What Does The Fox Say?

Dear Parent/Guardian,

A few weeks ago, I had a powerful reminder of what it means to have a growth mindset—and it came from my own daughter. After sitting out last season, our family was finally ready to get back on the slopes. But as soon as she clipped into her skis, doubt set in: “I’m scared!” and “I can’t do this!” After one fall, frustration took over, and she huffed, “I’m not good at skiing.” She wanted to go home.

With some encouragement (and extra patience on my part), she gave it another try. Slowly, she found her balance, started trusting herself, and then—just like that—her whole attitude changed. Soon, she was flying down the mountain, shouting “See ya later, Mom!” and “Watch me!” with pure joy. By the afternoon, she was weaving through the trees, laughing with her brothers, and calling out “Pizza party!” each time she came to a stop.

But by the end of the day, exhaustion caught up with her. She started falling again, and frustration crept back in. This time, instead of confidence, she sighed, “I want to go home.” It was a full-circle moment—a reminder that learning and growth aren’t linear. Some things take time, and sometimes progress comes in waves. One moment, we’re soaring; the next, we’re stumbling again. But every experience, even the tough ones, helps us grow.

As teachers, we help students understand that when they face difficult problems and challenges, having a growth mindset is key. A growth mindset means recognizing that the brain is like a muscle—it gets stronger with practice. The more we practice, the more we improve. Learning something new can be frustrating, but how we respond in those moments makes all the difference. Instead of saying “I can’t do this,” we can encourage kids to say, “I can’t do this… yet.” Instead of fearing failure, they can see mistakes as stepping stones to growth.

At school, we foster this mindset every day—helping students embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and build confidence in their abilities. As parents, you play a key role too! Encouraging words, reminders of past successes, and celebrating effort (not just results) help build resilience.

Let’s keep cheering our kids on as they tackle new challenges—whether in the classroom, on the slopes, or anywhere in between!

Keep on keeping on!

Important Dates

2/21/25: Friday Celebration, 7:40 AM - 8:00 AM

2/27/25 - 2/28/25: 5th Grade Overnight Balarat Trip

2/27/25: Friday Celebration, 7:40 AM - 8:00 AM

3/3/25: Spirit Day: Book Character Day (dress like your favorite book character)

3/4/25: 4th Grade Field Trip, Museo De Las Americas (Ferro & Greene Homerooms)

3/5/25: 4th Grade Field Trip, Museo De Las Americas (Gutierrez & Soifer Homerooms)

3/7/25: ECE Only - NO SCHOOL, RMECC Conference

3/7/25: End of Trimester 2

3/7/25: Friday Celebration, 7:40 AM - 8:00 AM

3/10/25: Trimester 2 Grades Available

3/12/25: CSC Meeting, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

3/14/25: Friday Celebration, 7:40 AM - 8:00 AM

​​​​​3/14/25: Celebration of Learning, 1:40 PM - 2:40 PM

3/15/25: PTO Spring Auction Event

3/17/25: 3rd-5th School Science Fair

3/19/25: 2nd-3rd Art Showcase, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

2025-2026 School Year Calendar Updated

• Click on the 2025-2026 School Year Calendar for the updated (as of 2/18/25) school calendar. The two revisions made were: 1) Last day of school is 5/29/26 and 2) ILT Retreat (for Inspire leadership team).
• Please note, the school website will always have the most up-to-date calendar. You can find the calendar in two places: 1) On the main page, scroll down and it is on the left and 2) On the school calendar page.
• We are currently working on finalizing spirit days, event dates, etc. In late spring, we will update our school Google calendar.
• If you will be a returning family, be sure to sync your Google calendar with Inspire's! You can do this by scrolling down to the bottom of the main page, then click "View & Add Google Calendar".

PTO Nominations!

The PTO is currently seeking nominations for three positions: Co-Vice President (two roles) and Treasurer. These positions serve two-year terms that commence July 1, 2025. This is a great way to get involved and give back to the Inspire community!

• You can self-nominate or nominate another Inspire community member via this link. Nominations are due by March 21, 2025.
• Questions? Email us at board@inpsirepto.com

Staff Potluck - TOMORROW, 2/21/25

Our next staff appreciation potluck is tomorrow and is sponsored by 3rd & 4th Grade families! 3rd & 4th Grade families, sign up here to contribute to February 21st’s Staff Appreciation Chili Potluck. Thank you in advance. Your contributions will help us celebrate our staff!

Spirit Day - Book Character Day, 3/3/25

National Education Association organizes Read Across America. The date is based on Dr. Seuss's birthday, which is March 2nd. Students can dress like their favorite book character!

NO SCHOOL - ECE Only, RMECC Conference, 3/7/25

DPS ECE programs are closed on 3/7/25 so staff can attend Denver's Early Childhood Council Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference.

End of Trimester 2, 3/7/25

Trimester 2 ends on Friday, March 7th. Progress reports will be available to parents via Parent Portal on Monday, 3/10/25.

PTO Spring Auction!, 3/15/25

Spring Auction tickets are on sale now! Grab yours today and join us for an unforgettable evening of fun, community, and support our children’s education on Saturday, March 15th at The Rally Hotel at McGregor Square. Click here to purchase your ticket today or to sponsor a teacher ticket!

DPS Emergency Response Protocols

A reminder for parents that Denver Public Schools utilizes the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), developed by the ILoveYou Guys Foundation, provides a simple and effective framework for responding to emergency situations in schools. The SRP is built around five clear actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. Learn more about SRP in these videos available in English and Spanish.

Family Resources

• Denver Parks and Recreation’s Spring 2025 Activity Guide is here! Browse the activity guide now and get ready for a season of excitement. Registration for spring activities opens on Tuesday, February 25 at noon.
• Girls are S.M.A.R.T. (Studious, Mighty, Amazing, Resilient, and Talented) Engineering Day hosted by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) collegiate section at Colorado School of Mines is Sunday, March 9th, 2025, in the Ben H. Parker Student Center Ballrooms at Colorado School of Mines from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. For more information about the event, please visit our webpage. Click this link to register. Please contact the event director with any questions or concerns at jlewandowski@mines.edu.

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