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Thursday, December 19, 2019

DCIS Connect Newsletter (Dec. 18-25, 2019)

Weekly Newsletter for Parents, Staff and Students

December 19–25, 2019

(Leer en Español usar el traductor de Google aquí.)

ENJOY THE WINTER BREAK!
GET YOUR STUDENT-MADE GIFT BASKETS FOR HOLIDAY GIVING

The DCIS Interact Club is selling student-made gift baskets as a fundraiser to build a house for a family experiencing extreme poverty in Mexico, and we need your help!
 
We are selling themed gift baskets, just in time for the holidays! For a donation of $60 or more to the nonprofit NewStory, you can choose from our coffee, movie night, or cozy winter baskets. Baskets include gift cards, homemade treats, fuzzy socks, snacks, and more. All basket items are made or donated by students!
 
Reserve your basket by emailing teacher sponsor
Sam Wilson-Moses. Baskets can be picked up at school or delivered.
 
We need to raise $6,000 by the end of the school year (we've already raised more than $2,000!) to build a house, so please consider making a donation. Check out the
DCIS NewStory campaign and make a donation.

HAPPENING THIS WEEK ...

  • Dine Out for DCIS: Thursday, Dec. 19, 10 am-10 pm, California Pizza Kitchen inside the Cherry Creek Mall
  • CSC Meeting: Thursday, Dec. 19, 4:30-6:30 pm, DCIS Community Room
  • NO SCHOOL: Dec. 20–Jan. 6

MARK YOUR CALENDAR ...

  • CSC Meeting: Tuesday, Jan. 14, 4:30-6:30 pm, DCIS Community Room
  • NO SCHOOL: Monday, Jan. 20
  • Celebration of 7th Grade Students: Wednesday, Jan. 22, 1:30–2:30 pm
  • Dine Out for DCIS: Wednesday, Jan. 22, 4-8 pm, Hapa Sushi in Cherry Creek 
  • PTSA Board Meeting: Wednesday, Jan. 22, 6 pm, at Hapa Sushi
  • Drama Club One-Acts: Friday, Jan. 31, 6 pm
  • Drama Club One-Acts: Saturday, Feb. 1, 6 pm
  • CSC Meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 4:30-6:30 pm, DCIS Community Room
  • NO SCHOOL: Friday, Feb. 14 and Monday, Feb. 17
 
Dine Out for DCIS TONIGHT, Thursday, Dec. 19, at California Pizza Kitchen inside Cherry Creek Mall  from 10 am to 10 pm. 20% of sales get donated to DCIS PTSA!
FROM THE PRINCIPAL ...

Greetings DCIS Community:

As many of you know, we are in the middle of the principal search process. There were interviews last Thursday — many thanks to all those folks who participated. From those interviews, three candidates were moved forward. Unfortunately for me, I was not one of them. While this is indeed a bummer for me as I want to continue as the leader and I see soooo much potential, I remain optimistic that the school will be getting a strong new leader that will continue to make DCIS an amazing place to be. 
 
Pending interviews with the superintendent tomorrow, Friday, we should be finding out soon who the new principal will be. As the interim, I'm excited to continue the work this year, and I'm committed to help the new principal get set up to be incredibly successful.
 
Finally, please be sure to enjoy the gift that is winter break. Enjoy the company of family and friends. Enjoy your children. Bake something together. Take time to go to a movie with your teenager who probably wants to be going to a movie with someone else. Laugh! Eat a food together you have never tried. Make the best ice cream sundae or milkshake ever! Enjoy ... I know I will.


Cheers,
Dr. Gamba
JOIN THE CSC!
 
The DCIS Collaborative School Committee (CSC) is looking for one more parent/guardian member to join our committee. The purpose and scope of the CSC is to enhance student achievement and school climate and to provide strategic direction supporting the school's mission and vision, as articulated in the Unified Improvement Plan (UIP).

Find more information and the nomination form 
here (English) and here (Espanol). Self-nomination is highly encouraged. Please return your nomination(s) to the office or to dcis.connect@gmail.com no later than Friday, Jan. 3. Ballots will go out on Monday, Jan. 6.
TRAVEL CENTER NEWS ... 

DCIS Foundation will be holding a second round to apply for travel scholarships. Winter applications will be open Jan. 17-31. All forms will be open and available at that time on our website. New policy: No group applications are accepted for grades 9-12. Group applications must come in as one group at one time for one trip.

BIG THANK-YOUS to all those who attended the Festa Italiana and the Pizzeria Locale fundraiser. You are helping make travel accessible to ALL students at DCIS. 

Also, CONGRATULATIONS to Marie Meyer for putting together an incredible Travel Fair. A huge effort on her part. We had so many amazing vendors with a sea of information for student travelers. 

CIEE — Feb. 14, second deadline — DCIS offers two rounds for applying to their programs and scholarships. DCIS is the ONLY school in the Mountain West to have earned the designation of Global Navigator School. This means our students who complete quality applications are given priority for scholarships amounting to $25,000, giving them a unique opportunity to receive funds, particularly for language and culture programs. Please apply for these intensive, high-quality programs! Discover CIEE programs here


Sister City trip for high school students to Japan — Application deadline: Wednesday, Dec. 18; cost $3,500; Dates: June 3-18. Sister City trips focus on connection with the people in the towns visited, including home stays. See their website or the Travel Center Facebook page for more information.

Walking Tree Guatemala trip — We need just one more student to qualify for two of our DCIS teachers to travel with students. If you have been on the fence, the time to sign up is now! Contact Kristen Miller

RAISE YOUR HAND... 

COLLABORATIVE SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Our next meeting will be Thursday, Dec. 19, at 4:30 pm in the Community Room. As always, we welcome public comment at our meetings. If you are unable to attend a meeting, please reach out to one of your constituency members.

PTSA
Looking for a volunteer opportunity where you can make an impact in the DCIS community? Consider joining the PTSA Board of Directors for a two-year term, beginning next fall with the 2020-21 school year. We are recruiting individuals who are interested in running for the following officer positions: President, Vice President and Secretary. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Lucy Rosas or call 602-315-6257. Elections will be held in March 2020.


TEACHER WISH LISTS
If you've been thinking about making a donation by purchasing something from the wish list of a favorite teacher, now's the time! Check out the wish list herePlease don't forget to go to smile.amazon.com before checkout and select our organization (search for DCIS PTSA) as your AmazonSmile under My Account. There is no cost to you, and Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to the DCIS PTSA.

SENIOR SERVICE PROJECT NEEDS YOUR HELP
 
Fundraising for the senior service project to install the DCIS logo on the school fence has almost reached the halfway point. Please help these three seniors reach their goal by the end of the calendar year — just 13 more days! Check out the project here and the donation page here.

CONNECT ...

DCIS Website
DCIS Facebook Page
DCIS Parents Group (closed, non-school-sanctioned) on Facebook
DCIS Drama Club Facebook 
DCIS Travel Center Facebook
DCIS Foundation Facebook
 
DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL. Please send questions or comments to dcis.connect@gmail.com
Every Thursday while school is in session, you'll receive this DCIS Connect newsletter in your email inbox to keep you up to date on all the events and happenings at our school. It's also available on the DCIS Connect app, which you can download at the Apple Store or Google Play.

If you don't wish to receive the newsletter, click the Unsubscribe link below. If you're receiving multiple copies of the newsletter, please email dcis.connect@gmail.com to report the problem; be sure to indicate your first and last name and preferred email address so we can update our records.

Newsletter submissions are due by noon on the Tuesday preceding the issue date. Email submissions to dcis.connect@gmail.com
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Copyright © 2019 DCIS Connect Newsletter, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email newsletter because you are a member of the DCIS community. If you do not wish to receive the newsletter, please click the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email.

Our mailing address is:
DCIS Connect Newsletter
574 W. 6th Ave.
Denver, CO 80204

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Thursday, December 12, 2019

DCIS Connect Newsletter (Dec 12-18, 2019)

Weekly Newsletter for Parents, Staff and Students

December 12–18, 2019

(Leer en Español usar el traductor de Google aquí.)
DCIS COMMUNICATIONS

We're looking at ways to optimize school/community communications and are trialing a new approach this week, which essentially involves culling information from the newsletter and school-related Facebook pages and sending it out in bite-size pieces through the Flyer app. If you don't have the app, you can find instructions for downloading it here.

You'll notice an uptick in app notifications, but may find it easier to weed through those and open the ones that interest you rather than scrolling through the newsletter that comes out once a week. On the other hand, you may prefer all your information in one place, as the newsletter provides. In any event, we thank you for your patience as we explore ways to optimize our communications with you.

Next week, we'll send out a survey to see what communication channels you primarily use now, which you would prefer to use, how we're doing on communications, etc.

HAPPENING THIS WEEK ...

  • Travel and Language Fair: Thursday, Dec. 12, 5-8 pm, DCIS Cafeteria and Gym
  • Principal Candidates Forum: Thursday, Dec. 12, 6 pm, Auditorium

MARK YOUR CALENDAR ...

  • Dine Out for DCIS: Thursday, Dec. 19, 10 am-10 pm, California Pizza Kitchen inside the Cherry Creek Mall
  • CSC Meeting: Thursday, Dec. 19, 4:30-6:30 pm, DCIS Community Room
  • NO SCHOOL: Dec. 20–Jan. 6
TRAVEL FAIR ...
 
Please join us on Thursday, Dec. 12, from 5 to 8 pm for the Travel and Language Fair, a free event that is open to the public and will include tacos and coffee for sale, as well as many exhibitors in the cafeteria and gym, and the opportunity to do some holiday shopping at our World Bazaar. Please invite your neighbors, family and friends, and come join us! 
FROM THE PRINCIPAL ...

Greetings DCIS Community:

While I know we are all super busy at this time of the year, I truly hope you can prioritize some time to come to the Travel and Language Fair tonight from 5 to 8 pm here at DCIS. 
 
While education within the walls of a school building is important, I fundamentally believe in the learning that comes from experiences outside of a school building. I believe so much in the power of travel and experiencing other cultures that I moved with my wife and three children to Mexico for three years. Living and traveling abroad is an AMAZING experience, and I know how fortunate my own children are to have had these opportunities. As a father, I'll be there to learn about other opportunities.
 
Please come, listen, learn and dream about how to help your child experience what will most likely be a life-changing experience. 


Cheers,
Dr. Gamba
PRINCIPAL CANDIDATE FORUM TONIGHT
 
Please attend the Community Forum at 6 pm TONIGHT, Thursday, Dec. 12, in the auditorium at DCIS. The forum will allow the community to hear from principal candidate finalists. All members of the DCIS community are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Simultaneous interpretation in Spanish will be provided.
DCIS FOUNDATION ... 

Thank you to everyone who donated during Colorado Gives Day. The DCIS Foundation raised $1,809.28, all of which will go toward student scholarships. We are grateful for everyone's donations and consideration. Thank you!

Keep checking our website 
for new information and winter scholarship dates coming soon. 

TRAVEL FAIR SPOTLIGHT ...
 
Global Leadership Adventures operates spring and summer programs for high school students across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe. GLA combines meaningful community service and immersion, hands-on learning, and adventure to create the ultimate experience abroad.

GLA offers two types of programs. Our traditional Service-Learning programs, with a focus on sustainable volunteer projects, allow students to  work alongside community members in developing countries around a central theme such as Public Health, Children & Education, or Animals & Wildlife. Our Europe Discovery programs offer both country exploration and thematic discovery of some of the most historically and culturally important locations in Europe.

Our service-learning philosophy, strong international partnerships, full-service parent support, 5-point safety system and expert staff make GLA a truly life-changing experience for teens!


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RAISE YOUR HAND... 

COLLABORATIVE SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Our next meeting will be Thursday, Dec. 19, at 4:30 pm in the Community Room. As always, we welcome public comment at our meetings. If you are unable to attend a meeting, please reach out to one of your constituency members.

PTSA
Looking for a volunteer opportunity where you can make an impact in the DCIS community? Consider joining the PTSA Board of Directors for a two-year term, beginning next fall with the 2020-21 school year. We are recruiting individuals who are interested in running for the following officer positions: President, Vice President and Secretary. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Lucy Rosas or call 602-315-6257. Elections will be held in March 2020.


TEACHER WISH LISTS
If you've been thinking about making a donation by purchasing something from the wish list of a favorite teacher, now's the time! Check out the wish list herePlease don't forget to go to smile.amazon.com before checkout and select our organization (search for DCIS PTSA) as your AmazonSmile under My Account. There is no cost to you, and Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to the DCIS PTSA.

CENSUS BUREAU LOOKING FOR WORKERS 18+
 
The Census Bureau is looking for workers 18+ — a wonderful opportunity for some seniors, staff and parent/community nembers.
 
Earn extra income while helping your community! The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people across the country to assist with the 2020 Census count.
 
Most 2020 Census positions will likely last several weeks. These temporary positions can include census takers, recruiting assistants, office staff and supervisory staff. They feature:
  • Competitive wages (Census taker positions in Denver and Jefferson counties = $20.50/hour plus mileage reimbursement)
  • Weekly paychecks
  • Flexible hours
  • Paid training
ARTS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION ... 

VISUAL ARTS
Seventh graders (and a few others) went to see the Monet exhibit at the Denver Art Museum, as well as the Shantel Martin works throughout the museum. They got to see this collection on its only U.S. stop! In the spring, students will learn firsthand how to paint like Monet or create large-scale works like Martin's.  
 
All Art students' artwork will be on display today, Dec. 12, from 5 to 8 pm at the DCIS Travel & Language Fair. Look for artworks and student-artisan-created crafts for sale in the front atrium across from the auditorium doors. This artwork will stand in as part of students' final exam in Art. Please stop by!
 
Check out the Experience America table if you are interested in an art trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, over Spring Break 2021. This trip will include lots of hands-on art experiences as well as local food and music,  and a visit to Meow Wolf! If you've never been to Santa Fe, it's like going to another world, steeped in Spanish colonial and Native American culture.
 

Calendar of Visual Art Events

DRAMA

The One Acts will be on Friday, Jan. 31, and Saturday, Feb. 1, at 6 pm. Students $3, Adults $5. Tickets sold only at the door.

TRAVEL CENTER NEWS ... 

TRAVEL NEWS

Sister City trip for high school students to Japan — Application deadline: Wednesday, Dec. 18; cost $3,500; Dates: June 3-18. Sister City trips focus on connection with the people in the towns visited, including home stays. See their website or the Travel Center Facebook page for more information.

Walking Tree Guatemala trip — We need just one more student to qualify for two of our DCIS teachers to travel with students. If you have been on the fence, the time to sign up is now! Contact Kristen Miller

Luby-Jenkins Mongolian-US Student Exchange Program - DEADLINE EXTENDED to JAN. 10; drop by the Travel Center for information and applications. This is a highly impactful program sponsored by the Denver Sister Cities. Please email Sally Bishop for a program description and application. 


SUPPORT STUDENT TRAVEL
Friday, Dec. 13, 4-7 pm: Festa Italiana at the Alliance Française — Wine tasting, Italian appetizers, silent auction (including mountain cabin retreat, tamales, zoo passes, services, art), contemporary Italian music, and a festive atmosphere. Come support our Italian exchange students! Tickets can be purchased through Venmo at "DCIS Italian Exchange," the Travel Center Facebook page through Eventbrite, the Travel Center on Mondays and Tuesdays, or at the door. Space is limited, so it's best to buy ahead of time.

Calling all coffee lovers! The Italian Cultural Exchange will be selling coffee from Copper Door Coffee Roasters that has a location right here in the Baker neighborhood. This women-owned and -run business imports coffee by women-owned coffee farms around the world. Samples will be available at the DCIS play nights, and bags will be sold at the DCIS Travel & Language Fair and by order from any student participating in the Italian Exchange. Support women, support student travel! Buy your delicious coffee from our travelers. 

CONNECT ...

DCIS Website
DCIS Facebook Page
DCIS Parents Group (closed, non-school-sanctioned) on Facebook
DCIS Drama Club Facebook 
DCIS Travel Center Facebook
DCIS Foundation Facebook

 
DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL. Please send questions or comments to dcis.connect@gmail.com
Every Thursday while school is in session, you'll receive this DCIS Connect newsletter in your email inbox to keep you up to date on all the events and happenings at our school. It's also available on the DCIS Connect app, which you can download at the Apple Store or Google Play.

If you don't wish to receive the newsletter, click the Unsubscribe link below. If you're receiving multiple copies of the newsletter, please email dcis.connect@gmail.com to report the problem; be sure to indicate your first and last name and preferred email address so we can update our records.

Newsletter submissions are due by noon on the Tuesday preceding the issue date. Email submissions to dcis.connect@gmail.com
Twitter
Facebook
Website
Copyright © 2019 DCIS Connect Newsletter, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email newsletter because you are a member of the DCIS community. If you do not wish to receive the newsletter, please click the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email.

Our mailing address is:
DCIS Connect Newsletter
574 W. 6th Ave.
Denver, CO 80204

Add us to your address book


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

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