From the Desk of Schuba...
Our second Council Meeting focused on literacy data and student achievements. The group brainstormed ways to better utilize parent volunteers in our classrooms to support reading and math interventions. A couple of cool initiatives are now underway!
Izzi B. is creating a leveled reading library with book sets for teachers to use during small group reading instruction. This will allow teachers to grab a set of books at a specific instructional level to differentiate learning as a way to meet the diverse needs of their students. Most importantly, our school book fair is coming up during Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences next week. This is the sole revenue source for purchasing new book titles and authors for our school library. Please support our school library by purchasing books in-person or online! More information about the book fair is included the Save the Date section of this edition of Notes from the Dragon Cave.
Passion, joy, optimism.
~ Schuba
For questions or conversation, reach out to Schuba via email (lisa_schuba@dpsk12.org) or phone 720-423-9900.
Take Action....
Isabella Bird Safety Enhancement Survey
The safety and well-being of Isabella Bird students is a top priority among school leadership, faculty and staff. Please take 5-10 minutes to answer the following survey questions regarding dismissal and potential safety enhancements during dismissal time. The survey will close Tuesday, Oct. 23 to allow time for collection and analysis of results; school leadership will share results at Coffee & Conversation on Friday, Oct. 26. Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6CFJQZ2
Get Paid to Lead Chess Exploratory
The fall session of Izzi B.’s Exploratories Program is now underway for third-fifth graders. More than 10 students selected chess for their exploratory topic and we are in need of a chess instructor for the session, which meets on Fridays, 1:40-2:30 p.m., on Nov. 2, Nov. 16, Nov. 30, Dec. 7, and Dec. 14. The PALS Chess Director and Head Coach (and current Colorado State Chess Champion), Lior Lapid, will provide curriculum and instruction to the adult who volunteers to lead these sessions. He is also providing eight chess sets and will forego the $25/class vendor fee, which he has offered to the exploratory instructor. The volunteer must pass a simple, free DPS-required background test. If you are interested, contact Exploratory Committee Co-Chair, Michael McMurray.
Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon
All parents, guardians, siblings, grandparents and other family members are invited to join their IBCS students to share a made-from-scratch hot Thanksgiving lunch on Thursday, Nov. 15 in the school cafeteria. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for non-IBCS students; IBCS enrolled students will eat according to their eligibility status ($2.25 is the cost for a student mail and can be paid for at the cafeteria register with cash or student ID number). Please purchase tickets by Monday, Oct. 29 using the ticket request form sent home with all students last week. Tickets must be purchased in advance; last minute tickets are not available. Note: If you would like to join us for the luncheon and need a scholarship, please complete the ticket order form, check the ‘Request a scholarship’ box and return the form to the Main Office.
Halloween Costume Donations
With Halloween just weeks away, some of our students are in need of costumes. Together with Kim Hundley, IBCS ESL teacher, we are collecting new or gently used costumes for boys and girls, sizes 4T-12. If you have costumes you’d like to donate, please deliver them to the Main Office. For questions, please contact Kim Hundley.
Staff Conference Meals
Each year, the Izzi B. Community provides food for our wonderful IBCS Staff during Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences. This year, your Classroom Liaison Committee hopes to provide enough food for an estimated 70 people (all staff!) during conferences on Monday, Oct. 22 and Tuesday, Oct. 23. Ideal options will include traditional daily fare, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options each day. Although we’ll use Staff Appreciation Funds for a number of items, we are soliciting donations for main dish items. Please consider signing up to contribute something. Sign-up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0544afaf2ea2fb6-staff. For questions, send an email to IBCSclassroomliaisons@gmail.com.
What's Going on With...
Food Drive Thanks
A huge THANK YOU to our community for participating in the Stapleton Food Drive. Isabella Bird’s Backpack Program begins this week and we are off to a good start. Our shelves are filled with rice, beans, veggies, pasta and tuna. We continue to accept ongoing donations of food and children's new and gently used clothing in our Family and Community Resource Center.
Culture and Equity Team
The Isabella Bird Culture and Equity Team is a passionate group of teachers and parents. Our mission is to improve the service to and experience of those in our community, including students of color, students who learn differently, students who speak languages other than English, students of other marginalized groups and families who identify as LGBTQ. Our next meeting is tomorrow, Oct. 15 at 3:15 p.m. in Room 216. Please join us.
Fundraising Update
September Dine & Donate: More than 160 people attended the Dine & Donate at Next Door; we raised more than $1,000.
Direct Give: The fall party was hugely successful! An estimated 35 people attended. 17 families signed up for Direct Give, while six families contributed to a one-time give totaling $2,300.
Direct Give: A total of 58 families are signed up for Direct Give. This will bring in an estimated $2,500 each month.
Harvest Festival: 480 tickets were sold - this is more than ever before. The event raised $7,202.
Save the Date...
IBCS Book Fair
Saddle up your unicorns and mark your calendar to embark on a journey to the Izzi B. Enchanted Forest Book Fair: Let Your Imagination Grow during Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences on Monday, Oct. 22 (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.) and Tuesday, Oct. 23 (8 a.m. - 12 p.m.) in the IBCS LIbrary. This event is also a fun volunteer opportunity to do with your kids! Sign up now!
Annual Halloween Parade
Students are invited to participate in Izzi B.’s Annual Halloween Parade on Wednesday, Oct. 31. The parade begins at 2 p.m. Students can bring their costumes to school and change into them just prior to the start of the parade. Important Reminder: No weapons, blood or scary masks.
November Dine & Donate
Make dinner a selfless act by joining us for a fundraiser to support Isabella Bird. Come in to Chipotle at 7400 E. 29th Ave. in Stapleton on Monday, Nov. 5, 5-9 p.m. Bring the flyer (sent home with students last week), show it on your smartphone, or tell the cashier you're supporting the cause to make sure 33 percent of the proceeds are donated to Isabella Bird. The fundraiser applies to all eat-in, take-out and online orders.
Mark Your Calendars...
Monday, Oct. 15, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Culture and Equity Team Meeting (room 216)
Friday, Oct. 19, All Day: No School (Professional Development Day)
Monday, Oct. 22-Tuesday, Oct. 23, All Day: No School (Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences)
Monday, Oct. 22-Tuesday, Oct. 23: Book Fair (10/22: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; 10/23: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
Friday, Oct. 26, 8:15 a.m.: Coffee & Conversation
Friday, Oct. 26, 3:30 p.m.: Family Meeting at Hidden Brook
Monday, Oct. 29: All Day: Spirit Week - Hat Day
Tuesday, Oct. 30: All Day: Spirit Week - Favorite Sports Team Day
Wednesday, Oct. 31: All Day: Spirit Week - Costume Day (Annual Costume Parade begins at 2 p.m.)