Peak Pioneer ~ August 22, 2016

Dear Parents:

Today we launch the first weekly Peak Pioneer newsletter of the 2016-2017 school year. A huge shout-out to Brett Burns, our new Operations and Communications Director, for jumping into the creation and distribution of the Peak Pioneer after just 5 days on the job. Well done, Brett!

Brett, whose skills, temperament, eagerness to be around students, and love of the great outdoors make him a great fit for Peak, will be staffing the Welcome Office most of the day. Please give him a warm welcome when you stop by school.

While most teachers and staff have been stopping by the school for preliminary discussions during the past week, today marked the official beginning of Fall Teacher Work Week, when final planning and organizing for the coming year takes place, and classrooms are readied to welcome students. It’s really great to have the crew reunited; everyone is super excited about the upcoming year.

Two special events for new students this week:

Thursday, August 25: International student orientation, from 11:00 – 2:00

Friday, August 26: Orientation for all students new to Peak, from 9:00 - 1:00

IMPORTANT REMINDER: ALL CAMPING AND ENROLLMENT FORMS MUST BE HANDED IN AT SCHOOL BY THURSDAY, AUGUST 25!!

And please save this date and time:

Back to School Night: Wednesday, Sept 14 5:00 - 6:30

This evening is your opportunity to meet your student’s teachers and hear about their curricula for the new school year; renew acquaintances among other parents; and, most especially, meet and welcome new members to the Peak community. I look forward to seeing you all there.

A very special shout-out to Mark Benson, parent of Jorie and Kira, for volunteering his time and expertise in overseeing the repair to our roof and the damage done to ceilings and walls in the school. I’m overwhelmed by Mark’s generosity of spirit and determination to get this important work done on time. Thank you Mark!

And a shout out to Nathan Armstrong and Jason Michalowski, dads of Hope and Carson, for an evening of hard labor taking down, moving, and installing blackboards, whiteboards, and lockers throughout the school. It’s so gratifying when parents hear of a need at the school and step up with enthusiasm to lend a hand.

Well folks, it’s time to get those last school supplies, make those carpool arrangements, and fasten your seatbelts for another wonderful year at Peak!

See you all next Monday, by 8:00am the latest, at our front door!

Can’t wait!

Steve

For the past four years, Liz Wood has been Peak’s Director of Communications, member of our Marketing Committee, and teacher of technology and ethical use of technology classes. As one of the last remaining staff members to work with the founding Head of School and faculty, Liz was invaluable in the transition from the first years of the school until the present. All of us who worked with Liz will miss her professionalism, matter-of-fact style and great sense of humor. Happily for Liz, she’s moved into a position that she is very excited about, and we wish her the very best.

Equipment Checklist

2016 Fall Camping Trip

Below is a listing of items required to stay safe and warm with unpredictable mountain weather during the fall camping trip. When possible, pack synthetic or wool clothing instead of cotton.  Please to label all of your personal items.

Parents: please make sure your child is involved in the packing process.  

TOP

• 1 Spare T-shirt

• 1 Long-sleeve shirt or turtleneck (preferably non-cotton)

• 1 Synthetic or wool sweater (NOT cotton)

• 1 WATERPROOF rain jacket

• 1 Extra warm layer/coat (evenings can get cold!)

BOTTOM

• 1 Set underwear

• 1 Pair jeans or other long pants (preferably non-cotton)

• 1 Pair WATERPROOF rain pants

FEET

• 1 Pair Hiking boots or trail shoes, preferably waterproofed and broken in

• 1 Pair “camp” shoes (NO Flip-Flops)

• 2 Pairs warm wool or synthetic socks

HEAD AND HANDS

• 1 Warm hat that covers the ears

• 1 Hat with a rim (baseball cap) that will shade your face from the sun

EQUIPMENT

• 1 Day pack (backpack with 2 arm straps large enough to carry extra warm clothes and lunch)

• 2 One-quart plastic water bottles

• 1 mug for hot drinks

• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)

• Lip balm (SPF 15 or higher)

• Sunglasses

• Headlamp or Flashlight

• Bring bag lunch the first day

• 1 Sleeping Bag

• 1 Sleeping Pad

• Toiletries kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, hand-towel, contacts kit)

Optional:

Gloves or mittens, bandana, binoculars, camera, reusable lunch bag or plastic container

Camping chairs, camping games

What NOT to bring:

Technology (laptop, cell phone, i-anything), knives or saws, extraneous toiletries or food, puppies