DCIS Connect Newsletter (Feb. 14-20, 2019)

Weekly Newsletter for Parents, Staff and Students February 14-20, 2019 (Leer en Español usar el traductor de Google aquí.) 8th GRADE FAMILIES: SCHOOL CHOICE A reminder for all families with 8th graders: The DPS SchoolChoice window opened on Tuesday, Jan. 15, and the deadline for turning in applications has been extended to Wednesday, Feb. 20. All current DCIS 8th graders who wish to stay are automatically granted admission to DCIS High School, but in order to secure your spot, you must fill out the DPS SchoolChoice application, selecting DCIS High School as your choice. You can apply online here. HAPPENING THIS WEEK ... NO SCHOOL — Presidents' Day: Monday, Feb. 18 DPS Choice Applications Due for 8th Graders Continuing at DCIS (deadline extended): Wednesday, Feb. 20 MARK YOUR CALENDAR ... PTSA Social, Pour Painting Night: Come build community with us! Friday, March 8, 6-8 pm, Cafeteria PTSA Meeting, Planning 2019-2020: Thursday, March 14, 6-8 pm, Community Room SPRING BREAK: Monday, March 25–Friday, March 29 FROM THE ACTING PRINCIPAL ... DCIS Community,   As I write this, we are thrilled that there is a tentative agreement between the DCTA and DPS, and we are running our Blue Day schedule.   We recognize that any change in routine in frustrating and confusing and that this week brought that up for our school community. It was also wonderful to know how much care, humanity and support there is across all members of this school, including families, for both what was happening outside of the building and what the students who came to school every day were experiencing. As always, all DCIS team members at every grade level are committed to your children's safety and growth toward global citizenship, and we will continue to work together on this moving forward. You will continue to see a united team effort from all of us as we work together today and every day.   In the coming weeks we know there will be musical auditions, fundraising for several exciting programs and adventures, and the important work of mastering the skills and knowledge needed for Passages, Portfolios, CMAS, PSAT, SAT and the future. We look forward to re-engaging in our strong school routines, and we'll always push all our students to do their best and be their best selves.   I am eager to meet and talk with more of you as I work in this role as acting principal. I thank you for your ongoing partnership in this special school. Please reach out to me directly if you'd like to set up a time to talk together about our work. (jenn_zinn@dpsk12.org)   Looking forward, Jenn Zinn Acting Principal DCIS DRAMA UPDATE Auditions for "The Drowsy Chaperone" will be Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 19-20, by signup. Callbacks are on Friday, Feb. 22. Rehearsals will begin Monday, Feb. 25, and the cast/crew list will be emailed out. The performance dates are Thursday-Saturday, May 9-11, at 6 pm in the DCIS Auditorium.  RAISE YOUR HAND ... PTSA Build Our Community Please see this week's SignUp Genius for specific asks for a T-shirt seller, photographer, auction treasurer, classroom parents (every grade) and 10th grade trip fundraiser. We also need help with communications, teacher appreciation, advocacy and fundraising. Let us know if there is something else you can offer ... we would love to hear from you! Pour Painting: Community Social The DCIS PTSA is excited to announce that we will be having a Pour Painting night on Friday, March 8, 6-8 pm in the DCIS Cafeteria for International Women's Day. All are welcome! The painting project will be hosted by Spectra Art Space. The event starts with writing a manifestation on the back of the canvas, which the host will provide. Then, each individual is given a cup to fill with different colors of paint, each color labeled with a feeling or emotion such as gratitude, compassion, etc. Afterward, participants are invited to share their manifestation and how they feel about their painting.  The cost for each participant is $25, and parents are encouraged to bring a friend or two. A second painting can be done for $10 more. These could be nice gifts, but the intent is to bring our parents together and create community within the school. Students are welcome to participate at their parent's discretion.  Please sign up by sending an email to Angela. PTSA Meeting MARK YOUR CALENDAR for Thursday, March 14, for a PTSA meeting from 6 to 8 pm in the Community Room to start our planning for the 2019-2020 school year. We can really use your input!  Please see our SignUp Genius for specific asks, but we would love to hear from you if there is something else you would like to offer. Bringing something to eat or drink is optional, but much appreciated. Everyone welcome. FUNDRAISING SPOTLIGHT ...  Yoga Mats and Beanbag Chairs  Do you have any unused yoga mats and/or beanbag chairs lying around? Mr. Holden, our librarian, reports that many students have recently started using the library as a place to eat lunch, study and socialize, and that he could use some yoga mats and beanbag chairs in order to make the space more welcoming and comfortable. He believes the library "should be a space for kids looking to take a break from the stress of school." He and Claire Weiser, a teaching assistant, are looking to teach yoga in the library on occasion and think about six yoga mats and five beanbag chairs would be sufficient. He is looking for something similar to these available on Amazon: yoga mats and beanbag chairs.    Please email Marie if you want to donate these items, or you can give money directly by clicking on the button to the right. Please put "Library" in the "Add Special Instructions to the Seller" field. Thank you in advance for your generosity! DCIS TRAVELS AND HOSTING ...  HOSTING EXCHANGE STUDENTS CHANGES LIVES My name is Derek Chandler, and I wanted to share a little about our experience as a host family. My family and I first decided to host a high school exchange student about nine years ago. We decided to host because we were thinking of adopting. We started with a student from Norway (who ended up staying and going to CU Boulder) and fell in love with the experience. So we kept on hosting. Thirteen kids later, here we are. Ten have gone to DCIS.  I can say that hosting an exchange student changed my life and my family's lives. We are better people for doing this. These kids become family, and we now have family all over the world. I've enjoyed hosting so much that I now volunteer for the program and help connect American families with students. We are looking for host families for the 2019-20 school year for students in the EF High School Exchange Year program. They have their own health insurance and spending money. The student's American family would provide a bedroom, meals at home and a loving home to call their own. Email me today to find out how you can make a student's American dream come true.  You might recognize a few of these familiar faces who have graced the halls of DCIS: MEET THE MIDDLE EAST DCIS students have a unique opportunity to learn more about one of the world's most important and intriguing regions. Meet the Middle East has extended a special invitation to all DCIS high school students — automatic acceptance to the Youth Ambassador Program, taking place June 10-19.   Application deadline: Monday, Feb. 25   Please see their website for more information, or contact DCIS Travel Coordinator Sally Bishop. ADOLESCO EXCHANGE Are you ready to spread your wings to France, Germany, Italy or Spain?  We offer a unique, two-way exchange program that gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new language and new culture AND to host your carefully matched exchange partner in turn.   At ADOLESCO YOUTH EXCHANGE we will match you with a student about your own age in France, Germany, Italy or Spain (your choice); you will decide exactly WHEN (whatever's best for your schedule) and for HOW LONG (between 6 and 12 weeks) you want to go on exchange and host as part of our flexible and affordable nonprofit language immersion and cultural exchange program for qualifying students between the ages of 9 and 18. Please join us for an INFO MEETING on Saturday, March 2, 2–4 pm, at the Sam Gary Library in Stapleton. RSVP here, and see the website for more info.  The application deadline is March 15, and matches will be announced by late April.  COUNSELORS' CORNER ...  COUNSELORS Tami Schmidt Middle school 720-423-9006 Melisa Springsteen High school last names A-J 720-423-9105 Ted Brugman  High school last names K-Z 720-423-9094   CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT If your student is enrolled in a concurrent enrollment class, click to see the drop/withdrawal deadlines. Upcoming important dates to add to the calendar. Friday, March 22: 9th grade College Expo Tuesday, April 9: PSAT and SAT testing for grades 9-11 Friday, May 3: 12th grade college signing day during all-school meeting Wednesday, May 22: Graduation Senior Stuff Folder (scholarship newsletter and other information) 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.  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

DCIS Connect Newsletter (Feb. 7-13, 2019)

Weekly Newsletter for Parents, Staff and Students February 7-13, 2019 (Leer en Español usar el traductor de Google aquí.) HAPPENING THIS WEEK ... DCIS Drama Spring Musical Auditions (new dates): Monday-Tuesday, Feb. 11-12, 3-4:30 pm; Callbacks, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 3-4:30 pm MARK YOUR CALENDAR ... DPS Choice Applications Due for 8th Graders Continuing at DCIS: Friday, Feb. 15 NO SCHOOL — Presidents' Day: Monday, Feb. 18 PTSA Social, Pour Painting Night: Come build community with us! Friday, March 8, 6-8 pm, Cafeteria PTSA Meeting, Planning 2019-2020: Thursday, March 14, 6-8 pm, Community Room FROM THE ACTING PRINCIPAL ... Hello DCIS Families:   It is an honor to be joining the DCIS community as we kick off February and head into the final push before spring break. Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me as the acting principal and for all you do to promote excellence at our school.   The school is filled with energy and passion these days. The staff are moving forward with innovative ways to ensure learning for all students that embrace the school's mission and our shared interest in international studies. We are implementing restorative practices in expanded and systemic ways that will lead to a shift in how we leverage relationships and maintain our school culture. And we will continue to seek out new ways to push experiential learning outside this building (thank you to those working with our Travel Center).   I am eager to answer any questions you have as I move forward with supporting the quality work of our teachers, our staff and our students. I will continue to listen and observe this week while also executing on the systems needed to keep our school going. Thank you for your continued partnership! Jennifer Zinn Acting Principal FUNDRAISING SPOTLIGHT ...  PHOENIX FUND We know many of you cannot give more of your time to programs and activities run by the PTSA, but you can contribute financially to the efforts to support cultural enrichment by making a modest monthly donation.  The DCIS PTSA has established the Phoenix Fund for the DCIS community to donate toward the PTSA's parent engagement, school beautification and cultural enrichment efforts. Equity is at the core of the PTSA mission, and this is most evident in our goal of bringing cultural enrichment experiences to underserved students by providing mini-grants to DCIS staff. So far this year the fund has paid for a diverse range of guest speakers, theatre offerings and arts groups that the school budget simply cannot cover. We also provide refreshments at meetings and support various student outings. Please consider making a one-time or recurring direct donation to our Phoenix Fund! All donations are tax-deductible. To find out what your donation supports and how it works, click here: English Espanol. Click on the button below to make a donation. Check the box to make it monthly if you can. Please put "Phoenix Fund" in the "Add Special Instructions to the Seller" field. Donations can also be sent by check to DCIS, made out to DCIS PTSA with Phoenix Fund on the memo line. Thank you! RAISE YOUR HAND ... PTSA Build Our Community Please see this week's SignUp Genius for specific asks for a T-shirt seller, photographer, auction treasurer, classroom parents (every grade) and 10th grade trip fundraiser. We also need help with communications, teacher appreciation, advocacy and fundraising. Let us know if there is something else you can offer ... we would love to hear from you! Pour Painting: Community Social The DCIS PTSA is excited to announce that we will be having a Pour Painting night on Friday, March 8, 6-8 pm in the DCIS Cafeteria for International Women's Day. All are welcome! The painting project will be hosted by Spectra Art Space. The event starts with writing a manifestation on the back of the canvas, which the host will provide. Then, each individual is given a cup to fill with different colors of paint, each color labeled with a feeling or emotion such as gratitude, compassion, etc. Afterward, participants are invited to share their manifestation and how they feel about their painting.  The cost for each participant is $25, and parents are encouraged to bring a friend or two. A second painting can be done for $10 more. These could be nice gifts, but the intent is to bring our parents together and create community within the school. Students are welcome to participate at their parent's discretion.  Please sign up by sending an email to Angela. PTSA Meeting MARK YOUR CALENDAR for Thursday, March 14, for a PTSA meeting from 6 to 8 pm in the Cafeteria to start our planning for the 2019-2020 school year. 8th GRADE FAMILIES A reminder for all families with 8th graders: The DPS SchoolChoice window opened on Tuesday, Jan. 15, and closes on Friday, Feb. 15. All current DCIS 8th graders who wish to stay are automatically granted admission to DCIS High School, but in order to secure your spot, you must fill out the DPS SchoolChoice application, selecting DCIS High School as your choice. You can apply online here. DCIS TRAVELS AND HOSTING ...  MEET THE MIDDLE EAST DCIS Families, our students have a unique opportunity to learn more about one of the world's most important and intriguing regions. Meet the Middle East has extended a special invitation to all DCIS high school students — automatic acceptance to the Youth Ambassador Program taking place June 10-19.   Application deadline: Monday, Feb. 25   Please see their website for more information, or contact DCIS Travel Coordinator Sally Bishop. HOSTING OPPORTUNITY WorldDenver has upcoming spring 2019 home-stay opportunities, including one 10-day youth program in March and two 3-week professionals programs in May and June. Check out the flyer for more information. For potential host families interested in learning more and connecting with existing host families, plan to attend an information session on Thursday, Jan. 31, or Saturday, Feb. 9. Find more information on WorldDenver's website. ADOLESCO EXCHANGE Are you ready to spread your wings to France, Germany, Italy or Spain?  We offer a unique, two-way exchange program that gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new language and new culture AND to host your carefully matched exchange partner in turn.   At ADOLESCO YOUTH EXCHANGE we will match you with a student about your own age in France, Germany, Italy or Spain (your choice); you will decide exactly WHEN (whatever's best for your schedule) and for HOW LONG (between 6 and 12 weeks) you want to go on exchange and host as part of our flexible and affordable nonprofit language immersion and cultural exchange program for qualifying students between the ages of 9 and 18. Please join us for an INFO MEETING on Saturday, March 2, 2–4 pm, at the Sam Gary Library in Stapleton. RSVP here, and see the website for more info.  The application deadline is March 15, and matches will be announced by late April.  RESTORATIVE PRACTICES AT DCIS Thank you to our restorative practices team — Vanessa, Josiah and Linwood — for putting on a great presentation regarding the important work you're doing at DCIS! Restorative practices are skills that will serve all our students well during their time at DCIS and beyond.  Check out the handouts from the presentation, and if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to any of the team. Josiah Ellsworth Vanessa Medina Pasillas Linwood Washington COUNSELORS' CORNER ...  COUNSELORS Tami Schmidt Middle school 720-423-9006 Melisa Springsteen High school last names A-J 720-423-9105 Ted Brugman  High school last names K-Z 720-423-9094   CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT If your student is enrolled in a concurrent enrollment class, click to see the drop/withdrawal deadlines. Upcoming important dates to add to the calendar. Friday, March 22: 9th grade College Expo Tuesday, April 9: PSAT and SAT testing for grades 9-11 Friday, May 3: 12th grade college signing day during all-school meeting Wednesday, May 22: Graduation Senior Stuff Folder (scholarship newsletter and other information) FROM THE DPS OFFICE OF WHOLE CHILD SUPPORTS ... Check out the February calendar of free activities happening in the Denver area. You can also get information about free activities in Denver sent directly to your phone by texting DenverRAP to 67076. 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.  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