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V i k i n g V i s i t o r Page 1
December 2007/January 2008
Dear Goddard Students, Parents, and Guardians:
As we conclude our first semester and head for the holidays, it seems like a good time to pay tribute to some of
the people and organizations that make our school so successful. Here are some of the groups on my mind this
month:
I appreciate Centura Health and Hospital Corporation. They are the source of most of the computers that we
give to students at school. Can you imagine that we have given more than 130 computers to students since
we began our “Computers for All” program one year ago? Amazing.
I appreciate our quiet and generous benefactor who lives far away in New York City and who has contributed
thousands of dollars over the past two years to ensure that every sixth grader goes to Outdoor Education.
I am tremendously grateful to all of our volunteers. You wipe cafeteria tables, chaperone field trips, sponsor
activities, raise money, plan parties, attend meetings, answer phones, stuff envelopes, run a school store, plan
the Goddard Gallop and Red Ribbon Week and Career Day, refurbish computers, run copy machines, and
more. I don’t know how many hours you give, but I see the results each day.
I appreciate our custodians. Imagine if eight hundred people came to your house every day and nobody
helped you clean up! Our building is forty years old, but it is bright and clean, safe and sound, and it is a good
place for teachers to teach and children to learn.
I appreciate our school service organizations: WEB, Builder’s Club, National Junior Honor Society, and Stu-
dent Council. Together, these students teach all of us about the importance of community involvement and
caring.
I appreciate the support of our school district. Their behind-the-scenes work makes a difference for teachers,
for students, and for administrators. They are the people who figure out the best standardized reading test.
They help us locate the most economical classroom furniture. They negotiate lease and purchase agreements
for computer labs. They create a community of school administrators that helps us stick together as a district
team. Their work is almost invisible to middle school students, yet it affects every minute of our day.
I appreciate our teachers. You will not find a more dedicated, hard-working, caring group of professionals any-
where.
Mostly, I appreciate our students. I love their energy, their intelligence, their sense of humor, and their good-
ness. Thank you for sharing them with me.
With warm holiday wishes,
Amy R. Oaks, Ph.D.
Principal
Visit Goddard on the WEB: http://goddard.littletonpublicschools.net
Page 2 V i k i n g V i s i t o r
THE CALENDAR
December 3, 2007 January 7, 2008
7th & 8th Grade Boys Wrestling, NMS @ GMS Students return to school
7th Grade Girls BB, NMS @ GMS January 8, 2008
December 4, 2007 Challenger Learning Center Field Trip, Core 7B
5th Grade Parent Info Meeting, 1:00-2:15pm PTO Meeting, 12:15pm
6th-8th Grade Wrestling practice, 2:45-4:00pm, January 9, 2008
8th Grade Girls BB, NMS @ GMS 6th Grade Parent Information Meeting, 9:15-10:30am
PTO Meeting, 12:15pm January 11, 2008
December 5, 2007 Grade Reports mailed home
Late Start January 14, 2008
8th Grade Girls BB practice, 7:00-7:45am, Gym Challenger Learning Center Field Trip, Core 7B
December 6, 2007 January 15, 2008
6th-8th Grade Wrestling practice, 2:45-4:00pm Challenger Learning Center Field Trip, Core 7B
8th Grade Girls BB Quarterfinals, TBA NJHS Meeting, 2:45pm
Math Counts, 3:00-4:00pm February Newsletter Deadline
December 7, 2007 January 16, 2008
6th-8th Grade Wrestling practice (optional), 2:45- Late Start
4:00pm January 17, 2008
December 8, 2007 8th Grade Boys BB, PMS @ GMS
7th & 8th Grade Boys Wrestling Tournament Challenger Learning Center Field Trip, Core 7B
@NMS, time TBA January 18, 2008
8th Grade Girls BB Tournament @ EMS, time TBA AVID College Day
Saturday School, 9:00am-12:00pm January 21, 2008
December 12, 2007 Holiday, No School
Knitting Club, 2:45-4:00pm, Library January 22, 2008
December 13, 2007 8th Grade Boys BB, EMS @ GMS
Math Counts, 3:00-4:00pm Challenger Learning Center Field Trip, Core 7A
Choir Concert, 7:00pm January 23, 2008
December 14, 2007 Challenger Learning Center Field Trip, Core 7A
Concert for Centennial Elementary, 1:30pm GAC, 3:15pm
December 18, 2007 College Night #1: Going to College? 7:00pm
Orchestra Concert, 7:00pm, Gym January 24, 2008
December 19, 2007 Challenger Learning Center field Trip, Core 7A
NJHS Meeting, 2:45pm January 26, 2008
GAC, 3:15pm Saturday School, 9:00am-12:00pm
December 20, 2007 January 28, 2008
2nd Quarter/1st Semester Ends 7th Grade Boys BB, GMS @ EMS
December 21 – January 6, 2008 January 29, 2008
Winter Holiday Break for all Students 8th Grade Boys BB, Pathways @ GMS
Challenger Learning Center Field Trip, Core 7A
February Newsletter Mailed
January 30, 2008
Challenger Learning Center Field Trip, Core 7A
January 31, 2008
8th Grade Boys BB, GMS @ NMS
Challenger Learning Center Field Trip, Core 7A
Littleton Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, nor on the
basis of age against persons whose age is over forty (40). Inquiries concerning any of the above should be directed to the
Executive for Human Resources, 5776 South Crocker Street, Littleton, Colorado 80120; phone (303) 347-3300; or to the
Director, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1961 Stout Street, Third Floor, Denver, Colorado 80294, phone
(303) 844-5695.
Visit Goddard on the WEB: http://goddard.littletonpublicschools.net
V i k i n g V i s i t o r Page 3
COLLEGE NIGHTS
For sixth grade parents, it’s hard to believe, but the time for parents to educate themselves about college is now, during
middle school. This is the time to start thinking about which high school will be a good fit for your student, what classes
your student will want to complete for high school graduation and what your student might do after high school. If college
is in your student’s future, what should you do now to get ready and how can you prepare yourself financially?
These two evenings are sponsored by AVID, Goddard’s program for college-bound students. Everyone is invited to at-
tend. Last year’s presentations were crowded and well-received, so please do call early to reserve a spot.
GOING TO COLLEGE? PAYING FOR COLLEGE?
AN EVENING WITH THE EXPERTS LEARN MORE FROM COLLEGE INVEST
Wednesday, January 23, 2008, 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, February 5th, 2008 7-8 p.m.
Goddard Middle School Cafeteria Goddard Middle School Cafeteria
RSVP to Maureen Anderson, 303-347-7850 or RSVP to Maureen Anderson, 303-347-7850 or
(manderson@lps.k12.co.us) (manderson@lps.k12.co.us)
For the second year, Goddard’s is pleased to present an Goddard is pleased to pre-
evening with Gregg Kvistad, Provost at the University of sent the second of two col-
Denver, and Tom Willoughby, Vice Chancellor for Enroll- lege nights. “Paying for
ment at the University of Denver. This event last year College?” will feature repre-
was very successful and we hope you will plan to attend. sentatives, from CollegeIn-
vest. CollegeInvest is a
Provost Kvistad and Vice Chancellor Willoughby will talk not-for-profit division of the
with students and parents about getting into, going to, Colorado Department of
and succeeding in college. Higher Education. Their
mission is to help Colorado
Among the topics they will address are: families break down the
financial barriers to college.
Choosing the right college or university – how do par- They focus on providing
ents find the right fit? expert information, simple planning tools, scholarships,
When do parents and students need to start thinking savings plans, and low-cost student and parent loans to
about college? take education dollars as far as they can go. Join us on
Financial Aid – what should parents understand right February 5th for this information session. In the mean-
now? time, for more information you can visit
How important are programs like IB, AVID and AP for www.collegeinvest.org or call 1-800-COLLEGE.
admission?
What’s better – harder courses or a higher g.p.a.?
Is an on-campus interview really all that important? MEET HERITAGE PRINCIPAL, KEN MORITZ
Community service, overseas travel, extra-curricular
activities, high school internships – are they really neces- Coming to one of our two college nights? If you arrive at
sary for admission? 6:15 you can join Heritage High School Principal for cof-
How important is senior year? fee and conversation. Mr. Moritz will be in the library to
talk about Heritage programs. This will be an informal
What should middle school students be doing to get
conversation, so be sure to bring questions for him.
ready?
Again, please call Maureen Anderson at 303-347-7850 to
This evening is open to all, but seating is limited by the
reserve a spot.
size of the room, so please call or e-mail to reserve your
spot.
Visit Goddard on the WEB: http://goddard.littletonpublicschools.net
Page 4 V i k i n g V i s i t o r
SCHOOL NEWS
FIFTH GRADE TRANSITION HIGH SCHOOL REGISTRATION
The Goddard administrative team and counselors look Attention 8th grade students and parents!! As second
forward to meeting the parents of our incoming sixth semester begins our 8th graders and their families need
grade students. We begin with a student-led tour, which to be thinking about preparation for high school. Parents,
is a great time for parents to hear what Goddard is like please continue to encourage your children to put forward
from the perspective of current students. Your visit will their best efforts, at Goddard, so they will have positive,
also include an overview of our academic and exploratory challenging choices at the high school level. We hope
programs, and a question and answer session. Informa- you were all able to attend the preview nights at Littleton
tion about intramurals, clubs, and special programs, in- High School and Heritage High School in November.
cluding Outdoor Education, WEB, AVID, Gifted and Tal- There are many activities coming up in February and
ented, English as a Second Language, and Special Edu- March that you need to be aware of. We will remind stu-
cation will also be presented. dents at Goddard about upcoming events and also en-
courage students and parents to visit the LPS website for
Tuesday, December 4, 2007, 1:00 - 2:15 p.m. registration information for all of our high schools.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008, 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. Sharpen up your tech skills as registration is all done
Tuesday, February 5, 2008, 1:00 - 2:15 p.m. online through our Infinite Campus data system.
Please R.S.V.P. to Maureen Anderson at Arapahoe High School
303-347-7850, so that we may prepare materials for Freshman Showcase March 3, 2008
you. Registration April 7, 2008
Registration Help Sessions April 14 (2:30-4:30)
KEEPING AN EYE ON YOUR STUDENT’S April 15 (2:30-4:30)
April 16 (4:30-6:30)
GRADES?
Honors Auditions March 1, 11, 13
The Goddard staff would like to thank our parents and *Please contact AHS for further information as we gener-
students for attending October conferences. As you ally do not have many students choosing AHS for op-
know, report cards were mailed home on Friday, October tional enrollment.
26th. All students received
second quarter mid-term pro-
Heritage High School
gress reports on Friday, No-
Freshman Preview Nov. 13, 2008
vember 16th. First semester
Registration Feb. 12 & 13 (6-7:30)
report cards will be mailed (this night is showcase and registration together)
home on January 11, 2008. Registration Help Sessions Feb. 20 & 21(4-5:30)
Honors Auditions Not required
We encourage you to continue
to monitor your student’s pro- Littleton High School
gress on a regular basis. Take Freshman Preview Nov. 14, 2008
a minute to look at your child’s
Freshman Showcase Feb. 27, 2008 (6pm)
Goddard assignment note-
(“Highlight of Choices”)
book. Registration March 11, 13, 19
(5:30pm)
Student performance information, including current pro- Honors auditions Not Required
gress reports for every class, is also available through
your student’s portal or the parent portal of Infinite Cam-
pus.
Visit Goddard on the WEB: http://goddard.littletonpublicschools.net
V i k i n g V i s i t o r Page 5
SCHOOL NEWS
IB AT LITTLETON HIGH SCHOOL HOLIDAY ASSITANCE
FOR GODDARD FAMILIES
Do you have a student who:
Gets A’s and B’s in core courses The holidays are fast approaching,
and if your family is in need of assis-
Likes challenging course work tance this season, please contact
Enjoys independent projects Karen Fowler-Smith at 303-347-
Has above average writing and speaking skills 7887.
Likes to learn
Is motivated and curious
Thinks critically and solves problems
Participates in extra-curricular activities in and out of
the school community FROM YOUR COUNSELORS. . .
“DUSTING” TREND PUTTING TEENS AT RISK
You may have a child who would benefit from the Interna-
tional Baccalaureate program. IB is a two-year, compre- Inhalant abuse (sometimes called “huffing”) has been
hensive, college level course of study, which begins in around for years but continues to be on the rise amongst
the junior year of high school. Students receive an LHS teens. Many young people are drawn to this practice
and IB diploma. At Littleton, students prepare for the IB because they think it provides a quick “high” that is rela-
curricula through honors and advanced classes in the tively cheap and easily accessible. A recent trend called
freshman and sophomore years. If your student is excited “dusting” is causing great concerns in our communities
about the possibilities of an IB education, pick up an in- because of its potentially lethal effects. It’s called
formation packet at the counseling office at LHS and plan “dusting” because the term comes from the brand Dust
to apply for the IB program. Off which is used to clean computer keyboards.
Applications for the IB Program have been available Users often believe that dusting is not dangerous be-
since Mon., Oct.1, 2007 at Littleton High School’s Coun- cause they believe it contains only compressed air. In
seling Office and Littleton district middle schools. Appli- reality, these products contain compressed gas. The high
cations are due back at Littleton High School Counseling from the gas paralyzes the user for several minutes and
Office on Jan. 31, 2008. If you have any questions, you gives a feeling of euphoria. Both dusting and huffing can
may contact either Claudia Anderson at 303-347-7724 or result in damage to the brain, lungs, heart, kidneys and
Barb Houser at the above listed number. liver, and can cause death. In computer cleaning prod-
ucts, a Freon type of gas, or fluorinated hydrocarbon, is
the dangerous ingredient.
This practice was dramatized in the movie “Thirteen”.
Please be aware of this practice in your homes and work-
places and notify one of the school counselors if you
have concerns about any student that may be engaging
in these or other high risk behaviors.
EYE GLASSES FOR KIDS
OMISSION CORRECTION
Thanks to the work of our social worker, Mrs. Karen
Fowler-Smith, 15 GMS students will be fitted for new eye Last month we told you that one of our sixth graders
glasses, free of charge, by Lens Crafters. Mrs. Fowler- had been selected as the student whose Outdoor Ed
Smith took these students for eye exams and will return journal would be included in the time capsule at the
with students to pick up their glasses in early December. YMCA Camp of the Rockies at Estes Park. But we
Thanks to Lens Crafters for a great program and thanks omitted her name. Congratulations to Natalie Glaess
also to Mrs. Fowler-Smith for getting us organized. for that honor!
Visit Goddard on the WEB: http://goddard.littletonpublicschools.net
Page 6 V i k i n g V i s i t o r
Visit Goddard on the WEB: http://goddard.littletonpublicschools.net
V i k i n g V i s i t o r Page 7
PTO NEWS COMMUNITY NEWS
THANKS FOR A GREAT DISTRICT TASK FORCE OPPORTUNITY
FALL FESTIVAL!
. . . District seeking parents and community
Thank you very much to all the volunteers that members, principals, and teachers to serve on
made our Fall Festival possible. We could not facility use task force
do it without the time and dedication of so many
people. Thank you also to everyone who made Littleton Public Schools is accepting applications for
and donated cakes, cookies and other treats!! the Facility Use Task Force being convened in
The students really enjoyed them. January, 2008. The task force will address underuti-
lized school facilities through the following actions:
Special thanks to the National Junior Honor So- Review data concerning facility use
ciety students that helped with decorations and Review data for estimating future enrollment
set up. growth
Develop criteria to guide decisions about facility
Denise Roberts Mike McNally
use and programs
Patty Gerze Donna Martin
Karen Alexander Michele Pugsley Recommend minimum and maximum school
Clare Lumley Cathy Green sizes
Nicki Sabin Kelly Flynn Make recommendations to the Board
Betsy Pike Ann Ammon
Laurie Sarno Wendy Cogdal Application deadline is January 15, 2008. Applica-
Kelly James Diane Christensen tions can be accessed online at
Krista Benner Carla Lupton www.littletonpublicschools.net or by calling Mary
Megan Henderson Ingher Leeuwenburg Stevens, 303.347.3378. More information can be
Mike Pollard Peggy Merrill found online at the address above.
Jen Pollard Chris Hancock
Paige Homeyer COMMUNITY BLOG
Sally Bernsten ONLINE FOR YOU
Dawn Solich
R.C. Myles Littleton Public Schools has launched a community
Karen Long blog!
Amy Austin
Meg Vellone The LPS Community Conversations Blog, which can
Anne Ritchie be accessed on the home page of the district web-
Amy Linscott site, provides yet another way for LPS key decision
makers to hear from students, parents, staff, and
community members. Periodically, a new topic will
be posted, and fellow bloggers are invited to share
their thoughts and converse with one another on
that topic.
Participate in the LPS Community Conversations
Blog today at www.littletonpublicschools.net.!
Visit Goddard on the WEB: http://goddard.littletonpublicschools.net
Page 8 V i k i n g V i s i t o r
STUDENT NEWS
2008 GMS TALENT SHOW NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY
SUCCESSES
The 2008 GMS Talent Show try-outs are com-
ing soon!! Students wishing to enter their talents Goddard NJHS members have had an incredibly busy two
should plan to attend an informational meeting months. Students collected over 950 coats to donate to
after school on Wednesday, Jan. 16th in the GMS the Coats for Colorado drive. Every
cafeteria. General information, rehearsal dates, member learned a bit more about
and talent show guidelines will be discussed. poverty and homelessness and gave
Talent show try-outs for all performances will be back to those in need in our larger
Wed. Jan. 30th and Thurs., Jan. 31st. We are community.
also looking for students who are interested in
being stage crew. These students will be helping Additionally, this year’s Holiday Ba-
with all the “behind the scenes” work. Students zaar was a tremendous success.
must attend the informational meeting on Jan. Members researched a variety of lo-
13th in order to participate in try-outs. Please cal, national and international issues
see Mrs. Blei or Mrs. Hosler, the talent show including countries impacted by famine, the AIDS epi-
sponsors, if you have any questions. demic, genocide and hunger. Students then spent an eve-
ning selling products that directly benefit persons impacted
Please mark these 2008 GMS Talent Show dates by these issues. Over $8,700 was made and donated
on your calendar. Tuesday, March 18th stu- directly to 8 different causes. We are very proud of all the
dents will perform for family and friends at a hard work and generosity from our NJHS members and
7:00 p.m. evening show, and on Wednesday, entire Goddard community.
March 19th, three school assemblies will take
place. BUILDER’S CLUB
WINTER CONCERTS Builder’s Club sponsored another successful canned food
drive last month. Goddard staff and students collected
Join us for an evening of music with 1,661 non-perishable food items to donate to Inter-Faith
our winter concerts. All concerts Community Services. Club members also assisted Karen
begin at 7 p.m. in the Goddard gym- Fowler-Smith, GMS social worker, with Thanksgiving food
nasium: baskets. They will continue to assist with holiday projects
during December.
Choir: December 13
Orchestra: December 18 YEARBOOK 2008 IS SNAPPING!
The last few yearbook meetings were quite eventful. Stu-
MATH COUNTS COMPETITION! dent members met our Jostens representative and voted
on a cover choice. The choice will be revealed to the
All current Math Counts members are invited to school in January, after the winter break!
attend and compete in this year’s competition. Our student photographers are doing a fabulous job and
have captured Red Ribbon Week events, electives and
What: Littleton District Math Counts Competition. more! This year, Yearbook students will be assigned at
When: Saturday, January 12, 2008 least two of their very own pages to create, edit and place
Where: Powell Middle School photos.
Time: 9am-12pm Congratulations to this year’s student
editors: Mary Sholl, Lindsay
Please see Mrs. Anderson (Rm. 119) or Ms. Lundberg and Taylor Egbert. Student
Brown (Rm 203) if you are interested in attending. editors must be second year Year-
book students. Way to go girls!
Visit Goddard on the WEB: http://goddard.littletonpublicschools.net
V i k i n g V i s i t o r Page 9
STUDENT RECOGNITION
Congratulations to the following students who were recognized as “Vikings of the Week.” Here’s how this
works — as teachers see students doing good things, they give students coupons to record their good
deeds. One copy of the coupon goes into a box and we draw one student from each core each week, as
well as one student from electives. Thanks to all of these students for making Goddard a nicer place!
Sep 10 - 14, 2007 Oct 8 – 12, 2007 Nov 5 – 9, 2007
Michael Wade Calib Michaels Sara Leovic
Portre Scarborough Tyler Robb Courtney Lall
Ginny Hancock Efrain Hernandez Yasmine Miller
Meredith James Taylor Blagg Victoria Holm
Nick Gallegos Jenny Holdaway Addie Wilkins
Caleb Hsu Garrett Blackwell Nate Novotny
Will Kinsley Sam Swartz Hannah Bevier
Hannah Gazett Chip Bollendonk Stephen Hoffman
Juan Gallegos Katie Roberts Helen Watson
Sep 17 – 21, 2007 Oct 15 – 19, 2007 Nov 12 – 16, 2007
Matthew Rodriquez Camille Lemke Elizabeth Bollendonk
Carson Long Morgan Merrill Abby Wagner
Jordan Todd Austin Porter Samantha Sabin
Christian Hall Mary Hinton Jonathan Sullivan
Anna Azadegan Erin Ems Max Windle
Davis Benedict Lina Marajan Jordan Healy
Riley Gonzales Claire Lorenzo Jake Cain
Megan Domroese James Molineaux Tess Ortiz
Matt Clark Lucas Vellone Alina Guldy
Sep 24 – 28, 2007 Oct 22 – 26, 2007 Nov 19 – 23, 2007
Chloe Flitton Conrad d”Leeuwen Young Kim
Andrew Kaufman Trianna Williams Chloe Cheshire
Robert Spofford Giovanna McCord Robert Spofford
Libby Lutz Brandon Montoya Bethany Nogal
Matt Clark DJ Farley Sam Martens
Garrett Delphia Garrison Sizer Jake Engman
Holden Wiens Tyler Nelson Myranda Willingham
Kyle Ericksen Morgan Gopsill Casey Allen
Stephanie Logan Matt Clark Kyle Herion
Oct 1 – 5, 2007 Oct 29 – Nov 2, 2007 Nov 26 – 30, 2007
Anna Green Michael Wade Caesare Tamag
Jesse Marquez Austin Dye Natalie Glaess
Stephanie Logan Kenny O’Leary Michelle Barco
Juan Morales Brittani Loepp Kelsie Lombardi
Cole Franson Charles Marchese Ian Minzer
Clay Adams-Berger Clay Adams-Berger Emma Bulba
Tyler Nelson Joliyah Neal Tyler Nelson
Dillon Cogdal Jose Morales Debbie Pineda
Natasha Storey RJ Fischel Carl Wagner
Visit Goddard on the WEB: http://goddard.littletonpublicschools.net
Visit Goddard on the WEB: http://goddard.littletonpublicschools.net
Littleton, CO
Permit No. 77
U. S. Postage Paid
NON PROFIT
Arapahoe County School District #6
Come to College Night! HONOR ROLL ASSEMBLY DATES
January 23, 2008—”Going to College” Our honor roll is based on first-semester
February 5th 2008 — “Paying for College” grades, which are finalized in January. The
dates of our recognition assembly is February
Both evenings begin at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria 7th. Parents will be notified by mail if students
qualify for this honor.
What high school classes will kids need for
college? 8th Grade 8:30am
What are colleges looking for? 6th Grade 10:30am
How important is GPA or IB or AVID or 7th Grade 1:30pm
Honors?
How many activities is enough, already? Students are honored in three groups based on their first
semester grade point average (GPA):
What will it really cost?
Honorable mention: GPA of 3.0-3.49
Information on page 3 Honors: GPA of 3.5-3.74
High Honors: GPA of 3.75-4.0
V i s i t o r V i k i n g Page 10
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