Principal Newsletter // January 28th, 2025

Jan 27

Dear Appleton Community…

Freestyle Rapper Teaches Appleton Kids Important Lessons

Appleton is well known for its pumped up assemblies and last week’s assembly was no different. Local and internet sensation Tony Vasquez, wowed our kids with his lyrical and sensational freestyle rapping ability while passing on the values of hard work and a love for literacy. Tony, whose stage name is T-O-N-Y, selected several students in the audience to pick a word (the more unique the better). The students wrote their words on paper and with only a moment to prepare, Tony blended their words into a coherent and meaningful rap with the backdrop of a beat playing over Appleton’s Grand Junction Lions Club donated sound system. Tony took words like: diesel, waterfall, window, Appleton, Bookworms, flower, detention, Colorado, Hogwarts, and Buffaloes and turned it into a rhyming story set to music. Tony talked to the students about his journey to learn vocabulary, even reading for 15 minutes from the dictionary every night before bed as a kid.

Tony’s lessons about perseverance and practice resonated with our students and even Mr. Witzel and I gave it a try. The difference between Tony’s practiced skill level and our weak efforts was really evident (and comical). We want to thank Tony and believe it is experiences like his visit that helps strengthen the lessons our staff try to teach every day.

Not A Rap Star,

Mr. Hafey

Hat Day Generosity

Our school recently partnered with Pomona Elementary to raise money for the teachers and students whose schools have been lost in the California wildfires. Students were asked to bring in a dollar (or whatever they could spare) and wear a fun hat while feeling good about helping others! Appleton and Pomona combined to make $1,235! All money will go to SupplyBank.org which has partnered with the LA Department of Education to supply relief funds to teachers and students whose schools have been lost in the wildfires. Thank You!

White Iced Tickets on Sale Now

The year’s best party is right around the corner! Buy your tickets to the White Iced Party, where outstanding educators and schools are recognized, and money raised goes to supporting our students! Excellent silent auction, music, desserts, and dancing.

The White Iced Celebration for the D51 Foundation is Saturday, Feb. 3 at the CMU Ballroom. Check out the link to this D51 Foundation sponsored event to purchase tickets and find out more about this white-attire affair. https://d51foundation.org/white-iced-celebration/