More than 150 DPS students and family members were given the opportunity to hear the former first lady speak during the “Becoming: An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama” event on Dec. 13. The district was able to send students to the event through donors and partnerships, such as Obama’s UpNext Campaign, according to a news release.
The UpNext Campaign helps historically underrepresented students through the college application process, as well as through critical stages in higher education, the news release said.
Preschool showcase to hold event at Denver Zoo
The Denver Preschool Program is holding its seventh annual showcase this month at the Norgen Hall of the Denver Zoo. The Preschool Showcase is free and helps parents gather information on enrolling their children into fall programming. Parents can also learn more about tuition assistance for preschool programming. The event will be held on Jan. 12 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
More than 50 preschool programs attend the showcase, including early childhood education centers from Denver Public Schools, private programs, community programs, and in-home childcare programs.
“By talking with parents and caregivers of young children, especially those exploring preschool for the first time, we identified a need for an event that offers personalized guidance,” said Jennifer Landrum, president and CEO of Denver Preschool Program, in the news release. “Not only does the Preschool Showcase bring together wonderfully supportive resources, but it also shows Denver’s special commitment to helping its youngest citizens prepare for kindergarten.”
South High School Cheerleaders compete at state
The South High School Cheerleader competed with 40 other teams for state on Dec. 7. The team placed in the top 20 said Meredith Barrow, the head coach, in an email.
“We have an incredible group of athletes who are hungry to get there. We are slowly creeping in and many programs are taking notice,” she said.
SchoolChoice enrollment begins this month
The SchoolChoice enrollment period for the 2019-20 school year at DPS runs from Jan. 15 to Feb. 15 and McKinley-Thatcher Elementary, 1230 S. Grant St., will be open for applications during that time. The SchoolChoice program is designed to ensure all students have access to quality schools by allowing families to complete an online application to sign up for a space at their preferred school.
Families looking for a community-focused school may prefer love McKinley-Thatcher Elementary – with 200 students in preschool to fifth grade, McKinley-Thatcher is one of the smallest schools in the district. They offer half-day preschool for 3-year-olds and full-day preschool for 4-year-olds, as well as before/after-school care and enrichment classes. With a focus on experiential learning, teaching the whole child, and individualized attention for each student, McKinley-Thatcher is being promoted as a great fit for anyone in south Denver. Visit their website, mckinleythatcher.dpsk12.org, for more information or to sign up for a school tour.
