Asbury Thursday Folders – November 30, 2023

Posted November 30, 2023

Principal Message:

A few weeks ago Asbury engaged in our first BESS (Behavioral and Emotional Screening System) screener. As promised, we wanted to share the school-level data with you, as there is a lot to celebrate and also some reflections that we will want to take action around. Below you will find detailed information about Asbury’s BESS data.

Overall Asbury BESS Snapshot Data Graphic – Click HERE

In comparison to the district averages, a higher percentage of Asbury students are noted to be in the “Normal Risk” range and a smaller percentage of students are in the “Elevated Risk” and “Extremely Elevated Risk” range. Additionally, guidance from the district states that 80% of students in the “Normal Risk” range is considered a marker of effective and supportive social-emotional school-wide programming. This means, as a whole, the Asbury community has exceeded this expectation and has a social-emotionally savvy group of students! Students that were screened within the “Elevated Risk” and “Extremely Elevated Risk” range may benefit from additional support in developing coping and/or problem solving skills, a positive self-image, and/or self-regulation skills. Action steps are outlined below.

School Based Actions

We are currently processing the data collected from the screener to create an action plan that targets areas of growth identified within our community. This looks like addressing needs at an individual, grade, and school-wide level. If your student self-reported “Elevated Risk” or “Extremely Elevated Risk” range responses on the screener, you will receive follow up information from Lauren Gorgeous, our school psychologist. We will work together to identify supports available at school and share resources available within the community that you can take advantage of as you see fit.

Again, we are thrilled to see such a positive response from our community! Thank you for your support in developing strong and healthy life-long learners!

Jeanna Doung & Lauren Gourgues

Asbury Principal

What’s top of Mind?

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.

CMAS Testing Schedule for 3rd-5th graders

Schedule – Please save the dates and plan accordingly with trips/appointments/etc. Attendance is important during this testing window. Thank you in advance.
Online CMAS Parent Night – save the date – Wednesday, March 13 from 6:00-7:00 pm. More information will be shared in March.

YEARBOOK COVER CONTEST:

Spread the word it is time for our yearbook cover contest. If your child is interested please have them design a yearbook cover on a 8.5×11 inch paper. The cover should represent Asbury and what is BEST about being an eagle at Asbury. They are due on Friday December 8th. Please turn them in to Ms. Baca in the office. Winner will be announced at the end of the day on December 8, 2023.

Report Cards

Report cards are now available online in the Parent Portal *(these are NOT printed at school and sent home).

Community Circle 12/1 – Tomorrow!

On Friday, 12/1 from 7:50-8:20 we will have a Community Circle meeting for all staff and students. Parents are also invited to join us during this time! What is Community Circle? This is a time where we come together as a community of learners and focus on doing our BEST. We celebrate students and read out the BEST awards, play games and celebrate our learning across the building. We host these on Zoom, so you can join from anywhere! Below are the details for how to join!

Zoom Link for Community Circle: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7587973597?pwd=aDFmcXFIdVJ4bmdXbmoyQ29jdE1odz09
- Meeting ID: 758 797 3597
- Passcode: um6si1

Complete the Your Voice/Tu Voz Survey by tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 1

The DPS “Your Voice/Tu Voz” family survey window has been extended to Friday, Dec. 1 by 11:59 p.m.! Please share their voices and complete the survey before the new deadline here. Families who complete the survey are entered to win one of 10 $20 King Soopers gift cards! More information is available here.

Mental Health Minute

Helping Your Child Cope With Anxiety

Last week, we defined anxiety and some causes behind our worries. This week, we will learn some strategies for coping with anxiety.

Help children examine their thoughts and decide whether their worries are realistic or unrealistic.
Explicitly teach children how to engage in flexible thinking. This could include drafting a list of possible solutions to problems and discussing the pros and cons of each choice.
Practice responding to anxiety-inducing situations that children are likely to encounter. Brainstorm specific sources of stress and coping strategies to use.
Encourage your child to tolerate their anxiety by showing empathy and compassion and modeling the use of coping skills.
Teach children about the connection between anxiety and physical symptoms.

The more practice you and your child have with coping with anxiety and worries, the easier it will get. Remember, when your child shares their worries it is important to validate their feelings (but not necessarily the actual fear) and send the message that they are seen and heard and you are there to support them.

What’s Still Relevant?

Please Welcome our New Long term Sub in 4th Grade

Please join me in welcoming our new staff member, Ms. Maddie Munio, our Long Term Sub for 4th grade. She will be joining us while Ms. Van Sant is on Maternity Leave. Ms. Munio is an experienced teacher who believes in social emotional learning, building relationships with students, and appreciates PBL! She will be starting 11/17 and be in the classroom starting after break.

DPS 2022-23 Climate Action Annual Report

The Sustainability Team illustrates and celebrates a productive and impactful year of climate action, not just potential, in its latest annual report. Read the English or Spanish report and get involved with DPS’s climate action work as we “focus simply and narrowly on doing” to build a livable future for students. For questions, contact the Department of Sustainability.

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?

Giving tree
- Every year around the holidays the Asbury Community helps provide necessities and gifts to members of our community who could use a little extra help.
- If you can help with this, sign up in the Sign Up Genius here.
Virtual PTSO Meeting next week, Tuesday 12/4, 6 PM – come join us and learn about all the exciting work happening at Asbury. Translation provided.
- https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86010196049?pwd=ODN0YSszdVlwYmRNQS9CT2llb3g5dz09
- Meeting ID: 860 1019 6049
- Passcode: 895132

Minted holiday card and stationary fundraiser! This fundraiser is perfect for your holiday card, and we’ll continue to benefit all year long! If you haven’t ordered your holiday cards yet, there’s still time!
- We have partnered with Minted, a leading provider of custom stationery and holiday cards, to bring you a special fundraising program.
- By using the promo code FUNDRAISEASBURY at checkout, you’ll enjoy a 20% discount on your purchase, and Minted will generously donate 15% back to our school.
- Visit Minted’s website: https://www.minted.com/

Chipotle Dine Out Fundraiser!! Let someone else do the DELICIOUS cooking for you
- December 12, 2023, 4:00pm-8:00pm
- 1644 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210
- Use promo code 99ZBX4E for online ordering or show a printed flier in restaurant

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!
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 👍