DO YOU KNOW A STUDENT ENTERING DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS MIDDLE OR HIGH SCHOOL THIS FALL? 6th and 9th Grade Academies at DPS have been created to help students navigate some of the most important transitions of their school careers. Research shows that students who participate in these academies, which take place before the start of school, have a stronger bond with their school community and are more likely to be successful in high school and to graduate. 9th Grade Academy at South High School, 1700 E. Louisiana Ave., will take place July 26-Aug. 6, 8a.m.-noon each day, and students who are projected to attend South should have received a letter from principal Steve Wera with all of the details. To learn more, contact 9thgradeacad@dpsk12.org or leave a message on the 9th Grade Academy hotline, 720-424-8277. Other area high schools plan the following academies for new 9th graders: Thomas Jefferson, 3950 S. Holly St., July 26-30, 8a.m.-noon daily (720-423-7000); George Washington, 655 S. Monaco Pkwy., Aug. 2-6, 8a.m.-noon daily (720-423-8600); East, 1600 City Park Esplanade, Aug. 2-6, 8a.m.-noon daily (720-423-8300); and West, 951 Elati St., which plans a two-week academy, Aug. 2-13, 7:30-11:30a.m. daily (720-423-5300). Details for 6th Grade Academy at Grant Beacon Middle School, 1751 S. Washington St., are being finalized. Contact the school directly, 720-423-9360, for details. The same is true for other area middle schools; contact each directly for their 6th Grade Academy schedules. These schools include: Hamilton, 8600 E. Dartmouth Ave. (720-423-9500); Hill Campus of Arts & Sciences, 451 Clermont St. (720-423-9680); Merrill, 1551 S. Monroe St. (720-424-0600); and Morey, 840 E. 14th Ave. Students attending magnet or school of choice options can find contact information for all DPS schools at www.dpsk12.org, or 720-423-3200. Shown above: students at George Washington High School’s 2009 9th Grade Academy; photo courtesy DPS.