Courage & Character
Hello Fall River Fox Families,
There has been an interesting phenomena across the United States since the COVID pandemic: daily school attendance has dipped. In fact, one of the most recent reports from the National Center for Education Statistics stated that the average daily attendance rate in US schools is only about 90%. In addition, chronic absenteeism (defined as missing 10% or more of school days) has increased from 15% to just above 25%. Prior to the 2020 pandemic, a daily attendance rate of 96% was considered an acceptable and reasonable target for America’s schools.
There seems to be a variety of factors behind the increase in absenteeism nationwide. At least one study has pointed to a more generalized perception that attendance is sort of “optional” since those days of virtual learning during the pandemic. Other studies point to a rise in mental health issues among America’s children (childhood diagnoses of clinical anxiety have certainly risen in the past several years).
So what is Fall River’s daily attendance rate? This year we’ve hovered between 95% to 96.1%. Currently, we’re sitting at 95.3%. That’s not bad compared to the US average, and about average for a St. Vrain school. However. . . I’d like to see us stay at 96% and higher.
When kids are here, the Fall River team is pretty darn good at getting our job done. Kids learn. They succeed. They experience accelerated academic growth. When kids are not here, or when kids are consistently late to school it becomes a lot more difficult to get our students to the finish line. Not surprising, the poor attendance of just a small handful of students school-wide can negatively affect our overall mission. When teachers have to slow down instruction for a late arriving student, or adjust instructional schedules to catch a student up, it can often be unfair for the rest of the students in the class.
My commitment to you is that you get your money’s worth for your investment as a taxpayer. Fall River is going to provide the very best educational experience for your child and family. We’re going to continue to pay close attention to the academic and social needs of every student, and tailor our efforts to make sure every child succeeds. I guarantee if you get your kiddo here on time every day, and keep supporting Fall River’s mission like our great parents do, you’ll be happy with the results.
Onward and upward!
Quinn O’Keefe
Fall River Principal
INDOOR LINE-UP
On VERY cold, snowy, or rainy days, Fall River may do indoor line-up before school. Look for the large “IN” signs by the main entrance and the kindergarten doors to signal Indoor Lineup. Students will go to the exterior Gym door #25 and line up in the Gymnasium before school instead of by teacher doors.
Half-Year iPad Insurance is Available!
If you have NOT already purchased iPad insurance for your student’s iPad, you now have the option to purchase half-year iPad Insurance. Please contact our school Secretary, Amanda Rogowski ( [email protected]) if you would like to purchase the Optional iPad Insurance and possibly save hundreds of dollars! Once we inspect your student’s iPad and determine that it is in good shape, we will add the fee into their Infinite Campus Account. You can then purchase the insurance through Infinite Campus.
2024-25 Student iPad Insurance Fee for the 1/2 Year: $12.50
The fee is reduced for students eligible for free or reduced priced lunch. ($5 and $7.50 respectively)
To apply for free or reduced lunch status, fill out the Education Benefit Form
iPad Insurance covers from when it is purchased until the next school year begins in August 2025!
Thank you and please don’t hesitate to contact me or Ms. Amanda with any questions!
Ms. Steph
720-652-7920 ext. 22573
Join Us for Tunes, Tales & Tinkering!
February 3 | 5:15-6:45 P.M. | Innovation Center
Preschool-aged families who live in St. Vrain Valley are invited to a magical, musical evening featuring a special reading of Emilia Tries the Cello by local teacher, author, and cellist Dr. Katarina M. Pliego. Accompanied by members of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, this enchanting story will come to life with a selection of short musical pieces ranging from classical to pop. During the experience, children will have the opportunity to play a variety of instruments and even create their own, blending STEM principles with musical creativity. Books will be given away while supplies last, and snacks and translation services will be available.
The evening will conclude with a spectacular performance by St. Vrain’s Student Drone Performance Team.
Learn more about this exciting event.
Achievement Acceleration Academy (AAA)
Achievement Acceleration Academy (AAA) registration forms went home on 1/9/25. This is a wonderful opportunity for your student to receive some extra small group support. If one is sent home with your student, please fill it out and return as soon as possible to take advantage of the extra support. AAA classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Digital Citizenship
Students in grades K – 5 will begin lessons in digital citizenship in January and February. Lessons are drawn from Common Sense Education and will be taught by our STEM Coordinator Mrs. Trembly, and our Campus Supervisor, Miss Steph.
Some of the content will include: Media balance and well being, privacy and security, digital footprint and identity, relationships and communication, cyberbullying, digital drama and hate speech, as well as news and media literacy.
Below, you will find links to family activities and discussion prompts around this content.
Grades K-2
Digital Citizenship Family Activity in English
Digital Citizenship Family Activity in Spanish
Grades 3 – 5
Digital Citizenship Family Activity in English
Digital Citizenship Family Activity in Spanish
Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) Spring 2025
Schools in Colorado use standardized testing as a way to measure student’s academic progress and prepare students for life in the real world.
Mark your calendars! This year testing for 3rd-5th graders will occur between 4/8/25-4/18/25 (makeups 4/21-4/25).
Please keep these dates in mind when planning in the Spring. Minimizing students absences and tardies during this time is extremely helpful.
Mini Raptors Dance Camp
Silver Creek Dance Team is hosting a Mini Raptors Clinic on January 25th at Blue Mountain Elementary. They offer reduced prices for students who qualify for Free and Reduced lunches. Athletes will receive a t-shirt, bow and learn choreography to perform at a basketball game!
We need your help!
St. Vrain Preschool Expands to Five-Day-A-Week Programs
Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, St. Vrain Valley Schools will offer five-day-a-week preschool programs. Families can explore a variety of high-quality preschool options tailored to meet families’ unique needs, including half-day morning and afternoon sessions, with full-day programs available at select locations. Registration for the upcoming school year begins on December 17.
Visit svvsd.org/preschool for more details and registration information.
Fall River Fox Calendar
1/20/25— NO SCHOOL
2/3, 2/4, 2/6—Parent/Teacher Conferences (more to come)
4/8/25-4/24/25— CMAS testing
PTO Happenings
PTO has volunteer positions available! Interested in seeing how you can help? Visit the Fall River PTO website to learn more.