Principal Newsletter // MArch 4th, 2025
Dear Appleton Community…
✌️Get Groovy at the Book Fair, Man!✌️
Hey there, all you cool cats and funky bookworms! It’s time to boogie on down to the Groovy Book Fair—where the pages are turnin’, and the vibes are burnin’! 🔥
Because books are far out, man!
We’ve got books so rad, they’ll knock your platform shoes right off! Whether you’re into mysteries more thrilling than a disco dance-off or adventures wilder than a VW bus road trip, we’ve got something for you!
So dig out your bell bottoms, fluff up that fro, and get ready to browse, boogie, and buy—because this book fair is DY-NO-MITE! 💥
Catch you on the flip side, book lovers! 📖✌️ #StayGroovy
High Caffeine Energy Drinks
We highly recommend avoiding sending the highly caffeinated energy drinks with your child to drink at school. Many of them on the market come with a warning label stating for 18 year olds and up. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that elementary students should not consume caffeinated drinks due to the potential health risks. Even in seemingly healthy individuals without pre-existing heart conditions students are at elevated risk for a caffeine induced cardiac event from these “energy drinks.”
Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) Q & A
Q: When is CMAS?
A: Selected dates between April 7-April 25. Students take 3 tests per week for 2 weeks (each test is 65-90 minutes in length). 5th grade takes an additional 3 sessions of science. Please avoid appointments during these dates.
3rd grade tests - April 7,8,9,15,16,17
4th grade tests - April 7,8,9,15,16,17
5th grade tests - April 7,8,9,15,16,17,22,23,24
Q: How does Appleton approach parent refusals to CMAS testing?
A: First, Appleton highly recommends that students take the test. If you are considering holding your student out and want to make an informed decision, please contact Mr. Hafey. Parents who wish to refuse state testing will be required to fill out the Parent Request for Exemption Form that can be picked up at the Appleton office.
Q: Why test?
#1. CMAS results are the primary instrument used by the state to measure the overall performance of Appleton Elementary School.
#2. The Appleton staff uses CMAS results to shape our professional development and it has a heavy influence on our school goals.
#3. Teachers use CMAS to target specific areas for growing students.
#4. CMAS results have an influence on what classes students are placed in middle school and what electives they are allowed to take.
#5. It is great practice for future tests like: SAT(College acceptance), ASVAB (Military enlistment), & Licensing exams (getting a job) & Hunter Education.
Book Fair Volunteers Needed
Have a ½ hour to spare at lunch time or right after school? Librarian, Sarah Weber can use volunteers Mar. 3-Mar. 12. Contact the office at 254-6400 or Sarah’s email at sarah.weber@d51schools.org
1st Grade Music Program - March 6 at 6:00pm
Come check out all the music these awesome 1st graders have been working on! Please be aware that the South Gym is NOT handicapped accessible. This historical 1938 gym provides the best viewing for audiences because it has a sound system, stage, bleachers, and a large gym for additional seating. We are sorry for any inconvenience. For the 2026-2027 school year we will have electric lifts installed using funds from the recently passed D51 bond issue that will alleviate this dilemma.
Go Bookworms!
Corey Hafey
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
Mar. 3-Mar. 12 - Book Fair
Mar. 6 - 6:00 pm 1st grade musical
Mar. 12 - Last Day of 3rd Quarter
Mar. 13-14 -No School - Planning Day & Teacher Workday
Mar. 17-21 Spring Break
Mar. 24 - Students Return to School