Barney Ford Elementary

Weekly Update: February 6, 2025

02/06/25, 5:31 PM

Dear Families,

February is Black History Month. It is an important time to honor and celebrate the contributions and resilience of Black individuals throughout history. This year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor,” highlights the profound ways that work and working—whether free or unfree, skilled or unskilled, vocational or voluntary—are deeply interwoven into the collective experiences of Black people. Work has been central to Black history and culture, shaping narratives of perseverance, innovation and progress.

Black History Month provides a valuable opportunity to celebrate the rich contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history while fostering an inclusive, unified and equitable learning environment. Discover Black History Month facts and upcoming events in Denver.

 

One way we are celebrating Black History Month is by learning about the lives of many Black individuals who have influenced our country. Ms B. is helping students create posters and our scholars will share their learning with the school during Morning Motivation. Here are some of our scholars working hard on their presentations.

Tomorrow: First Friday Coffee and Conversation & CSC Meeting

Please join us tomorrow for Coffee and Conversation with the Principals. It is also a Collaborative School Committee Meeting.  We will talk about the ECE choice process and next year's school budget. Everyone is welcome to join us from 8:00-8:45 in the library. Here is the CSC Agenda.

 

Tuesday, 2/11: 100th Day of School

Next Tuesday marks the 100th day of school. This is a special day celebrated by many of our primary-grade classrooms. To celebrate, dress up as if you are 100 years old.

February 13: Valentine’s Day Celebration & ECE - 2nd Family Night

Students will be treated to a wonderful day of friendship and fun on Thursday in honor of Valentine’s Day. We have many special activity planned including a movie, music, and prizes. Your child won’t want to miss the fun!

 

We are excited to offer our first family night designed just for our students in grades ECE - second. Next Thursday, February 13th the Children’s Museum will present an interactive Gingerbread Man play. We’ll start with a pizza dinner at 5:30. The play will be from 6:00-6:40. Please RSVP so we know how much pizza to purchase.

 

Friday, 2/14 and Monday 2/17: No School

Friday, February 14 is a teacher planning day so there is no school for students. There is also no school on Monday, February 17th for President’s Day. Enjoy this long weekend.

Lost and Found

Our Lost and Found is full of jackets, hats, and more. Please stop in and see if any of our child’s missing items are here. We will be donating items that are not picked up soon.

 

CMAS Testing in April & Opting Out

Students in grades 3-5 will take the state CMAS tests from April 8-25th. Please do not plan any appointments or vacations during this testing window. CMAS is the only statewide assessment for students in grades 3-5. It measures students' expected knowledge and abilities at the end of each grade in Math, Literacy, Social Studies and Science. The results show if a student is performing at grade level, if they are on track for the next grade and how their results compare to their peers at school and across the district and state. We encourage all students to take the test. However, families can opt-out of the testing through the Parent Portal during February. Please contact the main office if you need assistance with the opt-out process. 

 

ECE & Middle School Choice Window is Closing Soon. 

Barney Ford is recruiting ECE students for next year! We have space in our three-year-old and four-year-old classrooms for next year. Please help us spread the word about our amazing, safe, and fun ECE classrooms. Families interested in enrolling can talk with our office staff and learn more here. 

 

If you have a 5th grader, it is time to submit your school application to enroll in your preferred Middle School. Learn more about the middle school choice process here.

Attendance Update

Last week our attendance inched up to 88%. The 2nd graders had the best attendance at 95.2%. Last week Ms. Lerma and Ms. Certain’s classes won the attendance challenge. Congratulations!

 

• Friday, February 7:

  • First Friday Coffee and Conversation and CSC meeting @ 8:00-9:00 a.m.

  • 1st Grade Field Trip to Denver Museum of Nature and Science

• Thursday, February 13: Family Fun Night – Grades ECE-2

• Friday, February 14: No School – Teacher Planning Day

• Monday, February 17: No School – Presidents Day

• Tuesday, February 18: School Choice Window Closes

• Friday, February 21: ECE Field Trip to Denver Museum of Nature and Science

• Friday, February 28: 

            4th Grade Field Trip to the Colorado History Museum 

                        Dollar Dress Down

View the February Monthly Calendar here.