Haga clic aquƭ para leer en espaƱol.

March 2, 2026

A Message from the Principal with a headshot of Chelsea Byrd and a gray curling decorative graphic

Dear GVA North Families,


Spring is in the air, and March is already shaping up to be a busy and exciting month at GVA North! As we wrap up Quarter 3, we have many exciting events ahead that are wonderful opportunities for students, families, and staff to come together and celebrate all that makes our community thrive!

Student-Led Conferences

It’s hard to believe, but we are already gearing up for our Spring Student-Led Conferences! These conferences are a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their progress with their families. Students should attend their conferences alongside their families to share their growth and next steps.


You should receive an email from your child’s teachers today with links to sign up for spring conferences. You can also access teachers’ sign-up links here. Slots fill quickly, so please sign up soon! If parents are unable to attend, another adult from the family is welcome. We understand how challenging schedules can be, and the most important goal is that students have someone who can celebrate their learning and partner with them on ways to support them further.


Conference Dates & Times:

  • Tuesday, March 18th: 3–8pm
  • Wednesday, March 19th: 10am–8pm


Format of Conferences:

  • Kindergarten–5th Grade: Families will attend two conferences-one with the English teacher and one with the Immersion teacher.
  • Middle School: Conferences will be open-house style, but families should sign up for a two-hour window to meet with their child’s teachers. This helps reduce wait times and spread out visits.

Literacy Night is this Wednesday!

We hope you can join us for our annual Literacy Night this Wednesday, March 4th, from 5-7pm in celebration of Read Across America week! The evening will feature activities, games, and treats designed to inspire a love of reading. Every student who attends will get to pick out a FREE book to take home. We can’t wait to see many families there!

Schoolwide Spanish Spelling Bee

Our Spanish Village students have been hard at work competing in their classroom spelling bees, and we’re excited to announce that the winners have been selected to compete in our School-Wide Spanish Spelling Bee. The School-Wide Spanish Bee will take place on Friday, March 6th, at 8:15 am. The winner will move on to represent GVA North at the state competition!

Cultural Dress Spirit Day - March 6th

Students are working hard on their STAMP testing and earning tickets toward our Cultural Dress Spirit Day. If students reach their ticket goal by Thursday afternoon (which looks likely!), Friday will be a day to celebrate! 


Students are encouraged to wear clothing that represents a culture they identify or associate with. They can wear traditional attire, flag colors, or themed t-shirts from a sports team or band! We can’t wait to see what makes each of our students unique! All attire should be school-appropriate; please no masks, fake weapons, or face paint. We’ll send confirmation on Thursday if students have earned enough tickets for their Spirit Day this Friday.

Maslenitsa is Saturday!

As a reminder, our GVA North Community Events Committee will be hosting our annual Maslenitsa Celebration from 1-3 pm this Saturday, March 7th. A traditional Slavic event celebrating the arrival of spring. Enjoy performances, crafts, treats, and delicious tea. All families are invited, and we hope to see many PUMAS there!

Upcoming Important Dates

  • March 9: Teacher Work Day (No school for students)
  • March 18: Early Release Day (Students dismissed at 12pm); Village Square open for registered students; Student-Led Conferences 3-8pm
  • March 19: Student-Led Conferences, (No school for students); Village Square open 7am-6pm; Conferences 10am-8pm
  • March 20–27: Spring Break (GVA North closed)


Let’s finish Quarter 3 strong and show everyone what PUMAS can accomplish! We are so proud of our students, and we can’t wait to celebrate their growth, learning, and creativity in the weeks ahead.


Warmly,

Ms. Byrd šŸ¾šŸ’™

Principal, GVA North

cbyrd@gvaschools.org

2026-2027 School Calendar Approved 

Laptop with a 2025-2026 calendar open and a blue sunburst background

We are excited to share that the GVA North calendar for the 2026-2027 school year has been officially approved by our Board of Directors!


You can find the calendar HERE for your reference.


As a reminder, our School Accountability Committee (SAC) provides feedback on the calendar each year before it is presented for approval.

Bravo to Ms. Yvette's PM Class!

Row of 1st graders standing on a retaining wall

We love seeing our students care for the place where they learn and grow each day.


Ms. Yvette’s PM class recently spent time picking up trash around our property as part of their community service. Their hard work and positive attitude made a real impact on our campus.


Small actions create big change. Thank you for helping keep GVA North clean and welcoming for everyone.

Upcoming Events & After-School Activities

Literacy Night Wednesday March 4

Join Us for Literacy Night

Wednesday, March 4

5:00 - 7:00 PM


Explore and discover a love of reading through fun and hands-on activities that involve sweet treats, games, and puzzles.


Every child will leave with a free book!

Maslenitsa Russian Celebration

Welcome Spring at Maslenitsa

Saturday, March 7

1 PM - 3 PM


We will have blini (Russian crepes), performances, crafts, and games. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Illustrated colorful hallway full of artwork

Visit the GVA North Art Show


We are excited to showcase student creativity at the GVA Art Show featuring artwork from our 2nd–8th grade students. Student artwork will be displayed throughout the school during Student Conferences, beginning March 17.


Be sure to take some time to look for your child’s artwork while you are on campus. The displays will be featured on walls throughout the building and will be visible to all visitors. We look forward to celebrating our students’ creativity with you!

Heart frame filled with healthy foods

Help Fuel Our Teachers During Conferences

Wednesday, March 18th

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM


PTO is organizing a staff appreciation meal to support our staff during Student-Led Conferences. The PTO will provide the main entrƩes, and we invite families to contribute a favorite dish to help round out the meal.


Each donation earns 10 raffle tickets as a thank-you for your generosity.


If you are able to help, sign up to donate here.

Two children holding dragon themed books

Spring Book Fair, March 18th and 19th


Our Spring Book Fair is almost here! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to discover new books and share in the joy of reading with their families plus it helps support our school! Book Fair hours are:

  • Tuesday, March 18: During Student-Led Conferences, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM (children must be with an adult)
  • Wednesday, March 19: During Student-Led Conferences, 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM (children must be with an adult)
From Finish Line to Playtime! Fun Run Fundraiser GVA North

Fun Run Fundraiser: From Finish Line to Playtime!


Mark your calendar for the annual GVA-N Fun Run as we race toward an exciting goal: raising $35,000 for a second playground.


This fun and active event gives students the opportunity to move, cheer on their classmates, and help create additional play space for our growing school community.


šŸ“… Important Dates


  • Online Registration Opens: April 1
  • Donations Open: April 1
  • Official Donation Rally: April 8 – May 1
  • Fun Run Event Day: May 1


Registering online makes participation easy. No envelopes, cash, or checks required. Families can securely share their student’s donation link with friends and family to help us reach our goal.



Volunteers Needed!

We need volunteers to help make this event a success, both on Fun Run day and throughout the month with prize organization and distribution.


Sign up to volunteer here.


Let’s lace up, have fun, and Run Today. Play Tomorrow!

Top Golf Night is April 8th from 6 pm-8 pm.

Reservations will go on sale 2/25-3/25. 

Option 1: 



  • $135/bay for up to 6 players & 2 spectators
  • If you are wishing for a "Private Party Vibe", requests are accepted if you wish to be assigned a bay next to another family (not guaranteed).

Option 2: 



  • $25/person to share a bay with another family, requests accepted to share or be assigned next to another family (not guaranteed).

Only 25 bays are available — 150 players/200 people total, including spectators. First-come, first-served! 


  • All bays are assigned. 
  • Must check in at the GVA PTO table upon arrival.
  • Reservations can be made through PTO's Zelle/Venmo as well as Cash/Card at the front desk. 
  • Please leave your name, email, phone, and any assignment requests in the notes. 
  • Contact MiQuela at PTOBusinessLiaison@gmail.com with any questions.
Spring Performing Arts Concert with yellow and green flowers

Save the Date for the Spring Performing Arts Concert


Wednesday, April 29th

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

GVA North Gym


More details to come!

ā€Š

General Announcements

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

State Immunization Letter for 2026–27 School Year


Please review the State of Colorado Immunization Letter for families of students attending kindergarten through 12th grade during the 2026–27 school year. This letter includes important information about Colorado’s school immunization requirements and outlines which vaccines may be due for the upcoming school year.


Routine vaccination helps prevent the spread of diseases such as measles, mumps, varicella (chickenpox), and whooping cough, keeping students healthy and ready to learn.


šŸ“Œ Before your student’s first day of school, families must provide one of the following to the school:


  • An up-to-date immunization record
  • An in-process plan
  • A Certificate of Medical or Nonmedical Exemption for any missing required vaccines


šŸ‘‰ Click here to view the full State Immunization Letter.

Sample yearbook filled with photos and captions

It's Time to Order Your Yearbook


  • Go to: treering.com/validate
  • Enter your school’s passcode: 1016952594002835
  • Customize your 2 free pages!
  • Regular price: $36.65


Read More

Glass jar filled with money and the GVA North logo on a tag

Earn Cash Back for GVA North with Ongoing Fundraising Opportunities

Partner organizations that help GVA North earn cash back year-round include:

  • King Soopers
  • Box Tops for Education
  • American Furniture Warehouse
  • Milk Caps for Moola


Learn more about our partner organizations and help earn money for GVA North through your everyday shopping.

GVA Acts Anonymous Safety and Security Reporting

Your Voice Matters: Keep GVA North Safe

Creating a safe environment at GVA North takes all of us working together. That’s why we encourage students, parents, and community members to share any concerns they may have.


If you see something or hear something that doesn’t seem right, use our confidential reporting system to submit a concern. Reports can be made anonymously, and every submission will be taken seriously and reviewed promptly.


Read More

ā€Š

Community Events & Resources

CO Avalanche Most Valuable Teacher with illustration of empty ice rink

Nominate a GVA Teacher or Administrator for a Colorado Avalanche Experience


The Colorado Avalanche are proud to celebrate educators across our state through the Colorado Avalanche Most Valuable Teacher (MVT) Program, presented by Ford. This special program recognizes outstanding teachers and school administrators who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to empowering students.


Each month, for six months during the school year, one educator from the Denver Metro Area is selected and honored for the meaningful impact they make in their school and community, highlighting the vital role educators play in shaping the future of Colorado’s youth.


Submit your nomination here.

Summer camp students climbing playground equipment

Russian Bilingual Summer Camp Opportunity

Week-long camp sessions are available June 1 - July 31.


Families of Russian-speaking and Russian-learning students (ages 5-10) are invited to explore a unique bilingual summer camp designed to strengthen language skills and cultural connections.


This immersive program provides real-life language practice through interactive activities, games, creative projects, and teamwork. Students build meaningful friendships while developing confidence, communication skills, and a strong sense of identity. Maintaining a child’s home language not only supports academic growth but also strengthens family bonds and connections with relatives abroad.


To learn more, visit eidos-summercamp.com.

Elementary kids in a food line receiving apples

Need Food Assistance?

Due to the federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits may be delayed. School meals are still available. If you need additional food, here are local resources that can help:


GVA North

Colorado 211

Feeding Colorado

Hunger Free Colorado Food Resource Hotline

  • 855-855-4626

Free Therapy for Colorado Youth

I Matter provides up to six free therapy sessions for any Colorado youth 18 and younger.


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.
Facebook  Instagram

GVA North | 303.446.7100 | Email | Website