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Moderation – The virtue by which one enjoys pleasure properly.
If one oversteps the bounds of moderation, the greatest pleasures cease to please. -Epictetus
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MESSAGE FROM OUR HEADMASTER
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Guardians,
Greetings! The year is moving quickly. It is hard to believe that we are just over a week away from Thanksgiving Break. At this time, I would like to highlight two major events in the life of the school over the last week: our Annual Gala - Beneficium Aeternum, and Veterans Day.
Yesterday, you should have received a communication from Mari Blackford outlining this year’s benefit (held last Friday night) and thanking many people for their tremendous help and contributions, whether through time, finances, energy, support, etc. The event was a huge success!
I want to thank Mrs. Blackford for all of her hard work and dedication to the school and to the benefit. She was a primary driving force behind the efforts coordinating moving parts, communication, etc. We are grateful to have someone of her talent, who possesses such a love and dedication for our school. When you see her, and any of the gala volunteers and supporters, please express your well-wishes.
Earlier today, we hosted our annual Veterans Day Tribute and assembly featuring patriotic songs from Ascent students, a guest speaker, Mr. Charles Morgan (USAF), and recognition surrounding the importance and history of Veterans Day.
The true highlight, of course, was hosting Veterans from each of the armed services or branches spanning a wide range of time periods. Simply stated, we understand that freedom is not, and has never been, truly ‘free.’ We are indebted to all those who have served for the common good based on their patriotism and love of this country. Thank you.
Best,
Headmaster Jones
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SCHOOL WIDE ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Recent World Events
If you have read or seen anything in the news over the last month, you are likely well aware of recent national and world events, specifically surrounding the Middle East.
Ascent Classical Academy is not a political entity or think tank. As a charter school in the state of Colorado, we support all families and students regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, etc.
Because of this, and in light of recent world and national events, please know that antisemitism is not, and will not be, tolerated here on the ACADC campus in any way.
Classroom Discussions
Regarding classroom discussions surrounding any current events, we generally mirror the approach outlined by Hillsdale and other BCSI schools around the country: Class time is not the time for discussion about current events.
It may be tempting for teachers to digress, particularly in upper school humanities or related courses. However, as relevant, there is much from our history curriculum, and in Western literature, from which students can draw parallels and life lessons.
Parents as Primary Educators of Their Children
We would strongly encourage you, as parents, and as the primary educators of your children, to have age appropriate discussions in your home if/as needed related to current events.
These discussions are not limited to the Middle East. They would include local or national political elections next fall, for example, regardless of one’s party affiliation.
Join ACADC in continuing to strive to uphold the virtues that Ascent has been built upon: courage, moderation, justice, responsibility, prudence, friendship, and wonder.
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Remaining Benefit Opportunities
We have just wrapped up a very successful sixth annual Benefit and exceeded our goal. If you would still like to participate, we have the following opportunities available:
Airsoft Experience with Ascent Administration
- Join Headmaster Jones, Mr. Sparks, Mr. Clay, Ms. Moyer, and Mr. Poston for a morning of Airsoft!
- This is a Semi-Private Ascent Classical Academy event
- Saturday, DEC. 2 10 a.m.
- Located at Fox Airsoft Field in Parker
- Tickets are $35 if purchased with cash or check from the front office
- Tickets are $40 if purchased with credit card from Handbid, online
- $15 gear rental available or bring your own (This reflects a 50 % discount for our group)
- Students, parents, and staff are all welcome!
- Purchase one slot per participant, space is limited.
Parents Night Out/Kids’ Movie Night
- This is a unique opportunity to complete your Holiday shopping (or anything you like) while your kids are safely entertained after school by school staff/background checked volunteers!
- From 3:20-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday Dec. 12
- Participating students will be released in wave C to the Great Hall.
- K-6 students may enjoy pizza, drinks, and a G rated Christmas movie after school.
- Sign up with friends for $25 per student!
- Purchase here
Teacher Experiences
Several ticketed teacher experience events with very limited space are also available for purchase while supplies last:
Tax Deductible Donations
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to our school, you may do so using our Revtrak portal or via our Handbid website.
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Safety Town Hall
There will be a Safety Town Hall on November 17th at 3:30 pm in the school's Great Hall. Mr. Clay will be providing updates on our current safety and security measures, our partnerships with professionals, and an overview of potential future safety initiatives. We hope you can join us on Friday to stay informed and collaborate on maintaining a safe learning environment at our school. Your participation is important as we work together to protect our students and staff. This event is for adults only, please RSVP here.
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No Parking in the Carline Loading Zone
Please do not park in the front of the school during the day, but instead park in the middle parking spots. The front of the building is where students are loaded for carline dismissal.
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Skate City Community Night
Bring your friends and family for a GREAT private skate party event, just for the students, staff, family, and friends of Ascent Classical! Learn more here.
- Monday, November 13
- 5-7 p.m.
- Admission $7.00 (skate rental $4.00)
- Skate City Littleton
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Starlighting
Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County will have a booth at this year's annual Castle Rock Starlighting on November 18 from 2-5 p.m. We will share our booth location next week and would love to see our students and families there!
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Open Enrollment for the 2024-25 School Year
Save the date! If you are a family wishing to enroll your current student's sibling(s) in 2024-25, you must complete an application between November 15 and January 31 in order for your student to be eligible for the lottery. If you have a currently enrolled student, siblings will have sibling priority. Intent to Return forms will be sent out for current students in January and our new student lottery will run on February 5.
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2024/2025 Prospective Family Information Nights
If you know families who would be interested in an American Classical Education, please encourage them to attend our upcoming Prospective Family Information Session on Tuesday, November 28. They can sign up to attend here.
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Lands End Sale
Our school uniform provider is offering a Black Friday & Cyber Week savings on uniforms:
- 40% off Bottoms
- 20% off everything else
- VALID: November 23-29, 2023
- CODE: PENCIL
- PIN: 5228
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School Spirit Dress Days
- High School Spirit Days* Every Friday, 2/22 (Holiday Attire), 5/24 (Guardian Games Attire)
- 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Spirit Days* 11/17, 12/8, 12/22 (Holiday Attire), 1/12, 1/26, 2/9, 2/23, 3/8, 3/15, 4/12, 4/26, 5/10, 5/24 (Guardian Games Attire)
- Grammar School Monthly Spirit Days* 11/17, 12/22 (Holiday Attire), 1/26, 2/23, 3/15, 4/26, 5/24 (Guardian Games Attire)
*Dates subject to change
The Guardian Spirit Store is open until Friday, November 17. Items ordered will be delivered prior to the Winter break in December. The store now features joggers and shorts which may be worn for Upper School PE class, Guardian sweatshirt blankets, Guardian duffel bags, t-shirts, and uniform sweatshirts.
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A Message From the Dean of Lower Grammar School
This month, the virtue we are focusing on is moderation. In an era where the glow of electronic screens are ubiquitous. Guiding through the digital landscape requires a delicate balance, and the key lies in the virtue of moderation. Continue Reading...
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A Message From the Dean of Upper Grammar School
Vigen Guroian, in his book Tending the Heart of Virtue: How Classic Stories Awaken a Child’s Moral Imagination, has this to say about instruction in morality, Continue Reading...
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A Message From the Dean of Upper School
Between illness and our fall intermission, it has been a couple weeks since I’ve been able to address you. Much has happened since! Continue Reading...
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High School Basketball Registration
High School girls and boys basketball is about to begin! Please register here.
- High School Girls begin practice next Monday, Nov. 6 at the Basketball Social House at 3:30. The Basketball Social House is on University, right across the street from Arapahoe High School to the East.
- High School Boys will start practice Nov. 13 at Pickup USA Fitness which is on Arapahoe Road about a mile west of I-25.
If you have any questions please call Mr. McWhorter at the school or email him at jmcwhorter@ascentclassical.org.
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Middle School Girls Basketball
- Begins in January, registration information will be shared in December.
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Middle School Girls Soccer Interest
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PE Attire
As a reminder, Upper School students who choose to change for PE must wear approved PE attire including:
- Any t-shirt or sweatshirt with an Ascent logo
- Black, gray, or navy blue sweatpants, joggers, track pants, or basketball style shorts
The Guardian Spirit Store is open until Friday, November 17. The store features joggers and shorts which may be worn for Upper School PE class.
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Pizza Fridays
In addition to Peak School Lunch, we offer Dion's pizza on Fridays. Please use this link to order. Orders for the week must be placed by Wednesdays at 8 a.m. When a day off lands on a Friday, we will not have pizza that week and orders placed will be applied to the following week.
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Substitute Teachers Needed
Do you have a passion for working with students? Our school is seeking caring substitute teachers. As a sub, you'll impact students' daily learning, work a flexible schedule, and earn a competitive rate. You'll also join a supportive team and be part of the mission here at Ascent Classical.
We are currently looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to motivate our learners. If you are or know someone who may be interested in making a difference in the lives of our students, please contact the school today or apply here. We can't wait to hear from you!
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Minted Fundraising Program
Ascent DougCo is now a part of the Minted Fundraising program. Our Minted promo code FUNDRAISEASCENT gives you 20% off Minted orders for stationary and cards when applied at checkout and 15% of the net sales from each purchase will also be donated back to our school at the end of the year!
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If you would like to get involved, here are a few ways to support our school:
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