Quail Run Primary School- behind the scenes

Between the Folds

2011-06-30T21:09:00.001-06:00

I originally saw Between the Folds on PBS but it is currently available on Netflix so I have been able to watch it over and over again. I love it every time I see it. Between the Folds is a documentary that explores origami and its mathematical connections. Mathematics is such a beautiful field of study and this show reminds me how much I love mathematics.

Our students got to fold paper cranes this year for our school musical. It was a neat cross-curricular event.

Has anyone else seen this fabulous show?

Idea Paint

2011-06-28T20:00:00.000-06:00

We are in the process of creating several areas of the school with these types of unique white boards (see link below). We'll paint several tables in the math and reading rooms plus we have some nifty shapes planned for a couple of walls. Where do you think they would be useful?

Here is one company that has pioneered the use of creative dry-erase spaces. They are also neat because unlike traditional white boards, they don't use formaldehyde. That goes along perfectly with our school philosophy and LEED certification.

Take a look and let us know what you think:
Idea Paint Website

From the Internet: Harry Potter Theme Piano Solo

2011-06-15T08:07:00.002-06:00

Found an interesting clip online this morning: Harry Potter Theme - Incredible Piano Solo of Jarrod Radnich by ThePianoGuys. Seems like a great cross curricular connection from real-life: music, literature, theatre, technology. Great stuff. What do you think?

Volunteer Opportunity: School LAND Trust Committee

2011-03-29T09:03:00.003-06:00

We are in need of parent volunteers interested in running for a position on the School LAND Trust committee. This committee runs just like a board does, having a chairperson, and regular meetings. The job of the committee is to draw up and edit a proposal for how to best use School LAND trust monies given to Quail Run by the state. The 2012 amount could be as much as $20,000. The committee will work with at least one teacher or administrator of the school. There will be a formal election held the second week of April to determine who will fill the open spots. If you are interested in one of these spots please contact the front desk to add your name to the list (801-785-9300) or email linda.bowen@qrps.org

First Storytelling Night

2011-02-26T22:10:00.001-07:00

Don't miss our School Storytelling Night, Monday, March 7th, from 6:30-7:30pm, in the common room. Nationally known storyteller and Timpanogos Storytelling Festival favorite Debi Richan will be here to share some tales. The 2 winners of Ms. Woolbright's class storytelling competition will also perform. This is a fun event the whole family will enjoy!

Reading Challenge and Read-a-thon

2011-02-23T15:54:00.001-07:00

Reading Challenge

Feb 13, 2011
We will be having a Quail Run reading challenge beginning Monday, February 21st and ending Wednesday, March 2nd! To finish it off, we will have an ALL DAY READ-A-THON on Friday, March 4th! We are encouraging each student to continue our current goal of reading 30 minutes a day. Our goal is to read a combined 50,000 minutes total during the reading challenge. If the entire Quail Run student body reaches this goal, they will celebrate by wearing their pajamas to school for the ALL DAY READATHON! Remember, all of your reading counts whether it is at school, on your own, or with your family! You can log your minutes HERE.

Don't forget to also log your minutes for the school on the READ TODAY website located at www.readtoday.com. We'd love to see the Quail Run numbers growing there too!

Would you also like a chance to get a free book? During the 10 days of the reading challenge, teachers will be handing out Gold Tickets for students wearing full uniform, respectful behavior, being kind, appropriate behavior in the halls, and any other good things they see! Whichever grade earns the most gold tickets will have a drawing during the ALL DAY READ-A-THON to give away a few free books! So, when you earn a ticket, write your name on it and place it in your grade's collection box. Look for these near the commons area.

Inspirations Winners Announced

2011-01-18T10:01:00.001-07:00

We would like to thank all the parents and students that supported our Inspirations Art Program this year. There were over 50 entries and endless hours of creativity. We are also excited to announce that our school has been chosen to host the Regionals competition this year.

INSPIRATIONS ART PROGRAM 2010-2011

QUAIL RUN PRIMARY SCHOOL WINNERS

LITERATURE

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade

First Place: Colby Smith

Second Place: Antonio Claus

3rd- 5th Grade

First Place: Matthew Bulpitt

Second Place: Joshua Brown

6th – 8th Grade

First Place: Jaden Paxton

Second Place: Benjamin Alldredge

2-D VISUAL ARTS

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade

First Place: Rylan McKnight

Second Place: Erik Edvalson

3rd- 5th Grade

First Place: Justice Baxter-Spears

Second Place: Siena Bruni

6th – 8th Grade

First Place: Abby Kimball

Second Place: Benjamin Brown

FILM/VIDEO

3rd- 5th Grade

First Place: Jackson Campbell

DIGITAL ARTS

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade

First Place: Sydney Dodson

3-D VISUAL ARTS

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade

First Place: Kamri McKnight

Second Place: Carly Day

3rd – 5th Grade

First Place: Bailey McKnight

Second Place: Juniper Wooley

6th – 8th Grade

First Place: Jared Ramos

Second Place: Brienna Dodson

PHOTOGRAPHY

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade

First Place: Ulysses Stier

Second Place: Sydney Dodson

3rd- 5th Grade

First Place: Miranda Bulpitt

Second Place: Mac Dodson

6th – 8th Grade

First Place: Jaden Paxton

Second Place: Lela Wooley

Quail Run Spelling Bee

2010-12-03T14:25:00.003-07:00

Calling all logophiles!
Are your kids loquacious?
Do they aspire to be lexicographers or vocabulists?
Maybe you just appreciate a little friendly competition?
If so, you’re in luck! It’s time for the first Quail Run Spelling Bee!

Grades 4th-8th will participate in Grade Spelling Bees on January 14th, 2011 during Writing class. Parents are welcome to come observe their wordsmiths as they compete.

The top 3 spellers from each grade will then advance to the School Spelling Bee to be held January 21, 2011, time TBA.

The School Spelling Bee champion will advance to the State Spelling Bee at the Scera Center for Performing Arts in Orem on March 12, 2011.

Quail Run 4th-8th graders will be following the rules and word list provided by the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Click here to obtain the Scripps word list for practice. Each grade will begin with first grade words and work their way up until there is one winner! Be prepared…if these word lists are exhausted, the next step is open dictionary…and that’s when the words are definitely sesquipedalian!

The 3rd graders will also hold a class spelling bee as practice for next year. They will be using a special Fry based word list provided by Mrs. Gardener. You can decide if your 3rd grader is ready to study 300 words or 500 words. All 500 will be usable during the bee. Please click here for the 1-300 word list. Please click here for the 1-500 word list.

Don't forget there is a Spelling Bee enrichment class open to 1st-8th graders. Spend Tuesday afternoon each week improving your spelling skills and be ready to join your classmates at the grade, school, (and maybe State) spelling bee. Learn tricks for memorizing commonly misspelled words, practice strategies for spelling difficult words and gain confidence in spelling. The best part is.....it's free! To enroll: email enrichment@QRPS.org, call the front desk at 801-785-9300, or register in person at QR.

Enrichment Enrollment UPDATE

2010-12-01T09:07:00.002-07:00

Parents-

We've had some phone calls asking when enrollment will close for Enrichment classes. Just to clarify....Enrichment enrollment will continue until Friday Dec. 10th. There are still spots currently open in all Enrichment classes, however chess and cooking are nearly full. So if you are interested in those two classes, please enroll as soon as possible.

You can enroll via email at enrichment@QRPS.org, in person at the front office, or via phone (801-785-9300). Payment is due right away.

On a person note...my girls all came home raving about their classes yesterday. I have one in cooking, one in strings, one in chess, and one in Spanish. I heard all about how they made brownies in cooking and need to bring more recipes, are learning "Away In A Manger" in strings, played bingo with Spanish numbers, and learned chess principles. Overall when asked my girls gave Enrichment a 8/9 out of a 10.

The only thing that kept if from a 10 was that my daughter taking chess said she is the only girl with 17 boys! LOL

Plus thanks to Gary and the team we have the buses running on a great schedule for Enrichment too.... for more info on the bus schedule click here.

900 W Closed by Canal on Thur/Fri

2010-12-01T09:04:00.001-07:00

Parents

We have been notified that 900 W will be closed for canal construction on Thurs. Dec. 2nd-Fri. Dec. 3rd. Please plan for alternate routes to and from school those days. We don’t have any other details from the city, but apologize for the inconvenience.

Thanks

QRPS

Our First Readathon!

2010-11-18T17:28:00.003-07:00

Let’s Read!!

We would like to invite our Quail Run students to participate in 2 local reading programs. Reading is a vital foundation to our children's education so let’s get them excited!

KUED is sponsoring a reading marathon. Just read with your child for the established amount of hours, record it on the reading log located here, return it to the Reading Specialist by December 10th and your child will receive in the mail an invitation to a special Super Reader Party in January, with prizes, games, activities as well as a chance to meet popular PBS characters. You have from November 15-December 6 to complete your reading.

This year's reading requirements:

Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade: 8 hours
3rd and 4th Grade: 9 hours
5th Grade and Up: 10 hours

KUED is hosting several kick-off parties that you can attend if you choose. For more information visit www.kued.org/reading. You can also print additional reading logs from this site.

The second reading program is called Read Today. Read Today is a reading incentive program established by Deseret Media Company. This program will continue throughout the year. As you log your reading times daily on their website, your child and our school will receive prizes for your efforts! During the month of November, every child who signs up will receive a free Papa Murphy’s cookie dough! Here’s how to sign up:

1. Go to www.readtoday.com
2. Click on “Track Your Reading HERE”
3. Click on “Sign Up” in the upper right hand corner
4. Fill in new account information and click “sign up”
5. On the next page, click “continue”
6. Check your e-mail for a confirmation and follow the instructions to validate .
your account.
7. Start reading everyday and tracking your progress on Read Today!

Question? Comments? Contact us:

QRPS Reading Committee

readingcommittee@QRPS.com

Schools Integrate Dance Into Core Academics

2010-11-18T13:10:00.004-07:00

I read this neat article on the importance of dance in schools and how
other schools have been integrating dance throughout their curriculum.

I know our dance teachers have tried be true to our vision of using dance to teach other subjects and have worked to encourage other teachers to collaborate. One day my twins came home talking about how in Math they were studying positive and negative numbers. The same day they learned about positive and negative space in dance. I thought it was really creative. This is one of the reasons we came to QR!

Schools Integrate Dance Into Core Academics

The Infusion of the Arts Appears to be Gaining a Stronger Foothold at a Time
When Advocates Are Struggling to Ensure Time and Support for Their Disciplines

Pikesville, Md. - Photosynthesis may be an unlikely topic to inspire
an opera or ballet, but in a 2nd grade classroom here recently, the children
were asked to use dance to help them learn about that process.

"Do you think you're ready to use your whole body?" teacher Katie
Wright-Sabbatino asked near the start of the lesson, which featured learning
objectives in both science and dance.

Small groups of pupils in this class at Fort Garrison Elementary
School brainstormed to come up with dance movements to convey elements of
photosynthesis, including water, sunlight, carbon dioxide, and chlorophyll.
They leaned, they reached, they flowed, sometimes with surprising grace.

The idea of integrating the arts, including dance, into the broader
curriculum is not new, but it appears to be gaining a stronger foothold in
public schools, proponents say, though national data are not available.

Enrichment Classes Begin!

2010-11-13T07:51:00.002-07:00

Dear parents of Quail Run Students,

Thank you for supporting our students in our Freedom Assembly! We always enjoy having parents in the school!

We are going to be starting the after school enrichment classes beginning on Nov. 30th, and the classes will run either every Tuesday or every Thursday. We will be sending out a schedule of classes shortly. Because we are not able to continue the orchestra class during the day, we are beginning our strings ensemble enrichment course earlier than the 30th, and will begin next Tuesday, November 16th. This class will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and will be open to 4th through 8th grade students. Ms. Inouye will be teaching the class. She has had many years of experience playing the violin and directing string ensembles, and will be teaching the Suzuki violin method. Because this class was eliminated from our regular schedule, we will be waiving the $30.00 enrollment fee for this term. There will be a $5.00 materials fee. If you are interested in having your child participate in the strings ensemble, please notify the office.

Report cards came home with your students today. Please check with them to see all the wonderful progress they have made this term.

We will be studying space this next week. Stay tuned for all the fun events that will be associated with this fun topic!

Thank you for letting us work with your students at Quail Run Primary School! They are great!

Rosalie Davis
Principal

**Note from Mindy: Our new Math specialist will begin on Tues. Nov 16th. We also officially hired the new Reading specialist on Friday. Her name is Mrs Belt and she will joining the QR staff after the Thanksgiving break. We are excited to have them both and look forward to the positive changes they will bring to our core subjects.

First Freedom Assembly

2010-11-12T23:32:00.005-07:00

(If anyone has a better pic then the one off my phone send it to me and I'll post it)

Our first all-school assembly at Quail Run. We all wore red to honor our Veterans. Thanks for all you do to serve our country. Thanks to Mr. L for planning the songs, dances, and poetry readings.

Don't forget the parent Q&A at 10am on Sat. Nov 13th.

Report Card Information

2010-11-10T20:38:00.001-07:00

Hello Quail Run Parents,

We are excited to announce that on Friday, November 12th, report cards will be coming home with your student. Before the report cards come home, we want to explain what you can expect to see, and make sure that you, as parents, completely understand our grading method here at Quail Run.

In most traditional schools, a letter-grade method is common for report cards. However, most Charter schools, as well as many traditional schools in Utah, are currently using an objective-based grading system. This is a system in which students are evaluated on their ability to demonstrate mastery on all core standards in each subject. Quail Run will be utilizing this objective-based system for our report cards.

All teachers have a specific set of core standards in every subject that they teach throughout the year. These standards are aligned with Utah State core standards and are essential components of your student’s education and growth in each grade.

On each report card, you will see the core standards your student was working on throughout the term and a PASS/MAKING PROGRESS/NOT PASSING grade next to them. If your student is showing 80% or above mastery in a subject, they are given a PASS grade. Students showing 60%-80% mastery will be shown as a MAKING PROGRESS grade. Students showing 60% and below will be shown as a NOT PASSING grade.

For example, on a 1st grade report card under "Math" you might see something like this:
• Student reads and writes numbers in standard form PASS/MAKING PROGRESS/NO PASS

On a 1st grade report card under “Reading” you might see something like this:
• Oral Language PASS/MAKING PROGRESS/NO PASS

There are many benefits to using an objective based report card. It gives a very detailed picture of exactly how your child is doing in every subject and precisely reveals your child’s strengths and weaknesses. It allows you, as the parent, to be actively involved in your child’s progress by enabling you to review concepts that your student has not yet mastered. It also gives you an overview of what your student has been taught and the scope and sequence of every subject.

To obtain more detail on the core standards and view examples for each subject, please visit http://www.uen.org/core/. Once there, click on the subject you are interested in and then click on the corresponding grade.

You will also see that we have provided an area on each report card for you to see your child’s DIBELS score. DIBELS is a reading assessment that Quail Run will be completing three times each year (Sept, Jan, May). This assessment is used to gauge students’ reading levels and progress. The assessment increases in difficulty throughout the year as your student progresses in their reading.

We will also note whether this score reflects your child AT LEVEL (AL), MAKING PROGRESS (MP), or NEEDS SUPPORT (NS).

We are excited to announce the arrival of Kim Clark, who will be our new grade-level specialist for 1st grade, and Aubrey Banks, who will be our grade-level specialist for 3rd grade. Over the next week, they will be collaborating with your student’s mentor and teachers to ensure the needs of your student are communicated clearly to them.

If you still have questions or concerns regarding your student’s progress after reviewing their report card, please contact your grade-level specialist to set up a conference. Contact information for each grade-level specialist can be found here.

We love working with your students!

Sincerely,

Rosalie Davis, Principal
Quail Run Primary School

First Day of New Schedule Changes

2010-11-08T20:45:00.003-07:00

I'm hoping this blog will become less of a secondary QRPS website, and more of an informal forum. A place where parents are comfortable enough to express their thoughts and feelings. A place to talk about what we are seeing in the school.

So I'll kick it off with a post about what I saw at the school today.

Let's be honest. I stressed over this schedule change all weekend. I knew it was going to throw the kids off again, and I knew the communication about the changes was less than adequate. So I was pleasantly surprised with what happened at the school today.

The first thing that stood out to me was our AMAZING front desk ladies! They stayed at the school all weekend to get the schedules for each grade sorted out and ready for this morning. You will notice there are no more A, B, and C groups. They have been replaced with Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall to fit the schedule accordingly. (Please ask your student to tell you which season they are to help reinforce it in their minds.) Thanks front desk ladies! It may have been a small nightmare without all their prep work.

Secondly, we have some great parent volumteers. The first thing your students saw as they walked in the door was a small army of moms ready to make sure the students knew where to go for their first class. Then all of the moms spread out to different classrooms to ensure that each student received a copy of their new schedule.

Once in the classrooms, the teachers, volunteers, para professionals, and substitutes sorted all the students into their new groupings and the day was off and running. Fifteen minutes after the first bell rang, most of us moms were standing in the hallway putting name tags on the new hooks and letting the teachers do their jobs within the classroom.

The third great thing I noticed were our wonderful teachers. We have awesome teachers that are great at implementing change in a quick and efficient manner. All the teachers came to school with a smile on their faces and a positive attitude. They also had their classes already set up and were ready to teach first thing this morning. Have you even peeked at Mrs. Hopkins cozy little Kindergarten room with its fun fuzzy rug?

And yes, there were a few hiccups of course. At one point the Kindergarten class went to the wrong rotation because their clocks hadn't been changed to Daylight Savings Time! Oops! We quickly got all the clocks fixed in the building.

Lunchtime was a little crazy because the students normally sit according to their A, B, C groups. Today they could sit anywhere within their grade level and it left kids shuffling around and a little disoriented. The rain didn't help as it left the kids inside for recess which added to the craziness.

There were missing grade-level teachers when rotating students from lunch due to a miscommunication with scheduling. So the speciality teachers came to the rescue and rotated the students for them.

But really, it was so much better than I had anticipated. I was envisioning the first day of school all over again, but what we actually experienced was much better than that!

I'm sure the kinks will continue to work themselves out throughout the week. We could always use more volunteers to come in and help with math, reading, lunch and recess (even with smaller children), or simply to help in rotating the classes.

Tell me what you saw and how you're feeling...

Mindy

Important Information Regarding Changes At Quail Run

2010-11-06T23:45:00.004-06:00

Hello Quail Run Parents!

Please read this email thoroughly so that you will be aware of the schedule adjustments happening this Monday.

We’ve been speaking with many of you to get your input and to hear your concerns. We’re making a few changes this week to simplify the schedule, to help with keeping track of coats and backpacks and to help parents engage with teachers around their child’s needs and progress.

Beginning Monday, November 8th all students will have an assigned hook or locker. These hooks are assigned by grade level and children will drop off their coats, boots, backpacks, and lunches before going to class or recess. On Monday morning your child’s grade-level teacher will show them their assigned hook or locker location. Please note that after this change, children will only need to carry their notebook, pencils and binders with them from class to class. (Please label your child's belongings, and be sure to check the Lost & Found for any missing items.)

We’ve also streamlined the class schedule, starting Monday. Students will still have their same classes, but in a different order than last week. This will make the schedule easier on students by bringing consistency though the week. Grade-level teachers will accompany 1st-5th grade students throughout the day. (7th and 8th grade schedules were distributed during Academy last week.) You can find the new K-6th Grade schedule at QRPS.org under News and Updates. Please look over the schedule to see what your child’s 1st period class will be.

We understand that change introduces uncertainty, so we will have grade-level teachers helping students find their first period class and moving with them throughout the day.

First period Class Assignments:

1st Grade Reading
2nd Grade Writing
3rd Grade Math
4th Grade Science
5th Grade Gym
6th Grade Band

Kindergartners will remain with their kindergarten teachers in their classrooms.

Some of the positive things that will come from the schedule change:

Simplifies the schedule, making it easier for students, parents and teachers
Brings consistency to the schedule from day to day
Minimizes the transition times between classes, since the next class will be located closer, allowing for more in-class instruction time
The location of student’s hooks and lockers will be on the way to lunch or recess
Allows for more teacher preparation time
Makes it possible for more supervision in the halls, at recess and at lunch

With the changes in the schedule, there have been some teacher reassignments. Ms. Hopkins will be joining our Kindergarten team and Mr. Leatherbarrow will be teaching Drama: Literature in Motion.

We’ve heard from you, our parents, that the mentor teacher model wasn’t working well for you, so we will be replacing it with the new Grade-Level Specialist model for 1st-5th grade. This improves continuity for your child during the day and provides more supervision in the hallways, at lunch, and during recess. You will have one teacher who sees your child in every classroom environment, who you will meet with in future Parent Teacher Conferences and who is very familiar with your child’s learning style.

Ms. Ashley Box will be our second grade teacher and Mr. Trent Larsen will be our fourth grade teacher. The 1st, 3rd and 5th Grade Specialist positions will be filled shortly, with our paraprofessionals filling in until the full-time teachers start later this week.

Unfortunately, these changes eliminated the need for three members of our faculty. This was a difficult decision that was made to better support the changes to the schedule and curriculum structure. We are sad to say goodbye to Ms. Jonas, Mrs. Bagley, and Mrs. Grogan and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

We recognize that there are a lot of new changes happening all at once. We want the parents to feel comfortable and informed. We are having a parent Q&A session on Sat, Nov 13 from 10 am to 12 pm. Please come and ask any questions you might have. You can also email questions ahead of time to questions@QRPS.org.

We are also excited to welcome Mindy McKnight to the Board of Trustees as the new Parent Representative. Thanks to all those parents that took the time to cast their vote. Mindy will focus on improving communication between the school and parents, developing teacher appreciation awareness and coordinating volunteers.

Thank you for your ongoing support and patience as Quail Run grows into the learning center we all envision. We love working with your students!

And the Taxes go to...??

2010-10-14T08:21:00.001-06:00

So, I came across this article the other day... I know the article is a few weeks old, but the topic is interesting, at least to home owners. Besides, talking about taxes always makes our blood pump faster... and here the Legislature is doing it again :) But I really do have mixed feelings about it.

Money is tight, everywhere. But how else do we take care of more education? I'm convinced there needs to be better money management, but maybe a slight tax increase to cover the increase in Charter Schools isn't a bad idea. Common? What's another $24 a year, right? At least that is what the State is saying. Besides, we want more education options, right? I'd love to hear arguments both ways... Any insights??

Our Digital World

2010-10-11T11:38:00.005-06:00

Yes, our 'digital world' is slowly creeping in on us...at least that's how it seems. With on-line social networking and family and friends' blogging, even employers and schools have a presence on Facebook! It's amazing the connectivity we can have with people, family, friends -- all over the world. In just a few seconds, I can type an email and send it to any number of countries, updating whom ever I choose on my personal life, my family, or even perhaps a job application (just an example).

And, then comes the not-so-fun part of the rest of the article :)

I came across this article last week, and it really made me stop and think. Yes, I'm careful with the information I put on my blog/Facebook/emails/company websites/etc, but I didn't think of things like "pictures floating around the web" for years and years. I almost think we don't really grasp the nebulous that is the World Wide Web. Or maybe it's just me :) and that's why some people make their blogs private... especially when the author said, "there is always the possiblitiy that someone with access can copy, store or forward anything you post." And there are creeps out there, unfortunately. Mental note: change my Flickr settings...

Anyway, I just thought it was a good read and reminder, especially in our digital age. Any thoughts??

The Govenor's Race on Education

2010-10-01T08:32:00.003-06:00

Happy October!! Good Heavens, I can't believe it's October already. And, thanks to all the stores putting up Halloween decorations in mid-September, I have a 4 year old who asks me multiple times a day when she can get dressed up for Halloween. How do you tell a 4 year old, "No, not for 30 more days." Not to mention, "No, we don't need bags and bags of candy around the house...just because..." Not that I haven't thought about stashing a bag of Kit-Kats in the freezer...

Anyway, along with fall comes a part of society we really can't get away from... Elections :) Yes, and it seems that election races are coming at us all year long now and not just in the fall. But, last night, the two gubernatorial candidates were talking about Education, among other things, but one topic at a time.

I came across this article from DN which talked about not only the debate but also some poll information: Almost three quarters of the 600 active voters surveyed statewide said class sizes should be reduced. The poll was conducted Sept. 7-13 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent. The poll also found voters want higher standards from both schools and students...A whopping 87 percent agree that resources should be applied to ensure every student is reading at grade level by the end of the third grade. More than half, 55 percent, strongly agree with that goal. Eighty one percent say eighth-graders should be able to successfully complete algebra I and biology.

Mayor Carroon states that education budgets and teacher salaries have been reduced while Governor Herbert claims Utah has increased salaries and budgets at a greater rate than ever in the history of the state (probably need to mention that unfortunately, Utah has one of the lowest education funding rate in the country as seen here). So who's right and where is all the money going??

Yes, state-wide education costs money. Lots of money, and yes, tax payers foot the majority of the bill. So, when anyone starts talking about change, everyone needs to realize that may impact our pocket books as well. But, we need to talk about Good Changes. For example, what would be a good change??
-Perhaps not just making a longer school year and staring at the budget implications, but rearranging our current calender to make the students' time at school more productive. Some options have been longer breaks during the year (longer Christmas/Spring breaks) instead of "a day off here and there" so the students stay focused while in class, knowing in a few weeks they will have a real break, not just a "day off." Just a thought...

Now, here's the thing. I'm not an investigative reporter, nor do I work in the education system. I don't have the time for a full-court-press investigation in every possibility. Nor would I want all of this to be my opinion alone. The best ideas come from brainstorming with people from all backgrounds that can add their views.

And, who ever wins the Governor's Race will need surround himself with such individuals so as to have a good pulse on the "state" of Education. I don't envy his position, especially the budget constraints with which he has to work. But all of the changes everyone is talking about, all sounds great and yes we want them, but where is the money coming from and what are you willing to cut so we have the money to put into the education of our future??

A Public Education

2010-09-27T10:05:00.005-06:00

Nicholas Lemann from the NYTimes wrote an article last week on Education and, basically how just because there are problems with public education doesn't mean the whole system is broken.

For example : "A hundred years ago, eight and a half per cent of American seventeen-year-olds had a high-school degree, and two per cent of twenty-three-year-olds had a college degree. Now, on any given weekday morning, you will find something like fifty million Americans, about a sixth of the population, sitting under the roof of a public-school building, and twenty million more are students or on the faculty or the staff of an institution of higher learning. Education is nowhere mentioned in the Constitution; the creation of the world’s first system of universal public education—from kindergarten through high school—and of mass higher education is one of the great achievements of American democracy. It embodies a faith in the capabilities of ordinary people that the Founders simply didn’t have." That last sentence about the Founders I don't agree with; not that they didn't have 'faith' in the people; I honestly think they would never have fathomed the concept of public education being funded by the government. That's for another post :) I want to focus of the positives of public education, and the rest of his article does too.

One part of his discussion was that, part of the public school solution has been Charter Schools. He didn't go into specifics, but here's my two cents: Options and parental involvement. Being able to find a curriculum that works best for your child's needs is huge in the success of the student. Also, parents who actively seek another solution for education (ie: charter, private or home school), seem to be more willing to be an active participant in the education process and school itself. These are just some of my observations.

Read his article here and I'd love to hear your thoughts about it!!

First Day Thoughts

2010-09-02T07:43:00.000-06:00

Dear parents of our Quail Run Primary School Students,

Wow! Day one is down and we are off and running! Thank you so much for all your patience and assistance as we start off a great year at Quail Run! We had lots of positives today, and a few areas that will need some tweaking. Your continued patience will be greatly appreciated. Our learning curve is high as we find the best fit to make our school a safe and wonderful place for learning.

Our students arrived this morning somewhat apprehensive, but mostly full of excitement and wonder. Our buses worked so well as many of our students chose to participate in the busing program. This supports our ‘green-friendly’ approach to education. Our pick-up procedure today broke records by taking only 30 minutes! Thanks to all of you! We also had such great co-operation as our car pooling system was successfully implemented. Everyone was so helpful and smiling!

One area that will be tweaked is our outdoor play area for recess. Because of a hold on our secondary water hook up, our landscaping has been delayed. In order to accommodate motor activities for the students, we will be blocking off all of the parking lot during the school day in order to utilize this space for student games and activities. This will give more opportunities for the students to enjoy the wonders of nature in our beautiful setting as they rest and play at recess.

We also will be making some adjustment to the lunch time routine. These changes will help with congestion in the lunch room, and cut down on confusion. Our transitions will also be smoother as the students become more familiar with their schedules and we all become more familiar with the process. The frequent class changes allow students to meet with teachers who are specialists in their field, and this will reap long-term benefits for educational growth.

As always, we are open to input from our supportive parents. We had the opportunity to speak with many of you today, and look forward to our year together. The strength of our program is our parents and the other volunteers who give of their time and talents to make this the best year ever for our students!

Thanks again for being a part of our team!

Rosalie Davis, Director of Student and Family Services (Rosalie@QRPS.org)
Heather Goodwin-Nelson, Director of Academics (Academics@QRPS.org)

Back To School

2010-08-31T11:16:00.002-06:00

Hello All Parents and Students of Quail Run Primary School, It is finally here! The first day of school is fast approaching, and we are making the final preparations to open our doors officially.

We would like to share details around the events planned for the next few days, and outline what each parent and student needs to know before the first day of school. There will be opportunities at Back to School Night (held at the school on Tuesday, August 31st from 4:30 to 7:30 pm) to get more information about busing, carpooling, school lunch, mentor teachers, class schedules and lots more.

Please take this opportunity to read through this post thoroughly and visit the links provided to the websites. This will help you get the most from tomorrow night.

You’ll be able to make payments for busing, kindergarten and middle school fees and get answers to any questions you have.

Director's Message:
Dear students and parents, It is exciting to watch the final stages of preparation and the excitement build for the first day of school. Everything is coming together nicely and the school is looking amazing! Many of you have already spent countless volunteer hours cleaning and moving items into the school. Thank you for donating of your time and effort. You are a wonderful example of support. We are excited to see this volunteer support throughout the year.

As an administration and faculty, we are all anxiously awaiting the opportunity to meet our students and their parents at our Back to School Night. We would like to encourage you to tour the school and help your child become familiar with the layout. This will be helpful for students on the first day as we rotate between classes, recess, lunch and carpool. We would also like to encourage you to carpool with neighbors or friends to the Back to School night. This is something that we as a faculty are participating in throughout the year and would like to challenge our parents and students to do the same. This is a great time to start living our Charter and conserve on the amount of traffic in and out of the school.
Thank you for your support.
Ms. Heather Goodwin-Nelson Director of Academics
Ms. Rosalie Davis-Director of Student and Family Services

Transportation
For pick up and drop off to work effectively, we will need everyone’s support. Plan for longer delays over the first week as we all learn together how to make the system work most effectively. Drop off is single file, so take advantage of preferred pick up times by carpooling, riding the bus or walking. Please read about the pick-up and drop-off process we’ll use by visiting the following page: http://www.qrps.org/index.php?page=daily-pick-up-drop-off
All students must sign up for one option:
1) Busing (http://www.qrps.org/index.php?page=bus) – space is filling up!
2) Carpooling (http://www.qrps.org/index.php?page=carpool-overview) – we’ll help you connect with other parents
3) Single student drop off (http://www.qrps.org/index.php?page=pick-up-drop-off-pass) – drop your child off at the church around the corner and let them walk the rest of the way on the sidewalk.
4) Walking/biking (http://www.qrps.org/index.php?page=walking-and-biking) – it is easy and fun!
You will be able to pick up your pick up/drop off or carpool pass at back to school night. SIGN UP AHEAD OF TIME through the website to reserve your place in line.

School Lunch
We are excited to start out this school year serving breakfast and lunch. We have chosen to have meals catered from Jason’s Deli for the first few weeks of school until the school kitchen is finished. Jason’s Deli orders all of their produce fresh each day, incorporating organic produce when possible and cuts out all Trans fats, MSG, and high fructose corn syrup. They follow all state guidelines for nutrition and all of their meals are eligible for the National School Lunch Program free and reduced priced meals.
To ensure that your child has a meal, you will need to set up an account at www.quailrun.delination.com (even if you qualify for free or reduced priced meals). You can choose which days your student would like their breakfast and/or lunch catered from Jason’s Deli. Please prepay for your meals by coming to the school office, beginning Tuesday, August 31st at 4:30 pm. Breakfast is $1.50 per student for all grades. Lunch is $2.50 for Kindergarten through third grade and $3.00 for fourth through eighth. Lunch order cancellations must be received by 8:00 am the day of the order and breakfast must be canceled the day prior to the order.
Eligibility forms for free and reduced price meals are now in! If you think your child may be eligible for free or reduced price meals, please take part in this program! It helps our school lunch program get important federal funding. Please print out the attached form, fill it out, and either bring it in to our office, beginning Tuesday, August 31st at 4:30 pm, mail it to the school (564 W 3300 N, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062), or scan and e-mail it to: enrollment@QRPS.org. Your child will not be able to benefit from this program until we have processed your form, so please submit it ASAP. Even if you have submitted a form from last year, you will need to fill out a new one! If you need a hard copy of the form, or one in a different language, you can obtain one from our office.

Mentor Teachers
Your student’s mentor teacher list will be displayed at the Back to School Night. Your child's mentor teacher will be in charge of tracking your child's educational journey at Quail Run and will be the point of contact for you regarding your child and their experience at Quail Run. Parent-teacher conference and all questions or concerns will be handled by their mentor teacher. Please take the time at the Back to School night to take the time to meet them as well as your child’s other teachers.
If you have any questions regarding the assignment of your child's mentor teacher, please contact Mr. Weir, our guidance counselor with your questions. He will be available at the Back to School Night.

First Day Drop-off/Pick-up Procedure
Where does my child line up for class to begin?Parents may drop their students at the front door only if they have walked or parked off-site. Parking on site is not available during student pick up or drop off. On the first week, we will allow these parents to walk young students to their designated home room gathering area. To support our safety procedures, after the first week of school, we would ask that parents no longer accompany their students into the school. If unique needs arise, parents may check in at the front desk prior to entering the school in the future.
Students may enter the school after 8:00 am and classes will begin at 8:30 am. Students who arrive after 8:25 am will be considered late. (Although we understand some students may be early or late the first week as we all learn the routine.)
After entering the school, students should proceed to their meeting area. Each grade’s spot is listed below and can be viewed on the school map at:http://http://www.qrps.org/index.php?page=virtual-tour

Grade Meeting Spot
Kindergarten Kindergarten classroom
1st Grade Reading room
2nd Grade Math rooms
3rd Grade PE/Dance
4th Grade Stage
5th Grade Music Room (Band/Choir)
6th Grade Library
7th Grade Upstairs Hallway (by lockers)
8th Grade Upstairs Hallway (by lockers)

We look forward to meeting you all, and to get school started on Wednesday.

Open House

2010-08-20T09:35:00.003-06:00

There will be an Open House at the new QRPS school building on 31 August 2010 from 4:30-7:30pm. Children need to be accompanied by an adult at all times. Thanks in advance for all the volunteers who have signed up to help with the move-in efforts and getting the school ready for our 1 September start date!

See you at the Open House!! :)

Attention!!

2010-08-17T15:20:00.002-06:00

Move-In Help Needed!
Starting the evening of August 27th (continuing until the night of the 31st, 8am - 10pm), we need volunteers to help move in the furniture to our new building!! Contact Jenna Webb at volunteer@QRPS.org to schedule times or for more information. Also, no one under 18years is allowed, at all, in the building until Sep 1. Bring anyone one else you can :)
Thanks!!

Summer Vacation

2010-08-02T16:25:00.003-06:00

Speaking of summer, Holy Crow! Where, oh where, has this summer gone? Does anyone else feel that way? Summers are busy! And, I'll admit, a bit lazy at times. But that's was Summer Vacation is for, right? Soak up lazy sun rays, road trips, re-energizing for the coming fall, parents and students alike.

And then I come across news articles like this one. Hmmmm... yeah, that's about all I said. Then I actually sat to think about it, from the student's perspective (which, is whom, something like this will effect).

My Sis-in-law is an Elementary school teacher in Davis County. She's taught both year-round and traditional programs, so I've had a great deal of input from both of her sides. My children have only been in traditional school programs, but I dream of the day when they can be in a year-round program :)

Here's my argument: Lengthening either the day or the year (for traditional schools) is HUGE for these little bodies that also need play time and sports time and reading time and piano time and family time. I remember being in school and being so tired by 3pm! Then asking kids to stay until 4pm? Or staying in school later into June? Hot June, when all we want to think about is water fights and swimming (or in my case, reading)? Not to mention that most of the older elementary schools don't have air conditioning... but the state of some of the buildings around the state is a whole other debate :) Kids are done by then; they want out; they need a break; sometimes they mentally "check-out" a lot earlier than June :)

Anyway, I'd love to hear some of your ideas!! I know year-round programs are considerably more expensive, which is why more and more schools are switching back to traditional programs. But, is it worth getting rid of the Summer Vacation really necessary??

New Parent Representative!!

2010-07-02T10:05:00.000-06:00

We would like to to announce that Jenna Webb was selected by the parents of the student body as the newest member of the Quail Run Primary School Board of Trustee's. She will serve as the Parent Representative on the Board for the 2010-2011 year. We are very excited for her to join the board, and look forward to a great first year at Quail Run. Welcome Aboard Jenna!

Quail Run Board of Trustee's

Adventures of a Wanna-Be Reporter Part I

2010-06-25T08:48:00.005-06:00

So, by the time I was able to get to the construction site yesterday, everyone had already left. I passed two trucks on my way in; they were obviously on their way out. I did follow a dump truck in. I watched him dump his load of rocks while I walked over to the construction office, at least I think that's what it was. I was hoping someone would still be there to talk with so I didn't look like I was trespassing. No one answered, of course.

The dump truck was slowly driving out and I started walking toward the school. The truck stopped back by the road leading out, but the engine was still running. I didn't want to look back; I was trying to act like I knew what I was doing :) "Just act normal," I was thinking to myself. That, and "Crap. Why didn't I think to ware my Quail Run t-shirt??" I was worried the dump truck driver was watching me, wondering if I was trespassing. Nope, not me; just some random chick walking around in the dirt taking pictures of a building.

Yeah, that could have looked bad. I'll go earlier in the afternoon next time, so I can have a proper escort (ie. protection). Maybe I'll get to wear a hard hat :) Turns out, the dump truck driver just stopped to use the loo on his way out.

It was fun to see the building from another angle. I'll do it again next week, with my official T-shirt, maybe even some kind of documentation from Barbra too, make it look really official :)

Updates

2010-06-22T18:30:00.001-06:00

Check out the new Construction pictures!

On Thursday, I'll be going to the construction site and try to get some up-close and personal photos :) Stay tuned...

We're In For A Ride

2010-06-15T07:53:00.002-06:00

According to a recent article in the SLTribune (read here), Charter Schools typically have a rough first year... but I have a feeling that those who decided to start our school maybe, kinda, possibly thought that might be the case AND they did it anyway :)

Why?? After reading the bios of the Board of Trustees I've come to the conclusion that QRPS wants to empower the students to be held accountable for their educational journey. Hmmm, sounds like the QRPS Mission Statement. Oh, right! It is :)

Part of being held accountable is getting a job done and not making excuses. With our mission statement and the thus-far dedication we've seen from the Board Members and Founding Committee members, I think we have a pretty good idea of the Self-Accountability of our future school and staff.

Summer will fly by, and before we can say "Back To School Night," we will be starting this new journey, all of us, together. The more prepared we are, the sooner we can see "bumps" and hopefully avoid or properly navigate them. However, IF there comes a "bump" we encounter that is just completely unavoidable, I have the confidence that we all will say, "What do we have to do to fix it?" and just get it done :)

No amount of preparation makes us invincible; it does, however, help us reach our goals. So, as our school empowers our children in their education, we as parents and supporters have the ability to empower ourselves and just Get the Job done, which ever job that may be. This has always been my motto. It cuts out all the complaining and is infinitely more productive.

So, this coming school year, as we are faced with challenges and questions, let's just remember to say, "What can we do to just get the job done" so we can all keep moving forward.

Enjoy your summer! It will go by all too soon...

What's next?

2010-06-10T08:02:00.003-06:00

So, the Spring Fling was fun and entertaining. Now what? Well, in just a handful of weeks, we will start moving furniture into the new building itself! Please stay posted for updates about moving help and ways you all can volunteer. Also, I'll keep you updated on any other activities or programs coming our way :)

Until then, I would love some feedback for our blog. Yes, Our Blog. I may be the one typing, but the purpose of this blog is to inform and entertain all of you (yes, I try to be funny from time to time). So, what you do want to read about, as it pertains to our school or community or students? What are some things you would like to see?

Don't forget to click on the other pages and stay updated with construction pictures AND have frequently asked questions Answered. How awesome is that?? Check back often with the Q&A; I'm trying to keep new questions & answers coming.

Leave me a comment here and give me any feedback. I'm always on the lookout for educational articles and information that may affect us in our little but exciting community! If you don't want to comment here, feel free to shoot me an email, peayfamily@gmail.com

Chat with you soon!!

A Great Success

2010-06-07T09:03:00.003-06:00

The Spring Fling was a wonderful success! Check out the pictures under the Pictures tab. As I walked around, observing and talking with other people, the children were doing everything from making balloons expand, playing with lizards, watching a puppet show, and don't forget the Arts and Crafts area! :) Parents were huddled around the aerial maps, searching for their house and potential bus stop. Parents were also huddled around the Bell Schedule (myself included) to get a glimpse at what their child's day may be like.

I've never been a part of starting a new school, from the ground up. My daughter is nervous about leaving her friends and going some place totally foreign to her. I don't blame her; not many people like change. But after Saturday, I saw the excitement in her start to develop. She'll have a dance class, learn sign language and Spanish, get to work on a lap top (I think that's the most intriguing, because she can't touch mine). She was even excited about 'all the new clothes' I'll be buying her :)

It's amazing to see a new school simply come together. Thousands of hours and hundreds of meetings and exponentially more emails, the Board has been working tirelessly bringing this project to fruition. As a parent, I don't how else to show my gratitude. Well, I'm sure I can think of something ;) but I know my daughter and the hundreds of other children will benefit from their determination. I guess that is the ultimate payback.

Thank You, Administrators
We are all so very excited to start this new journey!

Spring Fling Tomorrow!!

2010-06-04T12:12:00.000-06:00

Last reminder about the Spring Fling tomorrow!

We will be collecting uniform and art smock donations at this event. If you have any items that you would like to contribute it would be greatly appreciated!

See you on Saturday!

Spring Fling

2010-06-02T10:15:00.001-06:00

Everyone: Check out the New Event tab up top! It has all the information for the Spring Fling this Saturday! Don't miss it!! :)

Percentage of high-poverty schools rises

2010-05-28T08:58:00.004-06:00

Wow. All kinds of things on the rise. Check out this article.

"The U.S. Department of Education report released Thursday found that the percent of high poverty schools rose from 12 to 17 percent between the 1999-2000 and 2007-2008 school years, even before the current recession was fully felt. By comparison, the overall poverty rate for children increased from 17 to 18 percent, leading researchers to believe that a higher percentage of poor kids were signing up for the meal program."

Some disadvantages for these students at higher poverty schools:

*Smaller % of teachers have at least a Master's level degree and less regular professional certification

*Students from these schools are less likely to graduate from high school

*Only 28% of students enroll in a 4 year post-secondary education programs

*Students at high poverty schools are more likely to be minorities

Some states have more problems with these trends than Utah. Thankfully, Utah wasn't even mentioned in the press release, but the article did say that the Western part of the country "had a higher percentage of public elementary schools that were high poverty than the Northeast and Midwest, 24 percent compared to 16 and 12 percent, respectively."

Interesting 'food for thought.'

What does this mean for us? For me? For our community?

Something very personal and I can't give the only answer. I really feel it goes back to the thought that "It takes a village to raise a child." Though I am not an educator by trade, contributing to my children's education is of the up-most importance to me. Their education is enhanced by their class-room atmosphere. These things, regardless of income, are variables to which I am able to enhance, for my children. And, if their peers are doing well, I conclude that everyone together can bring up others.

So, that is my attempt at a beginning to the answer. However, statistics, just like movie critics, I never give them much heed. I always go see for myself. Usually, the critics are so very wrong. And, if I am active in my children's education, the statistics will be, too.

Pictures found here and here

Little Slice of Heaven

2010-05-24T11:36:00.007-06:00

So, my first trip to Moab...ever! It was short but, oh, was it sweet!! I am officially in love with those red cliffs. As my husband and I were driving down Friday evening, I was planning out loud where we would take the kids "next time we come down." Yes, there will most-definitely be a next time, but not soon enough.

It was dark as we drove into town, but the Main Street was bustling with tourists and shops and ice cream and Pizza. We drove the length of the street, found the main grocery store where we would pick up something for breakfast in the morning, then found an empty parking lot and made ourselves comfortable in the back of our Durango on a wonderfully large air mattress.

I haven't slept that well in a long time. I think it was the combination of knowing the children were safe and happy at Grandma's and Grandpa's (and wouldn't be waking me up at the crack of dawn), and with the windows rolled down, there was a pleasant spring breeze slipping lightly over my face. I sighed and fell quickly into sleep.

Sleeping in until 7:30 really did feel like Heaven :)

Saturday was hard work, and even though the wind was blowing dried grass and dirt over our sweaty faces and necks, that same breeze helped to cool off the heat of the day. We were all glad it wasn't full summer and that it wasn't raining! By evening, we were all hot, tired, dirty, hungry and thirsty, but there was also a huge sense of accomplishment. The last ties were secured around the "Money Load." We got as much square inch used out of that trailer as possible. And it felt great. As Tawna handed over the check for the items purchased, it was high-fives all around!

And, for those who are unloading: Please be careful! We tried to secure as much as possible, but those darn chairs didn't always want to cooperate :)

Also, Good Luck to those who will be going down again on Wednesday! I expect it will be equally rewarding. Doesn't the sound of "saving money" sound wonderful?!? It's like the biggest Yard Sale Haul Ever!!

Internet Safety...A top priority

2010-05-17T10:15:00.004-06:00

Our own Ken Knapton was featured in an online article about educating students on Internet safety. This was a concern parents brought up in the Q&A session at the 7th&8th grade social. It was announced that the 7th and 8th grade students would be assigned their "own" educational laptop for the year, which would have Internet abilities. This is necessary for the students to be able to access their assignments from home, among other things.

So, naturally, the parents were questioning what safety measures would be in place. Ken educated us there the safety measures the school will be taking and "blocking" so this article is very timely and interesting. Take a minute to catch up on the technologies and measures available to us. I know Ken and the rest of the Board have the Internet safety of our students as one of the highest priorities, but if anyone has any specific questions about the extent of our Internet safety measures, please leave a comment and I will have Ken do a guest post about it all.

Dyslexia

2010-05-13T11:23:00.002-06:00

Info on a class on Dyslexia:

"Hello from Dyslexia Tutoring of Utah, I just wanted all of you to know that I will be speaking at the South Jordan Library on Thursday May 20th at 7pm. The topic is "Dyslexia, Myths versus Facts". It will be a very basic discussion on the myths surrounding dyslexia, what dyslexia really is, and how we can go about diagnosing and helping children and adults with this disability. If you know of people in your family or teachers that need to understand more, this would be a great class to attend. It is FREE to the public and is sponsored by the LDA ofUtah. The class will leave plenty of time for questions and hopefully be very informative. Please spread the word!Thanks,Nanci Ross"

What a great educational opportunity! Thanks for sharing, Nanci!

Utah to Try for Federal School Money

2010-05-10T16:59:00.002-06:00

Click here to read the SLTrib article

"State education leaders briefly discussed Friday their plan to apply for the school reform money after failing to win the first round of the national competition, which seeks to distribute $4.3 billion to states that best commit to certain reforms. In the first round, federal reviewers ranked Utah's application 19th out of 41 applicants. Only two states, Tennessee and Delaware, won money."

Wow, apparently about 3.4 billion is up for grabs, and 10 to 15 states will possible get the money this time around. If Utah is one of those states, each district and charter school could receive anywhere from $60,000 to $16 million!

Wow, can you even imagine? Just think of programs we and other districts can keep going, or implement. Some things the state is shooting for are an increase in high school graduates and increasing grade-level testing scores. Yes, both amiable goals. But think of other possibilities, too!

For the second round, they are looking at the winning applications to get more ideas of how better to explain Utah's goals. Also, the application people will be explaining how Utah wants to strengthen their teacher evaluation systems. All in all, money can make a difference. Interesting reads. Check it out.

Should it be ALL free??

2010-05-07T14:22:00.002-06:00

I was directed to a website which lists news articles and other information on education in Utah. Interesting stuff. One link stuck out: "Lawmaker wants parents to pony up for school supplies."

Whoa. I must be pretty slow. I grew up in Idaho and have only lived in Utah for the last 5 years. When my oldest started school 3 years ago, I was floored that I didn't have to go "school shopping." Well, disappointed was more like it. I have an office supply fetish and was really looking forward to shopping for her school supplies :) But that's another story.

Anyway, I was intrigued so I went to the KSL article, you can read it here, to see how people were commenting. Um, yeah. Pretty much what I thought, and one commenter summarized it pretty well, "Education is Free; Supplies are not." Makes sense to me.

As a parent, I have no problem providing school supplies for my children, so long as there is an affordable option (did anyone else have the "3-ring binder vs Trapper Keeper" debate with Mom or Dad?). I can provide for my children's school supplies and the school can use the money for more important things, whatever that may be. In my po-dunk city in Idaho, the teachers would put together the supply list for their class and Wal-Mart, Office Max, Staples and any other office supply store in the city would have the lists. We'd go into Wal-Mart, look for our school and teacher, grab the appropriate list and go shopping! There were also lists for donation items, if you felt so inclined. It was a great system and seemed to work for us.

But, I know I'm relatively new to the Utah Public Education experience, and most of you have grown up in it. Am I way off base to think it's a fine idea for parents to be responsible for the school supplies? I know there will always be children who need assistance, but for the most part, it's a conceivable idea.

Let's hear your thoughts!
"Education is free; Supplies are not"

Wikipedia Is My Friend

2010-05-05T12:31:00.004-06:00

I am almost certain, Wikipedia has anything and everything you need to know. Seriously, from medical treatments and diagnosis information, pop culture and history to the 2010 Icelandic Volcano Eruption! I guess it's easier to update the Internet than to re-publish the Britannica.

Since Mr. Eyjafjallajökull is deciding to send forth more ash clouds and send Europe into disarray every few weeks, I wanted to do some research and see what this would mean for us, over on the other side of the world, just Food for Thought.

Basically, unless you're flying to Europe, don't expect much of our daily routines to be interrupted. Some meteorologists from NASA (read toward the bottom of the article) are saying that, because of the large and continuous ash plume that followed the initial eruption, it's possible that we may experience a mild summer. Also, there have been 3 other volcanic eruptions coinciding with Eyjafjallajökull's debut (refer back to the article). Fascinating that some volcanic ash that is half a world away can have an effect on us, here in our own little world. Just shows how inter-connected everything can be.

A Great Lesson: One small effort can have huge effects. Pass it on!

Rachel

These Walls...

2010-05-02T17:29:00.002-06:00

I took my daughter yesterday to see the progress of the construction site. We were both so excited to see actual walls up. As we can see, the elevator shaft is beautiful as it is massive! :) Or maybe it's just the right size; I don't see them constructed too often.

Anyway, it was fun to see her excitement with the prospect of a new building, but she's nervous starting a new school. Honestly, I'm nervous for her, too. Our family has moved around quite a bit the last few years, because of work then my husband's health. But I haven't minded changing schools, hoping the next one will better for her. But this time, according to the curriculum and board members, we are excited for her to have such an innovative learning style and more accountability. She's a good student and loves to learn.

And that, my dear readers, is the foundation of a great building... I mean Beginning :)

Green is the new Black

2010-04-30T07:23:00.002-06:00

Going Green is not just another fad for the decade. It's really about being responsible and accountable for our actions and our surroundings. From the beginning of its conception, Quail Run has wanted "green" to not just be an afterthought but something that would be incorporated from its building and materials to curriculum plans and concepts.

This new "Green School" is not a new concept. Read this article from a Preparatory school in Dallas, TX here. The reason for the article was a new Science Center that was built by the Preparatory school, allowing the students to discover Environment Science in an urban environment. One of the science teachers for the Center said "it gives students a direct connection to the environment." But the school itself is also a "green construction" leader, as you can read more about, just as we are implementing, and we won't be the last.

Isn't that really what we, as parents and teachers, want? For the rising generation to have a connection, a desire, to keep our world beautiful? Not only that, but environmental responsibility also teaches self discipline and accountability, great lessons at any age.

Speaking of Green Buildings, check out this article from the SL Tribune about the LDS church's new Green Meetinghouse Project in Farmington. Good ideas are...just that. Good ideas :)

(picture found here)

Hello & Hello

2010-04-27T18:01:00.003-06:00

Hello, Everyone. I'm Rachel (Everyone: Hello, Rachel). I figured I'd introduce myself since I'm going to be doing the blog updates from now on! Yeah, me! No, seriously. This is gonna be great! I'm a Mother, Wife, Nurse, Chocolate-lover who loves sharing information, so this blog-business is gonna work out awesome for everyone!

I have 3 children, ages 10, 8 and 4, who keep my life interesting. The oldest, a boy, loves building anything out of everything! The older girl is a tom boy and the younger one is my princess, but all 3 love to play in the dirt! My husband grew up in American Fork but I'm from Idaho. We met in Idaho (he moved up there for work a while back), and we moved back to Utah after we were married and blended our families (husband with a son, me with a daughter). Shortly after we moved to Utah, we were blessed with a baby girl (who is now 4). So, I'm new to Utah, and even newer to Utah County (moved to AF from SLC in Sep '09) but I absolutely love it here! Right.Next.To.The.Mountains. Amazing.

I'm so excited about this new Charter school. When I found Quail Run through a community circular, then the website, I was completely amazed at their curriculum, mission statement, goals, ideals...it was everything I've been looking for in a educational atmosphere for my children! Plus, it's bran-spankin' new! Bonus!

I'm looking forward to bringing you all updates and information and maybe a smile or two for your day! If anyone has any questions, leave a comment and we'll get it taken care of right away!

Come back often to get the latest on Committee and Volunteer opportunities and other School Happenings!

Until next time, Rachel

7th & 8th Grade Social

2010-04-23T17:20:00.007-06:00

For all 2010-2011
7th and 8th grade students and parents of
Quail Run Primary School.

Please join us for a special event designed just for you!

Learn about the classes, activities, computers
and curriculum offered at Quail Run.

Meet other QRPS students
Enjoy games, music, refreshments and prizes.

There are still a few spots available for enrollment
for 7th and 8th grade students at QRPS,
so invite your friends!!!

For every friend you bring, you will earn an extra chance
of winning a great prize!!!

When: Saturday, May 8th 2010 @ 2:00pm
Where: Pleasant Grove Recreation Center
547 South Locust Avenue
Pleasant Grove, UT

Construction progress

2010-04-13T11:11:00.004-06:00

It is fun to see the progress at the construction site for the school. Footings are complete, and the tall structure in the middle is the elevator shaft being erected. The concrete floor for the gym will be poured soon. The construction site is bustling with action and workers are doing great work!
Keep your eyes on the blog and facebook page for announcements of upcoming socials and opportunities to get involved in the volunteer effort at Quail Run.

Construction Progress

2010-03-26T08:59:00.016-06:00

The construction of the new Quail Run building is now underway! There are excavators and backhoes on site, and the foundations are being poured. Work on the school is proceeding rapidly and we look forward to keeping everyone up to speed on its progress. We will be posting construction information and pictures regularly on our website (QRPS.org), on our Facebook page 'Quail Run Primary School', and in our monthly newsletter.

We are now planning contingencies should delays occur in Quail Run gaining occupancy in the fall. We are considering two plans if the need arises: (1) Delaying the start date of school until the building is complete or (2)Conducting first week opening activities and assessments in an alternate location. The best option will be implemented if necessary and information on any changes will be posted.

We are very excited about our new school, and look forward to Quail Run Primary School officially opening its doors in the fall.

Quail Run Board of Trustees

Generation X Parents

2010-02-11T12:37:00.002-07:00

I never thought of myself as a genX parent before, but when I read this article today, I couldn't help but nod and laugh at the similarities between myself and the genX parents described in the article.

Is this what drove me to start the ambitious project that has become Quail Run?

It's a long but kind of fun read. Let me know what you think.
http://www.edutopia.org/generation-x-parents-relationships-guide

Cedr Hills City Council Meeting

2010-02-02T23:40:00.001-07:00

It was great to see so many families at the Cedar Hills city council meeting. Thanks to all of our supporters who stopped by. I know many of our families who came didn't want to speak in public and I understand. I don't live in Cedar Hills so I just sat in the back and listened. It was nice to hear the opinions presented. But it was also quite long and I was glad to get home to my baby.

Library or Media Center

2010-01-28T15:21:00.004-07:00

I've posted before that even though our school embraces technology, Quail Run will have a library full of physical books. That is still true. I love books and can't imagine a library without them.

Yet I have been considering how my own reading habits have changed recently. I used to spend hours at the library with stacks of books surrounding me. I'd read the books, put them back on the shelf and grab a few more. I'd check out as many as I could carry. I always had a pile of books next to my bed.

Things have changed.

I am surprised that it took me so long to figure out what was different. I no longer go to the library and there is no pile near my bed. Instead, on the floor where the stacks used to be sits my laptop. At first I assumed it was because I was so busy. I realize now that the internet and electronic media have replaced books.

I prefer to read non-fiction: math textbooks, French-English dictionaries, home decorating manuals, collections of sheet music, history books, whatever looks interesting. Now that I have a laptop that I can take with me, I have all of this information at my fingertips. I don't have to leave my house. I can listen to music and watch movies while I browse. I can eat while I learn. None of this is possible at my local library.

What does this mean for the future of education? Education isn't known for speedy changes. Still, could a quiet revolution be coming?

http://education.zdnet.com/?p=3583

Community Meeting

2010-01-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

Quail Run will be holding a community meeting this Thursday, January 21, 2010 from 6:30 pm until 9:00 pm at the Pleasant Grove Recreation Center (547 South Locust Avenue, Pleasant Grove.) This is your opportunity to meet the Board of Trustees, speak with our Director of Academics, see our building plans, and learn more about our curriculum and methodology. School volunteers will be available to answer your questions in person. The meeting is an open house style and the public is welcome so bring your friends.

Save Those Old Christmas Cards!

2009-12-26T09:49:00.004-07:00

A warm holiday greeting to you all!

The art studio of Quail Run is in need of your soon-to-be-discarded holiday cards. Even though the visual arts program is under construction still we are certain about a few things.

1. We are going to be a fully functioning art studio in which the students take great responsibility for their artistic journey.
2. We NEED your recyclables.

In the collage center of our studio we are going to be in great need of lots of interesting paper of all textures, colors, patterns etc. Some of the best examples of these are found on Christmas cards. Of course, if there is a personal message written on it then please feel free not to save for us. However, if you wouldn't mind saving the fronts of your cards I know we will be very grateful once next year rolls around. We want to become well stocked as much as possible. There are many other items to be saving as well, but this just seemed like the best one to ask for at this time.

You can bring your cards to the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday or you can e-mail me that you have some cards saved (art@QRPS.org)and I will make arrangements to get them from you in the near future.

Thanks so much!
Janine, Visual Art Curriculum Coordinator
art@QRPS.org

Groundbreaking Ceremony

2009-12-23T08:18:00.003-07:00

It's finally time to hold our Quail Run Groundbreaking Ceremony. Come join us on Tuesday, December 29 at 2:00 pm. It'll be cold but we'll have free scarves, cookies and hot cider.

The location is 564 W 3300 N Pleasant Grove, just off Canyon Road (next to Mill Creek and the big blue silos that are east of the Mt. Timpanogos Temple.)

Bring a shovel for digging and a camera to record the fun.

Word of Mouth

2009-12-21T13:14:00.002-07:00

Ever heard the saying, "The best advertising is word of mouth?" We're ready to put it to the test.

From now until the end of our open enrollment period (February 19, 2010,) Quail Run is tracking enrollment referrals. If you have already submitted an enrollment application, your family will get 1 referral point for every student who subsequently applies for enrollment and lists your name as a referral. You'll get TRIPLE points for every student in grades 6-8.

To the families with the highest number of referral points, we are giving away some fabulous thank-you gifts donated by local businesses.

First place: Wii
Second place: MP3 player
Third Place: MP3 player
Fourth Place: MP3 player

Every family that participates will receive a thank-you gift or gift certificate from a local business.

Visit our website: QRPS.org for more information on enrollment or to enroll your child.

Funding the Arts in Schools

2009-12-20T11:39:00.001-07:00

I attended a Jon Schmidt Christmas Concert this weekend at Kingsbury Hall. I enjoyed the evening and was reminded how important music is. It makes me feel happy. It triggers my imagination. It inspires my creativity.

Utah has a rich cultural tradition of performing arts. It is crucial that we continue to provide our students with experiences that engage them in music, dance, art, and theater. If we do not, we risk losing something that can powerfully influence the future in a positive way.

Utah school children currently face budget cuts that threaten to eliminate our arts programs. As a teacher, this saddens me. As a mother, it angers me. As an administrator, it frustrates me. At all levels it scares me.

Enrollment Requests Open Now!

2009-12-14T07:17:00.002-07:00

Quail Run Primary School, a new free public charter school in Pleasant Grove, UT, has open enrollments for grades K-8 now! This will be Utah's first "green" eco-friendly school from the new buildings, to the playscapes, to the curriculum, etc. Doors will open August 2010 and classes are filling up. To enroll, go to www.qrps.org and complete the electronic enrollment form. For more information, call (801) 6159051.

Math in Real Life

2009-11-13T07:37:00.001-07:00

I have spent the last two days familiarizing myself with our "almost final" architectural plans. I have a copy of what is called a bid set. This huge document takes up my entire queen size bed when open (and hangs partly over the edge.) Although I am bemoaning the trees who gave up their lives for this paper monstrosity, I am intrigued at the educational potential it holds for Quail Run students.

I have spent hours deciphering symbols, legends and code keys. I have used scale factor to figure out how long wall display surfaces are. I have calculated areas, inclines, and angles. I have matched doors to door frame requirements. I have sorted page numbers, sheet numbers, exhibit numbers, detail numbers and version numbers. I have identified 2D maps and their 3D nets. I have used formulas to calculate room capacity, daylight reflection, and distances between emergency room exits. I could continue but you get the point, right?

As a math teacher I have recited to students how important math is in real life. What if our math teachers could let students see (hands-on) how important math was in building this school building?

I sure hope the builder doesn't want these back. They are too valuable of an educational tool for me to surrender!

Quail Run in the News

2009-10-15T09:47:00.003-06:00

Check out this Daily Herald article on Quail Run Primary School:

http://heraldextra.com/news/local/north/pleasant-grove/article_353f0894-8e85-57cb-889e-2b2702f3d65e.html

It's all about the environmentally responsible charter school we are building in Utah county. The school will be located in Pleasant Grove City but we will serve students from American Fork, Lehi, Cedar Hills, Alpine and Highland as well.

PG City Planning Commission Meeting

2009-10-10T09:42:00.003-06:00

This past Tuesday, the Pleasant Grove City Council reviewed and approved our subdivision request for the school property. (Or the plat approval. I honestly can't remember which. I should know this important detail so I'll have to check with our construction company. They have been great at following the building requirements.) Then on Thursday we met with the Pleasant Grove Planning Commission. They approved our site plan and we received a Conditional Use Permit for the location. (A CUP is required for schools since they do not fall under specific zoning requirements.)

It was great to hear members of the public who are excited to see such a beautiful school go in their neighborhood. Two of the residents wanted to know how we were going to deal with the traffic. (Anyone who has lived near a school knows exactly what they mean.) The planning commission gave us their vote of confidence that we can manage the traffic adequately to minimize any inconvenience to the local residents.

Here is a BRIEF summary of some of the proactive measures we are taking to reduce traffic congestion:

We have hired a fantastic building officer with experience in designing successful drop off/pick up plans at other schools.

We have an overflow exit/entry on the school grounds that can be opened if traffic flow creates problems.

Our traffic plan includes aggressive busing- a first for charter schools in this area.

Incentives and rewards are offered to families and employees who take advantage of carpooling.

The school in located less than 3/4 of a mile from a UTA bus stop.

Our school day start and end times are different from other schools in the neighborhood.

We will utilize a staggered pick up schedule after school to reduce overall congestion.

Our Safe Routes to School Plan will include specific details. We'll post it on our website once it is finalized and approved by the Board.

Music in Every Classroom

2009-09-28T14:16:00.002-06:00

Found this on PBS. I'm going to see what we can utilize.

Upcycling

2009-09-21T20:24:00.004-06:00

I was recently asked what we mean when we say QRPS will participate in "upcycling." Upcycling is the second "R" in the mantra: "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle." Most of us have reused quite a few things in our lives. Maybe you gave used plastic cups a new life as an elaborate Christmas ornament. Perhaps in a moment of unbridled creativity, you turned an old pair of blue jeans into a trendy back pack.

Here are some of the ways students at Quail Run will be upcycling:

Sewing students cut up old school uniforms to create hair scrunchies

English students turn cereal and cracker boxes into journal covers

Science classes use shredded office paper as worm bedding

Art teachers give students used wrapping paper to fold into origami designs

The Social Studies Department uses broken plates to recreate mosaics of cultural motifs

Cooking classes use potholders made from old T-shirts

Elementary kids use broken crayon bits to make new crayons

CTE Intro classes create bags and pencil holders out of washed Capri Sun juice pouches.

On a side note, although we will NOT be doing this at Quail Run, this idea gets my vote for most creative upycling activity of all time: spinning dog or cat hair from your pet's grooming sessions into a fur clothing.

Note to Self

2009-09-16T15:22:00.001-06:00

The press may call at any time. Write down important information in advance so that you remember all of the vital details. Like your name, for instance. :-)

Press Release- First LEED Charter

2009-09-13T10:24:00.009-06:00

September 11, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Barbara Alldredge, Board Chair
Quail Run Primary School Foundation
(801) 772-0173 ▪ barbara@QRPS.org

FIRST LEED CERTIFIED CHARTER SCHOOL IN UTAH
Environmentally Responsible School to Open in Utah County; Aims to be First LEED Charter

PLEASANT GROVE, UT -- Quail Run Primary School, a public charter school serving students from Kindergarten to eighth grade, announced today the location of its new eco-friendly facility on the borders of American Fork, Pleasant Grove and Cedar Hills at approximately 600 West 3300 North in Pleasant Grove.

“We’re thrilled about this location. It will allow us to serve students across several cities,” said Gary Fullmer, Board Trustee of Operations and Business Management. “We’ll be able to realize the school’s mission, while pursuing LEED certification and preserving a beautiful tree-filled part of the valley.”

Situated on the northern end of Pleasant Grove, “Utah’s City of Trees,” Quail Run Primary School’s building will include solar hot water panels, day-lighting and outdoor classrooms. The grounds will feature natural playscapes and a school garden. Quail Run will participate in recycling programs, on-campus “upcycling” and will offer bussing to decrease traffic congestion.

Student laptops enhance Quail Run’s hands-on educational approach while reducing paper waste and the school offers classes that include student favorites like band and computer programming plus non-traditional courses such as American Sign Language and ballroom dance.

For information on enrollment and community partnerships or to get involved, members of the public can visit the school’s website at: QRPS.org.

###

Good Books Are Like Potato Chips

2009-08-22T13:32:00.002-06:00

Good books are like potato chips... You can't read just one.

We have the daunting task of obtaining a fantastic school library collection for our students on a minuscule budget. Our terrific find this week includes 150 library-bound, 20 Permabound hardcover and 25 paperback books for our school library. Titles include several Newberry Award winners as well as contemporary favorites. Nearly all of them are in excellent condition. I only had to discard one inappropriate book.

Total Cost:
$32.55 (That's less than 17 cents each!)

New books would have easily cost us between $2000 and $3000. Hip Hip Hooray for our library committee.

Got any good books you'd be willing to donate? Send me an email and we'll arrange for a member of our library committee to pick them up.

Cheapers Keepers

2009-08-19T21:11:00.002-06:00

The State Legislature may have cut education funding but we're fighting back! We just procured ourselves a classroom set of personal white boards for 10 cents each. Keep the good deals coming :-)

The 2009 Utah State Legislative Session

2009-04-16T11:20:00.002-06:00

We had a bit of a scare this past month. With the State of Utah facing severe budget cuts, some members of the Utah State Legislature proposed to rescind the charters of all new schools approved for the 2010-2011 school year (Quail Run included.)

Here was our official statement regarding the legislation:

"After a rigorous application process that took nearly a year, Quail Run Primary School was approved in 2008 by the Utah State Charter School Board and the Utah State Board of Education. QRPS is positioned to be the leading public school in Utah for science education, fiscal conservancy through environmental responsibility, and ecologically conscious policies. Our hands-on curriculum offers students from Alpine School District’s overcrowded schools the opportunity to take responsibility for their own learning in a fun and challenging atmosphere. This bill robs our students of a fantastic educational experience, eliminates a wonderful school from the community, and delivers a severe blow to the charter school movement in Utah."

Thanks to the massive efforts of charter school supporters across the state, the bill was amended and our charter status was preserved.

THANKS EVERYONE!

Notice of Meeting

2008-11-06T13:12:00.002-07:00

Quail Run Primary School

Posted: November 6, 2008

The Quail Run Primary School Foundation Board of Trustees will be holding a regular board meeting on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be held at the American Fork Public Library.

AGENDA
Call to Order

Roll Call

Approval of Minutes

Information Items:
1. Announcement of State Board of Education Approval Decision
2. Review of Founding Board and Committee Structure
3. Announcement of Board Positions Open as of December 2008

Action Items:
1. Approval of Candidates Applying for Founding Committee Membership
2. Presentation and Approval of Anticipated Timeline

Adjournment

---------------------------------------------------------------
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations should notify heidi@matcheez.com at least three (3) working days prior to the meeting.

Public Notice

2008-06-04T13:26:00.001-06:00

The Quail Run Primary School Board of Trustees announces an open public board meeting to be held on Monday, June 9, 2008 at 7:00 pm (MDST.) The electronic meeting will be held online via Skype chat. Those wishing to attend may do so either in person at the QRPS temporary building or online. For details on how to join the open chat, please email: heidi@matcheez.com.

Agenda

Articles of Incorporation
Purchasing and Procurement Policies
Meeting schedule 2008

Contact: heidi@matcheez.com for more information.

Mission Statement

2008-06-04T13:24:00.000-06:00

Quail Run Primary School is an environmentally responsible and multi-sensory learning center that empowers students to be accountable for their educational journey.