Community Newsletter
Denny International Middle School | October 13, 2023
LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Dolphin Families,
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who attended Curriculum Night. It was truly heartwarming to have all of us together supporting our scholars on their educational journey. Curriculum Night was a special event, it is evident that we are all dedicated to the success and well-being of every scholar at DIMS.
Our community is a unique and vibrant one, made up of incredible scholars, supportive families, and dedicated staff. Being together on that evening only reaffirmed how strong and amazing our collective commitment is to the growth and achievements of each scholar.
I want to extend my sincere thanks for taking the time to join us. Your engagement and partnership are invaluable, and we are excited to continue working together to create a positive and enriching educational experience for every scholar.
Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of being a part of your scholar's journey. We look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and shared successes.
Warmly,
Mary Ingraham
IMPORTANT DATES
- 10-16 Afterschool Activities Start
- 10-19 High Point Community Listening Session with the Admin Team
- 10-20 Picture Day
- 10-24 PTSA Meeting at 7:00 on Teams
- 10-27 Orchestra and Choir Concert Sealth Auditorium 6:30 pm
Message from Superintendent Jones: Supports for Students During Times of International Conflict
Social Emotional Learning Guidance and Resources for Educators Discussing the Israel-Hamas Conflict with Students
Students and educators may be experiencing a variety of emotions as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues and innocent lives continue to be lost. The purpose of the guidance below is to support the social emotional wellness of staff as they engage in or lead challenging conversations in ways that center compassion.
Creating safe, welcoming environments for these conversations requires educators to model and practice SEL Skills to help our students feel cared for and maintain trust within our learning communities.
Social Emotional Learning Guidance
Tend to Your Feelings
Our own emotions matter and this is a time for self-awareness and self-compassion. Taking moments to experience and regulate difficult feelings, such as fear, anger, or confusion can help us through this and other difficult times. Let’s honor our own lived experiences that may be touched and practice the self-care strategies that work best for us. Some examples might be:
- Eating nourishing food
- Mindfulness practices in the morning or before sleep
- Talking to someone supportive, or asking for help
- Setting and maintaining boundaries
- Taking a technology break
Prepare to Talk to Students
Our mood and tone set the climate for our classrooms, and taking a moment to prepare ourselves for leading difficult conversations with students can be helpful in ensuring we continuously provide safe, inclusive spaces. We must be mentally and emotionally prepared to listen deeply and facilitate respectful conversations that include multiple perspectives. To prepare, let’s remind ourselves of the self-check in practices that work best for us. Some examples of simple, effective strategies might be:
- Mindful breathing or a body scan to identify and regulate stress
- Movement such as rolling your shoulders or stretching
- Taking a sip of water
- Affirmations such as: I am kind, I am resilient, I am grounded, and I can do this
Acknowledge Biases
We all have beliefs that impact our words and actions, and deeply held biases about violence in the Middle East are common. Let’s increase our awareness of any implicit or explicit biases so that all students can feel supported.
- Self-reflect without shame and privately name any underlying racism. Have self-compassion and create a plan to mitigate biases.
- Explicitly state that all students, families, and staff are welcome at school no matter their beliefs.
- Invite students to think critically about bias that may be in messages from news outlets or on social media.
- Remember the importance of trusting relationships. Connect with students with care and create opportunities for students to show each other empathy and support. Remind students that biases can harm our sense of community.
Model and Lead Compassionate Communication
Embody community norms/charter/agreements and invite students to use their social awareness skills. Name the importance of listening to each other without judgement, showing empathy, and respectfully sharing feelings, thoughts, and lived experiences.
- Be ready to Speak Up against Islamophobia and Antisemitism. The following resources from the San Diego County Office of Education may help: Guide to Supporting Muslim Students, Antisemitism Resources
- Provide familiar communication tools/protocols to increase structure and support feelings of safety such as, “I-statements”, the THINK acronym (Is this True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind
Social Emotional Learning Resources
Social Emotional Resources for All Ages
- How To Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War: Common Sense Media gathers tips and conversation starters to help you talk to kids of different ages about the toughest topics.
- Talking to Your Kids About War: VeryWell Family explores ways families can speak with young people about war, including tips on sharing information and restricting media coverage.
- How to Talk to Your Children About Conflict and War: UNICEF’s guide offers eight tips to support and comfort your children.
- Handle with Care: Supporting Young People During Crises: Learning for Justice offers recommendations and resources to help guide conversations with young people and to manage potential subsequent actions and reactions.
For Elementary School Students
- Resilience in a Time of War: Tips for Parents and Teachers of Elementary School Children: This article from the American Psychological Association can help adults guide their young children beyond fear and to resilience.
For Middle School Students
- Resilience in a Time of War: Tips for Parents and Teachers of Middle School Children: The American Psychological Association provides tips and strategies for parents and teachers of middle school-aged children.
Trauma-Informed Resources for School Systems
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides resources that can be filtered by topic, keyword, and audience with a focus on how adults can identify traumatic responses in young people and how to support them.
For Military Families
- The San Diego County Office of Education creates and curates resources to support military families and students and schools that serve military children.
Lockers
After School Opportunities - Start October 16th
**We had to postpone our start from October 10th to October 16th due to ensuring afterschool transportation**
To Register complete the form at the following link
https://forms.office.com/r/9ZQBQyJXWR
School Pictures Form and URL for Ordering
Orchestra and Choir Concert
Friday, Oct 27, 2023, 06:30 PM
Chief Sealth International High School, Southwest Thistle Street, Seattle, WA, USA
Fall Reading Challenge!
It’s time for the Fall Reading Challenge! All students are encouraged to participate by getting a FRC bookmark from the library and reading at least one book in each of the 4 genres listed. Once they’ve finished each book, they should come to the library to earn a stamp from Ms. Risi. Students with at least 4 stamps on their bookmark will be invited to our Fall Reading Celebration!
Sistema Escolar, Villa Comunitaria, & Seattle Public Schools
Talleres Familias / Family Workshops 2023-2024
Sistema Escolar, Villa Comunitaria and Seattle Public Schools are excited to once again host monthly workshops for families in Spanish. The list of dates and topics are below. Reminders and informational flyers will be shared in advance of each meeting also. Meetings will be on Zoom and are no cost to families.
Special Topic – Bullying
Tuesday, November 15th 6pm – 7:30pm
- What is bullying and what is not
- Correct reporting
- HIB Form
- What comes after filling out an HIB form.
Financial Aid Night
Tuesday, December 7th 6pm – 7:30pm
- College costs and how to pay for it
- Explanation of financial aid resources
- FAFSA
- WASFA
- Private Scholarships
- Financial aid letter from colleges.
- Documents to gather to fill out financial aid forms.
Financial Aid (Filling out Information & Support)
Thursday, January 25th 6 – 7:30pm
- WASFA and FAFSA fill out night.
Special Education
Thursday, February 8th 6 – 7:30pm
- Process for Special Ed qualification
- Guidance Team
- Evaluation
- IEP
- 504
- Prior Written Notification
Elementary – 5th to 6th Grade Transition
Thursday, March 21st 6pm – 7:30pm
- Brain development of pre-teens and how to navigate the emotional, physical, and academic changes.
- Main Changes from Elementary to Middle.
- How Middle School Works
Middle School – 8th to 9th Grade Transition
Thursday, April 4th 6pm – 7:30pm
- Main Changes
- How High School Works.
- How to prepare academically to succeed in HS and to work toward post HS education.
SPS Student Climate Survey
This month the Seattle Public Schools will launch our annual fall climate surveys to further understand and learn about students' experience at school.
This year, the school district is surveying students on their social-emotional learning competencies and views about the overall school environment. Students in grades 3 - 12 will take the survey at school during class time. The survey will be specifically asking students about their experiences with belonging, representation, and relationships; identity and culturally responsive teaching; safety, bias, and anti-racism; pedagogical effectiveness; positive behavior and safety; social emotional learning; student voice and leadership; and college and career readiness.
If you have any questions about the fall surveys, please feel free to contact us.
Join DIMS PTSA
Brought to you by Denny International Middle School PTSA,
We are pleased to announce that our first PTSA meeting of 2023 will be Tuesday, October 24th at 7:00PM online:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3917212894?pwd=OXI2YXRGSkR5WDlOK0tSZlVTUFdHdz09
Thanks for those of you who have volunteered for hearing tests so far this fall. We still have a need for SIX more volunteers Oct. 12:
- Nurse needs help with hearing tests on THURSDAY, OCT. 12 (two more people in the AM, two more people in the pm).
Thanks!
RESOURCES & INFORMATION
College Fair Opportunities
On November 4th from 10 am - 4 pm there is the 6th Annual Seattle Black College Expo at Rainier Beach High School. This is also a free event and an amazing opportunity for students to learn about HBCUs and connect with college representatives! Registration is free and can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/6th-annual-seattle-black-college-expo-free-tickets-663466986617#:~:text=About%20this%20event&text=6%20hours-,Join%20us%20for%20our%206th%20Annual%20Seattle%20Black%20College%20Expo,answers%20right%20on%20the%20spot.
Bailadores de Bronce
I'm reaching out because our matinees have begun, and our first one is Bailadores de Bronce. This show celebrates a local Mexican Folklorico dance group that have been leaders in our community for the last 5 decades and it's an amazing opportunity for your students to learn more about Mexican culture and traditions and see a live Mariachi group perform! Mexican Folklorico dance tells the stories of the people inhabiting each region of the country from harvest, to courtship, and celebration,
The Moore Theatre
11 am Matinee
About the show:
STG is celebrating Latinx/Hispanic Heritage month with local ballet folklorico dance troupe celebrating the 50th anniversary as a group in the Seattle community area. Enjoy dances from various Mexican region.
The 50th anniversary performance will showcase traditional dances from all over Mexico featuring dancers from our own communities in the Seattle area and Washington state. It will showcase the diversity of Mexican culture influenced by Indigenous, European and African roots.
Family Income Survey: Action Item for All Families
Why is this Survey Important?
The Family Income Survey provides your student’s school with a way to collect household income information. This information is important because it helps your school receive federal and state funding (Learning Assistance Program, teacher incentives, etc.).
The form is simple to fill out and confidential. The information will only be used to help your school receive funding from state and federal programs.
In addition to healthy and nutritious meals, the Family Income Survey helps to fund programs such as:
- Before and after school enrichment programs
- School counselors
- Health and wellness services
- Resources for classrooms and teachers
Please complete and submit this form. Families with multiple students will only complete this form once. Regardless of income level, families with students at Denny International should complete the Family Income Survey.
**The Family Income Survey will be available in multiple languages shortly
New School-based Health Center Service Provider: Neighborcare Health
We are excited to announce that beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, services at our Wellness Center will be provided by Neighborcare Health, the largest provider of school-based health care in Seattle Public Schools (SPS).
The Neighborcare SBHC Wellness Center at Denny International Middle School will be a full-service clinic providing:
· Medical care
· Oral health care
· Mental health services
· Health education
· Youth-friendly setting
· Before, during, and after school appointments
Denny International Middle School, SPS, and Neighborcare Health have a long, successful history working together. For 23 years, Neighborcare was the SBHC for Denny. Neighborcare CEO Rashad A. Collins said, “We are very excited to once again partner with and serve the school community. Our goal is to build strong and supportive partnerships with Denny staff and help students and families to have a smooth transition of care.”
Neighborcare Health is a community health center that has been serving the Seattle community for over 50 years. They have been a provider of school-based health center services for more than 30 years and operate 14 SBHCs across Seattle and on Vashon Island. Many in our community may also know Neighborcare as the school-based health center provider for Chief Sealth High School as well as several elementary schools in our community.
Homework Help at The Seattle Public Library
We can help students succeed in school. Our trained Homework Help tutors can assist with school assignments, provide reading support and skill-building activities at select Library locations.
Students in Seattle can also get free virtual tutoring from Tutor.com with a Library card or a Library Link number - www.spl.org/VirtualTutoring
Broadview Branch (12755 Greenwood Ave. N.): Tuesdays & 4 - 7:30 p.m. & Wednesdays 3 - 5 p.m.
Columbia Branch (4721 Rainier Ave. S.): Mondays 4 - 5:45 p.m. & Tuesdays 4 - 7 p.m.
Douglass-Truth Branch (2300 E. Yesler Way): Tuesdays & Wednesdays 4 - 7 p.m.
High Point Branch (3411 S.W. Raymond St.): Tuesdays 4 - 7:30 p.m. & Wednesdays 4 - 6 p.m.
Lake City Branch (12501 28th Ave. N.E ): Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
New Holly Branch (7058 32nd. Ave. S.): Thursdays 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Northgate Branch (10548 Fifth Ave. N.E.): Mondays 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays 4 - 7:30 p.m., & Wednesdays 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Rainier Beach Branch (9125 Rainier Ave. S.): Mondays 4 - 5:45 p.m. & Wednesday 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
South Park Branch (8604 Eighth Ave. S.): Mondays & Wednesdays 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
White Center Salvation Army
Holiday Assistance
The Salvation Army Seattle White Center Corps Community Center is providing toys for children
ages 0–17 during the Christmas season.
Registration will be held on the following days:
- September 27–October 1, 2021
- October 4–8
Ways to Register:
- Call Us: (206) 442-8361
- Register Online:
Request an appointment: www.tsamm.org/at_request_intake.dpi
Register via online portal: www.saangeltree.org - In-Person: At The Salvation Army Seattle White Center Community Center
Please Note: Registration will only be open on the dates listed above.
**If you need any assistance with this please reach out to our School Social Worker, Debora Nascimento de Araujo Dold (denascimento@seattleschools.org)
Programs at Seattle Library: High Point Branch
Youth Drop-in Chess @ High Point Branch, Thursday, September 21, 2023, 4 - 5:30pm - Event Calendar | The Seattle Public Library (spl.org)
Youth Drop-in Chess for Children and Teens under 18 years of age. Come learn, practice and improve your chess playing skills.
Thursdays 4:00-5:30 p.m. (weekly, ongoing)
Solar Eclipse "Double Header" @ High Point Branch, Tuesday, October 3, 2023, 4 - 6pm - Event Calendar | The Seattle Public Library (spl.org)
Tuesday, October 3rd from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Join award-winning astronomy educator, Dennis Schatz, and learn more about how, when and where to view the upcoming October 14th solar eclipse. Free eclipse viewing glasses available (2 per family as supplies last) starting September 15th.
Homework Help | The Seattle Public Library (spl.org)
Get help with your homework in-person at the High Point Branch from trained volunteers. Free for K-12 students. Snacks provided!
Tuesdays 4:00-7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Family Story Time @ High Point Branch, Saturday, September 23, 2023, 10:30 - 11am - Event Calendar | The Seattle Public Library (spl.org)
At story time, kids ages 0-5 and their families can enjoy stories, songs, and fun learning activities. Saturdays @ 10:30 a.m. September 23rd – December 9th.