Students at Louisville's Monarch K-8 spread the love ahead of Valentine's DayProgram coordinated by students involved with No Place to Hate
By Elizabeth Hernandez, For the CameraPOSTED: 02/12/2014 05:57:01 PM MST | UPDATED: 13 DAYS AGO
LOUISVILLE — In wintertime, some might think the only thing public schools spread is the flu. But this week, students at Monarch K-8 School are spreading the love.
The school is holding Spread the Love week, an event put on by students involved in the No Place for Hate organization, as well as staff and eighth-grade student leaders.
The first-time event incorporates Valentine's Day activities with physical education and community outreach, eighth-grade counselor Tara Krams said.
"Spread the Love week combines physical heart health with emotional heart health," Christine Ross, counselor at Monarch K-8 said.
Krams and Ross are helping to facilitate the events going on during the week.
Haley Patterson, 13, is a student involved in No Place for Hate, sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League. Patterson said she joined because she wanted to make Monarch a better place.
"We organize and help with events for the school like anti-bullying campaigns," Patterson said.
Krams said students have been "having a blast" throughout the week.
"I think Spread the Love week is important to teach acceptance, heart health, and build community," she said.
In the last couple weeks, students made written personal commitments to help improve the school. This week, they can pay 25 cents to guess how many candies are in a jar, and the proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association.
Representatives of Broomfield's Just Results Fitness came to lunch periods on Monday to engage students in aerobic activity, and staff from JumpNRope of Louisville came Tuesday to do jump rope activities. Tara Cluck Dance Center of Louisville will be on campus today to do hip-hop dance demonstrations with the students.
Speakers from the Anti-Defamation League also will talk with sixth and seventh graders about emotional heart health.
"We had a big meeting with our eighth grade leaders, and we came up with a bunch of ideas for the week. The ideas we liked, we did," Claire Petersen, 13, said.
Elizabeth Jackson, 13, said she knew the events involving candy would be good because candy gets people's attention.
"Plus, it's going to the American Heart Association. That makes it all even better," Sarah Nadir, 13, said.
On Wednesday, students hunkered down in the lunchroom to make Valentine's cards. They were encouraged to make cards for senior citizens at the nearby Juniper Village at Lousiville, staff members at the school, and their bus drivers.
Michael Rogge, 12, took a marker and stickers to his heart-shaped card.
"I'm making it for myself because I love myself!" he said.
Six-year-old Izzi Jamison said she was drawing "two doggy hearts" on her card.
"I'm making it for Eva, my friend in first grade, because she's my BFF," she said.
Isabo Naus, 12, wanted to spread the love to one of her teachers.
"I'm making a card for one of my teachers because she's one of my most funny teachers," she said.
Amit James, 11, said she was enjoying Spread the Love week and that it made her thankful for the friends she made at school.
"I learned that everybody should be treated the same because we're all really special," she said.
By Elizabeth Hernandez, For the CameraPOSTED: 02/12/2014 05:57:01 PM MST | UPDATED: 13 DAYS AGO
LOUISVILLE — In wintertime, some might think the only thing public schools spread is the flu. But this week, students at Monarch K-8 School are spreading the love.
The school is holding Spread the Love week, an event put on by students involved in the No Place for Hate organization, as well as staff and eighth-grade student leaders.
The first-time event incorporates Valentine's Day activities with physical education and community outreach, eighth-grade counselor Tara Krams said.
"Spread the Love week combines physical heart health with emotional heart health," Christine Ross, counselor at Monarch K-8 said.
Krams and Ross are helping to facilitate the events going on during the week.
Haley Patterson, 13, is a student involved in No Place for Hate, sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League. Patterson said she joined because she wanted to make Monarch a better place.
"We organize and help with events for the school like anti-bullying campaigns," Patterson said.
Krams said students have been "having a blast" throughout the week.
"I think Spread the Love week is important to teach acceptance, heart health, and build community," she said.
In the last couple weeks, students made written personal commitments to help improve the school. This week, they can pay 25 cents to guess how many candies are in a jar, and the proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association.
Representatives of Broomfield's Just Results Fitness came to lunch periods on Monday to engage students in aerobic activity, and staff from JumpNRope of Louisville came Tuesday to do jump rope activities. Tara Cluck Dance Center of Louisville will be on campus today to do hip-hop dance demonstrations with the students.
Speakers from the Anti-Defamation League also will talk with sixth and seventh graders about emotional heart health.
"We had a big meeting with our eighth grade leaders, and we came up with a bunch of ideas for the week. The ideas we liked, we did," Claire Petersen, 13, said.
Elizabeth Jackson, 13, said she knew the events involving candy would be good because candy gets people's attention.
"Plus, it's going to the American Heart Association. That makes it all even better," Sarah Nadir, 13, said.
On Wednesday, students hunkered down in the lunchroom to make Valentine's cards. They were encouraged to make cards for senior citizens at the nearby Juniper Village at Lousiville, staff members at the school, and their bus drivers.
Michael Rogge, 12, took a marker and stickers to his heart-shaped card.
"I'm making it for myself because I love myself!" he said.
Six-year-old Izzi Jamison said she was drawing "two doggy hearts" on her card.
"I'm making it for Eva, my friend in first grade, because she's my BFF," she said.
Isabo Naus, 12, wanted to spread the love to one of her teachers.
"I'm making a card for one of my teachers because she's one of my most funny teachers," she said.
Amit James, 11, said she was enjoying Spread the Love week and that it made her thankful for the friends she made at school.
"I learned that everybody should be treated the same because we're all really special," she said.
Louisville dance instructor passionate about her calling
By Kimberli TurnerColorado Hometown Weekly
Posted: 03/04/2013 05:04:02 PM MST
Owner and dance instructor Tara Cluck opened Tara Cluck Dance Center on Tuesday, March 5, at 1110 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville. Formerly of Lafayette, Cluck hosted free dance classes last week including a youth and adult hip hop sessions and a contemporary dance class Thursday, Feb 28. (Raser Photography / Courtesy photo)
South Boulder Road's Tara Cluck Dance Center is a dream 28 years in the making -- even if the director, a former Lafayette resident, didn't realize it during her first dance class as a toddler.
Cluck was enrolled in a class at a Northglenn studio under the direction of Laurie Davis, who still teaches in the city.
Little did Cluck know how that initial class would impact her life.
"I was three and my mom put me in a ballet/tap combo class. We always joke about it, she never thought this little dance class would turn into a lifelong passion and career," Cluck said. "It all started there and I never stopped dancing."
She opened the Louisville dance studio's doors, at 1110 E. South Boulder Road, Tuesday, March 5, just west of Colo. Highway 42.
Cluck, who attended Ryan Elementary, Angevine Middle School and Centaurus High School, went on to work for the Universal Dance Association right after graduation. She still judges national competitions for the association.
Cluck also taught for Motion Underground -- a Boulder-based dance studio that later moved to Englewood -- during college at the University of Colorado.
While at CU, Cluck danced for the CU Express dance team and upon graduation she coached the team briefly before she became the assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings dance team.
Her resume also includes a stint as an assistant director at Hype dance studio in Chico, Calif. and most recently as an instructor at Motion Underground a second time around until it closed last summer.
It was during her time at Hype that Cluck realized she was in dance for the long haul.
"It really hit me hard that I'd probably be a dance teacher for the rest of my life," she said.
The Louisville dance studio offers dance classes for all ages and focuses on jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop and contemporary. The studio also offers creative movement classes for babies, "waddlers" and toddlers, a boys-only hip hop class and adult classes, in addition to yoga and Zumba.
Cluck is a certified yoga teacher through Core Power Yoga.
She said that sometimes dance can be a bit intimidating to kids and adults, and yoga will not only assist dancers in their strength and flexibility, but it might draw those to the studio as a gateway to dance.
"The yoga program is meant to support the dance program there. The focus is on the dance," she said.
Cluck said that providing the discipline of dance to a child or teen is really important to her. Some of her former students have gone on to dance professionally in L.A. and New York.
But, even if Cluck's kids are dancing for fun, that's enough
Tara Cluck officially opened Tara Cluck Dance Center on Tuesday, March 5, at 1110 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville. She hosted free dance classes last week at the studio including a contemporary dance class Thursday, Feb 28, pictured. (Raser Photography / Courtesy photo)
for her. Dance, she said, serves as a catalyst to building their self esteem.
"It's so important to instill that kind of self worth in a kid," she said.
That agenda was apparent during a free hip hop class she offered Thursday, Feb. 28.
Cluck had a group of youth try out the class and her friendly but focused attitude shined through Thursday night.
She pushed the kids to try new moves as they practiced across-the-floor exercises and then worked those moves into a combination later in the class.
During the hour-long session, Cluck had a way of commanding respect as an instructor, while still coming off as a friend. It was clear the students enjoyed the class.
"There was some good music," said 13-year-old Jacob Lichtenwalner. "I've taken a few (hip hop) classes at other studios. This one by far was one of the funnest."
"We've been waiting for something to come this way," added Jacob's mother, Leslie Wolfe-Davis, of Erie. "We actually attended a class at her (Motion Underground in Englewood) south location. It was so far down there, so we're glad to have her in this area."
After the hip hop class, Cluck offered a free contemporary class that garnered an even larger turnout. Nearly 20 people -- ranging from Cluck's friends and former fellow dancers to new clients and even a Frederick-based dance studio owner -- filled the studio.
"There are a lot of different walks of life in here. I'm excited," Cluck said.
Jessica Chamness of Denver tried the class Thursday night. Cluck instructed her on the CU Express team years ago and Cluck left an impression.
"She really pays attention to detail with your technique," Chamness said. "She doesn't let you cheat and she pushes you past your limits."
Those considering attending a Tara Cluck class haven't missed their chance for a free session -- Cluck will offer one free class of any dance form to new clients.
She is also offering free yoga classes for the entire month of March as a grand opening special.
For more information or to view the class schedule, visit taracluckdancecenter.com.
Contact Hometown staff writer Kimberli Turner at 720-648-5083 or mailto:kturner@coloradohometown.com.
Former Lafayette resident opens dance studio on South Boulder Road in Louisville
By Kimberli TurnerColorado Hometown Weekly
Posted: 03/04/2013 05:04:02 PM MST
Owner and dance instructor Tara Cluck opened Tara Cluck Dance Center on Tuesday, March 5, at 1110 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville. Formerly of Lafayette, Cluck hosted free dance classes last week including a youth and adult hip hop sessions and a contemporary dance class Thursday, Feb 28. (Raser Photography / Courtesy photo)
South Boulder Road's Tara Cluck Dance Center is a dream 28 years in the making -- even if the director, a former Lafayette resident, didn't realize it during her first dance class as a toddler.
Cluck was enrolled in a class at a Northglenn studio under the direction of Laurie Davis, who still teaches in the city.
Little did Cluck know how that initial class would impact her life.
"I was three and my mom put me in a ballet/tap combo class. We always joke about it, she never thought this little dance class would turn into a lifelong passion and career," Cluck said. "It all started there and I never stopped dancing."
She opened the Louisville dance studio's doors, at 1110 E. South Boulder Road, Tuesday, March 5, just west of Colo. Highway 42.
Cluck, who attended Ryan Elementary, Angevine Middle School and Centaurus High School, went on to work for the Universal Dance Association right after graduation. She still judges national competitions for the association.
Cluck also taught for Motion Underground -- a Boulder-based dance studio that later moved to Englewood -- during college at the University of Colorado.
While at CU, Cluck danced for the CU Express dance team and upon graduation she coached the team briefly before she became the assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings dance team.
Her resume also includes a stint as an assistant director at Hype dance studio in Chico, Calif. and most recently as an instructor at Motion Underground a second time around until it closed last summer.
It was during her time at Hype that Cluck realized she was in dance for the long haul.
"It really hit me hard that I'd probably be a dance teacher for the rest of my life," she said.
The Louisville dance studio offers dance classes for all ages and focuses on jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop and contemporary. The studio also offers creative movement classes for babies, "waddlers" and toddlers, a boys-only hip hop class and adult classes, in addition to yoga and Zumba.
Cluck is a certified yoga teacher through Core Power Yoga.
She said that sometimes dance can be a bit intimidating to kids and adults, and yoga will not only assist dancers in their strength and flexibility, but it might draw those to the studio as a gateway to dance.
"The yoga program is meant to support the dance program there. The focus is on the dance," she said.
Cluck said that providing the discipline of dance to a child or teen is really important to her. Some of her former students have gone on to dance professionally in L.A. and New York.
But, even if Cluck's kids are dancing for fun, that's enough
Tara Cluck officially opened Tara Cluck Dance Center on Tuesday, March 5, at 1110 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville. She hosted free dance classes last week at the studio including a contemporary dance class Thursday, Feb 28, pictured. (Raser Photography / Courtesy photo)
for her. Dance, she said, serves as a catalyst to building their self esteem.
"It's so important to instill that kind of self worth in a kid," she said.
That agenda was apparent during a free hip hop class she offered Thursday, Feb. 28.
Cluck had a group of youth try out the class and her friendly but focused attitude shined through Thursday night.
She pushed the kids to try new moves as they practiced across-the-floor exercises and then worked those moves into a combination later in the class.
During the hour-long session, Cluck had a way of commanding respect as an instructor, while still coming off as a friend. It was clear the students enjoyed the class.
"There was some good music," said 13-year-old Jacob Lichtenwalner. "I've taken a few (hip hop) classes at other studios. This one by far was one of the funnest."
"We've been waiting for something to come this way," added Jacob's mother, Leslie Wolfe-Davis, of Erie. "We actually attended a class at her (Motion Underground in Englewood) south location. It was so far down there, so we're glad to have her in this area."
After the hip hop class, Cluck offered a free contemporary class that garnered an even larger turnout. Nearly 20 people -- ranging from Cluck's friends and former fellow dancers to new clients and even a Frederick-based dance studio owner -- filled the studio.
"There are a lot of different walks of life in here. I'm excited," Cluck said.
Jessica Chamness of Denver tried the class Thursday night. Cluck instructed her on the CU Express team years ago and Cluck left an impression.
"She really pays attention to detail with your technique," Chamness said. "She doesn't let you cheat and she pushes you past your limits."
Those considering attending a Tara Cluck class haven't missed their chance for a free session -- Cluck will offer one free class of any dance form to new clients.
She is also offering free yoga classes for the entire month of March as a grand opening special.
For more information or to view the class schedule, visit taracluckdancecenter.com.
Contact Hometown staff writer Kimberli Turner at 720-648-5083 or mailto:kturner@coloradohometown.com.