Barney Ford Elementary
Weekly Update: February 13, 2025
02/13/25, 5:01 PM
Dear Families,
Please join us for tonight’s Family Fun Night for students in grades ECE - 2nd. Our free pizza dinner starts at 5:30 and the presentation begins at 6:00. This will be an entertaining interactive presentation of the Gingerbread Man.
We continue to celebrate Black History Month by learning more about Black trailblazers. During next week’s Morning Motivation students will present their posters to the school. We are also celebrating the amazing Black educators at Barney Ford with shoutouts from students.
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 Closes on Tuesday
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.
Free Summer Camp for Boys in Grade 4-8
The Sims-Fayola Foundation is organizing an outstanding summer learning opportunity tailored for rising 4th to 8th-grade boys in the Denver area. The Fayola Man Summer Leadership Academy is dedicated to fostering a robust educational and personal development environment.
Program Details:
- Dates: June 9th - July 11th
- Location: Manual High School
- Time: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM
- Cost: Free
Our enriching curriculum includes:
- STEM and Robotics
- Social-Emotional Skills Development
- Literacy and Reading Support
- Mentorship and Outdoor Education
- Hip Hop History and Breakdancing
- Fitness, Nutrition, and Career Exploration
- Financial Literacy and Youth Entrepreneurship
- Podcasting and Music Development
Here is the registration link for easy access. Sign up today!
Citizenship Interview Prep Class at Central Community Hub
If you need help preparing for the citizenship interview and test, sign up for preparatory classes at Central Community Hub. This opportunity is open to DPS parents or Denver residents.
For questions, contact 720-424-3711 or write to vail.minter@dpsk12.net.
LEAP Applications Open
The Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is accepting applications for the 2024-25 winter heating season. To learn more about your eligibility and how to apply, please go to their website.
FREE Eviction and Housing Legal Assistance
Denver Housing Stability offers free legal assistance on weekdays regarding evictions and relocations. To learn more at this website.
Attendance Update
Last week our attendance hit a record low of 84%. The 2nd graders had the best attendance at 89.6%. Please help us reach our goal of 93%. Students with strong attendance build lifelong habits and do better academically. As long as your child is healthy, please send them to school every day, even when it is cold.
- 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.
