Dear Dragon Families,
It’s hard to believe, but we have officially entered the final month of the school year! While the excitement of summer is building, we are still very much in learning mode here at GVA-DC.
📚 Finishing Strong Matters
These last weeks are incredibly important. Daily attendance and being on time continue to make a big difference for your child’s learning, classroom community, and end-of-year celebrations. We have engaging, meaningful, and fun learning experiences planned all the way through the final day—we want every student here to be part of it!
🌦️ Colorado Weather = Be Prepared!
As we all know, spring weather in Colorado can change quickly—warm one day, chilly or rainy the next. Please help your child come prepared by:
- Dressing in layers
- Bringing jackets when needed
- Wearing appropriate footwear for outdoor activities
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🍎 Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8)
This week, we celebrate the incredible educators who make GVA-DC such a special place. Teacher Appreciation Week is a nationally recognized time to honor the dedication, care, and impact of teachers.
- National Teacher Day: Tuesday, May 5
- A simple note, kind message, or small gesture goes a long way in showing appreciation
- Looking for gift ideas- follow this link to staff favorites
Our teachers pour their hearts into their work every day. Thank you for helping us celebrate them!
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🚧 Construction Update
We are truly nearing the finish line! Despite some weather delays, the progress has been exciting:
- Electricity is now live in the building
- Flooring installation is underway
- Exterior siding, columns, and gables are progressing
- Playground and turf installation are moving forward
It’s amazing to see it all come together. Thank you for your continued patience and support!
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📅 The Month Ahead
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May 4–8: Teacher Appreciation Week
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May 5: Coffee with the Principal at 8:30 AM (in-person and Facebook Live)
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May 5: Kindergarten Graduation Photos
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May 5: Student Accountability Committee Meeting at 4:30 PM
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May 6: School Nurse Appreciation Day
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May 7: Hagerman the Science Wizard Assemblies (cafeteria)
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May 12: China Trip Information Meeting - Virtual Only
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May 13: GVA-DC Board of Directors Meeting at 6:30 PM (cafeteria)
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May 14: ENCORE Spring Recital at 5:30 PM (cafeteria)
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May 14: PIC Meeting at 7 PM (Virtual Only)
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May 15: Free Dress Day
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May 15: International Day - Argentina at 8:30 AM and 10:10 AM (cafeteria)
- Facebook Live available for 10:10 AM presentation
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May 15: Early Dismissal at 12 PM
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May 18: 5th Grade End-of-Year Celebration at 5:30 (cafeteria) - date change!
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May 19: Kindergarten Graduation at 9 AM (cafeteria)
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May 19: HSK/YCT/DELF/DELE Awards Celebration at 5:30–6:30 PM (cafeteria)
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May 20: Field Day & Used Uniform Sale
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May 21: End-of-Year Growth Party
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May 21: Last Day of School (Early Dismissal at 12 PM)
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May 21: Kona Ice on Campus at 11:30 AM
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Thank you for your continued partnership as we wrap up another incredible year. Let’s finish strong and celebrate all the growth, learning, and accomplishments of our amazing Dragons!
With gratitude,
Stacy Bush
Principal, GVA Douglas County
sbush@gvashools.org
| | Support Our Students, Staff, and School | |
Top Honors at the Colorado State Chinese Bridge Competition
We are proud to celebrate several GVA-DC students for their outstanding achievements in the 2026 Colorado State Chinese Bridge Competition!
Elementary Division
1st Place: Luca Pole
3rd Place: Demid Mozgov
Middle School Division
2nd Place: Griffin Trifilo
Merit Award: Mason Lee
A special thank you to Lou Laoshi, Chen Laoshi, our lower-grade teachers, and Yanrong for their dedication, leadership, and support in helping our students succeed. Congratulations to all of our winners on this incredible achievement!
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Nominate GVA Douglas County for Family Favorites
GVA Douglas County is in the running for the 2026 Colorado Parent Family Favorites Awards, and we’d love your support!
You can nominate once per day through May 15, so feel free to come back and show your support again!
Here’s how to nominate:
GVA Douglas County can be nominated in categories like:
- Charter Elementary School
- Charter Middle School
- Charter School Principal
- After-School Programs
- Community Events (For example: Lunar New Year Celebration)
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Supporting the Rakoczy Family
Our community is coming together to support fourth-grade student Luca Rakoczy, who is currently undergoing treatment for leukemia.
Taste of Soul is hosting a special fundraiser featuring dinner, dancing, and a gift basket auction. All proceeds will go directly to the Rakoczy family to help ease the financial burden during this time.
Event Details
- Friday, May 29
- Dinner: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
- Gift Basket Auction: 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM
- Location: 1591 W Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80223
Pricing and Tickets
- $60 per person
- Includes choice of entrée (Prime Rib or Garlic Parmesan Chicken), sides, dessert, and 2 cocktail vouchers
- Gift Basket Raffle Tickets: $5 each
Purchase Tickets
Questions? Contact Nastassia: (720) 422-0319
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Discover China 2027: Info Session & Trip Overview
Join us for an informational meeting to learn more about the 2027 China trip, including what to expect, how to register, and highlights of the student experience.
Meeting Details:
Trip Highlights:
May 31 – June 8, 2027
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Beijing
🧱 Hike the Great Wall
🏯 Forbidden City Scavenger Hunt
🥋 Kung Fu & Traditional Chinese Games
🥢 Taste Authentic Peking Duck & Hotpot
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Shanghai
🏫 Cultural Activities in a School
🐼 Visit the Pandas at the Zoo
🌿 Explore a Traditional Chinese Garden
🛍️ Shop and Bargain at a Local Market
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Help Shape the Future of GVA-DC
We are looking for dedicated community members to serve on the GVA-DC Board of Directors.
Board members provide strategic leadership, support school priorities, and help strengthen the connection between our school, families, and community. No prior board experience is required, but past applicants are encouraged to reapply, as the skills and perspectives needed by the Board are constantly evolving.
If you’re interested or know someone who would be a great fit, applications are open through May 4.
👉 Read more and apply
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Join the SAC & Make an Impact!
GVA-DC is seeking two new Student Accountability Committee (SAC) members for 2026–2027: Parent Representative and Community Member. This volunteer group helps guide school priorities and decisions, with meetings typically held monthly.
Interested or have questions?
Contact douglassacchair@gvaschools.org.
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ENCORE Summer Camps ~ Enroll Today!
Registration for our half-day ENCORE Summer Camps in June, led by GVA teachers and staff, is now open!
Grab a spot for a fun-filled summer of learning and creativity.
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Discover Summer Fun with Innovation Learning Camp!
Dates: June 1 – July 24
Time: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Cost: $309 per week | $68 per day
Innovation Learning is excited to offer Discovery Camp at GVA-DC this summer! This year’s theme, Science of Superpowers, brings hands-on experiments, creative challenges, and exciting field trips as students explore the real science behind extraordinary abilities.
Camp includes extended care, daily snacks, and a fun, engaging environment to keep students active, curious, and learning all summer long.
👉 Register online today!
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Volunteer Opportunity: May Staff Birthday Treats
Help us celebrate our wonderful staff birthdays during their birthday month!
Please bring donations to the front office by 8 AM on Wednesday, May 13th.
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Join Us for a Virtual PIC Meeting!
Thursday, May 14
General Meeting (Open to all): 7:00 PM
This meeting will be virtual only!
All families are encouraged to attend. Get involved, stay informed, and help make a difference at GVA.
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PIC Leadership Opportunities
For the next school year, we will have two openings in our PIC leadership team; PIC Vice
President and Fundraising Coordinator.
PIC Vice President
Supports the PIC President and helps keep the committee running smoothly. This role assists with meetings, communication, team support, and partnering with the school.
PIC Fundraising/Hospitality Coordinator
Leads and supports key events like the Dragon Dash, GVA Gala, Butterbraids, and International Bake Sale. Works with vendors, staff, and the PIC team to keep fundraisers organized and running smoothly.
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Earn Cash Back for GVA-DC
Effortless fundraising is a way we raise money for GVA and for PIC without having to sell anything! We do this by asking our school families to save items that they already have in their homes, use cards at stores where they already shop, or shop through our online links. It’s a small act that can make a huge difference!
👉 Learn more about our partner organizations.
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Build Global Connections at Home This Summer
Compass USA is currently seeking a few local families to host international students (ages 14–18) from France, Italy, and Spain for 3-4 weeks this summer. Hosting is a rewarding way to experience cultural exchange at home, and students will spend their time fully integrated with your family.
Compass USA also pays host families $150/week to help offset the cost of hosting. If you’re interested or would like more details, please contact Jenny Rischling at 303-807-3564 or compassusajennyr@gmail.com.
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Turn Reading Time Into Pizza Time
Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT! Summer of Stories is back, giving students a fun way to keep reading all summer while earning FREE pizza!
Students in Pre-K through 6th grade can join through the BOOK IT! App and turn reading goals into pizza rewards.
- Program Dates: June 1 – August 31
- Enrollment Opens: May 1
👉 Learn more and register for BOOK IT!
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Strike Up Family Fun This Summer
Kids Bowl Free is the perfect way to keep the fun rolling all summer long! Kids can enjoy 2 free games of bowling every day during the seasonal promotion, giving families a simple way to stay active, have fun, and make lasting memories together.
Participating Local Bowling Centers:
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