Dear GVA-DC Families,
Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? Will winter weather stick around a bit longer? Stay tuned because today is Groundhog Day! 🦫❄️
We hope you had a wonderful week. Thank you for joining us in celebrating National School Choice Week and for being such an important part of our incredible GVA-DC community.
As we step into February, we are excited to kick off our Jeans for Dreams fundraiser, support students through important assessments, and enjoy fun events like Skate City Spirit Night. Read on for key updates and upcoming events!
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🚧 Construction Update: More Progress!
We are excited to share the continued momentum on our campus expansion:
- The foundation for the new building has been poured 🎉
- The sidewalk near Door B was repaired over the weekend
- The first four sections of the new building arrived Friday night and are currently staged in the Auto Mart lot across Ponderosa Drive
Thank you for your continued patience and flexibility. Your adaptability truly helps keep everything running smoothly during these transitions.
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✨ February Is Black History Month
This month, we honor Black History Month, celebrating the significant contributions and achievements of Black leaders throughout history.
Black History Month 2026 marks its centennial, commemorating 100 years since the establishment of Negro History Month in 1926, which later evolved into Black History Month.
The 2026 theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” highlights pivotal contributions and milestones in African American history.
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❤️ Kids Heart Challenge
We are excited to kick off our Kids Heart Challenge, helping students learn how to care for their hearts and brains while supporting children with special hearts.
By completing Finn’s Mission, students will:
- Learn the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR
- Recognize the signs of a stroke
- Discover how their actions can help others
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👖 “Jeans for Dreams” Fundraiser Begins Friday, February 6th
Our annual Jeans for Dreams fundraiser supports New Dimension of Hope (NDH), our sister school in Liberia.
Our goal: Raise $3,000 to support these needs!
How Students Can Participate:
- Students may wear jeans every Friday in February with a $1 donation per Friday
- Jeans must be worn with a uniform or spirit shirt
- Donations will be collected in classrooms each Friday morning
- The class that raises the most money per student will earn a Chick-fil-A party or s’mores party
How Families Can Help:
- Encourage students to earn their donation through extra chores at home
- Help spread the word about the impact of this fundraiser
- Learn more about New Dimension of Hope
- Watch our Jeans for Dreams kickoff video, created by our Middle School Video Production Class
Thank you for helping us teach students the power of generosity and global impact.
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📅 Upcoming Events & Important Dates
February 2–6: 2nd Grade CogAT Testing
Please help students succeed by ensuring a good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and on-time arrival.
Tuesday, February 4 – Coffee with the Principal
8:30 AM | Cafeteria
Join us for an informal conversation about school updates and questions.
Friday, February 7 – Jeans for Dreams Kickoff
Special Guest Ebenezer Norman will be on campus to welcome students!
Saturday, February 7 – Skate City Spirit Night
6:30–8:30 PM | Skate City Aurora
Bring the whole family for a fun night—a portion of proceeds supports our school!
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💙 Thank You for Your Partnership 💙
Your support makes all the difference in creating a positive, engaging, and successful learning environment for our students. Thank you for participating in school events, supporting Jeans for Dreams, and partnering with us in your child’s growth.
Have a wonderful week ahead!
Stacy Bush
Principal, GVA Douglas County
sbush@gvashools.org
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Books Needed for PE Students
Our PE Department is looking for 10 more copies of Red Lace, Yellow Lace by Mark Casey and Judith Herbst to use with students in her classroom.
This hands-on book helps students build confidence and independence as they learn an important life skill: tying their shoes. Families who would like to help can purchase a copy through Amazon and drop it off at the front office.
Bonus: Families can earn volunteer hours for money spent on classroom resources like this. Just be sure to submit your receipt so hours can be credited.
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Score Big with Avalanche Tickets
The Colorado Avalanche is excited to offer discounted game tickets to schools that participated in the Hockey 101 PE Takeover program.
This opportunity is more than just a fun night at the arena. The top-selling school will win an unforgettable Colorado Avalanche Field Day hosted right at their school.
🎟️ How to Help Your School Win
🏆 What the Winning School Receives
- Interactive inflatable rink activation
- Free hockey stick and ball for students to take home
- Appearance by Bernie, the Avalanche mascot
- Colorado Avalanche giveaway items
This is a fun way to support GVA, cheer on the Avalanche, and give students an amazing hockey experience. Let’s rally together and bring an Avalanche Field Day to our campus!
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The Kids Heart Challenge is ON!
Let's Save Lives Together
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Our School is Changing & Saving Lives!
We’ve officially launched the Kids Heart Challenge! By participating in the Kids Heart Challenge, our students will learn how to keep their hearts, bodies, and brains healthy while helping kids with special hearts live longer, healthier lives.
It's a fun and meaningful way for our students to learn lifelong habits of health and helping others, while supporting and earning rewards for our school.
Join us in spreading kindness, building healthy habits, and making a lasting difference. Together, we can create a healthier future, one heart at a time.
- Complete Finn’s Mission to learn hands-only CPR and earn your lifesaver cape!
- The class that raises the most money will get to COLOR BLAST Miss B!
- Raise $25 = score discounted Rapids tickets.
- Raise $50 = unlock discounted Nuggets tickets and an exclusive on-court experience!
Save the Date! The Kids Heart Challenge kicks off at GVA-DC on February 2nd and will run through February 27th. Final donations are due no later than March 6th.
Participants can sign up online or download the free AHA Schools app.
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| Celebrate Lunar New Year with GVA-DC and the Community | | | |
Celebrate Lunar New Year in Parker!
Families are invited to the Parker Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 28 from 8:00 AM to 1 PM at the PACE Center (20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker).
Welcome the Year of the Horse with live cultural performances, hands-on activities, and community vendors showcasing Asian traditions.
This community celebration is free and open to the public. Due to the popularity of past events and expected attendance, families are asked to register for one of three ticketed entry times: 8:00–9:30 a.m., 9:30–11:00 a.m., or 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
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Lunar New Year Volunteers Needed!
GVA families are invited to volunteer at the Parker Lunar New Year Celebration using our volunteer signup link. This is a great opportunity for 5th-grade students to earn community service hours.
- GVA-DC students will perform and host cultural stations throughout the event.
- Volunteers will enjoy breakfast snacks and coffee in the morning, pizza around 11:00 a.m., and access to a snack
- A rest area is provided by PACE from 8 AM to 1 PM.
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Order a Commemorative Shirt for the Lunar New Year Celebration
GVA–DC students and families are invited to purchase Lunar New Year event apparel.
Short- and long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies are available and are a fun, optional way to celebrate the Year of the Horse together.
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Celebrate Lunar New Year at Tea Street in Parker
On Saturday, February 14 from 1PM to 4PM, enjoy special deals and a festive afternoon celebration.
- Author reading by Katherine Chow, a parent of GVA students
- Local food and craft vendors
- Giveaway entry with purchase
- All-Day Parker Specials
- $8.88 drink + dumpling special
Stop by Tea Street in Parker to enjoy delicious treats, support local vendors, and ring in the Lunar New Year with our community!
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Celebrate Lunar New Year at the Far East Center!
Ring in the Year of the Horse during the 35th annual Lunar New Year Celebration on February 21–22 from 11 AM to 4 PM. This free, family-friendly event features vibrant Lion & Dragon dances, cultural performances, delicious food from local restaurants, and unique pop-up vendors. All the action takes place at 333 S. Federal Blvd., Denver.
Kids are invited to dress in traditional attire and join the Cultural Fashion Show, celebrating heritage in style. Performances run all day both Saturday and Sunday and include martial arts, music, dance (including K-pop), and special guest appearances. Admission is free, but please reserve tickets to help organizers plan for vendors and attendance.
| | 2nd Grade CogAT Parent Letter | | |
Dear Parents/Guardians,
DCSD is committed to implementing equitable practices to increase access to advanced/gifted learning opportunities. Based on state and national recommendations and requirements, we implement Universal Screening for students in 2nd grade in February.
As part of this process, ALL students in 2nd grade who have not been identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of February 2-6, 2026. This assessment indicates the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student in comparison to grade and age mates. These general reasoning abilities, which start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school.
If your child is already identified for gifted programming, they will not participate in this universal screen testing. Your Gifted Education Facilitator will contact you directly with more detailed information about this process.
Please see the following for additional information linked below:
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GVA-DC Event Calendar
We encourage all families to review the 2025–2026 event calendar for the most up-to-date information regarding upcoming events.
Upcoming Events
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January 20 - February 6: Valentine Candy Grams Available for Purchase
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Colorado Rapids School Attendance Program
We have partnered with the Colorado Rapids to reward and incentivize student attendance at Global Village Academy. Any student who achieves perfect attendance from February 1–28 will receive a complimentary ticket to a Colorado Rapids match.
Additional tickets can be purchased at a discounted rate. Vouchers will be redeemable for qualifying Spring 2026 games.
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Enter to Win a Free School Supply Kit!
GVA-DC families have a special opportunity to win one of 10 free EduKits for the 2026–27 school year.
Simply fill out a short online form by March 23, 2026 to be considered.
Don’t miss this chance to start the next school year prepared... for free!
👉 Read more here.
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Jeans for Dreams: Support Our Sister School in Liberia
Beginning Friday, February 6, GVA-DC will raise funds for New Dimension of Hope to support our sister school in Liberia. Our school-wide goal is $3,000.
Every Friday in February, students may wear jeans with their uniform shirt for a $1 donation.
👉 Read more here.
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Adult Spanish Classes Now Enrolling
Beginner Spanish classes for adults begin February 4 at GVA-DC, taught by GVA-DC parent Julee and offered at a special rate for GVA families.
This 10-week small-group class meets Wednesdays at 4 PM after school, with all sessions recorded for flexibility. Additional class levels, online and in-person options, begin the week of February 16.
👉 Read more here.
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Middle School Science Olympiad Club
Do you love solving challenges, experimenting, or figuring out how things work? Help us launch our school’s first competitive Science Olympiad team!
- Fridays 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
- February 6, 20, 27, & March 6
👉 Learn more and register here.
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It's Time to Order a 2025-26 Yearbook!
Please note your student's PM teacher at checkout.
👉 Order Your Yearbook Here
Important Update: Custom yearbook pages are due before March 31st.
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Valentine’s Candy Grams
Show a classmate or teacher how much you care for them this Valentine’s Day. Order a Candy Gram using this order form between January 20 and February 6.
Proceeds help fund rising 5th graders Outdoor Education trip. Completed forms can be returned to the front desk. Candy Grams will be distributed to PM teachers on Thursday, February 12.
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Skate the Night Away to Support GVA
February 7th
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Skate City Aurora
15100 E Girard Ave, Aurora, CO 80014
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Volunteer Opportunity: February Staff Birthday Treats
Help us celebrate our wonderful staff birthdays during their birthday month!
Please bring donations to the front office by 8am on the morning of Wednesday, February 18th.
👉 Sign up to bring treats here.
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Participate in a PIC Meeting
Thursday, February 19th
General Meeting (Open to all): 7:00 PM
GVA-DC Cafeteria
All families are encouraged to attend. Get involved, stay informed, and help make a difference at GVA.
Can't make it to campus? Join us online:
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Deja Brew Spirit Day
Come enjoy a cup of coffee, support a local small business, AND help raise funds for GVA-DC by dropping by Deja Brew on February 22.
This family-owned craft coffee and print shop is one of our very own GVA-DC families, and we are thankful for their continued support.
Deja Brew is located at 11881 S Parker Rd.
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Spring Fling Volunteer Opportunities
PIC is inviting GVA families to take the lead in planning and hosting this year’s Spring Fling. We need at least five parent leaders, including one head chair to coordinate communication and meetings.
👉 Learn more and sign up here.
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Lunch Room Assistance?
An important way you can help support your children and the GVA community is by volunteering during lunch and recess. Volunteers are requested to assist with our lunchroom and recess periods, during the hours of 10:00 AM - 1:20 PM while school is in session.
👉 Sign up for a lunch session today!
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Join the PIC Leadership Team
Are you looking for ways to become more involved in the school community? We could use your help!
PIC is looking for a Volunteer Coordinator for the 2026-2027 school year.
👉 Learn more about the role here.
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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.
NEW! We are excited to partner with School Store for additional effortless fundraising. Check out
these videos for more information:
| | Community Events & Resources | |
Register Now for Stone Canyon Summer Camp 2026
Give your child a summer full of adventure, growth, and fun at Stone Canyon. Summer 2026 offers both Overnight and Day Camp options designed to help campers build confidence, learn new skills, make friends, and create unforgettable memories, all in a safe, supportive environment.
Overnight Camp
- Ages 9–15
- 6-day sessions: June 7–12 • June 14–19 • June 21–26 • July 5–10 • July 12–17
- $1,300 per session (Deposit: $430)
Day Camp
- Ages 6–9
- 3-day sessions (9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.)
- June 29–July 1 • July 20–22
- $310 per session (Deposit: $160)
Learn more and register at stonecanyonedge.org/summercamp
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Need Food Assistance?
Due to the federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits for November may be delayed. School meals are still available. If you need additional food before your SNAP benefits are available, there are local resources that can help:
GVA Douglas County
Colorado 211
Feeding Colorado
Hunger Free Colorado Food Resource Hotline
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Free Therapy for Colorado Youth
I Matter provides up to six free therapy sessions for any Colorado youth 18 and younger. This Mental Health Awareness Month, support mental health wellness for youth, and visit IMatterColorado.org to sign up for in-person or telehealth services in English, or YoImportoColorado.org for services in Spanish.
- Youth 12 and older can sign up for services without parent or guardian consent.
- Youth 11 and younger can have their parent or guardian sign them up.
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