A Note From IBCS Leadership...
Dear Izzi B. Dragons,
Introductions to our Collective Leadership Team (CLT) continue in this edition of Notes from the Dragon Cave. The team seeks to empower IBCS faculty and staff to create shared ownership for success, to foster innovation, and to make efficient use of resources. Current team members include Tonda Potts, Rebecca Mercer, Tabetha Ross, Joannie Collado, Melissa Fogal, Kim Hundley, Shayla Williams, Noelle Reeves and Clare Maeda.
Clare Maeda, 3rd Grade Teacher
The 2020-2021 school year marks Clare's 15th year as a teacher. During this time, she has worked with ECE through 5th grade students as a classroom teacher and an instructional coach. She has a first-grader who attends Isabella Bird, and her husband is a middle school science teacher. They moved to Denver from California 2-years ago. Together her family loves to hike in the Colorado mountains and to go camping. She is an avid reader and enjoys listening to music.
Shayla Williams, Kindergarten Teacher
In Shayla's 12-years as a teacher, she's taught pre-k, 2nd grade, K-5th English language development, 5th grade science, and kindergarten - her favorite. Originally from Missouri, she's lived in Denver for the past 5-years, and loves traveling and being outdoors. She joined Isabella Bird 2-years ago. Her mission as a black woman and an educator is to ensure that equitable practices are in place for our Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) students and families, to help close the opportunity gaps impacting our Black students, and to help develop new systems and structures at our school to help attract and retain BIPOC students and teachers.
In upcoming editions of Notes From the Dragon Cave, we'll provide introductions to additional CLT members.
In Partnership, Isabella Bird Community School Administration
For questions or conversation, reach out to members of the IBCS Collective Leadership Team (Tonda Potts, Rebecca Mercer, Tabetha Ross, Joannie Collado, Melissa Fogal, Kim Hundley, Shayla Williams, Noelle Reeves and Clare Maeda)
Take Action...
Like most things, IBCS fundraising efforts look different amid COVID. This season, our Fundraising Team has gotten creative and is offering pumpkin and candy combos for delivery to the homes of IBCS students. For $20, the combo includes a large pumpkin and either a bag of peanut-free candy OR a bag of toys, if students have allergies. If you're able, please consider purchasing an extra combo, so we can ensure sure ALL of our students are able to join in this fun surprise. To complete your order, visit the Google Doc order form; payment is quick and easy via PayPal. Orders must be submitted by Tuesday, Oct. 27; deliver will occur on Oct. 29 or 30. Volunteers are needed to help deliver pumpkins please sign up HERE
For questions, contact Tricia Houston, IBCS Parent and Fundraising Co-Chair.
What's Going on with...
Isabella Bird Community School Pantry Food Drive
A local community member and realtor passionate about providing for the greater Central Park Neighborhood is orchestrating a North East Denver Food Drive benefiting children and families in the area. To participate and ensure IBCS families receive much-needed food, please sign-up to provide one or more of the items listed at www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d44acaf2aa13-north2. After signing up, a food drive volunteer will contact you to arrange for contactless pick-up. Please note, the IBCS Food Pantry is unable to accept expired items. This event is on-going throughout the 20/21 School Year. Contact Event Organizer, Megan Farina, for further information.
IBCS Spirit Wear NOW Available
All IBCS Spirit Wear items, including masks, are now available for purchase online via www.ibcscouncil.org/spirit-wear. Purchased items will be shipped directly to your home.
For questions, please contact Parent Volunteer, Jennie Castles.
Save the Date...
Fall Student-Led Conferences Continue; No School
Fall student-led conferences continue this week on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 3:30-7:30 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 29, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Your student's classroom teacher has already sent invitations for family sign-ups. This time can be used to discuss student engagement, get to know new families, and so much more. For questions about fall teacher-student-family conferences, please contact your student's classroom teacher.
IMPORTANT Reminder: There is no school for students on Friday, Oct. 30 and Monday, Nov. 2.
Mark Your Calendars...
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 3:30-7:30 p.m.: Teacher-Family Conferences
Thursday, Oct. 29, 3:30-7:30 p.m.: Teacher-Family Conferences
Friday, Oct. 30, All Day: No School, Staff Comp Day for Fall Conferences
Monday, Nov. 2, All Day: No School, Staff Comp Day for Fall Conferences
Thursday, Nov. 12, 6-7:30 p.m.: November Council Meeting
Monday, Nov. 23 - Friday, Nov. 27, All Day: No School, Fall Break