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American Academy News
New Family Information Evening
We are hosting an Information Meeting and Tour for new families only on March 16 at 5:30 pm in the American Academy Cafeteria. Please join us for an evening of learning all about American Academy. I will be presenting the mission of the school as well as policies and procedures that you will need to know. You will have an opportunity to ask questions, meet some of our wonderful teachers, and tour our facility. This is your chance to learn all things AA! Please RSVP to Suzanne Hanks, our Registrar.
Parent University Presents Cybersafety
Thanks to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, AA parents can look forward to a better understanding of cybersafety and the threat of cyberbullying through Y.E.S.S. (Youth Education and Safety in Schools). Please join us at Parent University this coming Thursday, March 11,  as DCSO Deputy Wagner and our own Laurie Neil present this important topic.
Deputy Wagner was a teacher before joining the sheriff's office (and Ms. Neil was a police office before she became a teacher!), and brings an important perspective to internet safety and the law. If time permits (and Mr. Smith is feeling better), we will also be briefly discussing the AA Consequence Matrix and the AA Leadership Awards program. Hope to see everyone there!!
We're on TV! We're on TV!
Two of American Academy’s founders, Erin Kane & Jackie Santos, were recently recognized as 7NEWS Everyday Heros (thanks to a nomination by one of our long-time parents!).  In addition to these gals receiving the much-deserved recognition for their hard work and dedication, the school is getting some nice publicity as well (it’s pretty neat to see our school on television!).  If you weren’t able to catch the report this morning, you’re in luck…it will re-air as follows:
Channel 7 News:
Thursday, March 11 @ 11am
Friday, March 12 @ 4pm
Saturday, March 13 @ 5pm
Sunday, March 14 @ 7am
Middle School Girls Soccer
American Academy will be offering girls soccer this spring for AA Middle School (Grade 6-8) girls. Practice will begin next Tuesday, March 16, and will run 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays until mid-May. The participation fee is $100 per student. Please download and complete the athletic policy and forms from the AA Physical Education page of the website. Contact Mr. Bishop if you are interested or if you have any questions.
CISV Looking for Participants
Does your child have the travel bug? Check out the CISV International Summer Village program! This summer the program is in Oslo, Norway, from July 2 to July 29, 2010. Students must be turn 11 sometime between June1 and August 31 to qualify. Norway has one of the strongest CISV chapters in the world, so if you think that you and your child might be interested in a Village experience, please contact Madeline Collison directly at m_collison@comcast.net or 303-832-6227 to find out more. 
Dr. David Katz to Speak on Healthly Food
Douglas County is hosting Dr. David Katz this Wednesday, March 10th at 7:00 pm when he speaks at Rock Canyon High School. Dr. Katz has appeared on Oprah and Good Morning America as well as written many articles for TIME, Newsweek, Men’s Health, Shape and Prevention Magazine. He is a huge advocate for helping kids and parents to make healthy food choices.
Check out the flyer for more detailed information on Dr. Katz and his presentation!
Dennis and Scrips Get Together
Are your kid’s pants too short? Are their white shirts not looking so white anymore? Or do they just need a few new items for Spring? March is the time to buy!
March is Double Punch Month at Dennis Uniforms and that means you can earn two stamps for every $10 purchase on your Dennis Advantage Card! When you shop at Dennis, plan ahead and purchase Dennis gift cards through the American Academy Scrip program. You can buy the items you need, and Dennis will pay our school 5% of your total Scrip gift card purchase.
It’s a win-win for you and the school, and there are no incremental dollars out of your pocket, just a little pre-planning to order Scrip cards before you shop.
Just think: if every AA family used Scrip to purchase their DENNIS uniforms, we could help make a difference to our teachers and ultimately to our children with the extra funds!
Dennis Gift Cards can be purchased at the AA front desk, or you can fill out this form and give your orders to the Scrip team during Thursday afternoon carpools. Please help AA by using SCRIP for your purchases
Spring Gala Tickets Now On Sale
You've saved the date (Friday, April 16, 2010) and now it's time to buy the tickets! That's right. It's officially almost spring because the American Academy PTO Spring Gala Tickets are ON SALE! Please download the order form for ticket purchase and turn it in to the front office. Tickets are $50.00 per individual and $95.00 per couple.
The Gala theme this year will be "Where the Wild Things Are", and it will be held, fittingly, at the Wildlife Experience in Lone Tree at 6:00 pm. It's a very important evening for fundraising at American Academy and we encourage everyone who can to consider attending and supporting our school!
Though the exact schedule for the evening has not yet been set, in past years, the Gala has begun with the Silent Auction, where table after table is laid out with displays of donated goods and services. And every year, among the jewelry, the spa services, the golf games and the baseball packages, are wonderful class and student projects that parents race to claim! Everyone dresses up and has a fancy drink or two, and socializes with the other parents buzzing around the tables adding their names to the list of the silent auctions.
At the end of the silent auction, there is usually a friendly race to the finish which can result in pretty funny moments! Dinner is served, and then a brief presentation of some sort is held during the meal. This year, there is talk about a "Dancing with the Stars/American Academy Staff" competition for your entertainment as well!
The evening finishes up with a Live Auction. There are usually a number a highly desirable items up for grabs, but the most popular is the group of VIP parking spots (there are 4 spots--get 'em while they're hot!). It's quite the competition and the stakes are high! All in all, it's a great deal of fun and a wonderful way for parents and teachers to socialize with each other.
So buy your tickets now, and save yourself (and a friend) a spot at the table on April 6!
Student Council Fundraisers
The Student Council will be doing two special fundraisers in the upcoming months, and the following are the general rules/regulations/head’s up for you all! Dates included. See below
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PENNY WARS
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Participation: All classrooms, Grades 3-8

Date: April 5 – 16

Goal: Win the highest total dollar amount for a class ice cream party

General Rules:
- All classrooms will be given a jar by the Student Council for donated pennies.
- Pennies ADD to the jar total by $0.01.
- Silver coins and dollar bills SUBTRACT from the jar total based on their $ value. For example, if you have a nickel in your jar of pennies, $0.05 will be subtracted from your jar’s penny total.
- Classes are allowed to sabotage other classroom jar totals (and indeed encouraged to do so, cuz it makes it more fun and increases the donation totals overall) by adding silver coins and dollar bills to other classes’ jars!
- Sabotage is ONLY ALLOWED between classes, or before or after school. No sabotage will be allowed to disrupt instruction at any time.
-- After classroom jars are individually totaled and the contest winner determined, the contents of all the jars will go to the Student Council fund.
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PAID DRESS OF CHOICE DAY
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Participation: All classrooms, all grades

Date: March 12 (sign up on March 10 & 11)

Goal: The more you sign up to donate to Student Council on March 10 & 11, the more Dress of Choice Items students can wear on March 12

General Rules:
- Students will be able to “purchase” Dress of Choice Items to be worn one day only, on March 12.
  o Shirt/Pants/Sweatshirt/Skirt/Jumper = $1.00 per item
  o Non-Uniform Shoes (socks are still required) = $1.00 per pair
  o Accessories such as belts and hair bands or barrettes = $1.00 for any and all
- “Purchases” must be made from the Student Council representatives before school at the Student Council table at the Student Entrance on either March 10 or March 11.
- When they make their “purchase,” students will be given a “receipt” to show how many Dress of Choice items they have bought for March 12.
- Students will be required to show that “receipt” at the Student Council table on the morning of March 12 on their way into school as proof of “purchase.”
- Mr. Smith will be chaperoning the Student Council tables on the 10th, 11th, and 12th to be sure compliance with the spirit of the event.
Questions?? Email Audra Chapleski and she’ll set you straight!

Budget Meetings (Again!)
Thanks so much to everyone who attended budget meetings during Parent/Teacher Conferences! About 100 more parents now have a comprehensive understanding of the budget cuts hitting K-12 education and what that means for American Academy and your kids. If you missed all of the sessions so far, but still would like to attend a meeting, please email Trish Cummings to let her know the times/days that work for you. Mrs. Kane would be happy to schedule more meetings in the hopes of reaching 100 more parents–the information is THAT important!
Safety at AA
The shooting that occurred last week in Jefferson County was enough to strike fear into any parent’s heart and get us all thinking much more carefully about school security. As you may or may not be aware, no one is allowed in our building without going through our visitor management system. We scan the driver’s license of all visitors and the system does a cross reference with the Colorado Sex Offenders list. In addition, when we notice someone loitering outside of our building (due to our remote location, we do not have pedestrians just passing by), we send someone out to see if we can help them.
Finally, we have internal procedures in place to handle a variety of emergency situations. The school has practiced different scenarios related to security and we continue to practice throughout the year. And as always, if you have any questions or concerns about safety, please feel free to contact the school for more information.
AA's New Online Magazine
We are thrilled and proud to announce the inaugural edition of The Vista View, an online magazine dedicated to AA students that's chock full of AA info and creative student work. The magazine is created and written by AA kids themselves (along with some editing and guidance from our own Mr. Smith, Ms. Teeple, Mrs. Daley, and Mrs. Pieseski)! There will be three editions of the magazine each school year; the next edition will release in April. Check it out!
DCSD French Camp
Click here to read about a wonderful day camp experience for elementary students, grades 1-4, interested in experiencing a taste of the French language. The day camp will be held at Chaparral High School on March 6 and promises to be a lot of fun! Please read the flyer for cost and registration information from DCSD.
Colorado Mammoth Community Night
Join the Douglas County Educational Foundation for an exciting game of Colorado Mammoth Lacrosse Saturday, March 13, 7:00 pm! The Mammoth will be playing the Edmonton Rush. And as a special incentive, the Colorado Mammoth and Douglas County Educational Foundation will be donating $2.00 of each ticket sold directly to American Academy!
Tickets (must be ordered online) will be $9.00 each and are for seats in the Upper Corner Balcony of the Pepsi Center. Check out the flyer for more details or contact Christina Hengst at 303-405-1688 or chengst@pepsicenter.com with questions. The top selling school will get to watch private pre-game warm ups and meet a Colorado Mammoth player in the Elite Lounge!
Call for Volunteers
The school desperately needs volunteers! Please go online and sign up to help in the lunchroom, on the playground or during carpool if you can! Both opportunities are a great way to see your kids in action with their school friends, and the kids LOVE it when their parents come to school!
The PTO is also looking for your help. They need volunteers for the Skate City event on Thursday, March 4 and for the upcoming Art Show (Date TBD). Sue Western, PTO Vice President, would like to invite anyone interested in volunteering for social events to meet at Dazbog on Monday, March 15 right after car pool. If you would like to help out or plan on attending this meeting, please email Sue.
March Restaurant Night
Come join other American Academy families for dinner at Pasquini’s on March 10 from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.  Twenty percent of the proceeds go right back to American Academy!
So grab your family for a fun night out or stop by Pasquini’s and grab some food to go. Pasquini’s is located in Denver and Lone Tree (right next to Sam’s Club off of C-470 and Quebec). Don’t forget to let your server know you are with American Academy. We hope to see you there!
Rev Foods Nutrition Info Update
Foods publishes carbohydrates and contents information for its menus. If your student has a food concern and orders from Rev Foods, please be sure to refer to these documents before ordering!
King Soopers Scrip gift cards for groceries AND gas!
You already use it to purchase your groceries, but did you know that your reloadable King Soopers scrip card can also be used at the pump every time you fill up at King Soopers gas stations? It's fast, it's easy, it works at all King Soopers locations where gas is offered, and it helps raise money for our kids. Furthermore, you can use your mileage or reward credit cards to reload money onto your AA King Soopers card at the King Soopers customer service desk and the school gets 5% while you get your reward points. 
You can now purchase the King Soopers gift cards at the American Academy front desk, to make it super convenient for you.  The front desk also stocks a variety of other scrip gift cards.  Check out the Dennis Uniforms gift cards, Safeway gift cards, coffee cards, and a myriad of other cards. And of course, you can also order scrip gift cards on a weekly basis through the Scrip Team. We are there to take your orders every Thursday afternoon during carpool (just hand in this order form).
You can also ensure a steady supply of gift cards through our automatic scrip program. It doesn't cost you any additional money to participate and American Academy makes a percentage off all your purchases! It's a win-win for everyone!
Douglas County Solo and Ensemble Festival
It's time again to announce the Douglas County Solo and Ensemble Festival. This year's festival will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at Thunder Ridge High School in Highlands Ranch.  Deadline to register is February 28, 2010.
This festival is an excellent opportunity for students to perform quality solo and ensemble works on chosen instruments and voice (piano competition is not included).  Students will perform for professional musicians as judges, and receive constructive feedback. Only students serious about performing quality solos and ensembles should participate.  For more information and to register ($35 fee), please contact Mr. Middlebrooks.
Quick Clicks
2009-2010 School Calendar
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Pizza Tuesdays Form
AA Parent Teacher Organization
Enter AA Volunteer Hours
Parent Portal
Kids Links
Homework Help
Event Calendar
Mar 8
PTO Meeting (7pm AA Cafeteria)
Mar 8 - 19
Kindergarten STEM: Mechanical Engineering
March 9
3rd Grade STEM Field Trip: WINGS Museum
Mar 9
K-1 Spanish, 3:40pm - 4:30pm
Mar 9
Mr. Grebe's Math Tutoring Club, 4-5 pm
Mar 11
Mr. Grebe's Math Tutoring Club, 4-5 pm
Mar 12
Friday After-Carpool Coffee @ Daz Bog
Mar 13
Douglas County Solo and Ensemble Festival
Mar 16
Mr. Grebe's Math Tutoring Club, 4-5 pm
Mar 16
K-1 Spanish, 3:40pm - 4:30pm
Mar 18
BOD Meeting, 7:30 pm (agenda)
Mar 19
Dress of Choice
Mar 18
Mr. Grebe's Math Tutoring Club, 4-5 pm
Mar 19
Used Uniform Afternoon Carpool Drop Off
Mar 19
End of Second Trimester
Mar 19
Friday After-Carpool Coffee @ Daz Bog
Mar 22
Colorado Ski Academy (Creative Student Adventures Day Trip-Choose from List) (List)
Mar 22-26
Spring Break (no school)
Mar 23
K-1 Spanish, 3:40pm - 4:30pm
Mar 23
Mr. Grebe's Math Tutoring Club, 4-5 pm
Mar 25
Mr. Grebe's Math Tutoring Club, 4-5 pm
Mar 26
Friday After-Carpool Coffee @ Daz Bog
Mar 29 - Apr 2
7th Grade STEM: Robotics
Mar 29 - Apr 9
8th Grade STEM: Rocketry
Mar 29 - April 2
5th Grade STEM: Rocketry
Mar 30
Mr. Grebe's Math Tutoring Club, 4-5 pm
Mar 30
K-1 Spanish, 3:40pm - 4:30pm
Apr 1
Mr. Grebe's Math Tutoring Club, 4-5 pm
Apr 2
Friday After-Carpool Coffee @ Daz Bog
Apr 4
SAC Meeting - Conference Room @ 4:30
Apr 6
K-1 Spanish, 3:40pm - 4:30pm
Apr 6
Mr. Grebe's Math Tutoring Club, 4-5 pm
Apr 8
Mr. Grebe's Math Tutoring Club, 4-5 pm
Apr 20
Mr. Grebe's Math Tutoring Club, 4-5 pm
Apr 9
Friday After-Carpool Coffee @ Daz Bog
Apr 12
PTO Meeting (7pm AA Cafeteria)
Apr 12 - 23
4th Grade STEM: Geotechnical Engineering
Apr 12 - 30
6th Grade STEM: Challenger Learning Center: Operation Montserrat eMission
Apr 13
K-1 Spanish, 3:40pm - 4:30pm
Apr 13
Mr. Grebe's Math Tutoring Club, 4-5 pm
Apr 15
Mr. Grebe's Math Tutoring Club, 4-5 pm
Apr 15
BOD Meeting, 7:30 pm (agenda)
Apr 16
Spring Gala, 6pm, The Wildlife Experience
Apr 16
Friday After-Carpool Coffee @ Daz Bog
Apr 19 - 30
7th Grade STEM: Save the Biosphere: “Biopshere 3”
Apr 20
K-1 Spanish, 3:40pm - 4:30pm
Apr 22
Mr. Grebe's Math Tutoring Club, 4-5 pm
Apr 23
Friday After-Carpool Coffee @ Daz Bog
Apr 26 - 30
8th Grade STEM: Computer Aided Design: Google Sketch-Up
Apr 26 - May 7
5th Grade STEM: Packaging
Apr 26 - May 7
2nd Grade STEM: Agricultural Engineering
Apr 27
Mr. Grebe's Math Tutoring Club, 4-5 pm
Apr 29
Mr. Grebe's Math Tutoring Club, 4-5 pm
April 29
6th Grade STEM: e-Mission "Operation Monserrat"
April 30
6th Grade STEM: e-Mission "Operation Monserrat"
Apr 30
Friday After-Carpool Coffee @ Daz Bog
Apr 30
Used Uniform Afternoon Carpool Drop Off
Apr 30
Dress of Choice
May 1
Big Tent Used Uniform On-Line Sale Ends
May 3
SAC Meeting - Conference Room @ 4:30
May 4
Mr. Grebe's Math Tutoring Club, 4-5 pm
May 6
Mr. Grebe's Math Tutoring Club, 4-5 pm
May 7
Friday After-Carpool Coffee @ Daz Bog
May 7
2nd Grade STEM Field Trip: Miller Farms
May 10
PTO Meeting (7pm AA Cafeteria)
May 10 - 21
3rd Grade STEM: Acoustical Engineering
May 14
Friday After-Carpool Coffee @ Daz Bog
May 16 - 22
6th Grade STEM: Crow Canyon Archaeological Center Crow Canyon Archaeological Center Website
May 17 - 21
Kindergarten STEM: Ecology
May 20
BOD Meeting, 7:30 pm (agenda)
May 21
Dress of Choice
May 21
Used Uniform Afternoon Carpool Drop Off
May 21
Friday After-Carpool Coffee @ Daz Bog
May 28
Friday After-Carpool Coffee @ Daz Bog
May 28
Field Day!
May 31
Memorial Day (no school)
Jun 2 - 3
1st Grade STEM: Global Positioning System
Jun 4
Last Day of School
June 4
Rain Day for Field Day
Jun 14
PTO Meeting (7pm AA Cafeteria)
Jun 17
BOD Meeting, 7:30 pm (agenda)
Jul 15
BOD Meeting, 7:30 pm (agenda)
Jul 30
BOD Meeting, 7:30 pm (agenda)
July 31
AA Gently Used Uniform Sale - school cafeteria