From the Desk of Caleb...
Friday night, 5th grade students presented first-person monologues from the point of view of characters from the historical fiction novel, Esperanza Rising. This riveting novel tells the story of a young girl from a wealthy family in Mexico. A sudden tragedy forces Esperanza to flee to California during the Great Depression, where she works in migrant labor camps, takes care of her extended family, and learns about organized labor and strikes. Through these challenges, Esperanza rises above her difficult circumstances and learns the value of family and the true definition of home.
5th graders spent the past several months reading and learning about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) while reading Esperanza Rising and examining the novel for themes connected to the UDHR. This type of compelling and complex learning is exactly the learning highlighted in our current draft Innovation Plan, which was submitted to DPS for review on Nov. 1. As part of the process for drafting our Innovation Plan, we revised the Isabella Bird Mission and Vision. The newly revised and updated Izzi B. mission and vision are:
Mission: To provide an educational experience that is equitable, intellectually stimulating, and inspires curiosity to ensure our students will be academically prepared, socially and environmentally responsible, culturally responsive, and personally fulfilled life-long learners.
Vision: IBCS will be a foundational cornerstone in each student’s life, enabling and encouraging them to have a positive influence in the world.
Friday evening’s outstanding monologues exemplify the ideas captured in the mission and vision. Thank you 5th grade teachers for planning the celebration of learning, and way to go 5th grade students – the monologues were simply awesome!
Best,
Caleb
For questions or conversation, reach out to Assistant Principal, Caleb, via email caleb_melamed@dpsk12.org or phone 720-423-9900.
Take Action...
Attend Well-Managed Schools Information Night at IBCS
Are you interested in learning more about our Well-Managed Schools program? IBCS invites you and your child(ren) to join us Tuesday, Nov. 12, 5:30-7 p.m., for an opportunity to practice these life skills together. You'll have the opportunity to collaborate and build connections with other families. Snacks and drinks provided.
What's Going on With...
IBCS Thanksgiving Luncheon: Tickets and Attendance
If you purchased meal tickets for this year's Thanksgiving Luncheon, you will find them in a white envelope that says “Thanksgiving Luncheon Tickets Enclosed," in your student's backpack on Thursday, Nov. 14. If you did not purchase meal tickets, you are invited to come and sit with your students during their luncheon time. Nov. 21 Luncheon Schedule:
ECE & 3rd Grade: 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Kinder & 4th Grade: 11:35 a.m. -12:20 p.m.
2nd Grade: 12:25-1:10 p.m.
1st Grade & 5th Grade: 1:15-2 p.m.
For questions about the luncheon, contact the Main Office at 720-423-9900.
Harvest Festival Success
Many thanks for an amazing Harvest Festival to ALL of our volunteers, sponsors and attendees! We raised more than $7,000 for the school. It was a great time with amazing weather. Special thanks to our local sponsors: Mr. Appliance, Gloria DuBois of Stapleton Mortgage, Neighborhood Art Studio and Senor Gordon’s. Photo Credit: Vince Maeda Photography
Save the Date...
November Council Meeting
Make plans to join IBCS leadership, teachers and staff, and fellow parents at the November Council Meeting, Thursday, Nov. 14, 5:30-7 p.m., in the Cafeteria. Free childcare is always provided during council meetings. The meeting agenda is made available closer to the meeting date.
Come to the Holiday Fair at IBCS THIS FRIDAY!
On Friday, Nov.15, come shop and socialize at this fun, festive event open 3:15-6:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria. Free for all to attend, family-friendly and open to the community; food is available for purchase, plus complimentary snacks and select drinks. More than 20 vendors from our IBCS staff, students, parents and the community will feature a wide range of items for purchase. You'll find holiday gifts, decor, handmade jewelry and crafts, apparel and accessories, prints, paintings and custom gifts, stationary and other paper goods, health and beauty, sweet treats and bakery goods...and MORE!
**Fair Volunteers Are Needed! We need 3-5 additional volunteers to help during one of these available windows: 1:30-3:00 p.m., 3-4:45 p.m. OR 4:45-6:30 p.m. Please email IBCS Parent, Volunteer and Fair Coordinator, Ashley at eashley04@gmail.com, if you are able to volunteer your time to help make this event a success for everyone.**
Denver Public Schools Near Northeast Regional Town Hall
Engage in a conversation with Denver Public School (DPS) Superintendent, Susana Cordova, and Board Members, Jennifer Bacon and Carrie Olson, about topics important to community members in the Near Northeast region of Denver and learn how you can best support your child and their education. The town hall is Saturday, Nov. 16, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., at DSST Montview Campus (2000 Valentia St., Denver) in the atrium. Bring your family and join us for a special event featuring a resource fair, mobile health clinic, DPS informational sessions, and food and drinks. Childcare (aged 3-12) and interpretation is provided. RSVP to attend. For more information, visit www.dpsk12.org/nne-regional-town-hall/, or email FACE_Events@dpsk12.org.
Denver Green School Northfield to Visit IBCS
Isabella Bird is the largest feeder of students to Denver Green School Northfield (DGS). To learn more about DGS' middle school model, make plans to attend a presentation given by DGS Northfield's representatives, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 5:30-6:30 p.m., in the IBCS Cafeteria. Fifth-grade students will see a similar presentation during the school day. If you are interested in attending the evening presentation, or if you would like to schedule a tour of DGS Northfield, complete a sign-up.
Mark Your Calendars...
Monday, Nov. 11, 5:30-7 p.m.: Council Board Meeting
Tuesday, Nov. 12, 5:30-7 p.m.: Well-Managed Schools Presentation
Thursday, Nov. 14, 5:30-7 p.m.: Council Meeting
Friday, Nov. 15, 3:15-6:30 p.m.: Holiday Fair
Thursday, Nov. 21, Times vary: IBCS Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon
Friday, Nov. 22, 8:15-9:15 a.m.: Coffee and Conversation
Nov. 25-29, All Day: No School (Fall Break)
Monday, Dec. 2, 5:30-7 p.m.: Council Board Meeting
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 5:30-7 p.m.: Fundraising Committee Meeting
Friday, Dec. 20, 8:15-9:15 a.m.: Coffee & Conversation
Monday, Dec. 23 – Friday, Jan. 3, All Day: No School (Winter Break)
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