In the fall of 2010 we began to develop our new 2011-17 Graland Country Day School Strategic Plan. Many Graland community members participated in focus groups and surveys that guided the plan’s development. A preschool was one of the priorities identified through these efforts. After thoughtful consideration by the school’s administrative team, the Strategic Planning and Finance Committees of the Board of Trustees, and by the Board as a whole, it is my pleasure to announce that the Board has approved the opening of a Preschool at Graland beginning with a limited program for the 2012-13 school year open only to the three- and four-year-old siblings of current Graland students and children of Graland employees.

For more information, please visit www.graland.org/preschool.

Sincerely,
Veronica A. McCaffrey
Head of School

e.Merging is excited to share this brand new education opportunity to Denver families! We are looking forward to watching the school develop and grow over the years!

Admissions Checklist

1.   Each Denver private school has it’s own admission deadline.  Please check carefully dates and make sure that you application is turned in on time.
2.   If your prospective school requires testing, please request for your tester to send the test directly to the school OR you can send it yourself.
3.   Each school requires teacher recommendations.  Give teacher an addressed and stamped envelope and give her a deadline.  Follow up to see if she/he has completed.
4.   Send an e-mail to admissions secretary to confirm that application is complete.
5.   Confirm dates for parent interview and child visit.

 
Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I talk to my pre-k child about visiting numerous perspective schools? 

The admissions process can be a stressful time for children of all ages.  It is important for parents to be honest about the process and to “keep it simple.”  I recommend parents explaining, ” In our city we have lots of different choices for kindergarten.  So, it is our job to visit and pick some schools that we like and it is your job to go and visit with the teachers and kids so you can tell us what you think.   Mommy and Daddy will make the decision and we will let you know sometime in the spring.”

What should my child wear? 

I recommend children wear COMFORT clothes.   It’s no use to have a child wear their Sunday best and be “itchy” for the whole visit.  Some schools do have dress codes and although schools may be flexible with visitors it may be awkward for the child to be the only one at school wearing JEANS!

How do I prepare for the parent interview?  

I suggest that parents read the website to “refresh” their memory and to clarify their own reason for applying to the given school.  Although many of the websites are very difficult to navigate, if you take the time there is valuable information.  Please remember that your questions are important.  You will be investing thousands of dollars into the school.  Make sure it’s the right one for you!

When and how do I find out about school acceptances?

Denver ACIS schools have a notification date of March 5 at 4:00 p.m.  Families are notified by e-mail with a follow up packet, if accepted.

Denver Public Schools are working to notify families the week of March 5.  This has varied in the past depending on computer glitches and personnel issues.

Non-Accredited schools often have their own deadlines or rolling admissions (first come, first serve)

What does it mean if I am put on a waitlist?  

There are three different letters that admissions send on notification day.  An acceptance letter means that you have been accepted to the school and you usually have 10 days to put down a deposit and sign a non-refundable contract.  Some schools have tuition insurance so read the dotted line carefully.  A Waitlist letter means that your child was a suitable candidate and has been placed on a wait list or wait pool.  That means that your child still has a chance of getting a space at the school depending on how many first round candidates accept spots or not.  Most admission teams will overbook which means that 2 or 3 families will need to say “no” before the school even looks at the wait list.  A rejection letter is sent when a school does not feel the child is a strong candidate for the school.

What is a Wait Pool?  

A “wait pool” is when a child is put on a list but there is no ranking or numerical order.  Private schools have the luxury of choosing an equal mix of boys vs. girls,  shy vs. outgoing etc.  Admissions teams can hand pick children off of the list to help create a balance in an incoming class.

What if I don’t get in?

It is crucial that every family have a strong back up plan.  Many families don’t “get in” and will apply for the second year.  Public Kindergarten and small private  programs can be wonderful options so that families can apply for first grade.    Please remember that children are only upset by rejection if their parents have involved them too much in the process.  Young Children should be kept at an arms lengths and parent need to understand that REALLY good parenting is more important than ANY school environment.

This is Denver Public Schools NEW Enrollment Policy. The School Choice Application needs to be filled out to enroll your student in a DPS school for the 2012-2013 school. year.   At e.Merging, we recommend that you visit each of your top 5 schools. Ask yourself, is this the educational environment my child will thrive in? Do not list a school if you do NOT want your child to attend.

Here are some tips and reminders when filling out the application:
1. You may choose up to 5 of any of the schools listed on the application. (Remember you are not limited to one area in Denver)
2. If you would like to go to your neighborhood school, make sure you fill in that school’s circle as number 1. You are still guaranteed placement in your neighborhood school, and if you are not interested in going anywhere else then you do not need to list anymore schools. To find out what your boundary school is go to: http://maps.dpsk12.org/
3.Your child will be offered enrollment at your highest-preference school with available space, which is determined by each school’s enrollment priorities.

Application Link:

This link will guide you to the specific grade application you need. (K-5, 6-8, 9-12). Remember your application needs to be finished by January 31, 2012 and turned into a DPS school.

http://schoolchoice.dpsk12.org/forms-and-documents/

Recently, Denver Public schools announced  their Middle and High School Expo. This is a great opportunity for parents of children any age, to go and discover the wide variety of school options for their children. As you may know, the amount of school choices in Denver can be overwhelming and this is a great opportunity to discover what DPS has to offer your child. At e.Merging we encourage you to not only attend the expo, but have a plan in mind. While learning about all the exciting opportunities, choose your top 5 middle schools and your top 5 high schools. Write down what attracted you to the school as well as any contact information you can use for the future. Having a plan in mind will help you sift through numerous offerings and help you choose the best school for your child!

Here is DPS’s event calendar explaining what you can expect when you go:

On October 19, 2011, Denver Public Schools (DPS) is hosting the Middle & High School Expo, providing families with the opportunity to visit with principals, teachers and students from traditional, magnet and charter schools. The event will take place from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Infinity Park Event Center (4400 E. Kentucky Ave., Glendale, CO 80246). All families with children in grades ECE through 8th are encouraged to attend to explore middle and high school options within DPS. In addition, families will have the opportunity to learn about the new SchoolChoice enrollment process and access services such as Transportation, Gifted & Talented and Special Education. Interpreters will be available to provide language assistance. For additional information, please call (720) 423-3414 or visit http://dpsk12.org/expo.

Specific Details:

What:              Denver Public Schools Middle & High School Expo

When:              Wednesday, October 19, 6:30-8:30pm

Where:            Infinity Park Event Center – 4400 E. Kentucky Ave., Glendale, CO 80246

Contact:           (720) 423-3414 or http://dpsk12.org/expo

Who:                All Denver-area families with children in grades ECE through 8th grade who are interested in learning more about DPS middle and high school options.

By Adrienne Jaycox for Laura Barr/e.Merging Educational Consulting

Is DPS an option for you?  Have you thought about choosing a different school other than your neighborhood one?  At. e.Merging Educational Consulting we provide the essential information you need to know to make the best school decision for your child. Please read below to be the first to know about the BIG changes in the school of choice process in Denver Public Schools.  I recently sat down with Shannon Fitzgerald, the director of Choice and Enrollment Services for DPS.

What’s changing?

Previously, families filled out application forms for EACH of the schools they were interested in attending different from their neighborhood school.  Students could get back multiple acceptances, making it possible for a student to hold more than one place in the system.  For example, my child might get accepted to Steele, Bromwell, and Steck, and I can wait to make up my mind until the first day of school, simultaneously taking up three slots.  These days are over!

How does the new process work?

There will be ONE Common Application (due January 31^st) in which students and their families can write down the 5 schools they are interested in and rank them in order of preference.  Additional schools may be listed, but not be part of the ranking.

Then what?

DPS will use the new system developed by an NYC educational consultant and some Harvard and Yale economists to randomly assign each student a lottery number.  From there, they will look at the schools selected by the student’s family.  In an effort to create equity and avoid “gaming” the system, this new “strategy proof” system will give each student one school acceptance.  Ms. Fitzgerald expects students to get one of their five choices now that students aren’t “clogging up” the system by taking multiple spots.

When will I hear back?

Letters of acceptance will go out Feb. 28^th.

What about my local traditional school?

Once you enter into the choice system and get an acceptance from another school, your spot is NO LONGER held at your local school. If you want to attend after this process is completed, you will need to find out if there is still space available.  If not, you will need to attend the school you received the acceptance from.

How do I learn about my options?

That’s getting easier.  In addition to the large DPS EXPO at the Infinity Center on Oct. 19^th, there will be 5 regional expos.  These expos will take place in early Dec.; this is your chance to meet the principals of elementary schools and get a better feel for schools you might select and rank on your application.  All elementary schools will be at these expos, and some middle and high schools may be in attendance also.

What about Highly Gifted Talented Children?

How do HGT kids fit into the choice process?   If your child qualifies for HGT services, then he/she may indicate one or more HGT programs on their form. The HGT testing process happens each fall, and all kids who go through testing are notified in late December as to whether or not they qualified.  Knowing their qualification status will allow them to make appropriate school/program choices in January.

What about Advanced Kindergarten?

Sibling will have first priority, then feeder area students, outside of feeder are , and finally outside of district.  Parents will be told where they have priority but they will be able to select which ever site they want.  If a parent selects a site that is not their feeder site, they run the risk of not having a spot at their feeder site if it is full after all first round students are placed.

What about No Child Left Behind?

How does the choice process affect kids at failing schools?  I understand that currently they are given two choices for performing schools that they may attend as an alternative.  What if they find out their school is failing in the spring or summer after the choice process has occurred?  All kids who qualify for NCLB will be notified in late-December of such.  The Title I office presents the student with anywhere from 2-5 “higher performing” schools, and lets the student know that, if desired, they are guaranteed a seat at one of those schools.  This year we are folding this process with the regular Choice process, so if a family wants to choose an NCLB receiving school AND indicate other school preferences that may not be NCLB receivers, they can.

More Homework…

DPS will be sending out packets to kindergarten, 5^th, and 8^th grade students explaining the process.  This new enrollment guide will give families lots to read.  Background information as well as an SPF (School Performance Framework) for each school will be included.  This number is based on the growth students at that school are making, indicated by CSAPs.

Stay tuned for more on this process as the details unfold.

The Denver Metro area offers many choices for both Private and Public High School options!

Sometimes choosing a high school with your child can be a difficult project. From private, to charter, magnet, and traditional schools, making a decision on a school can be overwhelming. Provided in this blog is all the necessary information you need to know when visiting and applying to schools from application deadlines, open houses, test requirements, and admission contacts.

Colorado Academy- Private (NAIS Accredited)

• Application Deadline for 2012-2013: January 31, 2011
• Test Requirements/Dates:     ISEE entrance exam ($95fee)
  • Link to register for entrance exam: http://erblearn.org/parents/admission/isee
• Tours/Open houses: November 8 or 9, 8:30-11am or call 303-914-2516 for an individual tour (this includes a parent interview with Carolyn Ash)
• Admission Contact:  Carolyn Ash
• Phone: (303) 914-2572
• Application Link: http://www.coloradoacademy.org/application

Denver Academy- Private

• Application Deadline for 2012-2013: Accepts applications year round

• Test Requirements/Dates:
  • WISC IV (under 17) or WAIS III (17 and older); testing must have been administered within the last three years
  • Woodcock-Johnson Achievement Test 3rd Edition (subtest scores must be included); scores must be from the current school year

• Tours/Open houses:
  • November 5th from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • February 4th from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • March 3rd from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • April 14th from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Admission Contact: Janet Woolley
  • Phone: 303-777-5161

• Application Link: http://www.denveracademy.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=158

Denver Center of International Studies- Magnet Program

• Application Deadline for 2012-2013: Application will be posted in the coming weeks
• Test Requirements/Dates: There are no test requirements, but students will need to participate in an interview as well provide a writing sample
• Tours/Open house: None scheduled at this time
• Admission Contact: School Office
  • Phone: (720) 423-9000

Denver School of Arts- Charter School

• Application Deadline for 2012-2013: Application Process is a multi-step process and is different for each area of study at the school. Here is a link to the process and deadlines: http://dsa.dpsk12.org/auditions/
• Tours/Open houses: Link for information on how to set-up a shadowing day: http://dsa.dpsk12.org/shadowing/
• Admission Contact: School office
  • Phone: 720-424-1700

Denver School of Science and Technology- Charter School

• Application Deadline for 2012-2013: Application will be provided in the coming weeks

• Test Requirements/Dates: Admission is based on a lottery process (DSST only accepts students in the 9th and 10th grades
• Campus Options
  • Green Valley Ranch
    • Admission Contact: School Office
    • Phone: 303-523-6300
  • Stapleton High School
    • Admission Contact: School Office
    • Phone: (303) 320-5570 ext. 7405

East High School- Traditional High School

• Application Deadline for 2012-2013: School Choice forms are due by January 31, 2012

• Tours/Open houses: East offers a shadowing program. You can schedule a shadowing appointment here: http://ehshadow.schoolappointments.com/admin/
• Admission Contact: School Office
  • Phone: 720-423-8300

Kent Denver- Private School

• Application Deadline for 2012-2013: January 31, 2012
  • Link to Admission Process: http://www.kentdenver.org/AdmissionProcess?rc=0

• Test Requirements/Dates: ISEE entrance exam or SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) Kent does not require that the test be taken at the school. You can register at: http://erblearn.org/parents/admission/isee
• Dates of Test at Kent:
  • Saturday, November 19, 2011
  • Saturday, December 10, 2011
  • Saturday, January 7, 2012
  • Sunday, January 22, 2012

• Tours/Open houses: Saturday, November 5, 2011
• Admission Contact: Priscilla Scobie
  • Phone: (303) 770-7660

Machbeuf- Private Catholic High School

• Application Deadline for 2012-2013: Application should be posted before September 23, 2011.  For more information: http://www.machebeuf.org/admissions/apply/index.html
• Parent Nights:
  • Wednesday, November 9, 2011 6:30PM
  • Wednesday, November 16, 2011 6:30PM
  • Wednesday, November 30, 2011 6:30PM
• Open house: Sunday, November 6, 2011 from 10:00AM to 2:00PM
  • Shadow Days:
  • Thursday, September 22, 2011
  • Tuesday, September 27, 2011
  • Thursday, September 29, 2011
  • Tuesday, October 4, 2011
  • Thursday, October 13, 2011
  • Tuesday, October 18, 2011
  • Tuesday, October 25, 2011
  • Thursday, October 27, 2011
  • Tuesday, November 8, 2011
  • Thursday, November 10, 2011
  • Tuesday, November 15, 2011
  • Thursday, November 17, 2011

• Admission Contact: Monica Everhart
• Phone: 303.344.0082 ext. 117

Mullen- Private Catholic High School

• Application Deadline for 2012-2013: December 9, 2011
  • Link to application process: http://www.mullenhigh.com/netcommunity/page.aspx?pid=513
• Test Requirements/Dates: The High School Placement Test: December 3, 2011
  • Link: http://www.mullenhigh.com/netcommunity/page.aspx?pid=513
• Open houses: November 6, 2011 10:00 – 2:00pm
• Admission Contact: Noah Drucker
  • Phone: 303.761.1764 x3301

Regis- Private Jesuit High School

• Application Deadline for 2012-2013: December 9, 2001
  • Link to application process: http://www.regisjesuit.com/page.aspx?pid=275
• Test Requirements/Dates: HSPT entrance exam, conducted at Regis Jesuit, on Saturday, December 3. You must register for this event using the Admissions Event Registration. Link: https://office.silentsolutions.com/regisjesuit/cgi-bin/AccountLogin
• Tours/Open houses: November 6 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
• Admission Contact: Girl’s Admission: Patricia Long
  • Phone: 303.269.8164
• Admission Contact: Boy’s Admission: Paul Muller
  • Phone: 303.269.8063

Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning- Charter School

• Application Deadline for 2012-2013: Application information will be posted on the website sometime in October
• Open houses: First Thursday of every month at 8:30 a.m. Next Open House is October 6, 2011 No sign-ups, just show up!
• Shadow Days are February 14 and 15, 2012- Shadow days are for students who have been accepted into the admissions lottery
• Admission Contact: School Office
  • 303.759.2076

St. Mary’s -  Catholic High School (NAIS Accredited)

• Application Deadline for 2012-2013: December 15th, 2011
  • Link to application process: http://www.smanet.org/index.php/admissions/apply-to-sma/
• Test Requirements/Dates: High School Placement Test (HSPT) if offered at SMA on December 3, 2011
• Admission Contact: Amanda Savage
  • Phone: 303-762-8300, ext. 205

Valor- Private Christan High School

• Application Deadline for 2012-2013: Applications are accepted throughout the year
  • Application Process Link: http://www.valorchristian.com/admissions/apply.aspx
• Test Requirements/Dates: None

• Tours/Open houses: Open house dates will be announced soon here:
  • http://www.valorchristian.com/admissions/visit.aspx

• Admission Contact: Kristin Wright
  • Phone: 303.471.3381

Waldorf- Private High School

• Application Deadline for 2012-2013: Get applications in before December 17, 2011 to have the best chance
• Test Requirements/Dates: None- Interview and Portfolio are mandatory
• Tours/Open houses: Call Admissions office to set-up a tour
• Admission Contact: Leigh Rhysling
  • Phone: 303-777-0531 x106

Denver Public Schools offer choices galore for the  2012-2013 school year

It’s that time of year….already! If you are considering a charter or magnet school within Denver Public Schools for the 2012-2013 school year then now is the time to start the process. Many of the schools are already accepting applications and have Open House nights planned to help you in the process of finding a school that will be the perfect fit for your child. Open houses are a great way to get a sense of school culture, to meet families and to ask questions about curriculum, accountability and programs. Within this blog post you will find helpful information to help you sift through the sometimes overwhelming task of understanding your options. Provided are Elementary, K-8 and Middle school choice, charter and magnet options in the Denver area. Important enrollment information is provided, as well as links to applications and school websites.

At e.Merging we recommend families get started early, create an educational plan and to consider public, magnet and charter options!

Elementary School Options

Lincoln Elementary School- Montessori Magnet Program

• Application and Enrollment begin in January 2012
• School Number: (720) 424-5990
• Website: http://lincoln.dpsk12.org/

Polaris at EBERT- Highly Gifted and Talented Magnet

• Adults Only School Tour will be on Monday, September 26, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. Please call the school office to sign-up.
• Nominations and applications for the Highly Gifted and Talented Program need to be made no later than October 3, 2011!!
• Website for DPS’s gifted program: http://gt.dpsk12.org/ – Website explains nomination process as well as links to applications
• Advanced Kindergarten Applications are accepted in December of 2011
• School Number: 720-424-7860
• Website: http://polarisprogram.dpsk12.org/

Montclair Elementary School- High Strides Magnet Program

• Send in applications starting in January 2012. Application Deadline is January 31, 2012
• Application Direct Link: http://montclair.dpsk12.org/prospective-parents/
• Website: http://montclair.dpsk12.org/
• School Number: 720-424-5380

Steele-Contemporary and British Primary Program -Traditional School

• Gifted and Talented Meeting on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 6.00 p.m.
• School Number: 720-424-3720
• School Website: http://steele.dpsk12.org/

Creative Challenge Community- Charter School ***New School!

• Opens September 2012 year for grades K-2.

Open House Dates

September 17, 2011 from 10:30-1:00 p.m
October 15, 2011
November 19, 2011
January 7, 2011Open House Location: Young Americans Bank 3550 East First Avenue

• School Website: http://ccc.wikispaces.dpsk12.org/
  

Denver Language School

• Applications are due by January 31, 2012
• Application Direct Link: https://sites.google.com/site/applytodls/application-information/application-form
• School Number: 303-557-0852
• School Website: http://www.denverlanguageschool.org

Expeditionary Learning School

* New elementary school option in downtown Denver

• Link for information: http://www.mykiddo.org/Media-Gallery.html

K-8  Charter and Magnet Options

Odyssey Elementary – Charter School

Open House Dates:

Tuesday, October 4th at 9:30 am
Tuesday, November 15th at 9:30 am
Thursday, December 1st at 6:30 pm
Tuesday, December 13th at 9:30 am
Tuesday, January 10th at 9:30 am
Thursday, January 26th at 6:30 pm

• Application Deadline is January 31, 2012
• Applications are available at Open Houses
• School Number: 303.316.3944
• Website: http://www.odysseydenver.org

The Denver Green School- A DPS School of Choice

• Application will be posted sometime in October
• Website: http://www.denvergreenschool.org/
• School Number: 720.424.7480

Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

• Open Houses are the First Thursday of every month at 8:30 a.m.
• Next Open House is October 6, 2011 No sign-ups, just show up!
• Application information will be posted on the website sometime in October
• School Number: 303.759.2076
• Website: http://www.rmsel.org/

Middle School Options

Denver School of the Arts- Magnet Program

• Application Process is a multi-step process and is different for each area of study at the school. Here is a link to the process and deadlines: http://dsa.dpsk12.org/auditions/
• School Number: 720-424-1700
• Website: http://dsa.dpsk12.org/

Denver Center of International Studies – Magnet Program

• Denver Public School Common Application will be posted on school Website sometime in October.
• School Number: 720-423-9000
• Website: http://cisdenver.org/

Hamilton Middle School- International Preparatory Magnet Program

• Currently accepting applications for the IPMP. Application Deadline is December 2, 2011
• Here is a direct link for the enrollment process and application:http://hamilton.dpsk12.org/stories/storyReader$49
• School Number: 720-423-9500
• Website: http://hamilton.dpsk12.org/

Denver School of Science and Technology- Charter School

• Application will be posted sometime in October

Middle School Campus Options:

• Stapleton

-School Number: 303-320-5570 ext. 7403

• Green Valley Ranch

-School Number: (303) 524-6300

• Cole Middle School

-School Number: 303-524-6354

Girls Athletic Leadership School (GALS)- Charter School

• Application Deadline for 2012-2013: Application will be posted in the coming weeks
• Tours/Open house: Family information sessions will be held every Thursday at 5pm. Please call 720.315.0176 to RSVP
• Admission Contact: School Office
  • Phone: (303) 282 6437

Denver Private School Admissions

DENVER PRIVATE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE AND TOURS

Elementary and Middle School

If you are considering a private school for the year 2012-2013 it is time to start planning.  Each year private schools offer  dates where perspective families can informally browse their school community.  Open houses are a great way to get a sense of school culture, to meet families and to ask questions about curriculum, accountability and programs.

At e.Merging we recommend families get started early, create an educational plan and to consider public, magnet and charter options!

• Aspen Academy (NAIS Accredited)
  • Application deadline for 2012-13: February 4^th
  • Birth date cutoff: October 15^th—flexible based on social interaction
  • Information session  Tuesday January 17^th at 6 pm. These are not open houses, there is a presentation followed by a tour.
  • Admission contact:
    • Lynda Sailor
    • 303-346-3500
    • lynda.sailor@aspenacademy.org

• Beacon Country Day School
  • Application deadline for 2012-13: Rolling admissions
  • Birth date cutoff: Decision made on individual basis
  • Information session: Contact Admissions department to schedule a parent information session
  • Admission contact:
    • Dr. Cynthia Wallace
    • 303-771-3990

• Colorado Academy
  • Application Deadline for 2012-13: December 15^th
  • Birth date cutoff: September 1—not flexible
  • Tour/Visit
    • November 8 & 9 8:30-11:00am
  • Admission Contact
    • Caren Henry: director of lower school admission
    • 303-914-2549
    • Caren.henry@coloradoacademy.org

• Denver Academy
  • Application deadline for 2012-13: Open Enrollment
  • Birth date cutoff: September 15^th
  • Information session: November 6^th from 8:30am-noon
  • Admission contact:
    • Janet Woolley
    • 303-777-5161
    • admissions@denveracademy.org

• Denver Montclair International Academy ( Now Enrolling 6th and 7th graders for the 2012-2013 school year)
  • Application deadline for 2012-13 is December 15, 2011
  • Birth date cutoff: For Pre-Kindergarten Child must turn 3 by December 31^st of the year in which child is enrolled
  • Information session:  Saturday, November 12 at 10:00 a.m
  • Admissions Coordinator:
    • Mieke Bushhouse
    • 303-340-3647

• Graland Country Day (NAIS Accredited)
  • Application deadline for 2012-13: January 15, 2012
  • Birth date cutoff: Student must be 5 by Sept 1^st—not flexible
  • Lower school tours (k-4) Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30-9:30am beginning September 28^th

Upcoming open houses: Oct 18th 6pm-7:30, Oct 25th, Nov 10^th, Dec 7th – 8:30-10am

• Admission contact:
  • Carolyn Craig and Kristin Ryder
  • 303-399-8361
  • ccraig@graland.org

• Kent Denver School
  • Application Deadline for 2012-13: January 31, 2012
  • Birth date cutoff: Grades 6-12
  • Open house:
    • November 5, 2011 10am-noon
    • Call to arrange a tour
  • Admission Contact
    • Miya Dickman
    • 303-770-7660 X 240

• Havern School
  • Application deadline for 2012-2013: March 15, 2012. Rolling Admissions have already begun. If interested, apply as soon as possible!
  • Birth date cutoff: Children must be 5 by the first day of school.
  • Tour/campus visit

• Thursday, January 19th, 2012  9 -11 am

• Wednesday, February 15th, 2012 9 -11 am

• Tuesday, March 13th, 2012  9 -11 am

• Admission Contact
  • Nancy Mann
  • 303-986-4587
  • nmann@havernschool.org

• Logan School for Creative
  • Application deadline for 2012-13: January 7, 2012

Parent information Sessions:

Friday, December 9th, 2011

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

Expo Thursday February 16^th 2012

• Birth date cutoff: September 15^th
• Admission contact:
  • Becky Godec
  • 303-340-2444

• Mackintosh Academy
  • • Application deadline for 2012-13: Rolling Admissions, It is highly recommended to complete applications by January 2012, especially if scholarships are needed.
    • Birth date cutoff: Each child is assessed on an individual basis
    • Tour/campus visit: No formal open houses.
      • A referral meeting with the Head of School is required before a family can receive application materials. Contact the admissions department for information.
    • Admission Contact
    • Littleton Campus
      • Linda Downey
      • 303-794-6222
    • Boulder Campus
      • Kate Bachtel
      • 303-554-2011

• • Montessori School of Denver
  • Application deadline for 2012-13: January 13^th, 2012
  • Birth date cutoff: SEPTEMBER 1^st Not flexible**
  • Tours/open house/visit:
    • All tours start in October and must be scheduled with admissions contact
  • Admission contact:
    • Tara Geherke
    • 303-756-9441 ext. 15
    • tgehrke@msd-co.org

• Ricks Center for Gifted Children, University of Denver
• Application deadline for 2012-13: Pre-K: February 15, 2012

• • Kindergarten deadline: January 30, 2012
    • Birth date cutoff: 5 years old at the start of the school year
    • Admissions information sessions:
      • October 14, 2011 9:30-11 am
      • December 7, 2011 6:30-8:30 pm
      • January 24, 2011 9:30-11:30 am
      • Admission Contact: Janet Harm
        • 303-871-3715

• St. Anne’s Episcopal (NAIS Accredited)
  • Application deadline for 2012-13: January 6^th
  • Birth date cutoff: Need to be 5 by July 15^th—this is not flexible
  • Upcoming open house:
    • November 4^th from 9:00-11:00 am
    • Tours begin October 3^rd Interested parties should contact Marcia to set up a tour
  • Admission contact:
    • Lori Frank  303-756-9481

• St. Elizabeth’s School
  • Application deadline for 2012-2013: Prefer applications be in by December 15^th. After this date, applications accepted on a rolling basis.
  • Birth date cutoff: August 15^th
  • Tour/campus visit
    • St. Elizabeth’s School will host three “drop-in” open house dates during the 2011-2012 school year: February 8, 10:00 AM -4:00 PM.
  • Admission Contact
    • Walt McCoy
    • 303-322-4209

• St. Mary’s Academy
  • Application deadline for 2012-13: January 31st
  • Birth date cutoff: September 15^th
  • Tour/campus visit
    • November 7^th- open house for lower school 10:00am-2:00pm
  • Admission Contact
    • Amanda Dwyer Savage and Seely Greenberg
    • 303-762-8300 ext 205
    • Amanda_Savage@smanet.org

• Stanley British Primary- (NAIS Accredited)
  • Application deadline for 2012-13: December 15, 2012
  • Birth date cutoff: September 15—not flexible
  • Tours/Campus Visit
    • Beginning weekly October-December. After September 15^th call the admissions office to schedule an appointment. No Open house currently scheduled
  • Admission contact:
    • Ida Daniel- director of admissions
    • 303-360-0803 ext. 192
    • Linda@stanleybps.org

As the mother of four children, and a full-time working mother, BACK TO SCHOOL is a big event.  Each year, as August approaches and the school year is inevitable, I perform a routine that gets the whole family on track:

1. Purchase School Supplies. (including the Optional section)
2. Locate and clean moldy lunch boxes.
3. Dig out of the garage winter boots, gloves and hats in case there is a September snowstorm.
4. Align four different school calendars with my work and personal calendar.
5. Make decisions and commitments on how I am going to be involved in the education of my children.

I know firsthand the value of parent support in the classroom.   Being an elementary teacher translated into managing 28 – 30 children and parents, designing and implementing curriculum, assessing and monitoring growth, and endless teacher meetings.  This was not a job for the lighthearted.  Most of my teaching days began at 7:00 a.m. and I never felt my job was done when I left at 6:30 p.m.  Needless to say, I was forever grateful for those parents who sharpened pencils, brought me coffee, drove on field trips, showed up for conferences and clapped with vigor at our classroom presentations.

I have read  decades of research that shows when parents are involved in their child’s education students have:  Higher test scores, better school attendance, increased motivation, better self-esteem, decreased use of drugs and alcohol, lower suspension rates, etc. etc. etc.

The correlation between parent participation and student achievement is obvious.  Yet, as I sit in front of my computer looking at my calendar, I wonder how in the world am I going to be able to fit it all in?   After I mark off the days for fall break, Martin Luther King Jr. day, President’s day, César Chavez day, spring break, teacher work days and teacher conferences for three different schools, I ask myself:  How in the world will I fit in my share of field trips, classroom helping days, teacher appreciation, P.T.A meetings, and sharpening those pencils? After the overwhelm subsides, I simply commit and create my parent involvement constitution list for 2011-2012.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT CONSTIUTION FOR THE YEAR 2011 – 2012

1. I will send an e-mail to each teacher letting her/him know that I have a full-time job.  Are there projects he/she can give me on a Friday that I can complete over the weekend?
2. I will honor my teacher’s “open door” policy and come in to the room at my convenience offering my services.
3. I will sign up for one field trip per child, for the year.
4. I will continue to buy “the optional” items on the “classroom items needed list.”
5. I will read all teacher and school communications. (Totals to over 200-500 e-mails a year.)
6. I will sign up for conferences promptly and not be late or miss a conference. (Sorry Ms. Edson L)
7. I will surprise each of my children two times this school year with a Subway sandwich and eat with them in the lunchroom.
8. I will pack them healthy, wholesome lunches and snacks.
9. I will support my children at home with a time and place to do homework.
10. I will read a chapter book out loud to my children three nights of the week.
11. I will volunteer for the school auction event. (But not be on a committee.)
12. I will attend 2 PTA meetings a year.
13. I will limit screen time so my children don’t get mushy brains.
14. I will buy the biggest, yummiest cake from Whole Foods for the teacher appreciation lunch. (At three different schools, with four different teachers.)
15. I will model literacy for my children by reading the newspaper, books and novels in front of them.
16. I will show interest in my child’s learning, asking them effective questions.
17. I will play games with my children that involve strategy and math skills.  (They always beat me!)
18. I will bring Starbucks cards to my teachers and always show gratitude for their hard work.

There is no doubt that volunteering in a child’s classroom is helpful.   However, the most valuable support a parent can give a teacher is to be an involved in your child’s education both at school and at home.   Ultimately, the best support a parent can give a teacher is to send a child to school who is responsible, kind, independent and curious.   Good luck in writing your own Parent Involvement Constitution!  (Send it to me at e-merging.org )

Report Card

Confessions of a 3.0 Parent

Summer is here and the grades are in.  The expected, and often dreaded, report card is the hard data I have been waiting for that informs me of my child’s successes and failures.   As my eyes scan down the form for the A’s and B’s, and (God forbid C’s), I am highly aware that this exercise is not just an assessment of my child.  In some twisted way this “report” is somehow a reflection of me.

If I hold this to be true then I must confess that I am a 3.0 Parent.  Yes, it’s true, I am “a little above average.”  The burden of the 3.0 Parent is the constant self-judgment:  Am I good enough? Is my child good enough? Is a 3.0 enough?

When I go to that place of self-doubt I read this passage from an admired teacher, and 11^th grade Dean at Kent Denver:

“In this partnership, each generation is poised to accomplish so much more than the generation which preceded it–not because they worked in opposition, but precisely because they worked together.  This is the idyllic vision of education–to cooperatively work together to allow dreams to be realized, passions to be ignited, and life to be fulfilled.  Teachers teach because they see opportunity in their students; teachers teach because they believe in this partnership.”

Kurt McDonald

I have carefully selected my children’s schools to be places where “dreams can be realized, passions ignited and life to be fulfilled.”  The reason I became a teacher, and what I love most about being a mother, is facilitating “the partnership” that provides opportunity and expansion.  For me to hold these values true I cannot choose to make grades the only measure of success.  Instead, I must use more qualitative assessments that include looking at character, dedication, work ethic and passions.

Each year Ali Morgan and Katey Edson, two 4^th & 5^th grade teachers from Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning, publish a letter to their parents with some effective questions that FUEL children’s thinking.  These simple questions are tools for parents to use with children of all ages.  These questions put value on deeper thinking as opposed to “the grade.”

QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS THAT FUEL THINKING

• Read your child’s work ‘not for mistakes’, instead point out what “strikes” you?
• Ask the question:  Tell me more about that?
• When presented with a problem say:  What steps did you take to get that answer?
• Point out connections that you see in your child’s work.
• When you reflect on their work say:  I notice …
• When you reflect on their work say:  I wonder…
• Ask your child:  What do you notice, What do you wonder?

At the end of the day I find myself at ease as a 3.0 Parent.  I have noticed that many of my 4.0 Parents appear quite stressed about perfect SAT’s, Top 100 colleges and future plans for their children.   As a 3.0 Parent I will leave those decisions to my 3.0 Children as they explore, venture and muddle through “the questions” in the hopes of a fulfilled life.