Monday message 09.04.2023

Dear Colorado SKIES Academy Families,

What another fantastic week of learning at CSA! The learners are finalizing their first project, City in the Sky, and we can’t wait to see them share their experience with you during their first Presentation of Learning of the year that’s coming up in each grade level over the next couple of weeks!

We spent a good portion of the week finishing up NWEA MAP testing so that, if necessary, we can move learners in their content classes based on the assessment scores. We also had an all-school assembly on Wednesday morning to reiterate our community expectations and talk to learners about the vandalism in the bathrooms, cave planets, and throughout the building that continues to take place. Our facilitators and care team members are working hard to be role models for the learners and work with them to exemplify our community expectations. We continue to be inspired by the light bulb moments we see on learners’ faces, the smiles and laughter throughout the school, and knowing that we are making a small difference in their lives every day.

Back-to-school reminders:

CSA learners received their photo ID cards last week. As a reminder, we have implemented additional safety measures this year so every learner is required to wear their grade-level colored lanyard around their neck with their photo ID at all times. If they break or lose it, they will get one replacement at no charge, and each additional lanyard will be $5.

As mentioned last week, you should also be seeing your learner’s student planner come home in the evenings (M- Th) for your review and sign-off. Every learner has a planner and is expected to have it with them during all classes. If they lose their planner, we will give them one free replacement, and additional planners will be $5 each.

Please review the Family Guidebook, including our CSA Core Values and Learner Creed: 

• As a learner at CSA, I will do my best to walk with integrity and honor those around me, and avoid intentionally offending others. I will not accept the improper conduct of others and will GROW in Greatness, Respect, Ownership, and Wonder every day to make every moment of learning count. I promise to be an active participant in my education.

CSA expectations for school behavior are:

• I will do nothing to harm myself or others.
• I am responsible for my behavior.
• We are each other’s keepers.
• I take pride in myself and in my work.
• I will leave it better than I found it.

Some additional back-to-school reminders:

• Cell phones must be in backpacks by the start of Flight Crew (period 1) and must remain in backpacks until the dismissal bell. Any cell phone not in a backpack will be confiscated, and a parent or guardian will need to pick it up from the office at the end of the day.
• Please remember to follow the drop-off and pick-up procedures as outlined here. Please note: the speed limit in the CSA parking lot, from entrance to exit, is 5 mph.
• Join the CSA Family Connection Facebook page
• Follow the Colorado SKIES Academy Facebook page
• Carpool Signup
  • Once you sign up, you should receive a confirmation email with the map link. Please check your spam folder if you don’t see the confirmation email in your inbox. For reference, the carpool map may also be found on this page.
• Learner fees can be paid here.
• Punch passes for after-school clubs can be purchased here.
• Lastly, the CSA Spirit Store is now live on our website! If there’s anything you’d like to see in the store that isn’t there currently, please email info@coloradoskiesacademy.org to request that your item be added.

Please check out the “Upcoming Events” calendar, including dates and times for learners’ first Presentation of Learning of the year, “Wingman for a Day” dates, Back to School Night, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck and Kona Ice dates, and aviation-focused events happening next door at Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight. and be sure to read more about Individualized Learning Plan discussions coming up next month!

Other topics covered in this week’s articles:

• CSA Wingman For A Day
• Mobile App: CSA Flight Controls
• What is Project-Based Learning?
• Presentation of Learning: What is it?
• Individualized Learning Plans
• Athletic Development on Thursdays
• 2023-24 Academic Schedule and Before/After School Schedule
• Thought of the Week

Sincerely, Christa Coryell CSA Acting Director

Descriptions of this week's photo collage:

1. The silver plane is the 1920s Ford Tri-motor.
2. Red plane is the Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing C-47.
3. "That's All, Brother" was the lead C-47 for the main invasion at Normandy. This is not one painted like it, rather this is the actual airplane.
4. CSA parent and CEO of Globularity, Dr. Mirka Wilderer, gave a TED Talk and discussed #water treatment on the blue planet  and in space.