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Please Note:
- Friday, May 7 -- No School for students. Don't forget to bring a lunch dish for teachers if you can.
- In today's Thursday Folder: Information on Concert on the Green, Thursday, May 20, and CSC ballots
From the Principal:
  
Photos above are from left: Jimmy Truong and mom Nguyet Tran (who's a Ms. Kozma's and Ms. Wing's para!); Julie Keppler with the Mayor; and Julie Keppler, Principal Shepherd, Merrill Principal Stacy Miller and Merrill teacher Amy Kolquist at the Mile High Teachers Awards.
This time of year is a highlight for showcasing learning and honoring people across Denver Public Schools. On Sunday morning, I attended the 25th Annual Asian Education Advisory Council Awards. Our 3rd-grade student Jimmy Truong was one of the honorees. It was a wonderful event. Tuesday night our 5th grade teacher, Julie Keppler, was honored as Cory’s Mile High Teacher of the year by Mayor Hickenlooper and Superintendent Tom Boasberg. Ms. Keppler has been teaching at Cory for over seven years and focuses on math and science. This summer she was awarded the opportunity to work at the University of Colorado Medical Center to conduct research with scientists.
Yesterday, I joined Room 204, Ms. Hoyt’s 4/5 class as they presented in courtroom 18 at the Denver City and County Building. They have spent the year participating in a special program called Courtroom to Classrooms. It teaches students about the legal system in Denver. We were so fortunate to have District Attorney Mitch Morrissey and Assistant District Attorney Lamar Sims work with the students at Cory. I was impressed by our students as they presented the case of “People vs. Goldilocks” yesterday. We have several future lawyers and judges in our midst. Today we have many students performing at the DPS Shakespeare Festival, an amazing annual event. So take the time to honor and watch our students as the year ends.
The teacher appreciation events this week have been so amazing. I have walked around all of the classrooms each day and the flowers are beautiful. The surprise treats each day are so much fun. Thank you to the PTA for organizing this special week and to all of our families for their unique contributions. We are all looking forward to our special lunch tomorrow on our assessment scoring day.
We extend special wishes from all of us at Cory to the moms of all generations on Sunday. We appreciate you!
-- Julia Shepherd, Cory Principal
Days to Remember
- Tonight: Merrill's Celebration of Cultures, 5-7:30 p.m.
- Friday, May 7 -- Assessment Day for teachers, no school
- Monday, May 10 -- Cory 1st graders to the Denver Zoo
- Wednesday, May 12, 12:30 p.m. -- Young Author’s Celebration, Temple Emmanuel
- Thursday, May 13 -- Save the Date for CSC -- Tentative
- Friday, May 14, 8 a.m. -- New Family Coffee; 9 a.m. 1st-grade orientation for parents in room 109
PTA News
Dear Cory Families,
It's PTA budgeting time for the 2010/2011 school year! A link to the preliminary budget spreadsheet for next year is available on the Cory website in the PTA section.
If you would like to have input in the budget process, please note the following dates:
Friday, May 14 -- Deadline for input into the PTA budget. If you have any ideas or questions please email Chris Fuentes at fuentesx4@msn.com, and Julie Graef at jagraef@comcast.net with your thoughts. If you want to request a new item for the budget, please give us a dollar amount and why you think it should be added so we can discuss it with the other PTA Officers and come to a conclusion. Please realize that we need well thought out ideas and leadership if new plans are to be implemented.
Tuesday, May 18 -- PTA Officers meeting to discuss and approve the PTA budget for the 2010/2011 school year.
Friday, May 21 -- PTA meeting in Cafeteria at 8:45 a.m. to discuss the approved PTA budget for the 2010/2011 school year. All PTA members are invited!
Thank you for your interest and continued involvement in making the PTA such an integral part of Cory Elementary!
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee, consisting of our three parent representatives (David Melfi (ECE,K, 1st), Paula Stanwood (2/3) and Kelly Merrick (4/5)), three teacher representatives, and the PTA President, Vice President and Treasurer, will be meeting on Monday, May 17, to determine how PTA funds raised should be allocated to Cory. If you have specific feedback, please contact your representative, or Chris Fuentes at fuentesx4@msn.com.
From the PTA Treasurer
If you need an expense reimbursement or a check written for this school year, the deadline to submit your request is Monday, May 24. If you have PTA money to be deposited, the deadline to turn it in is the last day of school, Thursday, May 27, by the end of the day. All necessary forms are in the office. Please contact Julie Graef at jagraef@comcast.net if you need to make other arrangements.
PTA President Opening
I'm still in search for someone to take on the role of PTA President for next year. I have been President for two years, and will not be returning as President next year. I have personally asked around 15 people, but so far no takers. I'm hoping that out of the 300+ families here at Cory, surely there is someone who would be willing to take this on. I promise that I will be there to help you every step of the way, and you already have a great returning Secretary and Treasurer.
Sock Hop, May 22
We're planning on having a meeting next Tuesday, May 11, right after drop off (meet at the couches) to discuss the details for this event. So far, Coupar Lester, Melissa Balay, Kelly Merrick, Teresa Redmond and Kristin Zinis have volunteered to help. If you would like to join us, please do so, or you can email Melissa Balay at melissabalay@gmail.com if you can't make the meeting, but would still like to help.
A Great Teacher Appreciation Week
Thank you so much Jen Chavez and Flavia Kuta for organizing a great week of Teacher Appreciation. I really think that the teachers loved all the special treats, and it was so great to involve the kids as well. Especially thank you for stepping up at the last minute and taking this on.
Job well done!
Auction Chairs Still Needed
We are looking for someone, or a couple of people who would like to chair the auction for next year. Peggy and Stephanie (this year's chairs) have already done a lot of organizing for this event to make next year even easier. It's really important to get chairpersons now so that things like the date, venue, caterer and auctioneer can be booked now!
If we wait until next school year, these things can get done, but it will be a little more difficult as venues and caterers get booked and auctioneers fill their calendar. If you are interested at all, please contact myself or Stephanie Henry at sclaypoolhenry@comcast.net.
Grounds Clean Up Thank you!
Thank you to Bill Sprague and Jana Roush for organizing the grounds clean up day last Saturday. Also, thank you to the families who came to participate and help. We have a lovely large campus here at Cory, and it just wouldn't be as nice if it weren't for the work of the grounds committee and volunteer families.
Thank you!
Chris Fuentes, PTA President
Deadline 5-24
Specials Teachers' Gifts
This year, we want to organize a school wide YEAR END group gift to recognize the specials teachers (Art, Music, Library, and Physical Education). We will combine all of the donations and divide them equally among the Specials teachers. We will purchase gift cards to Target, Barnes and Noble or Sports Authority, etc. (open for suggestions) and give them to each teacher on the last day of school. Cards will be included with families’ names on them.
If you wish to donate, a box labeled “Group Gift” is now in the front office. You may also mail a donation to Kristin Zinis, 1300 S. Saint Paul St, Denver 80210 or either give your donation to Kristin or Chris on the playground. If you are donating cash, please be sure we know who it is from. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Chris Fuentes or Kristin Zinis at 720-323-3242.
Thank you!
Kristin Zinis and Chris Fuentes
Box Top News
Contest Deadline: Friday, 5-14
Make sure to turn in your Box Tops by Friday, May 14 if you want to win the classroom competition or any of the following prizes:
- $10 Build-A-Bear Gift Certificate
- Bakugan Limited Edition Print
- Littlest Pet Shop LPSO Pet
- $10 Red Robin Gift Card
For every five Box Tops submitted, you will receive one entry into the drawing of your choice. The collection sheets are posted on the Cory website under the PTA tab, and a few copies are located in the Cory office Box Tops bin.
Update on Safety Issues Around Cory
This was another busy week outside at Cory. We have sent out as much staff as we can each morning and after school to help with traffic and pedestrian safety. We have also had DPS safety and security stop by.
Monday morning was particularly challenging. Please take the time to arrive early in the mornings. The large increase of families getting to Cory late in the mornings adds to the hurried sense and unsafe practices.
One morning we counted 22 families who crossed in the middle of the street. There is plenty of parking to safely let students out of cars and walk into school at the intersections. We all want a smooth, safe and respectful drop off and pick up each day.
We are looking for volunteers for every morning at the yellow poles. Please get in touch with Chris Fuentes if you can help or want to serve on our safety committee. Blake Sanchez, our 2-3 para, has been our crossing guard the last couple of months, so please support him as you cross at Steele and Florida. It takes every adult and student at Cory to help us be safe.
British Soccer Camps at Cory
On Wednesday, April 28, and Wednesday, May 5, Cory P.E. classes were taught by Kevin, Chris, Jon and Joe of British Soccer Camps. British Soccer provides young players with the rare opportunity to receive high-level soccer coaching from a team of international experts right in the heart of their own community. Each British Soccer Camp provides players of all ages and abilities the appropriate program and level of curriculum and a wonderful cultural and educational camp experience!
Challenger Sports British Soccer Camps are the most popular soccer camps in the country. Hundreds of Challenger coaches each year have helped develop one of the most innovative approaches to coaching youth soccer in the U.S. The camp's experienced staff study the game at all levels and have identified the key techniques and skills that your players need to work on and master to reach their true potential.
Each day includes individual foot skills, technical drills, tactical practices, small-sided games, coached scrimmages and a daily World Cup Tournament. Equally important, the Challenger coaching staff provides your child with lessons in self-discipline, good sportsmanship and respect for others and for the game. Campers will enjoy a daily program of camp break activities and an end of camp graduation party!
Look for the fliers about upcoming Challenger Soccer Camps in your child's Thursday folders today.
-- Randy Oglesby
Cory Physical Educator
Don't Forget
Reloadable King Soopers Cards
We've begun selling King Soopers reloadable grocery cards!
We will be selling reloadable cards in $5 increments, which you will then keep and reload with a cashier or at a customer service counter whenever you shop at King Soopers.
You can reload the card with any credit card for those of you who currently want to accumulate points or miles (you can also use cash or check). I will make sure you understand the process when you buy the card. Just think, we can be making $5 on every $100 that you spend on grocery's over the summer if you buy your card now! We will only be selling the reloadable King Soopers cards on Fridays after school ,or you can contact me at lscara@comcast.net and I will arrange for you to get one. Thanks for your support!
-- Linda Scara
Thank YOU!
Keeping it Clean!
 
 
 
 
Thank you to the parents who donated their weekend time to help spruce up our grounds on Saturday. We pulled weeds, pruned bushes, raked pine needles, and swept pea gravel. A huge thank you Bill Sprague and his crew at K.S. Enterprises for doing the hard job of preparing our garden and its irrigation system for planting.
-- Jana Roush
Photos by Parent and Photographer Justine McKinzie
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