(Leer en Español usar el traductor de Google aquí.)
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 at the end. 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 10 am on the Tuesday preceding the issue date. Email submissions to dcis.connect@gmail.com.
PTSA ACADEMICS FAMILY NIGHT Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6-7:30 pm, DCIS Cafeteria
Please join us for a conversation with Principal Theresa McCorquodale about DCIS' most recent School Performance Framework (SPF) scores and what they mean. The SPF is like a report card for schools, telling us important information about how much our students have improved their scores on state tests from year to year, and how satisfied our students and families are with our school. We can then use this information to make any necessary changes in the classroom and to bring in additional supports where needed. The evening will also include PTSA elections and updates. Dinner, child care and simultaneous interpretation provided. So we can make sure we provide enough food for dinner, please take a moment to RSVP here.
DCIS Drama Presents The Phantom Tollbooth: Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 16-18, 6–8 pm, DCIS Auditorium
NO SCHOOL (Fall Break): Monday-Friday, Nov. 20-24
One-Act Plays Auditions: Monday–Tuesday, Dec. 4–5, 3:05–4:30 pm, Auditorium (signup sheet on Auditorium door)
Coffee with the Principal (English): Wednesday, Dec. 6, 8:15–9:15 am, DCIS Community Room 103
One-Act Plays Callbacks: Wednesday, Dec. 6, 3–5 pm, Auditorium
"Light Up the DCIS Stage" Gala: Wednesday, Dec. 6, 6–7:30 pm, Auditorium
Open House for Prospective Students: Thursday, Dec. 7, 7:50–9 am
Family Holiday Party: Thursday, Dec. 7, 6–7:30 pm, details to come
LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL ...
Dear DCIS Parents,
Calling all parents … We need your help to improve student attendance! One of our priority goals for the year is to improve our attendance rate by 1 percent in both middle school and high school. Last year at this time, our attendance rate for both middle school and high school was 94.3 percent. This year, however, our current attendance rate for middle school is 93%, down 1.3 percent from this time last year, and the high school attendance rate is 92.9 percent, down 1.4 percent from this time last year. In other words, we are going in the wrong direction! So we need your help. Please reinforce with your child the importance of attending school every day.
In a related issue, we also are working on student tardies. Each day we have a number of students who are tardy to class throughout the school day. We will be implementing a tardy policy next week that will assign lunch detention to students who are tardy to two or more classes over the course of an eight-period day. Look for a separate letter regarding the new tardy policy by the end of the week. With your help, we can make sure that students get to class on time and avoid missing important instruction.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in improving both student attendance and student tardies. Parents and school staff partnering together is a powerful combination and assuredly will help us meet our goal! So, thanks!
In other news, we are looking forward to our big evening Open House next week for prospective students and parents on Wednesday, Nov. 8. All current parents are invited to attend and help welcome prospective parents for the 2018-19 school year, as well as answer their questions and share your experience at DCIS. We have heard loud and clear that prospective parents love to talk with current parents so they can get the full scoop! If you have time on Nov. 8 to stop by our Open House between 6 and 7:30 pm and interact with prospective parents, please do! Your voice and participation are part of what makes our school great. And, of course, if you know of any current 5th or 8th graders who are shopping for a middle school/high school for next school year, please invite them to the Open House next week.
Thanks to all parents who were able to attend our Parent/Teacher Conferences this week. We appreciate you and thank you for your involvement. If you did not attend conferences or pick up your child's report card at that time, please look for the report card to come home with your child next week. Enjoy the student holiday tomorrow (Nov. 3).
Theresa McCorquodale DCIS Principal
Our PTSA-sponsored Día de los Muertos FREE family field trip to the Botanic Gardens' Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 4, is THIS SATURDAY! (Admission on this date and the bus ride are both free.) We'll have two buses leaving the school from the south parking lot at 11:30 am, returning from the gardens at 4:30 pm. If you haven't yet reserved seats on the bus, now's the time! You can do that by clicking here or by texting or calling Melisa at 303-507-1256. If you'd rather drive, we're happy to meet you at the gardens so we can enjoy the afternoon together as a school community.
RAISE YOUR HAND ... FUNDRAISING AND EVENTS TEAM MEETING It's time for our next gathering! Please join us on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 6-7:30 pm in the DCIS Community Room to learn about the fun events and fundraising efforts we have coming down the pike. And we'll have SNACKS! RSVP to let us know whether you can make it.
TRAVEL AND EXCHANGE OPPORTUNITIES...
MEET THE MIDDLE EAST-YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM Since 2008, Meet the Middle East has been leading teens to the Middle East through its Youth Ambassador Program — a fun and exciting seven-month program designed to educate high school students in four disciplines. To learn more, click here.
IMPACT OF TRAVEL ON DCIS STUDENTS
The Denver Center for International Studies Foundation is grateful for your support and would like to invite you to see what you have helped us accomplish. On Tuesday, Nov. 7, 6–7:30 pm, DCIS Foundation scholarship recipients (from DCIS Baker) will share the impact of their travel experiences at the DCIS Foundation Student Presentation event. The event will be held at Su Teatro, 721 Santa Fe Drive. Desserts and nonalcoholic beverages will be served (a cash bar will be available). The event is FREE—you will not be asked to make a donation. It is simply an opportunity for us to say thank-you and offer the chance to witness firsthand the difference you make to the students we serve.
YEARBOOKS
Preorder your yearbook and save!
Yearbooks are available for just $40, but prices go up in DECEMBER, so get yours now! You can purchase a yearbook online by clicking here, contacting Mrs. Hoffman at abby_hoffman@dpsk12.org, or visiting room 216A anytime. Pay by cash/check in person or by credit card online.
All senior section materials (senior picture, senior quote and a baby picture) are due by 3 pm on Friday, Dec. 8. Please email your items (.jpeg or PDF files) to dcisphoenixyearbook@gmail.com.
