What Does The Fox Say?
August 31, 2023
Dear Inspire Parent/Guardian,
When my daughter was about 4yo, she was showing signs that she wanted to explore. She wanted to wander. It was also around the stage when the books on development advise that parents not hover, give children room to grow and be independent. You know what I mean - when they don't quite hold your hand so much. They take more steps away from you but still look back at you for reassurance. One day, she and I were at a museum. In the back of the museum was an area with this large bush wrapped in a circle of stone. It was pretty high and wide. She wanted to walk around it by herself. I tried to control my face from wrinkling in worry and cheerfully faked, "Go for it!" I told her I would stay in my spot until she returned. She walked to the left of it. I could feel my throat tightening. She slowly disappeared, getting smaller and smaller. I waited... and waited... and waited. How much time had passed? Why didn't I look at my watch when she first walked off? My heart started to race. I tried to remain calm and waited a little while longer. Was that two minutes, five minutes passing? Why didn't I know!? I couldn't take it anymore. I ran in the direction she had gone off in. At the top of the circle, she wasn't there. The street was right next to us and there was a playground across the street but I didn't see her. I thought the unthinkable. I ran back in the direction I came from. She - wasn't - there!@#$! I called my husband, tears swelling in my eyes, with the words caught in my throat... "I can't find her! She's gone!" As I continued to physically spin in circles, I whisper cried, "Oh my god I'm so sorrr..." and she appeared. I ran to her. She said, "Mommy, I was right here where you said you would be. Where did you go?" I squeeeezed her so hard. I told her I was worried and I should have been calmer. She looked at me with the innocent-lack-of-understanding face that children have. She wriggled out of my hug and skipped off. I died and came back to life in a matter of minutes. I told my husband I was an idiot and hung up. With most things and moments, I can be logical and strong. When it comes to her, I can be a wreck and emotional. That's in the parent gene, right? Even all these years later when I think of this memory my chest hurts. There have been so many more moments like that. I worry, have angst, and want to make sure she is emotionally and physically safe. But I can't do that for her all the time. How else would she become the kid she is now? She had to start figuring things out, get sassy with us (not gonna say I like that), cry, fall, feel scared, be homesick... I can't protect her from all the things in the world and I shouldn't. This past week, quite a few students had separation anxiety as they entered the building without their parents. I know these moments are tough. Thank you for knowing that as we walk them down the hallway we assure them that all feelings are okay, even sad ones. Then we get them to their cubby and their teacher. Within minutes they are brave enough to move on. Although seemingly small, these moments of challenge help make them who they will become. When they walk through our doors, they have to let go of you but they are certainly not alone.
Together, we are Inspire.
Sincerely,
Linda August
Principal
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Important Dates
8/30/23 - 9/1/23: Picture Day
9/1/23: Spirit Day: First Friday - wear Inspire or fox gear, school colors
9/4/23: NO SCHOOL, Holiday - Labor Day
9/5/23: Spirit Day: Labor/Career Day (dress like what you want to be when you grow up)
9/13/23: CSC Meeting, 4:00pm-5:30pm
9/20/23: PTO Meeting, 6:30-7:30pm
9/22/23: District PD Day - No School
9/25/23: Inspire PD Day - No School
10/2/23: Fox Trot, PTO Fundraiser
10/6/23: Celebration of Learning, 1:40pm-2:40pm
Upcoming Spirit Days
- Friday, 9/1/23: Spirit Day: First Friday - wear Inspire or fox gear, school colors
- Tuesday, 9/5/23: Spirit Day: Labor/Career Day - dress like what you want to be when you grow up
Career Day, 9/5/23
Parents who are speaking during Career Day, must contact the teacher to confirm and complete the Inspire Event Registration form. Guests must check in through the front desk and get a visitor badge.
Picture Day Photo Access (Dashboard)
Photos are not available yet. When they are you can view and make purchases directly from the company, Bloom. Yes, I know that's confusing because our class and school app messaging system is Bloomz (with a z at the end) and our school photography company is Bloom.
- Bloom does not do any pre-ordering or pre-payments, and all ordering happens after picture day through online password protected galleries.
- Picture Day Dashboard.
- We will send out a notification via WDTFS and Bloomz when photos are ready.
Picture Make-Up Day, 10/25/23
Students who were absent for picture day, will have an opportunity to make up their photos on 10/25/23. Teachers will be given a list of students and times for the make up.
Revised School Calendar
A review of the school calendar indicated we did not have enough contact days. The adjusted school calendar is currently available on our website or click on 2023-2024 School Year Calendar.
Message from Coy Rice, Gifted & Talented
Welcome to the New Year! Universal Gifted and Talented testing will be taking place within the following fall windows this year, starting with 2nd grade. I will be working with teachers and students within these grade levels primarily during the days I am scheduled to be at the Inspire campus to prioritize testing sooner than later. I will be pushing into classrooms as well as pulling students during the following dates:
- 2nd Grade Testing Window: September 25- November 10, 2023
- Kindergarten Testing Window: October 9- December 1, 2023
Last Call for Enrichment Registration
- Registration will close Monday, September 4th at 5:00 pm
- CLICK HERE to register for fall enrichments.
- CLICK HERE for Enrichment Offerings and Descriptions
- Enrichment Questions?
1. Need financial assistance? Email School Counselor Michelle Hauck at michelle_hauck@dpsk12.net
2. Questions about class offerings, pick-up procedure, attendance: email Coach Hall at kerrie_hall@dpsk12.net
3. Questions about registration including registration confirmation requests, change requests, or refund requests: email the PTO at enrichments@inspirepto.com
4. Need a more detailed receipt for tax purposes: email the PTO at enrichments@inspirepto.com - Please keep in mind that we will get back to you as soon as possible, but you may not receive an immediate response.
CSC Meeting, 9/13/23, 4:30pm-6:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 889 9135 5574
Passcode: xdnf7P
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
A fundraiser supporting Inspire Elementary PTO
Freddy’s
September 21, 2023 | 4pm-8pm
4952 Central Park Blvd
Freddy’s will contribute 15% of the event sales!
Community Resources
DPS Community Hubs Contact Information
The hubs are here to help support you and your families. Below is the contact information to each of the 6 hubs across the district. Be sure to make some time to reach out and connect for the 23-24 school year!
Near Northeast Community Hub
Location: Smith Elementary
Manager: Rafael Vasquez
Email: NNECommunityHub@dpsk12.net
Phone: 720-424-1170
Inspire Days
Inspire Elementary
Email: linda_august@dpsk12.net
Website: https://inspire.dpsk12.org/
Location: 5677 North Galena Street, Denver, CO, USA
Phone: (720) 424-4850