth Long Sleeve and zip

hoodies (all sizes) don’t come in gray* *Ladies cuts are special order only and not available

in sweatshirts

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Become a Volunteer

Honest, dependable and respectful volunteers are an essential part of the Aurora Public Schools team. Virtually every teacher in the elementary school now has the assistance of classroom volunteers, and there are many volunteers helping at the middle and high school levels as well. Volunteers do so much more than assist in the classroom. They help in lunchrooms, libraries, and the school board office; teach after-school classes; perform exterior maintenance work; work with booster clubs and technology groups; offer economic donations, skills advisement and sharing; and contribute in countless other ways. In the classroom, volunteers are considered an important and valued member of our teaching teams, helping provide each child with a fair measure of time and attention. To ensure that our volunteers enhance the safety, security, well-being and success of our students, The Security department is now registering all volunteers and providing them with ID badges. In addition, a background check is performed on each volunteer. If the volunteer is committing to only a one-time event, he or she will simply need to register at the front office of the school or site. To register, volunteers will need to complete the following: 1. All volunteers will need to obtain the Volunteer Approval Request form from the school where they will be volunteering prior to coming to the Security department. This form needs to be signed by the Principal and faxed, emailed or sent inner office to the security department. Please note that the Security department will need to have this form before the volunteer process can begin, and this form cannot be hand delivered by the volunteer. Please fax to 303-326-1984 or email to Amber Borrego. 2. Complete a volunteer registration form, available in both English and Spanish. 3. Come to the APS Security office to submit the registration form and start the background check process. Please bring a current government issued photo ID and your volunteer registration form, if you've already completed one. Once the background check has been cleared (usually 24-48 hours after) the volunteer ID will be sent to the school for the volunteer to pick up. If the background check is not acceptable, the Security department will decline their offer to volunteer and notify the appropriate site. 4. Aurora public schools use Verified Volunteers to conduct their background checks. The process for checks is completed online. When a volunteer comes into the office to start the screening process, a link to the background check site will be emailed to the volunteer. The volunteer will follow the online directions to create an account and submit their check. Once the security office has cleared the check, the volunteer will be sent an email and at this time the badge will be sent to the school. If the volunteer does not have access to a computer to complete their check, security can enter it for them. 5. Report to the front office at the school their child attends for scheduling and assignment of duties. All volunteer badges are issued from August 1 until the last day of school and are valid until July 31st and must be renewed each year. The school can contact Amber Borrego in the Security office (303-365-7816, extension 28410) to confirm the volunteer's acceptance. The volunteer will have an ID badge, to be worn at all times while on school property for volunteer purposes. Chaperone volunteers do not need to come to the security office unless they would like for security to enter their background check information. All chaperone paperwork will need to be sent over to security by the school, security will then send the link for the chaperone to complete their background check online. Once the background check has been cleared, security will sign off on the paperwork and send a copy of the approved paperwork to school services and the school. Chaperones are not given ID's and only need to be cleared through a background check. If the volunteer does not have an email or access to complete their background check online and would like for security to enter their information, they will need to come to the security office and show a valid government ID in order for security to enter the check.

The Security office is open for volunteer badges: Monday - Friday 8:00-11:30 and 1:30-4:00

*Must be at least 17 to go through the volunteer process, and anyone who is 17 will need to get their background check from the police department*

*If you have not been a resident of Colorado for a minimum of one year, you will have to pay $15 for Security to conduct a background check on your previous state*

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Join……Vista PEAK PTSA Vista PEAK Campus

Mission: Be a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and

communities, and a strong advocate for the education and well-being of every child

Join us for a POTLUCK on August 16

From 6pm to 7pm

In the Preparatory Learning Commons

Families are welcome and we would love for you to meet members of

administration, volunteer coordinators and to provide information on the PTSA

structure, goals and achievements

Support and volunteer opportunities are available at the Preparatory and

Exploratory buildings and we NEED you! If you cannot make it to the potluck stop

by our table at back to school night.

GET CONNECTED BE INVOLVED CULTIVATE SPIRIT BUILD MEMORIES

Be a part of something special!