Greetings 7/8 Families,

As we enter our final month of school, our advocacy focus is self-care. With the excitement and pressure that can come at the end of the year, it’s essential that students take time to care for themselves in three key areas: emotional, physical, and mental well-being.

Emotional Self-Care
We are encouraging students to check in with their feelings and find healthy ways to express them. This might include talking with a trusted friend or adult, journaling, or simply taking a moment to pause and reflect. Building emotional awareness helps students navigate challenges and strengthen relationships.

Physical Self-Care
Taking care of our bodies supports everything we do. Students are reminded to get enough sleep, stay active, drink water, and make nutritious food choices. Even small habits like stretching, going for a walk, or limiting screen time before bed can make a big difference.

Mental Self-Care
Our minds need care too. We are practicing strategies to manage stress, stay organized, and maintain focus. This includes setting realistic goals, taking breaks when needed, and using positive self-talk.

Finishing Strong
As we approach the end of the school year, it’s important for students to stay engaged and committed to their learning. We are encouraging everyone to do the following things:

• Keep up with assignments and deadlines
• Ask for help when needed
• Stay organized and focused during class time
• Take pride in the effort they put into their work

The habits students build now will help them close out the year with confidence and set a positive foundation for what comes next.

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students grow not just academically, but as healthy, balanced individuals.

Important Dates:

Thursday, May 7: 8^th Grade Field Trip to SPREE

Friday, May 22: 7/8 Spring Dance – 6-8 pm at Westgate HS, $3, light snacks provided. Theme is Neon 90s

Monday, May 25: Memorial Day – No School

Wednesday, May 27: 7/8 Continuation at 8:15 am

Thursday, May 28: Half-day – Carnival and Student-Led Conferences

Friday, May 29: Half-day – Last Day of School and Yearbook Signing

Dear Families,

Happy New Year! As we begin Semester 2, January’s Advocacy theme will focus on growth mindset.

We will be encouraging students to see learning as a process that involves perseverance, problem solving, and resilience. Students will be reminded that challenges are a natural and important part of learning, and that mistakes are not failures, but opportunities to learn, reflect, and grow. Through discussions and activities, we will help students practice strategies such as trying different approaches, asking for help when needed, and staying motivated even when tasks feel difficult.

Our goal is to empower students to believe in their ability to grow through effort and persistence. When students develop a growth mindset, they become more confident learners who are willing to take risks, learn from setbacks, and problem-solve independently.

You can support this theme at home by praising effort rather than perfection, encouraging your child to talk about challenges they faced, and asking what they learned from mistakes. Simple messages like “Keep trying,” “What can you do differently next time?” or “Mistakes help our brains grow” make a big impact.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to help students start Semester 2 strong and confident.

Important Dates

Monday, January 19^th: No school to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

All the best,

Hunter Kahn

Dear Advocacy Families,

I hope you are all doing well as we move into this festive and reflective time of year. Our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) theme for December is Generosity, and we’re excited to explore what it means to be generous both toward others and toward ourselves.

Why Generosity Matters
Generosity helps students build empathy, strengthen relationships, and contribute to a positive classroom community. It teaches them that their actions - whether offering help, sharing time, or showing understanding - can make a meaningful difference. Equally important is learning self-generosity, which includes giving oneself patience, compassion, and space to grow. When students practice being generous in both directions, they develop healthier emotional habits and a stronger sense of confidence and belonging.

Skills Students Will Build This Month
Throughout December, students will participate in discussions and activities that help them:

• Notice and appreciate the needs and feelings of others
• Offer kindness, support, and cooperation in everyday situations
• Recognize when they need care, rest, or encouragement—and give themselves permission to receive it
• Practice gratitude by identifying moments of generosity around them
• Reflect on how generosity (to self and others) strengthens friendships, resilience, and community

By exploring generosity from both perspectives, we aim to help students understand that kindness is not a one-way street; it includes caring for themselves so they’re better able to care for others.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students’ social and emotional growth. Wishing you all a warm, meaningful, and generous December!

Important Dates

December 12^th: Late and missing work due

December 17^th: 7/8 Band Concert from 5:30 – 6:30

December 18^th: 7/8 Field Trip to the Colorado State Capitol

December 18^th: Last day of Quarter 2/Semester 1

Please email with any questions or concerns.

Greetings Advocacy Families!

November’s Advocacy Focus: Gratitude

Students will do the following:

• Look at our skills, abilities, accomplishments, loved ones, and the many things we have, to identify what we are grateful for.
• Work on increasing happiness with activities that promote a sense of togetherness and belonging with our advocacy, POD, friends, and family.

Important Dates

Friday, November 14^th : 8^th Grade Field Trip to Front Range Community Collete

Friday, November 7: Professional Development - Half Day Dismiss at 11:30

Monday, November 10: Veterans Day – No School

Friday, November 14: 7/8 Dance 6-8 pm at Westgate $3 (DJ and light snacks provided)

Monday, November 24 – Friday, November 28 Thanksgiving Break – No School

Email with and questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Mr. Kahn