3/20 Community Updates

Dear Hawks Community,

Thank you so much for your understanding as we navigated today's schedule. As you know, many DPS schools did not have class today, per the direction of Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero. Dr. Marrero decided to keep Hallett open because we had enough staff planning to attend to ensure a day of quality learning. I truly appreciated your patience as we waited for updates; the district made this decision late in the day on Tuesday and we informed you as soon as possible. And, thank you for sending your Hawk to school today; every day of education matters!

Breaks matter too - and we almost made it to spring break. There will be no school March 24-31. Spring break is March 24-28, and the following Monday, March 31 is a holiday (Cesar Chavez day). We'll see you back at Hallett on Tuesday, April 1.

As March comes to a close, I want to remind you to talk to your child about Women's History Month. I recommend taking just a few minutes to share some examples of the amazing contributions women have made in history. You can also ask your child if they know of any impactful women - from history or their own lives!

Lastly, I want to thank everyone for prioritizing parent/teacher conferences and making time to meet with your Hawk's teacher. Hallett staff loves meeting with you all and discussing your student - hopefully you enjoyed the conferences as well.

Warmly,

Ms. D

“To teach in a manner that respects and cares for the souls of our students is essential if we are to provide the necessary conditions where learning can most deeply and intimately begin.”

- bell hooks, Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom

March:

Thursday, March 20: Basketball Game at Isabella Bird at 4:30 p.m.

March 24-28: NO SCHOOL (Spring break) DiscoveryLink will only be operating March 24 and 25.

March 31: NO SCHOOL (Cesar Chavez Day)

April:

Tuesday, April 1: School resumes

Thursday, April 3: Basketball Game at Isabella Bird at 4:30 p.m.

April 7-25: CMAS Testing Window (3rd-5th grade)

Monday, April 14: Talent Show Auditions 4-6 p.m.

Wednesday, April 16: Talent Show Dress Rehearsal 4-6 p.m.

Thursday, April 17: Talent Show Performance 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Friday, April 18: NO SCHOOL (Hallett Non-Contact Day)

Previously, we had planned to have our talent show auditions, dress rehearsal and performance in March. Please note the updated dates:

Monday, April 14: Talent Show Auditions 4-6 p.m.

Wednesday, April 16: Talent Show Dress Rehearsal 4-6 p.m.

Thursday, April 17: Talent Show Performance 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Thank you again to everyone who shared their feedback about Hallett via our latest Possip survey! Here's what we heard, and here's how we're planning to address your feedback:

1. We heard that you'd like to see the digital marquee out front updated with this year's events. We want this too! We've been working to figure out how to update the marquee since the summer. We're currently in touch with a technology vendor who should be able to help us soon.

2. We heard that you're concerned about students getting sick frequently at school. It can be challenging to keep students healthy when they spend all day with many classmates, especially now that flu season is in full swing. However, we're doing all that we can! We're working with our custodial staff to improve the level of cleanliness in classrooms and the building overall. Your child's health and safety is our priority.

3. We've heard that you want more teacher communication. Last week, we asked teachers to provide classroom updates to parents every week. If your child's teacher has not been in contact, please reach out to the teacher first - perhaps you need to be added to their mailing list. If you have not heard from your child's teacher after contacting them, please let our Communications Specialist know at emma_calkins@dpsk12.net.

Picture day was Tuesday, March 18. To check out and order your child's photos, scan the QR code below!

The Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) are the state’s end-of-year common measurement of students’ progress. At Hallett, 3rd-5th grade students will take these assessments between April 7-25.

Here are some ways you can start preparing your 3rd, 4th or 5th grader to test their best:

• Talk to your child about what they're learning in school. Ask them what they are enjoying the most, and if they are having any trouble. If they are having trouble, reach out to your child's teacher to see how they can get the support they need.

• Build healthy sleep habits. Now is the time to get your child on a sleep schedule! This way, when April rolls around, they'll already be set up to get a good night's sleep. Waking up on time will also help them get to school on time (don't forget: if they are late on a testing day, they won't be able to test that day and will have make it up).

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Mari at mgrimal@dpsk12.net.   

On Thursday, April 17, thirty 7th grade students from McAuliffe will be helping around Hallett! They're joining us from around 10:15 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. for their 7th Grade Service Day. We're so excited that they chose to help us with whatever we need that day!

DPS Community Hubs offer a range of free services to support families and students. Learn more here: DPS Community Hubs.

• Education & Skill-Building: English classes (Levels 1-4), GED preparation (English & Spanish), citizenship preparation, computer/technology support, and Spanish conversation classes.

• Financial & Career Support: Financial literacy classes with 1:1 coaching, workforce development (job placement, resume building, training, and interview prep), and access to the DPS hiring pipeline for various roles.

• Family & Community Support: Play & Learn early literacy programs, parenting classes/workshops, basic needs assistance, and social-emotional support.

• Multilingual & Immigrant Support: Resources for newcomer, immigrant, and refugee families to assist with education and integration.

• Basic Needs Assistance: Hubs provide access to food and clothing for families in need.

• Childcare: Available during classes to support participating families.

Reach out to the Hallett Hub for more information and available resources!

All K-12 students are invited to participate in the March 22 chess tournament at North High School! This is for students of average competitive level and is suitable for many chess rookies. Entry costs $10 per person; pay via venmo or exact cash at the door. Learn more here.