Dateline DA October 2015
What is this "Annual Fund" Thing?
 
At Back to School Night, Denver Academy Board Members Steve Lockton and Dylan Geller '92 spoke about their belief in DA.  For Steve, finding a school where his kids Olivia, Carley, and Stevie experience success, pride, and challenge has made him a believer in the 'DA magic.' He knows the time he invests as a member of the Board of Trustees is well spent.
 
Dylan arrived at DA as a 12-year-old student and graduated six years later. He contributes to the Annual Fund because he credits his success in college and the business world to DA.
 
Both Steve and Dylan are 'all in' for Denver Academy.
 
This month we kick off our Annual Fund campaign.  Your donation allows us to:
  • Attract, retain, and invest in our exceptional teachers and staff
  • Offer a differentiated educational program
  • Improve and enhance our campus facilities
  • Provide financial assistance to those who would not be able to afford a DA education
What's more, your Annual Fund donation shows grant-making agencies and foundations our community's strong commitment to DA--a key decision factor when awarding grants. All this, because you made a gift to Denver Academy!
 
Gifts of all sizes are needed, meaningful, and appreciated. Please join me and countless others by going "all in" for Denver Academy. 

Sincerely,
Headmaster

You can make your donation now through our secure website at www.denveracademy.org/give
Events, Activities, Reminders
Online Check-In
Thank you to all the families who have completed Online Check-In. The first ten families to complete Online Check-In received a free item of spirit wear for their child. 

Congratulations to:
Megan Blood-Maruyama 
Joseph Brooks 
Hannah Doak 
Colton Frechette
Ben Litvak 
Angelo Luch 
Maria Luttenegger 
Henry Mammel
Maria Merkel 
Isaac Neivert 
John Tucker  
 
If you haven't completed Online Check-In, please do so by logging into the parent portal and following the prompts.

teenage brain
Teenage Brain
Save the date! Join us November 5 at 6:00 pm for an evening of socializing and learning. Get to know other parents of high schoolers over refreshments and snacks and then attend a presentation by Headmaster Mark Twarogowski, "The Secret Life of the Teenage Brain." Adults only, please.
silver_laptop.jpg
Parent Technology Workshop
Did you miss the Parent Technology Workshop last month? Fear not. Resources and information on how to work with your child to become a responsible digital citizen are available on the Program Team Google page

The Workshop will also take place again as the first in a Speaker Series hosted by the Counseling Department.

October 13 at 8:30 a.m. in Johnson Commons. 

Fall Break 2015
For parents who need a fun, structured day or week of activities during Fall Break for their elementary or middle school child (non-DA students are welcome too), please contact Chris Hegele, Director of Summer and Seasonal Programs about day camp options and pricing. 303.777.5870 ext. 247. 
DA trip at Mt. Vernon
Washington, D.C. Middle School Trip
This past summer,  Kris and Vanessa Fritzsche took ten DA middle schoolers to visit our nation's capital. We traveled with a student travel group called WorldStrides, who made sure that the trip was action-packed and incredibly informative.

Highlights of the trip included seeing a National's baseball game, sitting in Ford's Theater and hearing the story of Lincoln's assassination, marveling at gigantic aircrafts at the Air and Space museum, visiting all the major monuments, strolling through the Hall of Flags at the Kennedy center, sitting on Einstein's statue's lap, touring our nation's capitol building, meandering the grounds at Mt. Vernon, and hearing many unique insider stories as told by our wonderful course leader. This was the ultimate chance for experiential education, and the trip makes our nation's rich history come alive.  


Experientials
A long-standing Denver Academy tradition is experiential week, which is March 23-25, 2016. During these magical days, students are able to participate in educational opportunities that are outside our normal classroom walls and with students and teachers from other divisions.

Teachers are busy planning these wonderful programs, spanning a variety of costs and locations. The packets and forms will be available to seniors beginning ~October 19, and to grades 7-11 by ~November 2. These programs are required. If you have questions, please contact Vanessa Fritzsche or Virginia Hermann.
 
Lower School News
autumn_leaves.jpg
Ponies Events
Join us on October 20 at  2:00 p.m. in the DAPA House. Meet the Administrative Team and representatives from the specials departments. Come for an informal meet and greet and ask those questions you have not been able to ask and learn what new things are planned for this year.

Fall Festival on October 22 at  1:30 p.m. in the Elementary and 6th Grade Building. Students will engage in a variety of activities to celebrate the fall season. Volunteers are needed to pull off this fun afternoon (details provided by your Room Parent). Parents and siblings are welcome to join in the afternoon activities. 
Avid4Adventure
Elementary students enjoyed a beautiful day at Bear Creek Lake on September 25. Students participated in kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, and team building activities with Avid4 Adventure.

Grandparents Day
Save the date! Tuesday, November 24 at 8:00 am is Grandparent's Day! Kids, bring your grandparents for a continental breakfast and wonderful program full of student talent. This event is for the Elementary and Middle Schools.
College & Transition News
Common App and ACT/SAT Deadlines
The next ACT test date is October 24. The deadline to apply for accommodations for the December 12 test date is October 23. The registration deadline for the December test date if you are not seeking accommodations is November 6.
 
The next available  SAT test date is November 7. Register by October 9 if you wish to apply for  the November 7 test.

The Common Application is now open and students can begin applying to college(s) today! Many schools encourage applicants to submit their application materials by November 1 to meet an Early Action deadline.

Scholarship Event
A special Boettcher Foundation Scholarship Summit for private school students, their counselors, and parents that will be held at Faith Christian Academy's East Campus Auditorium (located on the EAST side of Ward Road) at 6210 Ward Road, Arvada CO 80004 on October 6 at 6:00 pm.

The goal of the evening is to deliver targeted scholarship advice to students with private school backgrounds.
College Reps 
on Campus 

Please visit the Senior Division calendar on the 12th grade curriculum webpage for upcoming visits to the Denver Academy campus by college representatives. College rep visits are being added daily to the calendar, so please be sure to check back often! Parents are welcome to attend the information sessions and chat with admission representatives while they are on campus.

College Visit Events 
The fall is full of creative college visit opportunities throughout the state of Colorado. Take advantage of touring college campuses, having lunch with current students, experiencing dorm life, and more. Research campus visit events at each of the schools you plan on applying to this fall.
Parent Book Group
Parents of Juniors & Seniors are welcome to participate in a book group discussion during each Late Start Wednesday. Our first meeting will be October 14 at 8:00 a.m. Over the course of five late start Wednesdays we will discuss how to prepare your student for a successful transition from Denver Academy to college, a career, pursuing a gap year and more! 

CLE Open House
The College Living Experience is hosting an Open House for prospective students and families on October 15, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Melissa Nieber

College & Career Fairs
CollegeFairsDenver.org is hosting three college fairs in the Denver area in October. Locations include:
 
Out-of-State College Fair at Monarch High School, October 7
 
Out-of-State College Fair at Lakewood High School, October 8  

In and Out-of-State College Fair & Workshops at Mountain Vista High School, October 10
  
The NACAC College Fair will be held on October 11 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Denver Mart. 
 
The NACAC Performing Arts Fair will be held on October 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Infinity Park Center.
 

Athletics News
basketball_closeup.jpg
"New" Basketball Coach
The Athletic Department is proud to announce that Vince Ruscio will be the new head High School Boys Basketball Coach for the 2015-16 season. Coach Ruscio is excited about returning to Denver Academy where he coached and worked in many different capacities from 2005-2011. Coach Ruscio is currently coaching baseball and teaching physical education at George Washington High School.  

Yes, Mr. Ruscio is also the husband of Kyra Ruscio, Head of the Physical Education Department. Coach Ruscio says he's "excited to return to Denver Academy and be part of the Denver Academy family again."

Basketball Start Dates
High School: Nov. 12
Middle School: PE classes, starting Nov. 2. A Middle School Boys Basketball parent meeting will take place on Nov. 3 at 3:15 pm in Mr. Green's room.

Physical & Parent Permission Forms
Middle and High School students who wish to participate in basketball during the 2015-2016 season, and have not had a current physical are reminded that the forms are due prior to participation. All physicals are good for 365 days.
Library News
The Hallo-wiener
October's Book Recommendations

The Hallow-Wiener, by Dav Pilkey.
Recommended by Elizabeth Barry, Director of Marketing. 

Ms. Barry notes, "Oscar, a dachshund, is literally the underdog. Full of humor to delight both kids and parents, this book shows us that being short can be an advantage. And quite 'frankly,' I can relate to that."

Appropriate for all ages.  

Seven Realms series, by Cinda Williams Chima.
Recommended by 
Caleb Chayet , 7th grader. 

"If you really like fantasy with action, adventure, and twists in the story, then this is the series for you," says Caleb. 

Recommended for readers in grades 7+.

These books and other great books and resources are available in our very own DA Library. For more information, check our catalog at bit.ly/dalibrary or contact our librarian, Ms. Gutierrez
Book Fair 
Save the Date
Mark your calendars because the Scholastic Book Fair will be coming to campus on November 13-20. This is a great opportunity to purchase gifts for teachers, friends, and family, and all the proceeds benefit the Library. 

If you are interested in volunteering or providing food for our teacher preview, please contact Jolene Gutierrez, Librarian. 
 
uk-keyboard-e.jpg
Online Resources
Denver Academy Library subscribes to many online databases and resources, including the comprehensive EBSCO databases and more specific databases like CultureGrams. To learn more and watch video screencasts that walk you through many topics, visit our Library Google Site .
Development & Volunteer News
volunteer_sheet_hdr.jpg
Room Champions Needed
The DA Annual Fund provides students and teachers with many of the resources needed over the course of this school year and to take advantage of unexpected opportunities as they arise.  We are looking for parents to become champions for the Annual Fund in each homeroom. Candidates should be a donor to the Annual Fund, have a passion for supporting DA, and be willing to contact other parents in their child's class to encourage Annual Fund participation. Training and materials will be provided. We need you on our team! Please contact Karen Lozow, Director of Development, for more information. 
thankyou_paper_hdr.jpg
Thank You Volunteers!
Thank you to all who attended DAPA and Gala meetings in September! Please go to the DA website if you would like to see the DAPA minutes. Remember, it's never too late to join us. Check the Master Calendar for dates and times or contact Jill Singer, Director of Events and Volunteers. 
 
Thank you to Lorie Linnell for heading up the New Parent Reception along with her committee: Deb Woodward, Amanda Plank, and Roxanne Luch.  Everyone had a great time getting acquainted and watching the Broncos!
Alumni Updates
Class of 2015
  • Andrew Cripe leaves this month to serve with AmeriCorps. He will start out in Sacramento, CA for training and then complete 1,700 hours of service with a team of individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, economic, geographic, and educational backgrounds. Andrew is excited to have an opportunity to give back to his country.
Class of 2014
  • The Seattle Thunderbirds Center Scott Eansor attended training camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
  • The Portland Winterhawks Center Dominick Turgeon attended the Detroit Red Wings training camp. Dom signed a 3-year, entry-level contract with the Red Wings in June this year.
Class of 2010
  • Sam Orkin successfully completed his 95-day, 1,200-mile canoe trip in the Canadian arctic and sub-arctic. He and his brother Ben caught 585 fish, paddled 1,100 miles, and endured nighttime temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit. For 45 days they saw no sight of other humans. They saw 15 grizzly bears, more than 100 caribou, 31 muskoxen, bald eagles, beluga and black whales, seals, moose, and wolves. Sam and Ben began this adventure with no canoe experience. Now back in Colorado, Sam works for Elevated Insights as a Marketing, Business Development, and Facility Manager.
Class of 1992
  • Chris Douglas is now the chef at Mezcal, a popular Colfax Avenue cantina. The restaurant was closed this summer for a complete kitchen rebuild. Mezcal is now open nightly. Stop by and taste the magic that Chef Douglas creates!
Resources for Diverse Learners
Dyslexia: Spotlight on Success
Denver Academy is excited to announce that we are again partnering with Learning Ally to sponsor a community outreach event on  November 7 in the Denver Academy Gym from  9:00-11:00 a.m.

This presentation  is based on hearing from successful individuals who are diagnosed with dyslexia. Along with keynote speaker John Rodrigues, author of High School Dropout to Harvard, our very own Literacy Specialist Tammy Curran will be speaking about her journey as a dyslexic. The presentation is geared toward both students and parents.
 
In conjunction with this event, Denver Academy's YES Ambassadors will be hosting an informational meeting at  8:30 a.m. in Johnson Commons in Richardson Hall. A continental breakfast will be served. YES Ambassadors, a program promoting advocacy for diverse learners, will be actively recruiting new members and will be available to answer questions prior to the event. Please RSVP to Tammy Curran
MCE
Headmaster to Speak at DU's Morgridge College of Education
The Alumni Board of the Morgridge College of Education is proud to welcome Mark Twarogowski   as its Fall Signature Event Honoree. Mr. Twarogowski has had an extensive career−29 years−at Denver Academy. Currently Headmaster at the school, Mr. Twarogowski has also served as High School Teacher, Middle School Head, Dean of Lower Schools, and Director of Education. 

Mr. Twarogowski, a respected presenter at local, national, and international education conferences, will speak on the nature and needs of diverse learners in the classroom.

October 15, 2015 ~ 6:00 p.m.

This is a free event, but space is limited, so please register online as early as possible.

Location: Katherine A. Ruffatto Hall 
1999 E. Evans Ave., Denver, CO 80208
The parking lots closest to Ruffatto Hall are 301, 302, and 316W.