Skinner Middle School

Skinner Family News - May 22, 2025

Welcome to Skinner Family News for the 2024-2025 school year.

Upcoming Dates

Links: 24-25 Calendar (Spanish Calendar)

  • May 23                  8th grade trip to Elitch’s

  • May 26                  No School - Memorial Day

  • May 27                  8th grade BBQ

  • May 28                  Last Day of school for 8th, 8th grade Dance 6-8pm

  • May 29                  8th grade Continuation Practice @ North 8-10am &                 

                                  8th grade Continuation Ceremony @ North 5-7pm

  • May 30                  6th/7th Student Awards 

  • June 2                   Last day for 6th/7th students - Field day

  • June 3                   No School

End of Year Gifts to Thank Skinner Teachers and Staff

If you're wondering how you are going to manage end-of-year thank you gifts for all your kids' teachers, plus the other amazing staff at Skinner, the PTO has you covered!

From now until Saturday, May 24, you can use this link to donate money that will be pooled so that every teacher and staff member at Skinner will receive a gift card to thank them for all their hard work this 24-25 school year.

DPS Survey on Vaping Habits

Skinner Families - We want to hear from YOU! 🗣️ Take a few minutes to complete this anonymous vaping habits survey. This link is for the family member survey. Students will be provided with their own survey. Your responses will help shape future health programs and support efforts to reduce vaping among teens. Thank you for your time.

For 8th Grade Families - Spanish Instruction in High School

8th Grade Families - Please click here for a letter from Ms. Overton.

DPS Seal of Biliteracy Pathways Award

Congratulations to our 42 8th graders who are earning the DPS Seal of Biliteracy Pathways Award this year! They are demonstrating proficiency in two or more languages and are on the path to earning the Seal of Biliteracy in high school. The students will be recognized at Continuation and will receive their certificate and pin. Great work, scholars!

Reilly Abner, Violeta Benchwick, Zander Bergner, Carlos Bernal-Nava, Maizie Bymers, Jupiter Cargile, Delaney Carp, Genesis Corona, Logan Davis, Violet Davis, Kinsley Dennis, Maura Doyle, Vanitee Elizondo, Rafael Fierro-Rayas, Elliott Foley, Silas Forsythe, Leo Galbraith, Sylvie Gibson, Matthew Gilliam, Billie Girmann, Dante Gomez, Ellen Hutson, Evelyn Jubert, Eli Kanost, Julian Kargas, Abigail Kemler, Everett Kerns, Citlally Lerena-Olivas, Dominic Lucero, Jackson Malarkey, Quentin Mallory, Giovani Martinez-Luevanos, Aria Michener, Orion Miller, Jack O'Rourke, Margot Robertson, Jesus Rodriguez, Emily Regina Rosiles Santoyo, Aminah Salgado, Isaac Salinas, George Stancil, Emogene Wilson

Student Check-out & Chromebook/Charger Collection Process

Friendly reminder - your student must return their Chromebooks, chargers, hotspots, and any other DPS technology before they leave for the summer. If not returned, a fee will be added to their MySchoolBucks account for the replacement cost.  There are no exceptions.

Chromebooks will be collected on: 8th Grade - May 28; 6th & 7th Grade - May 30

We will collect and inspect Chromebooks and hotspots when they are turned in. As per the district Device Agreement, if there is damage to a device, charger, or hotspot, or an assigned device, charger, or hotspot is not returned, a fee will be added to the student’s MySchoolBucks account.

MySchoolBucks account based on the following fee structure:

â—Ź Intentional/negligent damage (non-claimable by warranty): the full cost of the part(s) needing to be repaired

  • I.e. a screen is roughly $153 and a keyboard is roughly $50. 

  • In cases where damage can’t be claimed, the school will receive a quote of how much it would cost to replace the part(s), which will be passed on to the parent/ guardian

Lost/misplaced/stolen device/items: the full cost to replace the Chromebook, approximately $399; Chromebook charger: $27.95; Chromebook case: $19.89; Hotspot or hotspot charger: $20

Note: the final cost will reflect the actual replacement cost of the part(s) and/or device.  The prices may change based on factors outside of DPS’ control, such as inflation or tariffs.

How to Pay Fees:

  • Fees can be paid online through MySchoolBucks with a credit card or at Skinner’s Main Office with cash, credit card, or check Monday through Friday 7:30-3:30pm. 

  • If you would like to be considered for discounted fees, you will need to submit free/reduced lunch documentation to Skinner Main Office.

  • 8th graders must have Fees paid by May 23th, in order to participate in 8th grade Continuation Activities (*if eligible). If fees are not paid by Continuation, students will not receive Continuation Certificate.  Families will be able to come to Skinner Main Office to pay fees and pick up certificates in the days following the Ceremony. 

  • 6th/7th graders must have Fees paid by Friday, May 30th in order to participate in Field Day. 

Work at Skinner!

Hello Skinner Families, Skinner is seeking to hire paraprofessionals for the 25-26 school year.  Paraprofessionals would be supporting several of our incoming students who need 1:1 adult support throughout the school day. If you or someone you might know is interested, please contact Skinner Principal Julie_Stephens@dpsk12.net/720-424-1463. 

6th/7th Field Day on June 2nd

We do not typically invite families to attend 6th/7th grade Field Days. If you feel strongly about attending, please contact Julie_Stephens@dpsk12.net in advance.

Lost & Found/Locker Clean-out

All items from lost & found and locker clean-out will be donated on June 3rd.

Summer Academics

Summer Homework is not mandatory or required for any students (except for 8th graders enrolled in High School Math II).  We encourage students and families to engage in some of the academic resources below, but nothing will be graded or collected at the beginning of the school year. If you would like some suggestions for resources to help students be prepared for the upcoming school year, please review here: Summer Academic Language Arts & Math Support

Denver Public Library’s Summer of Adventure

Register for Denver Public Library's free Summer of Adventure reading program. Connect with your community, grow skills, share knowledge, and explore fun experiences all while earning prizes. For youth of all ages and abilities. Summerofadventure.org

Registration for Summer of Adventure begins June 1. To sign up visit summerofadventure.org or visit your local Denver Public Library branch. You’ll get an Adventure Guide to inspire reading, making and exploring all summer and a registration prize. Collect prizes, find free events, and earn an invitation to DPL's FREE Day at the Zoo.

DPD Annual Teen Academy

Attention all 8th-12th graders! In honor of National Youth Gun Violence Awareness Week, the Denver Police Department will be hosting its Annual Teen Academy on Saturday, June 7th from 9am-4pm at the Denver Police Academy. Youth ages 12-18 will get a hands-on experience learning about a career in law enforcement and meet the various specialty units that make the Denver Police Department unique. This is a great opportunity for youth and their families to interact with law enforcement and ask any questions. At the end of the day, youth will hear from the Denver Police Explorers, Cadets, and Teen Volunteer programs for on-going DPD engagement opportunities and leave the class with a graduation certificate for participating.

Event Highlights: Crime Scene Investigation; ACT/ Self-Defense Skills station; Stop the Bleed/Tourniquet Class; Tools and Toys of DPD Specialty Units; Free lunch and swag will be provided 

Class registration is open and will remain open until June 1st. Registration> Teen Academy Application - Google Forms Please contact megan.ladd@denvergov.org for all questions, comments, and concerns.

Young Tech Innovator Program

Zoe Innovation Cloud Technology (ZICT) and the Colorado African Innovation and Cultural Center (CAICC) invite you to be a part of an exciting educational initiative launching this summer: the Young Tech Innovator Program.

We are excited to announce that Aurora Science and Technology School will host this transformative, hands-on technology program designed for students in grades five through twelve from across the state of Colorado. Our mission is to empower young people, especially those from underserved and minority communities, with real-world technology skills, leadership development, and meaningful exposure to careers in the technology industry.

This program is open to all students, regardless of race, nationality, or background. We are committed to creating a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive environment.

Program Overview:

  • Dates: June 17 through July 25 (Tuesdays, Wednesdays for Field Trips, and Thursdays)

  • Time: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

  • Location: Aurora Science and Technology Middle School

  • Format: In-person or remote

  • Eligibility: Open to all Colorado students in grades five through twelve

  • Cost: Affordable registration with scholarships available; includes free breakfast and lunch

Program Highlights: Hands-on, project-based learning. Wednesdays are Field Trip Days! Scheduled field trips include: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Colorado Air and Space Port, Denver Public Library, Space Foundation Discovery Center

What Students Will Learn: Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Graphic Design, Public Speaking, Entrepreneurship, Internship opportunities for high school students

This program offers mentorship, field experiences, and a final showcase where students will present their completed technology projects. For questions or additional information, please email: youngtechprogram@zicloudtech.com

Help Paint Skinner Mural

Local Artist, Anthony Garcia Sr., is creating a mural design to represent our school, and he needs our help painting it!  Anthony Garcia Sr. grew up in the Globeville community of Denver and has painted murals all across our city and state.  We are so honored to have him come to Skinner to work on this community art project!

All students, staff, families, neighbors, and community members are invited, and the mural is designed for anyone to be able to join in and help paint!  The mural will be located on Irving St, between 40th and 41st Ave. We will be painting during the following days, if you would like to participate: Friday, May 23rd  -  9am to 3pm; Saturday, May 24th  -  9am to 3pm; Sunday, May 25th  -  9am to 3pm

If you would like to help in other ways, we would love to make sure our community members and painters are hydrated and fed during this time.  So if you'd like to donate water, ice, snacks, or food, that's an option as well. Please fill out this community interest form if you are thinking of helping out and/or if you have any questions!

Parent Support Needed for End-of-Year Festivities! 

8th GRADE PARENTS: The last week of school for the 8th graders is fun-filled, due in part to the support that you can provide.  Please sign up below for the following events: 

8th grade BBQ/Field Day, Tuesday, May 27: sign up here to volunteer
8th grade Dance, Wednesday, May 28: sign up here to volunteer

Sports Physicals

CareNow® urgent care can help you tackle your child’s sports physical, fast! For a limited time, sports physicals are being offered at a discounted price of $35 each for children in grades K-12. This promotion is effective 5/1/2024 – 8/31/2024 at all CareNow locations. No appointment is necessary. You can even check in online! Just fill out the Web Check-In® form online to schedule when you want to come in for a visit, and let us know how we can help you. We'll notify you when it's time for your visit, so you can wait anywhere that’s convenient for you.

City and County of Denver Programming and Resources

Youth Program Locator: To learn more about summer programming and resources throughout the City and County of Denver, utilize the new Youth Program Locator and connect with events and activities near you!

My Denver Card: Youth ages five through 18 have free access to Denver’s recreation centers, swimming pools and cultural centers with their My Denver Card

The DPS website will be continuously updated with more information about summer programming. Keep checking the DPS Summer Programs page to see what opportunities are available!

25-26 DPS School Year Calendar

The school year calendar for the 2025-26 school year is now available. 2025-26 School Year Calendar

In case you missed a prior issue...

Want to see a prior issue of Skinner Family News? Links are posted on the Skinner website, click here to access.