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Notes from the Dragon Cave

From the Desk of Schuba...

LET’S GET TO SCHOOL ON TIME

Last week was a bit crazy with the snowstorm and festive celebrations. Weather and festivities aside, the IBCS Office generally marks 40-60 students tardy each and every day. Did you know our school attendance is one piece of data that affects our school's School Performance Framework ratings?


Problems with Tardiness and Frequent Early Sign-Outs

Studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Education on truancy and tardiness reveal school attendance is a major factor when it comes to academic-success and student behavior. Students who consistently miss school hours develop habits affecting their education, career-opportunities, and social connections. These habits continue into their adult life, as well.


Help Your Students Avoid Tardiness

The morning hours of the school day are when students are most attentive. Students marked tardy miss out on classroom meetings, where they gather important information about the day, and the chance to connect with friends and classmates. Tardiness also causes disruption among peers and teachers. Help your student(s) avoid tardiness with these reminders:

  • Classrooms open to students at 7:45 a.m.

  • The first morning bell rings at 7:55 a.m. as a cue for students to head toward their classrooms.

  • Students not in their classroom and/or seats by 8 a.m. are marked tardy.

  • If a student is tardy more than 10 times, IBCS Social Worker, Lisa Cohen, will contact the student’s family.

  • Note: The Cafeteria is not staffed until 7:30 a.m.; only students eating breakfast should be at school this early.

Individual school attendance and tardy letters will be sent home to families prior to Winter Break.


Please remember to make prior arrangements to avoid picking your student(s) up from school within the last 15 minutes of the school day. This is a hectic time of day, when classroom teachers are giving final instruction and office staff are tending to other necessary business. Additionally, dismissal concludes at 3:15 p.m.; any students in the Office beyond 3:30 p.m. will be handled by administration, our social worker or the Department of Human Services. If you need assistance or support, please contact school psychologist, IBCS Social Worker, Lisa Cohen, via email lisa_cohen@dpsk12.org or phone 720-423-9918.


In Partnership,

Principal Schuba


For questions or conversation, reach out to Schuba via email lisa_schuba@dpsk12.org or phone 720-423-9900.

 

Take Action...


IBCS Food Drive

Help stock the IBCS pantry shelves to sustain our Backpack Program! A friendly-competition is currently underway between all grade-levels. The grade to collect the most number of non-perishable food donations will be awarded a Glow Stick Dance Party in the Cafeteria on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The competition concludes Friday, Nov. 8. Food Pantry needs include: Hand-held can openers, gluten-free labeled items, oatmeal, granola bars, canned vegetables and meats, soups, beans, pasta, rice, peanut butter, applesauce, fruit cups, spaghetti and Alfredo sauces, crackers, ketchup, salad dressings, juice and juice boxes.

 

What's Going on With...


NEW DATE: Well-Managed Schools Information Night at IBCS

Are you interested in learning more about our Well-Managed Schools program? IBCS invites you and your child(ren) to join us Tuesday, Nov. 12, 5:30-7 p.m., for an opportunity to practice these life skills together. You'll have the opportunity to collaborate and build connections with other families. Snacks and drinks provided.

 

Save the Date...


November Council Meeting

Make plans to join IBCS leadership, teachers and staff, and fellow parents at the November Council Meeting, Thursday, Nov. 14, 5:30-7 p.m., in the Cafeteria. Free childcare is always provided during council meetings. The meeting agenda is made available closer to the meeting date.



Denver Green School Northfield Visiting IBCS

Isabella Bird is the largest feeder of students to Denver Green School Northfield (DGS). To learn more about DGS' middle school model, make plans to attend a presentation given by DGS Northfield's representatives, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 5:30-6:30 p.m., in the IBCS Cafeteria. Fifth-grade students will see a similar presentation during the school day.

If you are interested in attending the evening presentation, or if you would like to schedule a tour of DGS Northfield, complete a sign-up.

 

COMMUNITY CARES...


Golden Sky Mango House

Mango House is a shared-space for refugee services, and houses international food stalls, and was recently featured in Denver's 5280 Magazine. The Golden Sky food stall is owned by one of our Newcomer families. On Thursday, Nov. 7, 5-8 p.m., let's enjoy a delicious Asian dinner there to show this family of four a warm welcome by supporting their food stall and building friendships. While you're there, show some love to the other food stall families from Nepal, Somalia, Syria, and Burma. The tasty food and sweet hospitality will not disappoint! Mango House is located at 10180 E. Colfax, Aurora. Please RSVP if you can attend. For questions, please contact IBCS Parent and Staff Member, Tina Lin.

 

Mark Your Calendars...


  • Monday, Nov. 4, 5:30-7 p.m.: Council Board Meeting

  • Tuesday, Nov. 5, 5:30-7 p.m.: Fundraising Committee Meeting

  • Wednesday, Nov. 6: Picture Re-take Day

  • Tuesday, Nov. 12, 5:30-7 p.m.: Well-Managed Schools Presentation

  • Thursday, Nov. 14, 5:30-7 p.m.: Council Meeting

  • Thursday, Nov. 21, Times vary: IBCS Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon

  • Friday, Nov. 22, 8:15-9:15 a.m.: Coffee and Conversation

  • Nov. 25-29, All Day: No School (Fall Break)

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