Principal Newsletter // February 10th, 2026
Dear Appleton Community…
The #1 job for parents and guardians leading up to Valentine’s week…
Tell your child you love them!
Kindness is Contagious Week
Next week Appleton is joining the rest of District 51 with Kindness is Contagious Week otherwise known as KIC Week! Each day of the week will be a spirit day. Take a look at the schedule below and help your student join in!
School Ends 2 Days Sooner + Bond Issue Update
Appleton is set to receive over $7 million in construction work this summer including: asbestos abatement, HVAC improvements, fire suppression, a makerspace area in the library, and ADA improvements as part of the continued voter-approved bond work. District leadership is committed to ensuring a smooth and organized transition for staff as construction begins this summer. To provide adequate time for packing, organizing, and relocating materials ahead of this work, the last day of school for students at Appleton has been moved up to Monday, May 18, 2026, two days earlier than originally planned.
Parking Lot Genius = Turn Right Out of the Parking Lot (even if I need to go left)
Several parents have discovered a super easy way to keep the traffic moving and for many to shorten their morning commute. Turning right out of the Appleton parking lot (even if you need to go left) keeps the traffic moving. Then they turn left on 23 ½ Rd (about 100 yards west from school). This leads them to the I-70 frontage road which takes you to either 23 rd to the west or to the roundabouts by Canyon View to the east. Give it a try.
Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) Q & A
Q: When is CMAS?
A: Selected dates between April 6-April 24. Students take 3 tests per week for 2 weeks (each test is 65-90 minutes in length) in math and English Language Arts. 5th grade takes an additional 3 sessions of science. 4th grade takes an additional 1 session of social studies.
Please avoid appointments during these dates.
3rd grade tests - April 6,7,8,14,15,16,
4th grade tests - April 6,7,8,14,21,22,23
5th grade tests - April 6,7,8,14,15,21,22,23
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
Upcoming Dates to Remember
Feb. 9-Feb. 13 - Kindness is Contagious Week (KIC Week)
Feb. 12 - Red Robin Fundraiser
Feb. 13 - Valentine’s Day Parties
Feb. 16 - No School - Presidents’ Day
Feb. 17 - Spell-A-Thon starts
Feb. 19 - PTA Meeting
Feb. 20 - Theatre Project Assemblies
Feb. 23 - 4:10 School Accountability Meeting in the library
Mar. 5 - 6:00pm 1st Grade Music Program
Mar. 11 - Last Day of Third Quarter
Mar. 12 - No School - Elementary Planning Day
Mar. 13 - No School - Teacher Workday
Mar. 16 / Mar. 20 - No School - Spring Break
Mar. 25 - Spell-A-Thon ends
