Asbury Thursday Folders – December 14, 2023

Posted December 14, 2023

Principal Message:

Over this past week, we have had a fun spirit week that was full of reindeer ears, light up noses, menora leggings and lots of other fun, festive gear! In addition, we had a wonderful event with the Justin Simmons Foundation this last Friday in which some families from Asbury were able to shop with a Bronco! Huge thanks and shout out to Msr. Ronnie, Ms. Karina, and Ms. Baca for making sure we were organized!

I also want to wish everyone a happy holiday season and hope that you all are able to have a wonderful holiday break. We will start break tomorrow, December 15 and students will come back January 3. The holidays can be joyous and great time for many. For some, it can be a challenging time. If you need support, please reach out and/or check out the DPS supports for families in crisis. http://thecommons.dpsk12.org/Page/3179

In addition to these resources, below are some local community resources such as food banks, counseling services, hotlines, energy assistance and more:

DPS’ Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team has compiled a comprehensive list of resources in English and Spanish.
Meals: In addition to the food banks listed in the FACE resource guide, the City and County’s Office of Children Affairs is offering a free supper and/or snack at any Tasty Food site for youth (ages 5-18) across Denver during the holiday break! No registration or ID is required — students can simply drop by and enjoy a nutritious meal! Check the schedule flier (in English and Spanish) for more information. Details on holiday schedule changes and planned holiday closures will be available on the Tasty Food website.
Supporting our Newcomers: Our Multilingual Education department organized a New Arrivals Toolkit supporting our new-to-country and newcomer students.

In Partnership,

Jeanna Doung

What’s top of Mind?

Calendar Reminder: Grandfriends Day

More details to come, but we wanted to share that Grandfriends Day is returning this year! Save the date of February 14, 2024. Be on the lookout for additional details soon!

Safety at drop off and pick up

There have been some unfortunate events occurring during these times. If you are parking on Lafayette during these times please lock your car doors at all times. We have been informed by the police station that there is a group going around to schools during busy times like drop off and pick up and breaking into vehicles so please take precautions and lock your doors at all times when you are not in the vehicle and do not leave valuables visible in your car when.
During drop off and pick up please be respectful of our neighbors when parking and do not block driveways even if you think that it is for a short period of time. We want to be respectful of our neighbors here at Asbury.

Mental Health Minute

BESS Winter Parent Rating

The parent rating for the BESS, our social emotional universal screener, opens December 16th. The form can be completed in less than 5 minutes at tinyurl.com/bessparent2324. In the Fall, 52% of our students had a parent report completed for them. Your feedback provides valuable information!

What’s Still Relevant?

Asbury Era Newspaper – December, 2023 Edition

Check out the December, 2023 issue of The Asbury Era Newspaper created by Asbury students with the support of Ms. E. Here’s the LINK.

Get Notified about Snow Days and Delays

To be notified of delayed starts and snow days before heading out the door, follow this guide to make sure your phone number is listed correctly in Infor. We will send a text message to the phone number you have listed in Infor, and an email to your DPS email address in case of a delayed start or snow day.

Previously opted out of text messages? Text Y or Yes to 67587 to receive text messages again. If you would like to opt-out, reply to a district text with N, No, or Stop.

You can also check dpsk12.org and district social media channels (Facebook, X and Instagram) for information about delays and closures.

Outdoor Recess on Snowy Days

As a reminder, If students have boots, they are welcome to play in the field or on the playground unless it is icy- so send students with boots. If you need boots, we have a few extra pairs students can wear. Now that the weather is changing please send students with coats, gloves as we try to have outdoor recess as much as possible.

Mark Your Calendars: SchoolChoice Round 1 Dates

SchoolChoice Round 1 for the 2024-25 school year will open on Jan. 11, 2024 and close on Feb. 12, 2024. If you know of any kindergarten families or new families, they can make Asbury their home schools!
The DPS SchoolChoice application and waitlist site has changed. Families interested in coming to Asury can apply here. Families with existing Parent Portal accounts can log in using their username and password and families who do not have Parent Portal accounts will set up a new account.

What’s new from PTSO?

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!!
- PTSO would like to give a HUGE thank you to all parents, family members, students and staff who have helped fill OVER 220 requests for volunteering!
- Do not feel bad if you have yet to volunteer your time, talent or treasure. You will have plenty of opportunities in the new year!

Artists wanted! Read-A-Thon 2024 is Coming!
- Want to see your design on the official Read-A-Thon bookmark of 2024? If so, please submit your design on a 2×7 piece of paper with your name and homeroom on the back. Ms. Baca will also have 2×7 pieces of paper at the front desk.
- Please turn in to Ms. Baca in the front office by Wednesday, January 10th. We can’t wait to see your amazing work!

Direct Give
- The Direct Give campaign will be coming up in early 2024, but you can remember Asbury in your end of year giving. Donate with cash, check, or credit card.

DU Hockey! – this popular community event is BACK! Watch Denver’s own incredible DU Pioneer Hockey Team.
- Saturday, January 6; 7pm
- Purchase tickets here
- A portion of proceeds comes back to Asbury!

DU Gymnastics!
- This is another great opportunity to see some of the greatest college athletes in action with your friends in the Asbury community.
- Sunday, February 11, 2024; 1:45 pm
- Tickets now on sale here.
- A portion of proceeds comes back to Asbury!
- Information Flyer
School Choice is coming up!
- Buy a yard sign (or two!) to show your support for Asbury and show how much you love this wonderful school with your neighbors.
- Signs are available for $10 in the office
- OR email asbury.ptso@gmail.com and we’ll deliver and set one up for you 👍