Dunstan Newsletter
February 9th
We Can Change the World By...
Letter from the Principal
February 9, 2024
Greetings Wonderful Parents,
As you know we have been tracking the academics, behavior, and attendance of our students because these are the indicators of student success in school. This year we added student engagement in clubs and/or athletics to our data. We determined that 90% of our students who are engaged in either a club or activity are on-track with their grades, behavior, and attendance. This speaks to the importance of students finding some sort of engagement with the school! The next few paragraphs highlight some of the work that students are doing in these clubs and activities.
Many of our students are demonstrating strong determination and persistence as they prepare for their TSA state-level competition. This requires many students to come to school early to complete their projects. One project requires students to find a country other than the United States that has a grassland environment. Students then have to identify a problem in this environment that would make living here challenging and generate a solution to solve that problem. Along with that, students must create an agricultural system and a renewable energy source. They then design a house for three people in which two generations could reside. The students who are engaged with this work are challenging their thinking and problem-solving skills. It is a joy to see this level of in-depth thought and study on the part of these students and the staff members who are guiding this work!
Our students are also practicing and preparing for our musical this Spring. I am proud of the partnership that formed between our AMPED class and our musical/theater class. They are designing and constructing sets together. Excitement for this performance is building.
I am pleased to announce that Max Boryenace is the winner of the Sertoma Writing Contest. This is a local competition hosted by the Sertoma Foundation. Students respond to the prompt, “What freedom means to me” and are judged against many other 8th grade students. Max is in Mr. Orthun’s class and both are invited to a celebratory lunch along with Max’s family. Please join me in congratulating Max!
In the next few weeks we have some important events that are described in the next few paragraphs.
Next week we have Parent-Teacher Conferences for specific families who are invited by their team teachers. Should you have concerns and have not been invited to a conference, please feel free to reach out to your student’s Advise teacher to ask if you could please be scheduled into a MTSS Meeting. These meetings occur weekly on Wednesday mornings and are a collaborative space for us to problem-solve, celebrate what is going well, and set a goal set as needed.
Next Wednesday Green Mountain HS counselors are coming to DMS to hand out registration for 9th grade. On Thursday, the 15th we are hosting an Electives Fair in the Cafeteria for 8th graders to interact with those who know about the variety of elective options offered at GMHS. 8th grade registrations will be completed on Feb. 28th when counselors return to have each student input their choices for next year. In between Feb. 14th and the 28th, it is important that families have conversations about registering for high school and which classes match their student’s needs and interests.
This week we hosted the math teachers from two other middle schools and several district leaders who observed our math teachers and provided feedback. Observation and feedback cycles are an excellent way for educators to improve their instructional practices. In addition, our math teachers were also able to observe, which generates further reflection and refinement of their practices. Thank you for supporting us as we continue to learn, grow, and improve!
On Tuesday, February 27th, we are hosting Jeffco’s Career Fair for middle school students. So far twenty local companies and/or employers have signed up to participate. It is not too late if you would like to join us. Breakfast and lunch are provided to presenters. During this day the 7th graders from Creighton Middle School and Bear Creek K-8 are coming to tour this event. Since we are hosting, we will be able to have our 7th and 8th grade students attend as well. This is an excellent opportunity for students to interact with people from local companies and ask questions about their careers. Although it is a large undertaking in terms of planning, this work is worthy of effort because it helps students connect their learning with real world employment opportunities.
Spring is time for us to determine our enrollment, budget, and staffing for next year. The first round of choice enrollment closes in a few weeks. We have the same number of students enrolled for next year as we have currently. In fact, we anticipate a slight increase in enrollment next year, which is also what Jeffco predicts for us. As a result, we do not have to cut staffing, which is occurring in many other Jeffco Schools as a result of declining enrollment across the school district. Additionally, we are anticipating very little staff turnover. We consistently hear from our staff that their work is challenging but they have trust and confidence in the direction of the school and our collective work together! This is all great news for Dunstan!
It continues to be a joy and an honor to serve the Green Mountain Community and Dunstan MS!
Sincerely and respectfully,
Jen Pennell
Important Upcoming Dates
Thursday, February 15
- Alternative schedule for GMHS Elective Fair
Friday, February 16
- NO SCHOOL for students (Teacher PD Day)
Monday, February 19
- NO SCHOOL for President's Day
Wednesday, February 21
- 6th Grade On Track Field Trip
Thursday, February 22
- 7th Grade On Track Field Trip
- TSA Competition
Friday, February 23
- 8th Grade On Track Field Trip
- TSA Competition
Monday, February 26
- On/Off Track Letters go out
Tuesday, February 27
- 6pm: DMS Band Concert @ DMS (Gym)
Wednesday, February 28
- 6pm: Choir Concert @ DMS (Gym)
Thursday, February 29
- 5th and 6th grade Orchestra Concert @ DMS (Cafeteria)
Val-O-Grams
WEB leaders will be selling Val-O-Grams for 50 cents each during lunch, Thursday, 2/8 - Monday, 2/12.
WEB leaders will deliver them attached to candy or a cutie during advise on Valentine’s Day.
Summit Jeffco
Join us at Summit Jeffco on Saturday, March 2, 8:30 am - 2:30 p.m. at Summit Ridge Middle School.
Connect with district and school staff as well as experts in various fields, to explore important topics that impact our students. Discover how you can play an active role in improving your student's educational experience and foster their growth.
Jeffco Family/Community Survey
Panorama Education is currently conducting Jeffco's annual family survey. We encourage you to complete this anonymous survey about your experience with your student(s) school. Results will be used to improve our district and student(s)' learning environment.
The survey closes on Friday, March 3.
Visit https://surveys.panoramaed.com/jeffco/family to complete the survey.
Events and Opportunities
Dunstan Middle School Career Fair
We invite community members who are passionate about their work to share with our students on February 27, 8 am - 3 pm at Dunstan. One of the best career exploration activities is for them to hear about what people do for work, what kind of skills and training it takes to work in any given field, and what you find rewarding about your work.
Clubs @ Dunstan
Social Emotional Learning
This week during Advise, students contributed to our growing culture of kindness and belonging through an activity where they each wrote why they're grateful for each other. This was an awesome activity that was sure to brighten students' (and teachers'!) day by seeing all the kind and thoughtful things their peers had to say about them.
Next week is Kindness Week so be on the lookout for all things kindness! Click on the picture below for more Kindness resources through the district.
As always, if you have any questions about Social Emotional Learning at Dunstan, or how we can best support your student, please let me know.
Leslie Pruitt, Social Emotional Learning Specialist
leslie.pruitt@jeffco.k12.co.us
303-982-9439
Patriot Post
The Patriot Post is Dunstan's online newspaper created by Mr. Orthun's Media Literacy elective class.
Watch D.O.G.S and M.O.M.S.
Sign up to volunteer between 11:00 am - 1:15 pm to cover lunch and recess. Monday - Friday. If you also want to help cover the crosswalk before or after school, add that in the comment section.
The Watch D.O.G.S. program was established to help get parental figures into our children's schools.
Community Resources
View GMHS 23-24 Major Events Calendar
Learn about what's going on at the high school.
Foothills Foodies is a community resource located at Foothills Elementary that offers free food, clothing and services to families in need.
They are always looking for volunteers and donations. Sign up to volunteer or reach out to katje.steenrod@jeffco.k12.co.us with questions.
Dunstan PTA News
Dunstan Honored at State Reflections Competition
Congratulations to the Dunstan students who all earned the Silver Award at the State competition!
Film - Zech McDowell
Literature - Bailey Damron & Brooklyn Riggs
Photography - Savannah Plumley
Visual Arts - Angeline Sarazin
Build Community Through Collaboration
GM Community Connections is an opportunity for members of the Green Mountain articulation to come together to share successes, give feedback, and take steps together to strengthen our community.
Join us on Monday, February 12 at 5:30 pm in the GMHS library for the next conversation.
Teacher Conference Dinner
We need one more pot of chili to provide another delicious topping for our hardworking teachers.
Learn more and sign up at https://bit.ly/PTApotato.
Show Your Appreciation to Dunstan Staff!
There are still a few staff and teachers who need a little love this month! Sign up at https://bit.ly/47J3LzK.
Dining for Dunstan at Noodles & Co on 2/28
Take the night off from cooking on February 28 and join us at a Noodles & Co. fundraising night for Dunstan PTA! Stop by any time between 4-8 pm at the location on 2nd and Union and use code GIVING25 for in-person or online ordering.
King Soopers Community Rewards
In the 4th quarter of 2023, Dunstan PTA earned $500.52 from the King Soopers Community Rewards program. Linking your King Soopers card to the Dunstan PTA is an easy way to support our school - at no cost to you!
Simply log in to Community Rewards and search for us: https://bit.ly/2R6y1mk.
Sign Up to Bring Treats for Teachers and Staff
As you're doing your grocery shopping, why not grab a box of granola bars, a bag of individually wrapped candy, a case of fizzy water, or a variety pack of small chip bags to help fuel our hard working teachers?
Sign up to help stock the teacher's lounge at https://bit.ly/PTAteachersnacks
Join the PTA Board!
We are looking for volunteers to fill important roles on the Dunstan PTA next school year.
The President is vital to ensure the continuation of PTA, but it isn’t actually a huge time commitment. This position serves as the communication liaison between school administration and PTA, maintains compliance documents and officer records, creates and distributes meeting agendas, assists with events and fundraising, and supports other board members as needed.
Learn how this and other PTA roles support our community at https://sites.google.com/view/dunstanpta/about-us
Dunstan Spirit Wear
Outfit the whole family in Dunstan Patriot T-shirts or sweatshirts! Use this form to place your order.
Email treasurerdunstanPTA@gmail.com with any questions.