April 1, 2025
Dear Swigert Families,
Welcome back from Spring Break! I hope you all enjoyed some family time and adventures. We are so excited to welcome students back tomorrow and can’t believe we are entering the last two months of the school year. Our Swigert Staff today planned out the next two IB units, ways to implement specific student feedback, fieldwork, and completed our CMAS training. Starting April 7th our third through 5th grade students will complete state testing for Literacy, Math, Science (5th grade) and Social Studies (4th grade). Each session is between 60-90 minutes and includes 3 sessions for literacy and math. We spread out the assessments over three weeks to provide space and time for students. We understand the importance of these tests and don’t want them to cause anxiety for our students. They are just one piece of information in their academic data profile. Please see the schedule below and in full detail HERE.
Books and Pizza….We are excited to introduce a new program to Swigert to encourage students to read and be read with at home. We are partnering with Carmella’s - the pizza arm to Pearl Market in Northfield. Starting Monday, April 7th, students will have the chance to daily log the minutes they read or are read to at night. After six weeks students who completed their time will receive a pin that they can wear to Carmella's to get a free pizza! We appreciate the partnership with Pearl Market. Please see more information below.
We have so many exciting community wide events in the new two months, please see details below. As always, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
In partnership,
Shelby (shelby_dennis@dpsk.12.net)
Welcome to Carmella’s Literacy Club!
At Carmella’s, we believe that kids are the heart of our community. As a community-focused business, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to give back—and what better way than through the power of books?
We’re beyond excited to partner with the incredible students, families, and teachers at Swigert to bring you this fun and engaging reading program. Carmella’s Literacy Club is all about feeding young minds—one slice at a time, encouraging students to build a lifelong love of reading in a way that’s creative, rewarding, and (of course) a little cheesy.
Let’s celebrate stories, imagination, and personal growth—because when our kids thrive, our whole community rises.
April 2: Back to School
April 3rd: Class Picture Day
April 7th: CMAS begins
April 18th: Pippa Day - dress like a Superhero
April 28-May 1st: PTA Spirit Week
May 1st: Swigert Service Day
May 2nd: NO SCHOOL
May 3rd: Swigert Auction
May 5-9th: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 6th: Kindergarten Welcome
May 8th: International Night, 6-8pm
May 13th: ECE Meet and Greet
May 15th: 1st-5th Grade New Family Info Session
May 16th: Field Day
May 19-21st BOGO Book Fair
May 26th: NO SCHOOL
May 28th: Swigert Alumni Clap-Out
June 2nd - 5th grade last day, clap-out, exhibition, and continuation ceremony
June 3rd - Last day for ECE-4th grade, noon dismissal
June 22nd - EPI school supply orders due
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 at the bottom of this page: here.
Drop Off Safety
Please be careful and cautious when you are dropping off your children in the morning on Syracuse Ave. We are seeing an increase in speeding cars and U-turns creating a chaotic environment. Please take care dropping off.
BESS Screener
Swigert is participating in Denver Public School’s initiative to have parents/guardians complete a survey to provide input on your child’s social, emotional and mental health strengths and needs.
This survey, called the BESS, is open for a spring screening window until April 18th. It takes less than 5 minutes to complete. You will need to input your student’s ID number (“lunch number”), which can be found in the DPS parent portal, and your child’s date of birth.
This is a great FAQ flier for any questions you may have.
Here is the link to the survey. Or you can type tinyurl.com/bessparent2324 into any search engine.
Please reach out to our school psychologist, Kim Irk with any specific questions: kimberly_irk@dpsk12.net.
Thank you for your participation!
CMAS Information
For details on the dates of CMAS testing starting next week, please see THIS LETTER or head to the website: https://swigert.dpsk12.org/2025/01/07/cmas-information/.
Enrichment Survey
The DPS enrichment team wants your input as they plan for the 25/26 school year. Fill out this quick survey here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5zceR_AOmvhMl0QqjNbTMXRseLz6u2jYTXC55yRlrA9AHOA/viewform
Please reach out to enrichment_extendedlearning@dpsk12.net if you have any questions about this survey.
Riding the Waves Curriculum
As many of you know, our 5th graders received the Riding the Waves curriculum as part of a district initiative to promote student safety. The Riding the Waves program provides students with essential skills for managing emotions and navigating challenging situations. The lessons cover identifying feelings, understanding what to do if you or someone you know is feeling depressed, coping strategies for stress and emotional discomfort, and interpersonal problem-solving techniques. While the program does not specifically focus on suicide prevention, it emphasizes building emotional resilience and providing students with the tools they need to make healthy decisions and manage their well-being. We have attached the slides to this newsletter if you would like to review them and help reinforce these strategies at home as well.
Save the Date!
Photos Needed
We are starting to work on the video that will be played at the ceremony. We would love to get from every family a baby/toddler/younger picture of your child and then a more current 5th grade one to be used in the video.
You can upload them to this google drive: 5th Grade Continuation Photos. You can also feel free to email them to me if that's easier at emily_pool@dpsk12.net.
Click the link - 5th Grade Continuation Photos.
Click on your teacher's name
Click +New (in the upper left hand corner on desktop. On your phone, it's a colorful + on the bottom right)
Select the two pictures you want.
Click File Upload
Name them with your child's first and last name (how you want it on the screen)
Thanks!
Class Photo Day is Thursday!
Class Picture Day is Thursday, April 3rd. You can dress up if you want. Pictures will be outside with the whole class and there will be an option to purchase after you see them!
Yearbook Update
Yearbooks that have been ordered will be available in May, around Field Day!
If you forgot to order one through Walsworth, we did order some extras. Those extra yearbooks can be purchased through MySchoolBucks (through the school store) by selecting Yearbook and choosing either Hardcover ($40 each) or Softcover ($35 each). These are strictly first-come, first serve and will be available until they are sold out. Once sold out, there is a possibility that Walsworth will send us "overflow" copies, so we will have a waiting list available.
Community Event: Parenting Childhood Anxiety
Monday, April 21 · 5:30 - 7pm
Come join us in the Swigert Library for a FREE workshop on Parenting Childhood Anxiety. This event is designed to give parents valuable information about childhood anxiety and help parents navigate the challenges of raising children who may be struggling with anxiety. Learn practical tips and strategies from Stacy Babbitt, LCSW. Stacy is a mom to two Swigert Eagles and a therapist with over 15 years treating anxiety disorders and OCD. Connect with other parents facing similar situations and share your experiences. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights and support. See you there! (There are limited spots and registration is required).
K, 1st, 2nd Grade Family Meet-Up
Kinder, 1st grade, and 2nd grade Families...
What: Casual meet up to get to know other Swigert families
When: Friday - April 4th, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where: FlyteCo Tower, 3120 Uinta Street
Board games and table activities will be provided so the kiddos can play while the grownups get to know each other.
International Night
When: Thursday, May 8th, 6-8pm
Who: All Swigert students and families
What: A celebration of our school diversity. A way to honor, celebrate, and learn about the diverse cultures represented at our school as well as share the harvest from our school garden
What to bring: Your family and a dish/dessert to share
During the school day:
Students will share in morning meeting about their cultural backgrounds
Students will walk the hallways to see table displays
Interested students and staff will dress up in traditional cultural clothing
Students will harvest lettuce from our school garden
TONS MORE DETAILS TO COME ABOUT THE EVENING!
Vision and Hearing Screenings
Denver Public Schools provides free vision, hearing, and dental screenings for all students in identified grades (Early Childhood Education, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th). The screenings are NOT an assessment or an evaluation and do NOT replace professional exams. Mass screening is considered best practice to identify students who may be at risk for health concerns affecting the student’s ability to learn, and who may need extra support to reach academic benchmarks.
Your student will receive screenings in the following areas: Vision, Hearing, and Dental. Resources are available for DPS enrolled students.
You must notify your school nurse directly should you wish to REFUSE/OPT OUT of any of the free screenings for your student.
The health screening components of vision and hearing will be completed at your child’s school on:
Dates: 04/21/2025 - 04/23/2025
Please contact your school nurse for any questions or concerns about the health screenings. Parents/guardians of students who were absent or who did not have optimal hearing, vision or dental screening results will be notified in writing regarding the results. Thank you for your assistance as we work together to educate and support your students!
Sincerely,
School Nurse: Hoang Tran
School Nurse Direct phone number: 720-424-4803
School Nurse Email: hoang_tran@dpsk12.net
Rising 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Summer Math Tutoring
Does your child need extra practice with 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade math concepts? Would it benefit to start working on some new math standards for the upcoming school year? Then join me for math tutoring. Each group will focus on a different set of standards.
When: Tuesday OR Thursday
Where: Swigert
Cost: $50 for a 60 minute session
Please contact me at: emily_mueller@dpsk12.net to set up dates and times for your child! I will be doing 3 one hour slots between the hours of 9:00 and 12:00.
Thank you!
Emily Mueller
Swigert Math Interventionist
Dates:
Week 1: June 10th or 12th
Week 2: June 24th or 26th
Week 3: July 1st
Week 4: July 8th or 10th
Week 5: July 15th or 17th
Week 6: July 22nd
Week 7: July 29th or 31st
Week 8: August 5th or 7th
Camp Eagle T-Shirts
Get ready for Camp Eagle! Show your school spirit and support our students by purchasing a Camp Eagle t-shirt for the upcoming school auction! Not only will you get a super cute shirt, but all proceeds go toward helping our school thrive. Don’t miss out—grab yours today and get ready for an amazing event! Available in youth and adult sizes preorder ends April 14!!
Auction Tickets on Sale!
Auction tickets are on sale now! Get more information and buy your tickets here: siscampeagle.givesmart.com!
What do I wear?
AUCTION ATTIRE:
The auction committee knows a few people (ok most) are asking, “what the heck is ‘camp chic’ attire”? Understandable because we made it up having no idea what to call these outfits. The auction is summer camp themed and we want the night to be a fun, relaxed, “campy” atmosphere! Jeans, shorts, flannels, bandanas, hiking boots, Patagonia, North Face, sundresses and hats are all welcome! And bonus points if you get really “campy” and go full-scale Troop Beverly Hills, Wes Anderson Moonrise Kingdom, or Band Camp Living in Colorado, we’re guessing you have something in your closet right now that fits the bill perfectly.
Attention Fun Parents:
The 2025 school auction is looking for people to help host Buy-a-Share parties!
What are Buy-a-Shares?
Buy-a-Shares are group experiences or parties donated by Swigert families. A group of families offer to host an event, at their own expense, and we sell a set number of tickets, via the auction website, to attend the event. When all spots have been purchased, the party is full!
Who can host and who goes?
Any Swigert Families can host. Kids, Adults, Families can go- it’s up to the hosts!
What are some ideas?
Popular ideas have been a video game truck, mahjong games, family sleigh rides, themed parties, swim parties, and more.
What do I do next?
Get with Swigert parent friends to brainstorm fun ideas. Then email mrosiewirth@hotmail.com for more help and to submit your experience! Need an idea? We have those too! Just reach out!
Toca Adaptive Classes
My name is Fabrizio Oria and I'm a Coach at TOCA Denver, indoor soccer facility, located at 2400 Central Park Blvd, Denver, CO 80238. This upcoming April I will be starting a Free pilot program called "The Bridge" for children with disabilities. A fun program with games and activities soccer related. The class will run every Monday from 3-3:50 pm starting April 7 and ending May 12.
If you're interested, please feel free to contact Alex Board, our Kids Classes Manager, at TOCA Denver.
Pastries fundraiser
Do you love pastries,cookies, brownies,or coffee? Why pick one when you can have them all!
Mrs. Ross (4th Grade Teacher) and Ms. Bea (Kindergarten Para) are raising money for their annual Mission trip. We are selling butter braid pastries to help fundraise. Our youth group will make a 40% profit on each item we sell. If you love pastries or would like to contribute to their youth group please make an order online using the following link. Online Link https://store.myfundraisingplace.com/9043eb34-fbd7-4312-b596-5d6ad5755487
Steps to make an online order
1. Click the link:https://store.myfundraisingplace.com/9043eb34-fbd7-4312-b596-5d6ad5755487
2 Scroll down to click on Mrs. Ross name (Sandra R.) or Ms. Bea name ( Beatrice D)
3. Select what you would like to purchase and pay online.
4. In the note section please write your child's name, teacher's name, and classroom number so we can deliver the items to your student at school when your items arrive (This is very important to ensure that you get the items that you purchased.)
Please complete your order by April 9th to have an expected delivery after April 16th.
Thank you for your support!
Mrs. Ross and Ms. Bea
Healthy Cell Phone Adoption Town Hall
RSVP to Healthy Cell Phone Adoption Town Hall Tuesday, April 15th, 5:30-6:30. Northfield HS Cafeteria: Our school has been collaborating with several other elementary and middle schools in the area, and we are excited for a joint community town hall on the subject of healthy cell phone adoption. Whether families simply wait to get a smartphone for their student until much later in middle school or explore 'teen-safe smartphones' that only have texting and basic apps, there are real options available to families that don't want to hand our children devices that are intended to be addictive and end up taking kids away from a life grounded in real-world experiences. The event will have parents and community members from schools across Park Hill and Central Park. We expect medical experts, educators and parents to speak. It should be a great event for families that already gave their kid a phone, the undecided and the staunchest 'wait until high school families'. Tuesday, April 15th. 5:30-6:30pm at the Northfield HS cafeteria. RSVP here.
Cell Phone Adoption Collaboration Video: We are excited to have collaborated with several other schools in the area on a joint-campaign between educators and parents about creating a healthy cell phone adoption plan. This video helps to share the perspective that in order to reground adolescence in the real-world, and create the best environment for our children's development we have to work together and we need to be mindful about how and when we give our children smartphones. We encourage our families to watch this and share it broadly. It is a subject we know our community and school are really passionate about and it was great to see educators at other schools share our community's passion.
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.
We love our Swigert Sponsors! Check out and support their businesses!
