Virginia Court Elementary
12600 E. Virginia Ct., Aurora, CO 80012
Main Office: (303) 366-9594
Office Hours: 7:15-3:00
Principal: Kim Pippenger
Friday, March 22, 2024
weekly message from principal pippenger
Dear Virginia Court Families,
What a thrill to have students back for our final quarter! Report Cards go home today! Please check your child’s friday folder to see how they progressed in quarter 3.
We had the highest daily attendance of any week, this week! Let’s keep that going! Make sure your students come to school on time and every day! Ten classrooms qualified for the disco party today! Check out pictures on the Virginia Court Facebook page here.
New Principal Announcement
Principal, Kim Pippenger will be retiring this June. After a very detailed process, Mr. Will Thompson has been named the new Principal of Virginia Court Elementary. He will begin his position in June.
Family Climate Survey
We want to make your experience at our school better. Please complete the Family Climate Survey by clicking on this link. The information you provide will not only support our school, but the Aurora Public School district.
Prizes for completing the surveys!
Families will be entered in a district drawing for gift cards!
Bring proof of survey completion to Sangita and get free Virginia Court swag!
Reach out to Sangita Patel, the Family Engagement Advisor, for prizes and support at spatel@aurorak12.org
Specials Family Night (K-2)
The Specials Team will be showcasing the amazing talents of kindergarteners, 1st & 2nd graders on April 2 from 4-6pm. Come out to
Hear a musical performance
See their creative artwork
Experience STEM & science
Engage in jump-rope magic!
Please RSVP to Ms. G at rjgoldscheid@aurorak12.org
All are welcome!
CMAS Updates (Reminder)
Students in grades 3-10 take the Colorado Measure of Academic Success (CMAS) Test. This test shows the growth that students have made based on what they are learning in school.
Here is CDE's site for practice items/test platform to familiarize yourself with the test. Most students will be taking this test in English
Click here for the testing calendar. Spanish: It is important that students arrive on time and are here everyday during the testing times!
Summer School Registration Open!
It’s not too early to be thinking about Summer school! It’s FREE!
Location: Aurora Frontier P-8.
Dates: June 3-28 from 8:30-11:30.
Transportation provided
Free Breakfast & Lunch
Rocky Mountain Kids available (6:30am - 5:30pm). Sign up separately.
Enroll here: aurorak12.org/summerschool (first come, first serve)
Universal Preschool Registration is Open!
All children in their year before kindergarten can register for preschool of their choice. Registration can only be completed online.
Please use this link to find more information: https://cdec.colorado.gov/universal-preschool-colorado
Questions? 303‑866‑5223
Community Resources
Tax Assistance - click here for more information
Free & Low Cost Events at the Library! Click here for more information.
And, of course, your child’s teacher is also available to you when they are not teaching students. Please see our website (https://vacourt.aurorak12.org) for links to their contact information.
In partnership,
Kim Pippenger
Principal
Yearbooks are on sale!
Don't miss out on pictures and memories of this school year. Order yours before April 8 for $15. They will be delivered May 20. You can send your order form to school or order online at https://bit.ly/VCourt2024
or scan this code:
From the Dean's Office
REMINDER: Students should NOT bring any toys, balls, or cards to school. Students should not bring their own soccer or basketballs even for play before school. Teachers and staff will collect items that are distracting to the learning environment. Collected items will be returned at the end of the day. Also, cell phones need to be stored in a backpack during school hours or left at home.
From Nurse Katie
From Nurse Katie
Virginia Court is hosting FREE eye exams and glasses March 19th-22nd
No insurance is required. If glasses are prescribed, they will be mailed to your home free of cost.
Please look in your Friday folders for a consent form that must be filled out and returned to school in order for your student to receive an eye exam and glasses
Watch the following video for more details:Eye Love Care "No Vision Left Behind" Program
Free Vision Exam
Please see this flyer: English/Spanish for FREE vision exams for both adults and children.
No appointments needed
When: Saturday, February 24th.
When: First come, first serve from 10:00am-2:00pm
Where: 9801 E Colfax Avenue, Suite 200 Aurora, CO 80010
Conjunctivitis, or “pink eye”
Per new Colorado state recommendations, schools do not exclude students with pink eye unless there are fevers or behavior changes
Most pink eye is caused by a virus and not bacteria
Pink eye will typically clear up within 1-2 days without medicine
See a doctor if swelling is present or fevers greater than 100.4
The bacteria that causes pink eye is found throughout our entire body. When an excessive amount of virus or bacteria builds up around our eyes, this is when it can cause symptoms such as: drainage, watering, pink or redness.
Please encourage frequent hand washing with soap and water at home for at least 20 seconds in order to prevent the spread of illness
Heart Challenge Fundraiser: Update
We have reached 43% of our fundraising goal with the American Heart Association.
Register at for a chance for your student to be entered in an Avocado Plush Warmer drawing: http://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=9733&pg=company&company_id=456692
There are two weeks left to enter if your student wishes to participate
Please reach out with any questions. I am happy to help in any way I can support!
Katie, School Nurse
katherine.mccoy@aurorak12.org
important information
Traffic
We are a small campus with more than 680 students! Safety of our students before and afterschool is a priority. Here is the traffic map that will support you to find the best way to get to school to drop off or pick up your child.
Here is a tip: We begin supervision at 7:25 and we see very little traffic before 7:35. If you come after 7:35 drop off will take a bit more time causing your child to be late. So, plan ahead and come early!
Office Hours:
We are here to serve you and here are some of the things that are important to know:
Office Hours: 7:15-3:00, Monday-Friday
School Hours: (Kinder-5th grade) 7:45-2:15
School Phone: 303-366-9594
Attendance Line: Please report absences using the Talking Points Attendance account
Our main entrance is located on Virginia Court near the flag poles. Identification is required to sign into the school and to pick up students during the school day
Arriving on Campus:
Supervision starts at 7:25. To ensure student safety, please do not bring students to school before 7:25. The first bell rings at 7:43 and students are brought inside at 7:45.
Kindergarten-second grade students go to the primary playground on the north side of the building near the circular car lane.
Third-fifth grade students go to the intermediate playground until the bell rings.
Students who arrive after Teachers have gone inside will need to report to the main office for a late/tardy slip.
Dismissal from School
The bell rings at 2:15 and all students should leave campus by 2:25. Students will be dismissed at the same place where they line up in the morning. Please let your child’s teacher know how they will be dismissed each day.
Cold and Wet Weather
We monitor weather conditions carefully. At this time of year the mornings are much colder. Here’s how we make decisions about whether students have inside recess:
If temps are below 20 degrees (including wind chill)
If it is raining or snowing enough that students would be wet when they come into the building
Our students go outside for recess when the temperature is above 20 degrees. This gives our kids fresh air, which is so good for their health and wellness.
Warm jackets, mittens, hats, snow boots and other cold weather clothing are needed for Colorado weather. If your children need warm clothes, please reach out to Sangita Patel, the Family Engagement Advisor at spatel@aurorak12.org
attendance
Unexcused Absences
Student attendance at school is so important! Recently we’ve noticed students being absent from school without an excuse. We know you care about your child and believe it is very important to give children the best opportunity to learn the skills necessary for success in their future. We know that sometimes students are sick or have a family emergency. When students are out without a reason, their absence is marked UNEXCUSED.
We know you care about your child and believe it is very important to give children the best opportunity to learn the skills necessary for success in their future. Attending school on a regular basis is one way to support your child’s education. We are here to help!
Please text the Attendance Talking Points when your child is absent. If you need the link to the Attendance Talking Points please call the main office 303-366-9594.
Thank you for joining us and working as a team for the success of all of our students.
WEEKLY UPDATES:
April 2 - Specials Family Night (4-6pm)
April 4 - Parent Leadership Celebration! (8-9am)
April 5 - PK to Kindergarten Transition Meeting (11:15)
April 8 - 26 - CMAS (grades 3, 4, 5) begins
Talking Points is an easy way to stay connected. Download the app!
Do we have your current phone number and email address? We don’t want you to miss a thing! Please check in and update your contact information.
At Virginia Court We are Committed to Serve Our Community
Vision: Educate, Prepare, Inspire
Mission: We are inspired to collaboratively grow and refine our educational practices, highlighting critical thinking and creativity in a joyful environment.
Purpose Statement: At Virginia Court, we are committed to cultivating critical thinking and creativity. We believe every child deserves an education that is rigorous, relevant and joyful. We strive to nurture a community of problem-solvers who are resilient and culturally responsive in a global society.
Support for Families
Resources for you:
Community Resources
This time of year, families are looking for resources to support the cold weather and holiday season. Here is a list of information for where families can go to for free resources:
ArapaSOURCE is the County's online map tool for quickly finding the resources you need, closest to you, quickly. Click here to find supports in your area: ArapaSOURCE Resource Finder
Clothing
Medical Assistance - Dental, Vision, Health
Employment and Job Training
Food Assistance
Legal Services
Shelters and Housing Assistance
Substance Abuse
Food for Thought Partnership
We have seen many families reaching out about food needs. We have partnered with Food for Thought, which is linked to the Food Bank of the Rockies. Beginning December 2 and every other week after that, Food for Thought will deliver “Power snack bags” for all students regardless of need.
Food bins will be placed outside of classrooms with Food Bags
Students make take 1 bag, regardless of need
Reach out to Sangita Patel, the Family Engagement Advisor at spatel@aurorak12.org if you have questions.
Tri-County Immunizations: Aurora Office
***By Appointment Only***
15400 E. 14th Place Aurora, CO 80011
Low or no-cost immunizations for uninsured children and adults* CHP+, Medicaid, and Medicare accepted
Private insurance accepted (unable to bill Kaiser and select private insurances) Out of pocket costs vary for nonroutine vaccines Immunization Hotline 303-451-0123 Bring your immunization record with you to every visit
John E's Tire X-Change on Havana donates tires to families in need. He also has a stock of low-cost tires available - all sizes.
262 Havana St.
720-675-5202
Medicaid Updates
Have you heard the news? Families who currently have Medicaid/CHP+ will need to reverify their address with the state of Colorado in order to be renewed and keep their benefits.
Here is how you can help determine if you still qualify:
Make sure your contact information is up to date with the state and Aurora Public Schools
Check your mail for a letter
Complete your renewal form if you get one.
Visit https://medicaid.aurorak12.org/ for more information. You can also call:
Dalia Karr (303) 326-2000 ext. 28539
Liz Ocasio (303) 326-2000 ext. 28537
And, of course, your child’s teacher is also available to you when they are not teaching students.
Virginia Court Elementary continues to partner with various community organizations around us. Here is news from two of our partners:
Aurora Hills Church is almost ready to get our community garden going again this year. It's a small garden, about 16 plots or so. They would love to offer a few families from the school a plot. Weather permitting, we are going to get started on May 6th.
Plots are about 4'x6-8'. Families can choose what to plant.
Plot owners are responsible for weeding and upkeep of their plot. The church will water the garden.
AHC asks that 10% of what is grown is donated back to the community.
Families interested in a plot should call Kerri at the church office number, 303-366-3620 and leave a message. You can also send an email to ahc@aurorahillschruch.org
Liberty Creek Apartments is offering a special rental rate with approved credit: 2 bedroom, 2 bath - with 1 month free! Call 303-695-1493 to speak to a property consultant for more details or go to LibertyCreekApartments.com for more information.
Free Meals for Students
Colorado Food Cluster
We deliver FREE meal kits that include tasty and nutritious meals and snacks, ready to heat and eat at families' doorsteps to serve the needs of thousands of families who are struggling during this current public health crisis.
Any youth 18 years of age or younger is eligible and families can enroll multiple students in each household for which each receives their own kit.
HOW TO REGISTER
Use this link to complete your registration process with Colorado Food Cluster www.coloradofoodcluster.com - available in English and Spanish. It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks from signing up to the delivery of the first meal.
FREE Internet Access
https://sites.google.com/aurorak12.org/edtechtools/aruba
If you do not currently have internet access at home, but live in a Comcast area, you can sign up for 60 days of FREE Internet Essentials service. This is normally available to all qualified households for $9.95/month.
Comcast is also increasing internet speeds for all existing customers who have Internet Essentials.
To sign up, visit www.internetessentials.com. The accessible website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Language. There are also two dedicated phone numbers: 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.
You can read the Comcast Letter here: Comcast Essentials Letter
Check out how to use a mobile hotspot for internet here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9V643h0VKU&feature=youtu.be
Another Free Internet Option: https://sites.google.com/aurorak12.org/edtechtools/aruba
Internet and Community Resources
Parent Playbook
This is a great resource to access all the ways APS is supporting families and students and an opportunity to share your voice in supporting your child's learning experience! Click here to access this resource.