The Dunstan Biweekly Newsletter
February 18th
principal letter
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your family! I hope you enjoy this long weekend!
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our PTA President, Sherry Jensen, who recently sponsored QPR training, which is suicide prevention training for parents and staff. As many of you know my husband is a teacher at Ralston Valley High School where 350 parents recently attended this training. Last week we hosted QPR training for the Dunstan area. I was amazed to learn that Sherry also sponsored this training last spring, which was before of the rest of the school district offered QPR training. In light of the losses of students that many other areas have endured this year, I appreciate her proactive, preventative nature. Our teachers are receiving this training on, February 14, 2020. We will offer another QPR training in September 2020. I hope you can prioritize and attend this training to support our youth.
During the past few weeks your students have completed the Make your Voice Heard Survey, which includes questions about academic rigor, school safety, student interactions, and the degree to which students are supported inside and outside of school by staff and families. Thank you for supporting this survey. The results are used as a data point to steer the school.
CMAS testing is coming this spring. I am grateful that no families opted their students out of the Make Your Voice Heard Survey or MAP testing this school year. As we approach CMAS testing many of you have seen the publications of Dr. Glass about the importance of CMAS testing. I am asking that you please include your student in CMAS testing this year. For those of you who have been engaged in PTA and Accountability this year, you know that we have had many discussions about some of our declining scores and the numbers of students who were excluded last year.
This year, we have designed a testing schedule that intentionally expedites testing for all grade levels. We want to be efficient and thoughtful on testing days. Throughout this year we have re-designed and piloted a new testing schedule during MAP testing to see if we could test more efficiently and effectively. In so far, we have received positive feedback and all of our staff members are willing to share testing – as opposed to having language arts and math teachers conduct testing. The collective efficacy and determination to support students and colleagues is evident in the teacher’s flexibility and willingness to try a new schedule. It is my hope that you will opt your student in for CMAS testing this school year. Should you have questions and/or concerns I would appreciate hearing them in advance of CMAS testing so we can accommodate your ideas if possible. We will include the testing schedule in an upcoming newsletter.
We want to pass our congratulations to our students who participated in All State Choir on February 6th and 7th. The 7th was our district-wide snow day, but not for the All State students. 500 students from around the state gathered at the Bellco Theater to comprise three choirs and give an exceptional performance at 7:00 pm on 7th! The students from Dunstan represented the Green Mountain community and Jeffco! Thank you to the students, parent chaperones, and Mrs. Hubbard who organized this event for our student!
Enjoy your weekend! Thank you for your ongoing support!
With tremendous respect,
Jen
March 12th Parent/Teacher Conference Information
Dear Dunstan Community:
Our next round of conferences on March 12th from 4-7pm are invite only. Classroom teachers will be reaching out to families to schedule in person conferences. If you happen to not be invited for this round of conferences—no worries! No stress! No long lines! No fighting for a parking space! Your young person will be leading you through a very detailed conference from the convenience of your own home.
Student Led Conferences
Dunstan advise teachers will have all students complete a student led conference for students to share with parents. The conference will be a presentation in google slides (1 slide for each class). Each class will have a slide highlighting what is going well and what needs to be worked on. In addition, students will create a slide focused on our schools social emotional work taught during advise classes on Wednesdays and Fridays.
- Students who attend conferences will start the conference with their presentation.
- Students who do not attend conferences are expected to share their presentation at home.
After your student lead conference, you have any questions—your student’s advise teacher is a great first point of contact.
Upcoming Events @ Dunstan
Friday, Feb 14th
- NO SCHOOL for STUDENTS (Teacher Work Day)
Monday, Feb 17th
- NO SCHOOL (President's Day)
Monday, Feb 24th
- Community Budget Meeting - 5-7pm
Thursday, Feb 27th
- Visiting Author - Lindsay Lackey 8:39am - 9:27am
Tuesday, March 3rd
- Band Concert - 6-7pm
Thursday, March 5th
- PTA Meeting - 6pm
Tuesday, March 10th
- Outdoor Lab Parent Meeting - 6pm
Wednesday, March 11th
- Band Field Trip/Festival Performance
Thursday, March 12th
- Invite Only - Parent/Teacher Conferences - 4:00pm
More Details Found on the Dunstan Website
Hall Pictures
Purchase your yearbooks now!
You can purchase the $20 yearbook via Jeffco Connect.
There are a limited supply so please order soon!
Once these are sold out, no additional yearbooks will be available.
To: 8th graders currently in Dunstan Honor Society
This is a friendly reminder that your log with 15+ hours of community service is due by May 1st to Mrs. Mehmen. If you are interested in being a part of the ceremony May 5th please let her know ASAP.
Thanks for all of your hard work!
LOST AND FOUND
Dear families,
Lost and found will be given to charity monthly. At the end of each month all items will be bagged up and taken away. Please have your students check our lost and found.
THIS MONTH'S PICKUP is Feb. 28th
Thank you,
Dunstan Office Staff
Announcements
SCHOOL HOURS REMINDER
- School ends @ 2:15. All students are expected to be with a teacher or off school grounds by 2:30.
- Office hours are 6:45am - 3:15pm. After 3:15 the doors to the school will not be answered unless there is an evening program or prearranged meeting.
- If your student is involved in athletics after school. Please enter the school through the gym doors located north of the parking lot.
Important Info/Reminders!
Policy Reminders
Electronic Devices
Since winter break we are seeing an increase in the items that students are bringing to school. The electronic devices were likely gifts from the winter holiday and tend to be very expensive. If your student misplaces, loses, or has items stolen please know that we have to follow up at an appropriate time, place, and manner.
Following Up with Lost, Misplaced or Stolen Electronic Devices
Sending students to school with electronic devices such as Airpods, headphones, and cell phones comes with inherent risks. If you elect to send these items with your student(s) and they are lost or stolen, the school cannot assume responsibility for these items. Our staff members are willing to help your student try to locate any missing items after the school day has ended and we when all after school meetings have concluded. To preserve instruction, we will avoid going into classrooms while teaching is occurring. Please know we are willing to try to assist you in the recovery process. The process starts with a student filling out an incident report. We highly recommend expensive electronics are kept at home knowing we cannot guarantee lost items will be recovered.
Jeffco Opportunities
Art at Dunstan
Murals in Drawing and Painting
Post-It Note Art Show
Post-It Note Art Show
Student Opportunities
Jeffco Writing Challenge
Important Attendance Information
Absences
Please call the attendance line when your child is absent. (303) 982-9221
Our Tardy Policy
With snowy weather here, make sure you make adjustments to your morning commute when necessary.
The Attendance Line should be used any time your student will miss school for any reason. 303-982-9221
Prearranged Absences of 3 Days or more: This form is available in the office and on our website, go to Student Resources, then forms. Students are responsible for filling out the top section and showing it to each of their teachers to get info on missed work. Important: the form must be turned into the office when complete in order for the student to be marked excused. A copy will be made and kept in the office. Questions? Contact Gretchen, attendance secretary 303-982-9270
Appointments: You may use the attendance line to let us know you'll be picking up your student for an appointment or arriving late during the school day. Let us know the student's name and time they will be picked up, or arriving late at school. Always bring in your photo ID to pick up your student!
Ms. Murphy's Advise Class
Technology
January Digital Citizenship Resource Family Letter
Lenovo Accidental Damage Protection
(Available only for 100e Chromebooks purchased this school year (2019-2020) and 100e/N23 Chromebooks purchased last school year (2018-2019) through Dunstan.)
*ADPs are non-refundable & available only for Chromebooks purchased/issued through Dunstan during the 2018-2019 & 2019-2020 school year.
*Make sure you select the correct link (based on the serial number of your device) so you access the correct coverage options available to you.
Video that will be shown to students through PTV on 1/21/20 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BxlDCWlPDTS_6ebzC6hrNR2BTv9UiIHt/view?usp=sharing
Parents and Guardians, below are two things teachers would like to make sure you are aware of.
1 - Help your kiddos remember to charge their devices overnight so they are able to fully participate in classroom activities
2 - Late work will not be immediately be put in IC. If you have questions about classroom grades and late work please give some wait time and then contact your student's teacher.
Febrary, 2020 Digital Citizenship Family Letter
Upcoming Author Visit:
"A bit of magic, a sprinkling of adventure, and a whole lot of heart collide in All the Impossible Things, Lindsay Lackey's extraordinary middle-grade novel about a young girl navigating the foster care system in search of where she belongs."
Ms. Dolan & the 2nd Semester Avid Readers class are pleased to announce that Dustan will be hosting visiting author, trained opera singer, and Colorado native, Lindsay Lackey. She is promoting her debut novel, All the Impossible Things, and is coming to Dunstan on February 27, 2020 during period 2 to speak to the students.
Copies of All the Impossible Things will be on sale through Ms. Dolan in the library or online through Dunstan's website. See Ms. Dolan to get a copy of the Author Visit Book Order Form (or print from the school website) and return it with check (payable to Dunstan Middle School) to Ms. Dolan in the library no later than March 5th. You can also order your copy online. (Make sure you pay attention to the specific details and instructions related to online orders.)
Watchdog Program
Dunstan WATCHDOG Program is up and running smooth! WatchDOGS are Dads or any father figure that serve as a positive role model for students, and help support staff duties. Sign up to volunteer between 10:10am - 12:50pm, before or after school. The students and staff greatly appreciate you!
Tutoring Opportunity @ Green Mountain High School
Dunstan students are welcome to GM High School for help in math and science.
Link to Tutoring Calendar
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13BfhoGYF7wN1VrX_h02s7VygRUdQ4-lltRxhgmUj7XY/edit?usp=sharing
Dunstan Comic Strip - by our very own JAMES NGUYEN
PTA Announcements
PTA news-
The PTA will be sponsoring a suicide prevention training with Bryn Brody. She is a QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) trainer and will be sharing the program on Tuesday, February 4th at 6pm in the library. All adults are welcome. Please use the link below to sign up so we can be sure to have enough materials.
Our next spirit night will be on Thursday, February 20th from 5-8pm at Chick-fil-A. 15-25% of sales will be donated back to Dunstan. The more folks that go the higher the amount earned!
Jeffco PTA is one of the sponsors of the Grub Club which provides food to homeless and emancipated students in Jefferson County. Each articulation area is asked to donate a specific food item to support the program. The Green Mountain area is asked to donate hot chocolate packets with a goal of collecting 6,000 packets. Donations can be dropped off to the school office or any GM area school now through Feb 7th.
Workshop for Parents - humanbyhuman.com
What if there were a way that parents could take a break from being the expert on their children? Basically, in this workshop for parents, you can stop solving the problems, and coach your children to solve their own problems.
Come see the musical (Apr 24th - 25th)
Green Mountain Bike Team
Please follow the link below.
https://sites.google.com/jeffcoschools.us/gmhsmountainbiketeam
School Trips
Have you ever been interested in traveling to Iceland?
Now is your chance! Ms. Murphy and Ms. Reese will be leading an educational tour of Iceland Spring Break 2020.
There is limited space available on a first-come, first-served basis for this opportunity. Your student has received information at school and there will be a meeting March 5th at 6:00pm in the DMS library if you are interested in finding out more information about this amazing opportunity! Below is a flyer with further details and contact information for any questions you may have. We hope to see you there!
More Information -
Dunstan Middle School
Home of the Patriots!!!
At Dunstan Middle School, we aspire every minute of every day to:
- Engage students in dynamic, rigorous learning activities.
- Inspire students to explore their interests through innovative electives, content courses and after-school activities.
- Empower students with restorative practices in a safe, supportive learning community.
Website: https://dunstan.jeffcopublicschools.org/
Location: 1855 South Wright Street, Lakewood, CO, USA
Phone: 303-982-9270