Northridge Elementary Weekly Blast
May 17
Northridge Elementary Weekly Blast - May 23, 2024
August 5 - Meet the Teacher and Drop off Supplies (3pm-5pm)
August 7 - First Day of School
Be Kind
Summer Reading Opportunities
Hello NRE Families!
It is so important to keep your kids reading over the summer! We want to prevent the "summer slide" as they call it. Just reading a few minutes each night keeps your kids on track for the next school year
as well as help them wind down at night and learn a lifelong love of reading.
Summer Reading Imperative article
Please join us in one of the many options for one of the many Summer Reading Programs we have available.
* Logs are available through the link above or they can pick one up at the NRE Library.
AND if your student brings their reading log when school starts again in the fall,
they will receive a fun prize from me!
** The Highlands Ranch Public Library (DCL) program has a contest with all the Elementary Schools in Highlands Ranch
and the school with the most sign ups, can win $500. for their school library! I'd love to win...again :)
*** Remember that we are also having a One Day Only, BOGO Scholastic Book Fair
at the School Picnic on the last day of school. (11:45-3:30)
Pick up some new books for the summer!
** The Highlands Ranch Public Library (DCL) program has a contest with all the Elementary Schools in Highlands Ranch
and the school with the most sign ups, can win $500. for their school library! I'd love to win...again :)
*** Remember that we are also having a One Day Only, BOGO Scholastic Book Fair
at the School Picnic on the last day of school. (11:45-3:30)
Pick up some new books for the summer!
NRE PTO
Links:
EPI: https://www.educationalproducts.com/ShopPacks
Northridge Elementary PTO summer restaurant nights
Can you believe summer break is almost upon us?! Want to still support NRE over the summer? Please see the flyer below for our summer restaurant night line up. More details can be found on our PTO website.
Northridge Elementary PTO fundraiser: EPI School Supplies
Although we are busy thinking about the end of this school year, it's not too soon to start planning for the start of the school year this fall. NRE PTO has partnered with Educational Products, Inc. (EPI) to provide the option for you to purchase school supplies for the 24/25 school year. EPI packs are built from the school supply list provided by NRE and contain teacher-approved items. They are delivered to NRE before school starts. When you buy from EPI you lock in pricing and avoid not being able to find everything on your list later this summer. A sample supply pack is available to view in the hallway by the main office. Click the link in the EPI flier to purchase! Purchase your pack(s) before June 2 to secure the lowest price! Contact PTOvicepresidentNRE@gmail.com with questions.
Northridge Elementary PTO Social Media
Want to be up to date on events and meetings? Check out our new social media Facebook and Instagram to learn more. More details to access the pages are below!
Save the date!
Make sure you save the dates for our upcoming Back to School Carnival and Fun run in the fall! More details are in the flyers below.
Thanks to your generous support Northridge Elementary PTO was able to accomplish so much this year! Please see below flyer for more details.
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Principal Letter
Dear NRE Community,
As we close out this school year, we reflect on the journey we've shared together—a journey marked by resilience, unity, and unwavering support. It's been a year of challenges, but more importantly, it's been a year of triumphs.
We weathered the storm—quite literally—with the aftermath of a tornado that brought significant changes to our school. But through adversity, we emerged stronger than ever. With 16 classroom reconstructions underway and ongoing landscaping efforts, our school is a testament to our collective resilience.
Our success goes beyond mere infrastructure. It's rooted in the spirit of community that defines Northridge Elementary. Our academic achievements are a reflection of the incredible staff, the unyielding support from parents, and the bonds we've forged together.
From Back-to-School Carnival to the Multicultural Night, from honoring our veterans to celebrating the joys of the Fall Festival, and Community Breakfast, Restaurant Night, and every event in between—these moments are more than just gatherings. They are threads that weave us into a tight-knit family. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering partnership in nurturing the growth of our students. Your support has been the inspiring, and for that, we are immensely grateful.
As we look ahead to the summer, we wish you moments filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. For those returning to Northridge Elementary, stay tuned for an email towards the end of June/beginning of July detailing important dates for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. We'll include Express Check-in information, as well as dates and times for Supply Drop Off and Meet the Teacher sessions.
May your summer be filled with love and laugher (and lots of sunscreen). Thank you for helping make the 23-24 school year one to remember!
Sincerely,
Katie Lynch
DCSD and Other News
A Hand School Supply Drive - Student REQUEST link is Live
The 2024 Lend A Hand School Supply Drive REQUEST a backpack link is live on our Foundationdcs.org website as of May 15, 2024. Any DCSD student is eligible to request an age appropriate backpack (K-12) by selecting the REQUEST link on the Lend A Hand page. This year our distribution events will be Tuesday July 30, 2024 at the Strive to Thrive event, Thursday August 1, 2024 at the drive thru event, SouthRidge Elementary and Saturday August 3, 2024 at the drive thru event, Acres Green Elementary.
This year we are encouraging our community to help support the program with a School Supply Drive at their business, school or community. Donation boxes and marketing materials will be available for pick up at the Wilcox Bldg beginning on May 29th. Sign up HERE to participate in a school supply drive this summer!
Volunteers needed! There are a variety of ways to volunteer - helping to pick up donations, packing supplies into backpacks and helping with distribution. Sign up today on our Lend A Hand page.
The Teacher Grab & Go event will be on Thursday August 1, 2024 at the Mercantile Bldg in Castle Rock. Teachers are welcome to come by and pick up free donated supplies for their classrooms.
Mental Health Community Resources Guide
***This mental health guide includes community resources to serve as a reference for DCSD stakeholders and to supplement the DC Youth and Family Resource Guide.
***DCSD does not endorse any agency or service listed and inclusion in this guide should not be taken as a recommendation of any specific resource.
ABA Therapy
ABA Providers Serving the Douglas County Area
- Willow ABA
- Website: https://www.willowaba.com/
- Phone: (720) 319-7614
- Services: Clinic Only
- Blue Bird Autism (ages 2-18)
- Website: https://bluebirdautism.com/
- Phone: (720) 772-1502
- Services: In-home only
- Colorado Autism Consultants (ages 2-21)
- Website: www.coautism.com
- Phone: (800) 536-2340
- Services: Clinic and In-Home
- Shandy Clinic
- Website: https://www.shandyclinic.com/
- Phone: (303) 755-5534
- Services: In Clinic only
- Autism Home Support Services
- Website: https://autismhomesupport.com/
- Phone: (844) 247-7222
- Services: Clinic and In-Home
- In Bloom
- Website: https://www.inbloomautism.com/denver
- Phone: (888) 754-0398
- Services: Clinic only
- Therapy and Beyond
- Website: https://www.therapyandbeyond.com/
- Phone: (844) 422-2669
- Services: Clinic only
- Behavioral Growing Tree
- Website: www.behavioralgrowingtree.com/
- Phone: (866) 300-0822
- Services: Clinic and in-home
- Mind Color ABA
- Website: https://www.mindcolorautism.com/
- Phone: (833) 646-3222
- Services: In-home and In-Clinic
Addiction
- Detox.com
- https://www.detox.com/colorado/
- Provides the best free resources for people to find self-help with substance abuse through detox and other mental health strategies.
- Khesed Wellness
- https://www.khesedwellness.com/
- Provides therapy for vaping/tobacco addiction. They also have grant money to provide pro bono therapy to justice involved youth.
- Sandstone Care - brochures
- Residential, Day Treatment, IOP, etc
Mental Health Community Resources Guide
- www.AnxietySolutionsofDenver.com.
- Johnson Depression Center: https://www.coloradodepressioncenter.org/
ASD, ADHD
- PEERS® or the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills, is a social skills training intervention for adolescents and young adults. This program, developed by Elizabeth Laugeson at UCLA , has a strong evidence base for use with teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorders, but it is also appropriate for teens and young adults with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other socioemotional problems
- Developmental Pathways
- School providers need to loop in families to DP services before a youth graduates or heads to the transition program
- Here are the DP school fliers PK -8, HS and the Children’s Extensive Services Waiver flier for teachers/families!
- The PrEP Program: theprepprogramoffice@gmail.com
Bipoc
- Culture, Community, and Connection: 2023 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit Cancer
- Kesem.org - Kesem is a national non-profit that serves children through and beyond a parent's cancer flier
- Domestic Violence/Violence
Eating Disorders
- NEDA - National Eating Disorders Association (Feeding Hope):
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline
- ANAD - Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (Eating disorder hope): https://anad.org/
- Eating disorder help, hope, info: https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/
- NAMI - National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://nami.org/Home
- NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
Executive Function Coaching
- Dr. Andrew Fields: https://www.denveradhdcenter.com/
- Center for Neurodiverse Learners: https://www.neurodiverselearners.com/
- (Free consults using this form: https://calendly.com/neurodiverselearners/discoverycall?month=2022-11)
- Untapped: https://untappedlearning.com/
Wolff Psychology
https://www.wolffchildpsychology.com/behavioral-services.html
Wonder
https://www.teamwonder.org/our-services
Sue Young
Food
Secor
General Mental Health Support/Resources
Douglas County MH Resources Page
- Alis Behavioral Health
- 2921 W 120th Ave, 100, Westminster, CO 80234
- https://alisbh.com/
- Catholic Charities
- Cedar Springs Behavioral Health
- Psychiatric Residential Program for Adolescents 12+ - Mountain View Place
- Inpatient Acute Care ages 2-12 - Tree House
- Residential treatment program for adolescents and our crisis stabilization program for children 12 and under.
- Concepts Counseling, LLC
- 6105 S. Main St. #219
- Aurora, CO 80016
- Concepts Counseling Site
- Ph. (720)319-7319
- Fax (303)379-4607
- Denver Wellness Associates
- Takes Medicaid
- Has psychiatry and therapy
- https://www.denverwellnessassociates.com/
- Embark
- Greenwood Village Location
- https://www.embarkbh.com/location/embark-behavioral-health-in-greenwood-village-colorado/
- Equinox Counseling and Wellness Center
- sthomas@equinoxcounseling.com
- Book time with Sam Thomas
- M: 720.483.0579
- 600 S. Cherry St.
- Glendale, CO 80246
- equinoxcounseling.com
- Fyzical Therapy - Castle Rock & North Parker
- 2 Oakwood Park Plaza STE #200
- P: 720-788-7365, F: 720-294-0284
- www.fyzical.com/castle-rock-co
- Autism Assessment
- Fyzical Flyer
- Pelvic Floor Therapy
- HealthOne Behavioral Health
- Please click on this Flier describing our readily available services, including locations, to support children and adolescents in our intensive outpatient program (IOP) and partial hospitalization program (PHP). The IOP program serves ages 9-17 and the PHP program serves ages 11-17. We also have an Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic at our Aurora location treating patients from all age groups.
- Embark Behavioral Health
- Teen IOP and other outpatient services - see link below
- Flier
- https://www.embarkbh.com/
- Jana Briggs Counseling, LLC & Associates
- Individual, Couples & Family Therapy
- www.JanaBriggs.com
- 303-495-0317
- Lifestance
- Takes medicaid and may not have a waiting list.
- They have several locations. Here is the parker website
- https://lifestance.com/location/parker-co-9397/
- Mountain Vista Psychology
- https://www.mountainvistapsychology.com/
- Has some therapists that take Medicaid
- Rogers Behavioral Health
- www.rogersbh.org
- Vita Health -
- Vita Health is a Mental Health practice that specializes in top-quality behavioral care for patients aged 18-24. We are taking new patients and we offer appointments in as little as 24 hours, including evenings and weekends. Our licensed clinicians (Social Workers and Psychologists) specialize in the difficulties your students are facing- anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders including depression, trauma, OCD, suicide ideation and more. We have prescribing clinicians available for patients requiring medication, as well as Spanish speaking therapists. One of our specialities is treating patients 12+ after a suicide attempt, or with serious suicidal ideations.
- We take most major insurances including Medicaid.
- Tina Gonzales
- Referral, Partnerships, and Growth
- Direct Phone: 720-434-1302
- Email: Tina@Vitahealth.care
- Web: Vitahealth.care
- For Referrals - call 844-866-8336 or visit our website at
- vitahealth.care
- Zoe Counseling, PLLC
- 9800 Mount Pyramid Court Meridian #400, Lone Tree, CO 80112
- 303-842-5478
- Www.zoecounselinglife.com
*CRISIS - SAFY Mobile Crisis Response
- SAFY Mobile Crisis Response is the crisis team, contracted through Colorado Crisis Services / 988, to provide mobile crisis services. We respond to crisis calls within an hour of dispatch from the crisis hotline and respond to any self-defined mental health crisis.We can respond to schools, residences, and anywhere in the community. We respond for clients of all ages.
- Ellie Mental Health - Our Highlands Ranch Clinic currently does not have a waitlist and we are taking most insurances, including Medicaid. We are offering both telehealth services (now) and in person care starting the first week of February. Anyone can request an appointment by calling 720-696-9460 and/or completing this simple online form: Therapy Request Form.
- Contact Information: Liz Dowdell, LPC (She/Her/Hers)
- Clinical Director
- Ellie Mental Health
- 200 W. County Line Rd , Suite 250, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129
- 720-696-9460
- ldowdell@elliementalhealth.com
- Embark Behavioral Health
- Services to treat family systems and adolescent mental health
- Website
- Joanna C. Ioannides, LCSW -Concepts Counseling, LLC
- 6105 S. Main St. #219, Aurora, CO 80016
- Ph. (720)319-7319, Fax (303)379-4607
- Johnathan Mattice -
- Anyone with the district may reach out to my personal phone to see if I'd be a good fit for a potential client and I'm interested in networking. My personal cell is 707-217-3672.
- Potential clients may reach out to my HIPAA compliant line at 719-789-5307.
- I can be emailed at jonathanmatticelmft@gmail.com
- Website: http://www.matticetherapy.com
- IN network with Aetna, Cigna, Oxford, United Healthcare, Oscar Health and Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield Colorado and I'm accepting insurance at this time. If someone has PPO and I'm Out Of Network for them, I'll provide a Superbill. Will also consider sliding scale based on need.
- Rose NeuroSpa
- We opened our clinic in Lone Tree, CO to help families deal with mental health and related co- occurring conditions. We lost our beautiful daughter at the age of 20. In her honor, we are bringing cutting-edge mental health services and treatments in a spa-like clinic to communities in Colorado.
- 720.707.6914
- Website Home - roseneurospa.com
- Deimys Vigil - psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
- See patients of all ages but focusing more on children and adolescents.
- Mindfulmindspsychiatry.org
- Megan Vogels, MA, LPC, NCC
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- She/Her/Hers
- 8400 E. Prentice Ave. Suite 1500, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
- 720.441.2106
- https://meganvogelscounseling.com/
Homelessness
- https://www.douglas.co.us/homeless-initiative/heart/
- DCSD homeless liason: homelessliaison@dcsdk12.org
LGBTQ+
- Children’s Hospital True Center Resources
- Colorado Psychiatrists, PNPS, and Med Management List
- Envision You
- The Trevor Project
- On Our Sleeves
- https://www.onoursleeves.org/
- On Our Sleeves Movement for children's mental health resources
Parenting
- Families First at Shiloh House
- Starving the Gremlin series - CBT Workbooks
- SINGLE PARENT CONNECTING GROUP - All Health - Wednesdays 5:30-6:30pm MST(Starts April 6th) Free via Zoom
- Please join us in our Single Parent Connecting Group where single parents come to mingle, share experiences, struggles, build a sense of community, and talk about wellness related topics.
Play Therapy
- KPLA is a group based in Denver and Littleton and runs play therapy groups for elementary
students, and social groups for middle and high school students. They do not accept insurance.
- Skylar Counseling
- Spark Counseling
Reading
- Colorado Talking Book Library
- school professional staff including librarians can now certify students for services (free access to audiobooks, etc.), and no documentation is required. This is a great service for students who have a condition that impacts their ability to read standard print (dyslexia or suspected dyslexia, vision impairment, autism, etc.)
Spanish
- Mental Health America - Spanish Mental Health Resources Hub in Spanish
- Wrap Around Services
- Douglas County Youth Initiative
- https://www.douglas.co.us/youth-initiatives/wraparound-program/
- View Point Health
- Wrap Around Services for youth ages 5 - 21 with a mental health diagnosis. Any representative from your school or the legal caretaker can send a referral on behalf of the youth for services.
Community Resources:
Statewide supportive family resources by calling 1-800-CHILDREN(244-5373) or going online
towww.PCAGeorgiaHelpline.orgto search theResourcesMap by location.
- 2024 Summer Camps and Activities
- The Aspen Effect - Mini Horse Leadership School - Sign your child up for this free mental health summer program! They will attend five 1-hour small-group classes that will include a mini horse skill demonstration, a one-on-one mini horse skill practice, and an experience debrief activity. Every family will receive a colorful, bound booklet with information and activities to continue working on leadership skills at home. Even parents will learn something!
- Camp Kesem -
- Kesem is a national non-profit that serves children through and beyond a parent's cancer, mainly through a free, week-long summer camp.
- Courageous Kids Camp (for selectively mute students)
- For Families: - If you know a child with selective mutism, we welcome the opportunity to discuss whether Courageous Kids Camp is a suitable fit for them. A formal diagnosis is not a prerequisite for participation, as our clinical team conducts assessments and diagnoses as part of the program.
- Visit our website (https://anxietycolorado.com/courageous-kids-camp/) for more information,
- For families: https://anxietycolorado.com/courageous-kids-camp//
- For more information about selective mutism: https://anxietycolorado.com/selective-mutism/;
- www.selectivemutism.org
- FAST Enterprises - Coding Camp for Girls
- Fast Enterprises is providing opportunities for 8th, 9th, and 10the grade girls to attend a free coding camp, Camp Code for Girls, this summer. See information below with Registration link for Denver.
- Information:
- This free one-week summer camp is designed for girls entering the 8th, 9th, and 10th grade to spark their interest in pursuing future careers in the STEM fields. Participants take part in a variety of educational coding games and activities led by experienced female software developers. Camp Code introduces participants to a variety of women in technology and explores the diverse opportunities available to women who code.
- DENVER, COLORADO - JULY 8-12
- CSU Spur Campus, Hydro Building
- 4777 National Western Dr. Denver, CO 80216
- 9 AM to 3 PM MDT
- REGISTER TODAY
- FAST is proud to partner with the Girl Scouts of Colorado to offer Camp Code in Denver. Your child does not need to be a Girl Scout to participate. You can create a free Girl Scouts account to register for Camp Code. A $25 commitment fee is required to secure a spot and reduce no- shows. The fee can be waived in cases of financial hardship.
- Peakview Behavioral Health
- Summer Mind & Body Wellness Program for Youth and Adolescents: The Peak Navigation
- Adolescent Summer Program is designed for young people who could benefit from improved mental wellness and a desire to increase healthy behaviors and coping strategies. It offers a safe space for youth and adolescents to improve coping skills, create connections with peers, and have fun during the summer months.
- Mind and Body Groups Available: LINK
- Youth Ages 9-12
- Adolescents Ages 13-17
Mental Health Resources
Below is a list of resources, should you have a concern that a loved one (or yourself) may be experiencing behavioral changes, mood swings, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to the child or others
988 - Suicide and Crisis Hotline
Call or text “988” any time, 24/7 for free, confidential support.
Colorado Crisis Services: 1-844-493-TALK (8255)
Trained Crisis Counselor Hotline: (844) 493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255
Chat online (open from 4pm-12am daily): Click Here
Walk-in Locations (open 24/7): Location List
Information About Types of Services and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Crisis Services
Douglas County has an anonymous reporting system available at all times. Anyone with a concern for someone’s well-being or safety can use Safe 2 Tell (1-877-542-7233) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.