Posted May 12, 2023
| COUGAR PRIDE Carson Elementary Principal Newsletter |
We are Carson!
Climate and Culture~ We provide a safe, collaborative, and inclusive community that fosters a sense of belonging and joy. We empower students to develop growth mindsets and to advocate for their social-emotional and academic needs to build resilience.
Professional Learning Culture~ We build and maintain trusting, collaborative relationships to intentionally foster the growth and well-being of students and staff.
Family & Community Engagement~We partner with our families and community to embrace diversity, nurture trust, and provide a variety of opportunities to engage with Carson in meaningful ways.
Learning and Instruction~We maintain high expectations of students while providing rigorous, engaging, authentic instruction through culturally responsive and data-driven practices to ensure student success.
Principal Message
| Hello Carson Community, Our entire staff is sending all of you a huge thank you for your appreciation of our team! We were spoiled this week with our breakfast bar, trail mix bar, taco bar, dessert bar, yogurt, and coffee bar! May is always such a busy time of year and it was incredibly helpful to take a moment and enjoy some really special treats this week! Our kindergartners got to learn about fire safety today! If you haven’t already, please fill out this brief anonymous survey to help with our planning purposes for next year. Thank you so much! With gratitude, |
Registration for all Carson Families
| Here are the accurate steps for Early Registration. All students, continuing or new, need to participate in the registration process. Step 1. To register, sign in to Parent Portal, and make sure your username and password are accurate. If you are having trouble, please try to reset your username and then reset your password. If you can’t access the system or you are unable to get a username or password, please contact the DPS Department of Technology Services at 720 -423-3888 ext #3Step 2. In the Parent Portal go to the left corner and click on “See All Apps”.Step 3. Scroll down to the bottom on the left-hand side to see “Online Registration”.Step 4. Click on “Online Registration”. Step 6. Click on your student’s information. Step 7. Click on “More” on the left-hand side. If there is not a column that says “More”, click on the three horizontal parallel lines above in green to access the “More” button. Step 8. Click on “Online Registration” to verify or update your student’s information for the 2023-2024 school year. Once a student is enrolled — or accepted — into a DPS school, registration needs to take place for the next school year. This is the annual online process of providing and updating student and family information on file, including emergency contacts, health information, and more. We encourage you to participate in this process this spring so we know how many students to expect in the fall. We also recommend registering online because it’s convenient and saves time. Families can register online for the 2023-24 school year during the “Early Bird” window, May 8 19th. |
Carson Community BBQ and Field Day
| Thursday, May 18- NOTE UPDATED TIMESPrimary K-2 Field Day: 8:20-10:30 Field day volunteers community BBQ: 10:45-12:30 BBQ set-up, serving or clean-up volunteerIntermediate 3-5 Field Day: 12:45-3:00 field day volunteers Dress in shorts, socks, and sneakers Avoid sandals, open-toed shoes, or any heavy clothing bring hats and sunscreen. Students should wear a shirt color based on their grades.Kinder = red1st = white2nd = blue3rd = purple4th = green5th = orange |
Your Voice/Tu Voz Survey
| Your Voice/Tu Voz Survey was sent to all Team DPS members and DPS students recently. This is an invaluable opportunity for us to have your voices heard before Sunday, May 14th, and will drive our decision-making as we determine how the district can best support our schools. Incorporating feedback from our students, families, and staff is of paramount importance as the district plans for the upcoming school year and measures our progress against the Strategic Roadmap. Please participate in the Your Voice/Tu Voz survey. Families can complete the survey here. This flier provides information, links, and a QR code to access the family survey in all Consent Degree languages. |
Access to Student Chromebooks – What To Expect for the Summer
| Over the summer of 2023, students in DPS-managed schools (non-charters) have an opportunity to check out a Chromebook and a Chromebook charger for use over the summer. This includes DPS students in K-11th grade returning to a DPS school for the 2022-23 school year. If you are interested in this option for your student, the parent/guardian must complete this Chromebook Check Out Form before Friday, May 19. Students who check out a Chromebook for the summer will bring the same Chromebook to their DPS school at the start of the next school year. If you do not want your student to check out a Chromebook and charger for the summer, please ensure they return the Chromebook and charger to their DPS-managed school by Wednesday, May 31st, otherwise, a MySchoolBucks fee will be added to their account for replacement costs. Students and families can find additional resources and information regarding Chromebooks and Internet access at mytech.dpsk12.org. For Chromebook support over the summer, you can contact the Department of Technology Services (DoTS) Student and Family Tech Support line at 720-423-3163. |
Summer Reading
| Check out this summer reading program! Register here! |
| In June, Governor Polis signed into law Colorado House Bill 22-1358: Clean Water in Schools and Child Care Centers. This bill requires all licensed childcare programs and public schools to test their drinking water for lead and take action when results show levels of lead at or above 5 parts per billion (ppb). The goal of this law is to lower children’s exposure to lead. To meet these requirements, Carson Elementary School has tested for lead in all water fixtures used for drinking and cooking. Results Summary:25 Fixtures were tested20 Fixtures had lead results that tested below 5 ppb – no further action is required5 Fixtures had lead results that tested at or above 5 ppb (These fixtures are not being used.)You can view the detailed sample results and remediation status at this link. Results may take up to 3 days to be posted on this webpage. Protecting the health and well-being of Colorado’s children is our top priority, and we will keep you updated during the process at Carson Elementary School. If you have questions or concerns about our facility and the actions we are taking, please contact Joni Rix at joni_rix@dpsk12.org.Schools/childcare facilities that have lead results in drinking water above 5 parts per billion (ppb) must take action to reduce exposure to lead. When lead is found at or above 5 ppb, the fixture is shut off while a more long-term solution is underway. These solutions may include permanently removing the fixture from service, designating a fixture as “not for drinking”, replacing drinking water faucets or fountains, or installing filters. For the fixtures where lead is found below 5 ppb, we will follow routine practices to further lower potential exposure. Lead is a toxic metal that is especially harmful to young children. The degree of risk depends on the child’s total exposure to lead from all environmental sources – air, soil, dust, food, paint, consumer products, and water. Typically old or corroded lead plumbing or old brass fixtures can contribute to increased lead levels in drinking water. If you are concerned about your child’s exposure you can have their blood tested. Please contact your health provider to learn more about testing your child’s blood for lead. For more information please visit: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/lead-testing.For more information on lead: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/leadFor Colorado lead testing requirements in drinking water: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/environment/lead-safety/test-and-fix-water-for-kidsFor U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) general information on lead: www.epa.gov/lead |
MLE DAC
| The next and last MLE DAC meeting for the school year is here! The meeting will be on Wednesday, May 17th at Bruce Randolph HS (3955 Steele St., Denver, 80205), from 5-7 pm Please click on these fliers for more information: Englishعربي (Arabic)فارسی (Farsi)Español (Spanish) Please reach out to Joelle Hernandez at joelle_hernandez@dpsk12.net if you have any questions. |
| It’s not too late! If you are interested in purchasing a yearbook, visit this link. You will have to create an account through Treering. |
Crossing Guards Needed!
| Help Carson Elementary find additional crossing guards! Please copy this graphic and post it on your social media pages! |
Substitute Teachers
| Become a substitute for Carson! Enjoy a flexible schedule! Join a great team! Make a difference for our school! Becoming a sub for DPS is fast and easy. The first step is to obtain your license from the Colorado Department of Education. Here’s how! Talk to Jessica or Norma if you have any questions! |
Reminders
| 2023 Talent Show Wildfire Smoke Study – email if interested visit soraapp.com -DPS login & read on a computer, tablet, or smartphone.1st-5th grade school fee payment link under school fee payment link when to Keep Students Home |
Resources
Upcoming Events
| 5/8-5/19: Early Bird Registration ~ Through Parent Portal 5/18: Field Day 8:20-10:30~ K-2 & 12:45-3:00~ 3-5 – Note updated times!5/18: Community BBQ 10:45-12:305/18: PTA Meeting 6pm5/19: Talent Show ~K-2: 8:30-9:30 & 3-5: 10:30-11:305/25: Field Day Rain Date5/25: Virtual CSC Meeting – 5 pm6/29: Check the Lost and Found6/1: 5th Grade Continuation 2pm6/2: Fun Run 8:20-9:006/2: End of Year Character Education Assembly 9-9:306/2: Student vs. Staff Kickball Game 12-16/2: Lost and Found Donated6/2: Last Day of School~ 1pm dismissal Carson Specific Calendar |
PTA News
Upcoming Events Field Day | May 18 May PTA Meeting | Walters Pizza | May 18 at 6pm Dine for Dollars at California Pizza Kitchen | May 16-18 Save the date for Carson Auction | November 3, 2023, | Upper Larimer Future PTA Events What’s New Dine for Dollars Fundraiser at California Pizza Kitchen Congratulations to the 5th grade Carson basketball team on an undefeated season! Thank you to Pete Hedeen for organizing and coaching the team! Teacher & Staff Appreciation WeekCarson Families- you have amazed us once again! Thank you to the amazing volunteers who donated a lot of time and energy this week to make the week so special for the fantastic teachers and staff at Carson. A special shout-out to Nicole Thrasher, Michelle Virta, and Misty Lindsey for organizing a great week with lots of treats! Also, thank you for your very generous donations to the Staff Appreciation events this week! We were able to treat the teachers to a wonderful week ending with a coffee cart and Carson Brumate. If you would like to purchase a stainless steel Brumate Toddy, you can purchase one here: https://carson-cups.cheddarup.com (First Come First Serve, Only 60 available, Limit 2 per person). End Of Year GiftsWe would like to continue the tradition that acknowledges our amazing Carson teachers and staff. Collection this time around will look a little different. Donations to teachers and staff will be collected through Cheddar Up. You will be able to make donations to multiple teachers, paraprofessionals, office staff (principal, dean, office staff), special teachers, special service staff (OT, PT, Speech, etc.), and DHH teachers and interpreters. This will allow you to show your appreciation to those who impact your child’s education. PTA will distribute the funds to the appropriate people. Participation in the class gift is purely optional. The amount that you give should be based on what is comfortable for you and your family. It is completely acceptable to opt out or do something on your own. If you would like to contribute to your class gift, CLICK HERE to donate. Wednesday, May 24th will be the last day to donate. Thank you for your continued support of Carson and the fantastic staff. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or Nicole Thrasher at nicolethrasher@msn.com. Thank you for a great year! PTA MeetingPlease join us for our last PTA meeting this coming Thursday, May 18 at 6 pm at Walters Pizza. Board ElectionsCongratulations to Andee Foutch, President-Elect, Lauren Stoffel, Secretary, and Alison Antony, VP Volunteers. Thank you for volunteering to support Carson Elementary! Thank you to outgoing PTA Board Members, Ali Sloan and Nicole Thrasher. We appreciate all you have done for Carson. We will miss you! Parent Education Night: Bullying! The slides are available for PARENT EDUCATION NIGHT: WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW AND WHAT THEY CAN DO ABOUT BULLYING. You can access the slides here. Save the Date for the Carson Auction! Auction Buy-A-SharesDid you miss out on signing up for Buy-A-Share parties at the auction? There is a limited open spot for some amazing Spring parties!! RSVP here and then click here to pay for your ticket. If you want two tickets, please sign up and pay for 2 spots. If you have any questions or would like to pay another way, please email nicolethrasher@msn.com End-Of-Year events Our end-of-year hospitality events need a few more volunteers! Click here to find out which events and sign up. Reach out to nicolethrasher@msn.com with any questions. Field Day is Thursday, May 18! We can use field day volunteers (slots between 8:00-10:30 and 12:30-3:00) and BBQ set-up, serving, or clean-up volunteers (half-hour slots between 10:15-12:00) Lunchroom Volunteers supervise students during their lunch. Help with hard-to-open lunches, clean up, and composting. Click Here to be a LUNCH VOLUNTEER Ellsworth Crosswalk – Volunteers needed! Help keep our children safe! We are asking for volunteer crossing guards on Ellsworth and Hudson from 7:55-8:05. Congratulations to the Auction Parking Spot Winners! This is a gentle reminder that the two Auction Winner parking spots on Grape Street are only for the families who purchased those spots at the auction. Pick up your Auction winnings! If you have not picked up your auction winnings, please contact Kristen at kristenalkire@gmail.com |
Carson Community Bulletin Board
| Check out all of these amazing resources in our community that are updated weekly! Carson Community Bulletin Board. If you have anything for the community board please email it to jessica_compaore@dpsk12.net |
This is Carson!
| May | |
| Total Enrollment: | 413 |
| Attendance: | 94.96% |
| Teachers: | 32 |
| Support Staff: | 22 |
| Demographics | |
| American Indian or Alaskan Native: | 2.2% |
| Asian: | 7% |
| Black: | 6.7% |
| Hispanic: | 8.67% |
| Multiple Races: | 5% |
| White: | 80% |
| Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander: | 0% |
| Free/Reduced Lunch: | 13.56 % |
| Highly/Gifted and Talented: | 81 (19.6%) |
| Deaf/Hard of Hearing: | 19 (4.6%) |
| Multilingual Learners: | 30 (7.3%) |
| Special Education: | 28 (6.7%) |
| Students of Color: | 28.6% |
Please excuse any errors in translation.