Dear Vanderhoof Families-
As we head into our final week before the holiday break, I’m excited to share all the fun and festive activities we have planned for our students! This Monday, we’ll kick things off with our Holiday Band and Orchestra Concert, a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the incredible talent and hard work of our young musicians.
All week long, students can show their school spirit with our special Spirit Week, planned by our student government, featuring a different theme each day. It’s always a highlight of the season and a great way to build community and joy throughout our halls. We’ll also be spreading cheer with candy grams, a simple and sweet way for students to brighten each other’s day and spread kindness.
3rd grade will be performing their musical this week, we can't wait to hear their voices and celebrate their hard work. The evening performance is Dec. 17th 5:30-6:30.
In place of our usual holiday parties, the PTA and staff are excited to start a new tradition to celebrate all the hard work during first semester and to wish everyone a wonderful winter break. This Friday, all grade levels will enjoy a schoolwide movie and popcorn event! We are especially excited to debut our new popcorn machine, generously donated by one of our wonderful community partners.
For families who enjoy participating in classroom celebrations, we encourage you to consider volunteering during second semester—whether that’s helping with Friday folders, reading with small groups, supporting teachers in the classroom, joining Eyes on Vanderhoof- assisting with supervision before or after school or supporting PTA events. Your partnership makes an incredible difference, and we are grateful for our amazing community!
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. I’m looking forward to a wonderful week filled with music, spirit, and cheer!
Michele Rodriguez
Principal
michele.rodrigu@jeffco.k12.co.us
303-982-2744
Get Ready for Spirit Week! (Dec. 15-19)
It’s time for Vanderhoof Elementary’s annual Spirit Week! Get your outfits ready for a week full of fun, creativity, and school spirit!
Monday, Dec. 15: Cozy Day – Wear your comfiest clothes to start the week off right. Pajamas, sweatshirts, and fuzzy socks are encouraged!
Tuesday, Dec. 16: Twin Day – Grab a friend and match! Whether it's identical outfits or matching accessories, let's see those twinning looks!
Wednesday, Dec. 17: Teachers Dress Like Students / Students Dress Like Teachers – Switch it up! Teachers, channel your inner student, and students, show off your teacher style!
Thursday, Dec. 18: Favorite Character Day – Dress up as your favorite sports, book, movie, or TV character. The more creative, the better!
Friday, Dec. 19: Holiday Gear or Vanderhoof Gear – Wrap up Spirit Week by rocking your holiday-themed attire or showing your school pride with Vanderhoof gear!
We can't wait to see all the creative costumes and show our school spirit together. Let’s make this week unforgettable!
🎄 Candy Cane Grams Are Here! 🎄
Send some holiday cheer! Candy Cane Grams will be on sale December 15–19 from 8:00–8:15 AM each morning. Only $1.00 each — cash only. Don’t miss your chance to share a sweet surprise!
Here is a list of available resources in the Arvada West area for families in our community.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SQPzkVz75uOX4L6i9HiPLIGPK_8VxrjqYH-hVYoguwg/edit?usp=sharing
PTA UPDATES
December PTA Gathering
Come celebrate the season with your friendly Vanderhoof PTA. We will meet at Jack;s Bar and Grill in Five Parks Arvada. Jack's has been an amazing community partner of Vanderhoof and our SSN program. Appetizers and beverages (alcohol for purchase separately) will be provided by the PTA. This is an adults only event to say thank you for all your hard work this year. Please RSVP so we have the correct amount of food. Please email your RSVP to Vanderhoofparentsinfo@gmail.com
Date: 12/18/2025
Time: 5:30
Location: Jack's Bar and Grill
8565 Five Parks Dr. , Arvada, CO, US 80005
Spelling Bee
The Vanderhoof Spelling Bee is right around the corner on Jan 23th. Tests were given out in classes this week, and the winners from each class have been sent home with a notification and practice words to work on over break. Please email us with any questions.
Future of PTA
Did you know that next year we still have all of our board positions open for the PTA? While we love and so appreciate all the event volunteers and sign up genius help, our PTA can not run with out a board. The PTA makes so many great things happen at Vanderhoof, but it takes a village to make it all work. It is a great place to make new friends, and is not the commitment you think it is. If you are interested in helping to keep the PTA running please reach out to Vanderhoofparentsinfo@gmail.com.
Board Positions
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
All of these positions typically run two years, but can also just be a one year term. They can also be run as CO positions meaning the position can be run with you and your bestie to help!
**Please know that these dates are subject to change.
District Family Calendar click here
Vanderhoof Calendar
Make everyday spirit day! Click the link below to visit our spirit wear store for all your Roadrunner gear. Vanderhoof Spirit Wear Store
Code of Conduct- Please make sure to go over the district Conduct Code with your child(ren) prior to the first day of school and acknowledge in Jeffco Connect.
Lunch Menus- School Café
Families are expected to self-screen at home and keep their student(s) home if they have any signs of illness. Click Here for self-screening guidance.
Mental Health Resources-Strengthening our Jeffco Community through Mental Health and Wellness: Student Services is introducing an on-going mental health and wellness focus that will be added to the Mental Health and Wellness Hub. Our mental health and wellness hub and the School Toolkit .
Immigration and Newcomer Resources: Community Resources & FAQ's
Community Resources and Assistance Website: food assistance, layoff support, unemployment assistance, work opportunities, housing, mental wellness support, childcare access, assistance for populations including pregnant women, children, and aging adults, and more.