Principal Newsletter // December 8th, 2025

Dec 8

Dear Appleton Community…

Appleton Receives Highest Accreditation Rating From Department of Education!

The Appleton community has a lot to be proud of. The hard work and dedication of students, staff, and families has led to our school once again receiving the highest school rating “Performance Plan” by the State Department of Education. Tuesday, December 16th at the Board of Education meeting, Appleton staff members will accept the award on behalf of our hardworking students, staff, and families. It is our 16th consecutive performance rating. Go Bookworms!

Grocery Cards for Needy Families

A note from Kate McPhail -Appleton Counselor

Dear Appleton Families,

Thanksgiving and Christmas time can be a hard time for many families in our school. Students who normally get lunch and breakfast at school are now home for the holidays and it can be a stretch for families to provide food for their children. Would you like to donate a gift card to a grocery store? We will give gift cards to our families in need just drop them by the Appleton office.

Thank you for your generosity!

LAST DAY OF CANNED FOOD DRIVE IS DECEMBER 10th.

Remember, Burton Orthodontics will reward the school with the most items collected with $1,000. $300 will go to the 2nd and 3rd place schools. The food drive ends December 10.

Hour of Code-Dec. 8-12

What is Hour of Code? . Hour of Code is an introduction to computer science, using fun tutorials to show that anybody can learn the basics. This grassroots campaign is supported by over 200,000 educators worldwide. Stop in to see your child participate in The Hour of Code with our wonderful computer teacher, Camille Chapman. Check out the information link here; Hour of Code

Ornament Night - Tuesday, December 9 5pm-6:30pm

Want a fun night with your kids to get in the festive mood? Then come to Appleton’s Ornament Night. Angelo’s will be at Appleton in the old auditorium from 5-6:30pm on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Each ornament costs $11 and will be fired and returned to you before the holidays. Look for information in Tuesday folders.

Thank You for Your Generosity Joe Kuta and Remax

A big thank you to the Hammond family, the Nelson family, and Joe Kuta/Remax for your generous gift of gift cards which will support several Appleton families this holiday season. Thank you!

Looking to purchase some new furniture for the holidays?

At American Furniture Warehouse, you can purchase anytime of the year to support our school… BUT, COMING SOON, YOU ARE INVITED TO SHOP AT AFW’s STORE RALLY, Fri., Dec. 5 – Sun., Dec. 14 HELP US MAXIMIZE OUR NEXT ANNUAL DONATION that we’ll receive soon afterwards. Purchases during the Store Rally earn a chance to win a $500 Gift Card.

Go Bookworms!

Corey Hafey

“Expect Excellence!”

Appleton Elementary School

2358 H Road Grand Junction, CO 81505

Phone (970) 254-6400 Fax (970) 243-6604

Corey Hafey - Principal

Todd Witzel - Assistant Principal

Lisa McClelland / Angie Wallace - Secretary