What Does The Fox Say?

I was at a Principal PD last week and their icebreaker question to start the session was to share a favorite Halloween memory from growing up. I told my group that I did not celebrate Halloween when I was a kid. I lived in a relatively safe neighborhood but there were obstacles to having fun (in NYC) on this particular night. One, is that my parents didn't want us to participate. They didn't understand and were not into the American tradition. Even if they did understand it, they didn't have the money to spend on costumes for four kids, and they were often working late hours and would not be around to give out candy. Second, and the more significant reason that I did not celebrate Halloween, is that it was assocated with negative stories. Tales and warnings urged kids to look out for spiked candy or needles in bowls. It was linked to gang initiation night so you could be a target for a random beat down. Pranksters who had nothing better to do might fill water balloons with Nair (hair removal product) and target trick or treaters. Don't give out candy from your door because you could get robbed. So while the child within me wanted to participate in the fun, it was not worth the risk. But here and now - my life and hence, my daughter's life, is very different. I get to set the vibe for my daughter at home and for your child(ren) at school. What a gift! So a non-negotiable are spirit days. Kids should be learning and they should also have (organized) fun. While we're at it, might as well have a whole week of spirit days. I know it's more work for you to plan out outfits for your kids but they have such a great time with it! Last year, my daughter and I were Minons and this year this child got us wearing axolotl costumes. Bro, don't ask - I don't even understand her. She'll be bonkers tonight and many kids will be bonkers on school tomorrow. It is so worth it! I hope your child(ren) had fun this week!

Together, we are Inspire.

Linda August

Principal

Important Dates

10/31/24: Spirit Week: Costume Day

10/31/24: Costume Parade, 2:10pm-2:30pm

11/1/24: Spirit Week: Dia de los Muertos

11/1/24: Friday Celebration, 7:40am-7:55am

11/4/24 - 11/8/24: Scholastic Book Fair

11/4/24: 3rd Grade Field trip - Arvada Center

11/4/24: 4th Grade trip - Colorado History Museum

11/7/24: 2nd Grade trip- 4Mile Historic Park

11/8/24: Friday Celebration, 7:40am-7:55am

11/8/24: Celebration of Learning, 1:40pm-2:40pm

11/11/24: Spirit Day: Veteran's Day (military or red/white/blue clothing)

11/13/24: CSC Meeting, 4:00pm-5:30pm

11/15/24: Friday Celebration, 7:40am-7:55am

11/15/24: End of Trimester 1

11/18/24: Trimester 1 Grades Available/Posted

11/19/24: 3-5 Curriculum Night, 5:00pm-6:00pm

11/22/24: NO SCHOOL, Professional Development Day

11/25/24 - 11/29/24: NO SCHOOL, Fall Break

Scholastic Book Fair 11/4/24 - 11/8/24

Please see the schedule below for hours of operation. Please refer to the school calendar description, last week's 10/24/24 WDTFS Newsletter, or click here for a detailed letter (aquí para ver la carta en español). If you need financial assistance, please reach out to Michelle Hauck, Counselor at michelle_hauck@dpsk12.net

• November 4th: 2:40 PM – 6:00 PM
• November 5th: 7:00 AM - 7:35 AM & 2:40 PM – 6:00 PM
• November 6th: 7:00 AM - 7:35 AM & 2:40 PM – 6:00 PM
• November 7th: 7:00 AM - 7:35 AM & 2:40 PM – 6:00 PM
• November 8th: 7:00 AM - 7:35 AM & 1:45 PM – 3:00 PM

Celebration of Learning, 11/8/24

• Student Last Names L-Z:
  1:30pm-1:40pm: guest arrival
  1:40pm-2:10pm: go to your child's homeroom class
• Student Last Names A-K
  2:00pm-2:10pm: guest arrival
  2:10pm-2:40pm: go to your child's homeroom class
• Multiple Children Across Grade Levels
  Note: If you have multiple children in the school, please arrive at the 1:40pm start time so there is enough time to visit all classrooms.
• Specials
  Grades 4-5 may visit Art, Drama, STEAM.
  Grades 2-3 may visit Art, Drama, STEAM during Trimester 2.
  Grades K-1 may visit Art, Drama, STEAM during Trimester 3.
• All Families
  May visit Physical Education (gym), Special Education (133), and Multi-lingual Education (134).
• Pre-Register for Walk-In Entry
  INSPIRE EVENT REGISTRATION
  Deadline: Registration closes 2 days before an event. If you are not registered then you must go through the Front Office to check in.
  Complete the registration form for your YOUNGEST child only. When you arrive, you will check in by your YOUNGEST child's grade level.
• Checking-in the Day of
  --> Be sure to bring your ID the day of the event.
  --> If you have NOT pre-registered, you must go through the main office to check in. While this is an inconvenience, this is to ensure school safety. To avoid this, pre-register.
  --> Non-registered guests must wait in line at the Main Office, until the respective start time (1:40pm or 2:10pm)
• Entrance Location
  If you have pre-registered using the Inspire Event Registration form:
  --> ECE enter through their classroom doors (N. Galena St.)
  --> K-5 enter through door 22, cafeteria door near the driveway in front of the building

• We are expecting over 700 guests. Please be patient as we check in visitors as quickly as possible. Our event check in process supports school safety measures.
  
  

Spirit Day - Veterans Day, 11/11/24

Students can wear military clothing or red, white and blue.

It's Cold Outside!

It finally feels like fall but this is a friendly reminder ahead of winter-like weather. Be sure to send your child(ren) to school with appropriate clothing attire. If it's safe, sometimes students will still be outside in the rain or snow. While we're talking about it, it's helpful for students of all grade levels to have a change of clothes at school. Accidents happen!

Early Dismissal (Early Pick Up)

We respectfully remind parents per our Famly Handbook that we do not dismiss students between 2:10pm-2:40pm. Teachers are wrapping up the day with students, it is a particularly active transition for students as they prepare to go home, and it is disruptive to the class and teacher to have students leaving shortly before the end of school.

Email: linda_august@dpsk12.net
Website: https://inspire.dpsk12.org/
Location: 5650 N. Elmira Ct., Denver, CO, 80238
Phone: (720) 424-4850