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What’s been happening at BLRA!Banning Lewis Ranch AcademyIs Nominated Again!For the third year in a row, BLRA has beennominated for Capturing Kid’s HeartsShowcase School. Teachers, students andstaff use Capturing Kids’ Hearts tools to helpdevelop trusting relationships. One of thesetools is the EXCEL model, which stands forEngage, Explore, Communicate, Empower,and Launch. We use this as a template for ourinteractions, conversations and emails.It creates the amazing culture we are all soproud to be a part of!BLRA Middle School basketball teams received theHigh School experience in February with music,player introductions, play-by-play announcing,intermission performances and high school playerscheering them on. Talk about Banning together!Thank you to the coaches and athletic departmentfor making BLRA Middle School the place to play!BLRA is excited to announce the Class of 2021 willhold the school’s first graduation ceremony on thefootball field on May 28, 2021. More details such astime, how many family members can attend, etc.will be available soon. Keep an eye out for manymemorable events to take place this spring that willstart traditions for years to come.Congratulations to the elementary students and staff atBanning Lewis Ranch Academy for earning the BRONZE inBest of Colorado Springs 2021!2021-2022 Banning Lewis Academy School Event CalendarJuly 2021SuMTuWJulyJanuary 2022ThFSa4Independence Day12323School Closed - New Teachers Report456789101112131415161726-30 School Closed - All Teachers ReportSuMTuWThJanuaryFSa3BLPA/BLRA Assessment Day - No Students in Session14School Closed - All Teachers Report23456785All Students Report910111213141514eLearning Day17School Closed - MLK Jr. 5262728293031SuMAugust 202122232425262728293031SuMSeptember 2021Tu2February 2022Kindergarten/6th Grade/9th Grade OrientationKindergarten - 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m.1819BLRA Assessment Days2021222324252613BLRA Assessment Days2728SuM17eLearning Day - No Students rning Day - No Students Report345678914Early DismissalOctober 2021121117School Closed - Labor Day10School Closed - Presidents' Day10617219495163164828315115eLearning Day - No Students Report27Teacher Inservice - No Students Report718114314Sa6September6F13Sa13Th6th and 9th Grade - 7:45 a.m. - 11-30 a.m.F5WAll Students ReportTh12March 20221MarchTuWThFSa4End of Third Quarter1234511eLearning Day - No Students Report678910111214Early Dismissal1314151617181918Student Led Conferennces252618No School - Student Led ctoberSaFebruaryTu312W21- 25 School Closed -Spring BreakApril 2022End of First QuarterAprilSa22eLearning DayTBD HS SAT/MS eLearning1011121314151614Student Led Conferences101112131415161718192021222315No School - Student Led 930SuMTuWThFSa13eLearning Day123456720Last Day for Seniors25258th Grade PromotionKindergarten and 5th Promotion18-22 School Closed - Fall Breakbanning lewis academy2021-2022 EVENT CALENDARSPRINGTIME UPDATES31November 2021SuNovemberMTuWThFSa12345612eLearning Day - No Students Report22-26 School Closed - Thanksgiving BreakMay 181920212425262725262728212223282930December 2021Th222324293031DecemberSuMTuWF123417-31 School Closed - Winter Break567891011TBDSa16Early Dismissal /End Second Quarter8th PSAT/ eLearningJune 2022Th26End of 4th Quarter/Last Day of School27Teachers Report/HS Graduation30School Closed - Memorial 7282930School Closed - New Teachers ReportSchool ClosedSchool Closed - All Teachers ReportEarly Dismissal1st day of SemestereLearning DayRevised 17 November 2020Assessment DayEnd of TermApproved 15 December 2020Student Led ConferencesPg. 10Issue 20 Spring 2021Issue 20 Spring 2021Pg. 11

inspiration view elementary schoolWe Are Excited for Spring and EnjoyingHaving Students Back in the Building!IForce Base. Students are excited to continue toexplore learning through art forms at IVES. As localconditions improve, so will opportunities at IVES.Having students in the building at IVESmakes the building come alive! IVES continuesto follow safety protocols of cohorting,cleaning, hand washing and mask wearing.We also are capitalizing on opportunities forstudents to have a more “normal” learningexperience, like attending art, music, dramaand movement in the studio instead of on acart, eating lunch again in the gallery insteadof classrooms, visiting the library and invitingspecial presenters into IVES. In January, fifthgrade students participated in STEM activitieswith Starbase, a program out of Peterson AirAt IVES, we are about developing the talents andpassions of all students. As a Kennedy CenterPartners in Education school with an arts integratedapproach, IVES has a unique opportunity for D49students to learn and demonstrate knowledge ofthe standards through an art form. As your districtelementary school, registration is always open!Planning is happening now for the 2021- 2022School Year. IVES encourages families new to theneighborhood to register early so that our growingschool is prepared for the 2021- 2022 school year.VES, like all schools, has been juggling thetransitions between e-learning, in-personlearning and quarantining due to thepandemic. There does seem to be a decreasein the number of classes and staff that need tolearn from home as a safety precaution, andmany staff members have had their first roundof the vaccine. This and the increased numberof guest teachers has increased the stability ofin-person learning.Through these projects fifth grade students exploredindividuality and learned about each other whilelearning about Pop Art.In our second year, we are pleased to announcethe formation of the Inspiration View ElementarySchool PTO. PTO’s first events were to supply dinnerfor staff during parent teacher conferences andsponsor Coffee with the Principal. Be on the lookoutfor more opportunities to support your local districtelementary school! We are looking forward to theday when we can invite the community back intothe building.Second grade insect habitats group mural displayinginsect habitats and various stages of insect life cycles.Kindergarten students show their understanding of thedifferent seasons through painting.Pg. 12Issue 20 Spring 2021

colorado springs community highlightsSix Ways to Enjoy Colorado Springs This YearAfter one of the toughest years our community has experienced, we are on the road torecovery. It’s going to take some time, but we have much to look forward to this year thatwill help our destination reach the summit. Whether you’re new to town, have lived hereyour whole life or want some ideas for when friends and family are visiting, here are ahandful of the incredible updates rolling into the Pikes Peak Region.by visit cos1Book a flight out of COS onSouthwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines is now offering 13 directflights per day out of the Colorado SpringsAirport. With even more flight and fare optionsfor inbound and outbound travel, the days ofdriving all the way to Denver to catch a flightare behind us. Direct routes include Chicago(Midway), Dallas (Love Field), Denver, LasVegas and Phoenix, with plenty of connectionsat those locations.24Tour up America’s Mountainon the Broadmoor Manitou andPikes Peak Cog RailwaySince 2017, the Cog Railway has been closedand construction has been in progress. ThisMay, the beloved, historic attraction reopenswith a new track, depot and cog. We’ve beenclimbing to the top of the peak since 1891,and the new Cog Railway offers visitors theopportunity to experience the summit likenever before. The train ride spans nine milesup to the summit through Pike National Forest,moving above the timberline and enjoyingstories of historical points along the way.3this summer. The new Visitor Center featuresinterpretive exhibits, a gift shop, café and of course,the world-famous summit donuts. The buildingis striving to become the first Living BuildingChallenge-certified project in Colorado featuringnet zero energy, net zero waste and net zero waterconsumption.Indulge in a donut (or five) at14,115 feet at the new Pikes PeakSummit Visitor CenterThere’s nothing more iconic to ColoradoSprings than Pikes Peak. One of the mostaccessible summits in the country, visitorscan enjoy an entirely fresh summit experienceChallenge yourself to 50K for 50Years of El Paso County ParksThis year, El Paso County Parks turns 50! EPCParks is encouraging supporters to hike, walk orbike 50K this year across seven parks through thecounty. Trails include Paint Mines Interpretive Park,Homestead Ranch Regional Park, Palmer DivideTrail, Black Forest Regional Park, Jones Park,Pineries Open Space and Kane Ranch Open Space.5Catch a game at Weidner Field andthe Robson Arena6Celebrate 150 years ofColorado SpringsTwo City for Champions projects, downtown stadiumWeidner Field and the Ed Robson Arena, will openlater this year. Get tickets to see the Switchbacks FCsoccer team play at Weidner Field and the ColoradoCollege Tiger Hockey team play at Robson Arena.by Malia DubucBanning Lewis Ranch Residentith more than 75 acres of parks, trails andopen space and the multiple dog parksthroughout the community, Banning LewisRanch is home to active two-legged and fourlegged friends alike!WDid you know Banning Lewis Ranch is onlythree miles from an American Animal HospitalAssociation (AAHA) accredited hospital? PowersPet Emergency and Specialty is one of only 15%of small-animal hospitals in the U.S. and Canadato have earned this prestigious distinction, whichrequired rigorous on-site evaluation every threeyears to maintain this status. Unlike humanhospitals, not all animal hospitals are requiredto be accredited by the AAHA to this degree.Powers Pet Emergency and Specialty pursued thestringent AAHA accreditation process because theyhold themselves to a higher standard to deliver thehighest quality veterinary care.As Colorado Springs’ leading 24/7 veterinaryemergency and specialty hospital, Powers PetEmergency and Specialty provides a standard ofcare you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere elsein the region. From expert emergency and criticalcare 24 hours a day, advanced care by boardcertified specialists in surgery, internal medicine,neurology/neurosurgery, rehabilitation, radioiodinetherapy and diagnostic imaging, Powers is atrusted one-stop partner for you, your pet andprimary care veterinarians in the region.business spotlightPowers Pet Emergencyand SpecialtyWhat sets Powers apart is theirfocus on collaboration.Powers veterinarians are part of a single,integrated team and, as a result, every patientbenefits from this multidisciplinary expertise—atremendous advantage in diagnosing and treatingcomplex cases. This unified, cohesive approachpromotes seamless, coordinated treatment acrossthe entire practice. It fosters communication andtimely sharing of information and translates intobetter care and service for your pet.Malia Dubuc is a Banning Lewis Ranch residentand an employee at Powers Pet Emergency andSpecialty. She started the Banning Lewis Ranch PetPeople Facebook page, and serves the communitywith dog grooming services on her days off. As a petparent in our community, Malia is proud to have afully capable, 24-hour pet ER less than three milesaway that can handle any pet emergency. Malia’sfavorite part of being a Banning Lewis Ranch dogowner is splashing in the Vista Water Park on thelast day of the season with her pups!Colorado Springs is celebrating the city’s richhistory all year long for its sesquicentennial. Takefriends and family to the new COS@150 exhibit atthe Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, attend theBeards, Bonnets and Brews Fest in June and lookout for a Sesquicentennial Gala in July.Pg. 14Issue 20 Spring 2021Issue 20 Spring 2021Pg. 15

by Linda DuValAfter being trapped indoors all winter, doesn’t a good soak in a hot springs pool sound like heaven? If so, there areplenty of family-friendly places in Colorado to do just that. Some are close enough so that you can make a day tripout of it. Or go crazy and book a room for a night and do a two-day getaway.Here are a couple of viable choices:Mount Princeton Hot Springshot springsSome Hot DestinationsSoak up Some Relaxationin the MountainsOnce a very rustic venue, Mount Princeton (est. 1879) has been transformed inrecent years into a true resort destination with many amazing amenities. Today,there are three large pools, a full spa, various lodging options, a restaurant and somuch more. And, yes, you still can indulge in the natural creek-side hot springs.There’s an exercise pool that’s warm but not too hot and great for swimming. Thesoaking pool is warmer and open to all guests. The relaxation pool is the hottest andgreat for well, just relaxing. It’s open only to overnight guests. The primitive creekside hot springs aren’t recommended in spring because the water is high and thethermal benefits are overcome by runoff, says marketing director Scott Peterson.From Memorial Day to Labor Day, there is an Upper Pool that’s also open. You canfloat down a lazy river or shoot down a 400-foot water slide. You also can ride waterbikes or take part in a water exercise or yoga class.Spring is a good time to visit the hot springs resort, Peterson says. It’s less busythan the summer or fall. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the resort can onlyallow so many visitors at a time. If you want to guarantee getting in on a dayvisit, Peterson advises getting there at 9am when they open. They don’t takereservations, so it’s first-come-first-served. Weekdays also are cheaper, 20 perperson instead of 25 on weekends. They also have children and senior rates.Situated just south of Buena Vista in Chalk Creek Canyon, the resort is about a2-hour drive from Colorado Springs. For more information, call 719-395-2447 orvisit mtprinceton.com.Cottonwood Hot SpringsAlso near Buena Vista, these springs were usedfor centuries by the Ute Indians as a spiritualgathering area. Today, the laid-back resort andrustic hot springs and lodging offers an affordablegetaway for families on a budget.The geothermal, hot mineral springs are entirelyfed by gravity and known for their therapeutic andmedicinal benefits. There are several natural rocklined pools of varying sizes and temperatures.that children be with an adult at all times and thatyoungsters vacate the soaking pool area at 6pm.There’s no lifeguard on duty.Current COVID-19 restrictions apply and limitthe number of guests at a given time. It’s bestto arrive early in the day to get a spot.If you want to keep the rustic approach, you canrent out a tent campsite, or opt for a rustic cabinwith a private hot springs pool or a lodge room.There’s also a women’s-only dormitory and somelarger vacation rentals.Besides mineral water pools, there is a dry sauna(included) and optional spa services includewraps, scrubs, facials and massage. The spa isopen from 7am to midnight every day. An adultday pass is 20 weekdays and 24 weekends andholidays, with children’s rates available. For moreinformation, call 719-395-6434 or visitcottonwood-hot-springs.com.Though it’s a family-friendly hot springs, they askThey’ve just added a reservation capability.NOTE: In both places, swimsuits are required at all times and it’s a good idea to bring your own towel.Pg. 16Issue 20 Spring 2021Issue 20 Spring 2021Pg. 17

blr hiking clubNow You’re Cooking!Kids can explore a new skill in the kitchenby Linda DuValAs much time as you spend with yourkids these days, wouldn’t you like to dosomething with them that is both creativeand educational? Not to mention fun and,well, yummy? This is as good a time as any toteach your children the joy of cooking.Every child should learn to make the basics sothey don’t starve to death or subsist on fast foodonce they leave home. If you make it fun, they’llwant to learn more.Notable Accomplishments to Date65500trails420The first thing to emphasize is safety. Have themwash their hands, tie their hair back if it’s long,roll up sleeves or get any distracting clothing outof the way and put on an apron (keeps clothesclean and makes them feel like they’re really inthe role.).membersmilesFor more details, join the privateFacebook Group: y firstTeach them the importance of not having pothandles sticking out from the stove. They canbe bumped or catch on clothing and dump apan full of something scalding onto your front orfeet! Have pot holders handy; kitchen towels area poor substitute. Warn them not to lean into ahot oven to look at something, especially if theywear glasses. Always pull the rack out to you,not the other way around!Safety tips can be found online on various sites,and it’s a good idea to read them to your kidsbefore you start.That out of the way, whatshould you cook?Start with easy stuff, perhaps cold foods, suchas sandwiches and salads. Get creative! Youmight be surprised at how eagerly children willeat a salad when they’ve made it themselves.Now for the hot stuffStart simple, with scrambled eggs, grilled

Fraley, OakwoodLife Division President. To learn more about opportunities for your friends and family members to become a part of The Retreat community, visit LifeAtRetreat.com. Come to life at The Retreat – an OakwoodLife community. n March, the members