Dora Moore Elementary

Weekly Follow Up: 9/20/25

Nurturing kind, curious learners!

Hi Families!

We have a relatively short and calm week at school. Our students have been doing a great job in their homerooms and core content classes. Most classes and subjects are through their first units of instruction and we'll be sending home our first round of assessment data next week! As always, reach out with any questions!

Sincerely,

Mr. Janson & Mrs. Watson

Important Dates

  • September 15th - October 15th: Hispanic Heritage Month

  • Monday, September 22: No School--DPS Assessment and Planning Day

  • Tuesday, September 23rd, 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Chipotle Dine Out for Dora Moore

    • 550 N Broadway Ste A, Denver, CO 80203 location ONLY

    • Order online and pickup Chipotle for your fundraiser by using the Promo Code XC6TNHN on the Chipotle app or website.

  • Friday, October 3rd: No School for Dora Moore Students--Internal Professional Learning Day

  • Friday, October 10th: Save the Date for Dora Moore Pep Rally and Color Fun Run!

  • Thursday, October 16th: Save the Date for Individual Picture Day

DPS Bond

$400,000 to Dora Moore via 2024 Bond for Focus Learning Environments

We are thrilled to report that Dora Moore is on the first wave of Quality Learning Environments/Focus Learning Environments monies from the passing of the 2024 Bond last November.

Quality Learning Environments focuses on visible and functional investments to learning environments – projects that students, families, and staff will be able to see and experience directly. In particular, the Focused Learning Environment Program is funding allotments for schools to select investments to bring key learning environment spaces up to standards.

Our classrooms are already beautiful with tall ceilings, lots of natural light, and original stained glass. (Yes, the air conditioning has been fixed by now as well). We need your help and feedback on ideas! Our goal is to balance needs with wants (both are valid!) and stretch the money as far as possible to have the greatest impact. With the help of our staff, we have created an initial list of possible projects to consider (in no particular order):

  • Upgrade old/outdated classroom projectors with new smartboards/displays

  • Update first floor carpets in primary classrooms as well as potentially updating hallway floors/tiles

  • Add windows in the gym for natural light and increased airflow and ventilation

  • Cafeteria updates (new floor, tables/chairs, sound panels, etc.)

  • New playground play structures, reseal asphalt and repaint lines/courts

  • Supplement grant funding to complete outdoor classroom/garden

Please take one minute of your time to rank and help us prioritize the above ideas and hopefully provide some other possibilities to consider using this form: https://forms.gle/1nhCG3Rjtvt53nCo8

This feedback form will close on Friday.

FACE

Collaborative School Committee (CSC) Parent Representatives & Membership Update

Last week, we asked for nominations for any current parent interested in serving on the CSC. We had two parents nominate themselves to serve. Given that we met and exceeded the membership requirements, we are happy to report that both are able to serve without the need to take a vote.

Thank you to each parent, community member, and staff member below who has volunteered to serve our community in this important way this year:

  • Xaviera Knight

  • Byron Vall

  • Lane Harlow

  • Aya Takemoto

  • Hilary Rice

  • Libby Madej

  • Lisa Steffen

  • Michelle Chouris

Be safe drive smart

Traffic Safety Update: Active Parents/Community Members Needed!

After sending out information to our school community and talking with several parents and community members last week regarding the unsafe traffic situations at arrival and dismissal on Corona Street, we have decided to form a community of active and concerned parents and community members to make a compelling and intentional effort to [re]engage the City of Denver, Councilman Hinds, and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) to reconsider changing the traffic patterns and lanes on Corona Street and add additional signage, traffic calming measures, and enforcement around campus.

If you are interested in participating in this work or you know of someone that is, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/yjc7ESHctiUrzRPQ7

DM

Notables from Dora Moore's PTSA

  • Chipotle Dine Out for Dora Moore on Tuesday, September 23rd

    • 4:00pm-8:00pm

    • 550 N Broadway Ste A, Denver, CO 80203-3432

    • Order online and pickup Chipotle for your fundraiser by using the Promo Code XC6TNHN on the Chipotle app or website.

Chipotle Fundraiser Flyer
  • DORA MOORE COMMUNITY EXCHANGE STORE: Free food & clothing for all!

    • WAIT! Before you spend time and money on a brand new jacket, pop into our store before or after school to get a gently used jacket for FREE! Even better, upcycle by bringing the coat or jacket your child has outgrown. We have sizes 3T - 11! 

    • Staffed hours: 

      • Mondays 3:30-4:30, Thursdays & Fridays 8:45-9:45am

      • Come down the stairs to the right of the main entrance and knock on the door. 

Denver Town Hall

Town Hall @ Dora Moore; September 27th

You're invited to a joint town hall with Sen. Matt Ball and Rep. Sean Camacho on Saturday, September 27th at Dora Moore! Hear highlights from the 2025 legislative session and discuss the issues that matter to you. RSVP required--Scan the QR code above or visit this link to RSVP by September 27th @ 9:00am.

Color Run

Upcoming Event: Pep Rally and Fun Run – Friday, October 10

On Friday, October 10, our school will host an exciting Pep Rally followed by a Color Fun Run. During the Fun Run, students will have the opportunity to run around the field while non-toxic, colorful powder is gently tossed, creating a vibrant and memorable experience.

To ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, we will provide each student with a white T-shirt, sunglasses, and bandanas to protect their eyes and clothing.

Please see below for additional information and answers to frequently asked questions.

🦅 Objectives

  1. Celebrate school spirit and community.

  2. Foster cross-grade unity and pride 

  3. Create a memorable, safe, and inclusive experience for all students

👕 What We Provide

  • White T-shirts for the Color Run

  • Sunglasses and bandanas for protection

  • A trash bag for each student to sit on in the car or bus afterward

⚠️ Important Reminders for Parents/Guardians

  • Clothing: Please ensure your child wears clothing and shoes that can get stained. While we will have a station to help blow off the powder, some color may remain.

  • Health Note: If your child has asthma or other respiratory concerns, please use discretion and consult with their healthcare provider if needed.

  • Transportation: We recommend sending a towel for your child to sit on during the ride home or on the bus, in addition to the provided trash bag.

❌ Opt-Out Information

If you do not wish for your child to participate in the Color Run, please notify their teacher via Rooms or email no later than Wednesday, October 8.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions Safety/Cleaning

Early Access Steps

Early Access to Kinder

Families interested in having their child evaluated for possible entry into Kindergarten or 1st Grade a year earlier than typical age eligibility (for enrollment beginning in Fall 2026) are encouraged to visit this website for more information: https://gt.dpsk12.org/o/gifted/page/early-access-to-k-or-1st-grade. Here you can find an Early Access handbook that gives a detailed explanation of the process.

Once you review the information on the website, you can fill out this INTEREST FORM and that will start the process. Interest forms need to be submitted by 10/15 in order for decisions to be made prior to the Round 1 School Choice window and by March 15th deadline for Round 2 of School Choice.

Questions? You are welcome to reach out to Mrs. Walker via email at stephanie_walker7@dpsk12.net.