Inside this issue:

BC At-A-Glance 2

Chef’s Choice

Last Week of School

2

PTO,Cruger Cup 3-7

Classroom Clips 8-11

BC monthly Calendar 12

BVSD & 2014-2015

School Calendar

13-

18

Bear Creek Elementary

2500 Table Mesa Drive

Boulder, CO 80305

Kent Cruger, Principal

May 22, 2014

Bear Tracks

GOODBYE AND GOOD LUCK

TO THE BEAR CREEK CLASS OF 2014

The Bear Creek family wishes you all the best as you make the move to

middle school next year.

Come back and visit us when you can!!!

Happy Summer Break! ~ Kent Cruger

Benji Albuisson Lauren Hirschhorn Mathilda Nilsson

Annika Bachman Morgan Hunt Topher Patten

Lita Bacus Xavier Inglese Franzi Pflaum

Meghan Barnes Sydney Jaques Poornima Ramesh

Samuel Berets Emily Kang Connor Robinson

Bettina Bottome Louis Kehoe Axel Rosen

Anna Brasket Holden Kirlan-Stout Brooke Rucker

Jack Broadfoot Marlin Kropp Adam Schindler

Sam Brooks Siya Lalwani Dawson Shelby

Levi Cahill-Miller Suriya Lalwani Eli Silver

Chloe Cruger Perry Lawrence Nicole Smith

Anika Fergusson Alex Liston Ben Stratton

Imani Fernandez-Gorbea Kate Liston Jordan Tewnion

Connor Fitzgerald Maia LiVecchi Brandon Tidd

Annika Fridberg Jaimi Lutes Jack Twigger

Renee Gangwish Jordan Lutes Samantha Vanzura

Lucas Gerding Luke Matarazzo Zachary Vanzura

Elli Gerwing George Matsumura Dashiel Walker

Jordyn Grace Elise McLean Aden Walsh

Ned Graf Aly Meek Audrey Wellington

Diego Graham Benjamin Mollborn Bobby Wilhelm

Qing Qing He Lily Morton Isabel Wolhandler

Tristan Hird Henry Murphy Sierra Zeller

Sophia Murray

BEAR CREEK CALENDAR

AT - A - GLANCE

Monday, May 26

Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL

Wednesday & Thursday May 28 & 29

Awards Assembly @9:00am

Performance by the Drumming club

on Wednesday, May 28th before the assembly.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Summer Opportunities

I know that many of you are beginning to make plans for your

children this summer. Although by BVSD policy we cannot send

messages about summer programs by e-mail or in Bear Tracks,

flyers can be found either on the table or in the vertical

file in the vestibule.

We are not sponsoring or endorsing one or the other; it's for

you to decide and there is contact information so that you can

talk to people about the program. Lifelong Learning, which

is part of BVSD's Community Schools Program runs many won-

derful activities for students in schools across the district. If you

go to their web-page ttp://www.bvsd.org/lll/Pages/default.aspx

you can find great kid classes, many of which will happen right at

our school!

Thank you and please let me know if you have any questions.

~ Carolyn

Thrive Parent Newsletter

Chef Choice Menu

Week of May 27th - 30th

Tuesday, May 27th

Cheese Pizza

Pepperoni Pizza

Wednesday, May 28th

Cheesy Chicken Sub (el)/Cajun Chicken Sub (sec)

Cheese Quesadilla

Thursday, May 29th

Meatball Sub

Toasted Cheese Sandwich

GF Toasted cheese Sandwich

Friday, May 30th

Chicken Salad Sandwich

Hummus Wrap

Full Salad Bar, Fruit and Milk will be available

through Friday 5/30.

Friday, May 30th

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

5th Grade Graduation

1:00 pm

LOST and FOUND

The end of the year is quickly approaching and

with the change of seasons it is a good reminder

to check for lost winter clothing. The lost and

found is located at the end of the hallway by

the gym between the inside and outside doors.

Currently we have clothing overflowing the bins.

Labeling your child’s clothing is one way to make

sure it gets back to the child when found on

the playground or when the clothing bin is

cleaned out.

At the end of the year all unclaimed articles will be bagged and donated to a local charity.

May 30 is the deadline to pick up any articles of clothing!

PTO PULSE

THANK YOU PARENTS!

On behalf of the PTO, thank you so much for your involvement this year – from volunteering in the classroom, donating money to our annual Tools for Learning Campaign, bringing in meals or snacks to the teachers, and chaperoning field trips! Bear Creek would not be the same without all of your generosity! THANK YOU!

A Special THANKS to the following super stars:

Jeff Finkelstein – for taking fabulous photos of our kids during the entire school year and sharing those pre-cious images with us

The Bear Creek PTO Board and PTO Liaisons – for their time and dedication to our students

Lisa Cook – for organizing the fun and informative Super Science Nights

Mary Pettigrew, Regner Trampedach, Charlotte Mudar – for organizing the ever-popular car-free commute program and annual Earth Day celebration

Michelle Wellington – for taking charge of the Carnival, which gets bigger and better each year. And thanks to the amazing group of parents and 5th graders who volunteered their time

The Garden Committee – for bringing students outdoors to the amazing Learning Garden.

Jon Ouellette, Sean Elliot, Darren Kelly – for sacrificing their weekends to build the garden shed

Ross Philip, Jeff Smith, and Steven Wolhandler – for bringing us another fantastic Lip Sync show and Edie Cheng for filming it all

The Yearbook Committee – for producing a wonderful yearbook

HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER!!!

Library News

Thank you so much for supporting our Scholastic book fair and making it a great success!! We earned almost $4,000 in Scholastic credit from the fair which will be used to purchase new classroom and library materials. A huge thank you goes out to the volunteers who helped set up, close up, and run the registers: Heather Burhop, Michelle Wel-lington, Ragan Cahill, Jayne Brooks, Courtney Williams, Jeanne Kaufman, and Debbie Gangwish. We could not have a book fair without parent helpers!

All library materials were due on May 16th

. Please help your children find and return any outstanding library materials or pay for any lost items. This helps simplify our end of the year inventory process. If you have already paid for a lost book but return it before the last day of school, we will happily refund your money.

A huge thank you goes out to the dedicated volunteers who helped keep the library running smoothly this year: Heather Burhop, Gwen Grasse, Heidi Samuel, and Patty Prazen. Also thanks to all who donated birthday books and to those who remembered to mention Bear Creek while shopping at Grand Rabbits. Your purchases helped us earn store credit to buy more library materials. The PTO’s generous funding also continues to allow us to update our library collec-tion.

Don’t forget to keep reading and to visit the public library this summer. Check out the following reading lists for some ideas to keep you inspired to read this summer.

Boulder Public Library book lists

http://www.boulder.lib.co.us/youth/booklists/index.html

International Reading Association

http://www.reading.org/resources/tools/choices.html

Nancy Keane’s site (children’s lit expert) http://nancykeane.com/rl/

Boulder Public library and Barnes and Noble both have summer reading programs. (Reading logs for the Barnes and Noble program are available in the library.) Boulder Public Library summer reading program info is listed below:

The Boulder Public Library would like to announce their 2014 Summer Reading Program! The theme is “Fizz, Boom, Read!”--

which is all about having fun with science at the library. It’s a theme that has captured the imagination of our staff, and we know the

kids will be just as excited to participate. Students can register at any of our Boulder Public Library locations between Monday June

9 and Friday July 18. Our locations are the Main Library, George Reynolds Library, Meadows Library and the new NoBo Corner

Library.

We are proud to announce that we have partnered with several local businesses and the Boulder Public Library Foundation to offer

more ways to encourage your students to read through the summer. When your students register for the program, they will receive:

Starter packet that includes a game board, a FREE book and a backpack

Midpoint - When they have completed half of their reading – Coupon for Cold Stone Creamery

Final- Receive another FREE book and a ticket to Lakeside amusement park!

Everyone who signs up will be invited to our end of summer pool party at Scott Carpenter Pool

This is a link to our website where you can find more information about all the activities the libraries are hosting this summer.

http://bplnow.boulderlibrary.org/event/kids-family/summer-reading

Keeping Kids Active

Anyone who's seen kids on a playground knows that most are naturally physically active and love to move around. But what

might not be apparent is that climbing to the top of a slide or swinging from the monkey bars can help lead kids to a lifetime

of being active.

As they get older, it can be a challenge for kids to get enough daily activity. Reasons include increasing demands of school, a

feeling among some kids that they aren't good at sports, a lack of active role models, and busy working families.

And even if kids have the time and the desire to be active, parents may not feel comfortable letting them freely roam the

neighborhood as kids once did. So their opportunities might be limited.

Despite these barriers, parents can instill a love of activity and help kids fit it into their everyday routines. Doing so can es-

tablish healthy patterns that will last into adulthood.

Benefits of Being Active

When kids are active, their bodies can do the things they want and need them to do. Why? Because regular exercise pro-

vides these benefits:

•strong muscles and bones

•weight control

•decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes

•better sleep

•a better outlook on life

Healthy, physically active kids also are more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful. And physical compe-

tence builds self-esteem at every age.

What Motivates Kids?

So there's a lot to gain from regular physical activity, but how do you encourage kids to do it? The three keys are:

1.Choosing the right activities for a child's age: If you don't, the child may be bored or frustrated.

2.Giving kids plenty of opportunity to be active: Kids need parents to make activity easy by providing equipment and taking

them to playgrounds and other active spots.

3.Keeping the focus on fun: Kids won't do something they don't enjoy.

When kids enjoy an activity, they want to do more of it. Practicing a skill — whether it's swimming or riding a tricycle —

improves their abilities and helps them feel accomplished, especially when the effort is noticed and praised. These good feel-

ings often make kids want to continue the activity and even try others.

Whatever their fitness personality, all kids can be physically fit. A parent's positive attitude will help a child who's reluctant to

exercise. Be active yourself and support your kids' interests. If you start this early enough, they'll come to regard activity as a

normal — and fun — part of your family's everyday routine.

Have a fun and active Summer………Mr. Soole

In accordance with the BVSD policy on distribution/posting of non-curricular material-Bear Tracks will print

curricular items about our school. Many outside opportunities available, (i.e. Science Matters, second language

programs, parenting workshops, community sports, non-profit organizations, etc.) may be posted on the hall

bulletin board with prior approval of the Principal, but may not be included in Bear Tracks. Be sure to check

the Parent’s Board in the school for information regarding outside opportunities. All articles can be submitted

to Carolyn Walker at carolyn.walker@bvsd.org.

Additional information about Bear Creek can be found on the website at

http://www.bvsd.org/schools/bearcreek/ .

Submission Deadline Publication Date

May 2014May 2014May 2014

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Joybot

Assembly

@ 8:45

2 3

Boy Scout

Xeriscape

Garden Service

Day

4 5 6

Fun & Fitness

Author Visit

2-2:45

7

Fun & fitness Raindate

8 9

4th Grade Program

Bear Tracks

10

11 12

Garden & Art Show

13 14 15 16

2nd Grade Program

17

18 19

Band Concert at SoHills @ 6:30

20

1st Grade Program

21

Kindergarten Graduation

@ 9:00

Strings Concert at

Platt @ 6pm

22 23

Last Day of Instrumental

24

25 26

Memorial Day

NO SCHOOL

27 28

Awards Assembly @ 9:00

With

Drumming Club performance

29

Awards Assembly @ 9:00

5th Grade Pool Party

30

Last Day of School

5th Grade Graduation @1:00pm

31

The assessment date in September has been changed to the 22nd instead of the 26th.

SLAM DUNK….slam dunk….slam dunk….

To all BVSD Parents and Staff,

Are you ready for the summer break? Let BVSD help you find activities and services that meet the needs of your family.

BVSD’s Community Connections: Resources for Kids & Teens is a valuable online guide listing fun, educational and supportive

opportunities in a variety of categories:

Academics and Tutoring

Adventure

Arts (Arts & Crafts, Dance, Game Design, Music, Theatre)

Camps and Classes

Childcare and Preschools

Clubs

College Planning

Cooking

Family Assistance

Health and Support Services

Languages

Sports and Fitness (from Basketball to Wrestling)

Teens

The goal of Community Connections is to bring parents and providers together to enrich the lives of our children. New list-

ings are added each week, so be sure to revisit the guide whenever you're seeking enriching experiences for your family.

Please note: BVSD does not endorse organizations and individuals listed in Community Connections (other than BVSD programs). Individ-

uals and organizations pay a fee to advertise in this guide and have not been screened in any way.

Community Connections can be found at http://guide.bvsd.org. To learn more or to discuss advertising options, please contact

Marla Riley at 720-561-5977 or marla.riley@bvsd.org.

Write-up for school newsletters and/or parent email:

BVSD Lifelong Learning Enrichment Survey

BVSD Lifelong Learning wants to hear from you regarding after school enrichment classes at your school. Below you will find a link to a short survey that will help us provide high-quality after school of-ferings that meet the needs of your school community. We value your input and ideas, so please take a few moments to give us your feedback. Thank you.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1tKbmuRylhRSQecF0wMpBMVlJQq-La_xQ3Vua0BpCHFc/viewform

Summer Break !

NONDISCRIMINATION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

In accordance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of

2008, Colorado law and Board of Education Policy AC

(Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity), Boulder Valley School District does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual ori-

entation, gender identity/expression, national origin, religion, ancestry, need for special education services, age, marital status, genetic information, or phys-

ical characteristics in admissions, access to, treatment, or employment in educational programs or activities which it operates. Complaint procedures have

been established for students, parents, employees and members of the public. The following person has been identified as the compliance officer for the

district:

Superintendent

Boulder Valley School District6500 Arapahoe Rd.

Boulder, CO 80301

720.561.5114

Superintendent@bvsd.org

Outside agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI (race, national origin), Title IX (sex/gender), Section 504/ADA (disability), may be filed directly with the Office

for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 N. Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII

(employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity

Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.

Dear BVSD Parents, Students and Staff, The following message is a brief reminder of the BVSD weather closure procedures and emer-

gency notification system.

School district officials have a responsibility to keep schools in session except under the most extreme conditions. Road and weather conditions vary significantly across the school district. Parents should make the decision regarding attendance or late arrival of their children if weather

and road conditions are a concern. A personal contact by the parent or a written note to school officials will excuse a student's late arrival or absence during these conditions.

When severe weather is predicted for the Boulder Valley area, district officials monitor conditions closely, check road conditions along bus routes, and consult with county and state officials prior

to making a decision to close schools. Notification of school closure is given prior to 5:30 a.m.

If it is necessary to close schools, the district immediately does the following:

Post a notice on the front page of the district website at bvsd.org. Contact local radio and television stations to report the cancellation

Send an email to all parents and staff who have email addresses on file.

Send a text message to parents and staff who have opted for service through Contact Manager

Send a tweet through @BVSDalerts and @BVSDcolorado Twitter accounts

Post a notice on the BVSD Facebook page

Please visit the district website for more information about weather closures and the emergency

notification system.