LCES Panther Cub Communication #16
November 17-20th, 2025
Para traducir al español, desplácese hasta el final y haga clic en la bandera
LCES Families,
Thank you for your patience and understanding this week as we responded to safety concerns that led to the closure of our schools in Leadville. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is always our top priority. We know that any disruption to the school days can cause concern, and we appreciate your cooperation as we worked closely with local authorities to ensure that our schools and community remained safe. Moments like this remind us how strong and caring our LCES community truly is.
As we move forward, we’re especially looking ahead to our Thanksgiving Lunch on Thursday—a time to come together, reconnect, and show our support for one another, especially for our youngest learners who look to us for reassurance and stability. We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate the spirit of gratitude and community that makes LCES so special. Thanksgiving lunch check in times are as follows and the flier is linked and shown below:
- Kindergarten- 10:30
- PK Rooms #130, #131, #137- 10:45
- First Grade- 11:25
- PK Rooms #133, #135, Early Head Start- 11:45
- Second Grade- 12:25
Thank you again for your trust, partnership, and ongoing support. If your child has any questions or worries after this week’s events, our counselor, Mrs. Christy, and staff are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need anything.
With appreciation,
Brandi Lovely, PK-2 Principal
LCES Important Dates (PK – 2nd)
November 13: K-2 Panther Day During Specials: Thanksgiving Fun!
November 20: LCES Thanksgiving Lunch (flier)
November 24-28: No School, Thanksgiving Break
Helpful Link: Lake County School District Calendar
Counselor’s Corner
In light of the recent events our school and community has faced, Mrs. Christy has created a flier in both English and Spanish to guide families to have conversations with your child and important information regarding trauma response in children. Mrs. Christy is a tremendous resource for students and families to talk through emotions or trauma they have experienced. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Christy at crtrujillo@lakecountyschools.net or 719-427-0105.
K-2 Specifics
HOWLs Challenge: Our quarter 2 HOWLs challenge has already begun and we are excited to have lunch with the principals for those winners in December! Remind your students to continue showing our HOWLs each and every day: collaboration, respect, responsibility, craftsmanship, compassion, perseverance, curiosity, creativity.
K-2 Project Dream
Updated Contact Information:
LCES Project Dream has updated contact information due to a leave of absence for our Site Supervisor, Raquel. If you are need to contact Project Dream at LCES, please use the following methods:
- For day-of changes to your afterschool plan, please contact Zee Almeida before 2:30 pm: 719-486-6890 zalmeida@lakecountyschools.net. This is the best way to communicate changes.
- To reach a Project Dream staff member during programs in the case of an emergency (3:15pm to 6:00pm Monday -Thursday, 7:45am to 3:30pm Friday) please call the LCES Project Dream cell phone: 719-293-5363. Please leave a text message if we do not answer.
- If you are unable to reach anyone in a true emergency, please call Mike Adler at 719-427-7003
- For changes in registration (add days, reduce days), please email Raquel Contreras at rcontreras@lakecountyschools.net
Healthy School Meals for All Election Results
Propositions MM and LL were passed by voters in the recent election, which allows the Healthy School Meals for All program to raise and retain additional funding. This means there will be no changes to our breakfast and lunch program this year. All students will continue to have access to a free, nutritious breakfast and lunch each school day.
Even though meals are free for all students, we ask that families continue to provide household income information by completing the Federal Economic Data Survey (FEDS Form). This information helps schools receive full federal funding, which directly supports meal programs, after school programs and other nutrition initiatives. Please contact Leslee Torsell ltorsell@lakecountyschools.net or Mary Jelf mjelf@lakecountyschools.net for more information on how to complete the FEDS form.
Las propuestas MM y LL fueron aprobadas por los votantes en las recientes elecciones, lo que permite al programa “Comidas escolares saludables para todos” recaudar y conservar fondos adicionales. Esto significa que no habrá cambios en nuestro desayuno y almuerzo programa este año. Todos los estudiantes seguirán teniendo acceso a un desayuno y almuerzo gratuito y nutritivo cada día escolar.
Aunque las comidas son gratuitas para todos los estudiantes, pedimos a las familias que sigan proporcionando información sobre los ingresos familiares rellenando el Federal Economic Data Survey (FEDS Form). Esta información ayuda a las escuelas a recibir financiación federal completa, que apoya directamente los programas de comidas, los programas extraescolares y otras iniciativas nutricionales. Póngase en contacto con Leslee Torsell ltorsell@lakecountyschools.net o Mary Jelf mjelf@lakecountyschools.net para obtener más información sobre cómo completar el FEDS Form.
The Center Specifics
Dear Center Families,
I would like to echo Brandi’s message from above. Thank you to our families for your patience and understanding as we navigated the unexpected school closures. Our top priority is ensuring safe school environments for our staff and the children we serve. We understand that disruptions and uncertainties like this can be unsettling. Thank you for your cooperation and partnership through this last week.
Next week is our annual Thanksgiving lunch celebration on Thursday November 20. This is a special event to help us embrace the season of gratitude. The schedule is as follows:
- 10:45-11:45 PK Rooms #130, #131, #137
- 11:45-12:45 PK Rooms #133, #135, Early Head Start
The flyer with further information is attached. Please plan on arriving during the check in time listed for your child’s classroom. All families will enter through the main LCES entrance to check in and pay for your lunch. You will be able to connect with your child and the classroom once you have checked in. Adult lunches are $5.
We look forward to seeing your child and you back in our program on Monday. Our staff is always here to provide support and care, please always reach out with any needs that we can help with.
With gratitude,
Tanya Lenhard, Director
719-486-6928 (work); 719-293-1055 (cell)
tdlenhard@lakecountyschools.net
From the Assistant Director
Hello Families,
Please remember when dropping off your child/picking them to push the button until you hear it click. That is the only way we can hear the bell from the office to know someone is here waiting.
Please remember to take your child waterbottle, nap gear home on Thursdays to be washed.
If you are in need of winter clothing for your child please reach out to me or your classroom teacher.
Have a great weekend!
If you have any questions, please free to contact me:
Marissa Martinez
Assistant Preschool Director
719-486-6927
mamartinez@lakecountyschools.netMenus
Menus can be found in your child’s Yellow folder at the end of each month or in our Main Entrances!
Fliers
