October 1, 2024

As the PYP (Primary Years Programme) coordinator, I’d like to give you a brief overview of the IB Learner Profile- the cornerstone of the IB philosophy. The Learner Profile describes a set of 10 attributes that we aim to develop in students (and families). These attributes not only equip students to be successful academically, but also as global citizens who make an impact on the world around them.

The ten attributes are:

At Swigert, we celebrate the LP attributes school-wide in two major ways- first, students can earn a Swigert Learner Profile Slip. These can be awarded any day of the week from any adult (or sometimes a peer) in the building. Slips are awarded when a student is spotted displaying an attribute independently anytime during the school day (cafeteria, playground, specials, classroom, hallway, etc.). Each classroom decides how to honor these before sending them home with the student. If a Slip comes home with your child, have them share with you how they earned it- Celebrate it together!

The second way we celebrate the Learner Profile is with monthly grade level celebrations. On the last Friday of each month, each grade level comes together in the library for our Learner Profile Award Ceremonies. Classroom teachers highlight 2-4 students who have demonstrated one of the attributes especially well that month. Students are recognized in front of their peers, and their picture goes up on the wall outside of the cafeteria. We just completed our first round of Learner Profile Celebrations last week - ask your student to tell you about the traits that we celebrated.

By fostering these 10 attributes, the IB Learner Profile aims to develop internationally minded individuals who contribute positively to the world. This profile underpins everything we do in the PYP and is embedded in all aspects of learning and school life.

Attached is a list of ways to foster the LP attributes at home. LP Activities for Parents.pdf

Our next Community Coffee on Thursday, October 24th will be all about IB if you want a space to learn more or ask questions!

Sincerely,

Caroline Dane

October at a Glance

Hello to October! Here is our month at a glance. If you want to print this for your fridge, you can download it here: https://swigert.dpsk12.org/about/calendar/

Middle School Tours

We'd love to be able to support our 5th grade families as they start to tour middle schools. Most of our Central Park middle schools have tour sign-ups posted. I've listed them all here to help put it all in one spot for you!

https://swigert.dpsk12.org/middle-school-info/

Recorders

As a part of the music curriculum, the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders are learning to play the soprano recorder. The 3rd grade classes are starting their recorder unit now. The 4th and 5th grade classes will have their recorder units later this year. We have found that many parents like to purchase the recorders so students can practice at home as well as at school. We will be ordering 3-piece Yamaha recorders. Each recorder (including shipping) costs $5.00.

Students may also wish to purchase a copy of Recorder Express for $6.00. This book is supplemental to the work the students are doing in class.

Here are some helpful practice hints:

Cover all the holes tightly- leaks lead to squeaks!
Left on top-forget me not!
Blow gently with “warm” air.

If you choose to purchase a recorder, you can order online. Simply sign into your account at myschoolbucks.com. From there, click on “School Store,” then “Browse All Items,” then “Recorder-Swigert.” You will have the option to choose a recorder alone (standard), recorder and book, or book alone. Your student will receive their recorder during music class.

Thank you for your continued support of your child’s creativity in music!

Mrs. Baker

Chess Club

There is a new chess club coming to Swigert Fridays after school. It is not run through Discovery Link, so see the flier here (and one coming home in Friday folders) on how to sign up!

First Grade Family Meet-Up

Calling All First Grade Families... Come meet and mingle with other first grade families.

When: Saturday - October 19th, 3pm-5pm

Where: Denver Beer Co. in Lowry 7070 E Lowry Blvd Denver, CO 80230

What: Casual meet up to get to know other Swigert families

No RSVP necessary, but if you know you are able to attend, please email Stacy at stacybabbitt4@gmail.com in order to get an approximate headcount.

Winter Enrichments

Save the Date! The Winter 24/25 Enrichment Session is just around the corner. Registration opens on Tuesday, 10/16 at 6 am for Swigert! Class offerings have not been published yet. To make the process a bit easier for everyone, please ensure you do the following:

Read and understand the ELCS Enrichment Family Handbook
Update your student's grade in SchoolCare Works
Be sure you've added accurate email and phone numbers for family members in SchoolCare Works
Email enrichment_extendedlearning@dpsk12.org if you have any questions

Trunk or Treat | Save the Date

Save the date for our Trunk or Treat! A sign up is coming to volunteer to decorate your trunk in our parking lot and hand out candy (provided by donations from families).

There will be tubs outside the main office if your family would like to donate a bag of candy for the event!

Thanksgiving Lunch | Save the Date

This year, Swigert's Thanksgiving Lunch will be held on Thursday, November 21st. Parents and siblings are welcome to join their Swigert students! Thanksgiving lunch is free for students; tickets are $7.00 for adults and $6.00 for siblings and must be purchased by Thursday, November 7th. Please note that tickets can only be paid for with cash (if possible, exact change, please) or check. Tickets only need to be purchased if you want the meal. If you have a younger child who will share your meal, you do not have to buy a separate ticket for the sibling.

You are also welcome to pull any children with a later lunch time to join you and your other child at the earlier lunch time. Please note that we do not have coverage for students who have already eaten, so unless you are going to be with them, they will still have to go to the cafeteria at their regular time, although they don't have to eat again.

Due to the number of meals served, lunch times will be changed, and the schedule will follow at a later date. In the past, meals have begun as early as 10:30 am and run through 2:00 pm.

More details to come!

Calling all Minis ages 4-13!!! Northfield Cheer and Dance teams are excited to announce that they are hosting their 5th annual Mini Cheer Camp!

Registration link is located below and you can pay the registration fee through MySchoolBucks! Please join us on our Band App for more information and updates!

https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSflLN2gRugtgT.../viewform

We strive to have great communication about all things Swigert.

Please visit our website at www.swigert.dpsk12.org learn more about Swigert and events that are coming up.

You can also join our Friends of Swigert International School, a private Facebook page. We post pictures of events at school, interact as a school family, and you can see friendly reminders of upcoming events.

Wondering who to contact if you have questions about? See table below:

Swigert uses Google Calendar. Do you? If so, you can stay up to date on all school activities.
Just add the Swigert Calendar to your personal calendar. Learn how to do that here.

To reach Swigert International School:
Office: (720) 424-4800
Attendance: (720) 424-4740