What Does The Fox Say?

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Ever since I was in elementary school, I knew that I would one day be a teacher. I was raised in a family with two parents who had full time jobs. After school I helped my younger sister and brother with their homework, occasionally even before I completed mine. We would frequently play school and I would come up with assignments for them and I would teach them the lessons and grade their papers. It was very important to me for my siblings to get good grades and stay current in their assignments. I would constantly push them to exceed and strive to do their best.

Also, books have always been a big part of my life in one way or another. I specifically recall visits with my siblings to my grandparents’ home on rainy days always entailed not only baking yummy cookies in the kitchen, playing exciting homemade games in the basement, but also selecting a variety of insightful and memorable books from the many bookshelves in the basement and up in guest bedroom and being able excited to listen to my grandmother read to us. Who would have thought that these delightful forms of entertainment could be such wonderful educational devices I would not only cherish, but put to use later in life in the field of elementary education?

Language acquisition and communication starts at home and I was lucky to have thrived in a supportive environment that placed a high value on the love of reading and learning. Being exposed to multicultural books and various cultures in literature broadened my knowledge-base, belief-system, appreciation for art, laws and morals, customs and traditions, and opened up my eyes and ears to what can be available as a student and as a teacher. Children love to be read to, and or enjoy read-alouds by famous people and/or authors. I hope books not only bring back pleasant memories for you, but they also inspire you to read to your children and students!

As one of the 4th grade Literacy teachers at Inspire, I very much understand the importance of the love of reading. During this holiday season, I hope that you and your family find the time to share a loved book. Here is a children’s book I wrote dedicated to my loving family members John, Will, Okoye, our alley cat Midnight, the aquarium of wonderful sea creatures, and of course our wonderfully playful and very beautiful cat, Monet!

My Name is Monet

My name is Monet and I am the only one!

I am a five year old Siamese cat. I have an adorable grey and white face, two soft black ears, a bushy tail, paws like slippers and two eyes as blue as the sea.

I reside in an incredibly large brick English tudor in Colorado and I live with my two dads.

Sometimes the house is too big for just one cat.

One dad is a teacher and the other dad helps buy and sell houses to other families. My two dads are the best and they both love me very, very much.

I live with two big brown Rhodesian Ridgebacks named Will and Okoye. These two doggies are so sweet; they are practically my best friends.

I also live with two green turtles and two red snails.

And two orange goldfish and two more yellow koi. But, I am the only cat and somehow I am so very lonely!

I chase toy balls by myself and I run after my tail. I eat meals by myself and I sleep all alone in my cat bed. Though, I am very lucky to have so many friends and family members in my house . . . but, I have just one wish.

I wish I had another cat to make a pair with me.

Then, one day a single black alley cat, named Midnight, came to live with our family too.

She is my new best friend. Now, I am not the only one. Now we are two!

*Wishing you and your family a safe, healthy, and festive holiday break!

~ Mr. Ferro

4th Grade Teacher

Important Dates

12/16/24: Spirit Week - Rep Your Class Day (class/group choice)

12/17/24: Spirit Week - Winter Holiday Day (represent your winter holiday)

12/18/24: Spirit Week - Ugly Sweater Day

12/19/24: Spirit Week: Pajama Day

12/20/24: NO SCHOOL, PD Day

12/23/24 - 1/5/25: NO SCHOOL, Winter Break

1/6/25: NO SCHOOL, PD Day

1/14/25: Kinder Field Trip - Children's Museum

1/16/25: 1st Grade Field Trip - Denver Art Museum

1/16/25: Arts Showcase - 1st Grade

1/20/25: NO SCHOOL - MLK Day

1/29/25: Spirit Day: Lunar New Year - year of the snake or wear red

1/30/25: 2nd Grade Field Trip (Martin/Schuler) - Center for Colorado Women's History

1/31/25: 2nd Grade Field Trip (Corley/Fargason) - Center for Colorado Women's History

Inspire Basketball Team - 4th and 5th Grade Only

DPS is starting an elementary sports league. Inspire will have a 4th and 5th Grade co-ed basketball team and we will play other elementary schools in our area. Please see the flyer for all the information. Email Coach Hall if you have any questions: kerrie_hall@dpsk12.net.

Enrichment Updates

Coach Hall is finalizing the Spring Enrichment offerings, which will be shared via What Does the Fox Say (WDTFS) next week.

• A sign-up link will be included in the WDTFS on Thursday, January 16.

• Families needing financial assistance for enrichment programs should contact Inspire Counselor Michelle Hauck (michelle_hauck@dpsk12.net) by Tuesday, January 7.

CSC Meeting Updates 12/11/24

• Collaborative School Committee agenda and notes can be found on the CSC webpage.
• The next CSC meeting is 1/8/25.
• If you would like to attend and need interpretation services, contact Ginger Torres at ginger_torres@dpsk12.net. Please give two weeks notice to ensure we can secure an interpreter.

PTO Cookie Exchange for Staff

The PTO is planning the December Staff Appreciation Week for next week. Each day, Inspire staff will be spoiled. On Thursday, we are organizing a “cookie exchange.” PTO will provide boxes for staff to take home your treats to make winter break a little sweeter. If you’d like to contribute, please sign up here.

Sleigh Ride Fundraiser with Pearl Market 12/18/24
Join Pearl Market and the Inspire PTO for a magical evening with Santa and sleigh rides! Enjoy dinner and hot chocolate at Pearl Market, followed by a neighborhood sleigh ride pulled by majestic Clydesdales. Pearl Market will donate 50% of ticket sales to the Inspire PTO.

• COST: $40/ticket (each person needs a ticket)
• Enjoy dinner and hot chocolate at Pearl Market (at an additional cost),
• Click here to purchase trickers. This is the catering link of Pearl Market’s website, so scroll across to Horse & Carriage Rides.
• Limited availability—get yours before they sell out!

Mod Pizza Fundraiser 12/19/24

Our next restaurant giveback event is happening on Thursday, December 19th at MOD Pizza (9135 E. Northfield Blvd., Suite 140). 25% of fundraiser sales will be donated back to the Inspire PTO. To participate, show this flyer at the register. You may also participate by ordering online or on the MOD app using the code: MODGIVES25.

NO SCHOOL, Inspire PD Day 12/20/24

Our Inspire Professional Development (PD) Days allows us to focus on sessions that have a positive impact on our Unified Improvement Pan (UIP). The UIP holds the school accountable for students supports. Some of the sessions including during this Inspire Day are:

NO SCHOOL, Winter Break 12/23/24-1/3/25

Staff will be recuperating and spending much needed time with loved ones. If you send a communication to school staff during the winter break, you can anticipate a response when they return in the new year.

Save-the Date, PTO Spring Auction 3/15/24

• Save the date for March 15th, our 8th Annual Spring Auction Fundraiser at The Rally Hotel at McGregor Square! So start prepping your best western wear, lock in a babysitter and mark your calendars. Saddle up for a rip-roaring good time!
• We also need your support! Our committee is on the hunt for:
  - Live and Silent Auction Items: Do you have a business or know someone with a business? This year we will have both a live and silent auction. Think dreamy getaways, Denver sporting event tickets, fancy gadgets or exciting experiences.
  - Sponsorships: If you or someone you know wants a little extra promotion for their business, we have additional event sponsorships! Email auction@inspirepto.com for sponsorship opportunities.
• If you can assist with any of this or have questions, please email auction@inspirepto.com! Thank you in advance for all your support!

PTO Minted Fundraiser

Order holiday cards at Minted.com with code FUNDRAISEINSPIREPTO for 20% off year-round. Plus, 15% of proceeds support the Inspire PTO!

Toys and Electronics From Home

A friendly reminder that we do not allow toys and electronics at school. From our Family Handbook:
To prevent distractions from learning, toys (including stuffed animals), electronics/devices (including smart watches) are not permitted in school. In special cases, the teacher may designate a toy party as a class reward or inform you of a learning purpose for bringing a personal belonging from home. Inspire was designed to offer access to a variety of interactive learning materials throughout each day. We are confident your children will have opportunities to play, move and be creative each day.
Exceptions

• ECE students are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal for nap time.

• Students with IEPs or special needs may have permission to use a fidget, etc.

• Students may bring a cell phone (cellular devices) to school. It must be on silent mode and remain in their backpack all day - students may not use cell phones (cellular devices) during the day. We are not responsible for lost or stolen property.

Inspire Food Pantry

The PTO is proud to support the Inspire Food Pantry. If families or caregivers to Inspire students would like access to the food pantry or grocery gift cards for the upcoming extended break please contact michelle_hauck@dpsk12.net.

Family Resources - Denver Parks & Recreation seasonal family activities!

• Holiday Cookie Making. When: Various dates in December, Where: Multiple locations (including Central Park, Eisenhower, and Cook Park), Cost: $5, Description: Join us for a fun and festive cookie-making experience!
• Holiday Mini Picasso. When: Various dates in December, Where: Central Park, Cook Park, Montclair, Scheitler Rec Centers, Cost: $16, Description: Explore the magic of holiday art through creative mini-projects.
• Family Eco-Snowshoe at Genesee Mountain. When: December 15th, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Where: Genesee Mountain, Cost: $9, Description: Discover nature while snowshoeing through scenic mountain trails.
• Winter Break Art Camp. When: December 23rd & 27th, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Where: Central Park & Southwest Recreation Centers, Cost: $8, Description: Keep your kids entertained during winter break with fun art activities!

• Out of School Winter Break Activities. When: December 23rd-27th & December 30th-January 3rd, Where: College View & Eisenhower Recreation Centers, Cost: $80, Description: Fun-filled days for kids during winter break with games, arts, and crafts!

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