DSST: Aurora Science & Tech Middle School

URGENT: No School for Denver DSST schools Friday, 3/24

03/23/23, 1:06 PM

DSST Families,

I know that this has been a hard 24 hours for the education community and our students and families following the East High School incident. I am sorry that we all have had to experience the sadness and emotions of this tragedy.  

We have just learned that our partners at Denver Public Schools are canceling school for all DPS schools on Friday, March 24. Because of this decision, our campuses in Denver will not have transportation or meal services, and all DSST schools in Denver will be closed tomorrow as well. (Our Aurora campus will be open.)

This is not a change for our middle school families, as all of our middle schools had a previously scheduled professional day tomorrow. However, this will mean a change for our high school families. If your school had conferences scheduled for tomorrow, they will be rescheduled, and your school will share more information soon. DPS will provide food pick-up sites, and those locations can be found here. We know this last-minute change presents challenges for our high school families, and I apologize for any inconveniences this may cause. 

Lastly, as a parent, I know the challenges traumatic events like this present for our children. Here are some resources you can continue to use as parents when talking with your children:

• I Matter is a free program to provide mental health support for students.

• Contact the Mental Health Center of Denver at 303-504-1500 to find a community-based therapist if you or your student need additional support.

• Information about the role of caring adults can be found here.

• Information about talking to children about violence can be found here.

• If you are concerned about your student, please reach out to their advisor so they can be connected with our mental health team.

I hope you are able to enjoy spring break next week with your families.

 

My best,

Bill Kurtz