News Archive: 2011 - 2012 - University Park Elementary School

News Archive: 2011 - 2012

Click to view a specific date:

Contents
1 Posted 19, May 2012
2 Posted 12, May 2012
3 Posted 5, May 2012
4 Posted 28, April 2012
5 Posted 21, April 2012
6 Posted 14, April 2012
7 Posted 7, April 2012
8 Posted 31 March 2012
9 Posted 17 March 2012
10 Posted 10 March 2012
11 Posted 3 March 2012
12 Posted 25 February 2012
13 Posted 18 February 2012
14 Posted 11 February 2012
15 Posted 4 February 2012
16 Posted 28 January 2012
17 Posted 21 January 2012
18 Posted 14 January 2012
19 Posted 7 January 2012
20 Posted 17 December 2011
21 Posted 10 December 2011
22 Posted 3 December 2011
23 Posted 18 November 2011
24 Posted 4 November 2011
25 Posted 29 October 2011
26 Posted 22 October 2011
27 Posted 15 October 2011
28 Posted 8 October 2011
29 Posted 1 October 2011
30 Posted 24 September 2011
31 Posted 17 September 2011
32 Posted 10 September 2011
33 Posted 3 September 2011
34 Posted 27 August 2011
35 Posted 20 August 2011

Posted 19, May 2012

Apple Campaign—we are going into our final week and we are only $1280away from meeting our match! Last day to meet this match is Wednesday May 23^rd. We will have our drawing on Thursday May 24^th but we need to get this last amount donated. Please help. Thank you everyone for the incredible support for our school! Please see our Apple Flyer in the Attachments for our drawing prizes.

Thanks to everyone that came out to enjoy the University Park Home Tour and Tour de Classics Car Show on May 6^th—The event raised $24,000 for University Park Elementary! Thanks to all the volunteers and the Home Tour committee for putting on a first rate tour and car show!

Lost and Found—is located near the Gym. Any lost money or small items of value are kept in the main office. The school is not responsible for lost articles.June 1, 2012 any unclaimed items will be donated to a local shelter.

From the Cafeteria—no more charges will be available, please keep your child’s account current.

If you are interested in being a Room Parent or Classroom Volunteer next year—please send your name and contact information to Joy Murphy: joy@m2lending.com. We’d like to have room parents established for every grade prior to the end of this school year. It is also nice to provide the room parent(s) with a list of people interested in helping in the classroom.

2^nd Annual Neighborhood Garage Sale—June 1-2, 7am to 2pm. All University Park neighbors are invited to participate. Please notify Jen Schmidt,schmidt640@yahoo.com or Pam Adams, adamscore@aol.com or by phone,303.898.3598 on or before May 29 if you plan to participate in the sale. Salvation Army will pick up any unsold items at 2pm June 2^nd.

UPCC Summer Kick-Off, June 10^th, Music in the Park—local band, Humbuckers, will be playing at Observatory Park. Bring your picnic dinner, blankets, and friends for an evening of music, dancing and fun! Times have not been confirmed. Please check the website for details closer to the event,www.upcc.us/125.

Clothes To Kids of Denver, Inc.—exists to provide new and quality used clothing to children in need in Denver Public Schools for free in a store-like setting. It's goal to create a welcoming, warm environment. By providing this service, they hope to ease the financial burden placed on these Denver families, build self-esteem in the child and improve their readiness to learn at school. At this time they are in need of shoes, especially boy's shoes. If you are able to donate, please put them in the blue tub near the office at UPark. Thanks for your help! http://clothestokidsdenver.org

Enrichment News: Summer is just around the corner and several vendors are offering summer programs through the My Enrichment online registration system. Vendors include: Dramatic Adventures at Montview Presbyterian Church, Executive Arts Drama programs at various locations, Denver Language School Immersion programs in the AM and adventure programs in the PM at DLS. Play-Well TEKnologies and Science Matters in the PM at DLS. Tammy Wiley's Minds-On, Hands On (formally Odyssey Summer Skills) at DLS. To view offerings go to www.myenrichment.com and select 2012 Summer Programs to the left. To register online go to www.myenrichment.com/store. Discounts will be applied before emailing you the registration report. Best way to reach me is through email at molly@myenrichment.com.

Molly Killinger, My Enrichment, LLC

University of Denver Observatory Open to Public for Coming Sky Show—Events planned at DU’s Historic Chamberlin Observatory in May, June.DENVER – The early spring sky will be the focus of attention across Colorado as day turns to night and celestial bodies cross paths. Are the 2012 predictions of doom coming true early? No, it will merely be the Moon and Venus trying to blot out the Sun in a rare natural show. University of Denver Professor of Astronomy Robert Stencel says the DU’s Historic Chamberlin Observatory will be open for public viewings of the rare annular solar eclipse May 20 and an even more rare transit of Venus across the face of the sun on June 5. DU’s astronomers will partner with the Denver Astronomical Society for both events, weather permitting, to help interpret the action while providing safe viewing opportunities. The observatory will be open to the public from 6-8 p.m. May 20. Beginning at 6:25 p.m., the moon will begin to cross the face of the sun, with maximum eclipse at 7:30 p.m. (86 percent) at 8:12 p.m., just prior to sunset. For those willing to travel to New Mexico or Arizona or points west, the eclipse will be more nearly total, with just a bright rim of sun persisting during maximum. On June 5, for the extremely rare transit of Venus across the sun (the last one this century), the observatory will be open to the public from 4-8 p.m. Please note: Safe solar viewing requires correct filtering or can be accomplished with the pinhole projection method: simply poke a small hole in a paper and project the sun’s image onto a blank sheet of paper.

Posted 12, May 2012

Apple Fundraising—only a few weeks left to meet our match of $5,000 and a chance to win fantastic items in our drawing. Look for us at our U-Park Home Tour this Sunday! Also, looking for an energetic individual to lead our Apple Campaign for the 2012-2013 school year. Please contact Stephanie Treusein at 720-231-9955 for details.

Lost and Found—is located near the Gym. Any lost money or small items of value are kept in the main office. The school is not responsible for lost articles. June 1, 2012 any unclaimed items will be donated to a local shelter.

From the Cafeteria—no more charges will be available, please keep your child’s account current.

Molly Killinger, My Enrichment, LLC

Posted 5, May 2012

Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures May 7-May 25—in order to have our beautiful new playground completed by the start of the 2012-13 school year, the current playground will be closed as of Monday, May 7^th. Drop off on Monday morning, May 7^th will still be in the playground. After school Monday, and each drop off and pick up for the remainder of the school year, will take place on the lawn to the north of the school (on the Iliff side of the school.) We will have this area fenced-off to ensure the safety of our students. Kiss N Go will continue as usual. I strongly encourage you to park at Observatory Park and walk to UPark if you need to drive to school. Students will rotate through indoor and outdoor activities for lunch time recess. Thank you for your understanding and patience in this process!

8^th Annual Home Tour and 1^st Classic Car Show—this is our BIGGEST fundraiser of the year! If you haven’t volunteered all year, now is the time!! We need your help!! Please email Kirsten;rkspratt@aol.com

A Dino-mite end to Tales @Twilight!—please join me in welcoming noted dinosaur artist and enthusiast Dennis J. Wilson to University Park on Thursday, May 10 from 6 PM to 7 PM in the UPark auditorium. Dennis will talk about dinosaur reconstruction and museum preparation; and he has kindly offered to share some of his fascinating models and museum pieces for invited guests to touch. This event will close our little library's season of stories and can be seen by reservation only. Please RSVP to me via e-mail (Librarian_UniversityPark@dpsk12.org) and include Tales@Twilight in the subject heading of your reply. Kindly include the number and names of all members in your party who will attend. Seating will be limited and children must be accompanied by an adult. You're invited to shop the Book Fair on its final night before and after Dennis' presentation, as it will stay open late to accommodate Tales@Twilight attendees.

Lost and Found—is located at the far north end of the lunchroom in the basement. Any lost money or small items of value are kept in the main office. The school is not responsible for lost articles. June 1, 2012 any unclaimed items will be donated to a local shelter.

Don't miss the UPark Band performing at the Red Rocks amphitheater! Our Spring Band Concert this year is at Red Rocks, Wednesday, May 9^th at 5:30 p.m. The Gora Gora Orkestar (Gypsy Funk Band) will play for our 'after party'. Join us for a celebration of our band's hard work and be ready to dance! Please see the attached flyer for more details and directions. If we are rained out, please note that our next attempt will be on Thursday May 17^that 5:30 p.m. at Red Rocks, or if rained out again, we will be at Merrill MS, 6:30pm. We hope to see you there.

From the Librarian—the last week of checkout for all students is next week. Thursday, May 3 will be the last day to check out any new materials or renew previously checked out items. Students may take no more than two books on their last day for checkout. All items are due by Friday, May 11. Any items still checked out to students after Friday, May 11 will be considered lost and children may be charged the replacement cost for the missing items. Students may also forgo the honor of joining their classmates at Field Day unless the outstanding items are returned by Tuesday, May 15 or the replacement cost for each missing item has been paid. Sadly, mister "I-dislike-being-the-bad-guy" hernández.

From the Cafeteria—no more charges will be available, please keep your child’s account current.

Last Chance for yearbooks—May 15th! Friday, May 18th at 3:15 is the yearbook signing event. Order by Tuesday, May 15th, and the yearbook staff can make sure your child's yearbook is delivered to their classroom in time! The yearbook signing event is a great time to get all their friends, teachers and even the principal to sign their yearbooks for lasting memories! If we have any yearbooks left over from the pre-sales, we will have them for sale at the yearbook signing event. Yearbooks are $15 each, please make check payable to UPark PTA. Please leave a check with your order form at the office. There won’t be many extras, so please order early!

Posted 28, April 2012

Students from our Future Leaders of American Team—have been extremely busy this year educating and spreading the word about recycling at our school. As a school, the amount of trash we produce in one day went from 12 bags in the fall to only 6 1/2 this spring! We are seeing the biggest impact in the lunchroom because our students are attempting to be "zero-wasters" and contribute as little trash in their lunches as possible! To aid in the efforts, we have been selling reusable snack "wrap-n-mats" every Tues. and Thurs. before and after school to encourage our families to use instead of Ziploc baggies and other trash. Keep up the great work everyone!

CSC Parent Members voting results—congratulations to Joy Murphy and Katherine Noble. They will begin their 2-year term with the 2012-2013 school year. Thanks for participating in the voting process.

PLEASE LET US KNOW—if your child will not be returning to UPark (and is currently enrolled in grades K-4) please let the office know ASAP. Thank you!

From the Cafeteria—beginning May 1^st no more charges will be available, please keep your child’s account current.

The Garden Committee—announcing the Spring School Garden Clean up from 12:00 - 2:00 this Saturday, April 28. Help us get the garden looking good for the Home Tour and Car Show, May 6. Looking forward to seeing you there!

From PTA—Spirit Gear orders are due April 30. After this date items can be ordered online (there will be shipping charges). Also, SchoolKidz school supply order forms will come home on May 3^rd and will offer backpacks, water bottles and lunch boxes this year. Orders must be turned in by May 17th. No orders can be accepted after this date. Kits will be available for pick-up at August registration.

Posted 21, April 2012

PLEASE LET US KNOW—if your child will not be returning to UPark (and is currently enrolled in grades K-4) please let the office know ASAP. Thank you!

Summer Band—we welcome our 3rd graders who don't know how to play an instrument to Band Camp!! A week-long immersion is the preferred way to begin a child on an instrument. So, if your child is looking forward to joining band next year, give them an early start and solid foundation. UPark offers very affordable school instrument rental fees for the summer. Please go to BigasLifeMusic.com for details and to register, or call Ms. Christmas at #303-324-8756 with questions

Before and After School Supervision—please do not drop off your child before 8:40am and have them picked up by 4:00 pm. The school cannot be responsible for your child outside of these times unless they are signed up for Band (7:50am), before-school enrichment (8:15am), breakfast (8:30am), or after-school enrichment (varies). Thanks for your cooperation!

Enrichment News: Summer is just around the corner and several vendors are offering summer programs through the My Enrichment online registration system. Vendors include: Dramatic Adventures at Montview Presbyterian Church, Executive Arts Drama programs at various locations, Denver Language School Immersion programs in the AM and adventure programs in the PM at DLS. Play-Well TEKnologies and Science Matters in the PM at DLS. Tammy Wiley's Minds-On, Hands On (formally Odyssey Summer Skills) at DLS. To view offerings go towww.myenrichment.com and select 2012 Summer Programs to the left. To register online go to www.myenrichment.com/store. Discounts will be applied before emailing you the registration report. Best way to reach me is through email atmolly@myenrichment.com.

Molly Killinger, My Enrichment, LLC

Get ready, get set and go! The Spring Fun Run Program—has taken off! Join students, teachers, parents and friends on UPark's athletic field behind the school from 8:40am-8:55am every morning starting Monday, April 16th through Friday, April 27th. We will run around the field for lots of fun and exercise, and some cool charms! This year, we are asking students to please recycle their toilet chain necklaces. Please bring to school any necklaces that you do not want now through April 20th. Recycle them in Ms. Reynolds class (Kindergarten room 108), and receive a cool charm in exchange. Ms. Reynolds will have a jar in her classroom for the chains. Then come over to the field and get ready to run. See you soon!

KISS N GO needs volunteers! We cannot continue to provide this service without the help of volunteers. The times are 8:40-9:00 am and 3:40-4:00 pm. So for 20 minutes a week or every other week, you can help keep the students safe by loading them into their cars. The April link is here: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0A4BA4A96-aprilkiss/563714 OR contact Megan Bettinger at wellingers@comcast.net or 303-842-0687.

Posted 14, April 2012

2012 School Satisfaction Survey – Did you know that your participation and responses on the School Satisfaction Survey are used in determining our school rating from the district and the state? Please take the time to complete this survey in pencil and return it to the office in a sealed envelope (to maintain confidentiality while saving the cost of postage) or return it in the postage-paid envelope, by April 27^th. Thank you for helping our school by participating in this survey!

Books @ Breakfast—please join me for our final Books & Breakfast event of the school year on Thursday, April 19 in our little library. I ask that you kindly register via e-mail (Librarian_UniversityPark@dpsk12.org) and include the full name of every child in your party who will be in attendance and the total number in your company. Remember to arrive early because the festivities begin promptly at eight o'clock. I offer my thanks to all who have participated in our series of readings and repast this year. The celebrations I've hosted would not have been possible without your generous contributions and attendance. Gratefully, mister "all-good-things-must-end" hernández.

Congratulation to our UPark Destination ImagiNation Teams who competed last month—team “Fishical” finished in 12^th place; Owen Monroe, Eleanor Vander Wall, Elise Scrivner, Lia Ybarra-Bonner, Liam Homburger, Duncan Monroe and Sophia Homburger; coached by Jason Monroe and Amy Homburger. Team “Psycho Mind Controlling Marshmallows” finished in 7^th place; Cody and Blake Wellington, Jake and Spencer Hodas, Theo Campbell, CJ Maloney, Lizzie Walsh, coached by Alicia Wellington and Nikki Maloney. Non-Competitive team “Rising Stars” were Marissa Lee, Keaton Helbert, Jackson White, Hank Leonard, Teddy Vander Wall, Magnus Houston, Ava Rogala, coached by Chris Dolson and Kathy Lee. Thanks for representing UPark!

Get ready, get set and go! The Spring Fun Run Program—is about to take off! Join students, teachers, parents and friends on UPark's athletic field behind the school from 8:40am-8:55am every morning starting Monday, April 16th through Friday, April 27th. We will run around the field for lots of fun and exercise, and some cool charms! This year, we are asking students to please recycle their toilet chain necklaces. Please bring to school any necklaces that you do not want now through April 20th. Recycle them in Ms. Reynolds class (Kindergarten room 108), and receive a cool charm in exchange. Ms. Reynolds will have a jar in her classroom for the chains. Then come over to the field and get ready to run. See you soon!

Posted 7, April 2012

Technology News—classes and parents are welcome to view the Computer History project done by Room 209. A table will be set up outside the lab. You will see examples of older technology and can view PowerPoint shows by the third graders, Monday, April 9, any time during the day.

*Reading Tutorial for Parents—does your child like to read? Do you want to know more about the reading process? Do they get frustrated and avoid reading any way they can? Do you know your child’s reading level or grade level expectancies? The University Park PTA would like to invite all parents for an informational session on the reading process for 5 to 8 year olds. Come learn about the building blocks your child needs to be successful as a reader! Learn about possible reading “red flags”. Betsy Leonard (mother of two UPark kids) with a master’s degree in education (M.ED) and Angela Dire (2^nd grade teacher), will share their wisdom and experiences; Monday April 9^th 6:30 to 8:00pm, Auditorium.

Childcare is available

Congratulations to the “Keep Denver Beautiful” poster and essay contest winners from UPark—Mohamed Awad was the 2^nd place winner in the essay contest. In the poster contest, Shahmi Zain-Isma took 1^st place, Haziq Ahmed-Fauzi was 2^nd place and Josh Durbin took 3^rd place.

Congratulations to Maerta Lindblad for winning the Stock Market Invest Write essay contest. She was chosen by the Colorado Council for Economic Education and awarded a check for $100 (future investing).

Congratulations to our Mile High Scholars for 2112—Gracelyn Leonard, 2^nd Grade, and Steven Harned, 5^th Grade. They were selected for their leadership skills, respect for self, others, and the school environment, and for supporting their peers. They will be honored this evening at Boettcher Concert Hall.

National Library Week—how has a library or librarian affected your life? The American Library Association wants you to share your story. National Library Week is April 8-14, 2012.

Here are the National Library Week activities planned for UPark:
Monday, April 9: "I Belong @ My Library" Message Wall (sign a big banner outside our little library beginning Monday and extending to Friday; write about why you value libraries)
Tuesday, April 10: Checkout a Chess Set (check out a chess set and play outside during lunch)
Wednesday, April 11: Open Mic Poetry in the Peace Garden at Lunch (share a short poem with friends)
Thursday, April 12: Beverly Cleary's Birthday; National D.E.A.R. Day (Pledge to shut down all unnecessary electronic devices--no TV, no Internet, no electronic games--and spend at least one hour of your day reading)
Friday, April 13: Scary Stories Day (submit your spooky story; prizes will be awarded for the top terrifying tale from one primary and one intermediate grade student)

Timothy Hernandez will be celebrated as the 9 Teacher Who Cares for the month of April on Channel 9 News. Congratulations and well deserved! This will air on Channel 9 News Friday, April 13^th at 6:20am.

DPS Resource Fair for Students with Disabilities—this is a free event for parents, caregivers, and families with students with disabilities. SEAC (Special Education Advisory Council) will offer workshops that include Advocating for Your Child, and ADHD/Dyslexia. The event is April 11^th, 4-6pm, CEC Middle College of Denver, 2650 Eliot Street. For more information or to RSVP please contact Lisa Ortiz at 720.423.8902.

CSC Classroom placement input letter—(included in the last Thursday folder). Please review the letter regarding class placement decisions for the next school year. If you would like to provide information about your child’s learning style to be taken into consideration in determining class placement for next year, please pick up a form in the office. Note that any parent input needs to be about their child’s learning and not the naming of a requested teacher. Information must be submitted in writing to the principal by Friday, April 20^th to be considered. Thank you!

Posted 31 March 2012

CSC Classroom placement input letter—(included in the Thursday folder). Please review the letter regarding parental input for class placement decisions for the next school year. If you would like to provide information about your child’s learning style to be taken into consideration in determining class placement for next year, please pick up a form in the office. Note that any parent input needs to be about their child’s learning and not the naming of a requested teacher. Information must be submitted in writing to the principal by Friday, May 4^th to be considered. Thank you!

Reading Tutorial for Parents—does your child like to read? Do you want to know more about the reading process? Do they get frustrated and avoid reading any way they can? Do you know your child’s reading level or grade level expectancies? The University Park PTA would like to invite all parents for an informational session on the reading process for 5 to 8 year olds. Come learn about the building blocks your child needs to be successful as a reader! Learn about possible reading “red flags”. Betsy Leonard (mother of two UPark kids) with a master’s degree in education (M.ED) and Angela Dire (2^nd grade teacher), will share their wisdom and experiences; Monday April 9^th 6:30 to 8:00pm, Auditorium.

5^th Grade Shakespeare Feast—Tuesday, April 10^th is the 5th grade Shakespeare Performances and Dinners, beginning at 5pm. Parents: please remember to RSVP and pre-purchase your dinners BEFORE SPRING BREAK!

UPARK COMPUTER LAB WEBSITE—SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! uparklab.weebly.com

My Enrichment—spring enrichment programs have begun. Brochure and online registration is now available and most programs have already started. However, many vendors allow late registration with prorated pricing. (Sticky Fingers starts the week after spring break. It has 4 registrations and needs 3 more to be a go.) Please view the matrix, brochure and general information by going to www.myenrichment.com and selecting University Park to the left. To order online go towww.myenrichment.com/store. If you need the price prorated, please email me after you register so I can change the pricing. Below is a summary of program offerings with registration status:

Wednesday: - Creative Dance Kids: Hip Hop (2131), K-5 grades, started 3/14, $122, 19 spots remaining

- City Strings Guitar - Multi-Level (2100), 2-5 grades, starts 3/7, $159, and registration closed

Thursday: - Omniform Karate (2049), K-5 grades, starts 3/8, $153, 4 spots remaining (vendor does not prorate)

- Sticky Fingers: Mix and Measure and Knife Skills Oh My! (2059), K-5 grades, starts 4/5, $114, needs 3

Friday: - Young Rembrandts Drawing and Cartooning (2045), K-5 grades, started 3/16, $98, 12 spots remaining

- jumpNrope (2099), 1-5 grades, starts 3/16, $72, 14 spots remaining

Apex Movement, Ballet and Mad Science were cancelled due to low enrollment.

Posted 17 March 2012

Does your child like to read? Do you want to know more about the reading process? Do they get frustrated and avoid reading any way they can? Do you know your child’s reading level or grade level expectancies? The University Park PTA would like to invite all parents for an informational session on the reading process for 5 to 8 year olds. Come learn about the building blocks your child needs to be successful as a reader! Learn about possible reading “red flags”. Betsy Leonard (mother of two UPark kids) with a master’s degree in education (M.ED) and Angela Dire (2^nd grade teacher), will share their wisdom and experiences; Monday April 9^th 6:30 to 8:00pm, Auditorium.

*Books @ Breakfast—Come one, come all (well, the first forty families that register) for our next Books & Breakfast on Thursday, March 22 from 8AM till the morning bell rings. Please contact me via e-mail and include "Books & Breakfast" in the subject heading with the full names of all children in your company who will attend and the total number of members in your party. The celebration begins sharply at eight o'clock...don't be late! Joyfully, mister "spring-has-sprung" hernández

Before and After School Supervision—please do not drop off your child before 8:40am and have them picked up by 4:00 pm. The school cannot be responsible for your child outside of these times unless they are signed up for Band (7:50am), before-school enrichment (8:15am), breakfast (8:30am), after-school enrichment (varies). Thanks for your cooperation!

Walkathon for National Child Abuse Awareness Month: During the month of April, children across the metro area will commemorate National Child Abuse Awareness Month through the “Step Up for Kids” pledge to walk as much as possible and count every step they take. Using a free pedometer and fitness orientation program, youngsters up to 17 years old are encouraged to participate. There isn’t an obligation to raise money, although any pledges raised will support the Denver Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC), which helps children traumatized by abuse and violence. For more information and to register, visit www.tinyurl.com/StepUp4Kids. Contact Debbie Besaw, DCAC Board Fundraising Chair, via email or at 720-290-7823 with questions.

Posted 10 March 2012

UPark Legacy Project—tile painting has been postponed to April 16th from 5:00-7:00pm. Lots of time to sign up!

THANK YOU to the organizers of the UPark Silent Auction - Lori Marks-Connors, Stacey Hauhuth, Micah D'Hondt, Katie Mochan, Greg & Alyssa Margolin, and Merrell Aspin! The event doubled what was raised last year for a whopping $21,000. A big thank you also to all our staff, parents and other community members who donated items to be auctioned. Max Gill and Grill on Gaylord Street also provided free food and a drink for all who attended. This was a fun night for those who attended and it will be great if we can continue to grow this event. Thank you again to all who participated!

Please LIKE the University Park Home Tour Page—on Facebook for all the latest on the Home Tour! https://www.facebook.com/uparkhometour

Attend the DPS Foundation ACHIEVE Gala and earn money for University Park!!—We have been presented with a great fundraising opportunity for UPark. If we can get 10 people to pitch in to buy a table for the upcoming DPS Foundation Gala the evening of Tuesday, April 24th (at $2500), the DPS Foundation will split the proceeds with University Park Elementary!! Every year, the DPS Foundation (www.dpsfoundation.org) holds their Achieve Gala which is a fabulous event benefitting the Foundation that supports DPS schools and programs. The evening highlights include incredible student stories, wonderful entertainment (this year it’s the Montbello High School Drum Line), and the famous Tiffany jewelry raffle. The Foundation is offering this split as an incentive to encourage our parents to attend the event and support the Foundation and would generate $1,250 for our school! If you’re interested, or if you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Hallam at 720.339.0626 or at jhallam@bkd.com or visitwww.dpsfoundation.org for more information.

Students have the Chance to Create New Google Logo – Google has just launched its 2012 Doodle 4 Google contest, which challenges students in grades K-12 to re-design the Google logo along this year's theme: "If I could travel in time, I'd visit …". The winning Doodler will take home a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for his or her school. Even more exciting, the winning artwork from Colorado will be featured on Google’s homepage for millions to see, as well as in a special exhibition at the New York Public Library. Check out google.com/doodle4google for all the contest rules and to download the entry form. Entries must be postmarked by March 23, 2012, so get doodling!

Posted 3 March 2012

UPark Legacy Project—donate $100 and attend the tile painting event on Monday, March 12th from 6:00-7:00pm and add your painted tile to the new playground.

Please LIKE the University Park Home Tour Page—on Facebook for all the latest on the Home Tour!
https://www.facebook.com/uparkhometour

My Enrichment—spring enrichment brochure and online registration is now available and majority of programs start NEXT WEEK! Please view the matrix, brochure and general information by going towww.myenrichment.com and select University Park to the left. The general information has been updated. Please read it. To order online go to www.myenrichment.com/store. Credit cards will only be charged when the program meets its minimum and is a GO by the vendor. You will be notified when that occurs. Below is a summary of program offerings with registration status as of 2/29, 2:15 pm

Wednesday: - Apex Movement: Parkour (2132), 2-5 grades, starts 3/7, $171, needs 5

- Creative Dance Kids: Hip Hop (2131), K-5 grades, starts 3/14, $122, needs 1

- City Strings Guitar - Multi-Level (2100), 2-5 grades, starts 3/7, $159, 3 spots remaining

Thursday: - Omniform Karate (2049), K-5 grades, starts 3/8, $153, 14 spots remaining

- Sticky Fingers: Mix and Measure and Knife Skills Oh My! (2059), K-5 grades, starts 3/8, $171, needs 7

- Mad Science Energy, Forces and Light! (1870), K-5 grades, starts 3/15, $79, needs 9

Friday (winter make-up classes are scheduled for 3/9):

- Young Rembrandts Drawing and Cartooning (2045), K-5 grades, starts 3/16, $98, needs 5

- jumpNrope (2099), 1-5 grades, starts 3/16, $72, 17 spots remaining

- Creative Dance Kids Ballet (2160), K-5 grades, starts 3/9, $122, needs 5

Attend the DPS Foundation ACHIEVE Gala and earn money for University Park!!—We have been presented with a great fundraising opportunity for UPark. If we can get 10 people to pitch in to buy a table for the upcoming DPS Foundation Gala the evening of Tuesday, April 24th (at $2500), the DPS Foundation will split the proceeds with University Park Elementary!! Every year, the DPS Foundation (www.dpsfoundation.org) holds their Achieve Gala which is a fabulous event benefitting the Foundation that supports DPS schools and programs. The evening highlights include incredible student stories, wonderful entertainment (this year it’s the Montbello High School Drum Line), and the famous Tiffany jewelry raffle. The Foundation is offering this split as an incentive to encourage our parents to attend the event and support the Foundation and would generate $1,250 for our school! If you’re interested, or if you have any questions,please contact Jennifer Hallam at 720.339.0626 or at jhallam@bkd.com or visitwww.dpsfoundation.org for more information.

Posted 25 February 2012

How to Help Your Student Prepare for the TCAP (formally known as CSAP) Grades 3-5 start testing next week:

Ensure regular and prompt school attendance – learning that is measured by the TCAP tests takes place everyday. It is important that your student not miss school at any time, including during the assessment dates.
IMPORTANT: Students who arrive at school after the start of a test session will be required to take the test during a make-up session.
Provide a healthy breakfast and lunch every day. This is also very important on the days of the test.
Be sure your student gets enough rest at night. A good night’s sleep for elementary students is usually between 10 and 12 hours of sleep. Example: A student who gets up on a school day at 7:30 a.m. might go to bed between the hours of 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.
If your student wears glasses, be sure she has them on the days of the test and encourage her to wear them.
Promote a positive attitude about the test. Let your student know that there may be items he doesn't know the answer to and that’s okay, but that you expect him to do his best.

TCAP Testing is March 6th through 16th. If you have questions, please call the school at 720.424.3410. Thank you for providing help and support for your student—together we can make a difference!

It's yearbook time! If you have photos and you have been meaning to get them to the yearbook staff, now is the time. Please email your photos (with the grade and teacher name if possible) to kathymtracy@gmail.com ormorganstar2013@gmail.com or leave a disk in the office clearly marked ”yearbook photos” for Kathy Tracy or Jenn Bruns.Please submit your photos by March 1st. The more pictures of the students the better our yearbook will be. If you are interested in helping build the yearbook, please contact Kathy Tracy at 303-946-3466. Yearbooks are $15. If you need an order form, you can get one from the front office, or look in your child's backpack, they were sent home with last week’s Thursday folders. Please make your checks out to UPark PTA.

Enrichment News: Spring quarter enrichment brochure and online registration is now available. The majority of programs begin week of March 5. To view matrix, brochure go to www.myenrichment.com and select University Park to the left. To register online go to www.myenrichment.com/store. The best way to reach me is through email atmolly@myenrichment.com.

Movement Madness enrichment class—is hosting a free introduction to the class next Thursday, March 1st, 8:00-8:55am in the Gym. If you would like to sign up for the class, flyers went home last week. For more information, please go to www.movementmadness.info/

Posted 18 February 2012

Re-loadable SAFEWAY cards are now available—as are re-loadable KING SOOPERS cards. Both have a minimal balance to start and are FREE! Contact Vanessa Tran at bigvtran@yahoo.com to obtain your FREE re-loadable grocery cards. Safeway and King Soopers donate 5% to UPark for every $100 you spend at no cost to you! Sunflower cards are available in increments of $25 and $100. Thanks for supporting UPark every time you buy groceries!

Monday, February 20th is a Free Day at the Denver Botanic Gardens:
http://www.botanicgardens.org/content/free-days

Like the UPark PTA on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/uparkpta

Congratulations to our UPark Band students who participated in the 2012 DPS Citywide Honor Band—our talented students joined forces with other students from around the district to create a 79 member band. After two intense days of rehearsal, they gave a fantastic concert at Lincoln High School on February 11th. If you see them in the hall, please congratulate: Jack Bendure, Katie Maloney, Enzo DelCalzo, Anthony Singer, Meg Pratt, Sarah Depper, Maya McDaniel, Gretchen Carpenter, Erin Johnson, Meghan Thomas, Elizabeth Blackmun, Ethan Kirk, Simon Miller and Galen Metzger. A special thanks to their parents as well for getting them to the rehearsals!

We want to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone in our School AND our Community. We showed our gracious donor that we were able to step up to meet our challenge and help make a difference! Although we met our challenge we are still $25,000 away from meeting our $55,000 goal by the end of the year. Donating is easy; you can either put a check in the specially marked Apple envelopes in the office, or donate securely online at http://www.uparkelementary.org/how-to-get-involved/apple-campaign. Remember, all gifts are tax-deductible and An Apple Donation Today Keeps Our Programs From Going Away!

First of all, let me personally thank you for your participation and support for the 2012 PJ DAY benefitting Denver’s Road Home – our city’s 10 year plan to end homelessness.

We had a record year of participation from the schools – with at least 55 schools donning their PJ’s for the day and collecting cash and food donations. We are grateful and amazed at the huge outpouring of help and hope you’re giving our metro homeless families. UPark contributed $396.36. Way to go!

Girls on the Run will start the week of March 5th. Girls on the Run inspires girls to a lifetime of self-respect and a healthy lifestyle through an innovative program that combines training for a 3.1 mile run/walk race with a fun, health education lesson plan. We will meet Mondays and Wednesdays after school until 5pm. Open to all 3rd through 5th grade girls. Registration info will be coming in soon. For more information about the program: www.girlsontherunrockies.org, Questions? Contact: Brigitte Siller (720)987-8458, or if you would like to coach, contact Christy Jones: christy_gotr@comcast.net.

Spring enrichment brochure and online registration is now available—with the majority of programs starting the week of March 5. Please view the matrix, brochure and general information by going to www.myenrichment.com and selecting University Park to the left. The UPark General Information has been updated and revised on 2/14/12. Please read it. To order online go to www.myenrichment.com/store. Credit cards will only be charged when the program meets its minimum and is a GO by the vendor. You will be notified when that occurs. Below is a summary of program offerings:

Wednesday: - Apex Movement: Parkour (2132), 2-5 grades, starts 3/7, $171, needs 6

- Creative Dance Kids: Hip Hop (2131), K-5 grades, starts 3/14, $122, needs 5

- City Strings Guitar - Multi-Level (2100), 2-5 grades, starts 3/7, $159, needs 4

Thursday: - Omniform Karate (2049), K-5 grades, starts 3/8, $153, needs 6

- Sticky Fingers: Mix and Measure and Knife Skills Oh My! (2059), K-5 grades, starts 3/8, $171, needs 8

- Mad Science Energy, Forces and Light! (1870), K-5 grades, starts 3/15, $79, needs 10

Friday (winter make-up classes are scheduled for 3/9):

- Young Rembrandts of SW Denver Drawing and Cartooning, K-5 grades, starts 3/16, $98, needs 6

- jumpNrope (2099), 1-5 grades, starts 3/16, $72, needs 5

- Creative Dance Kids Ballet (2160), K-5 grades, starts 3/9, $122, needs 5

Best way to reach me is through email at molly@myenrichment.com.

Posted 11 February 2012

TCAP (formerly known as CSAP) Testing in Grade 3—our 3rd grade students will take the Reading TCAP test this week. Please make every effort to have your children here and on time Wednesday and Thursday of this week. If your child has to be out any of these days, please inform the office as soon as you know so we can schedule to make sure all tests are completed. Thanks for your help in this matter!

We are so close! Our donor has agreed to let us extend our date to Valentine’s Day to meet our match! What could be a greater gift than books for our children? Contribute to meet our $7,000 match, help make the difference by February 14th 2012.UPark we can do this! Donating is easy; you can either put a check in the specially marked Apple envelopes in the office, or donate securely online at http://www.uparkelementary.org/how-to-get-involved/apple-campaign. Remember, all gifts are tax-deductible and An Apple Donation Today Keeps Our Programs from Going Away!

KISS N GO needs volunteers! We cannot continue to provide this service without the help of volunteers. The times are 8:40-9:00 am and 3:40-4:00 pm. So for 20 minutes a week or every other week, you can help keep the students safe by loading them into their cars. The February sign up link is here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4BA4A96-upark1 OR contact Megan Bettinger atwellingers@comcast.net or 303-842-0687. There is also a sign-up sheet in the office.

From the Library—you are cordially invited to spend an evening with me in the UPark library as part of our ongoing series of readings and repast. Join me on Thursday, February 16 at 6PM in the library where I'll share a couple of heartfelt tales. There will be an olio of eats lovingly provided by friends of the library. Please RSVP to me ASAP via e-mail to guarantee a place for your family at this event. Kindly include in the body of your message the total number of people from your party who will attend and make sure "Tales@Twilight" appears in the subject heading of your e-mail correspondence.

Enrichment News—spring brochure and online registration will be available after 10:00pm on Friday Feb 10 with programs starting week of March 5. To view matrix, brochure go to www.myenrichment.com and select University Park to the left. To register online go to www.myenrichment.com/store. Best way to reach me is through email at molly@myenrichment.com.

Posted 4 February 2012

*Donate a $1 to wear your pajamas February 9th and help Denver’s homeless—last year over 30 Denver Public Schools participated and raised over $10,000. So keep your PJ’s on when you get up and bring in a dollar. Please remember to wear shoes! The school’s dress code still applies and PJ’s need to be appropriate for the weather.

KISS N GO needs volunteers! We cannot continue to provide this service without the help of volunteers. The times are 8:40-9:00 am and 3:40-4:00 pm. So for 20 minutes a week or every other week, you can help keep the students safe by loading them into their cars. The February sign up link is here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4BA4A96-upark1 OR contact Megan Bettinger at wellingers@comcast.net or 303-842-0687. There is also a sign-up sheet in the office.

We have received $2,225 towards our match and still need $4,750 to meet our challenge for the UPark Library! We need your help. Any amount counts. We only have until February 10th 2012. UPark we can do this! Donating is easy; you can either put a check in the specially marked Apple envelopes in the office, or donate securely online at http://www.uparkelementary.org/how-to-get-involved/apple-campaign. Remember, all gifts are tax-deductible and An Apple Donation Today Keeps Our Programs From Going Away!

Thanks to the University Park Mothers Club and the Mom'preneur Marketplace! The event last November raised $4,645 for University Park Elementary! For more information on the University Park Mothers Club, please visit their website at http://uparkmoms.org/

If you haven't already, please friend the UPark PTA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uparkpta. Contact uparkpta@gmail.com for more information.

UPark students who participated in the Math Matters contest last Saturday at the Lotus School for Excellence—we had many students participate and out of 292 entries, our own Lukas Thomas took 3rd place and Galen Metzger took 6th place!! If you're interested in competing next year, see Mrs. Chappell for more info.

**University Park Community Council Meeting (UPCC) Wednesday, February 8th, 7pm. Neighbor Peggy Montano will be sharing her experiences of the Mastodon dig at Snowmass. Don't miss this opportunity to ask questions and learn more about this fascinating archeological phenomenon. Also at this meeting: Creating Your Community is a new social archive project from the Denver Public Library and 10 community partners that lets you share, explore and create communities about Colorado. You are also able to explore our digital collections and curate your own community. All UPark parents and guardians are always invited to these meetings.

Posted 28 January 2012

Lost and Found—is now located near the office until the end of the month. Any lost money or small items of value are kept in the main office. The school is not responsible for lost articles. Students should not bring or wear expensive items at school. Any unclaimed coats, gloves/mittens, or hats will be donated to a local shelter January 31, 2012.

If you haven't already, please friend the UPark PTA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uparkpta. Contact uparkpta@gmail.com for more information.

Donate a $1 to wear your pajamas February 9th and help Denver’s homeless—last year over 30 Denver Public Schools participated and raised over $10,000. So keep your PJ’s on when you get up and bring in a dollar, please remember to wear shoes! The school’s dress code still applies and PJ’s need to be appropriate for the weather.

The Apple Campaign needs your help to make our New Match Challenge happen for our School Library! A generous donor has challenged our community to match a $7,000 donation! They will match dollar for dollar what you donate to the Apple Campaign and their portion of that will go directly to our School Library to buy the many books we desperately need. We only have until February 10th 2012. UPark we can do this! Donating is easy; you can either put a check in the specially marked Apple envelopes in the office, or donate securely online at http://www.uparkelementary.org/how-to-get-involved/apple-campaign. Remember, all gifts are tax-deductible and An Apple Donation Today Keeps Our Programs from Going Away!

Fundraising—Chipotle Restaurant Night on January 9th raised $1,103.56 for the UPark Band Program! Thanks to the UPark School Community!

Middle School Extended Day 2012-2013—to date, the following schools have committed to creating a schedule for an extended day for the 2012-2013 school year and are in the process of communicating this information to their staff and community: Hill, Hamilton, Smiley, Morey, Henry, Grant and Skinner. The majority of middle schools will have an end time between 3:15pm and 3:30pm. At Merrill Middle School, we are going to add one hour to our school day with a start time of 7:30 a.m. and an end time of 3:30pm. Please join Principal Amy Bringedahl at Merrill on Thursday, Feb. 2, 6:30–7:30pm. to hear more about the proposed 2012-2013 schedule.

Posted 21 January 2012

The Apple Campaign needs your help to make our New Match Challenge happen for our School Library! A generous donor has challenged our community to match a $7,000 donation! They will match dollar for dollar what you donate to the Apple Campaign and their portion of that will go directly to our School Library to buy the many books we desperately need. We only have until February 10th 2012. UPark we can do this! Donating is easy; you can either put a check in the specially marked Apple envelopes in the office, or donate securely online at http://www.uparkelementary.org/how-to-get-involved/apple-campaign. Remember, all gifts are tax-deductible and An Apple Donation Today Keeps Our Programs from Going Away!

Lost and Found—is located at the far north end of the lunchroom in the basement. Any lost money or small items of value are kept in the main office. Please put your child’s name on backpacks, coats and other personal items. The school is not responsible for lost articles. Students should not bring or wear expensive items at school. Any unclaimed coats, gloves/mittens, or hats will be donated to a local shelter the end of January 2012.

Cody Cash for Candy fundraiser—great job turning in your Halloween candy for our over sea’s troops and cash for UPark. We won among the schools participating, $315. Thanks for helping!

Get ready for our third B&B event this school year!—I invite you to join me on Thursday, January 26 at 8AM in the UPark library for some anecdotes and eats. Please RSVP to me via e-mail ASAP to guarantee a place for your family. Kindly put “Books & Breakfast” in the subject line of your correspondence and include the full names of all children in your party who will attend. Encouragingly, Mister “the-third-episode-in-a-trilogy-is-usually-the-worst-but-I-promise-this-won’t-be” Hernández Librarian_UniversityPark@dpsk12.org

Enrichment News—winter quarter enrichment began week of December 5 and ends March 2. Many vendors allow late registration with prorated pricing. To view matrix, brochure go to www.myenrichment.com and select University Park to the left. To register online go to www.myenrichment.com/store. If you need a prorated price, please email me to adjust price before charging your card. Spring Enrichment will start week of March 5. Brochure and online registration will be available February 10. Best way to reach me is through email at molly@myenrichment.com.

Posted 14 January 2012

The Apple Campaign needs your help to make our New Match Challenge happen for our School Library! A generous donor has challenged our community to match a $7,000 donation! They will match dollar for dollar what you donate to the Apple Campaign and their portion of that will go directly to our School Library to buy the many books we desperately need. We only have until February 10th 2012. UPark we can do this! Donating is easy; you can either put a check in the specially marked Apple envelopes in the office, or donate securely online at http://www.uparkelementary.org/how-to-get-involved/apple-campaign. Remember, all gifts are tax-deductible and An Apple Donation Today Keeps Our Programs from Going Away!

Family Art Night—sponsored by the UPark PTA, Tuesday, January 24th, 6:00-7:30 in the Gymnasium. Bring the kids for a fun filled night of ART. There will be several different forms of art to create. All ages are welcome (parents need to supervise their children.) *Volunteers are needed to manage tables (no art skills required-activities and materials are ready to go), Please contact Jessica Rogers at jessica_rogers@dpsk12.org, or call 720-424-3410 if you are interested in volunteering.

Lost and Found—is located at the far north end of the lunchroom in the basement. Any lost money or small items of value are kept in the main office. Please put your child’s name on backpacks, coats and other personal items. The school is not responsible for lost articles. Students should not bring or wear expensive items at school. Any unclaimed coats, gloves/mittens, or hats will be donated to a local shelter the end of January 2012.

Merrill Middle School—if Merrill is on your top list of choices of middle schools, don’t miss this opportunity to meet with Principal Amy Bringedahl and learn about what’s new and improved this year and coming up for the 2012-2013 school year. You’ll hear about everything from enhanced curriculum, to new technology, to outdoor classrooms and learning landscapes. 10:30am and Tuesday, January 17th from 6pm – 7pm.

Posted 7 January 2012

Apple Fundraising update—Happy New Year and Congratulations to our December Drawing Winners! The following prizes were awarded: Signed Avalanche Jersey – Jeff Martz, Bulova Clock – Alica and David Wellington, Large Golf Umbrella – Jordan, Teeth Whitening – Cal and Reni Sparks, Silpada necklaces – Barbara Vander Wall , Trish and Vaughan Kendall and Eve Treschitta, Silpada earings – Matthew and Stacey Kenney and Brooke Bolinske, Silpada bracelet – Katie and Cam Mochan!

As of December 31st we have received a total of $21,345 with another $33,655 that we hope to raise by the end of the school year AND……we have another Match Challenge for January! Details will be forthcoming. Donating is easy; you can either put a check in the specially marked Apple envelopes in the office, or donate securely online at http://www.uparkelementary.org/how-to-get-involved/apple-campaign. Remember, all gifts are tax-deductible and An Apple Donation Today Keeps Our Programs from Going Away!

First Round Choice and Pre-Enrollment for Kindergarten—through January 31st.

Lost and Found—is located at the far north end of the lunchroom in the basement. Any lost money or small items of value are kept in the main office. Please put your child’s name on backpacks, coats and other personal items. The school is not responsible for lost articles. Students should not bring or wear expensive items at school. Any unclaimed coats, gloves/mittens, or hats will be donated to a local shelter the end of January 2012.

Merrill Middle School—if Merrill is on your top list of choices of middle schools, don’t miss these opportunities to meet with Principal Amy Bringedahl and learn about what’s new and improved this year and coming up for the 2012-2013 school year. You’ll hear about everything from enhanced curriculum, to new technology, to outdoor classrooms and learning landscapes. Tuesday, January 10th from 9:30am – 10:30am and Tuesday, January 17th from 6pm – 7pm.

PTA Update—Barnes & Noble Night raised $476.61, Tokyo Joe's Restaurant Night $200.15, Cartridges for Kids $291.61, Box Tops $448, and all grocery cards have raised a total of $3,049.42 so far this year. Wow! Thanks to everyone that supports these fundraisers!

Posted 17 December 2011

First Round Choice and Pre-Enrollment for Kindergarten—through January 31st.

My Enrichment News: Winter quarter enrichment began week of December 5. Many vendors allow late registration with prorated pricing. To view matrix, brochure go to www.myenrichment.com and select University Park to the left. To register online go to www.myenrichment.com/store. If you need a prorated price, please email me to adjust price before charging your card. Best way to reach me is through email at molly@myenrichment.com. Have a very happy holiday!

Lost and Found—is located at the far north end of the lunchroom in the basement. Any lost money or small items of value are kept in the main office. Please put your child’s name on backpacks, coats and other personal items. The school is not responsible for lost articles. Students should not bring or wear expensive items at school. Any unclaimed coats, gloves/mittens, or hats will be donated to a local shelter the end of January 2012.

Posted 10 December 2011

PTA News—"Thanks to everyone that attended the Barnes & Noble Bookfair on Dec. 5th. If you couldn't make it that night, not to worry! You can still shop at any Barnes & Noble and give the cashier the University Park ID: 10619211 at check out and UPark will receive 10% until Dec. 11th. Consider making a book donation to the library - visit www.uparkelementary.org to see the wish list...you can even shop online at www.bn.com/bookfairs! This fundraiser benefits the University Park Band."

PTA—is encouraging people to use their rechargeable UPark King Soopers card to purchase all of their holiday gift cards from Kings. The school gets 5% of all their gift card giving. Kings carries gift cards for virtually everywhere, like game stop, best buy, itunes, target, etc. Heck, you could buy a $200 Target card, turn around and go buy Xmas gifts at Target, and the school would get 5%. Also, Kings is giving 4x fuel points when you buy gift cards (not KS cards) thru the 13th. I just got 40 cents off my gas. Just think if every family using the cards put a couple hundred extra on the refill this month for this purpose - it would mean a lot of extra for the school.

Are you looking for an original gift that will benefit our school? Please look for our flyer for our new “The Giving Tree” Apple Campaign. Give a donation on behalf of someone special! At the same time be entered into our drawing to win Fabulous Gifts. Just in time for the holidays! Between now and December 15th for every $25 donated you get your name in the hat for: a signed Avalanche jersey, beautiful Silpada jewelry, a fabulous Teeth Whitening Package and more! Either put a check in the specially marked Apple envelopes in the office, or donate securely online at www.uparkelementary.org/how-to-get-involved/apple-campaign. Do you still need that tax deduction for 2011? All donations are tax-deductible and An Apple Today Keeps Our Programs from Going Away!

First Round Choice and Pre-Enrollment for Kindergarten—now through January 31st.

My Enrichment—winter enrichment brochure and online registration is now available and majority of programs started this week. Please view the matrix and brochure by going to www.myenrichment.com and select University Park to the left. To order online go to www.myenrichment.com/store. Credit cards will only be charged when the program meets its minimum and is a GO by the vendor. You will be notified when that occurs. Below is a summary of program offerings with registration status:

Wednesday:

Apex Movement: Parkour, starts 12/7, CANCELLED
Creative Dance Kids: Hip Hop, starts 12/7, 16 spots remaining.
Play-Well TEKnologies: FUNdamentals with Lego, starts 12/7, 3 spots remaining

Thursday:

Omniform: Karate, starts 12/8, 1 spot remaining.
Sticky Fingers: Mix and Measure and Knife Skills Oh My!, starts 12/15 needs 2 more to be a go.
Mad Science: Make It Matter!, starts 12/15, needs 7 registrations to be a go.

Friday:

Young Rembrandts of SW Denver: Elementary Drawing, 18 spots remaining.
jumpNrope: starts 12/9, needs 7 registrations to be a go.
Movement Madness, starts 12/9, needs 6 registrations to be a go.

If space is available and the program is a go, registrations will remain open throughout the week. However, student registration reports are emailed to teachers, instructors and administrative staff after 10:00 pm Sunday evening. If you register after that time, it is your responsibility to ensure your child attends the first class as s/he will not be on any list. As always best way to reach me is through email; Molly Killinger, molly@myenrichment.com

Posted 3 December 2011

First Round Choice and Pre-Enrollment for Kindergarten—now through January 31st.

Fundraising News—the last two restaurant nights have been a great success for UPark. Noodles & Company raised $376.98 and Garlic Knot raised $413.00 for our school! Don't forget, Monday December 5th is Tokyo Joe's Restaurant Night (1000 S. Colorado Blvd.) and the Barnes & Noble Bookfair next door is all week (through December 11th).

PTA—need gift ideas? $25 grocery cards for King Soopers purchased from the UPark front desk or the PTA table on the playground, make great gifts that keep on giving! These cards can be reloaded at the store, and then King Soopers will give our school 5% back - easy! Safeway and Sunflower grocery cards are also available at the front desk.

From the Nurse—just a reminder: if you received a letter regarding missing or incomplete immunization records, please turn in new records! Deadline is December 13, 2011. Thanks!

Are you looking for an original gift that will benefit our school? Please look for our flyer for our new “The Giving Tree” Apple Campaign. Give a donation on behalf of someone special! At the same time be entered into our drawing to win Fabulous Gifts. Just in time for the holidays! Between now and December 15th for every $25 donated you get your name in the hat for: a signed Avalanche jersey, beautiful Silpada jewelry, a fabulous Teeth Whitening Package and more! Either put a check in the specially marked Apple envelopes in the office, or donate securely online at www.uparkelementary.org/how-to-get-involved/apple-campaign. Do you still need that tax deduction for 2011? All donations are tax-deductible and An Apple Today Keeps Our Programs from Going Away!

STUDENT COUNCIL NEEDS DONATIONS!—we need plywood that is 3/8" thick or less (any size), old leftover paint (any color but esp. browns) and more plastic lids!!! Please bring to room 104-Mrs.Chappell. Thanks!

From the Librarian—you are cordially invited to join me in the auditorium on Thursday, December 15, 6-7pm for another “Tales @ Twilight” celebration—highlighted by some timeless tales befitting the holiday season. Our merriment will conclude in the library with refreshments and further fun. I ask that you RSVP to me via e-mail with the subject heading “Tales @ Twilight.” Please include in your correspondence the total number of people in your party who will attend and the full name of every child from your family who will accompany you. Seating for this final library event of the 2011 calendar year will be scarce. Please make your reservation early. Familiarly, Mister “winter wonderland” Hernández

timothy_hernandez@dpsk12.org.

Please consider buying a King Soopers, Safeway or Sunflower grocery card—to make all of your holiday meal purchases! Cards are on sale now at the school office or the Wednesday PTA Table on the playground. Please note that King Soopers, Safeway and Sunflower give our school 5% back on every $100 grocery card purchases that you make as a way to support our community. If you already have a King Soopers card, don't forget to re-load it at the store and use it to buy groceries! From King Soopers alone, our school has already risen over $2,500 this school year - you can make a difference!

Fun Run Summary—the Fun Run numbers have been tallied, and the event did very well. The Fun Run and Mom’preneur Marketplace raised $13,500. We had 41 students raise over $75.00 in pledges—way to go UPark students! The following students were our top pledge-earners: Tillie Pinkowitz, Sawyer Pinkowitz, Meghan Thomas, Emma Carpenter, Gretchen Carpenter, Peter Carpenter, Ahni Lazaroff, Claire Mochan, Del Bolinske, Blake Wellington, Cody Wellington and Lilly D’Hondt. All of these students will receive a gift certificate to the next Scholastic book fair. In addition, Tillie will be Principal-for-the-day and Sawyer will be PE-Teacher-for-the-day. After all the classrooms were tallied, Ms. Dire’s 2nd grade students raised the most, at $980.00! Thanks to all students, parents, and teachers who participated. It was a great event!

UPark Community Council (UPCC) Annual Sing and Sleigh at Observatory Park—from 5 - 7pm on Sunday, December 4th. Horse drawn carriage rides music from Swallow Hill, hot cider and treats; the Observatory will be open and lots of fun. Don't forget to bring cookies or treats to share at the event!

Enrichment News—winter quarter enrichment will begin next week starting December 5. To view matrix, brochure and registration status, go to www.myenrichment.com and select University Park to the left. To register online go to http://www.myenrichment.com/store. Best way to reach me is through email at molly@myenrichment.com.

KINDERGARTEN PARENTS—please visit your Classroom Teacher’s Website:
Miss Reynolds 108 - www.reynolds108.info
Ms. Cardenas 109 - www.cardenas109.shutterfly.com
Ms. Havenar 102 - www.uparkroom102.shutterfly.com

Want to know what your child will be doing in class this year?—Take a look at the Parent Passport - A Guide to the Curriculum which defines what has been planned for the course of the year - by grade level. Check it out to see academic content, projects and field trips that enhance your child's learning. The Parent Passport is new this year and was put together by CSC members in an effort to inform parents about what actually goes on in the classroom during the year. It was handed out at Back to School Night and has a red cover (not to be confused with the Parent Handbook.) If you missed it at Back to School Night, a copy can also be obtained at the front office. Also, it will soon be online on the UPark website. A link will be sent out when it has been loaded on the web site.

Posted 18 November 2011

Donate to the Apple campaign to be entered in a drawing to win great prizes including a signed Avalanche Jersey! CONGRATULATIONS to everyone!!! We met our match challenge! The Apple campaign total for the year is $16,220 against our goal of $55,000. Only $38,720 left to go! Now you can donate and have a chance to win great prizes. Every $25 contribution gets your name in the hat for our drawing on Dec. 15th. Please contribute today by including your donation in a specially marked envelope in the office or securely online at http://www.uparkelementary.org/how-to-get-involved/apple-campaign. Remember, An Apple Today Keeps Our Programs From Going Away.

Superintendent Start Date Task Force: Last week DPS convened a Start Date Task Force to continue a dialogue with parents, teachers, principals, students and community members about the possibility of alternate school start dates. The Start Date Task Force is charged with designing, running and reviewing the results of a public survey. The Start Date Task Force has released a survey, which is available in both English and Spanish and can be accessed by clicking the links below. Additionally, in an effort to support families without internet access, the Office of Community Engagement will host regional meetings to offer these families assistance with the online surveys, as well as provide interpreters. Locations for those regional meetings will be posted on the DPS homepage when details are available.
English survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2KSD8DW
Spanish survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2XX9325

My Enrichment—inter enrichment brochure and online registration is now available. Programs are scheduled to start week of December 5. To view matrix, brochure and registration status go to www.myenrichment.com and select University Park to the left. To order online go to www.myenrichment.com/store. Credit cards on file will not automatically be assigned to the new order. You must input credit card information for the order. I will not charge credit cards until programs meet the minimum number of registrations and are a "go" by the vendors. I will email you when that happens. Molly Killinger, molly@myenrichment.com.

Timbuk Toys fundraiser—is November 18th through November 27th.

Please consider buying a King Soopers, Safeway or Sunflower grocery card—to make all of your Thanksgiving meal purchases! Cards are on sale now at the school office or the Wednesday PTA Table on the playground. Please note that King Soopers, Safeway and Sunflower give our school 5% back on every $100 grocery card purchases that you make as a way to support our community. If you already have a King Soopers card, don't forget to re-load it at the store and use it to buy groceries! From King Soopers alone, our school has already raised over $2,500 this school year - you can make a difference! Happy Thanksgiving!

Discover a World of Opportunity—Please save the date for Merrill Middle School's Open House on Wednesday, December 7th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Attendees will enjoy international cuisine and an opportunity to meet teachers, students, parents and staff. You'll discover Merrill using a "Passport" to guide you. Those who get all the stamps on their passports are entered into a drawing to win one of three $50 gift certificates to an area business.

Posted 4 November 2011

C3 Update—in response to concerns from UPark staff and parents, the new school will no longer actively recruit from the UPark neighborhood. We are so close to making our goal; please donate to the Apple campaign this week! Our gracious donor has agreed to match donations given through November 22 up to $5,000. We have collected $4,180 toward our goal and only need another $820 to reach our goal so please donate today. A big THANK YOU to everyone who has donated so far and has helped us raise $9,180 to date toward our $55,000 yearly goal. It is easy to donate. Either put a check in the specially marked Apple envelopes in the office, or donate securely online athttp://www.uparkelementary.org/how-to-get-involved/apple-campaign. Remember, all gifts are tax-deductible and An Apple Today Keeps Our Programs From Going Away! Spanish at UPark—Club Amigos, The Premier Spanish Enrichment Program for Children, will start a new session in a couple of weeks. Your child did not have to participate in any previous sessions in order to join now. This fun class is open to students in grades ECE-5 and fills up quickly. Classes are held Friday mornings 8:15-8:55. Pick up a flyer in the school’s office or check the Club Amigos website for more information: http://www.spanishclubamigos.com.
Rachel Simring, Owner, 303.758.1190. Classroom Interruptions—we really try hard not to interrupt classroom teaching unless it is an emergency. Therefore, we ask that you please make arrangements with your child/children in the morning about afternoon pick-up or other activities. For appointments or just picking them up early, come to the office to sign them out and you will be given a slip to release your child from the classroom. Thank for your help in this matter! Is Today A Snow Day?—If Denver Public Schools closes due to bad weather or other emergencies, closures are announced by 5 a.m. on the district’s main phone line at 720-423-3200 and on the DPS website at http://www.dpsk12.org. Only exceptions to normal school schedules are announced.

Weather-related schedule changes also are provided to local television and radio stations. Occasionally, media misreport information. We recommend that you verify the official closure status through the district’s main phone line or website.
The decision to close schools is not made easily. With approximately 73,000 students and 13,000 employees, the decision involves safety for students, parents and employees. District staff reviews forecasts from local and national weather services and consults with road crews beginning at midnight if a storm is threatening. In addition, a team of people drive during the night to assess road conditions using their everyday vehicles or school buses.
Ultimately, we recognize and respect the decisions of parents in having the final say regarding the safety of their children. If you choose to keep your child home, please call 720.424.3410 to let us know.

Posted 29 October 2011

Coyotes in the neighborhood—just be aware that they have been seen in this area. Going a little more “Green” this week; Thursday Communication will be electronic starting today. This is the last paper bulletin you will receive unless you do not have internet access. If you provided us with an email address, you got it that way. If you did not receive it, then that means your email bounced back and we need to correct it. Please call the office to correct it, 720.424.3410. Thanks! Don't forget to donate to the Apple Campaign! Our gracious donor has agreed to match donations given through November 22 up to $5,000. We have collected $3,310 toward our goal and we are so close but we still need your help! We only need another $1,690 to reach our goal so please donate today. All gifts are tax-deductible and it is easy to donate. Either put a check in the specially marked Apple envelopes in the office, or donate securely online at http://www.uparkelementary.org/how-to-get-involved/apple-campaign. Remember, An Apple Today Keeps Our Programs From Going Away! Keep the Walk to School Day Spirit Alive—congratulations and thank you for an incredible 2011 Walk to School Day! A record-breaking number of communities – more than 3,500 - from all 50 states and the District of Columbia registered events this year. And, as the celebration continues throughout October, the total number of registered 2011 events will continue to rise. Walk to School Day grows in popularity each year because of the commitment each of you make to encourage safe walking and bicycling to school. Thank you all for your enthusiasm and participation!
70% of UPark students walked or biked to school this day. Thanks for participating and keep walking! Appropriate clothing for the weather—is essential! Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. Unless it is very cold, (23 degrees or colder) or snowing/raining, the students will go outside during recess.

Posted 22 October 2011

Did you know that eligible Free/Reduced Lunch applications not only provide free or reduced prices for lunches but also help determine how much Federal funding UPark receives? If you have not yet completed a Free/Reduced Lunch application the deadline to do so is next Thursday, October 27th . Thank you for helping us make this count as accurate as possible.

Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Apple campaign! We have raised $3,010 in October and have only $1,990 to go towards out total match goal of $5,000. There is still time to make your pledge this month and have it matched by our generous donor who will match donations up to $5,000. Remember, gifts are taxdeductible, so send in your gift today and let's show this donor our commitment to the UPark community.

Appropriate clothing for the weather—is essential! Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. Unless it is very cold, (23 degrees or colder) or snowing/raining, the students will go outside during recess.

It's time to tune up for the 6th Annual Fun Run!—the Fun Run Program starts Monday, October 17th, from 8:40am to 8:55am every day through November 4th, so mark your calendars! Get your running shoes on and be prepared to run around the field at UPark and earn some very cool prizes! (Please note: Due to no school, October 28th and 31st, the Fun Run Program will not take place.) Let's get running! See you on the field!

Dogs on the Playground—PLEASE do not bring your dog to school. There is a city ordinance prohibiting dogs on school playgrounds at any time. If you walk your dog to school you have to stay with it at the fence, tying up at the fence can still get you a ticket. Thanks for your help!

Posted 15 October 2011

Dogs on the Playground—PLEASE do not bring your dog on to the playground. There is a city ordinance prohibiting dogs on school playgrounds at any time. If you walk your dog to school you have to stay with it at the fence, tying up at the fence can still get you a ticket. Thanks for your help in this matter!

It's a CHALLENGE- Can we do it?—a generous UPark Apple Campaign donor will match dollar for dollar our contributions up to $5000! We are off to a fantastic start with $1,820 already raised this week. With your generous contribution before November 22, we can meet this challenge! Don't forget to ask grandparents to join our circle of donors. Donating is easy, simply fill out an Apple envelope at the office and enclose your donation. While you are donating, take a look just outside the office at our new Apple Mountain chart...you'll see a mountain climber showing us our combined progress toward our $55,000 goal. Remember, An Apple Donation Today, Keeps Our Programs From Going Away!

The PTA Garden Committee—is gladly accepting donations of spring flowering bulbs to plant in our Peace Garden from now until October 19. Small tulips, crocuses, grape hyacinth, whatever extras you have. There will be a collection box in the front office. We will plant after school on the 19th; all are welcome to join the fun. The committee is also planning a vegetable garden clean up and winterizing this Saturday Morning, 8:00am, October 15th, and possibly Saturday October 22nd, 8:00am. Hope to see you there.

Halloween—due to conferences and Fall Break the week leading up to Halloween, there will be no Halloween celebrations at UPark this year. We encourage you to enjoy the four day break with your child and celebrate as a family.

Scholastic Book Fair—runs from Oct. 21-27. We are looking for volunteers to cover the hours of 11:00-1:00pm and 3:00-5:00pm. Our book fairs provide extra needed books for all classrooms. If you are available to help, please sign up in the office or call, 720.424.3410. Thank you!

Colorado Parent Magazine—for October is available; we have a few copies in the office or you can go to their website; http://colorado.parenthood.com/ . Lots of good parenting information is available in this magazine/website!

Hamilton Middle School News—One night only! Bring your family! Call your friends and neighbors! Join the adventure! Hamilton Middle School is excited to invite you to our fall performance of The Phantom Tollbooth on Wednesday, Oct. 19th at 6:30pm. This play, adapted from the acclaimed children’s novel by Norton Juster, is the story of Milo, a bored school child who arrives home one day to find a package in his room. Inside is a tollbooth, a rule book and a map of The Lands Beyond. Milo soon finds himself on an adventure that takes him through Dictionopolis, Digitopolis, and the Mountains of Ignorance, in order to rescue Rhyme and Reason and restore order in Wisdom. Tickets are $5 and are available at the door the night of the show.

DestiNation ImagiNation—does your child like to problem solve? think creatively? engage in teamwork? If so, they need to sign up to be on one of University Park's Destination Imagination teams! For more information, pick up a flyer in the office and turn in to Mrs. Chappell by Thursday, Oct. 13 (Please fill out a form even if you have participated in prior years).

Please join the Great Harvest Bread Co. of Denver (owned by DPS parents) and the Denver Public Schools’ Educational Outreach Program for their sixth annual Whole Grains for Growing Brains fundraiser. On Saturday, October 22nd, the Great Harvest Bread Co. located in the Belcaro Center at 765 South Colorado Boulevard will donate 100% of our sales to the DPS Educational Outreach Program to support their efforts to support homeless students in our school system. This is not a donation of profit, nor is it a donation of a percentage of sales. Every cent taken in on this special day will go directly to this important program that helps our community’s children face their many challenges with food, clothing, transportation, and other necessities so many of us take for granted. Customers on October 22nd will also have the opportunity to buy bread and donate it back to this cause. Donated bread will be distributed to families in Denver homeless shelters. Please help us spread the word about Whole Grains for Growing Brains 2011, and please consider shopping at our bakery from 6:00am to 6:30pm on this day for the children in our school district that need us the most.

Matt Salis; Great Harvest Bread Co. of Denver, 765 South Colo. Blvd. Denver, 303-204-1412, msalis@greatharvest.com

Merrill Middle School News—congratulations to the Merrill Boys Soccer team who made it to the final round of the championships. They finished with a tough loss to Bruce Randolph, 2-1, but we applaud their excellent season. Go, Jaguars! Merrill students are now selling mini-pizza kits through Oct. 21st. If you’d like to buy a pizza kit, contact a local Merrill student or the school office. Parent tours of Merrill are available every Friday in October. Call the main office to set up tour. 720-424-0601

Posted 8 October 2011

CSC Meeting Thursday, October 13, 6:00-7:30pm—Tom Boasberg, DPS Superintendent, will be attending this meeting to talk about the possible Co-Location of Creativity Challenge Community (C3) that may be located at Merrill M.S. All are welcome to attend as all CSC Meetings.

Parent/Teacher Conferences—will be scheduled from 4:00-8:00pm Thursday, October 20th and Tuesday, October 25th. These are regular school days for students. Fall Break (no school) is October 28th and October 31st. Enjoy!

DestiNation ImagiNation—does your child like to problem solve? Think creatively? Engage in teamwork? If so, they should sign up to be on one of University Park's Destination Imagination teams! For more information, pick up a flyer in the office and turn in to Mrs. Chappell by Thursday, Oct. 13th. (Please fill out a form even if you have participated in prior years or already have a team set up). Also, parent volunteers are needed for coaching.

Attention UPark Mom’s!—enjoy some “mommy time” at the Mom’preneur Marketplace on Saturday November 5th from 10-2pm. Have coffee while shopping a huge variety of uncommon, handmade, and trendy items for home, kids and YOU, right here at the school! Bring a friend and buy raffle tickets to win nifty prizes and help YOUR kid’s school.

Apple Campaign—thank you UPark families, we raised $5,020 in September for the Apple Campaign! As you know, our goal is to reach $55,000 this year to continue to fund important programming including Science and Gym. Every dollar counts! Don’t forget to ask your Parents/Grandparents to join our giving circle. Please make your donation today. Envelopes are available in the Front Office. Special congratulations to Robert Koch, who is the winner of Lunch with Principal Williams for the month of September. Remember, an Apple Donation Today Keeps our Programs from Going Away.

FROM THE COMPUTER LAB—with cold and flu season on the way, I am working to prevent the spread of germs from little hands to keyboards to little hands. I would appreciate bottles of inexpensive hand sanitizer which I will put outside the lab door for students to use before entering. Thank you!

News from Merrill Middle School—the Merrill Boys Soccer team has finished the season undefeated (5-0) in the SE division this year. They pulled off wins against Hill (formerly undefeated), Hamilton, Slavens, Place and Roberts. Playoffs began October 3rd and a champion will be named no later than early next week. Please show your support for the Merrill Jaguars!

Matt Salis; Great Harvest Bread Co. of Denver, 765 South Colo. Blvd. Denver, 303-204-1412, msalis@greatharvest.com

Internet News—Comcast just announced a program where they will provide low cost internet to low-income families - http://internetessentialspartner.com/Login.aspx. For more information, please call or stop by the office, 720.424.3410.

My Enrichment News—Fall Enrichment programs have begun. Many vendors allow late registration with prorated pricing including Apex Movement, jumpNrope, Sticky Fingers and Young Rembrandts. To view matrix and brochure go to www.myenrichment.com and select University Park to the left. To register online go to www.myenrichment.com/store. Best way to reach me is through email at molly@myenrichment.com. Please email me to let me know to apply prorating pricing if applicable.

Posted 1 October 2011

PTA Meeting this Thursday—“Everything You Want to Know About Middle School (but are afraid to ask)”, October 6th, 6:30 – 8:00pm, Meet the Principals of Merrill, Grant and Hamilton. Talk to current middle school parents and students Learn about the timelines, processes, information, and resources you need to find the right middle school for YOU! Parents of all students are welcome to attend – it’s never too early to start! Childcare will be provided by the PTA for younger kids (no infants). Questions? Call us at 303-337-2675 or email to uparkpta@gmail.com.

Math Night Thank You—to the team at Carrabba’s in Aurora for generously donating dinner. Thank you for supporting those that support us. Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 2088 S Abilene St., Aurora. Thanks to everyone who came!!

DPS Middle and High School Expo—Wednesday, October 19, 6:30-8:30pm, Infinity Park Event Center – 4400 E.Kentucky Ave., Glendale. After the attending our PTA Meeting on the 6th, get more information at the district level.

Win a free lunch with Dana Williams! Will you help us reach our goal of $7,500 this month? We are doing another drawing for the end of this month and every amount counts, SO… if you had been thinking of donating, now is the time to do it! Thank you all for your continued support! Remember: All donors and donation amounts remain confidential, AND…… An Apple Donation Today Helps Keep Our Programs From Going Away! smtreusein@yahoo.com

CSC Meeting Thursday, October 13, 6:00-7:30pm—Tom Boasberg, DPS Superintendent, will be attending this meeting to talk about the possible Co-Location of Creativity Challenge Community (C3) that may be located at Merrill Middle School.

Internet News—Comcast just announced a program where they will provide low cost internet to low-income families - http://internetessentialspartner.com/Login.aspx. For more information, please call or stop by the office, 720.424.3410.

Family Night Out appropriate behavior—please keep your child/children supervised during these fundraising events as well as events at the school. These fun nights represent the school, and we want the public to see UPark’s students’ best behavior! Thanks for your help.

University Park Community Council (UPCC)—General Meeting Wednesday, October 5th, 6:30pm social hour 7pm meeting at University Park Elementary. The 125th UPark History Exhibit will be displayed and the UPark 125th Anniversary Posters will be available for purchase. Visit http://upcc.us/news for full agenda.

UPark Directory is almost ready for the printers—please review the classroom page with your information and make any changes or corrections and return it to the office by Wednesday, October 5th. Thanks for your help in getting the most accurate information out.

Matt Salis; Great Harvest Bread Co. of Denver, 765 South Colo. Blvd. Denver, 303-204-1412, msalis@greatharvest.com

Harvest Fair Saturday, October 8th from 10am-2pm—at the Parzival Shield Waldorf School in the neighborhood, 2180 S. Madison St. Community is welcome; Pumpkin Patch, flower sale, fresh pressed apple cider, games, maze, puppet show, pumpkin walk crafts and bake sale.

Posted 24 September 2011

SHHHH! On Monday, September 26th, the DPS School Performance Framework Ratings will be announced to the public and we are officially rated as being a Distinguished school! UPark has the honor of hosting the district press conference on Monday morning, and to celebrate the great student achievement at UPark I ask that all staff and students wear blue clothing on Monday (blue is the color associated with the Distinguished rating.) This is a great testimony to the great staff, students and families of UPark.

We are off and running on our direct donations for the year! Our Apple Campaign so far has received $4,720 by 18 families, what a great start! Congratulations to Eric and Micah D’Hondt on their Bronco Ticket win in our September drawing. Will you help us reach our goal of $7,500 this month?

Win a free lunch with Dana Williams! Will you help us reach our goal of $7,500 this month? We are doing another drawing for the end of this month and every amount counts, SO… if you had been thinking of donating, now is the time to do it! Thank you all for your continued support! Remember: All donors and donation amounts remain confidential, AND …… An Apple Donation Today Helps Keep Our Programs From Going Away!

DPS SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE FORUM—is September 27th 7pm, Thomas Jefferson High School – Auditorium. The League of Women Voters of Denver, the Partnership for SE Denver Schools and TJ and South student leaders invite you to a DPS School Board Candidate Forum on Tuesday, September 27th from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm at Thomas Jefferson High School. Candidates running for the District 1 (Southeast Denver) and At-Large positions will be participating. For more information please contact psedsinfo@gmail.com.

From the Librarian—University Park Families: I invite you to join me in the UPark library for the first of many events I have planned this school year that celebrates the written word. We will gather on Thursday, September 29, 2011 from eight o’clock in the morning until the tolling of the first bell. Because seating in the library is extremely limited, reservations for this special event will be restricted to the first forty respondents that contact me via e-mail. Families must register separately and children cannot attend without an adult relative. University Park students will receive a special keepsake that they must bring with them upon the date of this event to be permitted entry into the library. Kindly put the words ―Books & Breakfast‖ in the subject line of your e-mail correspondence. Finally, please include the formal name of each child from your family who will attend in the body of your message and the total number in your party. Invitingly, Mister "Bene legere saecla vincere" Hernández, Timothy_Hernandez@dpsk12.org.

My Enrichment—Fall enrichment brochure and online registration is now available. Below is a summary of offerings.
Wednesday:  - Apex Movement: Parkour (1852), $150, starts 10/5, needs 2 registrations to be a go.
                   - Sticky Fingers (1846), $188, starts Wednesday 9/21, needs 5 registrations to be a go.
Thursday:      - Omniform Karate: (1792), $167, began 9/15, 5 spots remaining. Vendor will not prorate.
                   - Mad Science: MIX IT UP (1868), $82, starts 10/6, needs 8 registrations to be a go.
Friday:       - Young Rembrandts (1767), $100, starts Friday, 9/23, needs 5 registrations to be a go.
                - jumpNrope (1848), $80, starts Friday 9/23, needs 8 registrations to be a go.
                   - Movement Madness (1850), starts Friday 9/23, needs 5 registrations to be a go.
To view matrix and brochure go to www.myenrichment.com and select University Park to the left. This will also give you registration status to the right of the page. To order online go to www.myenrichment.com/store. Let me know if you need your login and password. Please update your child's teacher under the My Family section. As always best way to reach me is through email; Molly Killinger, molly@myenrichment.com

Highly Gifted Testing Application Deadline is October 3—Highly Gifted testing- applications can be downloaded directly from DPS website (GT department) or parents can get one from our main office. DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 3 and it must be mailed downtown by this date. All questions please email Ms. Chappell at rachel_chappell@dpsk12.org.

Posted 17 September 2011

Sunday, September 25. 125th Year Celebration of the University Park Neighborhood - Join the UPCC and friends and neighbors in a celebration of University Park’s 125th anniversary, marking the date when we were first declared an official ― "Denver" neighborhood. ― "University Park – Then and Now" titles this celebration of festivities, speeches, and shared memories by some of the Park’s longtime residents. The event, scheduled for Sunday, September 25, starts at 2:45 p.m. in front of the Observatory with a walking tour highlighting some of our most historic houses. Tour guides are University Park residents, historians, and authors Don and Carolyn Etters. The band tunes up at 3:30 and is followed by a gathering at the Observatory at 4 p.m. to honor longtime residents, and to hear from park historian Steve Fisher and astronomer Bob Stencel. Warren Avenue will be closed off to traffic around the park for the entire afternoon so you can experience the nostalgia of our past, enjoy historic displays, and socialize with neighbors at a community potluck.
For more information, please see the posters on the bulletin boards or call the office, 720.424.3410.

From the School Nurse - please remember to turn in updated immunization records for your child. If you have any questions, please give me a call! Sarah Duncan, RN 720.424.3410.

The UPark Gardening Committee - would like to invite UPark students, parents, staff and neighbors to help us celebrate the UN International Day of Peace in our Peace Garden behind the gym on Wednesday, September 21 from 3:45 to 4:45. This special garden was dedicated to the school in 1998 to celebrate cultural diversity and peace. However it needs some TLC, so bring some gloves and come ready to help us spruce it up.

Emich Carwash and BBQ Fundraiser - over $550 was raised last Saturday. We would like to recognize the volunteers who helped: Lisa Lynch, Teryl Lawson, Sarah Smith, Anita Murano-Sweetman, Dana Williams and the following families: Durbin, Florencio, Stevens, Martz, Lyons, Williams, Wall, Post, Patzer and Wieland. Thanks for participating!

Highly Gifted Testing Application Deadline is October 3 - Highly Gifted testing- applications can be downloaded directly from DPS website (GT department) or parents can get one from our main office. DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 3. All questions please email Ms. Chappell at rachel_chappell@dpsk12.org.

Community Meeting scheduled - DPS is hosting a meeting about the Merrill, Cory and Creativity Challenge Community (C3), on Tuesday, September 20th from 5:30-7:00pm at Merrill MS. C3 is a new DPS Elementary school being considered for co-location at Merrill MS. You are invited to come discuss the proposal.

The New Reality: Teens in the 21st Century Legal System - it’s not the 70’s anymore. Do you know the current law for our youth? Karen Steinhauser, Criminal Defense Attorney, will address issues pertaining to teenage driving, alcohol, drugs, domestic and date violence, sexting, and other behaviors that may lead to being charged and discuss the consequences. Join us for the FREE PTSA sponsored event at Hamilton Middle School, 8100 E Dartmouth, Monday, September 26th, 7:00-9:00PM.

My Enrichment - Fall enrichment brochure and online registration is now available. Please have registrations in as quickly as possible. I will only charge cards when the program meets its minimum and is a GO by the vendor. I will notify you by email when that occurs. To view matrix and brochure go to www.myenrichment.com and select University Park to the left. This will also give you registration status to the right of the page. To order online go to www.myenrichment.com/store. Let me know if you need your login and password. Please update your child's teacher under the My Family section. Below is a summary of programs being offered. As always best way to reach me is through email. Molly Killinger, molly@myenrichment.com.

Sticky Fingers Cooking scheduled to begin Wednesday, September 14 will be delayed one week at UPark. It is rescheduled to start Wednesday, September 21. There are currently 5 registrations and we need 5 more registrations to be a GO. Please recruit friends.

Posted 10 September 2011

Mark your calendar! Math Night, Thursday, September 22, 5:30-7:30pm - Adults: Are YOU smarter than a 5th grader or a 1st grader? Students: Are YOU smarter than your parents? Come challenge your parents/children in math games! Dinner will be served.

Highly Gifted Testing Application Deadline is October 3 - Highly Gifted testing- applications can be downloaded directly from DPS website (GT department) or parents can get one from our main office. DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 3. All questions please email Ms. Chappell at rachel_chappell@dpsk12.org.

Target Fundraising Program - thanks to those who participated, Target donated $308.22 for the past year. For more information about how you can participate, see On-Going Fundraisers below. Thanks!

Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids Denver Youth Actors Conservatory - Currently auditioning for our 2011/12 Denver season for ages 6-8, 9-11, & 12-15 until September 20. Our Youth Actors Conservatory is unique in the front range for the pre-professional training offered to youth actors. Focus includes character work, scene study, musical theatre, dance, voice, as well as performance training. Our Youth Actors Conservatory is composed of our more serious and committed student actors. Call 303-245-8150 or emailinfo@theaterforkids.net to schedule an audition. General conservatory and after school class info is also available at www.theaterforkids.net. Scholarships are available by audition only.

Wednesday:

Apex Movement (1852), 4-5 Grades, $150, needs 6 regs, first class 10/5

Sticky Fingers (1846), K-5 Grades, $207, needs 10 regs, first class 9/14

Thursday:

Omniform Karate (1792), K-5 Grades, needs 6 regs, first class 9/15

Mad Science (1868), K-5 Grades, $82, needs 10 regs, first class 10/6 (waiting on program description)

Friday:

Young Rembrandts (1767), K-5 Grades, $100, needs 6 regs, first class 9/23

jumpNrope (1848), 1-5 Grades, $80, needs 14 regs, first class 9/23

Movement Madness (1850), K-5 Grades, $110, needs 6 regs, first class 9/23

Posted 3 September 2011

Parents Night Out; Raise the Risers: Children are allowed to bring pillows and blankets for the movie. Deadline to turn in money and completed form is Wednesday, Sept 7th.

My Enrichment, LLC: is delighted to announce we will continue to manage the enrichment program for University Park. We have continued with your old favorites and added some great new vendors. The target is to have the initial enrichment brochures available the week of September 5 with a majority of programs starting the week of September 12. Brochures will be available on our web site at www.myenrichment.com, select University Park to your left. If you are already registered and participated last year, please go to www.myenrichment.com/store and update your family information especially your child’s TEACHER! Email molly@myenrichment.com if you forgot your login. If you are new to the program, register online by going towww.myenrichment.com/store. Please use your email address as your login. Make sure you input your child’s information including school and teacher so we can notify you via email when brochures and online registration is available.

Community Board and Magazine Rack: offers information that is available to parents of items, but not included with the Thursday Communication folder. The Community Board is for advertising or information about the community. The Magazine Rack is located outside the office with flyers that were not put in the Thursday folder.

THE BOOK SHELF: by the front office there sits a delightfully painted book shelf that is used for books. We are asking that parents bring in gently used books to donate to THE BOOK SHELF. These books can be either parenting books or books children would enjoy. They can be any level from baby books to 5th grade novels. THE BOOK SHELF is there for anyone to take books and use them in their home. Please go through your child’s books and bring in any that you are ready to give away. Simply place them on THE BOOK SHELF. It is self-maintained, meaning – if it is a mess, please tidy up. If you notice it is low on books – please tell the front office to announce that we need more books in the bulletin.

Cold lunch packing suggestions: Pack A Waste-Free Lunch

Do Include:

Sandwiches in reusable containers
Whole fruits without packaging
Drinks in containers that can be reused, such as a thermos or plastic bottle
Snacks purchased in bulk and brought in reusable containers

Don't Include:

Individually wrapped snacks
Plastic baggies that are not reusable
Disposable forks and spoons
Straws

Posted 27 August 2011

UPark Elementary Car Wash & Fundraiser at Emich Volkswagen: 1260 S. Colorado Blvd. Saturday, September 10 from 11:00am - 3:00pm. University Park Elementary students, faculty, and parents will be washing vehicles for donations. Emich VW will also contribute $10 to the school for test drives of the 2012 Passat and $100 for deposits on incoming units. Join us for lunch at the grill, sponsored by Emich. Volunteers needed for: car washing, grilling, sign making (prior to the event), sign holding with kids (day of). Sign up in the school office.

Back to School Night Agenda - September 1, 2011:

6:00-6:30 pm: Principal’s Opening Remarks & Introduction of Specials Team – Auditorium.
If you only have children in grades 3-5, please arrive at 6:30 pm to join us for the 2nd session prior to visiting with your child’s teacher.

6:30-7:00 pm: Meet with Teachers Grade K-2 – Classrooms

Teachers will meet with parents to discuss yearlong plans, curriculum & classroom expectations.

6:30-7:00 pm: Principal’s Opening Remarks & Introduction of Specials Team – Auditorium

This session is for families who only have students in grades 3-5 (and is the same as the 6pm presentation)

7:00-7:30 pm: Meet with Teachers Grade 3-5 – Classrooms

Teachers will meet with parents to discuss yearlong plans, curriculum & classroom

expectations

A bell will ring to indicate the end of the session and the end of the evening. We ask that everyone be out of the building by 8 pm.

Child Care: We are only able to provide child care for students enrolled at UPark and cannot accommodate younger siblings. Please RSVP for child care by 4 pm on Wednesday, August 31st - 720-424-3410.

Parents Night Out: Are you interested in a night out? Let our Arts Team provide dinner and activities for your child/children at UPark! Cost is $20 for the first child ($10 for additional child). Consider planning an outing with other parents from UPark! More information will be coming. Proceeds go to buying new risers for the stage. Thanks!

Student/Parent Handbook: It is very important to go over with your child. Please do so as soon as possible.

KISS N GO:
Volunteers are needed to assist with morning drop-off (8:40-9:00) and afternoon pick-up (3:40-4:00). It takes just a few minutes of your time to help keep our children safe. If interested, please contact Megan Bettinger at WELLINGERS@comcast.net OR sign up in the front office.
Registration is required for student afternoon pick-up in the Kiss N Go lane. Forms are available in the office or use the contact information listed above.

DPS policy handbook: is available for parents to review online at; http://www.dpsk12/parent-handbook/

Save the Date: UNIVERSITY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD 125th ANNIVERSAY CELEBRATION, 3:30-7 PM on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, in Observatory Park; Band, Songs, Recognition of Elder Residents, Crafts for kids, and Pot-Luck supper, All Free, All Invited!

PARKING OPTIONS: PLEASE CHOOSE THE ONE THAT BEST SUITS YOUR FAMILY

(Absolutely NO parking on St Paul Street during “Kiss N Go”, 8:40-9:00 am and 3:30-4:00 pm)

Drop off:

Option 1 - Walk or bike to school from your home, or a friend’s, in the neighborhood
Option 2 - Don’t live in the Neighborhood? Park at the Park - (Observatory Park 1.5 blocks away) in the Public parking areas and walk your child to school
Option 3 - Kiss n Go Program (kids do not have to be registered for morning drop-off). See flyer for details on how to drop off at the front of the school on St. Paul

Pick up:

Option 1 - Walk or bike from school with a friend or family member
Option 2 - Park at the Park (Observatory Park-in Public spaces) and walk 1.5 blocks to pick up
Option 3 - Kiss N Go (Kids do NEED to be registered to participate in pick-up) see flyer for details

Posted 20 August 2011

University Park Honored Nationally as a Top Healthy School: Last June, University Park earned a Silver National
Recognition Award from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation for our efforts to build a healthy campus. We received the
award at the Alliance’s Healthy Schools Program Forum in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Forum proved to be a great event,
we met 274 other nationally recognized schools from around the country with whom we shared our stories, challenges
and triumphs. We also had the opportunity to hear some great speakers, including President Clinton! We encourage you
to listen to his inspiring speech.

Our success in getting students and staff to eat more nutritious foods and engage in more physical activity is thanks to the
commitment of our entire school community. We’re excited to expand our work to ensure that a strong culture of health
and wellness is part of the daily school experience. If you’d like to learn more about our work to build a healthy campus
and the efforts of other recognized school, check out the Alliance’s website.

Parents Night Out: Are you interested in a night out? Let our Arts Team provide dinner and activities for your
child/children at UPark! Cost is $20 for the first child ($10 for additional child). Consider planning an outing with other
parents from UPark! More information will be coming. Proceeds go to buying new risers for the stage. Thanks!

Help Wanted: We are looking for a Crossing Guard at St Paul and Iliff Streets. For more information please call the
office, 720.424.3410.

From the Cafeteria: The cafeteria will be serving breakfast. This is available to all students at no cost. Breakfast starts at
8:30am. Students can then go outside at 8:40am. No students may be dropped off at 8:30am unless they are going to
breakfast! We are also encouraging every student to participate in the lunch program, as it will be cooked fresh in
our own UPark Cafeteria. Thanks for your help!

Student Supply List: 2011 - 2012