|
Important Dates
| |
1.6 - Faculty work day; no school for students
1.10 - Dorm Food Cookoff for Seniors
1.16 - DAPA Meeting
1.17 - End of Q2
1.20 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day; school closed
1.31 - Parent/Teacher Conferences; no school for students
1.31 - High School Job Shadow Day
|
|
Athletic Events
| |
1.8 - High School basketball vs. Jim Elliot; JV boys at 4:00, Varsity girls at 5:00 p.m., Varsity boys at 6:30 p.m.
1.10 - Middle School boys basketball vs. Alexander Dawson, 5:00 p.m.
1.21 - High School basketball vs. Liberty Common; JV boys at 4:00 p.m., Varsity girls at 5:00 p.m., Varsity boys at 6:30 p.m.
1.28 - High School basketball @ Denver Christian; boys JV at 4:00 p.m., Varsity girls at 5:30 p.m., Varsity boys at 7:00 p.m.
1.30 - High School basketball vs. Union Colony; JV boys at 4:00 p.m., Varsity girls at 5:00 p.m., Varsity boys at 6:30 p.m.
|
|
|
|
Dateline DA January 2014
Here at Denver Academy, we know that our students' needs don't end when they earn a high school diploma. That glorious walk across the graduation stage is the beginning of a new journey.
Unfortunately, that journey can be particularly challenging for some students with learning differences.
"I've never really had to manage things on this level before," says Izaak Vanderbrug, a current Fort Lewis College student with a learning difference. "A lot of things distract you in college, more so than high school."
To address this need, Denver Academy began The College Achievement Program (CAP) in 2011. The Program is designed to help students with learning differences graduate from college. CAP provides one-on-one support to help students transition to college life, manage their time and get the necessary academic support they need. CAP also helps students maximize their resources by assisting them in attaining accommodations and services provided by the college or university they are attending.
CAP believes that all students can be successful in a post-secondary setting with the proper supports. CAP students are bright and capable; some have diagnosed learning differences, while others simply thrive within a structured support network.
As students begin to receive their college acceptances and weigh their post-graduate option, we invite parents to consider CAP as a way to bridge the change from high school to college and ensure student success. CAP enrollment is open to any student--you don't have to be a graduate of Denver Academy to enroll in the program.
"I would definitely recommend the CAP program to others because it's such a great way for kids to transition," says parent Doris Kimbrough. "It's not me nagging him; it's [CAP] coaching him. For my son, it has just been a lifesaver."
For more information about CAP, watch the video above or visit the CAP webpage.
Sincerely,
Gayle Bell
Director, College Achievement Program
Denver Academy
|
|
|
DA News and Upcoming Events
|
Hour of Code a Success!
Students young and old participated in the Hour of Code during Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 9-15). Students and teachers found that while the terms "programming" or "coding" sounded boring, it was anything but. Kids and teachers tried their hand at JavaScript, creating their own apps, as well as creating their own video games. A favorite? Light-bot, a puzzle game that built on programming concepts.
 | |
Ms. Zimmermann's class practices coding a program to make an LED light flash on command.
|
For many students, this was their first opportunity to write their own computer program. Teachers enjoyed the wealth of knowledge that became available to them through apps and tutorials.
"We hope to continue to explore many of the other tutorials throughout the year," said 6th grade teacher Sara Bailey.
Books Available for Author Visit 
Author Chris Howard will be visiting with our Middle and High School students on Friday, February 7. Copies of his book Rootless are available for a discounted price of $15 (normally $17.99). For more information or if you'd like to order copies the book, go here. Questions? Contact Jolene Gutierrez. Barnes & Noble Event Night! Mark your calendars for our upcoming Barnes & Noble Event Night on Wednesday, February 12 from 3:30-7:00 p.m. Our Barnes & Noble in-store (at the store on Colorado and Mississippi) and online book fair will run the entire week of February 10-14, but we'll gather as a school the night of the 12th for snacks, crafts, student/teacher performances and shopping! Teacher wish lists will also be available, and we'll be working with local restaurants again so we can offer an "Eat and Give Back" night on the 12th. If you need more information or if you're interested in donating snacks to serve at Barnes & Noble, please contact Jolene Gutierrez at jgutierrez@denveracademy.org Paddle Battle New this year is PADDLE BATTLE, an adult night out for DA parents and faculty to have fun and benefit the Gala! Denver Academy will host a table tennis tournament with food and drinks on Friday, February 21 at 6:00 p.m. in Richardson Hall. Winner of the parent tournament receives two regular tickets to the Gala. The faculty/staff winner will receive a ticket for a guest to attend. The entry fee for DA's Paddle Battle is merely a bottle of wine or a restaurant gift card worth ($25 or more) for the Gala auction. Join us for this fun community event! You will receive your invitation in the mail soon or register online now at www.denveracademy.org/paddlebattle. Golf Anyone? Did you know that DA has an annual Golf Tournament? Scheduled for a Monday in August 2014 (exact date to be determined) at Pinehurst Country Club. We need committee volunteers to join the team. Golfers are encouraged to get involved--we need your golf knowledge and passion! Please contact Karen Lozow to sign up to volunteer. Denim and Diamonds Gala 2014 is on track to be a night of great fun, friendship and fundraising for the DA Tuition Assistance program. Be on the lookout this month for important mailings about purchasing your tickets/tables, donating auction items and how to place an acknowledgement in the event night program. Corporate sponsorships are available at multiple levels and allow your company/employer to receive exposure to the DA community while making a positive difference in the lives of DA students. SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, April 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the Sherman Street Event Center in downtown Denver. Early Bird tickets are available online now at www.denveracademy.org/gala
3rd Quarter Clubs
'Tis the season for winter clubs! Middle School and High School will be offering a new set of clubs for 3rd quarter. Clubs will take place after school from January 21st through the week of March 10th. Free of charge! Learn more about Q3 offerings!
"Round-up" Day
January 16th is "Round-up" Day in the High School. All current high school students and 8th graders, will spend an hour visiting the next grade level-- meeting the teachers and learning more about what to expect in the coming year.
During 6th period (12:35-1:25 p.m.) all affected students will visit the grade level above the. Eighth graders will get an added bonus of participating in a panel discussion with Seniors who will talk about their past four years and impart advice.
Adopt-A-Family
Students from Elementary to High School spent December raising money and collecting donations for Adopt-A-Family. The Adopt-A-Family program is spearheaded by the DA Student Senate to help families in need during the holidays. Each participating division helped fulfill a family's wishlist of presents and clothing. Older students were also able to participate in purchasing and delivering the gifts.
Corey Kidder, DA Junior and Student Senator, helped deliver gifts this year. She visited with a grandmother and grandfather raising their granddaughter, Hope. Hope is a special needs child with a developmental delay and is fed with a feeding tube.
Ms. Kidder said it felt "amazing to give to those in need, especially during the holiday season." She's glad to have had this service learning opportunity at Denver Academy.
 | |
Lower School Students with their Adopt-A-Family Donations
|
Professional Development Notes
Professional development for teachers at Denver Academy often extends beyond the classroom walls and our campus. During February and March, some teachers will not only be attending educational conferences around the country, they will be leading these presentations and workshops.
DA faculty and staff have consistently presented at the Courage to Risk Conference in Colorado Springs for over 20 years. This year four DA instructors, Cynthia Richardson, Jenni Walker, Philippe Ernewein and Gayle Bell, will represent DA on the podium. Gayle Bell will give a presentation on fostering post-secondary skills in teens, which she'll also deliver at the ASCD Annual Conference in Los Angeles.
Philippe Ernewein, Director of Education, will attend the International Learning Differences Conference at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he will present "How Are You Smart?: Mindset, Theory and Practical Application."
Finally, one current and two former DA Administrators will present at the National Association of Independent Schools Annual Conference, when current headmaster Mark Twarogowski joins former headmaster Kevin Smith and former 12th grade Dean Paul Pressler in presenting "Triple Transition Tale: Leadership Lessons Learned."
Proposed Chapel Renovation
We love the look and feel of our historic campus, especially the chapel (now the DA Library) which dates back to 1926. The chapel still has its original windows, that while beautiful, are very energy inefficient. In the cold winter months our students and library staff are freezing.  | |
Students write letters for the Library grant proposal.
|
As the chapel is a historic landmark, the school must abide by certain restrictions in making renovations. As you can imagine, a historical renovation like this is much more costly than refurbishing a newer building. We are currently applying for a grant to make upgrades that will be historically appropriate, yet energy efficient. We are in need of letters from parents and community members in support of our proposal. If you are willing to write a letter for us to include with our grant proposal please contact Ms. Gutierrez. Thank you!
Admissions Open Houses
Do you know a child that could benefit from a DA education? Be sure to let your friends know about our upcoming DA Admissions Open Houses. Prospective parents and students can come learn about our school, take a tour and talk to our student ambassadors and Admissions staff. www.denveracademy.org/openhouse
Next Open House: January 25 , 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
|
|
High School News
|
USA Gap Year Fairs is a national circuit of events that bring together reputable Gap Year organizations, interested students and parents, high school college counselors and the Gap Year experts. Each Gap Year Fair will feature a speaker and question and answer session, so that interested students and parents can learn about the entire Gap Year process; from applications, to deferring freshman year, to re-entering college when they return.
Denver Academy is again hosting the annual Denver Gap Year Fair on Sunday, January 19 from 1:00-3:30 p.m. This is a public event for all interested students and parents in the Metro area. Contact Amy Macy with questions.
After-Prom Committee 
This year's after-prom committee is forming now and will start meeting after winter break on Jan. 23rd. We need volunteers for planning and for the night of After-Prom. Please contact Heather Rule, head of Mustang Connection, to let us know how you can help (planning committee, night of volunteering, donations of food and gift cards for raffle prizes).
|
|
Lower School News
|
Books Made into Movies Festival
Last month, Elementary students had the opportunity to participate in the Books Made into Movies Festival, put on by the Library and Literacy Specialists. Students celebrated books that have been made into movies by watching movie clips, reading from the books, making crafts, eating food and playing games.
|
|
LD & Community News
|
Raising Happiness
Graland Country Day School and The Graland Parent Association's Parent Education Network invite your school community to join us for an evening with:
Dr. Christine Carter, author of Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Graland Country Day School
We kindly ask that you rsvp at: www.graland.org
New scientific research reveals that happiness is a learned skill and that parenting styles and practices have a tremendous effect on children's emotional outlook on life. A sociologist and happiness expert at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, Christine Carter, Ph.D. also writes an award-winning blog, which is syndicated on the HuffingtonPost and PsychologyToday.com. Dr. Carter draws on psychology, sociology and neuroscience, and uses her own chaotic and often hilarious real-world adventures to demonstrate the do's and don'ts in action.
Hickenlooper Talks about Dyslexia
As part of the International Dyslexia Association-Rocky Mountain Branch's Dyslexia Spells Success event, YES! student ambassadors had the opportunity to interview Governor Hickenlooper about his dyslexia. You might be surprised by some of his answers and insight!
 | | Interview with Governor John Hickenlooper |
|
|
|
|
|
