Skinner Middle School
Links: 24-25 Calendar (Spanish Calendar)
Mar 19 Early Spring Sports Parent Meeting 3:30pm; CSC 4-5:30pm
Mar 24 - 31 No School - Spring Break
April 1 Students return
April 2 CSC 4-5:30pm/PTO 5:30-6:30pm
April 8-10 CMAS Math
April 15-17 CMAS Language Arts
April 18 No School - DPS Staff Development Day
April 22-23 CMAS 7th Social Studies and 8th Science
April 24 Mandatory 8th grade Student/Parent Continuation Meeting 6-7pm
Denver Public Schools uses the BASC-3 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BASC-3 BESS or “BESS”) to complete universal mental health screening of all students. Just as students participate in screenings for vision, hearing, physical health, reading, and other academic areas, the BESS provides an indicator of a student’s mental health risk level. Screening allows for early identification of supports that can help offset current or future mental health risks in students. Universal mental health and social-emotional screening also helps school leaders identify trends across grades, classes, or groups of students.
Parents/guardians/caregivers can access the BESS Parent Report Form at this link. Parents/caregivers will need to have their student's ID number and date of birth to access the form.
If you have any questions about the BESS screener, please reach out to Skinner's school psychologist, Lauren Wingender. Email: lauren_wingender@dpsk12.net Phone: 720-424-1528
Denver Public Schools provides free vision, and hearing screenings for all students in identified grades (Early Childhood Education, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th). Skinner will have their screening for 7th graders only on April 21, 2025. The screenings are NOT an assessment or an evaluation and do NOT replace professional exams. Mass screening is considered best practice to identify students who may be at risk for health concerns affecting the student’s ability to learn, and who may need extra support to reach academic benchmarks. You must notify Skinner School Nurse directly at Lindsay_Koller@dpsk12.net or 720-424-1434 if you wish to REFUSE/OPT-OUT of any of the free screenings for your student.
With the current measles outbreak happening in our country and nearby states, it is more important than ever to make sure your child is fully vaccinated against this dangerous and extremely contagious disease. As spring break approaches and people travel, the risk of exposure is very likely. The best way to protect your child is with a vaccine. Please reach out to our nurse Lindsay_koller@dpsk12.net for a list of vaccine sites available!
Skinner scholars rocked the Denver/Aurora Regional National History Day competition held Saturday, March 15 at CU Denver. The top 3 winners in each project category are invited to register and compete in the NHD State Contest scheduled for Saturday, April 26th at CU Denver.
NHD Denver/Aurora Regional Participants: Evelyn Jubert, Violeta Benchwick, Lila Dickey, Marcelo Maher, Elliott Foley, Jaide Nave, Jesus Madera, Emily Rosiles Santoyo, Gretchen Foley, Lindsay Kehl, Eliz Pettis, Xiomara Rodriguez, Phoebe Lapham, Sylvia Radabaugh, Vivian Naeser, Zea Van Doorninck, Denali Richter, Jack Petner, Presley Smith, Wyatt Newhouse, Nadiya Abarca-Reynoso, Frances Bailey, Julianne Combs, Henry Haith, Vera Hodi, Lily List, Thea McManus, Aria Michener, Orion Miller, Monroe Rippe, Avin Helseth, Reuben Horowitz-Mason, Dominique Vojtek, Charlotte Chiodini, Violet Davis, and Tessa Miller
NHD Denver/Aurora Regional Winners: Group Documentary Category: Jesus Madera & Emily Rosiles Santoyo (1st Place); Lindsay Kehl, Eliz Pettis & Xiomara Rodriguez (2nd Place)
Individual Documentary Category: Violeta Benchwick (1st Place); Gretchen Foley (2nd Place); Evelyn Jubert (3rd Place)
Individual Exhibit: Charlotte Chiodini (1st Place)
Individual Website: Avin Helseth (1st Place); Dominique Vojtek (2nd Place); Reuben Horowitz-Mason (3rd Place)
Historical Paper: Julianne Combs (1st Place); Henry Haith (2nd Place); Thea McManus (3rd Place)
Click to see 2024/25 NHD Denver/Aurora Regional Photos
Last year, we were the only DPS middle school competing in these competitions. This year, there were a handful of projects entered from Morey Middle School however none of those projects advanced to the state competition. Go Skinner Scorpions!
On Wednesday, April 9, Skinner 8th graders are going to North High School to see the production of “Shrek the Musical”. We will leave Skinner around 11:00 am (after CMAS testing) and return by 3:15pm. Students will be eating lunch at Skinner before we leave. Unfortunately, there is not an opportunity to have a late arrival or an early dismissal from North due to the potential to interrupt the production. If your student needs to leave during that time frame, please arrange to pick them up before we leave for NHS at 11am.
Youth on Record Summer Camp for Middle Schoolers, led by professional musicians, campers will build skills, collaborate with peers, and gain confidence in a creative, supportive space. Activities include playing in a band, making beats, songwriting, music games, and more!
Camp Details: Location: Youth on Record’s Youth Media Studio. Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Early care available at 8:30 AM). Friday Showcase: 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Session Dates (Each participant may sign up for only one week)
Session 1: June 16 - June 20 (No camp June 19 – Juneteenth)
Session 2: June 23 - June 27
Session 3: July 14 - July 18
Completely FREE! Space is limited. REGISTER HERE Questions? Contact Camp@youthonrecord.org
The Tasty Food program will remain open throughout DPS’ Spring Break (March 24 – 31)! This means Denver’s youth will continue to have access to FREE, fresh, and nutritious meals while school is out. Click link for all the details and locations.
Soccer players of all levels and teams are invited to the annual summer camp hosted by the Avalanche Soccer Club. Boys and girls born 2011-2017 can be signed up by clicking this link and following the steps to register using the PlayMetrics website.
Kids Bike Fest in Northwest Denver - Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 11:30am - 3:30pm, Berkeley Park (Southeast corner of the park near Smiley Library) Brought to you by Denver Transportation and Infrastructure - Safe Routes to School.
At Bike Fest, attendees will have opportunities for kids to get basic bike repair, eat free snacks, play games, get fun bike related giveaways, and get time on their bikes so they can be confident rolling into Bike and Roll events at school in May!
All school-aged kids are welcome. Activities will be focused on elementary and middle-school aged kids. We encourage kids and families to bike to the Kids Bike Fest event and share in the fun. Free and fun for the whole family!
We’re excited to announce that early spring sports registration is now open for softball and boys soccer.
Registration is due. Students will not be allowed to try out if they have not fully completed registration. Students will not be allowed to try out if they are failing any classes.
Important Dates:
Mandatory Parent Meeting - Wednesday, March 19th @ 3:30pm in the Skinner Auditorium
Athletic Registration support for those who might need it
Tryouts: Week of April 1st
Girls Softball: Coach Jessica Frahm
Boys Soccer - Coach Julia Robinson
Registration Resources:
Skinner Middle School Arbiter Registration-Boys Soccer and Girls Softball
Arbiter Sports Registration Guide for Parents
If you have any questions or need any support, please contact Assistant Principal Shawnette_Ward@dpsk12.net or Principal Julie_Stephens@dpsk12.net. Sierra Garcia is no longer serving as the Athletic Director.
Join us for a vibrant celebration of inclusivity and community at the DPS Pride Festival on April 5 from 1–5 p.m. This event is exclusively for DPS students, staff and families, offering a welcoming space to honor and uplift the LGBTQ+ community. Registration is required for all attendees. Students are invited to showcase their talents by submitting performance entries through this form.
Let’s come together to celebrate diversity, support one another and create a memorable experience for everyone. We can’t wait to see you there!
Costa Rica in 2026 & Japan in 2027! Reach out to Jamie Brnilovich (6th Grade Lang Arts Teacher), Group Leader with questions jamie_brnilovich@dpsk12.net
CSC: Collaborative School Committee - first Wednesday of every month 4:00-5:30 at Skinner Library
Meet with parents, admin, staff to discuss issues, impacts, and solutions for the school
All meetings are open to the public
Additional CSC meeting scheduled for March 19th to continue conversations around Staffing/Budget
PTO: Parent/Teacher Organization - first Wednesday of every month 5:30-6:30
Fundraising, teacher appreciation, parent volunteers.
Check out Skinner Website PTO for more information.
The school year calendar for the 2025-26 school year is now available. 2025-26 School Year Calendar
Several Skinner teachers have DonorsChoose projects posted hoping to obtain classroom and project supplies for their students. Please click here to see the projects and consider a donation today! Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Skinner's support staff team is in need of your help! Please check our Amazon wishlist and consider making a donation so we are able to provide to our students in need. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to our community's youth. Please click here and order some items today! Thanks in advance for your generosity.
Want to see a prior issue of Skinner Family News? Links are posted on the Skinner website, click here to access.