Dunstan Newsletter
October 19th
Letter from the Principal
October 18, 2023
Greetings Wonderful Parents and Guardians of Dunstan Students,
I want to personally thank you all for your support last Friday when we had to implement some emergency protocols. I am now keenly aware that this is the first time our area has implemented significant emergency protocols. Prior to being a principal in this area, I was a principal in the Columbine Area for 12 years, where we, unfortunately, are more accustomed to emergency procedures occurring on a fairly regular basis. The conversations I’ve had with many parents, students, and staff in the last few days has helped me learn more about our area and how new this process was for the Green Mountain Area. This information helps provide more steering for me as a school leader.
I want to express my gratitude for your understanding and cooperation during the event when we didn’t know all of the details. During these situations we frequently operate on partial information while our police sort out what is actually occurring. I am sorry for the feeling of discomfort we all experienced! I also want to express my appreciation for the collective cooperation of our community. While there is no perfect or exemplary way to respond, I am exceedingly proud of the way we responded as a community!
The following is copied from the parent letter that was sent today to the parents of Green Mountain High School students. Here is what is known based on the investigation that our Lakewood Police Officers engaged in:
There was a report of a weapon in the Green Mountain Recreation Center parking lot on Friday, October 13th.
Due to this, the decision was made to put our school into Lockdown.
All district and safety protocols were followed and once the building was determined safe, the school community returned.
A thorough investigation by law enforcement took place.
Law enforcement interviewed students that afternoon as part of this investigation.
A non-GMHS student was arrested as a result of his event.
The suspected weapon in the community was found and it was confirmed to be an airsoft gun.
No shots were fired at any time.
School investigations have occurred at the high school and logical consequences have been assigned to the individuals involved in this event.
In these situations it is easy for misinformation and rumors to spread. Please communicate the importance of not spreading misinformation or rumors - that it is important to talk about factual information. Students who have factual information are encouraged to report the factual information that they know to staff members and/or School Resource Officers. Students may also make anonymous reports to Safe-2-Tell. Many students have Safe-2-Tell contact information programmed into their phones. Their phone number is 1-877-542-7233 or https://safe2tell.org.
At Dunstan our counseling team has been available to students, staff, and parents this week. I included the presentation our Advise teachers reviewed with students on Monday in this newsletter should you want to review the content for yourself and/or with your student. Additionally, we had a member of our Employee Assistance Program here for staff to meet with on Wednesday. It is perfectly normal for people to feel a wide range of responses to events like this and to process this in different ways and at different speeds. Please know we are here to support your student and you. Our doors are open to you and please continue to carry on the open dialogue we have had about this.
On a lighter note, the levity and typical middle school interactions have returned. On Wednesday, our Science Teachers participated in learning walks in which they worked with our instructional coach and observed each other teach. Then feedback was provided to each teacher who was observed. Practices like these help grow stronger, more-refined instruction. This also builds strong teams of teachers who are committed to ongoing growth.
During our staff meeting on Monday, our Advise teachers entered SSIS/SEL data (social emotional data) on every student. This is a newer rating system for Jeffco and has been used for a couple of years. Teachers enter this data three times each school year. If you would like for us to share your student’s ratings, please contact Leslie Pruitt: leslie.pruitt@jeffco.k12.co.us.
Today, October 19th, we are beginning our day with an optional hike up Green Mountain. Then our teachers will review the series of Social Emotional Lessons we will run for the next few Wednesdays during Advise. Our first lesson which will be given next week is about empathy and developing an understanding of others. The second lesson, which will be given on Wednesday, November 1st is about intent vs. impact. Our students need to build their understanding that simply stating their intent doesn’t excuse hurtful words. We are working on building a sense of responsibility over our own belonging and that of others. The next lesson on November 8th will focus on dehumanizing language. This lesson will be about words and phrases that harm others and realizing the impact on others. Our last lesson of this series will occur on Nov. 15th and will have our students write a thank you note to someone for whom they are grateful to have in their life. If you have questions and/or concerns please feel free to contact me and I am happy to engage in a conversation with you about this content.
I truly hope each of you enjoys our fall break and has a chance to do something rejuvenating for yourself and those around you! Everyone has worked hard to get to this point! I am proud of the growth we are making together - please enjoy the time!
With deep respect and in partnership with you,
Jen Pennell
Information about Healthy Kids Colorado Survey
10/20/2023
Dear families,
Our school has been selected to participate in the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (HKCS) on Friday, November 3rd. HKCS is Colorado’s widely-administered survey on the health and well-being of young people and school health policies and practices that support youth health. Families can opt-out of the survey using THIS FORM. (You must complete the Opt-Out form by Thursday, November 2nd.) Participation is voluntary and students can decline to participate or answer questions in the survey. Explore Survey FAQs here.
Information about the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey:
HKCS is an optional-participation survey given to 6-12 graders in Colorado
HKCS is Colorado's most comprehensive survey on the health and well-being of young people.
The survey is voluntary, anonymous, and happens every two years in the fall.
The survey is administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Colorado School of Public Health (CSPH).
The HKCS has a rigorous policy to protect confidentiality and anonymity of student data
Students take the online survey during one class period
Families can preview the survey questions here.
Please contact Jeffco Healthy Schools with any questions regarding your school’s participation in the survey.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Pennell
Principal, Dunstan Middle School
Monday, October 23rd
- On/Off Track letters go out to students
- On/Off Track eligibility for field trip (Permission slips for On Track students go out)
Tuesday, October 24th
- Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Field Trip - Per 2-3 and start of period 4.
- Articulation area Accountability meeting- 5:30 PM @ DMS
Wednesday, October 25th
- Trick or Treat Street @ GMHS from 6-8 PM
Thursday, October 26th
- Choir Concert- 6PM @ DMS (Gym)
Friday, October 27th
- On/Off Track Field Trip Permission slips DUE
Tuesday, October 31st
- Halloween (costumes are allowed, please see expectations below)
Friday, November 3rd
- Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (HKCS) during science classes
Tuesday, November 7th
- 9:30-2:30 PM-WLC Field Trip
Wednesday, November 8th
- 5:30 PM PTA meeting (in-person and virtual)
Friday, November 10th
- 9:30-3:00 Tech theater field trip
Monday, November 13th
- NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
- Professional Development day for teachers and staff
Wednesday, November 15th
- 9:30-1:00 PM 6th Grade On/Off Track Field Trip
Thursday, November 16th
- 9:30-1:00 PM 7th Grade On/Off Track Field Trip
Friday, November 17th
- 9:30-1:00 PM 8th Grade On/Off Track Field Trip
Monday, November 20th-Friday, November 24th
- Thanksgiving Break (NO SCHOOL)
Click the picture to learn more about DMS Halloween Expectations
Photos from Spirit Week last week
Events and Opportunities
GMHS Trick or Treat Street
GMHS Craft Fair
November 11th from 10:00-4:00 PM in the commons
Beginning September 19th
Click picture to see our presentation about Student Safety Expectations
Message from the PTA
Dear Dunstan families,
Let's show some gratitude for our incredible Dunstan Staff with a delicious grab and go breakfast before Thanksgiving break. Since food needs to be at school between 6:25 and 6:30 am on Thursday, November 17th, your student can drop off food off in the office on the 16th or earlier in the week. PLEASE be sure to label items STAFF BREAKFAST. If you want to bring food the day of, please arrive by 6:15am.
Link to Sign Up Genius - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0849ADAD2CA6F9C70-45229951-thankful#/
Link to list of Dunstan's Favorite Things - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uER5xM3kfzQls4YD6W54VoEoYwsMjwfxujVA4UxlaOo/edit?usp=sharing
Thank you so much!
PTA
Social Emotional Learning at Dunstan
Dear parents, families, and school community,
Your students took part in a developmentally appropriate lesson on Safe2Tell Colorado on Wednesday, October 18th. We found Safe2Tell on the idea that early intervention is the key to preventing violence and saving lives. We developed Safe2Tell with the following principles:
- Educate - Encourage - Equip - Empower -
❖ Safe2Tell wants to educate the community on reporting safety concerns, break the code of silence and provide a trusted way for young people to make reports anonymously about things they may see or hear that cause concern.
❖ Safe2Tell aims to encourage everyone to play a role in prevention.
❖ Safe2Tell wants to equip our community with a direct way to report concerns anonymously.
❖ Safe2Tell empowers those who have the intention to help, prevent, or protect to make a difference.
We know that students often know about mental health concerns or safety concerns about their peers before adults do. We encourage students to be advocates for their community and be part of keeping everyone safe. Safe2Tell always encourages students to talk to a trusted adult first when they have concerns; however, we know it isn't always easy for students to speak up. The creation of Safe2Tell results from these challenges. It is a resource that aims to provide an anonymous way for students to make reports any time, any day. About 98% of reports submitted to Safe2Tell fall into the category of a good faith report and are actionable. False reports make up less than 2% of reports. The Information in a false report lacks evidence of an intent to help, prevent, or protect.
What do parents need to know about Safe2Tell?
● Parents can make a report themselves as well as with/on behalf of their child (ren).
● When submitting reports online, it is important to wait and engage in a conversation with the analyst in order to relay as much information as possible. (You do not need to have all the details to make a report.)
● Safe2Tell is the go between or middleman in order to get information from a reporter to the appropriate local school and law enforcement personnel. Safe2Tell does not investigate reports.
Important Things to Note:
● Safe2Tell can not notify the reporting party of the report outcome because of the anonymity of the program. All outcome information is private and autonomous to Safe2Tell.
● If you do not find satisfaction in the outcome of a report, Safe2Tell cannot enforce a different outcome. Please find the venue within your school district for escalating these concerns.
● Safe2Tell is not a resource for keeping a “record” of your school or child’s history and schools do not record reports in a child’s academic record.
● Safe2Tell accepts reports about youth in other states and countries, which are referred to the appropriate jurisdiction. When making the report, write Community at Large for the school/location.
Information about how to access Safe-2-Tell:
❖ Call us at 877-542-7233. We have an option to select a different language if needed.
❖ Find us at our website www.safe2tell.org
❖ Download our free mobile app
Leslie Pruitt, Social Emotional Learning Specialist
leslie.pruitt@jeffco.k12.co.us
303-982-9439
Click the Picture to Access Past Editions of Dunstan's Patriot Post
The Patriot Post is Dunstan's online newspaper established in the 2022/23 school year. Mr. Orthun facilitates the creation of each edition through his Media Literacy elective. The Post is back again this year, and will be better than ever. Clicking the picture will take you to past editions and we encourage you to check them out. Thank you all so much and we hope you enjoy our future editions!
Watch D.O.G.S. and M.O.M.S.
Welcome back Dunstan students! AND....
Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) and M.O.M.S. (Moms of Marvelous Students)!!!
DADS, MOMS, any parents, guardians, family members - are all welcome and encouraged to sign up and participate.
Sign up to volunteer between 11:00 am - 1:15 pm to cover lunch and recess. Monday - Friday.
If you want to help cover the crosswalk before or after school also, just add that in the comment section of the sign-up genius.
PS - more dates will be added to fill out the school year.
The Watch D.O.G.S. program was established nearly 25 years ago. A program to help get fathers and father figures into our children's schools. Moms and mother figures have always been allowed, but the focus has been to purpose fathers and father-figures, not traditionally found on school campuses as much as the moms and female counterparts. Last year, in 2022, the national Watch DOGS program wanting to continue to engage fathers and father figures and add our M.O.M.S.
My name is Steve Clayton. Please feel free to email if you have any questions about our program. WatchDOGS is a national program that has been in our local schools for over a decade. You can email Steve at: dunstanwatchdogs@gmail.com
From the Dunstan PTA
Click on the Picture Below to Join the PTA
Next PTA Meeting is November 8th
The next PTA meeting will be on November 8th from 5:30-6:30p and will be held both in-person and virtually.
Dine for Dunstan is on October 26th
Sign-Up to Bring Treats for Teachers and Staff
Hello Dunstan Middle School Families! Let's show our appreciation for our amazing teachers and staff by keeping their break room stocked this year. Please review the available slots below and contact Dunstan PTA (ptadunstan@gmail.com) if you have any questions. Treats can be dropped off to the front office during open hours.
Here is the link to sign up.