Needham News
October 21, 2010
Volume 1, Issue 5
Needham Elementary . 2425 W. 3rd Avenue . Durango, CO . (970) 247-4791 .
Pete Harter, Principal
To The Needham Community!
Wow! Have we ever been blessed with a beautiful fall (so far!)! The crispness in
the mornings and the changing, vivid colors, not to mention the warm, sunny
afternoons…It’s all been special. There is an ongoing joke about who is “painting” the
leaves on the trees around school. I think I have half the students believing that I am the
one responsible, and I’m gladly taking the credit this year! Hopefully, your family has had
a chance to get out and enjoy this beautiful place where we live. We are indeed fortunate.
Pete Harter, Principal
Individual Highlights

Crow Canyon

“Thriller”

Clash/Mix-it up!

Garden Club

Farm to School

New Roof
Crow Canyon
Our 4th grade is off on their annual trip to the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
just NW of Cortez. This two-day/one-night trip is a highlight of the 4th grade year and we
have been doing this for almost 20 years. Our goal is to provide our students a hands-on,
experiential activity that supports 4th grades focus on Colorado History. What better place
to start than with the “Ancestral Puebloans?’ The benefits are many, but consider these
few. The social interaction and shared experience helps develop a good bond among the
students and teachers. The appreciation and understanding of the rich culture and
environment of the 4-Corners area is reinforced. Students develop a stronger self-concept
and independence, as for many, this is their first time away from home. And clearly, the
learning and understanding that takes place allows the students to become knowledgeable
regarding the rich heritage of this area.
“Thriller”
If you missed Pledge last week, you missed a very fun and entertaining
performance by all our 4th and 5th grades. Ms. Oliger and student teacher Eva Duce had
worked with our students to become adept at the “dance” from the music video called
“Thriller” by Michael Jackson. While not quite up to M. Jackson’s standards, there were
plenty of great moves, and a wonderful time was had by the performers and the audience.
Clash/Mix-it up!
Upcoming Events –

10/21 – P.T Confs.
(Round 2)

10/22 Coffee, Tea &
IB - 8:15a.m. – MPR

10/26 – School
Picture Day

10/29 – Fall Parties
& “Clash” Day
As a reminder, our theme for Halloween this year is to “clash!” On Friday, Oct.
29, everyone is invited to mix up your dress to “clash your best!” Mix your colors, your
plaids, stripes, polka-dots, styles….whatever. Our eyes should be hurting by the end of the
day! (Kinders will be changing into “traditional” costumes and going to do an annual
parade and TREAT the wonderful folks at 4-Corners!)
Garden Club Ends With Clean-up Day!
We are asking for volunteers to come help clean up our garden area after a very
successful year. We need to get our garden ready for winter. Parents and kids are welcome
to come pitch in anytime on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 10 AM to 1 PM. Thanks!
Speaking of Gardens!
You’ve probably heard of the “farm to school” program that the school district has
been pursuing and promoting for the past few years. Everyone should know that it is alive
and well, and a good example is that this fall, we’ve been able to serve apples and peaches
obtained from Chimney Rock Farms. We want families to be aware that we continue to
seek out opportunities to promote health and nutrition, and also support our local growers.
New Roof Under Construction!
Our “annex” wing, or the “300 hallway wing” is getting a new roof. We’ve been
fighting multiple leaks for a couple of years and finally made it to the top of the list of
schools in need of roof repair. Construction should last another week or so and we will be
in great shape for the little bit of snow we’re going to get this year!
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