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1955 South Telluride Street
Aurora, Colorado 80013
303-750-2836
Attendance Line: 303-326-1654
Edward Snyder, Principal
e-mail:
[email protected]
Mrachek Web Site: http://www.aps.k12.co.us/mrachek
Mrachek Middle School will provide a safe and positive learning environment in which all
students will learn the necessary skills to enter high school and graduate with the choice
to go to college without remediation
Dear Parents and Mrachek Community,
It is hard to believe we are in the fourth quarter and the end of
our school year is rapidly approaching. We have been on a
journey to accelerate the learning of every Mrachek Middle
School student every day. As we finish this school year we
continue to provide rigorous instruction aligned to Colorado
and Common Core Academic Standards. Our seventh and
eighth grade students will have the opportunity to resume the
Colorado CMASS Assessment from April 13th thru May 1st.
Seventh grade students will take an assessment in social studies and our eighth grade students will be assessed in science.
In addition all students will take part two of the literacy and
math CMASS Assessment during April 27th thru May 22nd.
Our Unified Improvement Plan is in place and we will use
that as our guide as we continue to plan for the best rigorous instruction possible to offer all students. All students will
continue to be offered a choice in the type of text and reading
level to challenge each student in independent reading, as
well as being offered a variety of genre to choose from as
they grow as writers. Our math students continue to make
gains with regard to assessment data to determine how they
are developing their math understandings compared to the
standards. Students have been exposed to inquiry-based
instruction in science, and are developing science notebooks
in all science classes to record their progress and journal their
conceptual understandings. Students will continue to have a
variety of choices for exploratory classes to strengthen their
learning in other areas of interest.
Our PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Support) implementation of VALOR coupled with our Equity in Learning imple-
mentation continues to be the basis for improving the learning
environment and climate at Mrachek. Students and teachers will continue to be provided training and opportunity to
develop a skill set in repairing broken relationships, (restorative
justice practices) and restoring those relationships to minimize
the amount of time taken away from learning
During the summer months we have many exciting things taking
place at Mrachek. First, we will continue the school year for
100 students as we continue the Fifth Block Program that will
run from May 26 through June 25, 2015. We are excited to
offer this opportunity to students who may not have access
to additional intervention strategies and programs during the
regular school year. In addition we will offer our COMPASS
After-School Program to an additional 96 students during the
same duration as 5th block. We will have a new cafeteria
space built inside the building by re-purposing the current artroom and old wood shop space that will be completed by the
first day of the 2015-2016 school year.
I want to thank you for your support and continued partnership as we begin another journey to accelerate the learning of
every student every day and increase student achievement at
Mrachek Middle School.
Best Regards,
Ed Snyder
April 2015
Calendar
March 12
March 13
March 18
March 19
March 20
March 23- 27
April 2
April 10
April 15
April 29
Marzo 12
Marzo 13
Spring Choir Concert, 6:30 pm
3rd Quarter Ends
NO CLASSES – Teacher Workday
Skate City Night, 6-10 pm
6th Grade VALOR Assembly, 3:15 pm
PBiS Event, 4:00 – 5:45 pm
7th Grade VALOR Assembly, 3:15 pm
8th Grade VALOR Assembly, 3:15 pm
Spring Break
8th Grade Panoramic & Group Pictures
Cultural & Learning Fair, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Parent Coffee/PTSAO Meeting, 9:30 am
Parent/Teacher Conferences,
4:30–8:15 pm
PBiS Event, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Concierto de Primavera, 6:30 pm
Termina 3er Cuartó del año
NO HAY CLASES- Día de Trabajo para
Maestros
Noche de Patinar/Skate City 6-10 pm
Marzo 18
Asamblea de VALOR, 6to grado, 3:15pm
Evento de PBIS, 4:00-5:45pm
Marzo 19
Asamblea de VALOR, 7mo grado, 3:15pm
Marzo 20
Asamblea de VALOR, 8vo grado, 3:15pm
Marzo 23- 27 Receso de Primavera
Abril 2
Fotos panorámicas, del 8vo grado en grupo
Feria Cultural y de Aprendizaje,
6:30 -8:00 pm
Abril 10
Reunión y Café para Padres/PTSAO,
9:30 am
Abril 15
Conferencias de Padres y Maestros,
4:30-8:15 pm
Abril 29
Evento de PBIS, 4:00-5:30pm
Coming Soon: APS Online
Registration
APS Centralized Admissions is introducing an online registration process that will shorten the time it takes to register students in Aurora Public Schools. Beginning April 17, parents
and guardians will have access to online registration forms
that they can complete on any computer. The online forms
will be available in English and Spanish. After parents complete and print the online forms, they will go to the Centralized
Admissions Office to verify their identification and address
information. Centralized Admissions can also print the forms
if a parent has the confirmation number received during the
online registration process.
The online registration link will be posted on the APS website at admissions.aurorak12.org beginning April 17. Registration for the 2015-16 school year runs from April 8 to May 29
to allow time for parents to complete the enrollment process
prior to schools going on summer break. Parents can continue
to register their children at the Centralized Admissions office
after May 29, although they may need to wait until the end of
July to complete the enrollment process at schools.
The APS Centralized Admissions Office is located at 1075
Peoria Street and is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.
– 4:00 p.m. If you have questions, please call Centralized
Admissions at 303-326-2200.
Próximamente: Formularios
de inscripción de APS en
línea
La Oficina Central de Admisiones de las Escuelas Públicas
de Aurora está introduciendo un proceso de inscripción en
línea, el cual reducirá el tiempo necesario para inscribir a
estudiantes en APS. Comenzando el 17 de abril, los padres
y tutores tendrán acceso a los formularios de inscripción en
línea que podrán rellenar en cualquier computadora. Los formularios en línea estarán disponibles en inglés y español.
Después de que los padres hayan completado e imprimido los
formularios en línea, irán a la Oficina Central de Admisiones
para verificar su identificación y su información de domicilio.
La Oficina Central de Admisiones también puede imprimir los
formularios si el padre/tutor tiene el número de confirmación
que se proporciona durante el proceso de inscripción en
línea.
El enlace para la registración en línea estará disponible
comenzando el 17 de abril en el sitio web de APS en admissions.aurorak12.org. Las inscripciones para el año escolar
2015-16 son del 8 de Abril al 29 de mayo para permitirles
a los padres tiempo de completar el proceso de inscripción
continued on next page *
antes de que los estudiantes salgan al receso de verano. Los padres pueden seguir inscribiendo a sus hijos en la Oficina Central
de Admisiones después del 29 de mayo, aunque es posible que se tengan que esperar hasta fines de julio para completar el
proceso de inscripción en las escuelas.
La Oficina Central de Admisiones de APS está ubicada en el 1075 Peoria Street y está abierta de lunes a viernes de 7:30 am
– 4:00 pm. Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor llame a la Oficina Central de Admisiones al 303-326-2200.
Fifth Block Offered May
2015
Aurora Public Schools offers a voluntary Fifth Block of Instruction for students who have shown academic growth during
the school year and who could benefit most from additional
learning time in math and literacy. Priority is given to students
who are not proficient in both literacy and math, both unsatisfactory and partially proficient.
Invitations will be offered to incoming second through incoming tenth graders who are not yet proficient but demonstrate
evidence of growth. Fifth Block also includes incoming fourth
graders who are low proficient in reading and incoming sixth,
seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth graders who are low proficient
in math. Students must have had continuous enrollment in APS
for at least one year (March to March) consistent attendance
and overall good behavior.
Fifth Block is provided to students at no additional cost to parents. Students are generally taught in their own schools using
district curriculum. Class size is set at a 25 to 1 ratio.
The regular school year runs from August 5, 2014 – May 20,
2015. The Fifth Block of Instruction will be offered from May
26, 2015 to June 26, 2015 for the 2014-15 school year.
School staff will notify parents of eligible students from March
3, 2015 to April 3, 2015, and parents must return signed contracts to accept participation of their child in Fifth Block no
later than April 10, 2015.
Transportation, breakfast/lunch and nursing services will be
available to students. There will be no need to reapply for free
or reduced lunch.
For more information about Fifth Block of Instruction, please
visit fifthblock.aurorak12.org.
La Quinta Sesión de
Instrucción (Fifth Block)
empieza en mayo de 2015
Las Escuelas Públicas de Aurora ofrecen una Quinta Sesión
de Instrucción voluntaria para los estudiantes que han demostrado un crecimiento académico durante el año escolar
y que podrían beneficiarse de tiempo adicional de aprendizaje en matemáticas y alfabetización. Se da prioridad a
los estudiantes que no son proficientes en ambas materias de
alfabetización y matemáticas, ya sea que tengan un nivel de
progreso insatisfactorio y parcialmente competente.
Las invitaciones serán ofrecidas a estudiantes entrando desde
el segundo al décimo grado que todavía no son proficientes
pero demuestran evidencia de crecimiento. La Quinta Sesión
también incluye estudiantes entrando al cuarto grado que
están bajos en el dominio de la lectura y a los estudiantes
entrando al sexto, séptimo, octavo, noveno y décimo grado
que están en un nivel bajo de proficiencia en matemáticas.
Los estudiantes deben haber tenido inscripción continua en
APS, por lo menos un año (de marzo a marzo), una asistencia
constante y buen comportamiento.
La Quinta Sesión se proporciona a los estudiantes sin costo
adicional para los padres. Generalmente, se les enseña a los
estudiantes en sus propias escuelas utilizando el plan de estudios del distrito. El tamaño de la clase se encuentra en una
proporción de 25 a 1.
El año escolar regular es del 5 de agosto de 2014 hasta el
20 de mayo de 2015. La Quinta Sesión de Instrucción se ofrecerá desde el 26 de mayo de 2015 hasta el 26 de junio de
2015 para el año escolar 2014-15.
El personal escolar notificará a los padres de los estudiantes
elegibles empezando el 3 de marzo de 2015 al 3 de abril
de 2015, y los padres deben devolver los contratos firmados
para aceptar la participación de su hijo en la Quinta Sesión
a más tardar el 10 de abril de 2015.
Habrá servicios de transporte, desayuno/almuerzo y de
enfermería disponibles para los estudiantes. No habrá necesidad de volver a aplicar para el almuerzo gratuito o a precio
reducido.
Para obtener más información acerca de la Quinta Sesión de
Instrucción, por favor visite fifthblock.aurorak12.org.
Do you have a NEW PHONE
NUMBER and/or a CHANGE
OF ADDRESS?
Note from Garrett
Washington, Dean of
Students
It is important to notify the school anytime you have a phone
number change so we have current information in case of
an emergency at the school. If you have a new number, contact Christine Jensen, Registrar/Records Clerk at cajensen@
aps.k12.co.us or by calling the school, 303-326-2000, ext.
25423. It is NOT necessary for you to go to the central admissions office for phone number changes.
Welcome back to a wintery season. Parents, as we begin
our testing season, please remember to dress your child for
the weather. Hats, gloves and scarfs are acceptable. Parents
of sixth grade students, remember your child does not have
a locker. There are hooks and/or coat racks in each of the
classrooms on the mobile campus. If the temperature is below
what the district has set for inappropriate temperatures, the
students will come inside in the morning before school and
during lunch recess.
If you have a new address you MUST visit the Aurora Public
Schools central admissions office with the proper documentation to complete the address change. For information regarding the hours of the central admissions office, visit the website
at http://admissions.aurorak12.org/ . This website contains
helpful information explaining what documentation is needed
to complete a change of address and provides necessary
forms for changes. Keep in mind that if address changes are
not completed in a timely manner it may affect your child’s
enrollment for the next school year.
Moving?
Is there a move in your near future? If you move and the student will no longer be attending Mrachek it is imperative that
you complete the necessary withdrawal. If you notify us a few
days in advance of the students last day we will send the necessary form home with your son or daughter. If you have any
questions, contact Christine Jensen, Registrar/Records Clerk
at [email protected] or by calling the school, 303-3262000, ext. 25423
Yearbooks
Purchase a Yearbook; it is a great way to remember all your
friends & memories for years to come.
Pick up an order form in the main office. Yearbooks are only
$25.00
See Mrs. Montgomery in the main office to order your 2014
– 2015 Yearbook.
Parents, please refrain from dropping off your child in the
parking lot. The safety of all students is important and driving
through the parking lot in the morning and afternoon place
the safety of your child and other students at risk. If school is
delayed or canceled, the district will make a formal announcement and the information can be found on the district and
school websites, the local news channel and via a telephone
call.
On another note, parents, be mindful of your child’s activity
at home and on the internet. Many students are spending a
lot of time on social media websites. Stay warm and get lots
of rest.
A Note from Ms. Minor
Please encourage your student to establish good habits of
being present and on time to all their classes throughout the
day. Students who are late in the morning or leave early
miss valuable instruction that prepares them for high school.
If you are receiving calls regarding your students attendance
you may call the schools attendance line for additional information or access Parent Portal on the school website. If your
student must miss school please call the attendance line at
303-326-1654. Please give your students first and last name,
your name, relationship to the student and the reason your
student will be out.
You can check your child’s current grades, homework and
attendance in Infinite Campus. You can also find teachers
email addresses and imperative information. If you have not
done so please contact Mrachek at 303-750-2836 and sign
up for Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Aurora Public Schools
now has an app available in iTunes and for android. Download the APS app today and get up to the minute information
on APS, notifications from your student’s schools, access to
Parent Portal, menus, news stories and more.
As always our school website Mrachek.aurorak12.org is a
site that provides school information and much more, explore
some of the articles today!
Counselors Corner
From the Nurse
Mrachek will host a cultural fair from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in April. As one
of the many exciting opportunities, you will have a chance to meet
some of the Community Ambassadors from the Denver Nuggets. The
outstanding group of former players and coaches who will join us that
evening includes: Mark Randal, former player and Assistant/ Player
Development Coach; Walter Davis, over his first ten seasons, Davis
averaged over 20 PPG six times, and earned trips to six NBA All-Star
Games.
From: Tri County Health Department:
The immunization Clinic in Aurora will be undergoing construction from March 17 through the first
week of May. During this time, we will continue to
hold Immunization services. However, we will be
in a temporary space that is much smaller and less
efficient. This will possibly necessitate us to limit the
number of children we can see at each clinic day.
Come and spend some time with these wonderful visitors from our
fabulous Denver Nugget’s organization. Hear what they have to share
about the value of education and its link to success not only in sport,
but in all of life!
Also, for the March Shots for Tots and Teens clinic
(March 14, 2015), our nursing staff will be smaller
than usual. So, again, there may be a need to limit
the number of children we can accommodate.
Individual Career and Academic Plans (ICAPs)
This letter contains important information about Individual Career
and Academic Plans (ICAPs). Every 6th through 12th grade student
in Aurora Public Schools will complete an ICAP. Parents and families
play an important role in helping children plan for and reach their
postsecondary goals.
We plan to do everything possible to make the
impact of these situations as minimal as possible.
What is ICAP? Our district has decided to refocus our attention on
ICAPs. We want to make this plan available to every student beginning
in the 6th grade. ICAP is an individualized plan that may be developed
by students with input from their parents or guardians, in collaboration
with school counselors and educators. The ICAP will help students: •
establish personalized academic and career goals • explore postsecondary career and educational opportunities • align course work and
curriculum • apply to postsecondary institutions • secure financial aid,
and ultimately • enter the workforce or school.
From:
John Douglas, MD
Executive Director
Tri-County Health Department
Why are we writing families now? During this school year, counselors
meet with 6th, 7th and 8th grade students to renew their commitment
to and ownership of their ICAPs. We will explore interests, careers,
colleges, scholarships and more. Many of these activities will be introduced to your student(s) at school, with the guidance of their school
counselor, English, social studies teachers.
How and when will we get started? Students will re-establish their
log-in information on the Naviance website using their school identification number, which is used throughout school so that students will
continue to have access to online tools and resources and so that they
can receive notices from their counselors and teachers. Parents may
also have their own access to the system. We strongly encourage you,
as your child’s primary adult role model, to be part of this process with
your student(s).
What if I have questions? Please do not hesitate to contact your student’s school counselor if you have questions. Additionally, you can
email us or find me us upcoming parent/teacher/student conferences
in April.
Sincerely,
Marie Maccioli
Carol Gianfrancisco
Counselors
Mrachek Middle School
Christie Hage, RN BSN
Tri county Health Department
Nurse Program Coordinator
Our Administration is very concerned about the
risk of measles in our community in light of the current and expanding measles outbreak, which has
already impacted Colorado with one case occurring following an exposure in Disneyland. Measles
is extremely contagious and can cause serious illness including hospitalization, pneumonia, or brain
infection, especially among those persons with
weakened immune systems.
We are requesting that you check your child’s immunizations record to assure your child has received
two doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
vaccine. Vaccination is the only way to protect
yourself from infection. Ninety percent of people
who are not immune to measles and come in contact with a measles case will become sick and then
spread the illness to others.
If you have questions or concerns about the measles
or the MMR vaccine, or you would like the health
department to review your child’s vaccine record in
the Colorado Immunization Information Registry to
see if they have received the vaccine, please contact the Tri-County Health Department Immunization Program at 303-451-0123. Vaccines are also
available at the health department for people who
do not have insurance or whose health insurance
does not cover vaccines, or for families on Medicaid
continued on next page *
and CHP+ Insurance. Information about clinic opportunities, locations, and times is located at http://co.tricountyhealth.civicplus/DocumentCenter/View/46.
From Your School Nurse
I would like to express my gratitude to all of the parents that responded quickly to get their child’s immunizations brought up
to date. Mrachek was 97% compliant when Health Services ran the statistics for the local news. Congratulations! The school
health office continues to be vigilant as new students arrive on campus parents are notified if their student is in need of further
immunizations.
Brenda Cappel RN, BSN, NCSN
School Nurse
Book Fair
Compass
April 13 – 17, 2015
Mark your calendar for our Family Event where the whole
family can join in the fun. For more information visit the website at http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/mrachekknights
Mrachek Middle School
WHEN: April 13 – 17, 2015
WHERE: Teacher’s Lounge
SCHEDULE/OPENING HOURS:
Monday, April 13, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tuesday, April 14, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Wednesday, April 15, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Family Night, 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, April 16, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Friday, April 17, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
PAYMENT METHODS:
• Cash
• Check
• Master Card, VISA, American Express, Discover
Access the Online Fair from: April 6 – 24, 2015 at www.
onlinebookfairs.scholastic.com
• Send wish lists to family and friends
• Browse an expanded book selection – all ages through
adult
• All online orders ship free to the school
Session 3
March 2–May 9 • 4–5:30pm • Homework Club: 5:30–6pm
Monday/Wednesday classes • KidsTek (computer class)
• Chopped (cooking class)
• And the Grammy Goes To… (Reading)
• Mrachek Young Inventors (STEM)
• Soccer
Tuesday/Thursday classes
• Art
• KidsTek (computer class)
• Chopped (cooking class)
• Martial Arts
• Lego Robots (STEM)
• Night at the Oscars (Reading)
Wednesday/Friday
• COMPASS Crew
• Spring Fling Crafting
Tuesday Only
• Drama Club
Wednesday/Friday
• Dance 2 live – Hip Hop all styles
Thursday Only
• Energy Saving Superheroes
Students are required to stay from 4 to 6pm.
Students will work on homework or read a book from 5:30 to
6:00 pm.
Please support the program by reminding students to bring
their homework or a book to read and to attend all classes
until the session is over. Attendance is very important.
If you have any questions please contact Rosa Pérez, at 303326-2150.
Team Work Makes Mrachek
Middle School a Great
School!
¡El Trabajo En Equipo Hace
De La Escuela Mrachek Una
Gran Escuela!
YOU ARE INVITED!
Mrachek invites all of you to our parent informational morning coffees. You are very important in our school and in your
children’s education. This special time is made for you parents;
please mark your calendars! At 9:30 a.m. our dates are:
¡USTED ESTA INVITADO!
La escuela secundaria Mrachek le invita cordialmente a nuestros cafés informativos para padres. Usted es muy importante
en nuestra escuela y en la educación de sus niños. Este evento
esta diseñado especialmente para usted. ¡Por favor marque
su calendario! A las 9:30 a.m. y nuestras fechas son:
April 10, 2015
May 8, 2015
abril 10, 2015
mayo 8, 2015
Mrachek Middle School Brotherhood (MMSB)
Brotherhood Kick-Off
Brotherhood Gathering
Brotherhood Annual Chat n’ Chew Breakfast
Mrachek Middle School Brotherhood (MMSB) had its 2014-2015 kick off on Tuesday November 4, 2015 in the Commons.
Over 100 members and their families attended. MMSB participated in several engaging opportunities: The Boys to Men Workshop and Conference at the CU Health Science Center and the RACE: Are We So different? exhibit at the History of Colorado
Center. In addition, community stakeholders visited with our young men and provided conversation and dialogue that offered
words of wisdom and hope for our young men. Also, a prominent area basketball coach and director spoke to our members.
“Coach Hobson” provided excellent advice and skills for making future decisions. MMSB was also honored to have lunch with
one of the nation’s successful African-American Professors. Dr. Yemi Stembridge, from New York University, spent the day with
the young men discussing goal setting and the importance of education.
Future field trips and community events are being planned for the spring. Parent and community participation are welcomed.
Upon returning from Spring Break, we anticipate celebrating Fun Saturday and participating in the Mrachek Cultural and Learning Fair. Dates for the events will soon follow.
Our young men have been faithful and committed to participating in this year’s activities. Also, MMSB men are doing an outstanding job with their grades and work effort. MMSB is committed to instilling a sense of leadership and community purpose in
all of its members. Our sponsors are committed to supporting the mission to empower young men of color by maintaining good
grades, valor, and respect and to reach their fullest potential. We are excited beyond measure about the improvement in our
young men’s behavior, academic and social growth.
Please call 303.750.2836 X45464, if you have any questions.
Mrachek Middle School Brotherhood Sponsors:
Ms. Y. Bess
Ms. S. McConnell
Mr. L King
Mr. K Miles
Mr. C Evangelist
Edward W. Snyder, Principal
Dr. Elnora Buzek, Assistant Principal
Colin Hynes, Assistant Principal
Jennifer Minor, Dean of Students
Garrett Washington, Dean of Students
Mrachek Middle School
JulieMarie A. Shepherd, President
Cathy Wildman, Vice President
Mary W. Lewis, Secretary
Dan Jorgensen, Treasurer
Barbara Yamrick, Director
Amber Drevon, Director
Eric Nelson, Director
Mrachek Administration
Aurora Public Schools
80 Airport Boulevard
Aurora, Colorado 80011-9314
Board of Education
Non Profit
Org.
U.S. postage paid
Aurora
Public Schools