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What Does The Fox Say?
February 1, 2024
Below, find a community letter from Ms. Phillips, STL & Literacy Interventionist
Unlocking the Mystery of School Conversations
I can’t believe it is already February! I hope this newsletter finds you into a good rhythm after what feels like 50 days of January. With that in mind, I hope this newsletter is found to be valuable to the little time we have as parents.
Ever found yourself grappling with the age-old question, "How was school today?" and receiving nothing more than a one-word response, “Good”? As a parent of four school-aged children, I know the struggle all too well. Now, can you imagine a game-changing solution that not only includes a sense of fun but also sparks meaningful conversations with your children?
Introducing the "High, Low, Ha" Game!
What is "High, Low, Ha"?
"High, Low, Ha" is a simple yet effective game designed to help kids share the highlights and challenges of their day in a more engaging way. This game provides a structured framework for conversation, making it easier for parents and children to connect on a deeper level.
How to Play:
High: Ask your child about the high point of their day. What made them feel happy, excited, or proud?
Low: Inquire about the low point of their day. Did they encounter any challenges or disappointments?
Ha: Encourage them to share something fun or amusing that happened during the day. This could be a funny story, a joke, or a playful moment.
Why "High, Low, Ha"?
Encourages Reflection: By focusing on the high and low points, your child learns to reflect on their emotions and experiences.
Promotes Communication: The structured format of the game makes it easier for kids to express themselves and share more than just a one word response.
Builds Connection: Engaging in meaningful conversations fosters a stronger bond between parents and children.
Tips for a Successful "High, Low, Ha" Session:
Be Patient: Give your child the time they need to think and express themselves.
Share Your Own Experiences: Lead by example; share your high, low, and ha moments to create a sense of openness.
Create a Safe Space: Ensure your child feels comfortable sharing both positive and challenging experiences.
The great thing about “High, Low, Ha” is you can do this anywhere: in the car, at the dinner table, or even as a part of your bedtime routine. Try incorporating "High, Low, Ha" into your daily routine, and watch how it transforms the way you connect with your child about their school day. Remember, the goal is not just to get information but to build a foundation for open communication.
I'd love to hear your experiences with the "High, Low, Ha" game! Feel free to share your success stories or any other creative ways you've found to connect with your kids about their school day.
Wishing you joyful conversations and stronger connections with your little ones!
Mrs. Phillips
Literacy Intervention
Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic en el botón "traducir" en la parte superior de la página.
Important Dates
2/2/24: Celebration of Learning , 1:40pm-2:40pm
2/5/24: Inspire Spelling Bee, 5:30pm-6:30pm
2/7/24 - 2/20/24: Family Conferences (by sign up only)
2/9/24: Spirit Day, Lunar New Year - wear red or year of the dragon
2/9/24: 2nd Grade Field Trip, Denver Museum of Nature and Science
2/9/24: Asian Heritage Celebration Field Trip, Art Museum
2/13/24: Spirit Day: 100th Day of School (wear a 100 anything ex: buttons, dress like you're 100, etc.)
2/14/24: Spirit Day: Valentine's/Friendship Day (wear red/pink or positive message)
2/14/24: CSC Meeting, 4:00pm-5:30pm
2/14/24: 3rd-4th Grade Art/Music Showcase, 5:30pm-6:30pm
2/16/24: NO SCHOOL, Professional Development Day
2/19/24: NO SCHOOL, President's Day
2/20/24: NO SCHOOL, Family Conferences
2/21/24: PTO Meeting, 6:30pm-7:30pm
2/27/24: ECE Field Trip, Denver Botanic Garden
2/28/24: 1st Grade Field Trip, Denver Aquarium
3/1/24: First Friday, wear Inspire gear, colors or fox
Spirit Day, Friday 2/9/24 - Lunar New Year
This year is the year of the dragon. Students can wear dragon themed clothing or wear red. For more information on the Lunar New Year click here.
Spirit Day, Tuesday, 2/13/24 -100th Day of School
One of the major standards in kindergarten is counting to 100 by ones and by tens! Let's help them celebrate the 100th Day of School. Students can wear a hundred of something (buttons, etc.) or dress like they are one hundred years old!
Spirit Day, Wednesday, 2/14/24 - Valentine's/Friendship Day
- Students may wear pink, red, hearts or positive messages to celebrate Valentine's / Friendship Day!
- Classroom teachers might request parent volunteers to come in for a craft/activity during Morning Meeting. Please connect with your child's homeroom teacher if you are interested and be sure to complete the Inspire Event Registration.
CSC Meeting, 2/14/24, 4:00pm-5:30pm
- Join Zoom Meeting, Meeting ID: 889 9135 5574, Passcode: xdnf7P
- Agenda items include CSC Mid-Year reflection, BESS Parent Engagement Update, Compensation Philosophy, CSC Parent Engagement - Equity, Parent Advisory Council Share Out
- Request for public comment can be submitted here.
- To request interpretation services during the meeting, please email Gabbi Rodriguez at gabriella_rodriguez@dpsk12.net.
PTO Fundraiser - Restaurant Night, 2/18/24
- From 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Chipotle
- Located at 7400 E 29th Ave, Denver, CO 80238
- Let them know you are with Inspire Elementary at purchase and the school earns a percentage!
PTO Meeting, 2/24/24, 6:30pm-7:30pm
Long Table Brewhouse located at 2895 Fairfax St., Denver
PTO Spring Auction, 3/9/24 at 6:30pm
- Come on Barbie, let's go party!
- Upper Larimer located at 3034 Larimer St. Denver, CO 80205
- Purchase tickets for $75 using this link
PTO Auction Themed T-shirts for Sale!
Purchase your T-shirts using this order form.
PTO Spring Auction Basket Donations
Inspire Families! Help us fill the auction baskets for the spring event! Please check out the Amazon wishlists below. Thank you so much for your support!
- ECE: Spa-Tacular & Kids Kraft Box
- Kinder: S'More Fun Anywhere & I'm Bored
- 1st: Leggo My Lego & Ski Apres
- 2nd: ColoRADo
- 3rd: Wake Me Up & Just Beach
- 4th: Golfer's Delight & Whiskey Lovin'
- 5th: Pink Dreams & Mojo Dojo Casa House
PTO Spring Auction Wine Pull Donations
Donations of wine (valued at $20 or more) are needed to stock the wine pull at the PTO Auction Night. Taking donations now thru March 8th.
Porch drop-off locations:
- Beeler Park: 5793 Chester Way
- Willow Park East 5440 Tamarac Way
- Wicker Park 5224 Chester Street
- North End 10205 E 59th Ave
A Message from Dr. Rice, Gifted & Talented Coordinator
You may be interested in learning more about an upcoming forum for Gifted Families.
- Gifted Family Forum - Saturday, 2/10/24 from 8:00 - 11:30. This is a learning and networking event designed for families with gifted children. Explore how to nurture your child’s talents to help them fulfill their potential.
- Parents often have questions/wonderings about toys and games for Gifted and Talented. Here is a link to a Toy and Game Resource Page created by the NAGC (National Association for Gifted and Talented). It lists numerous companies that may offer options to explore regarding advanced engagement that you may not often see listed:
Per DPS Extended Learning Community - Summer 2024 Camp Offerings
Registration for the Discovery Link Summer Camp is now open. The program will be offered at 15 schools across the District. Registration for Exploration Enrichment Summer Camp at University Park will open on Monday, Jan. 29 at 6 a.m. Both programs are eight-week camps, running from June 10 through Aug. 2. For more information and to register for these camps, visit our Summer Camps Website or email discovery_link@dpsk12.org.
Community Resources
Migrant Community Resources
Central Park & Park Hill Migrant Support Facebook group to organize ways to help migrants who are currently staying at the city-run shelter at Comfort Inn off of Peoria and I-70. There are many ways you can help:
Join the Central Park & Park Hill Migrant Support Group on Facebook to connect with other community volunteers or migrants.
Learn more about what’s going on at DenverMigrantHelp.com.
Sign up on Meal Train to serve a hot meal to migrants outside the Comfort Inn (the group serves lunch every day).
Support-A-Family: Sign up to be matched directly with a migrant family. Click here for more info about the program.
Donate needed items: Purchase items off the group's Amazon Wishlist or donate gently used, cleaned and sorted items to a nonprofit near you.
Social-Emotional Learning for Families Online at DPS FACE University
FACE University is a resource and learning hub for families in Denver Metro. An upcoming sessions is scheduled on Thursday, Feb. 8, 5-6 p.m.: Social-Emotional Learning 101 -- Join us to learn what SEL is, how it is used in schools and why it is important. RSVP here.
Every Day Learning at Inspire
5th Grade Field Trip, AmeriTowne
First Annual Classroom Spelling Bee
Inspire Elementary
Email: linda_august@dpsk12.net
Website: https://inspire.dpsk12.org/
Location: 5650 N. Elmira Ct., Denver, CO, 80238
Phone: (720) 424-4850