summer
In this issue
DA News and Upcoming Events
High School News
Lower School News

Quick Links


Important Dates
3.11-3.12 - Class pictures
 
3.13-3.14 - MS performances of Dr. Seuss: The Musical

3.13 - Mustang Connection meeting
 
3.19 - Parents of Adopted Children Support Group
 
3.20 - DAPA meeting
 
3.20-3.21 - Junior and Senior Independent Study Course presentations

3.26-3.28 - Experiential Education Days, grades 7-12

3.28 - End of Q3

3.31-4.4 - Spring Break; school closed
Athletic Events
3.11 - Varsity baseball @ Denver School of Science and Technology, 3:30 p.m. 

3.13 - Varsity baseball vs. Bruce Randolph School, 3:30 p.m.

3.18 - Varsity baseball vs. Skyview Academy, 3:30 p.m.
 
3.18 - Varsity track @ Peak to Peak Charter School, 4:00 p.m.
 
3.19 - Varsity track @ Brighton High School, 2:00 p.m.
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Dateline DA March 2014
 

 

Denver Academy's Summer Program promises to offer an inviting array of activities and classes for DA and non-DA students. Parents are sure to find something fun and educational for students of all ages! 

 

For those interested in traditional academics, we offer two four-week sessions with classes in math, writing and reading for elementary through high school. One-on-one tutoring is available as well. At the high school level, Spanish I/II and US History are also available. High School students may receive credit for these courses.   

 

summer brochure cover

Our ever-popular day camp for elementary students is offered all eight weeks. Students may attend morning, afternoon or all day programs. Drop-in day and week rates are available throughout the summer. Campers enjoy lots of craft time, sports activities and local field trips.

 

For those looking for a shorter time commitment, our "Quick Hitters" offer one-week classes that combine fun, learning, action and engagement. Popular classes include welding, cooking, baseball camp, Jazzerkamp, rocketry, personal athletic training and Rocky Mountain Science.

 

New this season are basketball camp for elementary and middle school students and computer programming and electronics for middle and high school students.

 

We encourage you to check out the Summer Program Brochure for more information about all of our classes and activities. Courses start as early as June 9th and many fill up quickly. Happy Summer!

 

Sincerely,

Chris Hegele

Director of Summer and Seasonal Programs

Denver Academy


DA News and Upcoming Events

Dyslexic Advantage Book Talk

Interested in learning about asset-based thinking? How can we honor all the ways our students are smart? Join Philippe Ernewein, Director of Education, and Cynthia Richardson, Faculty Coordinator, as they lead a workshop on the latest research by Fernette & Brock Eide, nationally recognized experts in the field of learning differences. 

 

April 8 offers an opportunity for DA's community to participate in the conversation.  The presentation and discussion will be offered at 8:30-10:00 a.m. in Johnson Commons.  
 
The primary source of the presentation comes from the book The Dyslexic Advantagewritten by Fernette & Brock Edie. Copies of the books will be available at the front office, starting March 3. First come, first serve. The book talk and discussion is hosted by the DA Program Team and graciously sponsored by DAPA.

Please feel free to direct questions to Philippe Ernewein

 

Author Visit and Book Fair a Success

On Feb. 7, author Chris Howard visited DA and worked with all middle and high school students. He also offered a writing intensive for students interested in creative writing. Students were overheard saying things like, "This workshop was awesome! It really helped me work through some issues with my main character." As he left Denver Academy, Chris said, "This was how authors dream school visits will be."

chris howard tweet

The next week on Feb. 12, we hosted an Event Night Book Fair at the Barnes & Noble on Colorado & Mississippi. Students performed skits, our Headmaster read to us and one student rode his unicycle, juggled, cupstacked and did other feats of dexterity! We also had a photography display at the store and partnered with Molly Wingate and Marti Woodward, local authors of Slow Parenting Teens. Total sales are still being tabulated, but estimated sales were around $3,000 for the week!

 

Student Art Contest!

One of our favorite parts of the Gala is show casing the artistic abilities of our students. All DA students are encouraged to let their imaginations run free and create a masterpiece for the Gala Art Contest. Entries are limited to two per person. Faculty/staff judges will rate the entrees based on artistic merit, creativity and interpretation of the theme. The top six entries will then be on display at the Gala and voted on by the guests. CASH prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place in each division (High School, Middle School and Elementary). There will also be a Grand Prize Winner. The winning artwork will become the property of DA for display purposes.

 

This year's theme is Opposites Attract! Entry forms are available here, at the Administration Building front desk or from an art teacher. Submissions due by April 8. Go forth and create!


The Fritzsches Go to Washington

Washington, D.C. is a fast-paced city with an intricate and rich history. Mr. and Mrs. Fritzsche will be taking 12-16 students to spend five action-packed days exploring the city and its major monuments and museums. We have joined forces with World Strides, a well-known educational travel organization, so this is a wonderfully planned experience. Mrs. Fritzsche is excited for many of the museums and Mr. Fritzsche is excited for the monuments and art. 

 

There are still a few openings left! Join us from June 16-20 as we reflect on the past and the future of our nation from the seat of our government and cultural holdings. Contact Mrs. Fritzsche for more information. 

 

Faculty and Staff Notes

Amy Macy, Director of College and Transition Counseling, was selected as a Counselor of the Month by College in Colorado. Congratulations Amy!

 

Paddle Battle a Success

Thirty-six people participated in the First Annual DA Paddle Battle on February 21 in the Gates Atrium of Richardson Hall. All of the preliminary matches were played on banquet tables with regulation nets. This leveled the playing field, being an adjustment for all players to get used to the size of the tables. When the field was narrowed down to the top four finalists (Jason Brown, DJ Van Keuren, Mark Twarogowski and Barney Wilson), the semi-finals and final matches were played on a regulation sized table. The parent winner was Barney Wilson and the faculty staff winner was Gayle Bell.  Both received tickets to the Gala!

 

Thanks to the Gala committee, especially Pam Hassler and Lisa Bailey, for putting this fun evening together. Thirty-six items were collected for the Gala Auction!  It was a fun night for all that attended.

 

e-Check Portal Now Available checkbook-pen.jpg

We're happy to announce that our new e-Check Portal is now available and allows families to pay any and all kinds of student fees online. Simply go to www.denveracademy.org/payment and follow the instructions. Try it out today!

 

The Annual Fund--Pizza Party Contest Continues!

While there are a handful of classes within reach, no homeroom class has 100 percent parent participation in the Annual Fund...so the pizza party contest continues. Help make your student's homeroom the first one to have 100 percent by donating now! The new contest deadline is Friday, March 14.

 

If you already donated--we thank you!

 

Denim, Diamonds or Both? gala logo

Be on the lookout for YOUR invitation to the Gala.  The date is Saturday, April 26.  Be a part of this great night of celebrating our students and school.  There will be cocktails, silent auction, dinner, program and live auction, all followed by dancing! Your participation will benefit the DA Tuition Assistance Program.  

 

Reserve your tickets now at www.denveracademy.org/gala.  

  

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: April 12 , 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.


High School News

Important Graduation Information 

Tuesday, March 25th

Graduation speaker request forms due - All seniors are asked to complete a form identifying a current Denver Academy teacher or staff member to stand up and speak for them at graduation.  Forms will be distributed on March 3rd.

 

Tuesday, March 25th

Baby pictures due (Senior Slideshow) - Please submit photos toMs. Hecomovich , so that your student can be included in this DA graduation tradition - a special slide show, showcasing our seniors both as babies and graduates. This slide show will be shown at the Senior Breakfast and all families will receive a copy of the DVD.

 

Thursday, April 10th

50 days til Graduation Celebration, Senior Hall - This celebration is mandatory for all seniors, as the first Class of 2014 photo will be taken.  In addition, there will be important graduation announcements, and the Alumni Association president will speak.  More details to follow.

 

Tuesday, May 27th

Senior Breakfast 8:30-11:00 a.m., The Wellshire Inn  

 

Tuesday, May 27th 
Graduation Rehearsal 2:25-3:15 p.m., DA Quad  

 

Friday, May 30th

Graduation 9:00 a.m., DA Quad

 

ACT Prep Software

The College and Transition Counseling Program at Denver Academy is excited to announce that we have purchased ACT prep software for students. This online software is called Method Test Prep and it helps students build their math, reading, writing and ACT test prep skills. Students can listen to math, verbal and writing tutorials and each tutorial is accompanied by a quiz to test student mastery. The program is highly adaptive and keeps track of a student's strengths and weaknesses. Students have access to a large pool of practice questions and receive instant feedback upon completion of each question. This feedback includes easy-to-understand explanations. Method Test Prep is designed to be used independently or as a supplement to other SAT or ACT prep.

 

www.methodtestprep.com 

 

The student login is his/her DA email address without the "@denveracademy.org." Passwords are "denveracademy." For instance, John Doe's ([email protected]) username would be "doejo" and password "denveracademy."

 

Class of 2015--Senior Photos

Parents of Juniors, it's not too early to think about senior photos!

Senior photos will be due to the yearbook team the first week of November 2014. Need a photographer? Contact Kathleen Booton, DA Yearbook Advisor, for suggestions.

 

Senior Dedications will again be available in next year's yearbook. Senior dedications usually include a special written wish for your senior along with 1-8 favorite photos. Text and photos will be due by the first week of  December 2014.
 
The price for dedications is $225 for 1 full page, $175 for 1/2 page, $125 for 1/4 page. Payment for senior dedications will be due at the end of September 2014. Get a head start on senior year, it comes on quick!

After Prom--Deep Space, Defy Gravity
after prom flyerMustang Connection is very excited about this year's After Prom. We have a lot of wonderful events planned and we would appreciate your support in making this a successful and FUN evening for our kids. There will be Laser Tag, a Gyroscope, an Astrologer, a Magician, refreshments, casino room, ping pong, movies and prize giveaways!

DA Prom will take place April 12 (location under wraps). Our annual After Prom will be held in Richardson Hall, from
10: 00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m., open to all students in grades 9-12. Cost is $20 per person; free if attending prom. Students and their guests must bring a
 signed waiver form

All high school students are invited to After Prom and all students who attend After Prom will win prizes. Plus, this year there will be amazing grand prizes which include a Xbox One and big cash giveaways. 

Here's how you can help: we need cash and gift cards. Last year there were cash-filled helium balloons and the kids LOVED them. We put increments of $5, $10 or $20 in them. Kids chose either a balloon or an anonymous gift card. Everyone won something!   

Checks are welcome for the cash prizes. Please make checks out to Denver Academy and designate them to Mustang Connection After Prom. Recommended gift cards are: GameStop, iTunes, Visa, Best Buy. You may drop off contributions at the Front Desk in an envelop marked Mustang Connection - After Prom.

Thank you for all of your generosity and "may the force be with you!"
Mustang Connection Committee

Lower School News
Middle School Respect Symposium
On April 7th, Middle School students will participate in the 2014 Respect Symposium. Students will learn about a vast array of respect issues, including those concerning technology, bullying, self-respect and hygiene. It's sure to be a day of thought-provoking discussion and valuable lessons.