Skinner Middle School
Links: 25-26 Calendar (Calendario 25-26)
Oct 9 Parent Teacher Conferences 4-8pm (Open House style)
Oct 13 No School for Students or Staff - Conference Comp Day
Oct 14-15 Interim Assessment ELA and Math
Oct 15 Chipotle Fundraiser - 4-8 pm
Oct 16 Parent Teacher Conferences 4-8pm (Open House style)
Oct 23 Community Arts Night 5-7pm
Oct 24 No School for Students - Skinner Only PD Day #1
Oct 29 Skinner Cares Day
Oct 31 No School for Students - DPS Staff Development Day
District Math and Language Arts interim assessments for grades 6 - 8 will be Tuesday, October 14th and Wednesday, October 15th. Students will have an adjusted schedule, with testing the first hour of the day. We encourage families to ensure that students are present and on time each day, as these assessments provide valuable information about student’s progress and help guide instruction. Please help your student prepare by ensuring they get a good night’s sleep before each testing day and eat a healthy breakfast each morning. These small steps can make a big difference in helping students stay focused and perform their best.
We want to provide an important update regarding student devices. Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in damaged and lost devices, which is impacting our ability to provide replacements quickly.
Device Availability: At this time, we are completely out of loaner devices due to the high volume of breakages. If your student’s device is damaged, repairs may take longer than usual. White waiting for a replacement or repair, we encourage students to communicate directly with their teachers to request paper copies of assignments..
Increasing Breakage: We have seen a significant rise in cracked screens and other damage. We kindly ask for your support in reminding students to handle their devices with care. Keeping devices in protective cases, avoiding drops, and storing them properly when not in use can help prevent damage.
Lost Devices & Fees: If your student has lost or damaged their device, a fee must be addressed before a new one can be issued. Please check your email (Title: DPS Chromebook Damage OR Lost Chromebook Fee) for details as fees are paid through your MySchoolBucks account.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to get all devices back in students; hands as quickly as possible. Families can also help by reminding students to handle their Chromebook carefully and store them safely.
Skinner Cares Day is an annual event where we take a break from formal academics to focus on our relationships with one another in an attempt to strengthen our connections. This year, our focus is to inspire students to reflect on how they can contribute positively to our school and broader community. We believe that every student has the power to make a difference through kindness, responsibility, and constructive actions. Showing this film supports our goal of beginning this important work together by exploring themes of respect, community, and responsibility.
As part of our commitment to building a strong, supportive school community, Skinner Middle School will be showing the PG-13 movie "One With The Whale" (2023) during our upcoming Skinner Cares Day. This special day is dedicated to coming together as a school to focus on community, responsibility, and the impact our words and actions have on others.
About the Movie: "One With The Whale" is a documentary-style film that follows the story of a community deeply connected to the ocean and the whales within it, which they hunt for food. The film presents the complex relationship between humans and nature, highlighting cultural traditions and the environmental impact of whale hunting. It explores the theme of how social media comments can have both positive and negative impacts on individuals, and the importance of having a curious mindset about different communities. If you want to read more about the movie, here is a review. It is available to rent on YouTube and Amazon Prime, or stream with a PBS Passport.
Rating and Content Advisory: This film is rated PG-13 due to some strong language and disturbing images related to whale hunting practices. We understand that these scenes can be intense for some viewers, and we want you to be fully informed before your child watches the movie.
Opt-Out Information: If you do not wish for your child to watch "One With The Whale," please email or call Maria_Naves@dpsk12.net 720-424-1421 by 10/17. Alternative activities will be provided for students who opt out.
Conferences will be held in person on October 9 and 16 from 4:00-8:00pm. Spanish interpretation will be available. Staff will be available in various locations within the building.
Families can meet with as many teachers as you would like, but prioritizing 2-3 teachers is a recommended strategy as conferences will be a first-come first-serve basis. We would prefer for students to attend with families. In-person meetings only, except for virtual options for Skinner Administration conferences. Stay tuned for links to schedule conferences with the Skinner Administration.
We are hoping families can stagger arrival time, in order to manage the influx of families during the four hour time period. If possible, please follow these time slots. If the time slot does not work for your families, feel free to attend at a time that is most convenient for you. It is not required for families to attend both nights, but you are welcome to.
October 9th Families (with students) arrive during their designated timeframe (alpha last name)
Time Frames:
Group 1 (Last Name A–F): 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Group 2 (Last Name G–L): 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Group 3 (Last Name M–R): 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Group 4 (Last Name S–Z): 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
October 16th Families (with students) arrive during their designated timeframe (alpha last name)
Time Frames:
Group 1 (Last Name S-Z): 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Group 2 (Last Name M-R): 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Group 3 (Last Name G-L): 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Group 4 (Last Name A-F): 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
If you’d like to schedule Oct 9th or Oct 16th conferences with Skinner Administration, please click links below:
Julie Stephens - Principal - Appointment Slots
Rachel Johnson - Assistant Principal - Appointment Slots
Shawn Ward - Assistant Principal - Appointment Slots
Becca Glosser - GT/Coordinator - Appointment Slots
UPchieve is a nonprofit organization that provides free, 24/7 online tutoring and college counseling to middle and high school students in the United States. Their mission is to democratize academic support, ensuring all students have equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their financial situation. Students can connect with a live, volunteer tutor in under 5 minutes using our website or mobile app. Students should have accounts which they set up previously in Learning Family. Learn more at UPchieve's website.
Order your Skinner Yearbook today!
Skinner partners with Treering on the annual yearbook. To purchase and customize your yearbook, use the QR code below or:
Go to: treering.com/validate
Enter your school's passcode: 1014103592642212
Must be a parent or student 13 years or older.
Soft Cover Price Before Tax $28.69
Hard Cover Price Before Tax $35.75
Email Ms.Bautista with any questions at L_desantos-bautista@dpsk12.net
Wednesday, October 15 from 4 - 8pm at the Highlands Square Location - 32nd and Lowell Blvd - 3600 W 32nd. 25% of event sales donated to the cause!
Make it Count! Order online and pick up Chipotle for your fundraiser by using the Promo Code D9WXZ23 on the Chipotle app or Chipotle.com. Fundraiser online ordering is ONLY valid through pickup on October 15 from 4 - 8pm at the Highlands Square Location. Sorry no delivery.
Families looking for a unique way to keep youth and teens (ages 7-17) active and engaged during school breaks will love Circus Camps at Denver Circus Collective. These camps give students the chance to build strength, confidence, and creativity while exploring aerial arts, juggling, acrobatics, and more. Learn More
Thanksgiving Camp: November 24-26 (9am-3pm daily); Winter Break Camp: December 29-31 (9am-3pm daily)
Email info@circuscollective.com to sign up with an exclusive $50 discount!
Weekly drop-in aerial classes are also available—perfect for students curious to try flying on fabric, sling, lyra, or trapeze. No experience is required, just a spirit of adventure! Classes are offered Mondays and Thursdays (4:30-5:30pm); Saturdays (9-10am). Learn More + Sign Up
Coach Doug Busken, North High Girls LAX Head Coach, is exploring starting a middle school girls LAX team right here in our community. If your daughter (grades 5-8) is interested in trying a fast-paced, team- oriented sport - no experience or gear required - we’d love to hear from you. Interested? Please complete the survey to be added to the interest list. Let’s give our girls an opportunity to learn new skills, make friends and have fun!
The Colorado Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) is excited to invite students to Project Pipeline, an immersive Architecture and Design Camp. Learn what the design world has to offer! Camp includes snacks, supplies and a shirt. Cost: $100. Scholarships available. Please email noma.colorado@gmail.com for more information.
Dates: October 31 (no school this day) – November 2, 2025
Times: Friday & Saturday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Sunday, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Roth Sheppard, 3370 Walnut St. Denver, CO 80205
🚀 Big dreams start at Denver North! 🎭 🎶 ⚽ 🎨 📚
North High = endless opportunities:
✨ 13 AP + 25 college-level classes
✨ 6 Career/Tech pathways
✨ Art, music, theater, sports, clubs & more
✨ A community that’s got your back
✨ Minutes from home. A world of opportunities
👉 Come tour North & see for yourself! tinyurl.com/NorthTours25-26 to sign up
North High Info Nights 📅 Wed, Nov 5, 2025 & Wed, Jan 14, 2026 🕠 5:30–7:30 pm
Discover why North High is the right school for your family! Meet Principal German Echevarría, staff, coaches, and current students. Tour the school, ask questions, and connect with our community.
👉 All prospective families welcome — no RSVP needed. We can’t wait to meet you! 💜💛
Skinner's support staff team is in need of your help! We have many students who are in need of a snack on a daily basis. Please check our Amazon wishlist and consider making a donation so we are able to sustainably offer healthy snacks to our students in need. We also have some items listed to re-stock our Skinner loaner closet for students who need a change of clothes in the day. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to our community's youth!
We anticipate having a limited selection of Student Clubs that will be offered during Learning Family Period 7 Advisement. Parents, if you would like to volunteer to sponsor an after-school club, please email Assistant Principal Rachel_Johnson2@dpsk12.net.
Skinner PTO
The Skinner PTO is a community of parents, guardians, and staff working together to support our school and create memorable experiences for our students. You don’t have to commit to attending every monthly meeting — you can jump in on projects that excite you or bring you joy! Whether you love planning, decorating, organizing, or just lending a hand when needed, there’s a place for you. Contact PTO President Frank Coyne at fcoyne7@gmail.com to get involved!
CSC: Collaborative School Committee - first Wednesday of every month 4:00-5:30pm
Meets with parents, admin, staff to discuss issues, impacts, and solutions for the school.
Want to see a prior issue of Skinner Family News? Links are posted on the Skinner website, click here to access.