Posted April 5, 2020
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Cory Families,
I hope everyone is well! I hope each of you are finding ways to find some joy during these uncertain times. I would like to share some fun news in our community. Isaac (4th), Juniper (2nd), and Amy (mom) decided to start a “newspaper” during the extended time out of school. The goal of the paper is to stay connected. They welcome any and all “G-Rated” stories, articles, activities, resources from our community. The intention behind this is that it is written by and for kids except for the last page which will be a resource/sponsor page for adults/parents. They hope this will give kids an opportunity to write stories and share during this time. Here is an email address (claytonchronicle@gmail.com) where all submissions can be made. I am determining how to attach the newspaper to the newsletter so look for the newest copy next week.
As you may already know, Gov. Polis Suspends All In-Person Learning through April 17:Gov. This means there will be no in-person DPS classes until at least Monday, April 20.
In anticipation of this happening, the DPS leadership team has been working over the course of the past weeks on a plan for remote learning. This educational effort will begin Tuesday, April 7—the first day of scheduled instruction following our extended break. We are putting together guidance for educators on moving to remote learning, beginning on April 7 and continuing at least through Friday, April 17. We have developed this survey to capture home device and internet availability for our students. It is a brief survey (8 questions) that asks families to identify a student’s school of attendance so that we can sort and distribute results to you on Tuesday afternoon. (You will get this email from DPS also so please don’t submit twice.)
Next week, starting on Wednesday, March 25, families who do not have technology at home will be able to pick up district technology at their school. We will share more information about how this pick up will work early next week. Please know that we will be following the same safety and social distancing protocols that are in place at our food distribution sites.
Xfinity WiFi hotspots are free nationwide for anyone who needs them – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. Once near a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser. Click here to view the Xfinity WiFi Hotspot map.
Resources for Families:
Even if your family is prepared, an outbreak can be very stressful. To help your family cope with this stress, the following recommendations can help support your child and self:
School-based Denver Health Clinics: Most of the School-Based Health Center sites, which provide medical care and mental health services, are now closed. Four sites will stay open through March 20. They are:
o Abraham Lincoln High School o North High School
o Place Bridge Academy o The Evie Dennis Campus
Hours will be 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. All centers will be closed starting March 23. When centers are closed, students and families should call the Denver Health Nurse Line at 303-739-1211 for information on how to access care.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides a list of pediatricians in your area. Click here to access AAP’s
“Find a Pediatrician” referral service.
Resource Center – Mental Health Center of Denver:
Address: 1075 Galapago St, Denver, CO 80204 Phone: (303) 504-6800
Resource Center – Mental Health Colorado:
Address: 1120 Lincoln St #1606, Denver, CO 80203 Phone: (720) 208-2220
Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator:
Website: https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/locator/home
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Hotlines:
Toll-Free: 1-800-985-5990 (English and español)
SMS: Text TalkWithUs to 66746 SMS (español): “Hablanos” al 66746
Website in English: https://www.disasterdistress.samhsa.gov
Website in Spanish: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/espanol
With sections for both parents and children, this Sesame Street app teaches young kids how to calm down and solve everyday challenges. Children will enjoy the interactive “play time” with a Sesame Street monster, and parents can view educational tools to help them manage their child’s anxieties or anger issues.
Stop, Breathe, and Think Kids Mindfulness App:
https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/stop-breathe-think/id1151955214
Calm: iTunes: FreeAndroid: Free
There are many mindfulness apps for kids about practicing meditation, but if you’re looking for one that does that, while also focusing on relaxation and sleep, don’t look any further than Calm. Their “Sleep Stories” function tells tales to help users fall asleep easier.
Children suffering from stress and anxiety often have a difficult time expressing their feelings. PBS’s Daniel Tiger teaches children how to calm down when angry, celebrate proud moments, and relax with music and activities.
Young worriers can significantly benefit from HelloMind, an app which helps change negative thought patterns. Children can choose treatments based on whatever is bothering them. Examples include low self-esteem, needing courage, or being afraid to stick up for one’s self.
Internet Services
Comcast internet has created a response to support families with internet access. Please follow this link to get the latest information on internet for families.
Facts and Questions
We know there are lots of questions and logistics that need to be answered and addressed for the extended spring break. Please visit dpsk12.org for live updates and information. We’ll update it as needed over the next three weeks, and if you have questions that aren’t addressed here, please email coronavirusinfo@dpsk12.org and someone will reply as soon as possible.
Be safe and stay healthy!
Joan Wieser
Joan_Wieser@dpsk12.org
Principal
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
IT’S TAX TIME – SUPPORT CORY WITH OUR STATE TAX REFUND
If you get a state income tax refund in 2020 (for your 2019 filing), you will have a new opportunity to donate to support Cory. If you would like to donate some or all of your refund to Cory PTA, follow these steps:
1. Decide how much of your refund to donate.
2. Enter Cory PTA and our registration number 20093011391 in the Donate to a Colorado Nonprofit Fund line on your state income tax return or tax software – or just give this info to your tax preparer when you share your tax documents.
That’s it! Thank you for your support!
If you are interested in learning more about this program, visit RefundWhatMatters.org.
AMAZON SMILE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE ANDROID APP
Support Cory while you shop using the app (Android only for now, we will let you know when iOS is available). Click here for instructions on how to turn on AmazonSmile in your app and select “John Cory Elementary PTA”!
STOCK THE CELLAR IS POST-PONED
Due to the closure of all DPS schools next week, we will be moving Stock the Cellar to early April. We will announce the new date sometime soon! However, if you already have your wine & whiskey and would like to drop-off during our “extended spring break” please feel free to contact Travis Wanger or Rachel Dickerson at traviswanger@hotmail.com or rachelpinon@gmail.com.
CORY COUGARS & COWBOYS AUCTION
Luckily the auction is still 42 days away! Which should allow time for the country, state and the Cory community to get back to some normalcy. Even with the events of this week we will still need our full-time paras and full-time specials (Mr. Conklin, Ms. Alexander, Mrs. Miller and Ms. Ferguson) for the 2020/2021 school year.
We are still moving forward with the auction and more now than ever need your support to make the 2020/2021 school year a success.
While on break please purchase your tickets as early bird pricing of $50 each ends soon and prices go up to $75 each next Friday! Additionally, take time to think about any items, tickets, gift cards you may have for additional donations.
TICKETS
WHEN
Friday, April 24
6:00 PM to 10:30 PM
DU’s Cable Center Saloon
HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?
Please contact: Naurin Gilger or Danielle Gooden at coryauctionteam@gmail.com
MERRILL MIDDLE NEWS
JAGUAR JOURNAL
MERRILL ANNUAL AUCTION
Merrill’s Annual Auction (Auction Powers: International Merrill of Mystery) will be Friday, April 17th from 6-10pm at the Space Annex. Details about the auction are at: https://merrill.ptapal.com
COMMUNITY NEWS