Breakthrough at Kent Denver News

A message from the Breakthrough Collaborative:

"Happy Pride Month, Breakthrough! We're proud to be part of a national Collaborative that fosters a safe and inclusive community for our students to express themselves authentically and vibrantly.

We'd like to share a quote from Audre Lorde:

"In our work and in our living, we must recognize that difference is a reason for celebration and growth, rather than a reason for destruction.""

Check out the links below for more information about Denver Pride Month events happening Saturday June 26th - Sunday June 27th!

• https://denverpride.org/
  
• https://www.denver.org/things-to-do/spring-summer/denver-pridefest/

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is an important part of American history. It commemorates the official end of slavery on June 19, 1865. Post 1865 this holiday has become a prominent staple in the Black community. The celebration is held annually, and has continued to grow in popularity over the years. The day is filled with praying, music and dancing, bringing families together, and plenty of time in community with others.

Check out the links below for more information about Colorado Juneteenth Day events happening on June 19th!

• https://www.denver.org/event/juneteenth-music-festival/82108/
  
• https://www.juneteenthmusicfestival.com/
  
• Bit.ly/bocojune

This past week Breakthrough welcomed our Teaching Fellows to campus as we began our nine-week Teacher Training Program. For the first two weeks of the Teacher Training Program Teaching Fellows complete intensive trainings on classroom management, curriculum and lesson planning, behavior strategies, inclusive classroom spaces, and so much more! Although Breakthrough integrates diversity, equity, and inclusion into every aspect of programming and training, we also conduct an intensive with the Teaching Fellows to ensure our entire community embraces these values. Teaching Fellows are rigorously preparing and ramping up their Breakthrough spirit to deliver quality programming that amplifies our Breakthrough culture and addresses learning loss as a result of COVID-19. We are excited to deliver in-person summer programming to our students, and we are confidently awaiting their arrival to campus in less than a week!

Breakthrough at Kent Denver runs a six week academic Summer Program, and a nine week Teacher Training Program that you have to see to believe! Visitors & volunteers will have the chance to speak to students and teachers, as well as experience the program in action!

If you would like to visit us but are unable to come to any of the dates listed on the Google form linked below, please contact Sarah at sdutcher@kentdenver.org. When you sign up, Sarah will send out an email reminder a week before your visit.

The Summer Program runs from June 21 to July 30, 2021

SUMMER VISIT OPTIONS:

***Program Visit***
Come tour the program and meet students and teachers!

***Volunteer for Shark Tank****
Volunteer to be a Shark Tank judge for our Sophomores and help them explore small business and financial literacy! No prior experience needed.

We want to send a HUGE congratulations to all of our amazing 2021 Breakthrough seniors who graduated this spring! There is no doubt that virtual learning created immense obstacles. We are extremely proud of our seniors and all of our Breakthrough students for working hard, staying dedicated to their education and future goals, and embodying excellence in learning! We want to wrap up our 2020 - 2021 academic year by celebrating another Breakthrough senior who is college bound.

Brys is a graduate of Overland High School. She stayed committed to her College Bound journey and has been accepted to multiple Colorado colleges. She is excited for her future, and plans to begin her studies in the Fall.

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What does Breakthrough mean to you?

"To me, Breakthrough is a place where you can achieve your dreams. No matter if you are a new 7th grade student or a graduating senior, everyone is dedicated to the community and you are provided with endless support to succeed. You meet so many new and awesome people, and experience things that many individuals may never have the opportunity to experience. This program is what elevated my love for learning and opened up so many amazing doors for me. Because of Breakthrough, I understood early that learning doesn’t have to be boring, and it can be so life changing when you bring joy to the classroom. Breakthrough played a huge part in shaping who I am today, as well as my love for education and dedication to my future success."

In what ways has your Breakthrough experience contributed to your College Bound Journey?

"Being a first generation student it was difficult trying to figure out where to start on my College Board journey. From financial aid to deciding on a school, I felt encouraged to reach out to the Breakthrough staff for support when I was confused or in need of assistance. Six years ago, I was stressing on how I would get to college. However, thanks to my College Bound process, it made things smoother and easier to navigate. I have been given many opportunities and am equipped with the stepping stones to reach my highest potential. I am forever grateful that I had the chance to attend Breakthrough because the people I met, the memories I’ve made, and the things I learned will always be dear to my heart."

Email: breakthrough@breakthrough.kentdenver.org
Website: Breakthroughdenver.org
Location: 4000 E Quincy Ave, Englewood, CO, USA
Phone: (720) 225-8997
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakthrough.denver
Twitter: @BreakthroughKD