Virginia Court Elementary
12600 E. Virginia Ct., Aurora, CO 80012
Main Office: (303) 366-9594
Office Hours: 7:15-3:00
Principal: Kim Pippenger
weekly message from principal pippenger
Weekly News:
Friday, November 17, 2023
Dear Virginia Court Families:
As we head into the holiday season, we want to pause and let you know how very grateful we are to our community. Again and again, we reach out to families to ask for your help and you are always there to partner with us. Entrusting us with your child’s education is a great honor for us. Thank you!
We have some news to share - our own “Coach” Caleb will be leaving us at Winter Break. He has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run the summer camp he attended as a child. He’ll be moving back to Minnesota over the new year.
In partnership,
Kim Pippenger
Principal
Grade Level Team Events
This year, grade level teams will create Family Nights specifically to engage and support families with their children in those grade levels.
Here is the Fall schedule:
11/29 - 2nd & 5th Grade Level Family Event (4-6pm) **UPDATED**
12/6 - 1st Grade Family Learning Event (4-6pm) **UPDATED**
Community News
Affordable Health Care
Introducing OmniSalud — a new way to enroll in affordable health insurance. OmniSalud is a new program that provides undocumented Coloradans with a safe way. Contact Liz A. Ocasio at 303-326-2000 ext. 28537 or eaocasio@aurorak12.org for more information.
Attendance Matters!
Daily attendance is so important for your child’s success at school. Thank you for helping them arrive on time each day. Wildcats that attend regularly are more connected and more successful.
Classes are all working toward a pizza party at the end of this quarter. Each class with an average weekly attendance over 92% gets a “slice” of pizza on our charts. When classes have 5 weeks of 92% or higher, they get a class pizza party.
Here’s our Top 5 classes:
1. Rodriguez (Kindergarten)
2. Baxter (Kindergarten)
3. Rosenblum (1st grade)
4. Loyd (3rd grade)
5. Kirkpatrick (5th grade)
From the Dean's Office
Please talk with your children about these ideas. Please remind your children to show kindness to others at school. IF someone is unkind to them, they can get help from ANY adult in our building.
Please remember that 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
The FDA is conducting an ongoing investigation of elevated lead levels in Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches. Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled apple cinnamon fruit pouches. Brands who have currently recalled: WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis-brand Cinnamon applesauce pouches.
Adventure Vision (9333 E Colfax) is scheduling vision exams for Uninsured Children on November 28th-29th. Please call to schedule: 720-598-9633.
Dental Exams and Cleanings are now being offered at two of our School Based Clinics. The cost is covered for exams and dental work on Uninsured Children as well as those on Medicaid. Please call to schedule: 720-777-5601.
Norovirus has continued to cause vomiting and diarrhea in high numbers in our community. We are beginning to see a decline in cases, but please help us control the spread:
Increase frequency of hand washing (20 seconds with soap and water)
Alcohol based hand sanitizer cannot be used in place of hand washing
Increase cleaning and disinfection of common areas (kitchens, bathrooms)
Disinfect carpets, furniture, or toys contaminated with vomit/feces by removing visible debris and then cleaning with hot, soapy water
Wash sheets and bedding more frequently
Please reach out if you have questions or health concerns,
Katie, School Nurse
Phone: 303-366-9594 x24439
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: 303-326-1644 - Please report the reason for absence so that it is excused.
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!
Thank you for joining us and working as a team for the success of all of our students.
WEEKLY UPDATES:
There IS school on Monday and Tuesday next week
11/22-11/24 Thanksgiving Break - No School
11/27 - District In-service Day - No School
11/28 - Students return to school
11/29: 4:00-6:00 2nd & 5th Grade Family Learning Night
11/29 iReady Testing starts
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 Essentials Flyer (2) (1).pdfInternet and Community Resources
RISE Aurora Resource Guide (2).pdfParent 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.