“To teach in a manner that respects and cares for the souls of our students is essential if we are to provide the necessary conditions where learning can most deeply and intimately begin.”
– bell hooks
Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom
Upcoming Dates For Your Calendar


  • Monday, Jan 11: Return to In-Person Learning

  • Friday, Jan 15: SchoolChoice Round 1 Opens

  • Monday, Jan 18: No School (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
Updates for Community
Dear Hallett Families,

We were excited to welcome students back virtually this week as we kick off 2021. It has been an emotional week in the country, and we at Hallett are committed to centering the lives and learning of our students as it is becoming increasingly more critical that we do all that we can to support their health, wellness, and academic growth and development. 

For our families that have chosen the in-person learning option, we look forward to seeing your children in the building on Monday. Our team will continue to implement all necessary safety precautions and put your child's health at the forefront of our work. We look forward to growing and learning together in this new year.

I remain grateful for our community. Please read on for additional resources and information.

With love,

Dominique Jefferson
Discovery Link Opportunities
For those needing before/after school childcare as we resume in-person learning, please remember to sign up for Discovery Link. Registration is live NOW: https://www.dpsk12.org/discovery-link-before-and.../

Discovery Link accepts students 5+, is open from 6:30AM-6:00PM….and it’s FREE!
(Contact ANTOINETTE_FOSTER@dpsk12.org with any questions.)

In addition, see below for incredible virtual enrichment opportunities. Be sure to sign up!
  • For current Discovery Link families click here.
  • For families not enrolled in Discovery link, click here.
Food Assistance
Please see the letter above about weekend food bags. If you are interested please fill out this form or contact Ms. Talvy at brittany_talvy@dpsk12.org or 720-424-6099.

Important: If your family is struggling in ways that we might be able to support, we hope you will reach out. We have access to many resources that might be helpful and would appreciate knowing how we can best meet the needs of our families. Please reach out to Ms. Talvy or text Ali Larson at 303-242-6414.
SchoolChoice Begins January 15
Hallett Families: All families with children entering ECE, Kindergarten, Middle or High School MUST participate in SchoolChoice. This year, Round 1 is taking place January 15th-February 16th. Please be sure to let us know if you have questions about this process (which takes place entirely online). Ms. Yvonne or Ali Larson can support you through this process, so please reach out at any time: 720-424-6070 or alison_larson@dpsk12.org.

Please tell your neighbors and friends about Hallett and the wonderful things happening here!

5th Grade Families: We hope to provide space for a few virtual tours of some middle school options in January. Please keep an eye out for emails from various schools to learn more about what is out there for your child! See below for more information.
We will continue to provide more information about options as we receive it!

Denver Green School Northfield Open House: DGS Northfield is a middle school option in our zone that students of Hallett have a preference to get into. The school is hosting open houses on January 12th and January 19th. You can sign up for an open house here. You can also learn more about this school, which focuses on creating a joyful and safe community and the power of engaging and relevant learning by checking out their website, dgsnorthfield.org and watching their informational video. 

McAuliffe International School: You are welcome to access our online presentation, promotional video, and activities list at your convenience,  or you can join us at 7pm on Thursday, December 10th, January 7th or January 14th, to watch the presentation and video and then join us for a live question and answer session with McAuliffe staff members via Zoom. If you choose to join us for one of the evening presentations, please be sure to sign-up here to reserve your spot.

Denver Discovery School: Offering virtual tours soon. Check out more about them here.
Free Covid Testing
Through the end of the year, COVIDCheck Colorado is now offering free testing to anyone in Colorado. This means that leaders, educators and staff can go with household members and invite other community members to test and help slow the spread of COVID.

Anyone can schedule a FREE test here: www.covidcheckcolorado.org
 
Emergency Assistance
Knowing the COVID-19 pandemic continues to negatively impact the lives of Denver families, DHS is now offering emergency/disaster assistance payments up to $4,000 to qualifying residents.
 
These payments can be used for a variety of reasons – to cover rent or pay the mortgage, to pay for mental or medical care, to pay for home or auto repairs, to pay for food or school supplies, and more. To qualify, one must be:
  • TANF Broad-Based Eligibility Criteria for Disaster Aid: Denver resident
  • Household is determined to be ineligible for public assistance programs;
  • Annual household income is under $75,000;
  • Eligible child in the household (according to state rules and regulations);
  • Lawfully present in the country; and
  • Has a need for services directly relating COVID-19-related emergency
  
The program is open until funds are exhausted. To apply, go to Colorado.gov/PEAK and apply for Colorado Works/TANF. Please note that because this is a unique and temporary program, the “Am I eligible?” feature will not distinguish between this program and the regular Colorado Works/TANF programs. We encourage anyone with questions to call 720-944-4DHS (4347) to speak with a customer services representative.
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”