A Message from the Director

Dear CSA Community,

What was seeming to be unique and different, being back for in-person learning, is now becoming routine again. I am so grateful for the ongoing efforts of our staff, our learners, and you, our community, for going the extra mile to do all of the things we now do as part of our “new normal.” All of you, along with our learners, complete your COVID Symptom Checkers daily, make sure everyone is wearing a mask, and come ready to learn. All of the CSA staff members have recognized what a difference it has made to have our learners in person and to see them each and every day. It is truly what learning is all about!

Our learners have worked hard on the interim MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessment. Learners in grades 6-8 take three content assessments in language usage, reading, and mathematics; the MAP assessment is used by CSA to gauge academic growth in each of these content areas. They took the same assessment in September, and this assessment is to see if each learner is at the proper point academically at this crucial mid-year point. Our facilitators also use the information to determine what additional supports an individual learner may need as well as what additional acceleration an individual learner may need. It truly helps differentiate instruction to ensure that there is one year’s growth for one year of instruction. Eighth grade learners also took a science assessment. Once all the assessments are completed, including those learners who are not yet finished or who were absent, results will be sent home with your learner. We will advise you when the results are being sent. Please congratulate your learner on doing his/her personal best!

In regard to the state assessment, the Colorado Measures of Academic Standards (CMAS), there is still a lot of speculation about whether the state will be administering the assessment. There is also speculation that districts may have the option to make the determination to administer the assessment or not. Again, this is still undecided. If Colorado SKIES Academy has the opportunity to choose, the school will participate in CMAS. This information is vital to a new school and can showcase where we excel and where we need to improve.

School Spirit is in the Air!

Many activities have been proposed that need some additional planning elements. Our learners are working hard to make them happen, and here are just a few. Please know that more details need to be worked out and protocols for the events need to be established so everyone is safe and has fun!

  • Classroom Pod Dance: sometime during the week of February 22.
  • X-Ray, Yankee, Zulu Lock-In: possibly March 26.
  • Spirit Week: At least two or three.
  • Hat Day: Fundraiser being sponsored by some of our learners. (They may host more than one hat day!)

Learners and families, please have a restful and enjoyable three-day weekend as you enjoy Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 15. (No school on Monday, February 15.)

Warm regards,

Suzanne Acheson
School Director

Colorado SKIES Academy
Colorado SKIES Academy is a free public charter school authorized by the Cherry Creek School District, open to students throughout the Arapahoe County and Douglas County areas. This STEAM middle school serving grades 6-8 is located at Centennial Airport next to Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight.
Colorado SKIES Academy

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