Parent Reminder of Student BESS Screening 

Dear Parent and Caregivers,

This school year, all Denver Public School students will complete universal behavioral and emotional health screening using the Behavior and Emotional Screening System (BESS). This is an online tool that takes approximately five minutes to complete and consists of 28 questions for the student to answer. 

During the beginning-of-the-year school registration, you had an opportunity to opt your child out of completing the Student Self-Report Form of the BESS.

3rd-8th homeroom teachers will be facilitating students in completion of their Student Self-Report Form of the BESS between the dates of September 22nd  and October 3rd .

You have the right, upon request, to review the items on the BESS. This is completed through a phone call, video call, or in-person meeting with your child’s school. Due to copyright, school teams are not able to send a copy of the questions home prior to screening.  

If you, the parent/caregiver, would like to confirm or revoke your opt-out decision, please do so by calling your school's front office. 
Thank you,

Slavens School

720424-4150

Morning drop-off is our busiest time, and a visible adult presence makes a huge difference. We’re inviting fathers, father figures, and all caregivers to help students and families cross safely and start the day with a smile.

What it is

• A 20–30 minute volunteer shift right before the first bell @ 8:25 (at the crosswalk on S. Dallas Way and E. Cornell Ave.)

• Greet students, model safe street-crossing, and remind drivers to slow down and follow the basic traffic laws

• We provide a safety vest, quick tips, and a stop sign.

Why a special invite to fathers & father figures?
Students benefit from seeing men model care, calm, and safety at school. Your presence at the curb sets a powerful tone—and it’s for everyone, not just dads. (Grandfathers, uncles, big brothers, neighbors, aunts, grandmothers, and all caregivers are encouraged, too!)

How to help

1. Pick a morning (once a week or once a month—whatever you can do).
   

2. Arrive 10 minutes early for a quick check-in/training.
   

3. Wear the vest, be friendly, and help us keep the crosswalk clear.

Sign up: [Sign-Up Link]

All students in 1st and 5th grades will be taking a cognitive test this fall as part of the DPS universal screening. Parents of students in these grades will be receiving an “Intent to Test” letter prior to the exact testing date with testing information. The purpose of the universal screening is to gather as much information and data as possible to build a body of evidence to support the need for gifted identification as well as inform appropriate educational placement decisions regarding eligibility for gifted magnet site programs. 

If your child is not in 1st or 5th grade and you are interested in program testing, check out the Gifted and Talented website for more information.  Here is a link to the nomination form.  The application deadline is October 3rd at midnight for 3rd, 4th, 7th-12th grades.  The deadline for k,2nd, and 6th grade opt-ins is September 22, 2025. Please contact Jeffra Frank with any questions: jfrank@dpsk12.net. 

We will be holding an informational meeting for parents (new to DI and experienced DI’ers) interested in managing a DI team on Thursday, September 25th online at 6:00. The meeting will only last about 30 minutes.   Students kindergarten through 8th grade can participate. Please check out the Destination Imagination website for more information about DI. We would love to have as many students involved as possible, but need parents to manage the teams. It is a super fun way to foster your child’s creativity and problem-solving skills.

At the meeting, we will go over time commitments, the procedure for choosing team members, and answer any questions you have. This is an information-gathering meeting, you are not committed if you attend. We hope to see you there!

If you are planning to attend the meeting, please fill out this Google Form and the details and the meeting link will be sent to you. 

See the flyer below for details!

Join us for this time-honored, festive, family event hosted by the 8th graders as they give back to their community while raising funds to support their May continuation ceremony.  This year’s carnival will be held on Friday, Sept. 26th from 3:30-5:30pm on the Slavens playground.  Games! Face painting! Fortune Teller! Cake walk! Food and more!!!  You don’t want to miss out!

This event is open to friends, family, and neighbors. For non-Slavens’ attendees simply note your older child’s homeroom in the memo line for ticket distribution. The more the merrier, so don’t delay and purchase your tickets here: https://www.givebacks.com/shop/stores/8bc88093-dccf-4a7a-a19b-97c62a55250f/items/873676

Please RSVP if you plan to attend. Childcare will be provided by the Slavens PTA—use the form to indicate your interest and if you need childcare: click here

 Kona Ice will be on the blacktop at the end of the day!