It's time for school to start again!! I hope that everyone has had a fabulous summer and is ready to return and share the highlights. I had two amazing trips, one with students to Europe where we visited 6 countries in 2-1/2 weeks (no we were not always sure what country we were supposed to be in), and a second to Argentina where I visited schools and worked with Hector Bazan, my Fulbright partner principal.
One of the big "A-ha's" I had while traveling is that when we are willing to smile and be friendly, people respond positively. Even when my verbal ability was lacking (given that I am not fluent in German, Italian, French or Spanish) if I tried to be warm and happy, people were always willing to help me and return the energy I was trying to put out. I tried to blend in by observing local customs and mimicking them until they became more natural. For example, in Argentina you hug and kiss EVERYONE you meet and you say goodbye the same way. I admit that at first its a little overwhelming (it seems like a lot of work), but the longer I stayed, the easier it became and now it feels very natural to greet others with a hug and personal hello.
So, why tell you this...as school starts, we all have the opportunity to meet new people. At Bridges HS we have several new staff members and students. Whether you are returning to our school or just starting, we hope that you will feel welcome and part of our school community. Don't be too afraid to smile and say hello to others. And don't be too shocked if the principal extends a hand to shake yours, or a high-five or even a hug. Our culture of acceptance and caring begins with each of us being willing to share ourselves with other members of our community.
Now the business...SCHOOL BEGINS Monday, August 25th @ 8:00 am in our new building (455 South 3rd Street in Carbondale). We will have a light breakfast available and will hand-out schedules and paperwork during an all-school meeting. And then the fun begins!!
I look forward to seeing everyone bright and early on the 25th of August.
Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club
Attention all Mountain Enthusiasts! It’s time to start thinking about the 2008-2009 Winter season. The Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club is the oldest and largest non-profit organization in the Roaring Fork Valley providing opportunities for kids to engage and excel in winter sports.
We provide exciting programs for kids aged 3 ½ to grade 12, no matter if you’ve shredded or not, if you’re keen and love the snow, we are the club for you! Be a part of our ever-growing family and follow your dreams with us!
Need-based Scholarships are available and a free bus service from Glenwood, ElJebel, Carbondale and Basalt is available for all SnoWarriors participants.
If you were registered for a program last year you should receive a program guide and registration materials in the mail by the end of September. You can also check out our programs on-line at www.teamavsc.com. If you would like a program guide sent to you, or if you have questions, please call Madeleine Hawken at 970-205-5160.
Check out AVSC All Mountain! A program for grades 7 and up. AVSC All Mountain is an alternative for the skier, or boarder who has outgrown the classic ski school structure. This program is geared toward teens and young adults who know where they want to ride on the mountain and who they want to ride with.
How to Register:
Remember, Please register with AVSC before getting your Aspen Skiing Company passes.
● Drop by our clubhouse at 300 AVSC Drive, Aspen, 9am-5pm, M-F
or
● Fax registration form, credit card information, and signed liability waiver to:
970-925-5290
or
● Mail registration and signed liability waiver with check or credit card information, to:
AVSC
PO Box C-3
Aspen, Co. 81612
or
● Register on-line at: www.teamavsc.com
or
● Visit our DOWN-VALLEY Registration Nights*
Tuesday, Oct. 14th, 5-7pm at the Basalt Middle School
Thursday, Oct. 16th, 5-7pm at the Roaring Fork High School
*The Aspen Skiing Company will be selling lift passes at the schools on these nights.
*English/Spanish translators will be available.
Important AVSC Dates:
October 14 Register and/or purchase lift passes at the Basalt Middle School, 5-7pm
October 16 Register and/or purchase lift passes at the Roaring Fork High School, 5-7pm
October 30 Deadline for scholarship applications for Base Camp Programs
November 14 Last day for early season price for Base Camp programs
December 5 Last day for early season price for Aspenauts
RFPEF
The Roaring Fork Public Education Foundation, the nonprofit that exists
solely to offer opportunities to help local public school teachers, has
designed a simple, free and easy way that everyone can help support the
foundation's efforts. For anyone who likes to buy online, start from the
free shopping guide www.schoolpop.com. When registering on the site, be
sure to select the RFPEF as the beneficiary. Each time you shop, log in to the
site first so that the RFPEF receives credit. For questions, contact RFPEF
Director Irene Friedman at 379-6569.
District News
There is a feature on the District's website...please go to www.rfsd.org and check it out near the bottom of the main page.
