Barney Ford Elementary
Weekly Update: October 24, 2024
10/24/24, 8:31 PM
Dear Families,
It’s been a busy week with interim testing and lots of learning! Next week the weather looks like it will be getting colder. Please send your students with warm layers for outdoor recess. Tomorrow is Dollar Dress Down Day!
Thursday, Oct.31st: Halloween Fun Day
We are celebrating Halloween with a day of fun on Thursday, October 31st. Students will watch a fun movie, dance, go trick-or-treating, and more! They have the option to wear their Halloween costumes during the school day. Costumes cannot include any weapons. Please, no gory costumes, blood, guns, knives, swords or full face masks.
No School Friday, Nov. 1st: Teacher Planning Day
There is no school for students the day after Halloween. Teachers will be planning together on Friday. Discovery Link will be open from 7:00-5:30 on Friday if you need child care. Please be sure to register in advance.
First Second Friday: Coffee and Conversation on November 8
Our November Coffee and Conversation with the principals will be on Friday, November 8. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. We have a free coffee bar and the event is a great time to meet with the principals, hear about school news, ask questions, and meet other community members.
November’s topic is “Raising Media Smart Kids: Tips on Managing Family Media Use & Internet Safety”. Learn tips on raising media smart kids, including managing family media use, choosing age-appropriate media, limiting social media, choosing cell phones, and using safe district library resources
Discovery Link Registration
Bilingual Discover Link staff will be available to help with registration for our free after-school programs on November 5th from 4:30 - 6 pm in the Cafe. Stop by if you need help getting signed up.
Día de Los Muertos Oferenda
Several Barney Ford families started a Día de Los Muertos Oferenda which will be located by the 4th grade drinking fountain. An oferenda is a traditional way to remember and honor the dead and celebrate the harvest.
We invite you to bring items for the oferenda to remember your loved ones that have passed. Items can include photos and other momento.. We will keep the oferenda up through Día de Los Muertos.
Your Voice and Opinion Matters
The DPS “Your Voice/Tu Voz” Family Survey is open now through Friday, Nov. 1. This survey focuses on measuring outcomes across the district and its learnings directly impact students and families. It is an opportunity to share what you think about our school and how we can improve it.
Families can access the survey link here. Make an impact by taking the DPS Your Voice/Tu Voz family survey.
LEAD 101 and Earn $150
Denver Families for Public Schools is excited for our next LEAD 101 (Leaders for Education Advocacy Denver) weekend on November 9th and 10th (Sat. & Sun.). This program is aimed at building a bench of diverse, values-aligned education leaders who are interested in learning what it takes to lead or support campaigns for local offices.
By taking part in LEAD 101, participants will learn about local education policy, be equipped with strategies for effective campaigns, and meet civic leaders, former and current elected officials, and other local voices
Participants will receive a $150 participation stipend, meals, and access to childcare stipends and transportation support if needed. Also, this program will be offered in English and Spanish with interpretation for non-bilingual participants. Interested applicants should fill out this application by Oct. 25th to receive a decision by Oct. 30th.
Reach out to Cody Ostenson, our Director of External Affairs, if you need assistance with the application form.
Calm and Kind Family begins November 4th
What: This program is designed to equip parents with the tools to support their children emotionally in three key areas: Mental Health, self-regulation, and managing your own emotions. You’ll learn practical strategies to help your child manage their emotions in healthy ways. By learning to regulate your own emotions, you can provide calmer and more effective support for your child.
One family each day will be entered to win tickets to the Children's Museum, Museum of Nature and Science, or Colorado History Museum!
The first round will be offered in English and Spanish virtually.
When: November 4th - 7th, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Where: Virtually on ZOOM. Register HERE!
A limited number of spots are available…sign up TODAY to reserve yours!
Attendance Update
Please keep attendance in mind as the holiday season approaches. We often see a drop in attendance in November and December and these absences have a big impact on student learning. When students are at school every day they develop better friendships, learn more, and build lifelong habits. Please plan your vacations around the school calendar so your students are here every day we are in session.
Last week our attendance was 91%. This was 2 points lower than the week before. Fourth grade had the highest attendance for the second week in a row at 92.5%. Keep it up fourth grade!
Upcoming Events
- Friday, October 25: Dollar Dress Down Day
- Monday, October 28
- 1st grade trip to Miller Farms
- 5th-grade Balarat parent meeting, 3:00-3:45
- Thursday, October 31: Barney Ford Halloween Festival during school
- Friday, November 1: No School – Teacher Planning Day (Discovery Link is open)
View the October Monthly Calendar here.
