Being Creative with Technology

Ms. Levicki’s History classes produced beautiful projects in the traditional way, but also used new technology like ipads to add to the creativity of their projects. Our classrooms are full of innovative ways to learn!

March Newsletter

March School Wide Character Development

Character Trait of the Month

Character Education Trait

Our Character trait word for the month of March is RESPONSIBILITY. This month we will be working on understanding the concept of responsibility as well as discussing why it is important, and how it could impact our social and academic success.

We will be commending responsible behaviors and talking about ways we can show responsibility for ourselves, for relationships with classmates, teachers, friends and family, for our education and overall character. We will also highlight ways showing responsibility creates opportunities for triumph and growth.

A few things to remember when reviewing and discussing responsible behaviors with our students; do what you are supposed to do, Persevere: keep trying!, always do your best, use self-control, be self-disciplined, think before you act—consider the consequences, and be accountable for your choices.

We will continue the character trait tickets. When students are seen displaying responsible actions they will be rewarded with "Keep Going; Awarded for Perseverance" tickets. These tickets allow students the opportunity to be nominated for Eagle of the week and month. Their names will be announced in the morning on Fridays, and for Eagles of the month the students are treated to lunch with the principal!

HOW TO BE A RESPONSIBLE PERSON

Be reliable and dependable; when you agree to do something, do it. Take care of your own business. Don't make others do what you are supposed to do.

Take responsibility for your actions; don't make excuses or blame others.

Use your head; think before you act; imagine the consequences.

"Now Presenting..."

Ms. Perez’s 10th Grade English class worked on presentation skills last week. Students were charged with researching how to open their choice of business – reporting on everything from loans to licensing – and presented their findings (including samples or mock-ups) to their class. Some interesting business concepts were developed from corsets to “healthy” candy shops and everything in between.

 

7th Graders Chosen for Summer Program

Pikes Peak Prep (PPP) is proud to announce that six academically talented PPP 7th graders have been selected to attend an amazing early-summer program sponsored by the Colorado Springs School (http://www.css.org/home.php)
The program will guide 32 total students (selected from across the city) through an intensive three-week program focused on critical thinking, communications, collaboration, creativity and character. The students will enjoy daily robotics and communications classes as well as healthy outdoor activities such as geo caching, aimed at developing the entire spectrum of problem solving and creative thinking. This awesome experience will be provided to the selected PPP students free of charge thanks to the support of a community friend of Pikes Peak Prep. (Thank you!)

5th Grade is Awesome!

This week at PPP, Ms. Kimball’s class did an writing exercise where they wrote to an incoming fifth grader about their experience at Pikes Peak Prep. Abby shared her thoughts…
“I remember my first day of school. I was a little bit scared because I didn’t know anyone. Also, I was worried about getting good grades ... All of these things were scary, but I was also excited because I wanted to learn more. As it turned out, I love Pikes Peak Prep because it is very exciting. My favorite part about fifth grade is my teacher. She makes learning fun. Fifth grade is awesome!” Other classmates liked the 5th grade science experiments, singing songs about multiplication and the states… and meeting new friends!

2012 Mock PPP Presidential Election

The 2012 Mock Pikes Peak Prep Presidential speeches AND election were held last week.

The 3 speeches took place after Mr. Vorster made his morning announcements. Ms. Levicki reviewed the requirements to be President of the United States, the voting process, and then the three students presented their speeches.

The students presented in the same order as their names appear on the ballot. Students were reminded to really listen to the speeches, and to vote based on the ISSUES.

The Government students were very excited (and anxious) about the final results.  After a full day of waiting the results revealed that Chauncey Harrison won the student vote, and Dallas Holeyfield won the teacher vote!

Congratulations to our new President!

$10 Oil Change...Now that is a deal!

Pikes Peak Prep needs your assistance with a very easy fundraiser.

We are currently selling $10.00 oil changes from Dave Solan Kia.  With the certificate you will receive an oil change with a complimentary Multi-Point Inspection where your brakes, belts, hoses, tires and lights will be checked.  Up to 5 quarts of conventional oil with a premium oil filter will be included. The certificate is good through 2012 and a limit of two per vehicle.

Most importantly:

Pikes Peak Prep receives all proceeds. The entire $10 for each certificate is kept by Pikes Peak Prep.  We currently have 500 certificates to sell.

Please help us communicate this fundraiser to your families and friends.

Edible Plant and Animal Cells

High school Biology students this week showed off their knowledge of plant and animal cells by creating their own cell models.  Students were very creative in the materials used to represent the shape and function of a cell as well as the organelles (tiny organs) that are responsible for the metabolic activity of a cell.  Some cells were constructed from craft items, cakes, brownies and even cheese!  In addition, elementary students were invited to view and ask questions.  This provided the perfect opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and mastery of state standards by explaining/describing to our young guests.  This was not only fun and educational but delicious!

Colorado Living HIstory Project = )

The Fourth Grade recently worked on the Colorado Living History Project.  Each of the students researched a historical figure or group from Colorado. If a historical person was chosen, the student had to research all pertinent information and be able to pretend to be that person when presenting and writing a journal entry about them. The students created a visual aid that outlined the important facts about the historical person. Some of the students earned extra points for dressing as the historical figure.  All the students participated in this super-fun, learning experience!

Character Trait of the Month @ PPP

Character Trait of the Month
Character Education Trait Our Character trait word for the month of February is EQUALITY/FAIRNESS. This month we will be working on understanding the concept of compassion as it relates to fairness, as well as discussing why it is important and how it could impact our social and academic success.
We will be commending compassionate behaviors and talking about ways we can show equality/fairness for ourselves, in relationships with classmates, teachers, friends and family, in our education and overall character. We will also highlight ways showing equality/fairness creates opportunities for triumph and growth.
A few things to remember when reviewing and discussing equal behaviors with our students, and teaching how to be a fair person; play by the rules, take turns and share, be open-minded and listen to others, don’t take advantage of others, don’t blame others carelessly, think about how your reactions will affect others, and treat everyone equally no matter who they are.
We will continue the character trait tickets. When students are seen displaying equal and fair actions they will be rewarded with tickets. These tickets allow students the opportunity to be nominated for Eagle of the week and month. Their names will be announced in the morning on Fridays, and for Eagles of the month the students are treated to lunch with the principal!

A FAIR PERSON

Treat people the way you want to be treated.

Take Turns.

Tell the truth.

Play by the rules.

Think about how your actions will affect others.

Listen to people with an open mind.

Don't blame others for your mistakes.

Don't take advantage of other people.

Don't play favorites.

Veteran Peter C. Lemon visits Pikes Peak Prep

Pikes Peak Prep was honored to receive a visit from Peter C. Lemon who spent time with our young elementary students.  Mr. Lemon is one of the youngest surviving recipients of America's highest award: The 'Congressional Medal of Honor'.  Vastly outnumbered in a fierce enemy attack in Vietnam, Mr. Lemon assisted in saving the lives of his team.  Although wounded
numerous times, he refused to be evacuated until the enemy had retreated and his
injured comrades were airlifted to safety. He is an inductee in the elite Ranger Hall of Fame.

Peter C. Lemon is a dynamic motivational speaker. He is an Ambassador of courage, determination and triumph, and through his visit to our school he profoundly enriches the lives of our youth.

Acclaimed author of Beyond the Medal, A Journey from Their Hearts and Executive Producer of the Emmy winning PBS Documentary Beyond the Medal of Honor, Mr. Lemon donated his book to the 32,000 secondary schools in the United States and the television documentary, with curriculum, to 17,000 public and private high schools to inspire our youth to become worthy citizens

On May 1, 2009 Mr. Lemon was presented the coveted Outstanding American by Choice Award by President Barack Obama at The White House, recognizing his life of professional and civic contribution.

Mr. Lemon talked about being brave and having courage. Students were able to look closely at the “Congressional Medal of Honor”.  He presented each student with his book and two photos, one with himself and President Obama.  He autographed his picture with the following “Pikes Peak Prep Students: Respect and protect your freedoms. Make the right choice and live your dreams!  Peter C. Lemon”. Everyone at Pikes Peak Prep cannot wait for his return visit to talk to our upper classes.