From the Desk of Schuba...
Fall Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences are underway, and we are so excited to have this opportunity to partner and hear from our families. Substantial evidence exists showing that parent involvement benefits students, including raising their academic achievement levels. There are other advantages for children when parents become involved — namely, increased motivation for learning, improved behavior, more regular attendance, and a more positive attitude toward homework and school in general. Thank you for taking time this week to attend your student(s)’ conference(s) and helping them to achieve.
Mark your calendars - we need you! Our next Council Meeting is Thursday, Nov. 1, 5:30-7 p.m. IBCS wants more voices at the table, and we hope you can set aside time that evening to attend and participate. Childcare is provided. Our Communication Committee will create meeting minutes and post to our Council website soon for transparency.
~ Schuba
For questions or conversation, reach out to Schuba via email (lisa_schuba@dpsk12.org) or phone 720-423-9900.
Take Action....
Literacy Update
In September, teachers collected various literacy data, including Istation and a leveled benchmark assessment. Closer look at this data reveals 43 percent of our students are not reading on grade level. As part of our new literacy intervention program, we’re starting a collection of small-group book sets (packs of six). Research shows heavy book volume of high-interest books increase student achievement. We cannot do this important work without resources. We desperately need your help to purchase books for a book room of high-interest books for all reading levels that teachers, parents, paras, and volunteers can use with groups of students to increase their reading abilities. Here’s how you can help:
At this week’s Book Fair, buy a book from Literacy Intervention Teacher, Angie Costello’s box to be used for small-group reading.
Purchase an item (or more) from a school wish list through the Scholastic Book Clubs.
Please visit www.scholastic.com/bookclubs to find the wish list on Angie’s account: class code GZ6TN. This wish list is active all school year, but we would appreciate if books were purchased by Friday, Nov. 2 ,so we can start using them. There are multiple opportunities to get involved beyond these, but the first step is to get more materials for small group work. Thank you for your assistance in supporting our new intervention program! For questions, please email Angie.
Izzi B. Scholastic Book Fair
Students enjoyed previewing the Izzi B. Enchanted Forest Book Fair with their classes this week! Wish lists were long and the excitement was fantastic! Make your way to the magical land of reading in the Izzi B. Library during Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences today (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.) and Tuesday, Oct. 23 (8 a.m. - 12 p.m.). This event is also a fun volunteer opportunity that is great to do with your kids! Volunteer spots are still available, please sign up now. Can’t join us in the Forest? Our online Book Fair is just as enchanting! Visit http://www.scholastic.com/bf/isabellabirdcommunityschool2 to order books and gifts online now until Tuesday, Oct. 30 and your order ships free to the school! Use the code APP19 to save $5 on your order of $25 or more.
Food Does Our Teachers Well During Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences
We all know food helps human-beings to focus, stay energized and keep our bodies working. Let's help our teachers make it through Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences. If you can, sign up to bring in (and drop off) food items to be eaten and greatly appreciated by staff. Sign-up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0544afaf2ea2fb6-staff. For questions, send an email to IBCSclassroomliaisons@gmail.com. Conferences continue through tomorrow afternoon.
Is It Yours: Lost and Found
Izzi B.’s collection of Lost and Found items is bursting at the seams. Take a moment to check out the collection during Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences. Whatever is not collected will be donated. Please remember to label everything your student(s) bring to school; when names are clearly printed on their things, the school makes every attempt possible to return to the rightful owners.
Provide Your Feedback: Safety Enhancement Survey Closing
Please take 5-10 minutes to answer the following survey questions regarding dismissal and potential safety enhancements during dismissal time. The safety and well-being of Isabella Bird students is a top priority among school leadership, faculty and staff. The survey will close tomorrow to allow time for collection and analysis of results; school leadership will share results at Coffee & Conversation on Friday, Oct. 26. Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6CFJQZ2.
Get Your Thanksgiving Luncheon Tickets; Deadline is Fast Approaching
Don’t miss out on the chance to join your child(ren) at IBCS’ annual made-from-scratch hot Thanksgiving lunch on Thursday, Nov. 15 in the school cafeteria. Please purchase tickets by Monday, Oct. 29 using the ticket request form sent home with all students earlier this month. Tickets must be purchased in advance; last minute tickets are not available. All parents, guardians, siblings, grandparents and other family members are invited. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for non-IBCS students; IBCS enrolled students will eat according to their eligibility status ($2.25 is the cost for a student mail and can be paid for at the cafeteria register with cash or student ID number). Note: If you would like to join us for the luncheon and need a scholarship, please complete the ticket order form, check the ‘Request a scholarship’ box and return the form to the Main Office.
Halloween Costume Donations
With Halloween just weeks away, some of our students are in need of costumes. Together with Kim Hundley, IBCS ESL teacher, we are collecting new or gently used costumes for boys and girls, sizes 4T-12. If you have costumes you’d like to donate, please deliver them to the Main Office. For questions, please contact Kim Hundley.
King Soopers Gift Cards
Nearly 50 King Soopers cards are awaiting a new wallet to call home. Cards purchased through Izzi B. are part of King Soopers’ Neighborhood Rewards Program. As part of the program, King Soopers will donate 5 percent of your grocery or gasoline total purchases back to IBCS, when you buy your groceries with King Soopers gift cards affiliated with Izzi B.’s program number. For more information or to get your card, visit http://weblink.donorperfect.com/IBCSKingSooper. For questions about King Soopers gift cards and/or the Neighborhood Rewards Program, contact ibcsfundraising@gmail.com.
What's Going on With...
Learn More About Denver Green School
A note from Kartal Jaquette, school leader of the Denver Green School (DGS):
Denver Green School (DGS) is one of three schools applying to serve your students in middle school. Since we announced our intentions, Isabella Bird families have been the most vocal in their support of our school, and we are truly grateful for this support. If you are just hearing of our school, visit www.dgsnorthfield.org to learn more, watch a video about our model. To sum up our school briefly, we use a shared leadership model and focus on relevant learning to achieve success at a high level and to simply have fun. Our school has the second highest math and second highest literacy growth of 58 district middle schools. DGS is eager to continue to meet members of the Isabella Bird Community, to hear about your desires in a school and to ultimately serve your students. If you are interested in learning more about our model, several events are listed below. Upcoming Events
Wednesday, Oct. 24, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Presentation from DGS at Swigert Elementary.
Tuesday, Nov. 6, 5:30-7 p.m.: All three contending middle schools and DPS presenting at Bill Roberts Elementary.
Hope to see you soon, Kartal
Bookmarked Resources within School Deets
82 percent of Izzi B. students have a connected parent/guardian within School Deets. Less than 100 connections still need to be made. Are you connected? If you aren’t or even if you are, School Deets not only connects you with teacher and school-wide communications, but with direct access to our school calendar, the district calendar and lunch menu, the My School Bucks platform, as well as the DPS Parent Portal Discovery Link and more. Access to these websites is available with the School Deets app by selecting the ribbon icon in the bottom menu of each page. For questions about School Deets, email ibcscommunications@gmail.com.
Park Hill Carpool to Izzi B.
Two Izzi B. families who live in Park Hill are seeking a third family to join their morning carpool to school. Save yourself some drive time, while the kids have fun riding together ,too! If interested, contact Izzi B. Parents, Jenny Meyer at jennifercarolinemeyer@gmail.com or Megan Nyce at megannyce@gmail.com.
Fundraising Update
September Dine & Donate: More than 160 people attended the Dine & Donate at Next Door; we raised more than $1,000.
Direct Give: The fall party was hugely successful! An estimated 35 people attended. 17 families signed up for Direct Give, while six families contributed to a one-time give totaling $2,300.
Direct Give: A total of 58 families are signed up for Direct Give. This will bring in an estimated $2,500 each month.
Harvest Festival: 480 tickets were sold - this is more than ever before. The event raised $7,202.
Save the Date...
Annual Halloween Parade
Students are invited to participate in Izzi B.’s Annual Halloween Parade on Wednesday, Oct. 31. The parade begins at 2 p.m. Students can bring their costumes to school and change into them just prior to the start of the parade. Important Reminder: No weapons, blood or scary masks.
Parenting Safe Children Workshop
Keep kids safe from sexual assault on Saturday, Nov. 3, 1-5 p.m., at Westerly Creek Elementary School (WCE). WCE is hosting Feather Berkower and her powerful workshop, Parenting Safe Children, to teach us how to make our community “off limits” to sexual predators. In four hours, you’ll learn body-safety rules, communication tools, caregiver screening, spotting grooming techniques, and more. Affordable childcare is available and advanced payment is required to reserve your spot. Get all the details and register today at www.thewcepta.com/psc. Note: This important workshop is open to everyone; please invite family, friends, and neighbors to attend with you.
November Dine & Donate
Make dinner a selfless act by joining us for a fundraiser to support Isabella Bird. Come in to Chipotle at 7400 E. 29th Ave. in Stapleton on Monday, Nov. 5, 5-9 p.m. Bring the flyer (sent home with students last week), show it on your smartphone, or tell the cashier you're supporting the cause to make sure 33 percent of the proceeds are donated to Isabella Bird. The fundraiser applies to all eat-in, take-out and online orders.
Mark Your Calendars...
Today-Tuesday, Oct. 23, All Day: No School (Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences)
Today-Tuesday, Oct. 23: Book Fair (10/22: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; 10/23: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
Friday, Oct. 26, 8:15 a.m.: Coffee & Conversation
Friday, Oct. 26, 3:30 p.m.: Family Meeting at Hidden Brook
Monday, Oct. 29: All Day: Spirit Week - Hat Day
Tuesday, Oct. 30: All Day: Spirit Week - Favorite Sports Team Day
Wednesday, Oct. 31: All Day: Spirit Week - Costume Day (Annual Costume Parade begins at 2 p.m.)
Thursday, Nov. 1: All Day: Spirit Week - Pajama Day
Friday, Nov. 2: All Day: Spirit Week - Izzi B Gear Day
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