Principal Newsletter // January 7th, 2025

Jan 6

Dear Appleton Community…

HOORAY for 2025!

I am so excited for the New Year! We are excited to have the kids back because we know they are going to grow like crazy and we have the opportunity to help them be successful. Makes me want to shout…”LET’S GO BOOKWORMS!”

Secrets To Student Growth

There’s a research report out there stating that parents report the act of raising their children to be more gratifying than their occupations, hobbies, and other forms of entertainment. The fact is, we love our kids and nothing is more satisfying than seeing them progress.

Well, teachers know a couple secrets about your child’s progress. They know that the 3rd quarter of the school year is where they often see great leaps in student achievement. They also know that kids are motivated by their own growth.

Parents can use these two secrets to encourage even more growth in their children by following these simple steps:

Remind your children of how proud you are of their academic growth. An easy way to do this is to point out where they once were and where they are now. You might show them books they used to struggle reading and now can read easily. Or letters they didn’t recognize but now know the sounds for. You might say, “I am so proud of you! Do you remember when you didn’t know all your letters and their sounds? Now you do!” Tie their recognition of their growth to their effort. Say, “You’ve been reading so much at home. I think that’s why you are growing as a reader.”
Look to the future. “I really think if we keep working hard practicing our reading at home, you will keep making these GREAT improvements!”

Thanks for your commitment to your child’s progress. It’s rewarding for everyone!

Mid Year Conferences Take on New Importance

The Appleton staff made a decision to emphasize mid year parent/teacher conferences this year and dedicate more evenings for these important meetings. Rather than waiting until the last few weeks of school, every student will have a scheduled meeting at the midpoint. Our hope is that the mid year conferences will help us partner together while there are several more school months to impact the growth of our students. Then at the end of year, there will be a shorter version of student led conferences set up to celebrate their growth. Mid-Year conferences will be January 16, 22, & 23. Report cards will be handed out at your child's Parent/Teacher Conference.

Spell-A-Thon Incentives

Students who earned $100 or more will get to choose prizes soon after our return from break!

Students who earn $250 or more will receive a pizza party with Mr. Hafey on January 23!

Prepare to Go Outside

Please bundle your children in layers and with proper hands, feet, and head gear. We do have a coat and hat closet for students, but please plan for a cold week. Typically, when the wind chill is 10 degrees or below, we have indoor recess. The school district leaves this decision up to each school’s individual principal and at times the temperature at one location in the valley is different from another’s. I have found that if kids are dressed appropriately, they will enjoy our Colorado winters. However, safety will continue to be our biggest concern.

Go Bookworms!

Corey Hafey -

Principal, Appleton Elementary School