“To teach in a manner that respects and cares for the souls of our students is essential if we are to provide the necessary conditions where learning can most deeply and intimately begin.”
–  bell hooks
Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom
Dear Hallett Families:

I hope that you and your family remain in good health and sound mind, through these difficult times. It brought a smile to my face to see so many Hawks in this slideshow - if you haven't seen it yet, take a few minutes to watch!

Last week, DPS provided updated guidance on how grading will work for elementary students. Our team has been working to synthesize and integrate this guidance, and I am reaching out to share more specific details with you on how grading will work at Hallett so you and your child(ren) know what to expect in the weeks ahead.

Instead of numerical or letter grades, all elementary student report cards will have written feedback about student progress related to the critical learning for the grade level and grading period. We have created  THIS DOCUMENT  that specifically names the critical learning for each grade/subject area and outlines the flow from critical learning to critical task, descriptive feedback, and ultimately the report card.   When you have a moment, please read page 1 and review the critical learning chart that corresponds to your child’s grade level.

Please note that specials assignments will continue to be posted. We encourage students to participate in the specials assignments as often as possible, as they support movement, creativity and using different parts of the brain. 

Thank you for your support as we continue to refine and improve our remote learning processes. 

Please read on for additional resources and an important update from our School Nurse.

With love,

Dominique Jefferson



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RESOURCE REMINDERS:

  • Financial Resources
  • Local Organization CHIC is providing community grants up to $100 - apply HERE for financial support.
  • Black Child Development Institute (BDCI) is providing financial assistance grants to black families for food and other supplies, apply HERE

  • Clothing - Clothes To Kids Begins Curbside Service
  • Providing a shopping experience in a store-like setting has always been one of the most important parts of the Clothes to Kids mission. But in light of the COVID-19 crisis, they have created Clothes To Kids Curbside.
  • No referrals needed!
  • Parents and caregivers now have the opportunity to request a wardrobe for any student age 3 - 21 in need. Clothing will be thoughtfully selected and packaged for curbside pick-up.
  • Simply call to let them know you are in need of clothing for your family: 720-479-4630
  • More information HERE
  • (This will minimize person-to-person contact while still connecting kids in need with clothing.)

  • Food Resources
  • MORE distribution sites have been added to pick up breakfast/lunch - including one nearby at Smith Elementary. Click HERE to see the updated list - these sites will be open from 11am-12:30pm Monday-Friday (only one family member needs to go, please wear a mask!). Food pick-up is exempt from the Stay at Home Order.
  • Dinner can still be picked up for children under 18 at some local rec centers (nearest to us is Hiawatha Davis)- Monday-Friday, 3:30-5:30pm
  • DPS Distribution sites will be sending home bags of food for the weekend every Friday - be sure to stop by on a Friday to receive on if you are in need.
  • The Greater Park Hill Food Pantry is still operating (2823 Fairfax Street)
  • Emergency Food Pantry
  • Monday and Wednesday from 10am-1pm
  • Requirements/Restrictions: Must provide proof of address in Greater Park Hill (Colorado to Quebec, Colfax to north city boundary). Must provide proof of each person in household.

  • Internet Resources
  • We know internet access is difficult during this time. COMCAST is offering free service to those that qualify (if you have previous debt, please still apply. They are allowing many of those with unpaid debt to sign up).
  • Xfinity is turning on all hotspots - if you are near an xfinity hotspot, you will be able to log on for free - select "xfinitywifi"

  • Other Resources
  • Love Northeast Denver is offering a lot of assistance for families in our area. Reach out if you have a specific need.
  • DPS has a family and community helpline: 720-423-3054
  • Questions about DPS and the COVID-19 Response: https://www.dpsk12.org/coronavirus/ or call 720-424-4357
  • Contact our Family Liaison if you have additional needs: alison_larson@dpsk12.org or 303-242-6414 (via text)
Note from your School Nurse

Medication Update – Nursing services will be hosting a pick-up for ALL Hallett student medication on May 7 from 9:00am – 12:00pm and May 8 from 12pm-3pm.

The pick-up mode will be similar to the way we did chromebook pick up by driving your car through the bus stop and we will give the medication to you. ALL left over medication will be discard on May 8 at 3:05pm.
 
The Colorado Office of Early Childhood has received baby supplies from FEMA:
Essential baby supplies, including formula, diapers and baby wipes, are being distributed to local Family Resource Centers and food banks throughout Colorado. These regional locations will help arrange the distribution of supplies to child care providers and families in need.  If you are in need of these items, please find the contact information below for the local distribution site closest to you.
 
Also, the Adventure Dental, Vision & Ortho partnered up with Urgent Hub ( https://www.urgent-hub.com/ ) a platform designed for patients to easily find a local dentist to treat them in an emergency situation. Through Urgent Hub, they will screen for COVID and schedule a Tele Visit BEFORE requiring anyone to show for an in person appointment. ALL patients will at least have the opportunity for a Tele Visit, regardless of their ability to pay!
"School houses do not teach themselves - piles of brick and mortar and machinery do not send out men. It is the trained, living human soul, cultivated and strengthened by long study and thought, that breathes the real breath of life into boys and girls and makes them human, whether they be black or white, Greek, Russian or American. "
W. E. B. Du Bois