Message from the Principal 

Dear Mrachek Parents and Community,

It is hard to believe that we have concluded another quarter of learning and embarking on the final quarter of the year.  There are many things to celebrate and yet a tremendous amount of work yet to be completed.

I would first like to congratulate all Mrachek students and teachers for the tremendous effort put forth for this year’s CSAP testing.  This is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning over the past year.  I am excited to see the results of the achievements of Mrachek students. 

The Mrachek staff is in the process of finalizing plans for the 2009-2010 school year.  The master schedule for next year is being built and will be finalized prior to Spring Break.  Students will be registering for their classes toward the end of April. Registration information will be sent home with students the week of April 12th. 

I am excited to share some of the many learning opportunities available to Mrachek students during the 2009-2010 school year.  First, we have the opportunity to re-structure the physical plan of the school and provide three grade-level learning communities. The goal is to improve the learning environment by creating small communities that strengthen staff collaboration and focus on rigorous student learning.  Studies show that small learning communities also provide a more personalized environment that supports higher student achievement.

Mrachek will use a “transition” model for sixth grade students to ease the transition from elementary to middle school. These students will work with a core team of three teachers, providing a smaller, supportive learning group.   As students continue to 7^th and 8^th grade, they will have more course options, preparing them for the transition to high school. Structuring the school as three separate learning communities will also enhance safety for all students.  The school will create a seventh grade community on the first floor of the building and an eighth grade community on the second floor.

Because of the building’s open design and space limitations, six mobile classrooms will be added to the school to create the sixth grade community.  The mobile classrooms will be refurbished to provide a quality learning environment for students.  APS will build new ramps to the mobiles and provide landscaping around the structures.  Sixth grade students will continue to take elective classes, P.E. and lunch in the main building.  APS will complete the installation of the new mobiles in July 2009. The project will not impact classes during the current school year nor will it affect the Fifth Block of Instruction.

The second exciting opportunity for students is the addition of the Galaxy Initiative at Mrachek.  The Galaxy Initiative is a program for 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders who are interested in the STEM areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Approximately 30 students will be accepted into the academies at each grade level.  Math, science and technology curricula are enriched to include more experience in the STEM areas particularly engineering.  Students will have extended learning opportunities after school, possibly on some Saturdays, as well as during the summer. 

Some of these activities will be provided by business and community partners in the areas of math and science.  The school district has established a partnership with Raytheon where the Galaxy Initiative will be the main focus in their community outreach in Aurora.  Other possible business partners might include: Lockheed Martin, Buckley Air Force Base, Hughes Space Communication Company, Northrup Grumman, United Airlines, and Ball Aerospace.  Activities might include tutoring, coaching, internships, job shadowing, speakers, field trips, and mentoring. 

In addition to the business and community partnerships we are in the process of securing partnerships with the following higher education learning institutions: Community College of Aurora, Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado/Boulder, University of Colorado/Denver, and Denver University.  Partnerships include acceptance of APS students in STEM areas of study, professional development for teachers, and curriculum support.

The admission process for the Galaxy Academy begins with an evaluation of applicants’ motivation, commitment and academic performance. In reviewing applications, the admissions committee will consider a body of evidence that includes but is not limited to the following information: proficiency in mathematics, motivation and desire to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering or math, parental approval and commitment to support.  The admissions committee reserves the right to consider approval of applicants based on a variety of qualifications and accomplishments and on a case-by-case basis. For more information regarding the Galaxy Academy and to request an application form please contact the main office or Ms. Marcia Olson, Assistant Principal, or access application information on the Mrachek website.

Finally, continuation is quickly approaching for our eighth grade students and parents.  I am asking for parent assistance to help eighth grade students finish the fourth quarter of their tenure at Mrachek in a positive manner that is focused on learning.  A quick reminder that all eighth grade students must meet the district continuation requirements to attend both the eighth grade celebration at Utah Pool and the continuation ceremony held at Rangeview High School on May 19^th.  If you have any questions regarding eighth grade continuation please contact any building administrator or the main office.

Best Regards,

Edward Snyder