• Wednesday, August 7th - Schedules will be released and will be able to be viewed in IC.

• Thursday, August 8th - First day for 6th grade ONLY.

• Friday, August 9th - First Official Day for 6th-8th Grade

• Thursday, August 15th - Back To School Night - 5-7 p.m.

Dear Quist Middle School Scholars and Parents,

As we embark on what promises to be the greatest year yet, I want to take a moment to reflect on our mission and what it means for our community.

At 27J Schools, our mission is clear: In partnership with our families and community, 27J Schools empowers every student today to take control of their future tomorrow. This mission guides everything we do here at Quist Middle School.

Empowerment: We are dedicated to providing each student with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. This year, we will continue to offer a rigorous and engaging curriculum that challenges our scholars to think critically, solve problems creatively, and pursue their passions with confidence.

Partnership: We recognize that education is a collaborative effort. The involvement of our families and the broader community is essential to our success. We encourage you to stay engaged, communicate openly, and participate in the many opportunities to support our school and our students.

Future-Ready: Our commitment is to prepare our students not just for the next grade, but for a future full of possibilities. We aim to inspire a love of learning, cultivate resilience, and instill the skills necessary for our scholars to thrive in an ever-changing world.

As we kick off this school year, I am confident that together, we will create a supportive and inspiring environment where every student feels valued and empowered. Let's make this year at Quist Middle School a memorable and transformative experience for all.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Here's to a fantastic year ahead!

Go Royals!

Justin McMillan

Principal

Quist Middle School

Find all our School Policies and Helpful Resources on our website.

In the interest of our student's health, safety, and education, we will require every student to leave his or her phone turned off and in their locker or leave them at home. Students must keep their turned off phones in their locker or at home between 8:35 a.m. and 4:37 p.m.

This also includes lunch/recess.

We feel this decision will support our goal to build and maintain a positive school culture and community for our students. Like many schools in the U.S., we are struggling with school bullying and student distraction with cell phones.

Science and research supports students who do not have the freedom of accessing their phones during school hours, are more engaged socially and academically. https://www.awayfortheday.org/research/

There is also growing concern about the long-term impact of cell phone/technology use on brain development and healthy social emotional development.

We realize this decision may make some families nervous, however parents can communicate to their child any time of day through the front office. Students will be able to access their phones at 4:37 pm

Violations to device expectations are as follows:

Mr. McMillan will give a reminder/warning at the start of every day during announcements.

After that, the device will be confiscated by the staff member and turned in to the office. Parents will have to pick up the device in the office.

If you need to pick up your student early from school for an appointment, please make note that you need to arrive prior to 4:15 p.m.

After 4:15 p.m., staff and students are in transitions and closing time. Students will not be called down after 4:15. Please plan your pick up prior to 4:15 p.m.

We also encourage parents to not pick up their scholar early. Every minute counts for their growth and learning journey. Thank you for your support.

Intentional Damage: If there is an instance of intentional damage by a student (ie, removing keys on the chromebook, chromebook has writing, drawing, stickers, the case has been removed and/or there is screen damage, etc), Student IC account will be assessed a repair fee. ***Intentional student breakage or damage will result in a full charge up to $260.

Lost Chromebook: If a Chromebook is lost, the student will need to report the lost Chromebook to their Pathways Teacher. The Pathways Teacher will inform the Library Paraprofessional and the technology department will disable the Chromebook and attempt to track it in our tracking software. If a chromebook is not found within 30 days then the student's account will be fined in IC $260.00.

Stolen: If a Chromebook is stolen, the student's family will need to file a police report and provide a copy of the report to the school within 14 days. The student will need to report the stolen Chromebook to their Pathways Teacher. The Pathways Teacher will inform the Library Paraprofessional and the technology department will disable the Chromebook and attempt to track it in our tracking software. If there is not a police report filed, then the Chromebook will be marked as lost and a $260.00 fee will be assessed.

Broken: Accidental damage to a chromebook will be repaired under the chromebook warranty. The student will need to report the damage to their Pathways Teacher. The Pathways Teacher will report the damage to the Library Paraprofessional. The Technology Paraprofessional will schedule the Chromebook repaired. On issuance of the 2nd chromebook, the student's account will be charged $260.00.

Chromebook Charger: If a chromebook charger is lost, the student will need to pay $30 for a replacement charger.

Scholars should bring WIRED earbuds/headphones everyday to school.

Attention Parents! Stay informed about your scholar’s academic progress by using Infinite Campus.

Easily check grades, attendance, fees, and more. Download the app now for instant updates!

Link to IC

Brian Hull will be joining us as our new Dean/Instructional Coach for the 2024-2025 academic year. Brian brings over 12 years of proven experience in education, with a strong background in program development, management, and growth. Throughout his career, Brian has demonstrated a deep commitment to student success and professional development. His knowledge of restorative practices, classroom management techniques, and data analysis will be invaluable assets to our school community. Brian's experience in leading professional development sessions and facilitating adult learners will contribute to the ongoing growth and development of our staff.

Brian's previous roles include serving as a PE teacher, National Physical Education Ambassador, and Physical Education Regional Team Specialist in Denver Public Schools. He has received numerous accolades for his dedication to teaching and leadership, including being named the 2020 SHAPE America National High School Teacher of the Year. In addition to his extensive experience in education, Brian brings a passion for collaboration and relationship-building. His engaging and collaborative leadership style will help foster a positive and supportive school culture where all students and staff can thrive.

Please join me in welcoming Brian Hull to Quist Middle School. We are excited to have him as part of our team and look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly make on our school community.

I am delighted to introduce Mr. Jason E. Ortiz, MA, LPC. Jason will be joining us as our 7th-grade counselor for the upcoming academic year 2024-2025.

Jason brings a wealth of experience and expertise in counseling, therapy, and social-emotional learning, making him a great addition to our school community. With a background rich in educational leadership and clinical practice, Jason is equipped to support our students' academic, social, and emotional growth. Jason has a strong background in education and counseling. As a school counselor, he has provided invaluable support to students, offering guidance, crisis intervention, and classroom lessons on post-secondary planning. His experience as a teacher has further enhanced his understanding of the academic and social challenges our students may face. His leadership roles, including Principal On Special Assignment and Director of School Improvement in DPS, have provided him with extensive experience in guiding schools towards excellence.

Jason's commitment to student success is evident in his dedication to implementing effective strategies and programs that address the diverse needs of our students. Jason's clinical experience as an owner, clinician, and consultant has equipped him with the skills to provide effective coaching, consultation, and supervision to both students and parents alike. His dedication to supporting families and promoting positive outcomes for high-risk adolescents reflects his commitment to holistic student well-being. Jason holds a Graduate Certificate in Educational Administration and Policy from the University of Denver, a Master of Arts in School Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado, and a Bachelor of Arts in Chicano Studies from Metropolitan State University of Denver. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to the positive impact he will make on our students and school community.

I am thrilled to introduce Julie Wesling, who will be joining us as our 6th grade science teacher and science instructional coach. Julie brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise that will undoubtedly enhance our school community.

Julie joins us from Stargate School in Thornton, where she served as a Curriculum Design Specialist. At Stargate School, Julie was instrumental in leading the 6th Grade Science program and also served as the 8th Grade Math Teacher for gifted learners. Her leadership extended to forming strong collegial relationships, mentoring new teachers, and implementing innovative teaching strategies. Julie holds a Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Science Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado Denver. She is a certified Colorado Professional Teacher with extensive experience in curriculum design, project management, and integrating technology in the classroom. Throughout her career, Julie has demonstrated a commitment to student success and instructional excellence. In her role at Quist Middle School,

Julie will be teaching 6th grade science alongside Mildred Suh two days per week. Additionally, she will serve as our science instruction coach for two days per week, providing invaluable support and guidance to our teaching staff. Please join me in welcoming Julie Wesling to our Quist Middle School community. We are excited to have her expertise and passion for education enriching the experiences of our students and staff.

We are thrilled to introduce Cynthia Trinidad Sheahan, Ed.D, who joined us in March of last year! Cynthia brings a wealth of expertise and passion to our school community, serving as our Exploratory Leadership Teacher and WEB Leader Teacher.

With her extensive background in education, leadership, and advocacy, Cynthia is committed to fostering equitable practices and ensuring the inclusion of all students, regardless of their linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Cynthia holds a Doctorate (Ed.D) in Educational Equity and Leadership from Colorado University Denver, an Educational Specialist (ED.S.) in Administrative Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado, a Master’s Degree (M.A.) in Education with a focus on Multicultural Education, Equity, Diversity, and Linguistics, and a Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) in Bilingual Education/Spanish-Elementary Education.

Throughout her career, Cynthia has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication. As the Executive Director at the Colorado Association for Bilingual Education, she served bilingual students, families, and educators statewide. As Principal at New America Schools, she was dedicated to serving immigrant, refugee, and underserved students from diverse cultural backgrounds. In her role as Director of Secondary Education and Educator Effectiveness at Adams 14 School District, she drove impactful strategies for teacher/principal development and student success. At Boulder Valley School District, as the Director of Language Development, she championed language learners' needs and compliance with state regulations. Additionally, she has a long and successful track record as a teacher and WEB Leader at Overland Trail Middle School and Stuart Middle School, where she was a champion teacher for over 11 years.

Cynthia's commitment to strong scholar relationships, equity, leadership development, and parent/community engagement will undoubtedly enrich the educational experience of our students and strengthen our school community.

At Quist Middle School, we are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated and hardworking cafeteria team that plays a vital role in the daily lives of our scholars. Allow me to introduce our amazing cafeteria staff:

• Coordinator: Shelley Sable
• Kitchen Manager: Maria Ugalde
• Nutrition Staff: Verita Tamsi, Jessica Rodriguez, Sandra Alegria, Cheryl Merrow, and Joann McFadden

Our cafeteria staff is more than just the team that prepares and serves meals. They are an essential part of our school community, ensuring that every student has access to nutritious and delicious food, which is crucial for their academic success and overall well-being.

Shelley, Maria, Verita, Jessica, Sandra, Cheryl, and Joann work tirelessly to create a welcoming and supportive environment in our cafeteria. They understand that a healthy meal is the foundation for a productive day of learning, and they go above and beyond to ensure that our scholars receive the best possible care and nourishment.

Thank you to our incredible cafeteria team for your dedication, hard work, and the positive impact you have on our school. Your contributions are invaluable to the success of our students and the entire Quist Middle School community.