School News: Preschool program, specialty classes make learning fun

Students at Landmark academy at reunion celebrate first annual latin culture week

Landmark Academy at Reunion , a tuition-free public charter school, recently hosted their First Annual Latin Culture Week, a week focused on educating students on the various aspects of Latin culture, from music and art to sports and celebrities, through unique activities. During the week-long celebration, students were able to step into the lives of the Aztecs, Incas and Mayans with Latin culture lessons through piñata making, cultural crafts, songs, traditional foods and more. Students made maracas and learned a traditional Mexican Hat Dance; created Aztec suns working with metal tooling; and studied different countries in Mexico , Central America and South America . Aztec dancers from the Colorado Folk Arts Council also visited with students and educated them on the spiritual and traditional aspects of Aztec culture through dance. “We reside in a community with strong Latin and Hispanic roots,” said Matt Carlton, principal of Landmark Academy at Reunion . “Our community culture is important to us at Landmark. By providing unique ways for our students to learn the various backgrounds of our diverse community they are able to understand and appreciate different cultures.” For more information about Landmark Academy at Reunion , please visit www.landmarkacademy.org.

August 08, 2011

Preschool program, specialty classes make learning fun

Tots, Pre-K students learn through art, music and more

COMMERCE CITY – Get your child ready for school with Kinder Kids, a state-licensed preschool program offered at the Commerce City Recreation Center. Registrations are now being accepted for this continuous, school-year plan and for separate, specialty classes that offer fun and learning for students of preschool age and even younger.

Kinder Kids teaches young minds in small group settings and through activities such as art, music, movement, dramatic play and storytelling. For example: a tea party teaches social skills; an outdoor adventure provides hands-on lessons about insects, plants and animals; games promote math skills, gym games encourage exercise and help improve coordination; and simple dress-up fun can be an exercise in using the imagination. “Lessons lay the groundwork for social and academic success by teaching children how to share and communicate with each other and their instructors,” said Lisa Nordholt, Commerce City Youth Services Supervisor.

Classes are small, with two teachers and a maximum of 15 students. Small class sizes ensure children receive plenty of attention and one-on-one time with instructors.

Kinder Kids is for children ages 4-5 (must be 4 by Oct. 1, 2011). The 2011 school year is September through May, with classes Monday-Thursday from 9-11:30 a.m. Specialty classes with nursery-rhyme themes are offered on Wednesdays and Fridays. Separate specialty classes are available for ages 3-5 and for ages 18 months-3 years.

· Kinder Kids preschool

Monday –Thursday, 9-11:30 a.m.

· Specialty classes, Pre-K (ages 3-5)

Wednesdays, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon

· Tots (ages 18 mos.-3 yrs)

Fridays, 9-9:45 a.m.

Students must have a participant packet and immunization record on file before registering for classes. To secure your child’s continuous enrollment in Kinder Kids, payment must be received by the 25th of each month for the following month’s attendance.

Packets are available free online at www.c3gov.com/preschool or pick up a hard copy for $10 at the Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Drive. For more information and class availability, call Yasmin Cassini at 303-289-3659.