From the Desk of Caleb Melamed (AP)...
Hello Families,
Welcome back! If you are anything like me, you find the start of the school year a great mix of excitement and nerves. Getting through that first week always feels great. In fact, I look forward to the second week of school when teachers have their rituals and routines up and running, and teachers and students start digging into the learning and the yearlong work of growing minds. Hopefully, for families the second week also starts to feel “normal” and you have your own school day rituals and routines up and running.
Thank you to everyone who came to Back to School Night last night. It was great to see so many families, and we hope you found the evening informative. As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions.
I look forward to the rest of the school year and getting to know the families and children of the Izzi. B community. Have a great weekend!
Best,
Caleb
For questions or conversation, reach out to Caleb Melamed via email or phone 720-423-9900.
Back to School Reminders...
School is back in session! A few helpful reminders below to help you and your student(s) navigate daily arrivals and departures.
Morning Arrival
As we enter the second week of school we request that ALL parents say goodbye to their children OUTSIDE the school. Any parents entering the school will be required to get a visitor pass. 1st grade through 5th grade students can come into the building at 7:45 a.m. (7:30 a.m. if having breakfast) and walk straight to class. Classroom teachers will be in their classrooms.
Special note to parents of kindergarteners – The kindergarten paraprofessionals will meet your children in the cafeteria starting at 7:45 a.m., and walk with groups of students to the classrooms.
In summary:
There is no supervision of students in the building prior to 7:45 a.m.
The only students who may enter the building before the bell rings are those going to breakfast (served 7:30-7:45 a.m.).
For the safety of your student(s), parents/guardians are asked to drop students off at school and not enter the building.
Beginning at 7:45 a.m., 1st grade through 5th grade students are asked to go directly to their classrooms - Kindergarten children will be walked from the cafeteria to their classrooms by the kinder paras.
Bell Schedule
7:55 a.m.: 5-minute reminder bell
8:00 a.m.: School is starting bell
8:01 a.m.: School has begun – Students arriving after this time must check in at the Main Office and take a green tardy pass
3 p.m.: Dismissal bell – Students are released from school for the day through designated doors to the playground and/or the buses. Supervision of students ends at 3:15 p.m. Please be on time for pick-up.
Hug-n-Go Lane
If driving your student(s) to school, use the Hug-n-Go Lane located on Lima St. (on the east side of the school) beginning at 7:30 a.m. Hug-n-Go is not available in the afternoon; parents/guardians are asked to pick students up from the playground.
Take Action...
Front Office Visitor Check-in
Last fall, Isabella Bird instituted a new visitor check-in policy to ensure the safety of our students and staff. If you are visiting the school during school hours, please check-in at the Main Office. Here, you will be asked to show your ID and will receive a visitor badge to wear while in the building. Please remember to return the badge on your way out of the building.
New All-School, Teacher Communication Platform: School Deets
To streamline communication efforts between parents and the school, Isabella Bird has opted to establish School Deets as the preferred communication platform for all-school and classroom communications. The Denver Public School-approved software application is secure and has both a mobile- and web-interface allowing the school and teachers to communicate with parents in the language they most prefer and on a consistent basis. School Deets leverages Google Translator to instantly translate words, phrases and web pages between English and more than 100 other languages.
Downloading School Deets: Visit the app store on your smartphone and follow the prompts. If you do not know your child(ren)’s School Deets Student code, use your child(ren)’s Denver Public School’s (DPS) Student ID number (available via the DPS Parent Portal), contact your child(ren)’s teacher, or send an email to ibcscommunications@gmail.com. Now through sometime later this fall, all-school communication will be published within the weekly school newsletter, Notes from the Dragon Cave, as well as via School Deets. This is to ensure all families are transitioned over to the new platform before discontinuing the email version of the newsletter.
Learn more about School Deets by visiting www.schooldeets.com. For questions, or difficulty downloading and/or using the app, email ibcscommunications@gmail.com.
What's Going on With...
After School Enrichment
Sign your child(ren) up for after school enrichment classes to broaden their horizons and expand their knowledge beyond standard classroom activities. Classes include coding, soccer, STEAM, acting, dance, painting, karate, yoga, chess, 3-D Design and many more. Review the list of class offerings; a fee associated with enrichment classes. Signup is currently underway; registration closes Monday, Sept. 3. For questions about after school enrichment classes, contact Enrichment Coordinator, Carly Spears.
Updated Process for Submitting Reimbursements through Council
All requests for reimbursements require a complete reimbursement form with relevant approval signatures, accompanied by a purchase receipt. Reimbursement forms can be found in the Main Office in the hanging file organizer opposite the check-in desk. If there are no forms there, please see Alexis. Place all reimbursement requests in the drop box on the wall to the right of the staff mailboxes. This mailbox is checked regularly. Reimbursements will be processed on the 1st and 15th of every month ONLY and checks will be available for pick-up after three (3) days. If you have a mailbox at the school, your check will be placed there. If you do not, or you are a parent, your check will be with Alexis for you to collect. Please make every attempt to cash or deposit your check within 14 days of receipt. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to send an email to ibcs.councilT@gmail.com, and Ashley Williams (Izzi B parent and council co-treasurer) will get back to you as soon as she can.
IBCS Direct Give Gathering
Join us as we raise money for Izzi B. We'll play competitive games with teams of 2 in a fun tournament, so gather your best buddies and celebrate the kids going back to school!! Come and get to know some new faces! Ticket information is available at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c4caeaa2ea3ff2-direct. Cordially Hosted by: The Dubois, Hampton, Burrell, Rullet and Rothstein Families.
Who: All parents and guardians of Izzi B students
What: An adult-only gathering to raise money for Izzi B. Food and drink provided.
When: TODAY! Saturday, Aug. 25; 4-8 p.m.
Where: 11051 E 28th Pl, Denver, CO 80238-3227 Party will be in the courtyard green space.
Questions? Contact Tricia Houston, Izzi B parent and fundraising co-chair
Save the Date...
September Dine & Donate: Next Door
Join your friends from Isabella Bird Community School for dinner, dessert and drinks at Next Door’s Eastbridge location in Stapleton (10155 East 29th Drive, Suite 160), from 5-9 pm. NEW this year: Planning to attend this Dine & Donate event? Sign your family up for participation via Next Door’s event website. When you arrive at Next Door for the event, simply provide your server proof of your Eventbrite registration and enjoy your meal knowing that 50 percent of the check total, including food and drink, will be matched in a donation to Izzi B! For questions, please contact Stephanie Gray, Izzi B parent and volunteer.
Mark Your Calendars...
Monday, Sept. 3, All Day: No School (Labor Day)
Wednesday, Sept. 5, 6 p.m.: Fundraising Committee Meeting
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 8:15 a.m.: Classroom Liaison Committee Meeting
Friday, Sept. 21, All Day: No School for Students (Professional Development for Staff) Discovery Link is available; signup today.
Monday, Sept. 24, 5-9 p.m.: Dine & Donate at Next Door in Eastbridge (10155 East 29th Drive, Suite 160)