Page 39 - November 2019 proof 7 Castle Pines Connection

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BINGO with a twist
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Timber Trail Elementary
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Timber Trail Elementary bingo winner Lenya Sanford graciously accepted her bingo award from student volunteer emcees Molly McCarthy (left) and Landyn Pettis (right).
October is that favorite time of year for Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students, families and sta to dress in their favorite goblin, ghoul and princess attire to celebrate the festivities of Halloween.
TTE enjoyed the Halloween fun with potluck bingo. The TTE parent teacher
organization (PTO) hosted its annual Halloween bingo potluck with a twist. This year, the potluck included a chili and macaroni and cheese cook o . More than 100 guests enjoyed a fun- lled evening tasting Crock-pots full of avorful chilis and macaroni and cheese while playing several rounds of bingo.
The buzz of B-I-N-G-O rang through the cafeteria as student volunteer emcees Landyn Pettis (Rocky Heights Middle School) and Molly McCarthy (Parker Performing Arts School) called winning card holders on traditional bingo, four corners and blackout.
Bingo winners were third grader Leyna Sanford, kindergartner Julien Gabrysh and third grader Barrett Krell. All received a $10 gift card to Amazon. Cook o winners were Nicole Katz and Amy Ball. Katz won for her amazing sweet potato chili while Ball won for her creamy macaroni and cheese. Both left with empty Crock-pots and a $25 gift card to King Soopers.
TTE Principal Michele Radke shared, “It was a great evening. There was delicious food, cute costumes, bingo fun and prizes. Thanks to Paige Sanford and our PTO for
Barrett: DINO-mite bingo winner Barrett Krell is all smiles after winning several rounds of bingo.
organizing this family focused event.” TTE families and students are already getting costumes and Crock-pots ready for next year’s event!
Writing connects BRE and
RCHS students
By Celeste McNeil
Bu alo Ridge Elementary (BRE) fth grade students are honing their writing skills by partnering with writing buddies from Rock Canyon High School (RCHS). The partnership, linking students from the college preparation American English class with 11-year-olds is new this year.
According to fth grade teacher Michelle Parker, each BRE student had a writing buddy from RCHS. Utilizing technology, BRE students submit writing goals, writing samples and questions designed to get to know each other via an online template. The RCHS students then provide feedback and encouragement.
This matchup is a win-win for students and the community. The BRE students are learning authentic writing. “It’s writing for an audience, not a grade,” said Parker. The RCHS students share their knowledge and learn critical feedback skills. They also earn hours toward the community- service requirement for graduation. Most importantly, a connection between the elementary and high school communities is formed. The BRE students have a built- in role model from the high school. The older students can help educate and excite younger students’ interest in writing and English classes.
Parker was excited to pair up with students from RCHS again this year. Last year, BRE welcomed science national honor society
students from RCHS to run an after- school science club at BRE. That club is continuing this year. Parker is passionate about linking feeder schools with the local high school to build a broad uni ed school community.
“I would love to see more interconnections, like writing buddies, between BRE and RCHS and even Rocky Heights Middle School. It would be amazing to extend partnerships like these to the other feeder elementary schools as well,” Parked said.
Recognition, comradery, role models and community service are just a few of the bene ts that strengthen a community when older students are allowed and encouraged to get to know and support their younger peers.
BRE teachers are excited about the learning potential that comes from working directly with the high school mentors. “The RCHS students provide similar feedback that I would give to our fth grade students. It seems to stick better coming from them instead of me,” Parker commented. She attributes this to the relationship between her students and their mentors.
The writing buddies program will continue through the entire school year and hopefully for many years to come.