January 14th, 2025

Dear Swigert Families,

As I reflect on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr, I am inspired by his persistent and unrelenting work to make the world a more just and peaceful place. I wanted to share a lesser known speech he made for middle school students at Barratt Junior High School in Philadelphia on October 26, 1967. He believed strongly that young people are an important part of social change and can make a difference in our world. In the speech, he asked the students about their blueprint, “What is your Life’s Blueprint?” He shared three things he wanted kids to include in their own life blueprint:

1. Deep belief in your own dignity, worth and your own “somebodiness” 

2. Determination to achieve excellence in their various field of endeavor 

3. Commitment to the eternal principles- beauty, love and justice.

If you want to listen, here is the link: Martin Luther King, Jr., "What Is Your Life's Blueprint?" - YouTube

We were so humbled last Friday to host an official Naturalization Ceremony for 20 new citizens from 14 different countries. It was a culminating experience for our third graders as they finished their unit on immigration and understanding different reasons individuals and families immigrate to different countries - both historically and in the present day. Here is a folder with the photos and videos from the special event.  Naturalization Ceremony

I wanted to share about an upcoming present for our fourth graders. Swigert fourth graders asked themselves, "What social or environmental issue is most important to me and what can I do to help create positive change?" Students chose a variety of issues, including racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, gun violence, animal rights and global warming. They crafted a message and created social action posters to share their call to action with the community. The project deepens students' understanding in their IB unit of inquiry: Government impacts the way we live and we can impact our government. As citizens, we have the right and the responsibility to voice our opinions about issues that matter to us. The posters will be on display at the Stanley Marketplace starting on January 23d.

Just a reminder that the choice window opens for Denver Public Schools tomorrow, here is information please see the choice website here - DPS School Choice.

Sincerely,

Shelby Dennis 

There are important changes to the ECE application process for the 2025-26 school year. 

• Those applying for ECE-4 must complete a Universal Preschool Colorado (UPK) application and a DPS SchoolChoice application, however, the school match will come from UPK. This is a change from the last several years when DPS made the matches.

DPS SchoolChoice Round 1 opens at 10 a.m. on Jan. 15 and closes at 4 p.m. on Feb. 18. In order to ensure families can submit their UPK and SchoolChoice applications, we recommend that they submit both by Feb. 3. 

1. Visit upk.colorado.gov to complete a UPK application.

• If your student does not have an IEP, make your school selections. 

• If your student has an IEP, the application will guide you to submit your application without making school selections. 

2. Visit dpsschoolchoice.my.site.com to complete a DPS SchoolChoice application. 

• Select “Universal Preschool Colorado” as your school selection. Applicants will not make school selections in the DPS SchoolChoice application. DPS will support applicants with an IEP in selecting a school at a later time.

For help, we suggest reaching out to UPK as of now:

Online: Help.UPK.Colorado.Gov
Email: universalpreschool@state.co.us
Phone: 303-866-5223, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

****We're a little worried about how the new system will be tracking and matching up our siblings. Could you please email Hannah (hannah_bickford@dpsk12.net) to let us know you have a 4 year old by October 1 and are hoping for an ECE 4 spot this fall so that we have an ongoing spreadsheet of all the siblings we need to make sure get in?

There is NO SCHOOL on Monday, January 20th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr Day.

For details on the dates of CMAS testing coming in April, please see THIS LETTER or head to the website: https://swigert.dpsk12.org/2025/01/07/cmas-information/.

The science fair registration is still open through January 28th. To register, complete THIS FORM!

For more details, visit this website (https://sites.google.com/site/swigertsciencefair3) or email Racha_kobitary@dpsk12.net with questions!

We're so excited to announce Swigert's 2nd Annual Talent Show! Auditions will be held on Thursday, January 30th in the Library. Show night will be Thursday, February 20th in the gym.

• Singing, dancing, magic, karate, cheer, hula hoop, poetry, instruments…we’re open to all talents!

• Sign up link for auditions will GO LIVE on Sunday, 1/12 at 5pm to give everyone a fair chance to sign up. There are only 24 spots for auditions. Please only sign up when your child had decided on their act and please delete their sign up if they chance their mind.

• When you sign up, add a comment with the child’s (or children’s) name and act.

• You can showcase your talent individually, in a pair, or in a group.

• Auditions will have a 2 minute limit per act; show night acts cannot be longer than 3 minutes.

• Rehearsals for the show will be held in the library on Thursday 2/13 at 3:30 and the dress rehearsal is in the gym on Wednesday 2/19 at 3:30.

• You must commit to ALL 4 dates in order to be in the show (audition, 2 rehearsals, and show night)

If you have any questions reach out to Mr. Lavezzo (derek_lavezzo@dpsk12.net)

SIGN UP LINK is live with a few spots left ---> https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C4BABAD2AABF94-53190028-talent#/

We’re excited for the upcoming Spring 2025 Enrichment session. The enrichment team tells me they will have the offerings brochures ready tomorrow (1/8) so I'll be sending another email and putting it on the website here. Wanted to get registration for these on your calendar as it's next week!

Registration Starts: North Region: Wednesday, January 15th at 6:00 am

To prepare:

1. Review ELCS’ Enrichment Policies.

2. Update your student’s grade in SchoolCare Works.

3. Ensure your family’s contact information is accurate in SchoolCare Works.

4. Find your child’s school in the table below and review its Enrichment Brochure.

Questions? Email enrichment_extendedlearning@dpsk12.org

Attention 5th Grade Singers:

Selections for DPS Elementary City-Wide Honor Choir are coming soon! 

WHAT

Every year, DPS has a city-wide music festival for elementary students. We are putting together a group of 5th graders to represent Swigert. They will join kids from around Denver to sing in the choir at the music festival.

WHEN + WHERE

Singers will practice with Mrs. Baker after school 4 times and will practice at home with practice tracks.

Swigert practices are from  3:15-4:00 on Wednesdays

• February 5 

• February 12

• (No practice February 19) 

• February 26

• March 5

On the day of the festival, students and Mrs. Baker will take a bus to Montbello for a full day of rehearsals followed by a concert.

Festival Day: Thursday, March 6th, 10am - 7pm rehearsals and concert concert @ Montbello (exact concert time to be announced).

HOW

If your student is interested, fill out this form. Students will participate based on teacher recommendation. Please only nominate your students if they can attend at least 3 out of 4 after-school rehearsals and the whole-day event on March 6. 

Registration ends January 20. Selected students will be notified by January 28. 

Sign up HERE.

We are excited to announce the upcoming Summer Academy, designed for students below and significantly below grade level. This program aims to enhance math and literacy skills while fostering creativity and social growth in a supportive environment.

Program Highlights:

• Math and Literacy Enrichment

• Computer Science (LEGO activities)

• Qualified teachers and staff

Registration opens soon and spaces are limited. Watch for registration details and deadlines announced in the next few weeks. If you have questions, contact the DPS Activities team or email summer-academy-2025.groups@dpsk12.net.

**Current ECE and 5th grade families!** 

DPS SchoolChoice Round 1  opens tomorrow!

2025-26 school year open enrollment begins at 10 a.m. on Jan. 15th and runs through Feb. 18th at 4 p.m. 

Please visit schoolchoice.dpsk12.org for more information.

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

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