Updates & Resources for Our Community
In this issue:

  • COVID-19 Update
  • Request to Change Learning Platforms
  • High School Planning Guide
  • Students Saying the Pledge
  • Mental Health Matters
  • February Events at Englewood Public Library
  • Free and Low Cost Events for February
  • Good News Stories
COVID-19 Update
On Saturday, February 6, Arapahoe County moved another level on the state’s newly reformatted COVID-19 risk dial. Arapahoe County has moved from “Level Orange: High Risk” to “Level Yellow: Concern”. According to a press release from the state: “A top priority has always been to prevent a breach of the hospital system. With the sustained decline in cases and hospitalizations and with vaccine distribution and higher levels of immunity in our 70+ population, there is now less pressure on the system.”

Regardless of our county’s level on the dial dashboard, we know it’s imperative that our community members continue to monitor their health, wear masks, wash hands and stay six feet from others not in their household. These measures will help our schools to continue to offer in-person learning.

As of February 8, 2021, educators became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. We are working closely with two partners: Centura Health and Kaiser Permanente to get our employees vaccinated. The rate at which we can vaccinate our employees depends on the vaccine supply the state receives and how many of those it allocates for educators. We will continue to work with our employees and our partners to get employees vaccinated as quickly and efficiently as possible. Based on information from our partners, we expect to have all of our employees who choose to participate vaccinated with their first dose by the end of February.

Current Schools/Cohorts on Rolling Remote:

  • Charles Hay 2nd grade cohort B, returning February 16
  • Cherrelyn Kindergarten cohort A, returning February 16
  • ECE Ms. Natalie's and Ms. Kelly's cohort, returning February 16
  • EMS 8th grade, returning February 16
  • Colorado's Finest cohort 2, returning February 16
  • Salon & Spa Academy, returning February 16
  • Clayton Elementary Rodriguez-Grade K, returning February 16
Request to Change Learning Platforms
Parents/guardians of students in elementary school who would like to switch their student from in-person learning to eLearning or from eLearning to in-person, may do so after conferences. Parents must fill out the form below to request the change by Friday, February 12. Families of students who wish to switch will be contacted regarding a transition conversation/conference on February 24 or 25. The student will begin attending school in the new environment no later than March 1, 2021. ECE, middle and high school students will have an opportunity to move platforms next school year.
High School Planning Guide
It's never too early to plan for success! Englewood Schools has created a high school planning guide for parents and students to help them understand the programs and educational options available to them so they can find the school and courses of study that best suit their needs.

Englewood Schools offers a range of high interest programs that prepare students for a successful future. Learn more by reading the high school planning guide!
Students Saying the Pledge
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The Englewood Schools Board of Education is looking for videos of Englewood students saying the pledge of allegiance that can be played at the beginning of virtual board meetings. Please send a video of your student(s) saying the pledge to excellence@engschools.net. Please also include the student's name, grade and school.
Mental Health Matters
During these challenging times, we know that parents and caregivers may need some extra mental health support. In this section, we will provide resources that families can access in order to support their mental wellbeing.

How to Cope in Stressful Times
Here are some suggestions to help cope during a stressful time. Give yourself permission to pick and choose the ones that work for you.

Work on what you can control
  • Focus your energy on what you can impact. Let go of what you cannot control.
  • Advocate for what you need.

Connect with others and build resilience
  • Give and accept emotional support.
  • Talk about how you are feeling, even as those feelings change.

Increase your feelings of safety. Ask yourself:
  • "What makes me feel safe?" and engage in these practices.
  • "Does this feel ok to me?" and give yourself permission to say no to things that do not feel safe.

Create comfort for yourself.
  • Allow yourself quiet time and breaks, including time outside.
  • Make time to engage in activities that are comforting and soothing. Sometimes it is easier to feel your feelings or make decisions when you are in a comfortable space.
  • Allow yourself to experience and express strong emotions, which are common for all of us during times of stress.

Maintain hope
  • Do things that build hope, gratefulness, compassion and empathy.
  • Good enough is enough.
  • Find ways to laugh.

Other tips:
  • Limit harmful media exposure like doom scrolling and consuming large amounts of media coverage.
  • Consider putting off any major life-altering decisions until your stress level is lower.
  • Take care of your body. Restful sleep, balanced eating and physical activity are still crucial.
If speaking to someone would help, please reach out. AllHealth Network provides several supports.

  • To speak with someone in the Colorado Spirit Program about stress related to the pandemic, please call 720-707-6789 or visit the webpage at www.allhealthnetwork.org/Colorado-Spirit
  • If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and are in need of immediate assistance, please call the Colorado Crisis Hotline at 1-844-493-8255 (TALK) or text TALK to 38255.
February Events at Englewood Public Library
Find out what's happening at the library in February! Virtual story times, book recommendations, science experiments and a Mardi Gras celebration!
Free and Low Cost Events for February
Find free and low cost events happening virtually and in our community this month.
Good News Stories
CFHSC Participates in the Great Kindness Challenge

Colorado's Finest HS of Choice participated in the Great Kindness Challenge (both in-person and remotely) at the end of January. Students were challenged to complete as many acts of kindness during the week as possible (guided by a list of suggestions) and then submitted their acts via a google form. Students were also invited to contribute to a school-wide kindness Padlet. This year was CFHSC's highest participation yet, and is now acknowledged as a 2021 Kindness Certified School! Congratulations to participating students who won the prize drawings and thank you to the donors who helped make this possible!
Senior Receives Board Scholarship

Congratulations to Yuri Castro, a mid-year graduate from Colorado's Finest High School of Choice, who received the Englewood Schools Board of Education Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship. Yuri impressed the Board with her application and interview as a hardworking student with a bright future. The Board surprised Yuri with a large check. Congratulations to Yuri!
High Expectations ~ Accountability ~ Integrity ~ Respect ~ Community
4101 S. Bannock St.
Englewood, CO 80110
303-761-7050