Welcome Back Lopez!

Happy Summer Lopez!

Summer was fun for us, but we are back at work getting things ready for staff and students to return.  Did you know that Lopez will be celebrating its' 30th Anniversary this year?  Lopez first opened in August 1986.


Summer Happenings!New computers:  We received new laptop computers for 3rd grade students.  PSD upgraded the computers across the district. The netbooks were well used by our students, so it is great to have a refreshed supply.

LINC Library:  There were so many fun programs at Lopez this summer with LINC Library.  We hope you came over to get some new books and check out the presentations.

Learning Garden:  This has been the first year of our Learning Garden.  It has been amazing.  Our volunteers have taken such good care of it.  After harvesting some of these vegetables, we will plant some more seeds this fall. We can't wait to start integrating the garden into our classroom lessons.

Math Curriculum:  We received a new math curriculum for the 2016-17 school year.  All grades K-5 will be using the Envisions Math curriculum.  Look for more information as we start the school year.

August Happenings!
Just a reminder that we will have our Open House on Aug. 18.  You'll be able to bring your school supplies over, meet your teacher, and get a treat from our PTA.  Look for an email around August 12 that will give your child's classroom assignment.

This past spring we didn't have too many positions to fill due to retirements or staff leaving. Please take a moment to read about our new staff members joining Lopez this year.

I can't wait to see our students and families on August 18!

Dr. Traci Gile

New Staff

Last year, we had one retirement and a few other positions to fill.  Here are three of our new staff members!

Half Day Kindergarten teacher- Alyssa Skeans

This position was previously held by Shawna Sanderson, who is moving to full day kindergarten. Alyssa has been a CSU work study student at Lopez and most recently did her student teaching in first grade. 

About Miss Skeans...

Educational and Professional Background:

I received my Bachelor's Degree from CSU in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis on

Early Childhood Education. Soon I will be starting my Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from UC Colorado Springs. I have a passion for teaching and learning, and I am always interested in new research about effective classrooms. For the past 4 years, I have worked at Lopez as a Literacy/Math tutor for grades K-5. Lopez has a special place in my heart, and I am so excited to start my teaching career at this amazing school! I look forward to this new adventure as a kindergarten teacher! 

Personal Interests & Hobbies:

In October, I am getting married to my college sweetheart! My fiance is in the Army, and I am so excited to see where that takes us! We have a puppy, Charlie, who is the apple of our eye. In our free time, we love to take Charlie hiking or on adventures around town. I love listening to podcasts, reading, doing craft projects, and my favorite...cooking!

Occupational Therapist-  Stephanie Thomas


This position was previously held by Shelly Bogus.  Shelly left PSD for a new position at the Matthews House.   

About Mrs. Thomas...

Educational and Professional Background:

My name is Stephanie Thomas and I am new to Poudre School District this year. I look forward to working in the community I have called home since graduating from CSU. I grew up in Niwot, Colorado but moved here to get my bachelors degree from CSU in occupational therapy. I later received my masters in
OT from the University of North Dakota. I have worked in both an early childhood developmental center and in the school system and most recently in Cheyenne as an occupational therapist. 

Personal Interests & Hobbies:

I have two wonderful children who attended PSD and

graduated from Fort Collins High School. My husband works for Poudre Fire Authority and we are currently figuring out how to be empty nesters. We enjoy all things outdoors, including; trail running, biking, hiking, camping, and more recently SUP. Since our kids have left us, we now have a dog-child in our lives to help entertain us. I really look forward to working in my community here at Lopez and in PSD.

ELA - Catherine McCluskey

This position was previously held by Shawna Sanderson, who is moving into full day kindergarten.   

About Mrs. McCluskey...

Educational and Professional Background:

My undergrad degree was in music and elementary ed.  I was a multi-grade classroom teacher for several years before I got a Master’s in curriculum for gifted.  After a dozen years in gifted ed, I’m now I’m teaching English language learners.  

Personal Interests & Hobbies:

Colorado has been my home for 26 years, and I’m excited to be part of the Lopez team!  I have been able to see a lot of the world.  Born in Nigeria, I’ve also lived in Ghana, Great Britain, and on the Navajo Indian Reservation. My husband and I enjoying hiking, cross-country skiing, and nature photography.   I look forward to meeting you soon! 

Article #4: Back to School safety

Dear Lopez families,

We can't wait to see you in a few weeks!  

Arrival/Dismissal Changes
The streets around Lopez can be really busy before and after school.  It is important that everyone stays safe.  With that end in mind, we've made a few changes to the drop-off and pick-up areas around the school based on conversations with PSD and a group of Lopez parents.

While some of the proposed improvements will be more long term, we are implementing a few immediate changes:

• Added a drop-off/pick-up loop in the back parking lot.  There is no visitor parking here, but families can pull through and drop off or pick up children. A few student leaders (Gavin and Domeneco, 3rd grade) made this great video about the drop-off loop:  Lopez Drop-off
• Re-designated that the loop in front of the school is for families to drop-off and pick-up children.
• Applied for a grant to get new bike racks and encourage more biking/walking to school.  See this post about tips to talk to your child about:  Walking safely to school.
• Created educational videos for students and families about safety procedures for arrival/dismissal.  Student leaders made this great video!

We will have extra staff on hand to help families know these safety guidelines.  Thank you for helping us keep children safe!



Dr. Traci Gile

Article #3: Summer @ Lopez Elementary

Summer @ Lopez

We have been making a few changes over here this summer.  One exciting change is our main office has a new look!  After 30 years, we've replaced the office furniture.  What do you think of the new look?

Class Lists

Families will receive an email from me around Aug. 10 with class placement information.  The email will include your child's teacher assignment as well as reminders about back to school dates.

Pancake breakfast at Raintree Athletic Club

Don't forget to check out the pancake breakfast and Fit Festival at Raintree Athletic Club on Saturday, August 8 at 8:00 AM.  Proceeds from the event will go to Lopez Elementary to buy new PE equipment!

Aug. 18 and 19:   Before School Assessment days

We are asking for your help and support with this.  Teachers give many required assessments at the beginning of the year.  We’d like to handle many of the assessments in literacy before school starts.  By doing this, teachers will not need as much substitute release time to complete the assessments in September and October, and we gain some more instructional time at the beginning of the year.  Students will come to school for ½ day as determined by the first letter of his or her last name.  During this time, the child’s classroom teacher will work with the student to complete the assessments.  The schedule will be:

FDK-5th grade

Time	August 18, 2015	August 19, 2015
8:30 - 11:30 AM	Students whose last name begins with A-F	Students whose last name begins with M-R
12:15 – 3:15 PM	Students whose last name begins with G-L	Students whose last name begins with S-Z

1/2 day kindergarten***

Time	August 18, 2015	August 19, 2015
8:30 – 11:30 AM	Students whose last name begins with A-B	Students whose last name begins with D-J
12:15 – 3:15 PM	Students whose last name begins with C	Students whose last name begins with K-Z

*** The schedule for ½ day kindergarten is different than the rest of the school due to the large number of students in this class whose last name ends with the letter C! 

We really need your help to get your child to Lopez on the date and time scheduled above.  Thank you so much for your support with this!  This will be a WIN-WIN for everyone!

August 20:  Ice Cream Social

Bring your child to drop off school supplies and say hello to new and old friends!

August 24:  First Day of School

School starts at 8:25 AM – 3:08 PM.  Kick off the 2015-15 school year at the PTA welcome coffee from 8:30 – 9:30 in the flex room!

Keep up with all of the Lopez News on our website and Facebook page!

Dr. Traci Gile, Principal

New Staff

Justin Hausmann-2nd grade teacher

Personal and Professional Background: 

My name is Justin Hausmann.  My family and I can’t wait to move back to Colorado from Cheyenne, where I have been teaching 1^st grade for the past 7 years. Before that, my wife, who teaches high school English, and I made a check mark on our bucket list by teaching at the American School in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.  And, before that I had taught first and second grade at Alice Terry Elementary, in Sheridan, Colorado.

My sons are also excited to go to school together and with “Daddy”.  Andrew will be in first grade and loves math, and AJ will bring love and laughter to Mrs. Brown’s Kindergarten.   

When I’m not teaching or playing the guitar while students sing, you can find me with my family, roasting marshmallows on a camp fire by a mountain that’s waiting to be climbed.

****************************************************************************************************************

Cheryl Day- 50% Assistant Principal/50% Gifted and Talented

Personal and Professional Background: 

I am so excited to be joining the Lopez team as Assistant Principal and Gifted and Talented teacher.  My educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Millersville University in Pennsylvania.  Since moving to Colorado 17 years ago, I have taught a variety of subjects and grade levels in two different districts.  Most recently, I taught 3rd grade for six years in the Thompson School District. This past spring I earned my Principal’s License through Colorado State University.     

My family includes my husband, Angus, and our two young adult children, Kelsey and Garrett.  Of course, I can’t leave out our Border collie mix, Echo.  In my free time, I love reading and am a huge Harry Potter fan.  I also enjoy solving crossword puzzles, tending my garden, biking on the great paths around Fort Collins, and working on my novice golf game. 

My favorite part of being an educator is helping students discover and develop their unique talents.  I look forward to working with you and your children this year!  

****************************************************************************************************************

Tracy Kelley- Early Childhood teacher

Personal and Professional Background: 

My name is Tracy Kelley, and I am very excited to become part of the Lopez Community!  

My family includes my husband Dan, our sons Caden (16) and Cayce (15) and our two dogs, Durango and Blue.  We have lived in Fort Collins for 14 years.  For the past 8 years I was an Early Childhood Special Education teacher in the Windsor School District.  When I'm not teaching I love to hike, bike, garden, and read.  (I even have a Little Free Library in the garden in my front yard!)  I look forward to meeting all of you!   

****************************************************************************************************************

Carol Campos- School Secretary/Health Office Assistant

Personal and Professional Background: 

My name is Carol Campos. I have a wonderful husband, Ed and have been very blessed to have three great children and four adorable grandkids, they all live here in Fort Collins!! All three of my children attended Lopez and I was very involved with the school while they were here. I have worked as a full day kindergarten para at Lopez for the past 16 years. I recently changed positions and was fortunate to fill the vacancy in the front office left by Mrs. Gilmour's retirement. I'm looking very forward to the change working in the front office will bring and working with Mrs. Farnell! I look forward to greeting all of the students and their parents when you come through the office next year!!

Article #2: Summer @ Lopez

Summer @ Lopez

Here we are in July already!  I hope you have big plans for the 4th of July. There are so many great fireworks displays in this area.  

Fun Facts about the 4th of July:

• We celebrate it as the day the Declaration of Independence was approved by Congress.  The document was a justification for a revolt against the British which included a list of charges against the British king.
• Thomas Jefferson changed the wording of the Declaration of Independence from "the pursuit of property" to "the pursuit of happiness".
• The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, PA wasn't rung until July 8, 1776 to celebrate the first public reading of the document.

To see more about the 4th of July, take a look at the History Channel website where I got these facts!

Our Light Shines Bright

Congratulations Mrs. Sarah Weeks!

Mrs. Weeks was presented with a state award at the Innovation in Education Conference in Keystone, CO.  She was one of two people in the state who received this prestigious award.  We get to see her greatness every day, and it is wonderful to have technology teachers and leaders around the state see how amazing she is.  Many thanks to PSD's Heather Crosser for nominating Sarah for the award.  The conference was amazing.  Mrs. Weeks, Mrs. Pasquin, and I learned so much about how to be innovative in the classroom through technology. 
We are so proud of you Mrs. Weeks!


Franklin Covey recognizes Lopez

In early May, Lopez Elementary was contacted by a researcher, Eve Miller, from Franklin Covey.  

They are the organization that supports schools with the Leader in Me.  She selected eight schools across the country to come visit.  Dr. Miller wanted to find out how our school created great results for student achievement and leadership.  She visited us for an entire day in May and will soon publish a report about her findings.  I was pleasantly surprised to find a lovely note and gift from her when I came in to school today.  Thank you Lopez community for helping us to shine our light!

Dr. Gile, Principal

New Staff

ELD teacher- Shawna Sanderson

This staff member isn't new to Lopez, but she will now be working full-time adding another 50% to her half day kindergarten duties. Shawna Sanderson will support second language learners in her new position as English Language Development teacher.

Educational and Professional Background: 

I am so excited to be teaching half-day kindergarten again, and equally excited to be Lopez’s new English Language Development teacher.  I will spend my mornings teaching half-day kindergarten, and the afternoons teaching English to our second language learners (K-5).

I began my teaching career in the Denver Metro area while working on my Master’s Degree in Instruction and Curriculum with an emphasis in ESL.  I taught in the Denver area for seven years before moving to Fort Collins. Upon moving to Fort Collins eight years ago I decided to stay home with my little ones.  During the four years I stayed home I also taught online teacher education courses to Grand Canyon University college students. For the last four years I’ve had the privilege of teaching half-day kindergarten here at Lopez Elementary.

Personal Interests & Hobbies: 

Outside of school I spend my time with my wonderful husband and two children.  Both of my children attend Lopez.  When we aren't at our home-away-from-home (Lopez), we like to spend our time outdoors hiking, camping, swimming, traveling, biking, and skiing.  I also enjoy exercising, reading, and spending time with my friends.

Marti Burnham- Art teacher

Educational and Professional Background:

Mrs. Burnham was new to Lopez last year as the Gifted and Talented Coordinator.  She has an extensive art background and expressed an interest in the art position after Leslie Wilson retired.  We were excited to hire her for that role!

I am so pleased to be the Art teacher at Lopez.  I have lived in Fort Collins for the last ten years, but I also attended CSU many years ago. I have an undergraduate degree in fine arts and an MA in elementary education. I hold endorsements for elementary education, art education, and gifted and talented education. I have ten years of teaching experience in a variety of subjects. Most recently, I spent the last year at Lopez Elementary School teaching advanced and enriched reading and math. 

Personal Interests & Hobbies:

I love spending time with my husband, Joe, and our two daughters, Holly and Lucy. I have several hobbies that allow me to be creative including drawing, cooking, and writing. I also enjoy traveling, gardening, biking, running, and reading. On weekends, you will often find my home full of friends and family sharing meals, playing games, and having fun.

Lopez 2015-16 Preview Article #1: New staff and summer projects

Happy Summer Lopez!

Mr. Trujillo and Mr. Jones cleaning and fixing!

Have you been sharpening your saws since school ended? Mrs. Farnell and I have been getting things ready for next school year in the Lopez office.  We are making schedules, ordering supplies, and getting our ducks in a row. 

Our custodians, Mr. Jones and Mr. Trujillo, have been cleaning the school from top to bottom!  They move all of the furniture in every room so the carpets can be scrubbed.

We also received new laptop computers for 4th grade students.  PSD upgraded the computers across the district. The netbooks were well used by our students, so it is great to have a refreshed supply.

Have you been over to LINC Library yet?  If you haven't come over, you have missed out on great sessions.  Make it a point to stop by on Tuesdays.  Any school-aged child in Fort Collins is welcome sign up for the reading program and also attend free presentations every week (therapy dogs, beekeeping, yoga, Irish dancing, sign language, karate, and more). After 5 books have been read, they bring in their reading record and receive a prize (we offer prizes for up to 20 books). 

• Lopez's library will be open 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays June 2 - July 9.
• Presentations begin at 10:00am. 
I'll keep posting information throughout the summer about new staff and great things happening at Lopez.  Feel free to leave me a comment or question about something you'd like to know about Lopez.

Enjoy!

Dr. Traci Gile

New Staff

For much of the spring, I was busy hiring new staff.  We had four retirements this school year and a few other positions to fill.  Here are two of our new staff members!

Full Day Kindergarten teacher- Raquel Shusta

This position was previously held by Melissa VanDerSluys.  Melissa will be moving to 2nd grade next year, and Raquel will take Melissa's place.  Raquel was previously the Early Childhood teacher at Lopez Elementary.

About Mrs. Shusta...

Educational and Professional Background:

I am so excited to be the new all-day kindergarten teacher at Lopez.  I went to school at UNC where I received an undergraduate degree in Human Rehabilitation Services and a MA in Early Childhood Special Education.  I started my teaching career 11 years ago at Bal Swan Children’s Center in Broomfield, and then went on to teach at Sanborn Elementary in Longmont.  After that, I moved into the Poudre School District teaching at Riffenburgh my first year and Lopez for the last 2 years.  I am thrilled to start my new chapter in teaching and continue my career at Lopez! 

Personal Interests & Hobbies:

I am a 2^nd generation Coloradoan, growing up in Bailey, Colorado.  I now live in Fort Collins with my husband Gregory, my son Henry and our 2 cats, Kiki and Schnookums.  I could not imagine living anywhere else!  I love to go on walks/hikes, camping, traveling, gardening, watching NCAA basketball and spending time with my friends and family.

Speech-Language Pathologist- Krista Lavigne

Jacky Eaton (Cammiso) previously held this position.  Mrs. Eaton will continue in PSD and work mostly at the MS and HS levels.

About Mrs. Lavigne...

Educational and Professional Background:
I am excited to be working at Lopez Elementary as their Speech Language Pathologist this coming year. I have spent the past 9 years in the Loveland school district and am looking forward to coming over to Poudre School District. I hold an endorsement for Special  Education in the area of Communication Disorders and have been working in the school setting for the past 16 years. While I have been living in Fort Collins for the past ten years, I am originally from Iowa. I earned my B.S. in Communication Disorders from Iowa State University and earned my M.A. in Communication Disorders from California State University Fullerton.

Personal Interests & Hobbies:
I love spending time with my husband and our and our three children.When I am not running around with all of my children's activities I enjoy running, hiking, and martial arts.

Principal's Letter

Dear Lopez Students and Families,

What a wonderful summer it has been!  I hope you and your families enjoyed wonderful times together and created many memories.  I just returned from a family reunion in Iowa.  It was so great to see aunts, uncles, and cousins and be together again.

Many of our staff members attended various professional development sessions over the summer.  We have been preparing lesson plans, assessments, and curriculum aligned to the Colorado Academic Standards (CAS) which reflect the state's adoption of the Common Core. Teachers have worked collaboratively and are prepared to implement new strategies to differentiate the instruction for all of our student’s needs. With this work, our leadership team decided to adopt a supplemental tool for math instruction called Exemplars.  Exemplars features grade level specific problem-solving tools and assessments for thinking more deeply about mathematics.  We look forward to sharing more about this at our upcoming parent meetings.  Our teachers have been working hard in preparing their classrooms and lesson plans that promise to make for another exciting and productive year at Lopez.

Lopez is a wonderful school, and I am proud to be part of it.  You are all part of its success.  Last year, we became Colorado's first Lighthouse School recognized by the Leader in Me organization.  Our leadership assemblies, leadership notebooks, student-led conferences, student leadership roles, philanthropy projects, and 7 Habits of Successful Families Event have been hallmarks to our school transformation as a leadership culture.  Look for more information and opportunities throughout the school year.  

I would like to invite and encourage you to be involved at Lopez.  There are a variety of opportunities for parent collaboration and participation.  Our parent community makes our school stronger!  Please attend our quarterly School Accountability Committee (SAC) meetings.  This is where we talk about goals for the school and collectively discuss plans for continuous improvement.  The first SAC meeting is September 18 at 5:30 PM.  The Lopez PTA is also a vital partner.  This group meets monthly and plans special events for families and students.  They need your voice!  The first meeting is September 3 at 5:30 PM.  Finally, there are many other volunteer opportunities in classrooms and for special events.  To begin volunteering, make sure you have signed up on the district's website at www.psdschools.org and have selected Lopez Elementary.  Also at the PSD website, you can sign up for our Lopez email distribution list to receive weekly newsletters and other school communications.  

Please visit our school’s website at lop.psdschools.org.   This will serve as a resource tool for all upcoming events, student/parent handbook, important reminders and you can catch up with our student reporters!  You can also check our monthly calendar.  "Like" Lopez Elementary on Facebook for featured items.

Also, many thanks to our site custodian, Mr. Jones and the District’s entire maintenance crew who have been working diligently to prepare our campus for the start of the new school year.  To see information about all of our new staff, take a minute to read my Principal’s Blog at drgile.blogspot.com

It is going to be a wonderful first day of school, and so great to see new and familiar faces.  I'm looking forward to another great school year!

Dr. Traci Gile, Principal