5/19/2022
Medication Pick Up
Medication Pick Up
Please pick up medications from your child's teacher by Thursday May 26th. Any medications remaining will be discarded and properly disposed of after this date.
KindiePrep Spirt Week – May 23 -26
Monday- May 23 – Habitat Day- Wear an Animal Shirt to school
Tuesday – May 24 – Wear your favorite Hat to school day
Wednesday- May 25 – Field Day- Wear athletic clothes and sneakers
Thursday – May 26 – Dress of Choice Day
Lost and Found
Are you missing a water bottle, jacket or snack container? Don’t forget to check lost and found located in the KindiePrep lobby. After May 26 all unclaimed items will be discarded or donated.
KindiePrep Field Day – Wednesday, May 25
Come join us for Field Day on May 25 from 9:00-11:00. This will be a fun morning of outdoor games on the soccer field. Tuesday, Thursday children are welcome to join us on this fun day, but a parent must stay with them.
We will begin setting up the soccer field when parent drop off is completed and would love to have volunteers to assure that the field is ready for the children by 9am. If you can help with set up or clean up stop by the KindiePrep desk to sign up. Please dress your children in athletic wear and sneakers, so they can enjoy all the fun games. LM PTO will be supplying Otter Pops for the children!
Last Day of Aftercare - Wednesday, May 25 - No aftercare on Thursday, May 26
Last Day of School – Thursday- May 26th
4/26/2022
KindiePrep to Kindergarten Meeting
Come join us for a KindiePrep to Kindergarten meeting on May 3rd from 5-6 pm. Meetings will be held at all 3 campuses. The elementary principals will be there to discuss what the transition to Kindergarten looks like,.
Every Friday Until the End of the Year is a Dress of Choice Day
As a thank you for making KindiePrep's Make a Wish Week so successful every Friday until the end of the school year will be a Dress of Choice Day. Two day children will have a Dress of Choice Day every Thursday! Thank you for all your support!
4/17/2022
Extra Dress of Choice Day for Parent Surveys Returned
The Board of Directors and Mr. Colella have approved an extra Dress of Choice Day for all American Academy students.
Extra Dress of Choice Day for 5 day and 3 day classrooms - Monday, April 17.
Extra Dress of Choice Day for 2 day classrooms - Tuesday, April 19.
3/2/2022
2/15/2022
Kindness Week – February 14-17, 2022
At American Academy, kindness matters! Now more than ever, we need to make being kind a priority.
KindiePrep children will have the opportunity to participate in Kindness week from February 14-17. The teachers will have some fun kindness activities throughout the week for the children to do and there will be fun spirit wear days, also!
Monday- February 14-Illuminate Compassion- Neon Day- wear a neon colored item with your dress code bottoms.
Tuesday – February 15- Inclusivity Counts- Rebel Spirit Wear Day- wear a Rebel Spirt gear top with dress code bottoms.
Wednesday – February 16 – Incredible Kindness- Superhero Day- Superhero top with dress code bottoms. No costumes.
Thursday- February 17- I matter- Wear your favorite clothes. No pajamas or costumes.
Snow Boots
Your child is welcome to wear snow boots to school, but please bring shoes to change into for the day. Do not put snow boots into your child’s cubby box. Teachers will direct you where to line them up outside the classroom.
March before and aftercare calendars are now available!
No School Friday, February 18 and Monday February 21
Dress of Choice Day- Friday, February 25
Progress Reports Sent Home – Friday, February 25
1/5/2022
Welcome back! I hope that everyone had a wonderful winter break. The teachers had a very productive professional development day on Monday, January 3rd. It was great having this time to get together to take online professional development classes and time to get the classrooms ready for the new year.
A big thank you to all the families that donated toys to the children at College View Elementary. Due to your generosity the school was able to provide toys to many of the children! We could not have accomplished this without the support of our amazing American Academy KindiPrep families.
January 7 – Spirit Wear Day
January 14 – Spirit Wear Day
January 17 - No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 21 – Dress of Choice Day
January 28 – No School
Second Family Conferences
Parent teacher conferences are scheduled for the evenings of January 26 and 27. Please sign up with your child’s teacher.
12/1/2021
Welcome Back! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break. It is hard to believe that Winter Break is right around the corner. Please continue reading to find out everything that is happening in KindiePrep for the month of December.
Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Lincoln Meadows!
Wednesday, December 1– Wednesday, December 8
Times: 7:30 am – 5:00pm December 1,2,3,6,7,8
Saturday Book Fair– December 4, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
KindiePrep children must attend the bookfair with their parent or guardian to purchase books.
College View Elementary Toy Drive
Starting December 1 through the 15 there will be a toy collection house in the KindiePrep hallway to fill with new and unwrapped toys for boys and girls who attend College View Elementary in Denver. Almost all the families at this school live at or below poverty level. Please help us fill up KindiePrep’s toy workshop with new toys!
January Before and After Care
Are you going to need before or after care in January? January before and aftercare calendars are now available. Please make sure that you have submitted your January calendar before December 17.
Apple Awards
The Foundation for Douglas County Schools is proud to honor the outstanding educators and staff that are making a difference for our students every day.
Click Here for more information on how to nominate a teacher or staff member who is going above and beyond for our children.
Winter Festivals
Teachers and room parents are busy planning the classroom winter festivals.
Two Day Classroom parties will be on December 16 – Children may wear Dress of Choice
Three Day and Five Day Classrooms parties will be on December 17 - Children may wear Dress of Choice
If you would like to help please contact your child’s teacher or room parent.
KindiePrep Spirit Week – December 13-17
Monday, December 13- Movie Day and Pajama Day for all classes
Tuesday, December 14- Two day classrooms - Movie and Pajama Day
Five day and three day classrooms-Holiday Sock Day
Wednesday, December 15- Blue Jeans and Holiday Sweater/Shirt Day – for all classes
Thursday, December 16- Two day classrooms- Dress of Choice and Winter Festival day
Five day and three day classrooms - Flannel Shirt day
Friday, December 17- Dress of Choice and Winter Festival Day
Please see your child’s teacher with any questions about these fun days!
December 3----Spirit Wear Day
December 10 ---Spirit Wear Day
December 16--- Two Day Classrooms Dress of Choice Day
December 17 ---Dress of Choice Day
December 20 through January 3---No School
January 4---School Resumes
11/17/21
November 19 – Dress of Choice Day
No School- November 22-26- Thanksgiving Break
December 3 – Spirit Wear Day
Before and After Care Calendars
December Calendars are available at the front desk. Please make sure that all December calendars are turned in before Thanksgiv.
AM and PM Drop Off and Pick Up
When parking along the curb for drop off and pick up, near or in the parking lot, please make sure that you have left enough space for cars to be able to turn into the parking lot. By parking to close to the entrance to the parking lot, it makes it almost impossible to make the turn.
College View Elementary Toy Drive
Everyone in KindiePrep is excited to be partnering with College View Elementary School located in Aurora for our annual toy drive this year! There will be a toy collection house (colored by all the children) in the KindiePrep hallway to fill with all new and unwrapped toys starting on December 1. Please help us make the holidays special for the children at College View Elementary by filling up our toy collection house with new toys!
10/26/2021
Late Start on Thursday, October 28
All American Academy staff will be attending a DCSD security training on Thursday, October 28; therefore, KindiePrep will be delayed one hour. KindiePrep doors will open at 9:15 with classes starting at 9:30. There will be no before care on Thursday. The K-8 classes will also have a one hour delayed start on this day. This means that carpool for the K-8 building will run from 8:35 to approximately 9:10. To avoid carpool it would be best to arrive after 9:20. For more information on the DCSD Training Click Here
First Responder Thank You Breakfast – Thursday, October 28
American Academy is honoring and recognizing all active and retired first responders this year by treating you to a grab and go breakfast on Thursday, October 28. For more information Click Here
Fall Festivals
Thursday, October 28 – 2 day classes
Friday, October 29 – 3 and 5 day classes
Fun activities are being planned for all classrooms including a fun costume parade!
At 2 pm on October 28th all 2 day class parents are invited to meet on the KindiePrep playground to watch the costume parade.
At 2 pm on October 29th all 3 and 5 day class parents are invited to meet on the KindiePrep playground to watch the costume parade.
After the parade the children will be coming inside to do some fun fall festival activities.
**Due to the K-5 classrooms having Fall Festivals on Friday parking may become an issue. Please do not park in the 4 lane race track, at the front of the building. You are welcome to park at the Vehicle Vault across Twenty Mile Rd or in the AA parking lot. Please do not park in the fire lanes located in front of the building.
Pictures
Did your child enter KindiePrep after picture day or was your child absent on picture day? Van Gogh Photographers will be here to take pictures of 2 day children on Thursday, November 4th and 3 and 5 day children on Friday, November 5th. Please let your child’s teacher know if your child needs to have their picture taken.
Class Pictures
2 day children will have class pictures taken on Thursday, November 4
3 and 5 day pictures will be taken on Friday, November 5
Watch for information from Van Gogh Photographers coming soon!
No School - November 12 – Teacher Cross Campus Planning
Before and After Care Calendars
Make sure that you are filling out before and after care calendars two weeks prior to needing care. Staff is scheduled according to the number of children that are signed up and we are not always able to accommodate last minute requests. December calendars are now available at the front desk.
Friday, October 1 – Spirit Wear Day
Lunch Changes
All lunch changes will be posted on the bulletin board in the KindiePrep lobby as soon as we are made aware of them.
October and November Before/After Care Calendars
Do you need before or after care for October or November? Calendars are available to reserve your child’s spot in before and/or aftercare at the front KindiePrep desk. All spots must be reserved in advance to assure that there is a spot available. All reservations are first come, first serve and due to state ratios, spots are limited to the number of children that we can have in before and aftercare. Once you reserve a spot in before or aftercare there are no refunds for cancellations.
Late Pick Up
Pick up for KindiePrep children is at 3:00 PM, unless they are scheduled for aftercare. If you arrive to pick up your child and the outside doors are locked your child has been placed in aftercare. Once a child is placed in aftercare the late pick up fee of $25.00 and the aftercare fee of $15.00 will be charged to your SmartCare account. Please be on time to avoid late and aftercare fees.
Children’s Physicals
The State of Colorado requires that every child have a current physical on file in order to attend KindiePrep. If your child has recently had a physical please drop off the current documentation at the front KindiePrep desk.
Fall Fundraiser - Fun Run – October 8
Watch for information from your child’s teacher about this fun fundraiser event on October 8th! The PTO will be sending home information on or about October 1 on how to donate. KindiePrep classrooms will be participating in the outside activities from 10:50-11:25. Tuesday, Thursday children are invited to attend the Fun Run, with their parents. Parents of Tuesday, Thursday children must stay with their children for the event.
DCSD Security Training – October 28 - 1 Hour Delay Start for all of American Academy including KindiePrep – No Before Care
Every year American Academy partners with DCSD (Douglas County School District) Security to train staff and conduct a Lockdown drill with our staff and children. The training for all LM staff is taking place on October 28th at 7:30 AM. The school will be on a one-hour delay so that all staff may attend the training. There will be no before care on October 28. KindiePrep doors will open at 9:10 for all children.
At 11:00AM on October 28th all of American Academy LM will be participating in a LOCKDOWN DRILL with the DCSD Security Team. As it gets closer to the date of the drill we ask that you talk to your children about the importance of the drill but not to be frightened.
Prospective Parent Meetings
Do you have friends or family that are interested in sending their children to American Academy? If so, please share with them how they can attend an American Academy’s Prospective Parent meeting. For more information on how to sign up for these meetings Click Here.
9/2/2021
What an amazing first couple of weeks It is wonderful seeing all the children making new friends and having fun.
KindiePrep Hours
KindiePrep hours are from 8:30-3:00. Doors open at 8:10AM for children that have siblings in the K-8 building and 8:15 for everyone else. Doors open at 3:00PM for pick up.
K-8 Car Pool
Thank you for being so patient with the “big” school carpool this week. It will get better over the next week or so. If you are getting caught in carpool in the morning I would suggest that you arrive after 8:15, for the first few weeks. Please remember to always follow the direction of the carpool attendants and be kind to all the K-8 staff and volunteers that are helping make carpool run smoothly. Between KindiePrep and the K-8 children we are moving over 700 children in and out of this building and once everyone understands and follows all the carpool rules it really does go smoothly.
At pick up it is best to arrive a little before 3 and pick up your child quickly when the doors open at 3. If you have a sibling pick up card you will need to park in lanes 6 & 7, walk down and return to your car before 3:10. Those of you that have the sibling pick up card may only park in lanes 6 & 7 on the days noted on your colored card.
Smartcare
Make sure that you are utilizing the Smartcare parent app to sign your child in and out of KindiePrep, If you currently are not using the Smartcare system please download the app, as we will be transitioning to using the Smartcare system only in the future. Please email Nancy at [email protected] with any questions.
Crossing at Crosswalk
We are asking all parents and children to please always cross at the marked cross walk when dropping off and picking up your child. This is for the safety of you and your child.
School Spirit Wear Day – Friday, September 3
For more information on School Spirt Days and Dress of Choice Days Click Here
American Academy Emergency Notification System
American Academy will use the voice and text feature available through the website as our primary means of communicating emergency messaging. Please note that the school district (DCSD) uses a different communication system to reach all DCSD parents and it is not related to American Academy emergency communications. If you wish to ALSO receive emergency communications specific to American Academy, you must opt in to sign up for emergency communications using the opt in form Here.
No School – September 6 – Labor Day
KindiePrep Back to School Night- September 14 – 6:00-700PM
7/20/2021
Summer is going by so fast, but I can't wait to see everyone in KindiePrep soon!
Important KindiePrep Dates
SmartCare Accounts - July 23 last day to set up accounts
First Tuition Payment - August 1 -automatically deducted from the account that was set up in SmartCare.
KindiePrep in person registration - August 11 and 12
All School Open House - August 19 - 4:30pm-6:00pm
First Day of School - August 23
KindiePrep Registration
Registration will be on August 11 and 12. This is a time to make sure that all paperwork has been completed and answer any questions that you may have. You will also find out your child's teacher at registration!
Open House
Open House will be held in KindiePrep on Thursday, August 19 from 4:30-6:00pm. This will be an opportunity to meet your child's teacher, see the classroom and drop off school supplies.
Dress Code
Students in K-8 are required to wear uniforms supplied by by our vendor, Dennis Uniform. KindiePrep students are NOT required to wear the K-8 uniform. KindiePrep students may wear the following dress code items from any vendor.
5/6/2021
May 17th -May 20 is KindiePrep Spirit Week!
Monday, May 17 - Hawaiian Day-Wear a Hawaiian Shirt with Dress Code Bottoms
Tuesday, May 18 - Crazy Hair Day
Wednesday, May 19 - Show and Tell Day - Dress of Choice for 3 day classrooms
Thursday, May 20 - Dress of Choice Day
5/3/2021
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week! Please join me in thanking all the wonderful KindiePrep teachers for all the loving care that they have given to your children this past year. I am always in awe at the amount of time each teacher spends making sure that each and every child in their classroom is receiving the best preschool experience.
American Academy Appreciates and Celebrates Firefighters
American Academy Lincoln Meadows will be celebrating National Firefighters Appreciation Day with a drive thru appreciation breakfast on Monday, May 10 from 8:30-10:00. Please invite the fire heroes in your life to join us. To be COVID sensitive, we ask that only the firefighter attend this event. To RSVP for this special event Click Here
Students may show their appreciation by wearing Red on May 10th. Your student may wear an AA Firefighter Appreciation shirt, red dress code shirt or spirit wear shirt, or any red shirt that is dress code appropriate.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent teacher conferences are this week on Wednesday and Thursday evening. Not sure of the time you signed up for? Please check with your child’s teacher.
Menu Change - Friday, May 14
Bosco Sticks
Marinara Sauce
Veggie
Fruit
Milk
Menu Change - Thursday, May 20
DCSD Lunch Bundle
Corn Chips
Bean Dip
Sunflower Seeds
Craisins
Dragon Punch
May Dates to Remember
Friday, May 7 – Spirit Wear Day
Monday, May 10 – Firefighter Appreciation Day- Red Shirt Day
Friday, May 14 – Spirit Wear Day
Wednesday, May 19 – 3 Day Classrooms Fun Day! – 3 Day Classrooms Dress of Choice Day
Thursday, May 20 – 2 Day & 5 Day Classrooms Fun Day! – Dress of Choice Day
Thursday, May 20 – No PM aftercare
Friday, May 21 – No School – Have a great summer!
4/1/2021
Extra Dress of Choice Day - Thank you for meeting our parent survey goal of 70%
2 day classrooms - Thursday, April 8
3 and 5 day classrooms - Friday, April 9
3/26/2021
Important Dates for April
No School – Friday, April 2 – Teacher Comp Day
April 9- Remote Learning Day for K-8 – KindiePrep will be in session – No DCSD Lunches
April 23 – Remote Learning Day for K-8 – KindiePrep will be in session – No DCSD Lunches
April 9th, 16th, 23rd - Spirit Wear Days
April 30 – Dress of Choice Day
May Before and Aftercare Calendars
May before and aftercare calendars are now available at the front desk.
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2/22/2021 |
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What a beautiful day but this is Colorado and we know that snow is on the horizon.
The 90 minute delay last week took us all by surprise! Please make sure that you are signed up for the emergency notifications from American Academy. If you have not signed up please Click Here. When Douglas County School District (DCSD) has a delay or a school closure American Academy will be on a delay or closure also. There are times though that American Academy will have a delay or closure and not DCSD. When there is a 90 delay before care is cancelled and KindiePrep doors open at 9:45. All closures and delays are announced through the emergency notification system.
Crossing Safely from the Parking Lot
You and your child’s safety is of the upmost importance to us. Please use the crosswalk when crossing from the parking lot during KindiePrep drop off time. It is not safe to cross over the rocks during this time as the drivers coming in cannot see you or your children. If dropping off during active carpool, it is essential that you use the crosswalk and wait for the traffic to come to a complete stop before safely crossing.
March and April Extra Care Calendars
March and April extracare slots are filling up fast, so please stop by the front desk this week to fill out your extracare calendars for March and April.
Virtual Tours for Prospective Parents
Do you have friends or family that are interested in sending their children to American Academy? If so, please share with them how they can attend an American Academy’s virtual prospective parent meeting. For more information on how to sign up for these meetings Click Here
Watch for 2nd Semester Progress Reports this week.
Friday, February 26 – Remote Learning Day for K-8 Students. KindiePrep will be in session. No DCSD Lunches
Friday, February 26 – Spirit Wear Day
Friday, March 5 – Spirit Wear Day
Friday, March 12 – Spirit Wear Day
No School March 15 -19 -Spring Break
Monday, March 22 – School Resumes
Friday, March 26 – Dress of Choice
Happy February! It is so hard to believe that it is February. It seems like we just started this school year.
With the ever-changing Colorado weather, we want to remind everyone to please send your child with the appropriate attire for outside recess. Children may wear and/or bring snow boots to school but if worn to school, please bring shoes for them to change into. Fashion boots are only allowed to be worn, in the classroom, on dress of choice days.
Valentine Parties
Teachers are busy planning Valentine parties for all the classrooms.
February 10 – 3 day classroom parties – Dress of Choice for 3 day classrooms
February 11 – 2 day and 5 day classroom parties – Dress of Choice for 2 and 5 day classrooms
Please check with your child’s teacher for times and if any party supplies are needed.
Kindness Week
KindiePrep is going to join the K-8 students with celebrating Kindness Week February 16th -19th. The teachers will be discussing on how to show kindness to others in and out of the classroom.
Every day during Kindness week we are asking the children to show their kindness pride through spirit days.
Tuesday, February 16th – Wear your favorite color shirt day
Wednesday, February 17th – Wear a AA/KP Spirit Wear Shirt
Thursday, February 18th – Wear a Colorado Shirt (may be a favorite Colorado team shirt)
Friday, February 19 – Dress of Choice Day
No School – Friday, February 12 – Teacher Comp Day
No School – Monday, February 15 – President’s Day
Friday, February 26 – K-8 Remote Learning Day - KindiePrep is in session. NO DCSD LUNCH
Friday, February 26 – Spirit Wear Day
March aftercare calendars are now available at the front desk.
Thank you to all the great KindiePrep parents that have helped us stock our flex space cabinets with goodies and lunch fixings. We all feel so spoiled and are enjoying everything!
Remote Learning
KindiePrep will continue to offer remote learning for the remaining of the 2020-2021 school year. We will not be offering remote learning for the 2021-2022 school year. If you are continuing with the learning mode your child is currently enrolled in, you do not need to do anything. If you would like to change your child’s learning mode for the last trimester, please contact either Gretchen at [email protected] or Nancy at [email protected] by Wednesday, January 27. Learning mode changes will go into effect on February 22.
Check Your Child’s Weekly Folder
Make sure that you are checking your child’s weekly folder every week. The teacher may put important classroom announcements in the folders for you to stay informed as to what is going on or coming up in the classroom and the children love to show off what they did in school that week!
Dressing for the Weather
Weather permitting, part of your child’s day is to go outside to run and have fun with their classmates. Please make sure that your child has on the appropriate clothes to enjoy the outdoors. The classrooms do go outside if the temperature is above 28 degrees.
Rest Time Supplies
Licensing requires that we offer a rest time to all children in KindiePrep. We provide the mat and you need to provide a crib size sheet and small blanket. Everything your child brings to school including their coat, rest supplies and lunch container must fit in your child’s cubby box. The general rule is that if it does not fit into the provided KindiePrep bag it is too big to fit into the cubby.
Coming Soon - Classroom Group Pictures
Monday, February 8, 2021 – All 5 day and 3 day classrooms
Tuesday, February 9, 2021 – All 2 day classrooms
Information on cost and how to pay will be available soon.
February Extra Care Calendars Due
Dress of Choice Day – Friday, January 22
Spirit Wear Day – Friday, January 29
Friday, January 29 – Remote Learning Day for K-8- Regular School Day for KindiePrep- No DCSD Lunch
Welcome back! I hope everyone had a wonderful winter break. Welcome back! I hope that everyone had a wondaful winter break.
Thank You
A big thank you to all the families that donated toys to the Ronald McDonald House. Due to your generosity were able to take two car loads of toys to them! We could not have accomplished this without the support of our amazing American Academy KindiPrep families.
January 8 – Spirit Wear Day
January 15 and 29 - Remote Learning Days for K-8. KindiePrep is in session. No DCSD
Lunch
January 18 - No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 22 – Dress of Choice Day
Second Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent teacher conferences are scheduled for the evenings of January 20 and 21. Please sign up with your child’s teacher.
LM KindiePrep Toy Drive
We are excited to announce that LM KindiePrep is going to be collecting new toys and books for the Ronald McDonald House starting Monday, December 7. For 40 years RMHC Denver has been keeping families of sick children together and near the medical care that they need.
The Ronald McDonald House provides temporary housing for out-of-area families needing to be near their hospitalized children at no cost to them. In addition, they operate four Ronald McDonald Family Rooms which offer families a place to rest and regroup just steps away from their child’s hospital bed.
The Ronald McDonald House is thrilled that the children in KindiePrep are going to donate new toys and new books to the children in their facility. They have a Christmas TOY STORE starting on the 10th where they give away 2 toys per child. They also use the toys throughout the year for birthdays and treasure boxes. Please help us fill up the KindiePrep house with new, unwrapped toys and books by December 17th. As the house fills up we will be making deliveries to help with their toy store.
Milk
Due to Douglas County Schools going 100% remote American Academy’s cafeteria staff has been able to provide milk for lunch. They have informed us that they will have enough milk through next week, but may not be able to obtain milk for the last week the children are in school before winter break.
Winter Fun Week
Monday – December 14th – Pajama Day - Wear your favorite pajamas to school!
Tuesday – December 15th – Holiday Sweater or Shirt Day
Wednesday – December 16th – Holiday Sock Day – Dress of Choice 3 day classrooms
Thursday – December 17 - Dress of Choice
Winter Parties
Winter classroom parties are coming up fast. The teachers have been very busy planning and preparing many fun activities for your children to do during the party time. All staff is sad that we cannot have parents in the classrooms during party time but if you would like to help your child’s teacher with any of the preparation, I’m sure it would be greatly appreciated.
3 day parties - Wednesday, December 16
2 day and 5 day parties – Thursday, December 17
No School - Friday, December 18 – January 1 – Winter Break
No School – January 4- Professional Development Day- School Resumes on January 5
Happy November! It is hard to believe how fast this year is going and how much your children have grown since the beginning of school.
Parents, thank you for making the fall parities so much fun for all the children. The games and treats that you brought in for the children to share were greatly appreciated. We really missed having parents helping out in the classrooms.
Due to the Health Department wanting all daycares and schools to track when a child is out sick, we are asking you to please email us if your child is going to be out for the day. You may email either Nancy or Gretchen letting us know what symptoms your child is having or the reason they are not attending for the day.
November Lunch Change
The cafeteria has informed us that due to a milk supplier shortage starting on November 9, children who order lunch will be given bottled water in place of milk. You will not be able to order just milk for your child until the supplier is able to restore milk deliveries to the school. Thank you for understanding.
American Academy Celebrates Veterans
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Sibling Priority List
Do you have older or younger children at home that you would like to attend American Academy for the 2021-2022 school year? If so, please Click Here to add them to the sibling priority list.
School Spirit Store is Open Now – November 8
The Spirit Gear Store is now open, and your order will be delivered in time for the holidays
Click Here to check out all the great Spirit Wear options, available for purchase!
Prospective Parent Meeting
Do you know any friends or neighbors who are interested in having their child attend American Academy? If so, they are welcome to attend the next Prospective Parent Meeting scheduled on November 12. Click Here for more information on how to have them sign up for a virtual Prospective Parent Meeting.
December Before and After Care Calendars are Now Available at the Front KindiePrep Desk
November 6 – Spirit Wear Day
November 12 & 13 – Spirit Wear Day
November 13 – Remote Learning Day – KindiePrep will be in Session – No DCSD lunch
November 20 – Dress of Choice Day
November 23 – 27 – No School – Thanksgiving Break
It was wonderful seeing all the smiling faces of the children walking into KindiePrep the last couple of days! Your children bring such joy to everyone here in KindiePrep during these crazy times.
With the number of COVID cases on the rise in the Denver Metro area I would like to remind everyone to please wear a mask when entering the building and to social distance when waiting either outside or by your child’s cubby. With cold and flu season also coming up it is important to keep your child home if they are not feeling well.
Parents I want to thank you for helping to limit the number of people in the hallways during drop off and pick up, by not lingering in the hallways it has greatly reduced the number of families in the building at a time. Please remember that sibling drop off starts at 8:10 and pick up at 2:55, if you do not have siblings in the K-8 building your drop off time starts at 8:15 and pick up at 3:00. We have staggered the times to help with the number of people in the building and to help move families in and out of the building quicker. Your help with keeping to these times is greatly appreciated.
Friday, October 23 – Remote Learning Day K-8 Only – KindiePrep is in Session – No DCSD Lunch
Extra Dress of Choice Day!
LM’s wonderful PTO would like to thank all the families who donated and volunteered to make the 1st Annual Rebel Strong Fitness-A-Thon a success! We were the top fund-raising American Academy campus with an amazing $31,000! To thank everyone for their amazing funding efforts the children will have an extra Dress of Choice Day.
Wednesday, October 21st - Dress of choice day for all 3 day classrooms
Thursday, October 22 – Dress of choice day for all 2 day and 5 day classrooms.
Friday, October 23 – Spirit Wear Day
Wednesday, October 28 – Dress of Choice of Day for 3 day classrooms only
Thursday, October 29 – Dress of Choice Day
Friday, October 30 – No School – Teacher Professional Development Day
DCSD Will Be Testing Their Emergency Communication System October 21
DCSD will conduct a test of its emergency notification system, including email, mobile app, website, social media, text and voice messaging on Wednesday, October 21. If you do not receive this notification please Click Here to sign up for future notifications.
This emergency messaging system is separate from the American Academy Emergency Communication System that you opted into. You must have opted in to the AA Emergency Communication system in order to hear important communication from AA including school delays and closings. To opt into American Academy’s emergency communication system Click Here
Sibling Survey for ADDITIONAL Students for 2021-2022 Year
Do you have siblings that you want to enroll for the 2021-2022 school year? Click here for information on how to add them to the sibling priority list.
November Before and After Care Calendars Due
Picture Retake or New Student Picture Day
Van Gogh School Photographers will be taking individual photos for those KindiePrep children who were not present on picture day or whose photos did not meet your standards.
5 day and 3 day children – Monday, October 26
2 day children – Tuesday, October 27
Watch for a flyer in your child’s take home folder this week.
Fall Parties
Due to COVID restrictions parents cannot attend the fall classroom parties but this does not mean that the children will not have fun. All the teachers are planning some great activities for the children to do during their party time. We will have a student and teacher costume parade and the teachers are working on a fun surprise for all the children!
Parties for 3 day children are on Wednesday, October 28
Parties for 2 day and 5 day children are on Thursday, October 29
Children will bring their costumes to school and put them on after rest time. Costumes that can be worn over clothing are the best! DO NOT HAVE YOUR CHILD WEAR THEIR COSTUME TO SCHOOL. Please no masks, makeup, weapons or scary costumes.
Happy Fall! It is hard to believe that it is the first day of Fall and that Fall Break is right around the corner.
Thursday, September 24 - KindiePrep Dress of Choice Day
Please use the Crosswalk When Crossing from the Parking Lot
During active carpool it is essential that you use the crosswalk and wait for the traffic to come to a complete stop before safely crossing. Please be mindful of the carpool attendants’ instructions during carpool and always use the crosswalk when crossing.
October Before and After Care Calendars are Due
All October before and after care calendars are due this week. Parents must schedule their ExtraCare dates in advance by filling out a monthly care calendar by the front KindiePrep desk. Spots in each session of ExtraCare are very limited and reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
ExtraCare Refunds
Because the ExtraCare program is funded and ran based on pre-paid and pre-scheduled participation — and other parents are turned away as a result — there are no refunds for cancellations or missed dates. Dates scheduled but not used are not transferable to other dates.
No School – Friday – September 25 – Teacher Professional Development Day
Monday, September 28th – Fitness-A-Thon
What is Fitness-A-Thon? It is American Academy’s Fall Fund raiser. The flyer was sent home this week explaining this fun fund raiser. If you missed the flyer Click Here for more information.
Starting Monday, September 28th there will be a different fitness activity you can do with your child and each day will have a different article of clothing that can be worn to school!
Friday, October 2 – Remote Learning Day K-8 Only – KindiePrep is in Session
Sign Up for Parent Teacher Conferences
It is parent teacher conference time. Teachers will be doing in person conferences the evenings of October 7 & 8. Please sign up for a time with your child’s teacher.
No School – October 9 – Teacher Comp Day
No School – October 12-16 - Fall Break
Friday, October 23 – Remote Learning Day K-8 Only – KindiePrep is in Session
Remote Learning Days are scheduled for K-8 classrooms only. KindiePrep will be in session as usual, on these days.
Friday, September 18 is a remote learning day for the K-8 building. KindiePrep will be in session on all K-8 scheduled remote learning days. The K-8 cafeteria will not be serving lunches on the remote learning days; therefore, all children will need to bring a lunch from home.
Spirit Day – Thursday, September 17 and Friday, September 18.
Show your American Academy School Spirit by wearing a Rebels or American Academy shirt with dress code bottoms. There are spirt days approved KindiePrep shirts available for purchase by the front KindiePrep desk for $15.00 Cash or check (made out to Ambition Custom Apparel)
Dress of Choice Day – Thursday, September 24
No School – Friday, September 25 - Teacher Professional Development Day
Welcome to week two of KindiePrep! Last week was such a great week. The teachers were all so happy to finally have silly, fun children back into their classrooms.
I want to thank everyone for being so understanding of our new drop off system. It really seems to be working well and is limiting the number of people in the hallways. I also want to thank you for coming in and dropping off or picking up your children so quickly.
Please read on for some upcoming KindiePrep dates and other important information.
Thursday, August 27 – Back to School Night – In Person Learners Only
Please check with you child’s teacher if you have not been invited to a Zoom Back to School Night Meeting.
Friday, August 28 – Dress of Choice Day
Friday is a dress of choice day for all of American Academy. On dress of choice days children may wear school appropriate clothing. Please no costumes, pajamas, no open toed shoes, sandals, flip flops or crocs.
Friday, September 4 – School for KindiePrep Students – There will be no DCSD lunches served. All children MUST bring a lunch from home.
Friday, September 4 &11 – Spirit Days
Children may wear any American Academy school spirit shirt with dress code bottoms.
No School September 7 - Labor Day
Friday, September 18 – Dress of Choice Day
No School September 25 – Professional Development Day
Emergency Communication System
Be sure to opt-in to receive urgent and emergency communication throughout the school year.
Communicating quickly and effectively with our families and staff during an emergency situation or when we need to send an urgent message is something we take very seriously. Please read the message below regarding our Emergency Communication System, and the steps you need to take to make sure you get our messages. Please also review our Emergency Communication web page for more information.
American Academy uses an OPT-IN, cloud-based voice and text service to contact our K-8 and KindiePrep parents during school emergencies and urgent situations. Many parents have already opted into the American Academy Emergency Communications system (different from DCSD's emergency communications), at some point over the last three years (including this past spring). If this describes you, there is no need to opt-in again -- you're all set! :)
If you have NOT yet opted into American Academy emergency communications, please take just a few moments to do so with the link below. Our emergency messaging will mainly apply to on-campus emergencies, but at this time we ask both in-person and remote families to opt-in.
In order to opt-in, you must complete the Emergency Communication Opt-In Form. Remember -- if you want to receive texts, you will need to give us a cell phone number. If your household wishes to be contacted at multiple cell phone numbers, complete the form ONCE PER PHONE NUMBER. If you have students at more than one American Academy campus (including KindiePrep), we recommend that you complete the form ONCE PER CAMPUS.
We will be officially testing the American Academy emergency communications system sometime in the next few weeks and will send those details out once finalized.
Immunizations and Physicals
The State of Colorado requires that every child have a current physical and immunization record on file in order to attend KindiePrep. If your child has recently had a physical or received any immunizations please drop off the current documentation at the front KindiePrep desk.
Reporting Absences
We have been asked by our school nurse that all absences due to sickness be reported to KindiePrep or our school nurse Brenda Steers. Please call the front desk at 720-292-5400 or email Nancy Emerson or Gretchen Brogan if your child is going to be out sick.
Prospective Parent Meetings
Do you know a family that is interested in having their children attend American Academy next school year? American Academy is holding Zoom Prospective Parent meetings for grades KP -8 starting on September 10. Please Click Here for more information and how to RSVP.
It was wonderful to meet you and your children at Friday’s Open House. It is so exciting to see children back inside KindiePrep and we can’t wait to see everyone starting tomorrow.
I wanted to share some KindiePrep reminders as we start the school year.
Please enter and exit though the doors marked enter and exit only. We are required, by the Health Department, to have one door for entering and one door for exiting KindiePrep. We are also asking that you enter and exit the building as quickly as possible. Due to social distancing we cannot have parents gathering in the hallways to talk to other parents, or to watch their children once they have entered the classrooms.
Signed up for before care? If so, you may drop your children off anytime starting at 7 am. If you arrive for drop off and the K-8 building is in active carpool you must go through carpool, find a parking spot in the parking lot and walk your child into KindiePrep by safely using the crosswalk. Please do not cross through the rocks. The cars dropping off the children through carpool are told to keep moving and will not be paying attention to you or your child in the rock area.
Morning drop off for KindiePrep students that have siblings, in the K-8 building, may begin dropping off at 8:10. This time is for sibling drop off only. This is different from in the past to help with social distancing in the KindiePrep hallways, and hopefully also help with parking.
If you do not have older children in the K-8 building plan on arriving closer to the 8:15 drop off time. This will give time for the parents of siblings to drop off, leave the building, open up more places to park and have less parents and children in the hallways.
Please limit the number of adults coming in to drop off children. We want everyone to be safe and allow for as much social distancing as possible. All children must be signed in daily. Sign in sheets will be located outside the classrooms on top of the cubbies. It is important to indicate, on the sign in sheets, if your child will need a DCSD (Douglas County School District) lunch. Lunch includes milk or bottled water. (if you would like your child to receive water, with their lunch, write water by the word lunch) If you would like to purchase milk only please circle milk on the sign in sheet.
Due to Health Department regulations parents cannot enter the classrooms. Teachers will be greeting the children at the classroom doors to take daily temperatures and welcome them into the room. Have your child bring their water bottle and snack into the classroom to put in their chair back holders. (lunches will remain in their cubbies) Please remind your child to wash their hands upon entering the classroom. (teachers will remind them also!)
Pick up for KindiePrep children that have siblings in the K-8 building is at 2:55. Please pick up your child as quickly as possible to assure that you are back at your car in time for the K-8 carpool attendants to prepare the lines for the K-8 student pick up.
If you do not have a child in the K-8 school your pick up will start at 3 pm. You may park in front of the building, around the curve or in the parking lot. If you are parked in front of the building or in the VIP parking spaces you must be back to your car by 3:15. Please be on time to pick up your child. If you are late and arrive when cars are being released for carpool you will need to go through carpool. All children that are not signed up for after care, but have not been picked up when after care begins will be taken to aftercare. You will then be charged the aftercare fee and a late pick up fee.
After care children must be picked up by 5:30. After 5:30 late fees will occur.
Picture Day
Three and Five Day Classrooms
All children in the three and five day classrooms will have pictures taken on Wednesday, August 19. Pictures will be taken during their normal classroom time and will be done by classroom cohorts. KindiePrep dress code attire is required.
Two Day Classrooms
All children in two day classrooms will have their pictures taken on Thursday, August 20th Pictures will be taken during their normal classroom time and will be done by classroom cohorts. KindiePrep dress code attire is required.
Many have been asking about what their child can wear in KindiePrep. KindiePrep children may wear any American Academy uniform item from Dennis Uniform, but they are not required to wear the American Academy uniform. KindiePrep students not wearing the American Academy uniform must follow the KindiePrep dress code.
Bottoms
Color: Navy only. No jeans or sweatpants
Items: Shorts, pants, jumpers, or skorts (must be solid navy) from any source or retailer
Tops
Colors: Red, white or blue
Items: Solid red, white, or navy shirts, or sweatshirts from any source or retailer. (must be solid with no writing, no pictures, no designs)
Shoes, Socks, Tights
Shoes - Any color closed-toe, closed-back shoe (no glitter/sparkles, no lights, no characters)
Socks - Solid red, white, black or blue socks (no characters)
Tights/leggings - Solid red, white, black or blue (no designs)
NOTE - Athletic shoes are preferred so that children can be active and comfortable (no flip flops, no open toes, no crocs, no boots). In the winter it is acceptable to wear snow boots to school, but children must bring a pair of school acceptable shoes to change into to.
Extra Care Passes
Nancy will start refunding unused extra-care passes, so please be on the lookout in statements or bank account for those refund deposits. (It will be refunded to the card we have on file.) If you have any questions about passes please email Nancy.
KindiePrep Donations
We are so lucky to have such amazing KindiePrep families! I say this because we have had families reach out to us about possible donations to help pay the KindiePrep teachers. We are continuing to pay the teachers, because they are amazing. However, it is a huge financial burden, since we are not collecting tuition, that we will have to recover from over the next few years. If you have the ability to donate and help KindiePrep shoulder the financial hardship we would greatly appreciate it. Please fill out this short jotform to make your donation. ( https://form.jotform.com/aak8/kindieprep-donation-request ) These donations are Tax Deductible, and you will receive a tax receipt for your donation. Again, thank you all for caring so much!
As of Friday, April 3, American Academy, including KindiePrep, made the decision to close all schools and in person learning through the end of the school year. This announcement has made all the KindiePrep staff heartbroken that we are not able to finish seeing all your children for the rest of the school year.
The teachers want to give your children the opportunity of continuing their learning by posting daily lessons on their webpages until May 21. On the original school calendar Friday, April 10 is a scheduled comp day for all American Academy teachers, we are still going to honor that day off with no new lessons being posted. Remember all KindiePrep lessons are optional, as we know that many of you are still working. The lessons are being provided to hopefully make your day with your stay at home preschoolers a little easier. I know many of you are concerned if your child is going to be ready for Kindergarten. The answer to that is yes. In the 8 months that your child attended KindiePrep they have learned many, if not all, of the prekindergarten skills. This is also the reason the KindiePrep teachers are providing lessons for you. By doing some of these lessons, your child will not forget, over the next few months the concepts that were taught.
One of the most asked questions that teachers are receiving is when can I pick up the things that my child has at school? Due to the closure of schools and the stay at home orders issued by the Governor of Colorado, we cannot open KindiePrep to retrieve your child’s belongings. Your child’s belongings are safe at school and we will keep you posted as to when pick up will be available.
Nancy is working on the amount of tuition refunds owed to the parents that paid by check at the beginning of the year. Please be patient with us in receiving your refund. Once Nancy has the refund amount she will submit that to our business office and they will generate a refund to you. Currently I’m not sure how long this process will be, as our business office personal are being safe by working from home.
Please give your children an extra hug from all the KindiePrep staff and reach out to me or your child’s teacher with any questions.
Extended Cancellation of KindiePrep
As of right now the school cancellation policy has been extended till April 17th. We will not be charging April
tuition until the 15th. This will allow time for any other changes that may occur. We will inform you if any changes to this date occurs.
Web Based Learning
I hope the first week of web-based learning went well. The teachers are working from home looking for ways to have your child extend their learning while at home. Teachers are posting new lessons daily. Your child's teacher is still reachable through email, so if you have any questions or concerns please reach out.
Emergency Care Collaborative
We also want to share some information that maybe useful to our emergency worker families. The Governor is trying to help with child care for those families since they are so desperately needed at their job. There is a number to call and more information on their website - https://covidchildcarecolorado.com/
KindiePrep Registration
KindiePrep parents are required to attend the American Academy all school registration at the Lincoln Meadows Campus. Just pick the time that is convenient for you. The KindiePrep table will be located in the K-7 cafeteria. During registration, all current KindiePrep paperwork will be reviewed and at this time, we will let you know what paperwork is still needed. If your child had a physical or any immunizations please bring the current form with you to registration.(physicals must be dated within the year of child’s start date) Your child cannot start the year in the KindiePrep program until the most recent physical and immunization record is turned in to us.
REGISTRATION TIMES
August 8th- 10:00 am-6 pm
August 9th- 8-3
Staff will be available both days to help you set up your payment information. The first payment is due at registration; the next payment will be charged to you on September 1st. We will also help you set up a lunch account and ExtraCare account, if needed. ExtraCare calendars will be available at this time to fill out. At registration, you will also be given the name of your child’s teacher and carpool number!
Before and After Care
We will help you set up an ExtraCare account at registration. Once your account is set up, you will purchase attendance passes (up to 30 days at a time for both AM and/or PM) on the School Store. In order to use those purchased passes, you must then schedule your dates IN ADVANCE with the front KindiePrep office on the ExtraCare calendar. Please make sure that you are doing this monthly -- space for each of the AM and PM extracare sessions is very limited! Spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis. There are no refunds for missed or unattended dates and no transfers of payments to alternate dates. NOTE: Purchase of ExtraCare attendance passes does not guarantee a spot in ExtraCare on any given date – all dates must be scheduled one month in advance.
School Pictures
KindiePrep student pictures will not be taken at registration. Pictures will be taken at a later date. Watch for information coming soon.
KindiePrep Dress Code
KindiePrep students may wear any American Academy uniform item from Dennis Uniform, but they are not required to wear the American Academy uniform. KindiePrep students not wearing the American Academy uniform must follow the KindiePrep dress code.
Bottoms
Color: Navy only. No jeans or sweats
Items: Shorts, pants, jumpers, or skorts (must be solid navy) from any source or retailer
Tops
Colors: Red, white or blue
Items: Solid red, white, or navy shirts, or sweatshirts from any source or retailer. (must be solid with no writing, no pictures, no designs)
Shoes, Socks, Tights
Shoes - Any color closed-toe, closed-back shoe (no glitter/sparkles, no lights, no characters)
Socks - Solid red, white, black or blue socks (no characters)
Tights/leggings - Solid red, white, black or blue (no characters)
NOTE - Athletic shoes are preferred so that students can be active and comfortable (no flip flops, no open toes, no crocs, no boots). In the winter, it is acceptable to wear snow boots to school, but students must bring a pair of school acceptable shoes to change into.
Open House
Please join us on August 17 from 5-7PM for this year’s open house. KP students and parents are invited to come visit the school, go into classrooms, meet teachers and bring in school supplies.
The first day of KindiePrep is August 20, 2018.