Asbury Thursday Folders – February 29, 2024

Posted February 29, 2024

Principal Message:

Asbury Community,

I want to take a moment to celebrate one of our amazing staff members – Mr. Garrett. Mr. Garrett is an incredibly caring and student-centered teacher. Just to share a little more about his work- he works with all students in the building! He supports our kindness campaign and our anti-bully work. He uses Step Step, an anti-bully curriculum that teaches students how to define bullying and steps to put an end to bully behaviors. Mr. Garrett then works with individual groups and our kindness campaign students support individuals who are struggling with bully behavior- they follow up with students to make sure that all students in our building feel safe and supported each day. We have a zero bully tolerance here at Asbury!

In Partnership,

Jeanna Doung

What’s top of Mind?

Spelling Bee Tomorrow! (Friday, 3/1)

Please join us in our second annual Spelling Bee tomorrow afternoon from 3:00-5:00 in the auditorium!

Video of the February Community Circle from last week

Mr Howard was awarded this week for Living our DPS – Fun!

Click HERE

Please join us in Welcoming our Newest Dedicated Adult Support Person!

On Monday, we will be welcoming our newest paraprofessional at Asbury. Mr. Kevin Johnson will be mainly supporting in our MI classroom, but you may see him support in 3rd grade as well as 1st grade! If you see Mr. Johnson around, introduce yourself!

Social Media Safety Training for Families

The Family of Community Engagement is offering a Social Media Safety for Families Workshop on March 12 from 5-6 p.m. This session will provide resources and tips for families on the dangers of social media and how to help students stay safe and smart online. Families will gain valuable information and collaborate with other families on technology safety solutions. We will launch an interactive training module for DPS families as well to use after this session and receive certification they have completed the training. Families can learn more and RSVP here.

CSC and PTSO Meetings this Tuesday

We will be hosting CSC (5-6pm) and PTSO 6-7pm) meetings this week. These meetings will be in person. CSC will be held in person in the Library and PTSO will be hosted in the auditorium. Please join us!

CMAS Testing Schedule for 3rd-5th graders

Testing Schedule – Please save the dates and plan accordingly with trips/appointments/etc. Attendance is important during this testing window. Thank you in advance.
- Note: All students will follow this schedule, but depending on accommodations that your student may have according to their IEP or 504 plan, they may test in the afternoon on these days instead of the morning. Also, if we have proctor absences during testing we may need to reschedule testing to the make-up weeks for students with 1:1 accommodations. FYI.
CMAS Parent Information Deet – will be sent out – Wednesday, March 13. Instead of a Virtual Live Parents Night, you will be able to watch a screencast all about CMAS and have an opportunity to practice with your student at home to see what the CMAS test will look like.

Mental Health Minute

Parent/Caregiver Training Opportunity

Please join us during the April 9th PTSO meeting for parent/caregiver suicide prevention training. Our staff recently went through this training and found it very impactful. You will walk away knowing the warning signs, risk factors, and equipped with strategies to support someone who is experiencing suicidal ideation. This is a sensitive but important topic and I look forward to partnering with the Asbury community to increase awareness and empower everyone to take action. If you or someone you know are in crisis, please contact Safe2Tell at 1-877-542-7233 or the Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 to get connected with resources.

Lauren Gourgues, School Psychologist

What’s Still Relevant?

Grandfriends’ Day Update

THANK YOU to the entire Asbury community for making Grandfriends’ Day such an amazing success! This day would not have been possible without such a supportive community, loving Grandfriends, excited kiddos, and all the helping hands and hearts of our incredible PTSO and staff. It was such a great day and we look forward to welcoming Grandfriends’ Day back again next year!

Message from Mrs. Ravel

I am writing to let the Asbury Community know that I am having surgery on Monday, February 26 followed by recovery at home for 4 to 6 weeks. As of now, I plan to return to school on Tuesday, April 2 to coordinate the CMAS testing and to continue my regular duties and responsibilities at Asbury. Please contact Ms. Baca via email or in the office if you have technology questions while I am out. I plan to check in periodically during my recovery. Thank you for your understanding and support during this time.

Talent Show Update from Mrs. Batesmith

Mrs. Batesmith sent a Deet earlier this week detailing the Talent Show process this year. If your student is preparing a talent show audition, please fill out this form before March 1st. (audition day!) Look forward to attending the Talent Show on March 21st, 2024!

If you have any questions or need more information, please direct all communication to Mrs Batesmith at tillifinney_smith@dpsk12.net.

Parent/Guardian Request from the Kindergarten Classes:

We are working on a Careers PBL and we are learning about what characteristics and interests would be helpful to have for different careers in the future. We are bringing in guest speakers to talk to the classes about their careers. It has been a lot of fun! We are looking for the following guest speakers to speak in person or via Zoom:

veterinarian – whole group if possible. **Bonus points if they work with exotic animals

artist/fashion designer – whole group

paleontologist (small group/zoom)

professional baker or bakery owner (small group/zoom)

Please reach out to Kimberly_Magoffin@dpsk12.net and Jenna_Nelson@dpsk12.net if you are interested or know someone who might be interested! We are hoping to have these guest speakers sometime within the next two weeks if possible!

Summer Connections (Summer School)

Summer Connections is a free, five-week academic program that is open to all rising first through fifth-grade DPS students at eligible schools from June 17-July 19 (no classes will take place June 19 or July 4-5). This full-day program focuses on preparing elementary students for future success.

Registration for Summer Connections is now open and spaces are limited! Please utilize the sign up through the Parent Portal to register.

What’s new from PTSO?

Read-A-Thon starts next week! Get your reading motors running…

Read a thon is a super fun, week long celebration of reading, March 2-8, and we need YOUR help! Take a look at this Sign Up Genius and sign up for a slot that looks good to you!
Please stay tuned for more information, and you can read the family letter, tracking log, and tracking feathers attached in today’s Thursday folders.

University of Denver Lacrosse!- Another great opportunity to spend time with some

great Asbury Families, watch an exciting game, and support Asbury!

Saturday 4/13/24.
Here is the link to buy tickets: https://fevo.me/asbury-denverpioneers2324.
Information Flyer

Spring Wing – save the date!

This event is a SUPER fun way to get to know other amazing Asbury parents (adults only) and support our school
Mark your calendars for Friday, May 3, 2024. Fun. Is. Coming.