Community Newsletter

Dear Dolphin Families,

Welcome to the first week of the 2024-2025 school year. I am honored to be the principal of Denny International and a part of this vibrant community. I look forward to working collectively to ensure our students are provided with the best experience possible, and that each and every student knows they are significant, valued, and belong at Denny International Middle School. Our motto, "We all Belong," serves as a guiding principle for everything we do. Together, we create an environment where every student feels a sense of belonging, support, and encouragement.

Our mission is clear: "Academic Excellence in Our Global Village." We are committed to persistently working to ensure that each and every student has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We firmly believe that by collaborating as a community, we can achieve greatness. I am beyond excited for the promise of this school year.

Warmly,

Mary Ingraham

• 9-3 Student Class Schedules become live on the Source
• 9-4 First Day of School: This is a full day starting at 7:55am to 2:45pm
  
• 10-10 Curriculum Night 4:30 to 6:00 (more information to come)

Student schedules will be available on the Source on September 3rd. If you have any concerns after you receive your student’s schedule please email the counselors. For 6th grade students Ms. Noelle at notyau@seattleschools.org, 7th grade students Ms. Danielle at dnblechert@seattleschools.org and for 8th grade students Ms. Wright at smwright@seattleschools.org.

Student schedules are still shifting as we balance classes and adjust for different enrollment numbers. 6th grade student schedules could have changed since they saw them at the Back to School Celebration or from when they connected with their homeroom teacher for 6th grade home visits. And, they could still shift over the next few weeks.

Schedule Change Process: Deadline--September 20th

You can change your classes if:

• there was an error in your schedule
• you don’t like your elective and there is space in a different elective at the same time as your current elective

You cannot change your classes if:

• you want to be with your friends
• you don’t like the teacher or students in your class (but your counselor can help you work through any conflicts)

The deadline to change your classes is September 20th. No changes will be made after that

First Day Packets will be handed out to students during the first day of school tomorrow. Students can return their packets to the box in the Main Office or to any of their teachers. The packets are in a manila envelope to keep every thing together for easy transport and return.

For the first day of school, we recommend that students only have the essential school supplies. These supplies include pens, pencils, erasers, paper, a backpack, a reusable water bottle, and an organizational system such as a binder with dividers or a folder systems to keep papers secure from each of the student's seven classes. Please note that individual teachers will communicate specific class-related supplies within the first few days of school. Teachers understand that acquiring these supplies is not immediate and will give ample time for families to get the supplies. We also understand that acquiring supplies can sometimes be challenging, so if any student needs assistance, whether it's with supplies or otherwise, please feel free to reach out to any staff member, including counselors, office staff, or our administrative team and we will ensure that the student gets the needed supplies or resources.

Our first day of school is Wednesday, September 4th which will be a full day despite being on a Wednesday which is typically early release (7:55 to 1:30). School on Wednesday, September 4th will be on the Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday schedule of 7:55 to 2:45.

Scholars will be receiving their device during the first week of school in their Literacy classes.

Students can request to see their counselor by filling out a slip in the office or outside their counselor's office door and placing the completed slip in the collection box. Counselors will regularly collect these requests and send a pass to connect with the student.

Reasons to Request to See a Counselor

• Academic Planning
• Social-Emotional Wellbeing
• Report a concern
• Community Health and Wellbeing Referrals
• Guidance or help solving Conflicts
• Schedule Change Request (only the first full two weeks of a semester)
• Need to talk to someone who will listen

School Counselors:

6th grade students Ms. Tyau at notyau@seattleschools.org,

7th grade students Ms. Danielle at dnblechert@seattleschools.org

8th grade students Ms. Wright at smwright@seattleschools.org.

The Seattle Parks & Recreation Community Learning Center at Denny provides educational enrichment opportunities while also delivering cultural and social emotional development supports to its scholars by partnering with families, CBOs, volunteers, and other community organizations. OST will provide after school academic and enrichment programs, culturally responsive mentoring programs and recreational sports programs to its participants. Transportation is provided for those students who are furthest away from educational justice and want to participate in after school programs. OST fall programs will start in October. If you have any questions, please reach out to Program Coordinator Stephen Boney at smboney@seattleschools.org

Athletics are an amazing way for students to get involved, grow in confidence, take some risks, and meet new friends. We encourage all students who are interested to participate. Students interested in participating in Sports at Denny must have a completed Registration and Physical form on file before they can participate. Registration forms must be completed every year, and physical forms are good for 24 months. Forms are available in the links here or in the main office. Please contact your coach for further details. You can also contact Michael Anderson (Athletics Coordinator) at mianderson@seattleschools.org.

Picture day is October 18th and the make-up and retake day is December 3rd.

Students will be able to get a locker upon request, however, lockers will not be assigned until after the enrollment adjustments that occur in October.

To learn more about Neighborcare Health and school-based health center services for the 2023-2024 school year, or to pre-register your student for services, view the Denny International Middle School page on the Neighborcare Health website.